ã€ŠUnruly Phoenix Xiaoyaoã€‹


 Chapter 1: If not a woman, then a eunuch...

    <h4>Chapter 1: If not a woman, then a eunuch...</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on a chair, surrounded by a circle of anxious people. All of them were shouting Your Majesty at her, their morous voices raising soundwaves strong enough to topple mountains and overturn seas. Ning Xiaoyao felt a bit faint from all the noise, but she had enough presence of mind to touch her lower body with her hand. Something was missing there, which meant she either had to be female or a eunuch emperor!

    The racket ceased when Ning Xiaoyao groped herself. Doing this in public made for a wretched appearance, even if the culprit was the monarch of an entire country.

    After brushing past the area by her hips with her hand, Ning Xiaoyao proceeded to feel her head. There was something sticking up from the top of her head like a big meatbun. She grimaced at the crowd around her, before deciding that silence was golden.

    Half an hour ago, Ning Xiaoyao was still fighting on the battlefields of humanity¡¯s apocalypse. As a young military surgeon and major of the army, she saw her drill instructor andrades-in-arms fall in battle. Finally, Ning Xiaoyao used thest anti-tank grenade on her body and perished with the oing zombie hordes.

    In the blink of an eye, she discovered that not only was her heart still beating, but she was surrounded by men and women dressed in ancient garb. Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t even frightened when facing zombies, but now she was scared. By the time half an hour had passed, she finally figured out that she must have transmigrated!

    Someone forced open the door before a young man dressed in armor rushed in towards Ning Xiaoyao. He knelt on the ground with a thump and shouted, ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander was falsely used!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao leaned forward from her seat, wanting to help the youth up. Why did he have to talk whilst kneeling?

    When the youth saw Ning Xiaoyao reach out her hand, he straightened up to grasp it with his own, shaking it as he shouted, ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander¡¯s heart is wholly dedicated to the country. It''s impossible that he''d betray it, this is all an evil plot by the Grand Preceptor, you can''t believe his words!¡±

    Her head was already dizzy, but being shaken around by this guy only made her dizzier. A single thread of doubt crept into her mind: who¡¯s this Supreme Commander? Right after that, Ning Xiaoyao fainted.

    --

    In the darkness, Ning Xiaoyao saw a nearby stream of light shining down upon a woman. She stood next to a youth of about 14 to 15 years old, while across from them was a figure dressed in imperial dragon robes.

    ¡°Your Majesty, your little brother¡¯s already grown up to be a man. You can take off those dragon robes and return to your female identity,¡± the woman said to the figure.

    ¡°This is all I am to you, is it?¡± the figure in dragon robes had a dreary, deste voice.

    ¡°When your Imperial Father died, your little brother was still in swaddling clothes,¡± the woman¡¯s eyes were cold. ¡°How could an infant sit on the throne? None of your imperial brothers would agree to it, much less the ministers and officials. Fortunately, your maternal grandfather had the foresight to raise you as a boy after This Dowager gave birth to you.¡±

    ¡°Relying on your favored status, you left the pce to visit family and drank medicine to induce earlybor at home,¡± the figure in dragon robes also had an icy gaze as she spoke in a low voice. ¡°After you gave birth, you poured chicken blood on the bed and said it was the result of yourbor. Then you found an eminent monk to say our rtionship should be restrained and checked, and left me at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate for fifteen years.¡±

    The woman lifted her hand to touch the head of the child beside her before she spoke again, ¡°Who told you to be a girl?¡±

    ¡°Imperial Father favored you like the most precious thing in his life, while I respected and loved you. How is this treating anyone fairly?!¡± the figure in dragon robes suddenly cried out.

    A smile revealed itself on the woman¡¯s lips. ¡°Someonee, send Ning Yu on her way.¡±

    A few men emerged from the shadows, forced the figure in dragon robes onto the ground, and poured liquid down her throat. Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth wide upon seeing blood dribble out from the youth¡¯s lips. This mother was killing her own daughter?!

    ¡°The armies of Northern Hu[1. Hu (ºú) - refers to ethnic groups in the north and west of ancient China,monly considered barbarians by the more civilized east.] have already broken through the pass,¡± the figure in dragon robes spat out a mouthful of blood as she pointed towards the mother and son pair. ¡°The country can''t sustain itself anymore. I''d like to see how long you can hold onto Heaven and Earth!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took a step and prepared to dash forward. Now wasn''t the time to watch all this drama, she had a life to save! Unexpectedly, when Ning Xiaoyao ran to the figure in dragon robes, something tripped her. The figure vanished along with the woman, the child, and the woman¡¯s subordinates.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her body sinking down endlessly, as if she''d tumbled off a bank of clouds to an eternal abyss below...

 Chapter 2: Donâ€™t ask me who peace is

    <h4>Chapter 2: Don''t ask me who peace is</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty has grown up at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate since childhood and isn¡¯t familiar with the pce. If anyone lets His Majesty bump his head while walking again, neither the servants by his side nor the rest of you here will be forgiven!¡±

    ¡°Your servants know our wrongs, your servants ask for Empress Dowager¡¯s grace to spare our lives!¡±

    The conversation by her ears made Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes fly open. There seemed to be something she should grasp from the information, so she turned toward the direction of the voices. Sitting in front of her bed was a woman dressed in mourning apparel. Despite the sober dress, her hair was decorated with pearl and jade ornaments. She turned around at the sound of Ning Xiaoyao moving, and asked with concern, ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s awakened?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the person before her and felt thunderstruck and zombie-bitten at the same time. Wasn¡¯t this the woman who¡¯d just killed her own daughter? This face, this figure, and that voice--there was no mistake! Ning Xiaoyao was certain that this was that callous, cruel mother! Her expression turned as wretched as if she¡¯d been gnawed on by zombies.

    In the empress dowager¡¯s eyes, she only looked like she wanted to cry, timid and weak-willed as always. Looks like father raised this daughter into a good-for-nothing. Empress Dowager Xie hid her scorn deep in her heart. If they had raised a bold, disobedient child, the monstrous lie they¡¯d spread around would turn into their ill fortune.

    ¡°Your Majesty, does your head still hurt now?¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice was gentle and sweet-tempered.

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped off the bed and ran barefoot to a bronze mirror inside the room. When she saw her reflection, she clutched her head in her hands. Why did she have to face such a tragic fate?! Right now, her face was identical to that of the figure in dragon robes who¡¯d been unluckily poisoned by her mother!

    Empress Dowager Xie only knew that her daughter was still a girl who was still concerned with her looks. She rose and walked behind Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, if it still hurts, why don¡¯t we have the imperial physicians take a look? You hit yourself rather hard, but the skin wasn¡¯t broken. It won¡¯t leave any scars.¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she cradled her head. ¡°I need some peace and quiet, don¡¯t ask me who peace is.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Dowager Xie reached out to pat Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. Nobody on the side could understand the emperor¡¯s words. Had he knocked himself silly?

    Ning Xiaoyao stepped to the side and evaded Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hand. After touching air, Empress Dowager Xie sensed that Ning Xiaoyao was avoiding her. Her phoenix eyes immediately filled with tears as she rested her hand over her heart. ¡°Is Your Majesty ming This Dowager?¡±

    Hearing Empress Dowager Xie speak this way, a few of her trusted mama [1. mama (æÖæÖ) - a form of address for an elderly female servant, also a wet nurse.] all knelt down before Ning Xiaoyao. The head mama said, ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager also suffered these years from not seeing Your Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that this empress dowager could be a movie queen[2. movie queen (Ó°ºó) - yinghou, an actress considered to be the top of her line by public and critics alike.]. She wore such a bitter, pained expression on her face when she spoke to her! The reason this woman hadn¡¯t visited her daughter while lying to her husband about birthing a son was because she was nning to hide her in her parental home for the rest of her life, all right?!

    ¡°Your Majesty, forgive This Dowager, won¡¯t you?¡± Empress Dowager Xie said, tears streaming down her face.

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°Heheh.¡±

    Although she wasn¡¯t a frontline fighter, she¡¯d hacked her share of zombies as a medical officer from her apocalyptic world. After carefully surveying her surroundings, Ning Xiaoyao pondered over how to kill this ruthless woman who would murder her in the future. Should she kick her to death, or find a sword or something to stab her?

    Empress Dowager Xie had cried after seeing her daughter. This girl had constantly tried to rely on and get close to her after she entered the pce. But now she was standing there aloof and indifferent, making the empress dowager furrow her brows. What had happened?

    ¡°All of you, withdraw,¡± Empress Dowager Xiemanded the people in the room. ¡°This Dowager has words to speak with His Majesty alone.¡±

    The people in the room retreated with due haste. Seeing that there were only the two of them left, Ning Xiaoyao clenched her hands into fists. Here was her chance to kill this woman!

 Chapter 3: Supreme Commanderâ€™s

    <h4>Chapter 3: Supreme Commander''s</h4>

    Just as Ning Xiaoyao prepared to raise a fist, Empress Dowager Xie wiped her eyes and said in a low voice, ¡°Yu¡¯er, you can¡¯t talk to This Dowager like this.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± Ning Xiaoyao was mute. She hadn¡¯t even made a move. All she did was say she wanted some peace and quiet, and this woman couldn¡¯t take it anymore?

    ¡°The walls have ears in the pce, too. I didn¡¯t mind when it was only you speaking to This Dowager just then, but if your imperial brothers¡¯ spies spread news of this, they can use you of being unfilial,¡± Empress Dowager Xie was full of sincerity. ¡°Of all virtues, filial piety is the most important. You can¡¯t afford to be unfilial; otherwise, This Dowager and your grandfather won¡¯t be able to protect your title even if we risked our lives!¡±

    As she spoke, Empress Dowager Xie raised her hand to lightly brush against the swollen lump on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s forehead. Her expression was filled with tender affection, while Ning Xiaoyao had been too surprised by her speech to move away. Just a few words could cost her the position of emperor? Then what if she killed her own mother? What would be the consequences for her then?

    ¡°Silly child,¡± Empress Dowager Xie sighed. ¡°If your Imperial Father hadn¡¯t passed away so early and your little brother wasn¡¯t just a newborn, how could This Dowager bear to have you dress up as a boy and sit on the knife¡¯s edge that is the emperor¡¯s seat?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao still wanted to make a move. This woman could act too well. Couldn¡¯t bear to? When she killed her own daughter, why didn¡¯t she seem unwilling at all?

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager,¡± a mama¡¯s [1. mama (æÖæÖ) - a form of address for an elderly female servant, also a wet nurse.] voice called from outside. ¡°Prince Cheng is awake.¡±

    ¡°You little brother woke up,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said in a rush to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°He''s still young and cries when This Dowager isn¡¯t around after he wakes. This Dowager¡¯s going to see him. Your Majesty, you have to remember This Dowager¡¯s words. What happened then, can''t happen again.¡±

    There was a little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart waving a handkerchief at Empress Dowager Xie. See you some other time, but it¡¯s best if we part and never meet again!

    Empress Dowager Xie still felt that there was something off about her daughter, but right now she was concerned about the son that¡¯d just woken up from his midday nap. She put Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s affairs to the back of her head. Compared to this chess piece, the child in her own pce was the true guarantee for her Xie family¡¯s future riches and glory.

    After Empress Dowager Xie left with her retainers, Ning Xiaoyao looked at the rest of the people standing by her side. She was about to ask them how she could avoid Empress Dowager Xie forever when she heard a voiceing from the Wutong tree outside the window.

    ¡°That ninny¡¯s been tricked by that Xie n woman again, meow~¡±

    ¡°An emperor like her might as well die. Even the people by her side are all that Xie woman¡¯s subordinates, meow~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked expressionlessly outside the window, where three fat, ck, white, and yellow cats sat perched on the wutong tree¡¯s leafy branches. During thest epoch of mankind, humanity had adapted itself to an environment unsuitable for human life. They evolved until their bodies surpassed that of normal humans and developed various abilities. Ning Xiaoyao had the power to heal. Although she couldn¡¯t cure people bitten by zombies, she was still capable of treating diseases including malignant tumors andte stage cancer so that the patient could live for 10 to 20 more years. Besides that, she also possessed the power to understand animal speech. This ability was rather pointless during the apocalypse, since all the animals onnd, in the air, or underwater had mutated into zombie beasts. Humanity couldn¡¯t even ensure its own survival, much less keep pets, so Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s second skill only allowed her to hear the animals crying out meat, meat, meat, I want to eat meat! £¨o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    ¡°Miaow,¡± the ck cat that had kept silent all this time saw Ning Xiaoyao looking their way and swished its tail. ¡°This ninny¡¯s still looking at us. Supreme Commander¡¯s about to die, but she doesn¡¯t even know to save him! Idiot! Blockhead! Go die, die, die!¡±

    ¡°Big Boss, calm your anger,¡± the yellow cat with a tummy as round as a ball spoke, ¡°She¡¯s just a puppet, so how can she save Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Meowmeow, that¡¯s right, Big Boss,¡± the cat with long white fur added, ¡°No matter how much we adore Supreme Commander, it¡¯s no use. These are human affairs, meow.¡±

    All of the fur on the ck cat stood on end as he arched his body and bared his teeth towards Ning Xiaoyao. It looked like he wanted to spring over and bite her to death.

    ¡°.....¡± Ning Xiaoyao was speechless. Who was this Supreme Commander? Even cats were this person¡¯s fans? This person¡¯s charms were enough to transcend species boundaries?!

 Chapter 4: The enemy of an enemy is a friend

    <h4>Chapter 4: The enemy of an enemy is a friend</h4>

    ¡°How is Supreme Commander doing now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked the safest question to ask the person before her. Whether or not this Supreme Commander was being maltreated, no one could tell her intentions from these words.

    A rather young pce maid stood nearest to Ning Xiaoyao. Hearing the query, she respectfully replied, ¡°Your Majesty, Lou Zigui has already been sent to the execution grounds.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into the seat cushion beneath her. These words revealed two pieces of information. One, this Supreme Commander was named Lou Zigui and two, Supreme Commander Lou was already at the execution grounds.

    ¡°That ninny is still wasting words!¡± the fat yellow cat cried. ¡°That old man Xie sentenced Supreme Commander to death by a thousand cuts. By now he might not even have any meat left!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from her chair. Not good, she had to do something. That old fellow the Grand Preceptor was from the same family as the empress dowager, so he was no help. In that case, the person he wanted to kill, Ning Xiaoyao firmly believed, was logically the enemy of an enemy that could be a friend.

    ¡°I want to go to the execution grounds!¡± Ning Xiaoyao loudly announced her intentions. Not only were the humans in the room shocked, the cats on the tree were stunned as well. What was up with this person?

    When she saw that no one replied, Ning Xiaoyao walked towards the door. If nobody else wasing along, then she''d just ask someone for directions on the way. But then the pce maids and eunuchs all rushed to block her path. The maid who''d spoken to her before said, ¡°Your Majesty, the execution grounds are a bloody ce. Your dragon body is so precious, how could you go over there?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I''m not afraid of blood.¡± How could a person from the apocalypse fear blood? When zombies ran around, it wasn¡¯t just blood, but that and guts sttering all over the ce, all right?

    The maid spread open her arms as her tone turned stiff. ¡°Your Majesty, did you forget Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s repeated entreaties?¡±

    ¡°Miaow,¡± the ck cat outside the window spoke up again. ¡°An emperor like her might as well go die, die, die!¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao remained silent.

    ¡°If Your Majesty really wants to leave the pce, why not ask esteemed empress dowager?¡± the maid suggested.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t waste any more words. What use would they be against the empress dowager¡¯s people? She raised her hand and pushed the maid aside. In the end, she was still an evolved species. Withoutrades-in-arms to fight with, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s push was enough to send the maid tumbling out the door. Everyone was shocked. Didn¡¯t they say His Majesty had never practiced martial arts before? Taking advantage of their dazed state, Ning Xiaoyao ran out of the room, only to be stunned by the sight before her.

    Right now it was daytime in April, when the rhododendrons and chamei flowers[1. chamei flowers (²èÃÓ»¨) - a species of Rubus coronarius flowers, which contain many unique types of blossoms within the same family.] were blooming, filling the air with their dreamy scents. The endless courtyard spread outside before her vision was filled with rhododendron blossoms, while a tree full of chamei flowered by her side. The entire courtyard was suffused with the potent fragrance of thetter. Ning Xiaoyao was born in a world where the skies were gray and thends deste. Zombies ran wild in thest epoch of mankind, so the world before her now was something she¡¯d never seen before.

    ¡°My...my God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gaped at the flower gardens, close on the verge of crying. Come on, this should be the kind of world that humans live in!

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± a female voice suddenly yelled out. ¡°Your servant begs Your Majesty to still your steps!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao recovered her wits from all the shouting. She discovered that there were quite a few eunuchs running towards her from opposite ends of the walkway. Since she didn¡¯t want to start a bloody battle so soon after arriving in this world, Ning Xiaoyao flipped over the railings. The walkway itself was located about two meters off the ground, but the height was equal to walking on t ground for Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Ah, Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°Hurry and report to the esteemed empress dowager!¡±

    ¡°His Majesty ran away--¡±

    --

    The shouts behind her devolved into chaos. The louder the ruckus, the faster Ning Xiaoyao ran. She could save the person first and worry about everything elseter. A group of people rushed through the door of her courtyard. It looked like they were nning to block her way, so Ning Xiaoyao spun on her heel, ran to the corner of the walls, and used her hands and feet to scrabble up like a gecko. Before everyone¡¯s eyes, the Yongning Dynasty¡¯s[2. Yongning Dynasty (ÓºÄþ) - Yong means ¡°harmony,¡± Ning means ¡°peaceful, tranquil.¡±] newest sovereign jumped over the wall and escaped...

 Chapter 5: If youâ€™re a man, then come with me

    <h4>Chapter 5: If you''re a man, thene with me</h4>

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyaonded, she looked around for a path before hearing voices. Somebody was loudly shouting ¡®injustice for Supreme Commander.¡¯ The voice was identical to the man who had rushed into her rooms and made her faint earlier. Ning Xiaoyao stood thinking for a while before deciding that the man behind the voice might make for a good ally.

    --

    The imperial guards had forced Fang Tang to kneel on the ground. At this moment, his fellowpatriots of the army were filled with grief and indignation, but had no choice but to stand on one side. Just now, Fang Tang had charged into the sleeping quarters of the emperor and shocked His Majesty into fainting. He knew he was doomed to die, so he opened his mouth to shout.

    ¡°We followed Supreme Commander to bitterly battle the Northern Hu at Night Crow Pass. Supreme Commander was shot by six arrows, but remained at the frontlines without retreating! After we beat back the Northern Hu, we were recalled to the capital before we even had time to remove our armor. You peaceful loiterers sat around without lifting a finger, so what are you doing now?! Supreme Commander had secretmunications with the northern barbarians and betrayed his country? Pah!¡±

    ¡°Gag him!¡± amander of the imperial guardsmanded loudly. Two imperial guards strode forward with a cloth for Fang Tang¡¯s mouth. A few of the armored officers who saw Fang Tang about to be humiliated could only stand by helplessly. They could use their fists, but what about their families in the capital? It was fine if they died trying to help him, but could they really drag their families down with them?

    It was at this point that Ning Xiaoyao appeared silently in front of Fang Tang.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± themander of the imperial guards recognized Ning Xiaoyao. Seeing her arrive by herself, he was momentarily shocked. Why would His Majesty run solo over here?

    When the rest of the imperial guards heard their general say ¡®Your Majesty,¡¯ they all hastened to kneel on the ground. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t be bothered with them. She extended a hand to pull Fang Tang up and asked, ¡°Supreme Commander is innocent?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sudden appearance had given Fang Tang a fright as well. But as soon as he heard questions rted to Supreme Commander Lou, he hastened to speak. ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander was falsely used. This subject,¡± He paused to feel around his body until he took out a cloth package from his robes and unwrapped it for Ning Xiaoyao. Inside were six bloody arrowheads with hooked ends.

    ¡°Your Majesty, these were arrowheads taken from Supreme Commander¡¯s body,¡± Fang Tang said with red eyes. ¡°Supreme Commander has yet to recover from the his injuries. Your Majesty, Supreme Commander couldn¡¯t have betrayed the country. This subject begs Your Majesty...¡±

    ¡°Enough, there¡¯s no need to say anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Fang Tang¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Lead the way, we¡¯ll go save Supreme Commander.¡±

    Both Fang Tang and everyone else on the scene were stunned by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Did they hear wrongly? The emperor who had been raised by the Grand Preceptor said he wanted to save Supreme Commander?

    ¡°If you¡¯re a man, thene with me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was small, but stood ramrod straight. ¡°If nothing else works, we¡¯ll get physical. Do you dare?¡±

    Before Fang Tang could speak up, a tall, strong general rushed to Ning Xiaoyao and loudly asked, ¡°Your Majesty speaks the truth?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I swear on my character and moral integrity.¡±

    A few generals exchanged nces. Of course they¡¯d save Supreme Commander if there was a chance, but what if this was a trap by that old Grand Preceptor Xie? What if the emperor was supposed to trick them into the execution grounds so they could be used of misdeeds on the battlefield and killed together?

    Meanwhile, the sharp-eye Ning Xiaoyao spotted themander of the imperial guards sending a subordinate away, probably to report to the empress dowager. She grabbed a sword from an imperial guard by her side and threw it over.

    ¡°Ah!¡± the imperial guard on his way to the empress dowager was hit on his head and toppled to the ground.

    ¡°... ...¡± Everyone was speechless. Nobody had heard of His Majesty practicing martial arts before!

    After knocking the imperial guard to the ground, Ning Xiaoyao asked impatiently, ¡°Are you going or not? If not, I¡¯ll go by myself.¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t strong enough to fight on the front lines in her old world. But judging from the maid and that imperial guard just then, her fighting skills weren¡¯t bad for this world. Worsees to worst, she¡¯d give it her all in a battleter to save that Supreme Commander named Lou Zigui.

    ¡°This subject will follow Your Majesty,¡± Fang Tang wiped his face before speaking seriously to Ning Xiaoyao. Whether or not this was that old Grand Preceptor¡¯s scheme, he was willing to give it a try as long as he had a chance to rescue Supreme Commander.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand and ran towards the nearby gates. Since it had a watchtower above it, it was probably an exit out of the pce.

 Chapter 6: Cuckoo Lou

    <h4>Chapter 6: Cuckoo Lou</h4>

    The handsome but pale-faced Lou Zigui was currently tied up and kneeling on a meter-tall tform from the ground. His clothes had been stripped away, leaving only fis wrapped tightly around his upper body. The pressure made it hard for Lou Zigui to even breathe. Above him, the executioner spat a mouthful of strong alcohol on the razor knife in his hands. Beneath him, the crowd stretched out like a sea as they all cursed the prisoner. Who didn¡¯t hate a traitor to his country? A fewmoners of the capital were even holding bowls in their hands. They were waiting to collect his blood and flesh after he¡¯d been made into mincemeat because only by eating that flesh could they soothe the hatred in their hearts.

    ¡°The time is here, begin the death sentence!¡± the official in charge of corporal punishment picked up amand tablet carved with the character for execute and tossed it from his viewing tform.

    Cheers rose up from the crowd.

    Lou Zigui raised his head to look at the viewing tform opposite the execution tform, and saw the white-haired Grand Preceptor sitting in the main seat. He was staring at him unblinkingly, and there was even a trace of regret on his face.

    The executioner had inherited his craft from generations of his family. He knew how to slice a person bit by bit until only their bones remained, yet still keep them alive. Two paper-thin des sliced past Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder before he lifted them up to cleanly remove a section of skin. Without thatyer of protection, fresh blood and muscle were exposed before the crowd. Those timid at heart didn¡¯t dare watch any further and closed their eyes. The executioner next cleanly sliced off a section of meat from Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder, where it dropped onto the tform. It was as long and thin as silk. Though it didn¡¯t bleed much, the blood seeped into the wood to drip and stain the ground below. How couldn¡¯t it hurt when the skin was being lifted up section by section, and the meat sliced piece by piece? Lou Zigui¡¯s entire body shuddered in agony, but he forced himself to stay quiet without groaning.

    ¡°This traitor¡¯s stubborn to the very end,¡± an official remarked to Grand Preceptor Xie from the viewing tform.

    Grand Preceptor Xie lightly shook his head. ¡°A pity that his father and brothers all died for the country. The illustrious men of the Lou n had their heroics ruined by this one man. It¡¯s misfortune for his family and our Yongning[2. Yongning (ÓºÄþ) - name of the current reigning dynasty.] both!¡±

    ¡°When this man was born, the cuckoo in the Lou family¡¯s backyard cried blood,¡± an old official said. ¡°Zigui also means ¡®cuckoo.¡¯ It was Supreme Commander Lou who gave him the name of Zigui, but cuckoos who cry at night are an unlucky omen. It seems his birth brought nothing but cmity.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± an official dressed in the robes of a military officer smiled. ¡°Thisd¡¯s survived the deaths of his father, mother, and brothers. His two sister-inws all died inbor with their children, while the only surviving child of his older brother is often sickly. It doesn¡¯t look like that child will survive into adulthood. Cuckoo Lou is just the bane of others¡¯ existence. He caused the deaths of everyone in the Lou household. If he doesn¡¯t die now, he¡¯ll cause the death of our Yongning as well.¡±

    Those who could sit on the viewing tform were all on the side of the Grand Preceptor. Naturally, nobody would speak up for Lou Zigui. Even if they doubted that Lou Zigui had secretmunications with the northern barbarians, they couldn¡¯t afford to offend the masses now by revealing their thoughts. The gathered officialsmented on all sorts of things from their tform, while themoners kept up their constant cursing below.

    Lou Zigui thought of his family as well. To protect the Yongning Dynasty, his Lou n had shed generations¡¯ worth of blood on the battlefields. In the end, what did they get? Right now, the refugees in Yongning numbered in the millions, while thieves and bandits ran rampant. Beyond the pass, the Northern Hu constantly encroached on their borders, dying for the chance to charge into the Central ins. Beset with difficulties both at home and abroad, the masses lived in dire poverty. What were these officials doing?

    ¡°The crown prince could¡¯ve restored the dynasty,¡± Lou Zigui glowered at the viewing tform as he spoke in a loud voice. ¡°But you crafty, fawning sycophants caused his death! Xie Wenyuan, my heart for Yongning is as clear as night and day. Heaven and Earth can inspect it! Even in death, I¡¯ll keep my eyes open to see what happens on the day that a Yongning under your hands falls into ruin!¡±

    ¡°This traitor dares to curse our Yongning to ruin?!¡±

    The angry masses started throwing rocks at the bloodsoaked Lou Zigui and cursed him with even more venomous words. Grand Preceptor Xie sat on the viewing tform with a cold smile. Lou Zigui was the crown prince¡¯sst remaining supporter with arge number of troops under hismand. How could he leave a person like this around? If he hadn¡¯t forced the crown prince to personally write a letter and trick this man back to the capital to catch him unawares, it¡¯d be difficult to get his hands on the celebrated Supreme Commander Lou. But in the end, the victors were the kings and the losers the thieves. A loser was a loser, so Lou Zigui had no one to me but himself.

    --

    ¡°How could they treat Supreme Commander this way?¡± Fang Tang, who had rushed to the execution grounds with Ning Xiaoyao, felt tears streaming from his eyes.

    The people who were cursing his Supreme Commander to die and sink into the eighteenth level of Hell[3. eighteenth level of Hell - the lowest level in Chinese Hell where sinners suffer for the most heinous crimes], did they know this was the man who protected their homnd and their peace?!

 Chapter 7: Grand Preceptor, you have to save me!

    <h4>Chapter 7: Grand Preceptor, you have to save me!</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao had been shocked by the public sentiment as well. During the apocalypse, zombies were mankind¡¯s public enemy number one. But she never expected that another human could be mankind¡¯s public enemy as well. What, did this person fool around with the zombie virus or something? (Author: Wake up, you. There aren¡¯t any zombies in this world, ah. Like heck!)

    Just then, a few angry members of the crowd rushed onto the tform. The guards at the entrance had obviously been instructed by their superiors beforehand, because all they did was to pretend to hold the crowd back before allowing them to rush Lou Zigui. They swarmed Lou Zigui and opened their mouths before trying to eat Lou Zigui alive.

    Fang Tang gave a shout and dove into the crowd, rushing towards the execution tform. A few other high-ranking officers who¡¯de along followed his lead, their eyes red as they poured into the mob. Knowing something in their heads was different from seeing it first-hand. Before, they could restrain themselves with thoughts of their families, but now that Lou Zigui was being eaten alive, the men who¡¯d fought with him on the battlefields couldn¡¯t bear to simply stand by.

    Fang Tang kicked and stomped the whole way to open up a path and rush up the tform. His mouth were full of shouts for ¡®Supreme Commander¡¯ as the guards on the tform blocked his way. The officials on the viewing tform grew restless as they saw Fang Tang and the rest struggling with the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s[1. Nine Gate Infantry Commander (¾ÅÃÅÌá¶½) - military appointment during imperial China. The person with this title was in charge of overseeing and safeguarding the nine city gates of the imperial capital.] men. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face looked astonished as well, but he was smiling coldly in his heart. He had ordered the imperial guards to allow Fang Tang¡¯s charge into the pce just so he could force Lou Zigui¡¯s trusted followers onto a dead end. Now that they¡¯de seeking their own deaths, why wouldn¡¯t he help them out?

    Ning Xiaoyao saw more and more people rushing over to tear and bite Supreme Commander Lou and felt a little helpless. Just how great was their enmity? Yet she calmed down soon enough. Cannibalism wasn¡¯t a big deal. During the apocalypse, there were zombies eating humans everyday. She hopped on her heels to peer at the viewing tform across from the execution tform and saw a white-haired old man with a long beard sitting in the center seat.

    ¡°That¡¯s the Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked a general still standing by her side.

    That general was still wrapped up in his grief and indignation as he followed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pointed finger. He didn¡¯t have space to consider why His Majesty couldn¡¯t recognize the Grand Preceptor, but nodded to confirm her words. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded and took a step forward to squeeze in the crowd. With her strength, it was easy enough to make a path through the people blocking the way. The general beside her felt his hope soar when he saw Ning Xiaoyao making her way towards the execution tform. His Majesty really did intend to rescue the Supreme Commander.

    When Ning Xiaoyao reached the execution tform, she suddenly discovered a problem. What would she do if the Grand Preceptor denied her identity after she jumped out to the rescue? The whole way over, nobody had hailed her as Your Majesty. It looked like few people recognized her as the emperor. If the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager could disguise her as a man to pretend to be the emperor, they could just as well find another man to pretend to be her! Thinking up to here, Ning Xiaoyao realized she had to use her head.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± the general behind Ning Xiaoyao shouted.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her forehead before abruptly grabbing the general¡¯s hand and wrapping it around her neck. She faced the viewing tform and shouted at the top of her lungs. ¡°Grand Preceptor, save me!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao used all her voice to shout over the crowd, silencing the cursing masses. When the Grand Preceptor saw that it was Ning Xiaoyao being ¡°held hostage,¡± he leapt from his seat.

    ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s men want to kill me!¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept yelling.

    Even as a person of an apocalypse, Ning Xiaoyao understood that attempted murder of an emperor was serious offense. After seeing how wretchedly the Grand Preceptor wanted Supreme Commander Lou to die, she could judge from a psychological viewpoint that this old guy must hate Supreme Commander¡¯s guts. With so much hatred, he¡¯d probably be willing to add to the Supreme Commander¡¯s crimes. This was the reasoning behind beating a dead horse.

    As expected, the Grand Preceptor ran to the edge of the viewing tform as soon as he heard Ning Xiaoyao im that Lou Zigui had nned to kill her. He stared fixedly at Ning Xiaoyao before his expression turned pale with fright. It almost looked like he was about to copse. His knees gave way beneath him as he knelt on the viewing tform and eximed, ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s His Majesty. Help, help the emperor, hurry and save him!¡±

    Fang Tang lost all hope. They¡¯d been tricked.

    Ning Xiaoyao cried, ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡±

    The Grand Preceptor replied, ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t be afraid. Your subject is here!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shouted, ¡°Grand Preceptor, you have to save me!¡±

    The Grand Preceptor replied, ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t fear. Your subject will definitely save Your Majesty!¡±

    In Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart, a little person was currently making a ¡°V¡± sign with her fingers. This was all right. Now the old fellow had recognized her as the emperor, she really was a smart girl.

 Chapter 8: His Majesty and the Supreme Commander

    <h4>Chapter 8: His Majesty and the Supreme Commander</h4>

    ¡°Yah!¡± Fang Tang shouted as he snatched away a soldier¡¯s sword to fight to the death.

    Two rows of helmeted, armor-wearing imperial guards followed the orders of a military officer to squeeze past the crowd towards Ning Xiaoyao. The execution grounds were previously filled with angry people and the stench of blood, but now everything had suddenly turned tense. The pressure was enough to make breathing difficult.

    ¡°You!¡± the general trapped by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand was too angry to speak. He decided that he might as well kill her then and there. The hand pressed against her throat tightened, but Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t mind. She pushed the general aside and fled up the execution tform. Right now, Fang Tang and a few others had surrounded Lou Zigui in a protective circle. If Ning Xiaoyao were to take another step forward, they¡¯d fight her to the death. Meanwhile, hundreds of archers stood beneath the tform, their arrows all aimed at the leader atop the execution tform.

    ¡°The fault for all this rests only with me,¡± Lou Zigui shouted hoarsely at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°It has nothing to do with them!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao simply lifted her head to stare at the skies. A tiny raindrop had fallen on her face. Unexpectedly, a spell of spring rain had arrived.

    ¡°It¡¯s raining!¡± This was her first time seeing such clear, clean rain. Ning Xiaoyao was pleasantly surprised as she turned to grin at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Your Majesty?!¡± the Grand Preceptor shouted from the opposite tform. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao run up the execution tform by herself and starting smiling and talking to Lou Zigui, he realized that something was wrong. Still, Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t dare to believe that his timid, weak granddaughter would actually defy his wishes.

    ¡°We¡¯re not killing anyone today,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said imposingly as she waved her hand.

    A deathly silence fell upon the execution grounds as everyone stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Before, Lou Zigui had been used of colluding with the enemy to sell out his country, but now they weren¡¯t going to kill him? Are you joking?!

    Ning Xiaoyao walked towards Lou Zigui. Her steps were absolutely soundless, a habit carried over from the apocalypse where a single step could startle a zombie. Fang Tang and the rest were like the rest of the crowd, stunned by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. When she approached them, they even forgot to bar her way. Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of Lou Zigui and bent down to examine his wounds. In a low voice, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    Her fingers moved until she felt warmth emerge from her palm. Ning Xiaoyao rested her hand on Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder at the same time she exhaled a breath. After her transmigration here, she¡¯d not only retained her ability to understand animals, but her healing skills as well. Since Lou Zigui was kneeling on the ground, he could only lift his head to see Ning Xiaoyao. Right now, she¡¯d already stopped his bleeding and was looking at the injuries on his face, so their eyes met.

    This was Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s second time seeing the current emperor. The first they¡¯d met, it was just a quick nce before he was ambushed by the armored pce guards lying in wait in the audience hall. At that time, this brand new monarch was scared into tears, making it impossible for Lou Zigui to get a clear view of his face. This time, Ning Xiaoyao was bending over right in front of him. Her round, almond eyes were nothing like Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s long phoenix ones. With her tiny nose and mouth, as well as traces of baby fat around her face, she looked more like a child, or maybe some harmless little animal. This realization made Lou Zigui choke back his curse of ¡®fatuous ruler¡¯ in his throat.

    On the other hand, Ning Xiaoyao blinked. Just then, she¡¯d been focused on all the blood that she hadn¡¯t paid attention to this Supreme Commander¡¯s looks. Now she had the mood to see and discovered that he was very young. Though his face was covered in blood, it was still gracefully handsome. His eyebrows even looked like they were painted on.

    Geez.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed with feeling in her heart. There was no reason for a guy to be so good-looking. Even she wasn¡¯t that handsome! (Author: ¡®Scuse me, you¡¯re a girl, all right?)

    ¡°You can¡¯t save me,¡± Lou Zigui gradually calmed down. He suddenly smiled at Ning Xiaoyao and said in a low voice, ¡°You¡¯re nothing more than a puppet in the Xie father and daughter¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t reply. Did he really have to wound her dignity?!

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with me,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s dark gaze rested on Ning Xiaoyao. Word by word, he stressed, ¡°Thesends are swaying in the midst of a raging storm. Your Majesty, you have to be careful yourself.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt a little muddle-headed. This man was already in this situation, but he still had the mind to care about her?

 Chapter 9: Let him go, or else Iâ€™ll strip

    <h4>Chapter 9: Let him go, or else I''ll strip</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie walked quickly up the execution tform and eximed, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to face Grand Preceptor Xie. She had no good feelings towards the person who would ensure her death in the future, so she said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, let¡¯s stop this execution here.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie almost turned stupid with rage at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. In order to get Lou Zigui on this execution tform, he¡¯d used no end of mental and physical effort. Stop just because you said so? ¡°Your Majesty, these pertain to national affairs,¡± he said.

    Ning Xiaoyao only replied as a matter of course, ¡°I know these are national affairs. Can¡¯t an emperor like me take charge of them?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was quick to add, ¡°Your Majesty, please forgive me. This subject spoke wrongly.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was very broadminded. ¡°It can¡¯t be helped, you¡¯re my maternal grandfather after all. You can even curse at me if you wanted.¡±

    ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie could only say such words.

    ¡°Have everyone fall back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m going to take Supreme Commander away.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness!¡± the Grand Preceptor¡¯s tone grew serious as he yelled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    If she really was Ning Yu, she would¡¯ve known that this was a sign of her grandfather about to lose his temper. But Ning Xiaoyao had no way of knowing. Even if she did, it¡¯d be impossible for her to fear him. ¡°All of you wait here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said to Lou Zigui and the rest. ¡°I¡¯ll go chat a bit with the Grand Preceptor. Young man,¡± she pointed her finger at Fang Tang. ¡°Be careful of the arrows, protect Supreme Commander well.¡±

    Fang Tang set his sword at a horizontal line as he stood in front of Lou Zigui. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao walked towards the Grand Preceptor, who didn¡¯t wait for her to speak before he said, ¡°Your Majesty, do you know what you¡¯re doing?!¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Supreme Commander was falsely used.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to hearsay from Fang Tang and those soldiers!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said hastily.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the proof?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°There were letters detailing dealings between the criminal and the royal pce of the Northern Hu,¡± said the Grand Preceptor.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Where did you get them from?¡±

    ¡°Naturally, from the Northern Hu¡¯s royal pce,¡± replied Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Then how do you know the Northern Hu weren¡¯t just trying to sow discord?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°How hard is it to copy someone¡¯s handwriting? For the sake of some vague letters, you instigated the popce into eating human flesh?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was speechless. This granddaughter¡¯s words had started out sounding reasonable, but did her final words make any sense at all?

    ¡°Are you going to let him go or not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°If this subject doesn¡¯t dare to, then what?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie countered.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the sea of people beneath the tform before she shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Then I¡¯ll take off my clothes.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie tottered back a few steps, looking as if he¡¯d seen a ghost.

    ¡°I¡¯ll count up to three for your answer,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. This man had forced her into making a decisive move, so she¡¯d go ahead and do it. So what if she took off her clothes? During the apocalypse, men and women could find a bed to tumble around in any time they found a pleasing partner. Moreover, she didn¡¯t even need to strip bare to reveal her gender as a female.

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°One.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°Two.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, ah!¡±

    ¡°Three.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie cried.

    Ning Xiaoyao undid her button.

    Grand Preceptor Xie never thought there''d be a day when Ning Yu left him at a loss for what to do. He who rode a tiger finds it difficult to dismount. If everyone discovered that Ning Yu was a girl, then everyone would know their Xie n hadmitted the crime of deceiving their sovereign. They¡¯d die without even a ce for burial.

    ¡°You''ll die too!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie reminded Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao kept unbuttoning her buttons. She''s already died once, so what was a second time? Everyone else watched in confusion as Ning Xiaoyao undressed herself. Even the smartest amongst them couldn''t figure out what she was doing.

    ¡°All right.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said the words between clenched teeth as he saw Ning Xiaoyao finish with her buttons and prepared to untie her waist sash.

    Ning Xiaoyao stilled her hands to look askance at him. ¡°You''re not lying to me?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn''t speak, but two figures like imperial guards emerged from behind him to stand by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sides.

    ¡°Protect His Majesty and escort him back to the pce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    Tch!

    Ning Xiaoyao knew this old man wasn''t easy to deal with! She reached out her hands and ripped her outer robes in half before the pieces fell to the tform.

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie hurriedly called out to the two guards when he saw Ning Xiaoyao about to rip her inner robes.

    ¡°Let him go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao threatened, ¡°Or else I''ll strip!¡±

 Chapter 10: You have to be cold-blooded towards your enemies

    <h4>Chapter 10: You have to be cold-blooded towards your enemies</h4>

    With a wave of his hand, Grand Preceptor Xie dismissed the two guards behind Ning Xiaoyao. Though Ning Xiaoyao hadn''t publicized her intentions, they were still effective against Grand Preceptor Xie. The Xie n had stolen the dragon with the shifting winds by cing a female on the emperor¡¯s throne. A crime like this wasn''t something they could afford to expose. Even without the popce seeking their deaths, the various princes of the pce would be enough to eat their family alive.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn''t trust Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s ethics and said, ¡°Don''t lie to me anymore, or else I''ll keep undressing.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie seriously wanted to ask why she was being so shameless. Did youngdies undress themselves in the streets?!

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the crowd beneath the tform and said, ¡°Make your move.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty decrees,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie had no choice but to face the crowd. ¡°That Lou Zigui be escorted back to the justice cou...¡±

    ¡°That Lou Zigui be escorted back to the pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted. She didn''t really understand ssical Chinese, but she knew there was no way the emperor¡¯s pce was called the justice pce. She finally managed to save this guy, so how could she be at ease unless he was right beneath her eyes?

    ¡°How could we escort an outsider male into the emperor¡¯s pce?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie gave Ning Xiaoyao a gloomy face.

    If not, then I''m undressing.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words were the same as before.

    At this moment, Grand Preceptor Xie was utterly difited. He thought he''d raised a rabbit, but who knew that this rabbit could eat people?! Such was his current state of mind...

    ¡°Why are you still aiming your weapon at me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked one of the archers off the tform.

    The archer trembled before his hands ckened, dropping his bow and arrow to the ground. He promptly knelt down for Ning Xiaoyao, his action reminding everyone else that this was the current Son of Heaven atop the tform. There was the sound of rustling robes as everyone recovered their senses, knelt on the ground, and starting reciting blessings for the emperor for tens of thousands of years.

    Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t used to this kind of spectacle and shifted to one side, only to realize she couldn¡¯t avoid anyone on this tform. Thus, she stood in ce and turned towards Fang Tang. ¡°Bring the Supreme Commander back home, no, back to the pce with us.¡±

    Fang Tang and the rest were all standing stock-still with no reaction to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Everything had changed too fast for them to process it. Ning Xiaoyao could only run to Lou Zigui herself. His current expression was wooden, his gaze still dark. Who knew what he was thinking of? Ning Xiaoyao checked Lou Zigui¡¯s injuries. Mm, although he was still covered in blood, her treatment had long stopped the bleeding.

    Right now, Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t describe what he was feeling. He had gone from Earth to the depths of Hell and back again. All of the changes had brought him happiness, anger, grief, and joy--the gamut of human feeling--in spite of himself. He had no time to prepare, much less ept these feelings. By the time Lou Zigui felt his legs leaving the ground and looked up, he finally realized that the little emperor had picked him up.

    Fang Tang and the rest felt their lips twitch. They never thought the Supreme Commander would be carried like this one day, much less that the the skinny-as-a-bamboo-pole emperor could possess so much strength.

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui had never been carried like a woman before. His face turned red as he tried to get out of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hold, but he was too weak now to struggle. How could Ning Xiaoyao understand Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s currently awkward feelings? Holding him in a princess carry, Ning Xiaoyao ran off the execution tform and looked left and right before her eyes settled on a carriage parked nearby.

    ¡°That carriage isn¡¯t bad, we¡¯ll requisition it for now,¡± she said to Fang Tang.

    Fang Tang nced at the carriage in question and felt his lip twitch again. This was the Grand Preceptor¡¯s carriage. His Majesty not only snatched a man from right under the Grand Preceptor¡¯s nose, but a carriage as well? Wait, Fang Tang paused to think, Something about that doesn¡¯t sound right...[1. snatched a man...a carriage - Not sure of the joke, but usually ¡®snatching¡¯ a person from someone usually refers to snatching away their lovers or wives. Considering that Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s even carrying Lou Zigui princess-styled...well. :3]

    ¡°That¡¯s the Grand Preceptor¡¯s carriage,¡± one of the generals spoke up.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that this was even better. Now she didn¡¯t even have to pay a rental fee for the carriage. After all, you had to be cold-blooded and relentless towards your enemies. Not only did she refuse to pay, she liked this tall, wide carriage and its strong horses enough to appropriate it for herself!

 Chapter 11: The Grand Preceptor said, thereâ€™s poison on the blade

    <h4>Chapter 11: The Grand Preceptor said, there''s poison on the de</h4>

    As the Grand Preceptor¡¯s carriage sped away, Empress Dowager Xie lifted the pearl-decorated curtains of her own imperial carriage parked by the streets. She watched the other carriage sh past her own, fury dancing in her eyes. Her hand withdrew, and the beaded curtain suddenly dropped down in a cascade of cking.

    Soon afterwards, the crowd dispersed from the execution grounds and trailed past her carriage in groups of twos and threes. All of them were talking about how His Majesty had suddenly appeared to take away the traitor Lou Zigui. Whether it was Lou Zigui¡¯s guilt that was questionable, or His Majesty¡¯s wish to save him, both implied secrets that were worth much debate. Despite arguing until their ears turned red, none of these people coulde to a satisfactory conclusion.

    When the crowd finally left, Grand Preceptor Xie was standing in front of the carriage. With a low voice, he said, ¡°Imperial Concubine.¡±

    The door was opened from the inside as a mama [1. mama (æÖæÖ) - a form of address for an elderly female servant, also a wet nurse.] of the pce descended from the carriage to bow and invite him in. As soon as Grand Preceptor Xie entered the carriage, he heard a woman ask him, ¡°What exactly happened?!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at the empress dowager, whose face was currently filled with wrath.

    ¡°Ning Yu, she, how could she dare...¡± Empress Dowager Xie abruptly clenched her hand, refusing to lose control of her temper.

    ¡°Imperial Concubine, please calm your anger,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    ¡°Does she know that Lou Zigui will make sure to get revenge for the crown prince?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked. ¡°Has she met with Lou Zigui before?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± the Grand Preceptor shook his head and rejected the very idea. Ning Yu had spent her days at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate basically isted from the world. Aside from one wet nurse, she didn¡¯t even have anyone else to talk to. How could she have met Lou Zigui?

    Empress Dowager Xie sat in low spirits before suddenly asking, ¡°Why did father acknowledge her at the execution grounds?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie understood his eldest daughter¡¯s meaning. If he hadn¡¯t acknowledged Ning Yu¡¯s identity back then, then it would have been impossible for her to save Lou Zigui.

    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t acknowledged her, we could¡¯ve found someone to y the part of Ning Yu just as well!¡± Empress Dowager Xie said in a low voice. She sat in the shadows of her carriage, her entire person sunk into the darkness.

    ¡°Imperial Concubine, she¡¯s your own daughter,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie reminded her.

    ¡°What do I want with a daughter who disobeys me?¡± Empress Dowager Xie rebutted.

    Grand Preceptor Xie fell silent before lifting his head to look at her. ¡°Imperial Concubine, now that things are like this, it¡¯s no use getting angry. However,¡± he paused here, before continuing. ¡°However, Lou Zigui won¡¯t live.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s eyes flickered. At the same time, a kitten that was all skin and bones ran across the street, bent down its body, and hid beneath the carriage.

    ¡°There was poison on the knives used by the executioner. It¡¯s enough to cause Lou Zigui excruciating pain without killing him, but the toxin will definitely take his life in three days,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    Hearing this, Empress Dowager Xie released a breath before her expression shifted again. ¡°Why didn¡¯t father say so earlier?¡± As the empress dowager, she had no intentions to share power and authority with her father.

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled. ¡°He¡¯s the chiefmanding general of the Night Crow Pass cavalry, as well as suprememander of the six prefectures in Anyuan. Your subject was thinking that he¡¯d have no way to stop the soldiers if they came to cause trouble. But putting poison on the knife would ensure Lou Zigui¡¯s death regardless. Under such serious circumstances, your subject chose to keep silent first to avoid exposing the plot. Moreover, poisoning anyone to death isn¡¯t a topic fit for public discourse.¡±

    ¡°How long are you nning to keep around the Lou n¡¯s old cohorts in the pce?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked coldly.

    ¡°Imperial Concubine, there¡¯s no need for anxiety,¡± the Grand Preceptor replied. ¡°Once Lou Zigui dies, there¡¯ll be no one left from the Lou n besides that one sickly child. What¡¯s there to fear then? As for that house of dragons, we can take care of them slowly once they¡¯ve lost their head. Even if His Majesty insists on reversing Lou Zigui¡¯s guilty verdict, it wouldn¡¯t make much difference once the person is dead, right?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s expression recovered. It seemed she¡¯d taken the Grand Preceptor¡¯s words to heart.

    ¡°I hope that Imperial Concubine can look into His Majesty¡¯s thoughts.¡± Compared to the Lou Zigui at death¡¯s door, Grand Preceptor Xie was more concerned with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s affairs. Quietly, he asked, ¡°Did anyone incite her? How did she know about Lou Zigui¡¯s affairs? Was it Fang Tang?¡±

    The empress dowager shook her head. ¡°Before Fang Tang could finish speaking, His Majesty fainted. It couldn¡¯t have been him.¡±

    ¡°Then was it someone serving by His Majesty¡¯s side?¡±

    ¡°Those people were all arranged by This Dowager. There¡¯s no way they¡¯d be problematic.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s all this?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was anxious.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face sank again. ¡°We have to find this person!¡±

    (Author: Three fat cats spilled the beans, would you two believe it?)

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao: *smiles shyly* Heheh, did I do good?

    [/expand]

 Chapter 12: Supreme Commander

    <h4>Chapter 12: Supreme Commander</h4>

    When the carriage reached the entrance to the Imperial Pce, the gatekeepers gged it down. But once they saw Ning Xiaoyao stick her head out the carriage window, the guards on duty immediately allowed them thorough passage. It was illogical to bar the emperor from going home.

    ¡°Where should we take Supreme Commander?¡± Fang Tang had been holding Lou Zigui the whole trip. Now that they were in the pce, this little General Fang couldn¡¯t resist asking anymore. His suprememander was a chaste man, so where could he go in the Imperial Pce? Ning Xiaoyao fell into quiet thought. Truthfully speaking, she¡¯d just transmigrated over today and only knew about a few particrs. Right now, she really had no idea about her current home.

    ¡°Can we bring Supreme Commander back to Night Crow Pass?¡± a general asked Ning Xiaoyao. He didn¡¯t want to stay in this sinister capital city any longer!

    ¡°How could Supreme Commander endure a long journey like that?¡± another general rebutted.

    The various generals lowered their heads to peer at Lou Zigui, whose body was covered in clotted blood. All of them fell silent. With Supreme Commander injured to this extent, how could he travel very far?

    Ning Xiaoyao saw that Fang Tang and the rest couldn¡¯te up with a solution, so she waved her hand and said, ¡°Then just have him live with me. I have lots of rooms where I live.¡± Her quarters weren¡¯t just enough for one Supreme Commander, but 30 of them with space to spare.

    ¡°... ...¡± Fang Tang and the rest were rendered speechless. How couldn¡¯t the emperor¡¯s quarters not berge? For some reason or another, His Majesty¡¯s words felt strange to their ears.

    Soon enough, they arrived at the royal sleeping quarters. Ning Xiaoyao was still the quickest one and picked up Lou Zigui in her arms before jumping off the carriage. Then she went directly to the rooms she¡¯d left earlier. There was no choice, this was the only ce she recognized. £¨Author: o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    The Yongning Emperor¡¯s quarters was called the Supreme Splendor Hall. After Ning Xiaoyao had jumped over the walls and ran away, an angry empress dowager had captured many of its eunuchs. Right now, everyone there felt insecure, so when they saw Ning Xiaoyao carrying a person wrapped in thick robes with a trail of well-built men behind her, the eunuchs lost all hope. How were they to exin this to the empress dowager after His Majesty brought all these people home with him?

    Ning Xiaoyao kicked open the door with her foot and went inside, before cing Lou Zigui on the bed without a second thought. The generals who had followed her hadpletely lost all sense of being in the Imperial Pce by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s actions. One of them raised a hand and asked, ¡°Should, should we get a doctor?¡±

    Fang Tang shouted, ¡°Aren¡¯t there Imperial Physicians?¡±

    When General Fang yelled those words, the rest of the generals came to their senses. Mother and Father, this was the Imperial Pce! As they stopped to look around the room, they discovered its resplendent and magnificent interior. Even the roof beams were carved with five-wed dragons, while their Supreme Commander was on a bed that...all of the generals quaked as one. That was the dragon bed[1. dragon bed (Áú´²) - longchuang, as implied by the name, the emperor¡¯s bed. Dragons are a motifmonly associated with Chinese emperors.]!

    ¡°Get out,¡± Lou Ziguimanded his subordinates as he opened his eyes. His voice trembled, a sign of his extreme exhaustion.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± the generals were ignorant of his meaning. Was now the time to chase them out?!

    ¡°This is the Supreme Splendor Hall,¡± Lou Zigui wanted to sit up, but failed after a few attempts and ended up lying on the bed as he spoke to his men. ¡°Is it a ce where you can enter casually? Get out!¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey, ¡° Ning Xiaoyao was a little unhappy now. She¡¯d never seen anyone act so harshly to his lifesavers. ¡°Why are you being so fierce? Can¡¯t you say things nicely?¡±

    ¡°Get out!¡± Lou Zigui used all of his strength to shout, before ring at the sword by Fang Tang¡¯s waist.

    The generals finally understood Lou Zigui¡¯s meaning. Right now they were all carrying swords at their sides. If anyone found out about this in the future, it¡¯d be another death sentence against them. They nced at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s small frame and felt that His Majesty shouldn¡¯t be nning to kill their Supreme Commander. Even if he wanted to, as long as Supreme Commander had the breath to cry out, they could rush in to save him against that tiny figure. Thus, they docilely retreated outside after a bow towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    Unaware that she¡¯d been looked down on, Ning Xiaoyao watched the generals leave the room before turning back to stare at Lou Zigui. Now that this person could live on, what was she supposed to do next? Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao as well. When time passed without His Majesty speaking, he spoke up.

    ¡°His Highness the Crown Prince and I were schoolmates that became friends. I¡¯ve always seen him as an elder brother.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao had no words. What was it to her who his friends were or where his feelings went?

 Chapter 13: His Majesty goes wild

    <h4>Chapter 13: His Majesty goes wild</h4>

    After clearly exining the rtionship between him and the crown prince, Lou Zigui discovered that the current emperor was still blinking at him with hisrge, dark eyes. He seemedpletely clueless, so Supreme Commander Lou could only ask, ¡°Why save me?¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you falsely used?¡± Ning Xiaoyao found it strange. Why wouldn¡¯t she save an innocent person?

    ¡°Your Majesty isn¡¯t afraid that I¡¯ll take revenge for His Highness, the Crown Prince?¡± Lou Zigui asked coldly.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest, which had been bound with cloth to make it t, and said, ¡°No fear, we can work hard together.¡± The two of them could join forces against the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager!

    Lou Zigui¡¯s excellent brain was left a bit muddled by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Grand Preceptor Xie Wenyuan and Empress Dowager Xie were the father and daughter pair who caused the crown prince¡¯s death. The one to benefit most from that, and the chief culprit of this mess, would be none other than Ning Yu himself. But he said he wanted them to work hard together to kill himself?

    ¡°I believe you¡¯re a good guy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said quietly as she ced her hand on his forehead. ¡°So I¡¯ll help you. Right now, you don¡¯t need to think about anything else. Rest well first and leave everything else to me.¡±

    A warm current passed through Lou Zigui¡¯s veins to seep through his entire body. He was originally full of doubts and caution, but the warmth soon enveloped him into a heavy sleep. Ning Xiaoyao picked away a section of clotted blood on Lou Zigui¡¯s wounds to inspect the injury beneath it. The bleeding had stopped, but the wound had yet to heal. Within the injury was exposed bone. Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. Though she still had her powers, they weren¡¯t as strong as they were originally in the apocalyptic world. She¡¯d already done her best, but it had only stopped Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s bleeding.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Fang Tang¡¯s voice called from outside the door. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager has invited Your Majesty to her hall.¡±

    ¡°Not going,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said without a second thought. She didn¡¯t have anything to talk about with that woman, so why meet her at all?

    Eunuch Xu stared at the closed doors of the pce and thought for a bit before he spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager said she misses you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t miss her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s reply was sinct and clear. Currently, that little brother of hers was still being fed on milk, so she wasn¡¯t worried at all. That father and daughter pair couldn¡¯t think of ways to kill her, yet.

    Outside the doors, everyone had been silenced by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. It didn¡¯t seem like His Majesty had simply lost his temper at Esteemed Empress Dowager. If anything, he¡¯d suddenly adopted a hostile stance! In the midst of the silence, a little eunuch of Supreme Splendor Hall quickly ran onto the scene. Startled by the quiet, he didn¡¯t dare ascend the steps to the sleeping quarters, but stood in the courtyard and said, ¡°Your servant reports to Your Majesty, His Excellency Grand Preceptor requests an audience.¡±

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard that other guy was acting up too, she immediately replied, ¡°Hurry and have him go home.¡±

    The little eunuch¡¯s voice trembled as he said, ¡°Your Majesty, His Excellency Grand Preceptor has already entered the pce. Right now, he¡¯s at the empress dowager¡¯s hall.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was vexed beyond belief as she sat in the chair by the bed. Was this father and mother pair partnering up to counter me?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Eunuch Xu shouted at the closed doors once again.

    She didn¡¯t have a grasp of pce struggles, so what should she do? Ning Xiaoyao paced round and round in her rooms. Should she go fight with them, or just take Supreme Commander and run away?

    Fang Tang and the rest stood like door gods by the entrance, looking strong and imposing. But their hearts were seized with anxiety. If His Majesty couldn¡¯t stand his ground and bowed before the empress dowager and Grand Preceptor, then wouldn¡¯t Supreme Commander be in danger again?

    With a crash, the doors opened as Ning Xiaoyao strode out. After careful deliberation, she had decided that she didn¡¯t know enough about this world. Running away wasn¡¯t a good idea, so she had to fight instead!

    ¡°You there, you guys guard this spot. If anyone wants to go inside, beat them up!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said fiercely. ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility if someone dies.¡±

    Once again, the courtyard fell into silence at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Everyone felt that things had taken a serious turn. His Majesty was nning to go wild!

 Chapter 14: Without the crown princeâ€™s death, Your Majesty couldnâ€™t be emperor

    <h4>Chapter 14: Without the crown prince''s death, Your Majesty couldn''t be emperor</h4>

    ¡°In the future, Your Majesty should remember to bring some guards with you when you leave the pce. Otherwise, This Dowager will worry.¡±

    At the empress dowager¡¯s hall, Empress Dowager Xie lifted a handkerchief to wipe away the dust on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s forehead while speaking in a soft voice. Though Ning Xiaoyao hade with the same battle-ready preparedness she used to kill zombies, the empress dowager¡¯s gentle exhortations made her lightheaded. This was the wrong setting, was this woman acting out of character?

    Grand Preceptor Xie sat in the next seat of importance to the left of the empress dowager. His gaze on Ning Xiaoyao was kindly as well, as if he wanted to say harsh words but couldn¡¯t bear to, etc. Such a tender and affectionate scene sent all of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hairs standing on end. Was he behaving out of character as well?

    ¡°Your Majesty, ah,¡± Empress Dowager Xie took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was currently at a loss.

    ¡°Why did you save a traitor like Lou Zigui? Did someone tell you something?¡± Empress Dowager Xie raised her head to look at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start. No wonder this person was treating her nicely. It was to get words from her mouth.

    Seeing that Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t talking, Empress Dowager Xie lightly patted her hand and said, ¡°Lou Zigui was a good friend of the previous crown prince, does Your Majesty know?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao made a noise of assent. Lou Zigui just told me, but what did this have to do with me anyways?

    Empress Dowager Xie saw that this girl was still wearing a face full of ignorance despite her words. She nced at Grand Preceptor Xie. How did he raise someone so stupid?! Grand Preceptor Xie covered his mouth with a cough and said, ¡°Your Majesty, putting aside the matter of whether or not Lou Zigui should die, this subject just wants Your Majesty to understand one thing. Without the crown prince¡¯s death, Your Majesty couldn¡¯t be emperor.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was silent. She didn¡¯t want to be the emperor!

    Grand Preceptor Xie continued, ¡°Lou Zigui wants to seek revenge for the crown prince. Think about it, Your Majesty. Who would be his greatest enemy?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s way of thinking and reasoning might be ipatible with the people of this time, but she definitely wasn¡¯t a fool. After repeating, ¡®without the crown prince¡¯s death, Your Majesty couldn¡¯t be emperor¡¯ in her head three times, she suddenly discovered something that could pain her even if it didn¡¯t ruin her. The no-good father and daughter pair had nned to make her emperor by killing His Highness, the Crown Prince. And so? And so she was Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s number one enemy!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°If Lou Zigui returns to the army, he¡¯ll definitely raise a banner to avenge the crown prince¡¯s death and call out the troops to rebel. When that timees, what will Your Majesty do?¡±

    Crash!

    Ning Xiaoyao waspletely butthurt. The Grand Preceptor and empress dowager wanted to fatten her up before killing her, while Supreme Commander Lou nned to kill her somehow as soon as he was well? Was the only path left for her to flee into exile at the other end of the Earth?

    ¡°Who was the person who told you about Lou Zigui¡¯s matters?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth drooped. She didn¡¯t feel like fighting at all and told esteemed empress dowager the truth. ¡°Heard it from a cat.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Empress Dowager Xie and Grand Preceptor Xie were both speechless. It looked like His Majesty was going to stubbornly resist them until the end!

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t hear anything the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager told her afterwards. Her entire mind revolved around three words: What to do?

    After prying apart Lou Zigui¡¯s grievances with Ning Xiaoyao yet still getting no response, the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager didn¡¯t even want to talk to her anymore.

    ¡°Your Majesty should return,¡± Empress Dowager Xie forced herself to suppress her anger and patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand again.

    Ning Xiaoyao trailed out of the hall with her head bowed. She needed to find a quiet spot to calm down and think about her future prospects. Once she left, Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s tender and beautiful face that rivaled a peony immediately turned overcast. She quietly asked the Grand Preceptor, ¡°As father sees it, what¡¯s wrong with His Majesty?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sat in his chair, eyes shut for a long while without speaking. Finally he opened them and told the empress, ¡°Is His Majesty unresigned?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Empress Dowager Xie was startled by his sudden question.

    ¡°Ning Yu doesn¡¯t want to be a puppet,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression had turned nasty as his voice grew even lower. ¡°She wants to entice Lou Zigui to her side for her own purposes?¡±

    ¡°How could that even be possible?¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice suddenly rose up.

    Grand Preceptor Xie thought back to the first words that Ning Xiaoyao had spoken to him at the execution grounds. Now that he¡¯d thought twice, he realized this little emperor was using him to prove his own identity. Otherwise, why would the little emperor move to suppress him and leave him helpless before a crisis? This Ning Yu, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes turned cold as he thought, Have I misjudged this granddaughter?

 Chapter 15: The kitten says, thereâ€™s no saving the Supreme Commander

    <h4>Chapter 15: The kitten says, there''s no saving the Supreme Commander</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao dejectedly left the empress dowager¡¯s hall, feeling that life was hard. She wandered aimlessly through the grounds of the Imperial Pce until the sight of flowering trees, jade-like pools, and various birds, bugs, and fish gradually improved her mood. Ning Xiaoyao had never seen a world like this while growing up during the apocalypse. No matter how hard life was, could it be any more difficult than living with the constant threat of being eaten alive by zombies? Immediately, Ning Xiaoyao was filled with endless ambition. She wasn¡¯t even afraid of zombies, so why would she fear regr people? These types hadn¡¯t even evolved yet! Bulls**t!

    With her mood improved, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s walking speed increased. The courtdies and eunuchs who were following His Majesty couldn¡¯t keep up. By the time they were all running, they realized that His Majesty could disappear from their very eyes just by taking a stroll. All of them were rendered speechless. How could they exin this to the empress dowager? Also, who told them that His Majesty only studied books and not martial arts?

    A happy Ning Xiaoyao pranced through the Imperial Pce that resembled arge garden, singing songs from Let¡¯s All Kill Zombies to I Kill a Zombie, I Gain Glory until she spotted a copse of trees up front. April was the perfect time for trees to be sprouting buds, so Ning Xiaoyao saw a canopy of fresh leaves covering the skies as soon as she looked over.

    Hah! Ning Xiaoyao tossed aside the grass in her hands and cheerfully ran into the woods. What a beautiful world!

    At the same time, four cats were holding a meeting in one of the trees.

    ¡°Meow,¡± the rather skinny kitten licked Big Boss ck¡¯s paws ingratiatingly and said, ¡°Big Boss, there¡¯s no saving Supreme Commander.¡±

    Big Boss ck wed the kitten until it tumbled and said, ¡°Just what¡¯s going on? Hasn¡¯t that ninny rescued Supreme Commander and brought him back?¡±

    In the forest, Ning Xiaoyao turned stiff at being called foolish again. That¡¯s right, hadn¡¯t she rescued Supreme Commander and brought him back?!

    The kitten rolled around the branches before sitting upright and repeating what it¡¯d heard from the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager beneath their carriage to Big Boss ck. Both the other cats on the tree and the human beneath them were stunned. Soon enough, Big Boss ck¡¯s sad, shrill cries filled the entire copse. ¡°Miaow, abominable humans!¡±

    ¡°Shoot!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stomped her feet before turning to dash wildly out of the woods. Poison on the executioner¡¯s de? That damned old man! The four cats on the tree only heard Ning Xiaoyao yelling before they realized a human had appeared beneath them since who knows when. When they looked again, they saw that the madly fleeing figure was none other than that ninny, Ning Yu.

    ¡°We follow,¡± Big Boss ck jumped between the branches as if flying until he reached the ground. Then he rushed out the forest with his groupies trailing along.

    Evolved humans ran like the wind when they were in a rush. Ning Xiaoyao reached the Supreme Splendor Hall in one breath, where all the people who¡¯d followed her to the empress dowager¡¯s pce were still milling about searching for His Majesty. The courtdies and eunuchs left at the pce only felt a breeze blow past their forms and didn¡¯t even manage to see Ning Xiayoao clearly.

    Fang Tang and the rest were anxiously standing guard around the bed. They didn¡¯t know how to treat patients and couldn¡¯t find a doctor to look after Lou Zigui¡¯s wounds. When they heard someone kick open the door, a few generals hastily turned back, only to see nobody there. By the time they turned back around, they saw Ning Xiaoyao standing by the bedside. Currently, Lou Zigui was lying unconscious on the bed. Since he¡¯d incurred heavy injuries, he had yet to regain his physical strength. Ning Xiaoyao listened to his breathing and heartbeat before releasing a breath. Geez, while she was strolling about the gardens and enjoying the beautiful world, Supreme Commander Lou was actually dying from poison!

    Fang Tang carefully asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re...?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao bent over and lightly touched her hand to the wound on Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder. Fang Tang wanted to ask more questions, but the generals by his side tugged on his sleeve and made him shut up. Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder had been stripped of its skin, then gnawed on by the hordes. Right now there was less than a quarter of his original skin left, while the deeper parts of the wound exposed the bone. Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes to look closer, but didn¡¯t see any indications of poison. She increased her pressure on the hand covering the wound until it started bleeding again.

    Seeing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand soaking in Supreme Commander¡¯s blood, the generals couldn¡¯t hold it back any longer and chorused, ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°If you have this kind of strength, why not go get some hot water and some gauze?¡± With her here, they didn¡¯t need medicine, but Lou Zigui¡¯s wound had yet to heal. It seemed like they should still bind it up.

    ¡°Where, where do we get them?¡± Fang Tang stammered. This was the Supreme Splendor Hall. Was it a ce where they could just run about blindly?

    Seeing no signs of toxins in the blood, Ning Xiaoyao gave a long sigh. It looked like she¡¯d gotten rid of the poison when she treated Supreme Commander Lou on the execution tform. Good job, healing powers!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Fang Tang shouted.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders at Fang Tang. She¡¯d just transmigrated over today and had spent all that time strolling around without ever finding the kitchens where they boiled water.

 Chapter 16: The empress asks for an audience

    <h4>Chapter 16: The empress asks for an audience</h4>

    Today was His Majesty¡¯s second day on the throne, so the generals felt it was very normal that Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t familiar with the pce. Ning Xiaoyao gave them a few ideas. ¡°Go out and ask someone. All of you know martial arts, so if you meet any haughty types who don¡¯t want to help, just beat them up. Hit them until they turn amiable and easy to approach.¡±

    ¡°Is this an imperial decree?¡± a few generals were shrewd enough to ask respectfully.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought a bit before nodding. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s an imperial decree.¡± If that was convenient, then she¡¯d turn her words into imperial decrees.

    The generals exchanged nces before simultaneously kneeling down to pay Ning Xiaoyao respect. Ning Xiaoyao hade in too suddenly just then for them to treat her as subjects should treat their sovereign. Moreover, they wanted to thank her.

    Ning Xiaoyao leapt to her feet and started furiously waving her hands. ¡°No, no need to kneel, hurry and get hot water, and some medical gauze, saving Supreme Commander is more important.¡±

    Fang Tang rose and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, what is medical gauze?¡±

    Ning Xiayao fell silent before replying, ¡°It¡¯s just clean, unused gauze.¡±

    Now the generals all understood. After bowing with a chorus of ¡®This subject epts the decree¡¯ they went out to look for imperial physicians and hot water. When they left, Ning Xiaoyao turned to observe Lou Zigui again. His eyes were closed, but his eyelids were quivering. It wasn¡¯t clear whether he was awake and pretending to be sleeping, or actually feeling pain in his sleep, but Ning Xiayao sat by the bed and drew close to him before cing her hand over his shoulder. Soft green light twinkled as Ning Xiaoyao used all her strength to activate her ability, her face turning a bit pale by the result. But the area around Lou Zigui¡¯s exposed bone began to grow new flesh, slowing covering up the unprotected bone.

    The half-conscious Lou Zigui caught a whiff of fresh grass and nts, a delicate fragrance that slowly smoothed out his wrinkled brows. As the pain faded, he felt like he was being wrapped up in the same warmth from an hour ago, and fell into a dream-filled slumber. Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand, her body covered in sweat from treating his injury. She copsed by his side and mused over how weak her new body was. In the future, she¡¯d have to train it up. It wasn¡¯t easy getting to live in a world without zombies, so she had to get a fine, strong body to live for lots and lots of years.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a courtdy called from outside, timid enough to cry.

    Ning Xiaoyao was breathing heavily as shey on the bed, unwilling to answer.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± the courtdy called again. This time, she really sounded like she was crying.

    Ning Xiaoyao could only sit up and ask, ¡°What is it?¡± If the empress dowager wanted to see her again, Ning Xiaoyao swore that she wouldn¡¯t go this time even if she died!

    Hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice, the courtdy outside hastened to say, ¡°To reply Your Majesty, esteemed Empress requests an audience.¡±

    Puh!

    Ning Xiaoyao spat out a mouthful of water. Had she heard wrong? Empress? She even had an empress?!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± the courtdy asked. ¡°Does Your Majesty want to see esteemed Empress?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped off the bed and onto the ground. They really were putting on aplete y this time. Forget about dressing up a girl as a guy to cheat the throne, she even had a wife. Nothing good coulde from this! Moreover, how had Ning Yu and this girl spent their wedding night? (Author: Don¡¯t worry about these questions, you should be working out what to do next! Ah, peh!)

    ¡°Esteemed Empress came to pay her respects for Your Majesty¡¯s health,¡± the courtdy said again.

    Even if she didn¡¯t see the empress this time or next time, she couldn¡¯t avoid her forever. That was impossible. Thus, an annoyed Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Let her in.¡±

    With a noise of assent, the courtdy epted the decree and prepared to leave.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring her here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned back to see Lou Zigui sleeping on the bed. ¡°Find a quiet ce and bring the emp, empress over there.¡±

    The courtdy obeyed and hurried off.

 Chapter 17: Secret of the sweet soup

    <h4>Chapter 17: Secret of the sweet soup</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao had told the courtdy to find a quiet ce. The courtdy weighed in her hand the small bag that Empress Zhou had stuffed in her hands, then the te of food that the empress had brought over as well. After calling someone over to try the food for poison, she had them bring it to one of the emperor¡¯s side halls. There was a bed inside this room as well, which was divided into the inner and outer chambers. Right now, everyone in the pce knew that His Majesty didn¡¯t favor Empress Zhou, so it was up to her own skills to charm him. As for a quiet ce, which part of the pce wasn¡¯t quiet? Who dared to shout and scream in the Imperial Pce?

    When Ning Xiaoyao walked into the side hall, she heard meowing and looked out the window. Big Boss ck and his groupies were currently sitting in the flower bed outside, while above them was a wutong tree with two magpies in a nest. All of them were looking inside the room. Ning Xiaoyao felt her forehead and wondered whether any humans had said any secrets in front of these little animals.

    ¡°Your consort[1. chenqie (³¼æª) - I, your servant/consort, a self-appetion of a lower-ranked female.] calls on Your Majesty. May the emperor live on for tens of thousands of years.¡± Empress Zhou rose from the chair as soon as Ning Xiaoyao entered the room and knelt down to pay her respects.

    Ning Xiaoyao stepped to one side to avoid the bow and examined Empress Zhou with a nce. This girl was at most seventeen years old, her figure a bit chubby but with skin as white as snow. Her curvy eyebrows matched a pair of phoenix eyes that nted upwards. She was a rather pretty girl.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to pay respects, rise.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stepped forward and extended a hand to help her up.

    Her movement startled Empress Zhou. His Majesty didn¡¯t like her, so after they got married, he had not only never touched her, but rarely even saw her in person. Empress Zhou never thought there¡¯d be a day when he had personally helped her up.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Empress Zhou¡¯s dazed expression.

    Empress Zhou ced her hand in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s own and said softly, ¡°Your consort thanks Your Majesty.¡±

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyao felt Empress Zhou¡¯s hand, the smile on her face turned stiff. No good, this can¡¯t be right. Why is the empress pregnant? Who did it? The little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart was yelling out loud. Which man touched my empress ahhhhhhhhh....

    ¡°Your consort heard about the events at the execution tform,¡± Empress Zhou had her head lowered as she spoke in a low voice,pletely missing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s frozen expression.

    ¡°Hehe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Everyone said that entering the pce was like going into the deep sea. It was apletely different world beyond the walls, but why did she feel that this pce was like a brook? The news from outside travelled lightning quick here, as if the pce walls didn¡¯t even exist.

    ¡°Your Majesty must be tired from taking a journey outside,¡± Empress Zhou said. ¡°Your consort personally made Your Majesty some sweet ginseng lily soup and asks that Your Majesty have a taste.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the tea table behind Empress Zhou, where there was a food box sitting. Finally, she¡¯d found some food!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Empress Zhou raised her head to meet Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes, repeating her words from before. ¡°Your Majesty must be tired after taking a trip outside, right?¡±

    She was tired, both physically and emotionally. Ning Xiaoyao walked to the tea table. Outside, the magpies on the wutong tree saw Ning Xiaoyao lift the lid off the food box and started chirping. Behind Ning Xiaoyao, Empress Zhou smiled and said, ¡°The magpies are singing, so perhaps good tidings are on the way?¡±

    ¡°Whisper, whisper, this ninny¡¯s going to be tidied up by the empress today,¡± the magpie couple said. ¡°There¡¯s an aphrodisiac in one of the soup bowls! Whisper, whisper, today the empress is determined to get the ninny in bed!¡±

    ¡°Forget about that,¡± Big Boss ck looked up at the magpies. ¡°Ning Yu¡¯s a female. Once she¡¯s on the bed, how is she supposed to give the empress a baby?¡±

    ¡°Once the empress knows that secret, she can use it to threaten the ninny!¡± Wifey Magpie looked disdainfully at Big ck Boss and pped her wings. ¡°The empress and General Xu are in true love!¡±

    Big Boss ck disdained the magpie couple as well and waved his paw. ¡°You¡¯re talking as though those bad guys, the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager, won¡¯t kill the empress instead! Just wait, the empress will definitely die after finding out the ninny¡¯s secret, miaow!¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t!¡± Wifey Magpie cried.

    ¡°She will!¡± Big Boss ck shouted.

    The cats and magpies started arguing. Ning Xiaoyao felt unwell all over. So the empress hade today to drug her so they could roll around in the sheets together, thus covering up her adulterous affair with that General Xu. Meanwhile, she¡¯d make her the father of that baby? Did she really have to treat her so ruthlessly? (TOT)

 Chapter 18: Red and indigo-blue bowls

    <h4>Chapter 18: Red and indigo-blue bowls</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Zhou walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t raise her hand against a pregnant woman. As she saw it, the empress was a victim of this conspiracy as well. She didn¡¯t know what her fate was in her original life, but the empress definitely wouldn¡¯t survive if she tried to threaten the Xie father and daughter with knowledge of Ning Yu¡¯s true gender.

    Empress Zhou lowered her head slightly, looking subservient as she spoke, ¡°The sweet soup isn¡¯t good if it gets cold. Your consortheard that Your Majesty liked sweet soups like this.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Empress Zhou and thought, What to do now? Chase her away directly, or trick her away with words? When Empress Zhou saw that Ning Xiaoyao remained silent, she grew nervous. Rumors had it that His Majesty had gotten into a sh over the matter of Lou Zigui, so the empress thought this was a chance. Once the angry emperor saw the empress that the empress dowager disliked, would he try to talk with her to provoke the empress dowager? As long as she could speak with His Majesty and coax him to drink a few mouthfuls of soup, then she and her child would have a hope for survival. But right now, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s silence was sapping away at Empress Zhou¡¯s gathered courage.

    Ning Xiaoyao observed Empress Zhou as she stood before her with head bowed, shoulders contracting slightly, and gave a sigh. Then she raised a hand to touch her obviously nervous, fair face. Empress Zhou trembled. She felt a subconscious urge to avoid Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand since she had someone she loyally loved already, but in the end she stood unmoving. The person before her could ensure that she and her child lived on.

    ¡°Go back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said against her will. ¡°I don¡¯t like sweet soup.¡±

    Empress Zhou revealed a hopeless expression. It made Ning Xiaoyao feel like she was a bad guy who¡¯d bullied others. She didn¡¯t have the heart to keep looking and averted her gaze to the window. ¡°Right now, I have to take care of Supreme Commander¡¯s matters. I¡¯ll find you to talk in the future.¡±

    Empress Zhou nced at the food tray on the tea table. She was from a general¡¯s family and knew martial arts. She could force His Majesty to drink the soup, but how could she bear his anger afterwards? Drugging him, then stripping and offering herself waspletely different from forcing him with martial arts.

    ¡°I like to eat meat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°When you send over food in the future, make some red braised pork or something. That¡¯ll stave off hunger.¡± Could she get full off sweet soup? Show sympathy for someone who¡¯s lived through the apocalypse, being full is the true meaning of happiness!

    Empress Zhou wasn¡¯t sure if Ning Xiaoyao was ying around. He might have been confined within the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate before and spent his days in loneliness, but they always had enough food. Had His Majesty starved before?

    ¡°Go on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Empress Zhou. She could only retreat, but cast a nce at the items on the tea table before she left. If His Majesty didn¡¯t use them, the bowls would probably be poured out.

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw that the empress had left, she turned to lift the cover off the food tray. The sweet soup bowls inside were wrapped in padded cotton holders and still emanated steam. The soup strongly resembled dense syrup, and inside there was lily, red dates, and many thin slices of ginger. Ning Xiaoyao swallowed her saliva. She¡¯d only seen these things in photos before. As for real lilies, red dates, or ginger, the apocalypse was a ce where rice and flour were in short supply. How could those things exist?

    ¡°That ninny wants to eat that?¡± a chubby yellow cat asked from outside.

    The long-haired white cat replied, ¡°I know which bowl is drugged. The two of them are different colors.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t say anything else, but took the two bowls of sweet soup out of their holders and ced them onto the tea table.

    ¡°Which bowl has the drug?¡± Husband Magpie asked.

    ¡°The left one, meow,¡± said the long-haired white cat.

    The left one. Ning Xiaoyao nced at the two bowls. One was red, and one was indigo-blue. Then she looked at the soup inside the bowls. Geez, she was hungry. Humans with healing ability were immune to hundreds of different poisons, so eating a bit of aphrodisiac was nothing to them. She ced the indigo-blue bowl back in its holder, picked that up, and started walking out of the room while drinking from the red bowl in her other hand.

    The cats and magpies outside the window all fell silent. This ninny had drank the drugged sweet soup despite being treated as a chess piece by her own family. She still thought that her maternal grandfather and the empress dowager were the best people in the world. Who was supposed to treat her poison now? It looked like things were going to get serious...

 Chapter 19: His Majesty wants to eat...

    <h4>Chapter 19: His Majesty wants to eat...</h4>

    After Ning Xiaoyao left the side hall, she looked up to see the sky. Right now it was just about dusk, and the sunset had dyed half the horizon red like scorching mes. She nced at the rhododendrons in the courtyard, then sniffed the chamei blossoms¡¯ fragrance, until her mood improved enough to enter her main rooms.

    By now, Fang Tang and the others had already found a very young looking imperial physician to examine Lou Zigui¡¯s injuries. Beside the bed, there was a pail of water and a washbasin. The water in the pail was still clean, but the water in the washbasin had turned red. It was obvious that the generals had helped wash down Lou Zigui already. Their actions had been swift and prompt, earning them a point in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s favor. She walked to the bed and stuck out her neck for a look at the physician currently binding Lou Zigui¡¯s wounds. ¡°How are Supreme Commander¡¯s injuries?¡±

    When the imperial physician heard Ning Xiaoyao speak, he didn¡¯t dare to turn back and look at her, much less bow to pay his respects. Right now, there was still a sword pressed to his neck!

    Fang Tang slightly turned the de in his hands before shouting, ¡°His Majesty is asking you a question!¡±

    ¡°To, to reply Your Majesty, Supreme Commander¡¯s wounds look severe, but they¡¯re not life-threatening,¡± the young imperial physician replied. Right now, he really wanted to cry. He was already grown-up, but no one had ever pressed a de to his neck before. At the same time, he was curious. Everyone said that Lou Zigui had suffered 20 to 30 cuts of the de on the execution tform before being eaten alive by themon people. But his wounds weren¡¯t as serious as he expected. Was Supreme Commander Lou endowed with Heavenly favors, or were the executioner andmoners all Lou Zigui¡¯s people, and thus on his side?

    ¡°Then that¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao found an empty chair and sat down before cing the soup bowl in the bowl holder on a table. She asked the generals, ¡°Which one of you will go find the kitchens? Why don¡¯t we get some food to fill our stomachs?¡± Sweet soup was delicious, but it didn¡¯t stop hunger!

    The generals were all silent. One of them asked, ¡°If Your Majesty is hungry, why not ask them to chuanshan[1. chuanshan (´«ÉÆ) - a fancy way of saying ¡°bring in the food¡± at the pce.]? Could anyone in the pce not dare to serve the emperor?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a chuanshan?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. She heard that people before the apocalypse could order dishes at restaurants, but did chuanshan mean the same thing as ordering food?

    The generals stared at Ning Xiaoyao. The young Imperial Physician Gao also wanted to look at the emperor who¡¯d spoken such foolish words, but he didn¡¯t dare to turn his neck. After all, there was a still a sword resting there...

    The generals exchanged nces to share their thoughts.

    His Majesty had just assumed the throne.

    In the past, he¡¯d lived in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    Today was His Majesty¡¯s second day as emperor.

    He must not be used to being emperor, since he kept using ¡°I¡± to refer to himself.

    That¡¯s right, didn¡¯t all emperors refer to themselves as Zhen[2. Zhen (ëÞ) - the royal ¡°We,¡± a self-appetion used exclusively by the emperor.]?

    ... ...

    A few generals bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao before saying, ¡°This subject shall help Your Majesty chuanshan.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded hastily.

    ¡°... ...¡± said the rest of the generals. Dammit, they forgot to bow in the presence of the emperor again.

    Chuanshan, then having the imperial kitchens cook, then carrying the food over to Supreme Splendor Hall weren¡¯t things that could be done in a short time. Ning Xiaoyao waited to eat until she saw that food wasn¡¯ting. Then she couldn¡¯t sit still anymore and stood up to walk to the bed. By now, Imperial Physician Gao had already patched up Lou Zigui¡¯s injuries. When Ning Xiaoyao saw the gauze covering his shoulder, she said, ¡°You can just stay with me for now so you can treat Supreme Commander anytime. What do you think?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao agreed in one breath. Leaving aside the fact that a subject couldn¡¯t disobey an imperial decree, he didn¡¯t want to leave the Supreme Splendor Hall and get captured by the empress dowager¡¯s men in the next instant! If the empress and Grand Preceptor forced him to do something unthinkable to Supreme Commander, would he have to agree or disagree? He didn¡¯t believe that Supreme Commander Lou would betray the country, but he and his family couldn¡¯t fight against the Xie father and mother pair!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Imperial Physician Gao told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°This sub, this subject wants to make a prescription for Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, you go on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything wrong with his injuries, so you can make up a prescription to fortify his body.¡±

    ¡°This subject obeys,¡± Imperial Physician Gao answered as he nced at Fang Tang.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the sword in Fang Tang¡¯s hand that was resting on Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s neck and decided she couldn¡¯t pretend not to see a thing. Thus, she told Fang Tang, ¡°Let¡¯s be nicer to him.¡±

    Only then did Fang Tang remove his de and speak. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject will escort His Excellency Gao to retrieve the medicine.¡±

    ¡°Sure, go ahead. You guys can all leave, I¡¯ll be enough to watch over Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°That there, all of you go wash your hands. We¡¯ll start the mealter.¡±

    This time, the generals were all very respectful to Ning Xiaoyao as they bowed and left with Imperial Physician Gao in tow.

 Chapter 20: Overthinking is a sickness, treat it

    <h4>Chapter 20: Overthinking is a sickness, treat it</h4>

    Only Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui were left in the room. Right now, Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes were open, so she nced at him and hesitated before asking, ¡°Supreme Commander, do your injuries still hurt?¡±

    An exhausted Lou Zigui shut his eyes again. After going through Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s treatment and Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s bindings, the pain of his wounds were well within his realms of endurance, but he still felt hurt. This was the aftermath of being sliced at with a de, then gnawed on by hordes of angry people. The wretched scenes of blood, the dark scenes of being eaten alive, indignation, anger, hopelessness, and utter helplessnessbined to cause him pain.

    He tightened his grip on the brocade covering his body before burying his face in the pillow. Lou Zigui was like an injured animal that wanted to lick its wounds alone and suppress the agony that rose from the depths of his heart. But the pain still slowly wrapped itself around him until he had no escape.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palm before asking, ¡°You¡¯re in a lot of pain, then?¡±

    Lou Zigui muttered to himself in a low voice.

    Though Lou Zigui¡¯s words were very soft and garbled, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s superiorly evolved ears could hear him fine. Supreme Commander Lou was cursing people: wicked scoundrel, venomous empress dowager, fatuous, self-indulgent ruler.

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a bitter expression as she kept scratching at her palm. That father and mother pair were the wicked scoundrel and venomous empress dowager, but she really wasn¡¯t some fatuous ruler!

    ¡°Miaow, the ninny was cursed as a fatuous ruler!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s gloating tones drifted in from outside the window.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran to the window and looked outside, only to see not only cats and magpies, but ten or so sparrows in the tree, a few gray pigeons, and a weasel squatting amongst the flowering shrubs. Were they all lined up to see a big show? Ning Xiaoyao mmed the window shut. Why did she have to put on a show for them?

    Lou Zigui asked from the bed, ¡°Ning Yu, just what are you nning?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was silent. This guy was too fearless, wasn¡¯t he? Forget about how he¡¯d cursed her, but now he was directly calling her by name? She was still the emperor, after all. Was it because he was too intrepid and hard to tame, much less look after, so those two in the pce wanted him dead? (Author: Can you stop making wild conjectures? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Speak!¡± Lou Zigui exerted his effort to half rise up, looking at Ning Xiaoyao. He didn¡¯t even care about his life anymore, so why fear the emperor? Moreover, this was an emperor he didn¡¯t ept. The position belonged to the His Highness Crown Prince, but this person had only relied on his mother¡¯s n to kill his brother and usurp the throne!

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui¡¯s dry, peeling lips and ran to the table. She picked up the remaining bowl of ginseng lily soup and offered it to Lou Zigui with a fawning tone. ¡°Drink some sweet soup first, then we can talk.¡±

    Lou Zigui was half sitting, half lying down, his pretty, long and narrow eyes ring coldly at Ning Xiaoyao. That icy, vicious stare had no effect on her. How scary could he be,pared to a zombie?

    ¡°Your lips are peeling, just drink some,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pressed the bowl directly to Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth. ¡°Try some, it¡¯s really tasty.¡±

    ¡°Just what do you want to do?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t believe that Ning Yu would be enemies with the Xie father and mother pair just for the sake of saving him. Aside from the fact that she was Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s own son, just her position as emperor relied on Empress Dowager Xie and the Xie n¡¯s support. Would this person destroy his greatest source of strength just for him, who was on the crown prince¡¯s side? Nobody that foolish existed in this world.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do anything,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You were falsely used, so I had to save you.¡±

    ¡°Heh,¡± Lou Ziguiughed coldly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®heheh,¡¯ speak normally,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°Do you want me to offer up military leadership with my two hands?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth. What did she want military leadership for? Since she didn¡¯t have to fight zombies anymore, was she going to need military power?

    ¡°The generals will turn unstable if I¡¯m killed,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly. ¡°So Xie Wenyuan ys the viin while you y the good guy. Xie Wenyuan sent me to the execution tform, while you rescued me off. The two of you had a falling-out to coax me into offering up the ck Frost Cavalry as a self-injury ruse[1. self-injury ruse (¿àÈâ¼Æ) - kurouji, a strategy where one inflicts injury to oneself to win the confidence of the enemy.]?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head grew dizzy at Lou Zigui¡¯s words. He¡¯d even brought up things like self-injury ruses, how could he think that way? Just what followed after what?

    ¡°Is it true?¡± Lou Zigui pressed. Besides this, he couldn¡¯t find a second reason that Ning Xiaoyao would save him.

    Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat and looked at Lou Zigui seriously. ¡°That there, overthinking is a sickness, you have to treat it!¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled coldly again. He was sick. The entire Yongning Dynasty was ill beyond curing, so how could he not be sick?

    ¡°Drink,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised the soup bowl. There was ginseng here, good for fortifying the body.

    ¡°Take it away,¡± Lou Zigui would¡¯ve overturned the bowl himself if his shoulder wasn¡¯t injured.

    Seeing that she was making no progress, Ning Xiaoyao grew fidgety. This person not only harbored delusions, but refused tomunicate with her. What now? She stood thinking for awhile before deciding there was only one solution.

    ¡°This is poison. Drink up. If you¡¯re afraid to die, just beg me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her chin and spoke in a tone that was just asking for a beating.

    Lou Zigui looked at the bowl.

    ¡°Scared?¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed.

    Lou Zigui took a deep breath, opened his mouth, and drank the soup. Since he knew he was set to die, why should he covet his life?

 Chapter 21: Supreme Commander and the fatuous ruler

    <h4>Chapter 21: Supreme Commander and the fatuous ruler</h4>

    In a sh, Lou Zigui had downed half the bowl of ginseng lily soup into his stomach. Now Ning Xiaoyao was satisfied. She quickly wiped his lips and said, ¡°Do you feel better after eating something? When you¡¯re sick, you have to listen to others.¡± So speaking, Ning Xiaoyao raised the bowl and polished off the other half herself.

    ¡°Fatuous ruler,¡± the fearless Lou Zigui gritted his teeth and cursed Ning Xiaoyao again after knowing he¡¯d been yed for a fool.

    An embarrassed Ning Xiaoyao awkwardly lowered her head.

    Lou Zigui felt a warm sensation rise up from his stomach to his chest. Immediately afterwards, he felt his body turn hot and a certain ce down there swell until it hurt. ¡°What did you give me to eat?!¡± Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lost her grip on the bowl as Lou Zigui grabbed her hand. The empty bowl ttered to the floor.

    In the space of these two sentences, Lou Zigui¡¯s entire body felt like it¡¯d been lit on fire. Even his eyes were burning red. Ning Xiaoyao waspletely floored. This shouldn¡¯t happen! Wait, why did she feel like she was burning up?

    Though Lou Zigui had been matched up with six potential marriages, the first three girls had been born from old, established families and either died from sickness or unnaturally violent deaths. Following that, his next three matches were from ordinary families so that the fourth son of the Lou family could at least have a concubine or two. But all of those girls had sickened and died before the wedding day as well. After the death of the sixth, no families beyond those wanting to sell their daughters for profit were willing to marry into the Lou family. Because the Lou family disdained those families with calcting schemes, and because none of the good families wanted to marry their daughters over, and also because the Lou father and brothers all died on the battlefield before their wives passed away in session, this Supreme Commander of Anyuan County had never tasted the vor of conjugal love between a man and woman.

    Lou Zigui only felt that his body was caught in the midst of a roaring fire that was burning him alive. This wasn¡¯t much better than being sliced to death with a thousand cuts. Feeling hot and dry, Lou Zigui raised his hands to scratch at his own skin.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hurried to press his hands down. No matter what happened, he couldn¡¯t y himself alive.

    Blood streamed out of Lou Zigui¡¯s nose.

    In the middle of treating herself, Ning Xiaoyao hurried to treat Lou Zigui¡¯s ¡°poison¡± as well. But the spread of the poison was too fast, so her legs copsed beneath her before she fell on top of Lou Zigui. Pale green light flickered in her palms as Ning Xiaoyao put up ast-ditch effort.

    It¡¯s that scent of grass and trees again, Lou Zigui thought as he held onto Ning Xiaoyao. More importantly, as far as Lou Zigui was concerned, he¡¯d held onto the scent that had enchanted him before. He turned over and pressed Ning Xiaoyao beneath his body.

    It¡¯s done for...

    These were thest three words to appear in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mind before she lost all rational thought.

    --

    The beaded curtains hanging over the dragon bed changed from violent motion to silent stillness in the amount of time it took to drink half a cup of tea. Ning Xiaoyao listened to the sounds of Lou Zigui¡¯s heavy breathing and foolishly spoke a few words from her medical experience. ¡°Don¡¯t let it weigh on your heart. It¡¯s easy to get excited the first time, but it¡¯llst longer when you have more experience.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes were fixed on Ning Xiaoyao, his drug-ridden red eyes slowly fading back to ck. Once the pressure upon him had been relieved, his sluggish expression turned into a mixture of rm and anger. Ning Xiaoyao boxed herself in the ears. Was now the time to talk about how long hested?! In the apocalypse, any person who took a fancy to another could find a ce for them to roll in the sheets together. Humans that existed in a world where death was imminent lived hedonist lifestyles and found joys where they could. Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t found anyone who caught her eye during her 18 years there, but neither had she embraced any high moral principles before. She didn¡¯t think that sleeping together was a big deal. In any case, she didn¡¯t find the sight of Lou Zigui annoying either, and was more preupied with how to exin to him about her gender. After finding out she was female, would he just kill her directly?!

    Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze shifted from her face downwards before he pulled at her clothes. As they ripped, Supreme Commander Lou violently shrank back. How could this be?

    Ning Xiaoyao scrambled up and prepared to flee. Since she couldn¡¯t fool around anymore, she might as well escape! But Lou Zigui reached out a hand and held her in ce.

    ¡°You, you¡¯re a female?!¡± He didn¡¯t dare say it out loud, but asked her in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao darted a nce at Lou Zigui¡¯s naked lower body. Lou Zigui followed her gaze to see the spots of blood on the dragon bed, before his face turned ghastly pale. He then promptly grabbed the covers and wrapped her up.

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Your shoulder¡¯s bleeding again.¡± Though their actions just then were short-lived, it was as violent as a battlefield. Even now, she¡¯d yet to close her legs.

    ¡°Be quiet!¡± Lou Zigui hissed in a low voice.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shut her mouth.

    Lou Zigui spaced out as hey down. After that bout of self-satisfaction, he currently felt like falling apart. Ning Xiaoyao got off the bed while wrapped in bedcovers and went to look for clothes in a chest. Her pants were dirty and her shirt was torn. Even the bindings across her chest had been ripped in half by that guy on the bed. Ning Xiaoyao rejoiced that Supreme Commander Lou had only torn her clothes and not her actual person.

    Lou Zigui slowly turned his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao. Right now, it was already dark outside the window, and themps in the room weren¡¯t lit. Ning Xiaoyao stood in a mass of darkness as she clumsily put on her clothes, trembling in a way that made Lou Zigui feel pity for her sake. After his mental copse, he¡¯d forced himself to calm down. There were some secrets that only need to expose a thread before the discoverer could use it to weave a cocoon and find out the whole story.

    Ning Yu [1. Ning Yu (ÄþÓñ) - name of the original owner of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s body.] was a premature baby born at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate from Empress Dowager Xie after she¡¯d asked for permission to leave the pce and visit her parents¡¯ home. A senior monk had asserted through fortune-telling that she and her baby should keep their distance, so thete emperor had left Ning Yu to grow up in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Before he became emperor, he¡¯d never taken a single step into the pce. Now that he thought back, Concubine Xie had been seven-months pregnant when she used all sorts of ways to get out of the pce and see family despite the risk to her body. Then she had a premature birth, fell severely ill, and gotten her fortune told by a senior monk. In the end, all of this was just a y by the Xie father and mother pair so they could change their imperial daughter into an imperial son.

    How could a female be emperor? Even if Ning Yu could reign for a while, as soon as Ning Xin grew up, she¡¯d be a useless chess piece. Could the Xie father and mother pair allow such a cmity to exist then?

    Lou Zigui knitted his brows. If he threw Ning Yu out and exposed her now, he could ruin Empress Dowager Xie and the entire Xie n, thus getting revenge for the crown prince. But he hesitated after seeing that lone silhouette moving in the ckness.

    --

    After putting on her clothes, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t dare to turn around and look at Lou Zigui, but mumbled, ¡°I want to leave and find some peace and quiet.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t hear her clearly.

    Ning Xiaoyao was in front of the window within a few steps. She opened it up and jumped outside. Now that Supreme Commander Lou knew she was a girl, he¡¯d feel even more strongly that the crown prince had died unjustly. If she didn¡¯t want to be beaten to death, she had to run away!

    ¡°... ...¡± As Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao jump out the window like a rabbit, he couldn¡¯t help but feel shortchanged somewhere.

    ¡°The ninny changed her clothes!¡± Wifey Magpie saw Ning Xiaoyao from her branch and spread open her wings to cry out.

    ¡°She smells like she just did naughty business,¡± Big Boss ck shouted. ¡°This ninny bullied my Supreme Commander!¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was speechless. Did that ck furball think he was some loyal dog? Wait a minute, Ning Xiaoyao stared at the four cats in the flower bed. What did that long-haired cat say in the side hall? The two bowls were different colors? Cats can only see ck, white, and gray, right?

    ¡°Is the ninny going to be Supreme Commander¡¯s wife?¡± a little sparrow asked.

    Big Boss ck red hatefully at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to jump back in the window. In front of Lou Zigui¡¯s stunned stare, she found the dropped bowl that had rolled beneath the bed. It hadn¡¯t broken, so she grabbed it before leaping out the window again. The four cats were still crouched in the flower beds, except now all four were ring hatefully her way instead of just Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave the bowl to the long-haired white cat. ¡°What color is this bowl?¡±

    Without the slightest hesitation, the white cat said, ¡°Red.¡±

    Life is hard enough as it is, don¡¯t burst my bubble!

    Ning Xiaoyao smashed the indigo-blue bowl. She¡¯d actually fallen to ruin via a colorblind cat! Startled by her actions, the cats rushed into the flower clusters. Though they didn¡¯t think much of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s IQ, they knew as cats that humans were dangerous. Ning Xiaoyao hung her head as she walked out of the courtyard. She might as well find something to eat first and fill her stomach.

    When her figure had disappeared, the little kitten asked Big Boss ck, ¡°Will Supreme Commander marry the ninny?¡±

    ¡°Why does Supreme Commander have to marry a ninny? Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck expressed his disapproval. Ever since Supreme Commander Lou had saved him from being trampled beneath a horse five years ago, Big Boss ck had treated Supreme Commander as his benefactor and the best person in the world. Even Jiao Jiao, the female Persian cat in the Ministry of Work¡¯s high official¡¯s estate, wasn¡¯t a good enough match for Supreme Commander. This ninny Ning Yu wasn¡¯t even as attractive as Jiao Jiao, nor as intelligent, nor aspetent. So a ninny like her was even less of an ideal match!

    At this moment, the weasel who had been keeping quiet the whole time spoke up. ¡°Haven¡¯t any of you realized?¡±

    ¡°Great Immortal, what do we need to realize?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Yellow Great Immortal blinked his bean-like eyes and said, ¡°The ninny can understand our speech. Just then, she was talking to Little White.¡±

    All of the little animals in the courtyard went ¦²(¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, that really seemed to be the case!

    --

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Fang Tang stood before the doors of the bedroom and knocked, a food box in his hands.

    On the dragon bed, Lou Zigui pinched the area between his eyebrows.

    After calling ¡®Your Majesty¡¯ a few times without reaction, Fang Tang cried, ¡°Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui forcefully covered himself with the covers and sniffed the air. Seeing that the distinctive smell about the bed had faded somewhat, he answered, ¡°Come in.¡±

    Fang Tang couldn¡¯t hear the activity that had gone on in the room was preparing to charge in when Lou Zigui spoke. He hastily pushed open the door and stepped inside. Lou Zigui looked up as he stood by the door.

    Fang Tang held the food box as he examined Lou Zigui¡¯splexion. ¡°Supreme Commander, His Majesty¡¯s not here?¡±

    ¡°He jumped out the window,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    The young General Fang fell silent. Why did His Majesty jump out the window?

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Fang Tang quickly raised up the food box for Lou Zigui to see. ¡°Supreme Commander, the imperial kitchens cooked porridge for you. They even specially stewed sweet soup.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyebrows twitched. Sweet soup currently left him with nothing but bad impressions!

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao: *omnomnomnom*

    Ning Xiaoyao: Obviously, food makes everything better!

    [/expand]

 Chapter 22: The gyrfalcon asks for help

    <h4>Chapter 22: The gyrfalcon asks for help</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao flipped over the wall to leave the Supreme Splendor Hall and stood outside sniffing the air. She couldn¡¯t catch whiff of the kitchens, so she gave the wall an unhappy kick. Because she¡¯d used a little too much strength, the wall trembled twice before bits of sand and rock fell down from the top. Startled, Ning Xiaoyao stood there in a daze until she saw that the wall was still intact. Only then did she release a breath of relief. What could she do if they made her pay for a fallen wall? (Author: Can you be a little more conscious of your identity as an emperor? ¨r(¨s©n¨t£©¨q )

    Rubbing her stomach, Ning Xiaoyao decided to walk around. She could definitely find something to eat in an Imperial Pce asrge as this.

    At the same time, Grand Preceptor Xie was standing on a paved path near the Supreme Splendor Hall. Against the evening light, its eaves curved up towards the horizon, the zed tiles of the roof ridges stretching out into the north sky. Though they were submerged in darkness, these sleeping quarters of the emperor and empress had existed through sessive dynasties of Ning surname sovereigns. No matter who was its master, it would always stand tall and lofty, momentous and imposing.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± a head eunuch hastily ran to his side before bowing and speaking in a low voice. ¡°This servant greets Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°How is Lou Zigui doing?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The head eunuch shook his head. ¡°His Majesty settled him in the main sleeping quarters. This servant isn¡¯t clear about any specifics.¡±

    ¡°Those men from the ck Frost Cavalry were left in the pce by His Majesty, too?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked again.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the head eunuch said. ¡°Those generals didn¡¯t allow this servant to approach the sleeping quarters. This servant couldn¡¯t see His Majesty, nor find out whether this was truly His Majesty¡¯s decree. Oh, Grand Preceptor, those generals brought an imperial physician to the rooms. This servant heard that the physician examined Lou Zigui¡¯s injuries.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was certain that Lou Zigui would die within three days, so he didn¡¯t care whether or not he had a physician. Instead he said, ¡°If they want medicine, just give it to them. Give them anything they want, don¡¯t enrage His Majesty.¡±

    The head eunuch hurried to bow. ¡°Yes, this servant understands.¡±

    ¡°At the assembly three dayster, that is, His Majesty¡¯s first time in court,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°I¡¯ll go meet His Majesty up front. You¡¯ll all need to make preparations.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said the head eunuch.

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled coldly as he looked at the tall Supreme Splendor Hall. Admittedly, he¡¯d been wrong about Ning Yu, but she was too naive if she wanted to rely on Lou Zigui to free herself. Three dayster, when Lou Zigui died from poison, he¡¯d like to see Ning Yu¡¯s expression when she sat in the Hall of Golden Chimes[1. Hall of Golden Chimes (½ðöÇµî) - jinluandian, a popr name for the emperor¡¯s audience hall in the imperial pce.] after her wasted efforts. How would she face all the officials and the other imperial sons who missed their chance at the throne?

    The head eunuch saw Grand Preceptor Xie off as he swaggered away. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was standing behind a stone seat on the paved road, digging her fingers into her palms. She had to go to an assembly in three days? She was screwed again. What was an assembly? She didn¡¯t understand a thing!

    --

    After Grand Preceptor Xie left, the head eunuch straightened up and beckoned towards the direction of the Supreme Splendor Hall. A few nearby eunuchs hastened to his side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with the Supreme Splendor Hall anymore, tell everyone to withdraw,¡± the head eunuch told the rest. ¡°Whatever those military men want, give them. Prepare well for His Majesty¡¯s assembly in three days¡¯ time.¡±

    The other eunuchs all expressed noises of assent.

    Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes at the head eunuch. This guy had even sent people to keep a watch on her? Could she still live happily if he existed? She lifted her eyes to look at the block of stone that acted as a seat by her side. Actually, it was antern stand, but because the previous emperor had passed away only recently, the Imperial Pce didn¡¯t allow any bright lights to be lit. Right now thisntern stand didn''t have any candles, so it just looked like a giant block of stone in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes.

    The head eunuch said, ¡°All of you, go back. I¡¯ll go see the empress dowager.¡±

    The little eunuchs bowed to send the head eunuch off. Seeing hime closer and closer, Ning Xiaoyao stuck out a hand and pushed the block of stone by her side. The force of her push broke the stand in half, and the top half toppled perfectly on top of the head eunuch, knocking him to the ground. He gave out a piteous cry before fainting beneath the pile of rubble, scaring the other eunuchs silly.

    Ning Xiaoyao dusted off her palms and said, ¡°He¡¯s wounded and disabled. Take him to the empress dowager¡¯s hall to treat his wounds. Eh, all of you can look after him there, there¡¯s no need toe back.¡±

    The eunuchs stared at Ning Xiaoyao, who stood up straighter.

    ¡°What are you doing? You guys want to beat me up?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t an emperor who took the rule when she came of age, so her words sounded far less effective than Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s. But even so, the eunuchs didn¡¯t dare disrespect her. They knelt on the ground and kowtowed to her, afraid to even spare the head eunuch a nce. Ning Xiaoyao stepped aside to avoid their bows and looked at the head eunuch buried beneath the rock. His head had been split open, his left leg broken, his right hand fractured to the bones. Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. She¡¯d used too much strength and left him in a terrible state.

    With a cough, she said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to beat me up, then save him.¡±

    The eunuchs crawled up from the ground and ran to the head eunuch¡¯s side. They stood by his crushed form, at a loss.

    ¡°Move the stone first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told them. The eunuchs hastened to shift the stone. Ning Xiaoyao was about to leave when she turned back to ask, ¡°Can someone tell me where the kitchens are?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said the eunuchs. Calling the imperial kitchens a simple ¡®kitchen¡¯ was a type ofmon speech they hadn¡¯t heard since entering the pce. One eunuch raised a hand to point out the directions as he shook with fear. The rest of the eunuchs were shaking too as they lifted the rock. Before today, none of them had feared His Majesty because he¡¯d been sniveling and tugging on the empress dowager as soon as he entered the pce. If anything, he seemed even more cowardly than them. But now, hehe, the eunuchs had to say, just look at the aftermath of their head. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t know their thoughts and threw a thanks at the eunuch who pointed out the way before rushing towards the imperial kitchens.

    ¡°His, His Majesty gave thanks to me,¡± the eunuch was stunned silly by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. He could hardly believe it as he told hispanions.

    ¡°... ...¡± None of the other eunuchs could believe it, either!

    Before Ning Xiaoyao got very far, a still young gyrfalcon fell from the skies tond at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet. If Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t withdrawn her foot in time, she would¡¯ve stepped on him.

    ¡°Big Boss ck says you understand what they say,¡± the gyrfalcon said. ¡°Can you understand me, too?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°What did you find me for?¡±

    ¡°Please save my master!¡± the little gyrfalcon tried his best to lift his head and look at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I can help you catch lots and lots of rabbits.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. Couldn¡¯t she catch her own rabbits if she wanted them? ¡°Who¡¯s your master?¡± Ning Xiaoyao squatted down to ask.

    ¡°My master¡¯s themander of the Dragon Guards[2. Dragon Guards (Áú½ûÎÀ) - long jinwei, imperial bodyguards specially tasked with protecting the emperor.], his name is Shadowgale,[3. Shadowgale(Ó°·ç) - Ying Feng. Ying means ¡°shadow,¡± Feng means ¡°wind.¡±]¡± said the gyrfalcon. ¡°The empress dowager said thete emperor left a decree at his death to bury his Dragon Guards alive with the dead.¡±

    ¡°Whaaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Bury alive with the dead?¡±

    ¡°That is, they want my master to die,¡± the gyrfalcon cried.

    ¡°I know what ¡®bury alive with the dead¡¯ means,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°But did thete emperor say suchst words?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fake!¡± the gyrfalcon grew agitated, its voice loud and shrill. ¡°Thete emperor clearly said for my master to protect the new emperor well! My master said, the Dragon Guards are only loyal to the emperor.¡±

    Then wouldn¡¯t these Dragon Guards be the bodyguards left to her by that conveniently dead dude? Ning Xiaoyao was surprised. ¡°Why does the empress dowager want to kill them?¡±

    ¡°Grandpa Ash said they heard that wretch, the Grand Preceptor, telling the empress dowager that my master and his men couldn¡¯t stay,¡± the gyrfalcon sounded indignant. ¡°They couldn¡¯t allow the Imperial Pce to have people who only listened to the emperor. Awoooo, I want to eat them up!¡± the gyrfalcon furiously pped his wings.

    ¡°Stay calm, stay calm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly picked up the gyrfalcon in her embrace, smoothing its feathers as sheforted, ¡°You¡¯re a falcon, not a wolf. Don¡¯t learn to howl like one.¡±

    Arge piece of skin was missing from the gyrfalcon¡¯s left leg, the injury a result of his struggles from the rope that restrained him. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s finger shone with green light before the injury healed. Mm, Ning Xiaoyao nodded, looks like it¡¯s no problem if I treat small injuries like these.

    The gyrfalcon nced at the leg that had stopped hurting before rubbing his head against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. ¡°Your Majesty, save my master. The empress dowager¡¯s nning to kill him tonight. If you save my master, not only will I catch you lots of rabbits, I¡¯ll even tell Big Boss ck that you¡¯re a good match for Supreme Commander. If Big Boss ck won¡¯t let the two of you get together, I¡¯ll peck his butt!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was left feeling awkward. What did her rtionship with Supreme Commander have anything to do with that fat ck furball? Was there ever a cat that liked to meddle in other people¡¯s business like that one?!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the gyrfalcon cried. A falcon should have a sharp and keen-eyed stare, but this little falcon¡¯s eyes were full of tears. If Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t agree, he was going to cry.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up. ¡°Lead the way, I¡¯ll go save your master.¡± If an innocent person was going to get hurt, why wouldn¡¯t she go save him?

    The gyrfalcon immediately cheered up and flew up from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms. He led the way as he spoke, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re a good person!¡±

    ¡°Mm, I think I¡¯m one too,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°That¡¯s right, who was that Grandpa Ash you mentioned just then?¡±

    ¡°Grandpa Ash is the old mouse who lives at the empress dowager¡¯s hall. Besides Grandpa Tortoise who lives in the ancestral hall, Grandpa Ash is the oldest one here in the pce,¡± the gyrfalcon exined.

    ¡°... ...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. A falcon calling a mouse ¡®grandpa?¡¯ This wasn¡¯t scientific!

    A ck shadow suddenly scurried out from a grove of trees beside the road to stop at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet with a cry. ¡°Miaow.¡±

    ¡°Miaow your sister,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°All I did was get Supreme Commanderid. You going to bite me?¡±

    Big Boss ck looked coldly at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Ninny, stop your wishful thinking. Supreme Commander deserves a better girl.¡±

    Was this enough, or what? Ning Xiaoyao wanted to kill this fat cat with a kick. ¡°Like hell you know,¡± she cursed him.

    ¡°I won¡¯t lower myself to the same level as a ninny like you,¡± Big Boss ck bared his fangs.

    The gyrfalcon stood on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and shouted, ¡°Scram! I¡¯m going to save my master!¡±

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°The empress dowager has thete emperor¡¯s testamentary decree, so how are you two supposed to save him? Ninny, can you really defy your father¡¯s words?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t those words fake?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Big Boss ck swished his tail. ¡°Then how are you going to prove it?¡±

    ¡°The empress dowager was the one to bring out the decree,¡± said the weasel called Great Immortal as he ran out of the copse as well. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Falsifying an imperial decree is a death sentence. Your Majesty, do you want the empress dowager dead?¡±

 Chapter 23: The Dragon Guards to be buried alive by imperial decree

    <h4>Chapter 23: The Dragon Guards to be buried alive by imperial decree</h4>

    ¡°If I say the testamentary edict was faked, will the empress dowager be condemned to death?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes fired up. If it was that simple to defeat one of her enemies, wouldn¡¯t she be able to live happily in this world afterwards?

    ¡°Do you have proof?¡± Big Boss ck raised his head and nted his eyes at Ning Xiaoyao. Why couldn¡¯t this ninny understand the situation?

    ¡°The testamentary edict should have the emperor¡¯s stamp, you know,¡± Yellow Great Immortal said.

    ¡°What¡¯s the emperor¡¯s stamp?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°The Imperial Jade Seal,¡± Big Boss ck said. ¡°Do you know what that is?¡±

    This, Ning Xiaoyao actually knew. She¡¯d heard old people say how the imperial jade seal was the emperor¡¯s stamp. An emperor without the Imperial Jade Seal gained an unrighteous name and unfavorable words. ¡°The Imperial Jade Seal¡¯s with the empress dowager?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed. Did she have any respect left as the emperor?

    ¡°That woman, Empress Dowager Xie, is nning to hold court behind a screen[1. hold court behind a screen (´¹Á±ÌýÕþ) - chuilian tingzheng, to sit behind a screen and receive ministerial reports, usually done by an empress regent in the imperial court, who was supposed to be concealed from the sight of ministers at audience.] on the day of the assembly,¡± Big Boss ck drove another knife into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart. ¡°Your own mother¡¯s going to be a female emperor, ah, miaow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know what ''holding court behind a screen¡¯ meant, but as an otherworlder, she understood the implications of a ¡®female emperor.¡¯ In other words, she was to squat at the wall while Empress Dowager Xie sat on the dragon throne. No wonder that woman got rid of her daughter in the end!

    By now, the gyrfalcon had gotten impatient listening from the side. ¡°So His Majesty can¡¯t save my master?¡± he whined intively.

    Ning Xiaoyao swore she saw tears stream out from the gyrfalcon¡¯s eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± she waved a hand. If she could save Supreme Commander Lou from the execution tform, then she could save the gyrfalcon¡¯s master, too.

    ¡°What do you n on doing then?¡± Yellow Great Immortal asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms before saying outrageously, ¡°What¡¯s there to fear? If the empress dowager doesn¡¯t let them go, I¡¯ll just die. Once I¡¯m dead, how will she keep being the empress dowager? Hehe.¡± If that little brother of hers could be emperor now, would that father and mother pair be in a such a rush to make her emperor instead? Thinking up to here, Ning Xiaoyao felt reassured by the reality of the situation.

    ¡°S-so shameless.¡± Yellow Great Immortal hadn¡¯t been surprised that Ning Xiaoyao knew animal speech, but he was shocked now.

    ¡°Hm hm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao humphed, and told the gyrfalcon, ¡°Lead the way, we¡¯re going to save your master.¡±

    Big Boss ck and Yellow Great Immortal exchanged nces before following after her. They had to see what would happen.

    --

    Currently, Lou Zigui was sitting with his back leaning against a chair in an audience hall with difficulty. He looked gloomily at a youth covered in blood and said, ¡°You¡¯re Shadowrain?[2. Shadowrain (Ó°Óê) - Ying Yu. Ying means ¡°shadow,¡± Yu means ¡°rain.¡±]¡±

    Fang Tang brought out a chair, while two generals on either side of the youth helped him sit down.

    ¡°You came to look for His Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui asked. The youth stared at him.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for us, you¡¯d be dead outside the Imperial Pce by now,¡± Fang Tang said. ¡°You think this is a ce you can charge in casually?¡±

    A few generals coughed lightly. It seemed that they¡¯d charged right on in when it was daylight. Lou Zigui stared at the badly mangled chest of the youth and told a general at his side, ¡°Call for Imperial Physician Gao.¡±

    The general replied an affirmative before walking out with quick steps.

    ¡°You¡¯re one of the four mainmanders of the Dragon Guards,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Why do you look like a prisoner now?¡±

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager took out the testamentary edict of thete emperor,¡± the gaunt and bony Shadowrain had an excessively delicate-looking face that was now filled with anger. ¡°She said thete emperor wanted us Dragon Guards to be buried alive with him after death.¡±

    ¡°What!?¡± the generals cried out in surprise.

    Lou Zigui lightly shook his head. The Dragon Guards were only loyal to the emperor, so to make Ning Yu into a puppet, they had to be eliminated and reced with one¡¯s own people as his bodyguards. Without a doubt, this was the Xie father and mother¡¯s way to ensure that absolutely nothing could go amiss.

    Fang Tang felt a trace of fear as he asked, ¡°If we hadn¡¯t gone to the Imperial Physician Courtyard to get medicine just then, how would you have gotten into the Supreme Splendor Hall?¡± If he hadn¡¯t recognized Shadowrain, Fang Tang thought, he wouldn¡¯t have saved him, either.

    ¡°I-I want to see His Majesty.¡± Shadowrain said in a low voice.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s not here.¡± Right now, it wasn¡¯t convenient for Lou Zigui to say how Ning Xiaoyao had jumped out the window and fled.

    At this, Shadowrain lost all hope. ¡°His Majesty...His Majesty went over to esteemed empress dowager¡¯s ce?¡±

    ¡°Where were you all imprisoned?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°How did you escape?¡±

    ¡°Where is His Majesty?¡± Shadowrain was still stubborn on this point.

    ¡°His Majesty isn¡¯t at the Supreme Splendor Hall,¡± Fang Tang said. ¡°We don¡¯t know where he went either.¡±

    The disheartened Shadowrain had nothing more to say. The new emperor was thest hope for the Dragon Guards, so even if he knew the sovereign was Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s own son, they still had to give him a try. They were useful servants, after all, so perhaps His Majesty could save them on ount of their usefulness? But where was he supposed to find His Majesty now? By the time he did, would his fellow brothers still be alive on this Earth?

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± the general standing behind Lou Zigui¡¯s right bent down to ask him.

    ¡°How do we know you¡¯re not sent by the empress dowager herself to send Supreme Commander to his death?¡± At this moment, the shrewd and astute Deputy General Song Jin[3. Song Jin (ËÎ½÷) - Song is a surname, Jin means ¡°careful, cautious, solemn, sincere.¡±] under Lou Zigui¡¯smand spoke up. ¡°Do you want our Supreme Commander to disobey thete emperor¡¯s testamentary edict?¡±

    ¡°I know the tortoise breathing technique,¡± Shadowrain hastened to exin. ¡°The Hall of Punishment thought I died. I escaped while they were moving out dead bodies.¡±

    ¡°The wound on your chest was from torture,¡± Lou Zigui said with effort. ¡°If it was me, I¡¯d sh your heart and wait to send out your corpses with your fellow Dragon Guard brothers after they died. Since you were going to die anyways, why would I bother doing the same thing twice?¡±

    Shadowrain was startled by Lou Zigui¡¯s words. He hadn¡¯t escaped through luck, but because someone allowed him to flee intentionally?

    Song Jin nodded. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s words are right. The one who let you go knew you¡¯de ask for help at the Supreme Splendor Hall because His Majesty¡¯s the only one who can save you. That person knows our Supreme Commander is here, so as long you shouted loud enough, our Supreme Commander and Fang Tang would both recognize you and save you.¡±

    ¡°Is that person Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡± Fang Tang tightened his fists. After being schemed against again and again, few would be able to keep their cool.

    ¡°Was there really a testamentary edict from the previous emperor?¡± Lou Zigui asked Shadowrain.

    ¡°None,¡± Shadowrain shouted, unable to control his depression. ¡°Thete emperor ordered us to devote ourselves to the new emperor. Since he told us that, why would he order us to be buried alive with him?!¡±

    Song Jin walked to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and bent down to speak in a low voice. ¡°Since the esteemed empress dowager says there¡¯s a testamentary edict, then it must exist. Moreover, His Majesty hasn¡¯t officiallye of age and taken the reigns of rule, so the Imperial Jade Seal must be with the empress dowager as well. Supreme Commander, if we defy thete emperor¡¯s testamentary edict, it¡¯ll be a death sentence.¡±

    ¡°Even if I want to save someone, what can a few people like us do to get them out of the Hall of Punishment?¡± Lou Zigui asked quietly.

    Song Jin shook his head and sucked in a breath. Right now, they had enough trouble preserving themselves, much less rescuing others.

    ¡°These Dragon Guards were personally trained by my father, the Supreme Commander,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s face was unusually pale. If he really thought about it, he and these Dragon Guards were fellow apprentices of the same master.

    Song Jin quickly shook his head. ¡°Supreme Commander,ck of tolerance in small matters upsets great ns. His Majesty hasn¡¯t officiallye of age yet. He can save you once, but not necessarily twice.¡±

    Shadowrain couldn¡¯t hear Lou Zigui and Song Jin¡¯s words clearly, but propped himself by the armrest of the chair to stand up shakily. He bowed towards Lou Zigui and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, Shadowrain takes his leave.¡±

    Fang Tang was quick to speak. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Shadowrain smiled ¡°Back to the Hall of Punishment.¡±

    ¡°You want to go back and die?¡± Fang Tang reached out a hand to hold Shadowrain back.

    ¡°I can¡¯t save my brothers if I¡¯m alive, and I¡¯d implicate Supreme Commander as well,¡± Shadowrain smiled mildly. ¡°I can¡¯t live on by myself.¡±

    Lou Zigui was about to speak when the ground beneath them suddenly shook.

    ¡°The ground moved?¡± a few generals cried out. It had only happened once. The night insects outside kept on with their cries as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°The southwest.¡± Though it¡¯d only happened in a sh, Lou Zigui could still pinpoint the direction of the disturbance.

    Hearing this, Shadowrain eximed, ¡°The direction of the Hall of Punishment?¡±

    --

    At the front gates to the Hall of Punishment, Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her aching hand that had punched the door. This door really is too solid. She¡¯d kicked and pounded enough to shake the earth, but it still wouldn¡¯t fall over!

    The gyrfalcon circled around in the air beforending on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯s people inside.¡±

    ¡°I know there¡¯s people inside,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said unhappily. ¡°I can hear them all breathing, hey!¡± She continued to pound on the door as she shouted, ¡°I¡¯m the emperor, you dare treat me like I¡¯m dead?! I¡¯ll kill your entire family! Hear that? Your entire family!¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal was right next to Ning Xiaoyao as he spoke. ¡°That¡¯s called the nine familial exterminations.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right. I¡¯ll exterminate your nine families, open the door!¡± Ning Xiaoyao started kicking it again. The cast copper door had already caved in from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s kicks and punches, but even in its distorted form it didn¡¯t fall over.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager.¡± Inside the Hall of Punishment, the empress dowager¡¯s Lai mama [4. mama (æÖæÖ) - a form of address for an elderly female servant, also a wet nurse.] bowed rather fearfully to the seated matron as she spoke in a low voice. ¡°Things can¡¯t keep going on like this.¡± Even if the empress dowager was His Majesty¡¯s own mother, she couldn¡¯t be so disrespectful to the emperor.

    Empress Dowager Xie had ordered her people to let Shadowrain escape and arranged 500 archers in the Hall of Punishment. She knew that Lou Zigui was too severely injured toe, but she was waiting for his high-ranking military officers to show up instead. If they defied the posthumous edict of thete emperor, then Lou Zigui wouldn¡¯t escape death, either. Empress Dowager Xie had also considered that she wouldn¡¯t suffer any losses even if Lou Zigui steeled his heart and didn¡¯t help at all. Even with all her nning, she never expected His Majesty himself toe instead!

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw that the doors still weren¡¯t opening even after she threatened to kill families, she decided to scale the walls instead. Big Boss ck and Yellow Great Immortal saw her scrabble up the side and ran off to the western wall of the Hall of Punishment, where there was a dog tunnel for them to enter through.

    At the same time, Empress Dowager Xie told Lai mama, ¡°You go, coax His Majesty away. Burying someone with the dead is a great matter. No one¡¯s allowed to disrespect thete emperor!¡±

    Lai mama was about to leave when another mama near the empress dowager said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, H-His Majesty¡¯s on top of the wall.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie raised her head and looked up at the three-meters tall wall surrounding the Hall of Punishment¡¯s courtyard. Her daughter was crouched on top...

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t spot Empress Dowager Xie sitting beneath the eaves. Instead, her attention was on the dense, dark group of people kneeling on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs. All of them were going to be buried with the dead?!

 Chapter 24: Sharp swords or human lives?

    <h4>Chapter 24: Sharp swords or human lives?</h4>

    ¡°That one¡¯s my master!¡± the little gyrfalcon pped his wings as he danced on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face was soundly smacked a few times by the gyrfalcon¡¯s wings until she almost toppled off the wall.

    ¡°Calm down, calm down,¡± Ning Xiaoyao covered her face as she said in a low voice. ¡°Right now, we have to stay cool!¡± All of the people in the courtyard were kneeling and dressed in ck. She really couldn¡¯t tell which one was Shadowgale, ah!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Dowager Xie stood up from her seat and walked out from beneath the eaves. She stood at the top of the steps and looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Awoo awoo awoo,¡± the little gyrfalcon cried out at the sight. ¡°It¡¯s that bad woman! I want to peck her to death!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao grabbed onto the gyrfalcon before he charged. ¡°Can¡¯t we calm down a bit? There¡¯s a bunch of people holding bows and arrows down there. You want to be turned into a hedgehog? I can¡¯t even kill that woman, so you think you can?¡±

    ¡°Awoo awoo awoo...¡± the gyrfalcon looked unresigned.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao only held onto him. No helping it, falcon beaks are sharp, so you can¡¯t muffle them.

    ¡°Your Majesty?!¡± Empress Dowager Xie eximed again, her voice filled with bitter pain.

    Ning Xiaoyao held onto the gyrfalcon and jumped off the wall. The courtdies and mama who saw her leap from three meters up all shouted in rm from fright. Empress Dowager Xie was scared as well; Ning Yu couldn''t die right now! But her eyes shone with a sinister light as she saw Ning Xiaoyaond harmlessly on her feet. The empress dowager didn''t believe it before, but after seeing hernd soundlessly with her own two eyes, she was convinced that this daughter of hers not only knew martial arts, but was a high-level expert.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted the gyrfalcon¡¯s head and said, ¡°Calm down. You can only start fighting after I start.¡±

    ¡°When does Your Majesty n to start fighting?¡± the gyrfalcon asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao warmed up her still aching hand and said, ¡°We¡¯ll talk reason first. If that doesn''t work, we¡¯ll fight.¡± Ning Xiaoyao saw that Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s gaze was very unkind. When she had seen the empress dowager kill her own daughter, she''d considered the woman ruthless, but Ning Yu¡¯s bad ending was caused by her own weaknesses as well. She brought it onto herself by misjudging others. But right now, all Ning Xiaoyao felt towards Empress Dowager Xie was annoyance. During the apocalypse, members of the military like her put their lives on the line and sacrificed themselves like martyrs to give humankind a chance to survive. What was this woman doing now? Using a lie, she snatched away hundreds of innocent lives? She was unforgivable!

    Hacking at zombies didn''t require plots or schemes, nor had anything taught Ning Xiaoyao how to hide her intentions, so her feelings were written all over her face. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s fingers dug into her palms. Ning Yu harbored killing intent towards her. Her daughter wanted her dead!

    ¡°You guys have no reaction despite seeing the emperor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the people in the courtyard. Don''t treat her as an ignoramus, all right? She''d seen videos of ancient costume dramas before, you had to kneel upon seeing the emperor!

    ¡°Your servant greets Your Majesty.¡± Old Servant Lai was the first to react, and knelt before Ning Xiaoyao.

    The people in the courtyard seem to wake from a dream as they all knelt down to pay their respects by wishing her ten thousand years of longevity. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Empress Dowager Xie. So did the gyrfalcon, who was prepared to fly over at a moment¡¯s notice to peck all over her face.

    Big Boss ck, who had crawled through the dog hole with Yellow Great Immortal and was now hiding behind a Chinese rose tree, asked the other, ¡°What are the ninny and the gyrfalcon doing?¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal rolled its beady eyes before shouting, ¡°That''s your biological mother, and you want her to kneel? Wake up!¡±

    ¡°...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°The imperial astronomers calcted this day to send off the Dragon Guards in service to thete emperor. Did Your Majestye to send them off as well?¡±

    ¡°Pay your respects,¡± Yellow Great Immortal shouted. His words were just sounds to other humans that sounded like coughing.

    ¡°What was that noise?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood stark straight. Ask her to pay respects to this woman? She¡¯d rather die! Raising a hand to halt the eunuch who was preparing to look for Yellow Great Immortal, she spoke. ¡°Now isn''t the time to worry about such matters.¡±

    ¡°Then Your Majesty¡¯s meaning is?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the officials standing on left and right and said, ¡°I...¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal shouted out again. ¡°You have to call yourself Zhen![1. Zhen (ëÞ) - the royal ¡°We,¡± a self-appetion used exclusively by the emperor.] Zhen!¡±

    An archer pointed his bow at the weasel behind the tree and raised his hand to shoot.

    ¡°Put that bow down for me!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted as she pointed at the offending archer. The gyrfalcon pecked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head as she spoke again. ¡°Listen to me, you...¡±

    The gyrfalcon continued to peck Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Put down that thing in your ws for Zhen,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. The archer lowered his bow, but it was still nocked with an arrow. A middle-aged man dressed in official¡¯s robes took two steps forward and bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao and Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager, three incense sticks have burned to the end. We can send off the Dragon Guards on their journey now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao unconsciously looked behind the official, where a long altar for incense burners stood. The incense burner was filled with ashes.

    ¡°This Dowager[2. aijia (°§¼Ò) - a personal pronoun used by a widowed empress to refer to herself.] understands,¡± Empress Dowager Xie gave a small wave of her hands before speaking to the Dragon Guards kneeling on the ground. ¡°When you meet with thete emperor, you have to serve him well.¡±

    An eunuch in charging to managing affairs brought along a group of young eunuchs to walk towards the Dragon Guards. Each of the young eunuchs were carrying a tray, upon which rested a porcin bowl filled with poison.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand. ¡°I, no, Zhen didn¡¯t let you guys start. Just who¡¯s the emperor here?¡±

    At her words, the eunuchs didn¡¯t dare keep walking. Empress Dowager Xie might have made the calls, but they as eunuchs couldn¡¯t ignore the emperor.

    Empress Dowager Xie expelled a breath. ¡°Your Majesty, this was thete emperor¡¯s decree.¡± Then she raised her left hand. An eunuch hastened to ced a bright yellow imperial edict in her hands

    ¡°Does Your Majesty want to take a look?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked Ning Xiaoyao, who snatched it over without a second word. The edict was filled with traditional Chinese characters that made her vision swim, but abination of guesswork and context clues helped her understand its message. This really was an imperial edict sentencing the Dragon Guards to be buried alive with the dead. At the very end of the bright yellow satin cloth was a red stamp. Its seal script was unintelligible to Ning Xiaoyao, but she figured this had to be the Imperial Jade Seal.

    ¡°Does Your Majesty have any decrees?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mind flew as she thought. Did they have toe to a life and death struggle so soon? It looked like this was the only way. Oh right, she mused as she nced down at herself. There¡¯s one more way, I could take off my clothes!

    ¡°Your Majesty shoulde to This Dowager¡¯s side,¡± Empress Dowager Xie extended her hand towards Ning Xiaoyao. Under the moonlight, the skin resembled white jade, the fingers covered in a silver sheath that was iid with luxurious gold and jade.

    Ning Xiaoyao rested her hands on her cor, preparing to make her move when a voice called out from outside the door. ¡°This one is Lou Zigui.¡±

    The person she¡¯d rolled around in the sheets with was here. Even if shecked some moral principles, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheeks still flushed. The gyrfalcon flew from her shoulder to rise past the wall, sailing in a circle before returning again with a cry. ¡°It¡¯s Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°Who is the one in charge inside?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice called out again. ¡°Can they open the doors?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s heart was filled with loathing. If Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t ran over, she would now have a chance to get rid of Lou Zigui and the Dragon Guards in one sweep! Rather than wait three days for the poison to overtake his body, she wanted Lou Zigui dead this instant. Ning Xiaoyao saw that no one was moving to open the door for Lou Zigui, so she ran to do it herself. After therge copper gates had been kicked and punched out of shape by her strength, its hinges had already started cracking. When she gave a strong tug on the doors, they finally fell to the ground with a crash. Once again, the ground beneath their feet shuddered and shook. The dust from the fallen doors enveloped Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Cough cough cough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat out the dirt that had flown into her mouth.

    Lou Zigui looked at the fallen doors, then at Ning Xiaoyao. Even if he didn¡¯t want to remember, he recalled the joyous times he had just experienced recently. That¡¯s right, he couldn¡¯t deny that it was joyous despite all his conjectures regarding the motives of the actions. His head lowered slightly to cover up theplicated expression on his face.

    Empress Dowager Xie took this chance to order, ¡°We can¡¯t miss the proper hour. Send them off on their journey.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have time to speak to Fang Tang and the rest, who were bowing in respect. Nor did she had time to ask about the youth who had knelt on the ground as soon as he saw her by the door. She quickly spun back and shouted, ¡°Nobody move!¡±

    The eunuchs responsible for poisoning the Dragon Guards were at a loss. They had to listen to the empress dowager, but they couldn¡¯t defy the emperor, either. Just what should they do?

    Meanwhile, all the officials present in the courtyard were currently pretending they didn¡¯t exist. How were they to interfere in matters between a son and his mother? Still, their hearts were clear from what they¡¯d just seen. Empress Dowager Xie and His Majesty didn¡¯t have the typical filial rtionship of a parent and child.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s tone turned severe as she shouted, ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Two generals held up Lou Zigui as he stood outside the gates to speak to Ning Xiaoyao in a low voice. ¡°If you can save them tonight, they¡¯ll be sharp swords in your hands in the future.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned back to roll her eyes at him. ¡°What sharp swords? These are human lives, all right? Even if I die, I have to save them!¡±

    Shadowrain was kneeling on the ground when he heard these words. He suddenly felt like tearing up. Just from these words alone, he was willing to use his life to protect Ning Xiaoyao! Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t so easily moved. Perhaps this person really cared about lives; perhaps she was simply trying to win over their hearts. Saving lives was one of the greatest kindnesses in this world.

    ¡°How are you preparing to save them?¡± Lou Zigui asked calmly.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on the tall threshold of the door and whispered in Lou Zigui¡¯s ear. ¡°If nothing else works, I¡¯ll take off my clothes. Once my secret¡¯s exposed, the empress dowager has to die too, hehe.¡±

    The ever-calm Lou Zigui was startled once again by Ning Xiaoyao. Just what had she said? Take off her clothes? Was there ever a girl who stripped in public?!

 Chapter 25: Gray linen handkerchief

    <h4>Chapter 25: Gray linen handkerchief</h4>

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Lou Zigui blurted out. If his body was any better, he¡¯d give Ning Xiaoyao a p. Fang Tang, Song Jin, and the rest all remained silent. Had their Supreme Commander gone mad? Ning Xiaoyao was speechless as well. Couldn¡¯t he respect her as an emperor a bit?

    ¡°You...¡± Lou Zigui felt a bit regretful at his outburst. He didn¡¯t want to curse others, but the thought of Ning Xiaoyao stripping in public made his heart burn in anger. He wasn¡¯t sure why, but he knew it¡¯d make him furious!

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at him nkly. You what? If there¡¯s something to say, hurry up and say it, she was anxious to save lives.

    From Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s angle, Ning Xiaoyao looked like she was leaning on Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder by standing on top of the threshold. Her mouth seemed to be practically stered against Lou Zigui¡¯s neck as well. This position was far too intimate. Her hands curled into fists until she felt pain emanating from her palms. When she lifted her hand, she found out that the sharp points of her finger sheaths had pierced her skin.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Dropping her hand, Empress Dowager Xie spoke up. ¡°Are you going to hold onto thete emperor¡¯s testamentary edict indefinitely?¡±

    Hearing her words, Ning Xiaoyao turned around and prepared to fight. Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°You can¡¯t take off your clothes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Why not?!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked over. Even if she ate the testamentary edict right now, it wouldn¡¯t solve any problems. This woman probably made sure everyone in the courtyard had a look. Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the edict into the arms of the eunuch behind the empress dowager before drawing in front of her mother to whisper in her ear. ¡°You can¡¯t kill people recklessly.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words were equivalent to telling the empress dowager that she knew the edict was fake. Empress Dowager Xie nced at the few people behind Lou Zigui, including Shadowrain, before replying without a change in expression. ¡°This Dowager is determined to kill them today. What does Your Majesty n to do against This Dowager?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°If you kill them, I¡¯ll just kill myself.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s eyes widened abruptly.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood like a hooligan as she scratched her head in thought. Then she turned aside and beckoned an eunuch holding a tray of poison. ¡°You,e over here.¡±

    The eunuch didn¡¯t dare disobey an imperialmand and walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. Ning Xiaoyao reached out to take the bowl of poison. ¡°It¡¯s still hot. Perfect, I just happen to enjoy drinking warm things. This bowl should do it.¡±

    Before a big crowd, Empress Dowager Xie couldn¡¯t reach out and snatch away the emperor¡¯s things. Tears glimmered in her eyes as she spoke. ¡°Did you listen to someone else¡¯s instigations? This really was your father¡¯s testamentary edict.¡±

    ¡°Mm, who said it wasn¡¯t?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Then you...¡±

    ¡°Hurry up and let them go, or else I¡¯ll drink.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was beginning to regret why she¡¯d given birth to such an unfilial daughter in the past!

    ¡°Are you or aren¡¯t you letting them go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her gaze, only to discover that the Esteemed Empress Dowager was crying.

    ¡°Just what happened?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked as she wept.

    If Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know the ending of this story already, she really would have been defeated by Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s tears. She¡¯d never seen a woman cry so beautifully, looking so delicate and helpless. ¡°It¡¯s not right to recklessly kill people,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tried to reason. ¡°A life is such a precious thing. Why don¡¯t you cherish it?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie smiled coldly. How precious were human lives? To be the favorite of the imperial harem, kill the empress, poison the crown prince, and sit on the throne as empress dowager, the blood on her hands was enough to dye herself in red ten times, if not enough to make a river. ¡°With the testamentary edict here, is Your Majesty nning to disobey? Ah, Your Majesty, all the imperial sons of the previous dynasty, as well as countless vassals, all have their eyes on you. Your Majesty has only recently ascended the throne and can¡¯t make any mistakes right now. This Dowager carried Your Majesty in the womb for ten months before giving birth, so would This Dowager really hurt Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was mute. She said such things as if they were true, was this woman some sort of movie queen?[1. movie queen (Ó°ºó) - yinghou, an actress considered to be the top of her line by public and critics alike.]

    ¡°Your Majesty, This Dowager will definitely find the viin who instigated you,¡± Empress Dowager Xie raised a hand to wipe her tears. ¡°This Dowager will definitely ask that person, just what their motives are!¡±

    ¡°Then you take your time searching,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Right now, just hurry up and let them go. I¡¯m hungry, so let¡¯s wrap this up quickly. Then you can look after your son while I go back to eat.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie suddenly took a step back and grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. In a low voice, she asked, ¡°You want to move against your little brother?¡±

    Whaa? Ning Xiaoyao thought that Empress Dowager Xie jumped to conclusions too quickly. What did all this have to do with Ning Xin?

    ¡°You,¡± Empress Dowager Xie stuttered, ¡°Just what do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°Save lives,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook off Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hand and spoke as a matter of course. ¡°Otherwise, why would I show up? To fool around?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie felt like Ning Xiaoyao was guing her with unreasonable demands by pretending to act like an idiot, while Ning Xiaoyao felt that she was incapable ofmunicating properly with Empress Dowager Xie. The empress dowager lowered her head to look at the porcin bowl in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Even if you knock this bowl over, there¡¯s plenty of others. I¡¯ll just get one and drink from that.¡±

    ¡°Then Your Majesty wants to force This Dowager to death?¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s tears had all dried up. ¡°By disobeying thete emperor¡¯s testamentary edict and forcing This Dowager to die, how will Your Majesty face the people of the world?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted the bowl for a sniff. She didn¡¯t want to talk to the empress dowager anymore.

    ¡°Your Majesty insists on willfully having your way?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Still, Ning Xiaoyao remained silent.

    The atmosphere in the courtyard turned increasingly stagnant. All of the officials were standing with their heads bowed, looking at themselves without saying a word. None of them were idiots, and they understood full well what it meant for the emperor if the Dragon Guards were reced with the Xie n¡¯s men. But with thete emperor¡¯s testamentary edict on hand, how could His Majesty resist while protecting his reputation as a filial son? And how could he save these three to four hundred Dragon Guards at the same time?

    ¡°Can the ninny make this work?¡± Big Boss ck anxiously asked Yellow Great Immortal. ¡°You, think of something.¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal drew back the corners of his mouth, baring his fangs into the process. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    The courtyard that had been turned into execution grounds was gued by the night winds as well as cat meows and weasel cries, making the people inside shake with fright.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui called out.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start. This was the first time she could recall Supreme Commander Lou calling her ¡®Your Majesty.¡¯ After some hesitation, she walked over and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°It¡¯s useless even if Your Majesty threatens her with your death. Once you die, these Dragon Guards won¡¯t escape their death sentence, either.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Because they forced Your Majesty to take poison. Naturally, they¡¯d be sentenced to death for the crime,¡± Lou Zigui exined.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Empress Dowager Xie and released a breath. ¡°Then you don¡¯t have to worry. Esteemed empress dowager can¡¯t kill me. What will she do once I die?¡±

    ¡°But right now, she has no way to extricate herself from this situation,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°After falsifying an imperial edict, how is she supposed to take back a supposed order from thete emperor?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth opened wide. Was there any justice to this at all? In the end, she was the one who had to wrack her brains to think up solutions for the Xie father and daughter¡¯s sins?

    It was at this point that Empress Dowager Xie started to softly weep again, murmuring te emperor¡¯ under her breath. The eunuchs and courtdies under hermand also started to cry, as if they¡¯d been grossly bullied.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a minister stepped out with a bow. ¡°This minister asks Your Majesty, when shall we follow through with thete emperor¡¯s testamentary edict?¡±

    Lou Zigui said softly, ¡°If there¡¯s no way to prove that the testamentary edict was falsified, then Your Majesty can¡¯t say it¡¯s a fake.¡±

    The little gyrfalcon lightly pecked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head and gave a low cry. ¡°Is there nothing we can do? Then I¡¯ll go beat up that bad woman!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted the gyrfalcon¡¯s wings. If even death couldn¡¯t solve the issue... She stared at the fake edict in the eunuch¡¯s hands. Fake, fake... The little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart was scratching at the walls. Even though she knew it was fake, she couldn¡¯t say anything without proof? For what reason? Who could exin to her the logic behind this?

    Wait, a fake.

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. If esteemed empress dowager could make a fake to trick others, then why couldn¡¯t she fake one as the emperor to save others?

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I...¡±

    The gyrfalcon pecked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head again.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face contorted from the pain, but she changed her words. ¡°It¡¯s not that Zhen won¡¯t follow through with thete...¡±

    ¡°Imperial Father,¡± Lou Zigui reminded her in a low voice. ¡°That¡¯s your Imperial Father.¡±

    Could she keep talking at this rate?! Ning Xiaoyao pulled at her cor in annoyance before she spoke. ¡°It¡¯s not that Zhen won¡¯t follow through with Imperial Father¡¯s testamentary edict. It¡¯s because Zhen¡¯s Imperial Father left Zhen another testamentary edict after writing the one about burying these guards alive with the dead. He said he changed his mind and to let these Dragon Guards live well so they can kill zombies for the country--oh, I mean, so they can render services to the country.¡±

    Amotion followed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. You only entered the pce after thete emperor died. How could you have his testamentary edict in your hands?

    Ning Xiaoyao felt around her body but found nothing, so she ended up extending her hand towards Lou Zigui. ¡°Before Zhen came over, I had Supreme Commander look over the testamentary edict. Supreme Commander, hand over Zhen¡¯s Imperial Father¡¯s testamentary edict.

    ¡°...¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°... ...¡± said the generals of the ck Frost Cavalry and Shadowrain.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s gaze turned cold as she looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Oh? Was there really such a thing? Then may Your Majesty please present thete emperor¡¯s testamentary edict.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao beckoned for Lou Zigui with her fingers.

    Lou Zigui took out a gray linen handkerchief from his sleeve and ced it in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    (£þ¡÷£þ£»), went the generals and Shadowrain.

    Ning Xiaoyao took the handkerchief and walked to Empress Dowager Xie, her head held high as she pped it in the woman¡¯s hands. ¡°There, Zhen¡¯s Imperial Father¡¯s testamentary edict.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at the linen handkerchief in her palm. You could buy one of these for two copper coins at the shops in the marketce.

    Ning Xiaoyao handed off the bowl in her hands to the same eunuch from before and said, ¡°This bowl¡¯s turned cold, give me, give Zhen a hot one instead.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands trembled.

    ¡°Hurry up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged the eunuch, who trembled with fear as he looked at Empress Dowager Xie.

    Empress Dowager Xie knew that she was in a disadvantageous spot. She still had a son and her n members to consider, so she couldn¡¯t die. But the daughter before her had clearly taken advantage of this fact, while she had nothing to counter her with, because the same thing that could control Ning Xiaoyao was the very thing that could sentence her, Ning Xin, and the Xie n to death.

    ¡°This consort[2. chenqie (³¼æª) - a humble form of self-address for females equivalent to ¡®your subject¡¯ or ¡®your servant/consort¡¯.] receives the decree,¡± Empress Dowager Xie proimed loudly as she raised the gray linen handkerchief above her head.

    The victor Ning Xiaoyao stood stark straight before the empress dowager. She was certain that this was the start of Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s tragic end.

 Chapter 26: Elite troops loyal to His Majesty Ning

    <h4>Chapter 26: Elite troops loyal to His Majesty Ning</h4>

    Another burst of night winds rose, lifting the handkerchief from Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands. Under the eyes of everyone present, it was blown into antern stand about half a man tall, where the linen came in contact with the mes and was reduced to ashes. Ning Xiaoyao grinned. This was good, death of the principal witness had destroyed the evidence. Empress Dowager Xie stood up from the ground to stare at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao knew that the empress dowager wanted to bite her death this very moment, but she wasn¡¯t afraid. If she really had the guts, she should turn into a zombie first, and then bite her!

    Lou Zigui was still standing with support from two generals as he spoke in a low voice. ¡°It looks like Your Majesty fulfilled thest wish of the dead and took back the testamentary edict.¡±

    Fang Tang and the rest were still speechless. This was the first time they¡¯d discovered their Supreme Commander had the potential to tell tall tales. The ministers and officials exchanged nces. Everything that had happened here had turned into a joke between the imperial mother and son!

    ¡°Imperial Father only left Zhen this one reminder of him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was a typical example of someone who showed off their cleverness even after gaining an advantage. ¡°You should have held on tighter to the imperial edict, it would¡¯ve made a good keepsake. None of the ministers got to see it, so what if they use Zhen of making up lies to cheat them now?¡±

    ¡°These subjects don¡¯t dare,¡± the ministers and officials hastened to kneel again. Who would dare to use the emperor of lying?

    Empress Dowager Xie tasted blood in her mouth as she forced a smile. ¡°Such a thing, Your Majesty should¡¯ve told This Dowager sooner.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Oh, Imperial Father¡¯s death caused Zhen too much sorrow. My brain was no good, so I forgot to mention it.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie narrowly avoided spitting a faceful of blood at Ning Xiaoyao. Were these still human words?!

    ¡°It¡¯s all right, you can all leave now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the gathered officials. ¡°You¡¯re all still loitering around, do you want Zhen to invite you out for dinner?¡±

    None of the ministers or officials knew how to reply Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. If they said His Majesty was joking, he still looked serious when he spoke. If His Majesty wasn¡¯t joking, which one of them dared to ask him to treat them? Weren¡¯t they sick of living then?

    ¡°You really want me to treat you guys to a meal?¡± Ning Xiaoyao red. She still hadn¡¯t eaten anything yet! The gyrfalcon was toozy to peck Ning Xiaoyao again for using ¡°me.¡± There was no helping His Majesty.

    A shrewder minister reacted quickly enough to pay his respects. ¡°This subject takes his leave.¡±

    One after the other, the ministers and officials took their leave. Whether or not the royal court would fall into the Xie father and daughter¡¯s hands seemed up to debate again. Now that Lou Zigui was standing on His Majesty¡¯s side, there would probably be another ugly faceoff at the assembly in three days¡¯ time.

    Empress Dowager Xie allowed Lai mama to support her out the doors of the Hall of Punishment. When Lou Zigui died from poison three dayster, she¡¯d like to see how Ning Xiaoyao could make any waves with just these three to four hundred Dragon Guards. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t speak as she watched Empress Dowager Xie leave, but ran into the courtyard to loosen the Dragon Guard¡¯s bonds.

    ¡°Go help,¡± Lou Zigui told Fang Tang and the rest while he sat down on a flight of steps beneath the eaves.

    When Ning Xiaoyao reached the Dragon Guards, she finally realized why none of them had spoken up. All of their mouths had been gagged with cloth. The gyrfalcon gave a cry and flew to the youth kneeling at the head of the crowd. He nuzzled his head affectionately against the man¡¯s face. Ning Xiaoyao felt a little stifled at the sight. This gyrfalcon had abandoned her so naturally; didn¡¯t he feel any reluctance at all? Was he casting her aside after using her? (Author: Can you think of something useful instead?)

    ¡°Get to work,¡± Fang Tang called towards the eunuchs on the side. How could the few of them untie all 300 plus people?

    Ning Xiaoyao took out the gag from Shadowgale¡¯s mouth and tossed it aside before asking in concern, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    Shadowgale and the Dragon Guards behind him were all currently muddle-headed and ignorant. Their minds were still reeling from the fact that they were all alright after having one foot in the grave.

    The gyrfalcon stood cutely on Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder to express his gratitude. ¡°Your Majesty, thank you. I¡¯ll definitely catch you lots and lots of rabbits.¡±

    ¡°Spare the rabbits,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered. What was the point of carrying around a sackful of rabbits? Give me money instead, little falcon brother!

    Shadowgale was at a loss. ¡°W-what?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed as she pulled him up and rested her hand on his body. One touch was enough to ascertain that this fellow had been tortured, but the injuries weren¡¯t enough to hurt his bones and muscles. He¡¯d be fine after recovering for a few days. After being hauled to his feet, Shadowgale looked nkly as Ning Xiaoyao helped loosened the bonds of Shadowthunder and Shadowbolt[1. Shadowthunder...Shadowbolt (Ó°À×, Ó°µç) - Ying Lei...Ying Dian. Lei is thunder, while Dian is lightning.] on his left and right. After Ning Xiaoyao pulled up Shadowbolt as well, Shadowrain ran over to kneel with a thump.

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily jumped to the side and said, ¡°No need, no need to kneel.¡±

    Shadowrain¡¯s kneeling awakened Shadowgale to his senses as he fell on both knees as well. Shadowthunder and Shadowbolt had been pulled to their feet by Ning Xiaoyao, but quickly followed suit to kneel in turn. Shadowgale knocked his head heavily against the ground in kowtow as he spoke, ¡°Servant Shadowgale thanks Your Majesty!¡±

    The Dragon Guards all followed suit to thank Ning Xiaoyao for saving their lives. With 300 people kneeling towards her at the same time, there was no ce for Ning Xiaoyao to escape. She gave an awkward smile before saying, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be polite, i-it¡¯s what should¡¯ve been done.¡±

    Her own mother and maternal grandfather were the assants here, a fact that made Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ears turn red as she faced the Dragon Guards who¡¯d narrowly avoided death. As Shadowgale knelt on the ground, he still couldn¡¯t fully control his emotions as his body involuntarily shuddered. Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to pull him up, this time using enough strength to lift Shadowgale straight off the ground. Next came Shadowthunder, Shadowrain, and Shadowbolt. When she looked up and saw the mass of Dragon Guards littering the courtyard, Ning Xiaoyao gritted her teeth. Slowly, she¡¯d pull them up. Worse came to worst, she¡¯d get everyone on their feet before going to eat!

    Lou Zigui sat on the steps as he watched Ning Xiaoyao toil along in low spirits to help up the Dragon Guards one by one. Supreme Commander Lou knew that from this point on, these Dragon Guards would have a new master. At the same time, Ning Xiaoyao had gained a battalion of elite troops that would obey her without regard to the Xie father and mother pair. Still, Lou Zigui¡¯s face darkened as he watched Ning Xiaoyao pulling these Dragon Guards up and patting their backs. Didn¡¯t this person know that men and women should keep their distance?

    --

    With effort, Ning Xiaoyao pulled up everyone from the ground and wiped her face before speaking. ¡°All of you go home and rest. I¡¯ll give you guys three days¡¯ break before youe back for work. Uh, your wages will be as before. How does everyone think of my arrangements?¡±

    Shadowgale was about to lead the crowd to kneel again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sharp eyes caught his intention as she shouted out loud. ¡°If you kneel, I¡¯ll have to pull you all up again. That¡¯s exhausting!¡±

    ¡°Pfft,¡± Fang Tang couldn¡¯t hold back a snicker.

    The rest of the ck Frost Cavalry couldn¡¯t resistughing as they looked at Ning Xiaoyao. A singlemand would¡¯ve been enough to let the Dragon Guards rise, but this emperor insisted on helping his men up one by one. It made it impossible for the Dragon Guards to dare and get up on their own. All of them could only remain kneeling until it was their turn to be helped up. Why did His Majesty have to take such pains?

    Shadowgale bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, we servants need no rest.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°You can¡¯t go to work with injuries. I still have a tough battle to fight at the court assembly in three days¡¯ time. You¡¯re, you¡¯re called Shadowgale, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she peered at Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale hastened to reply. ¡°Yes, this servant was bestowed the name Shadowgale by thete emperor.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°So your surname is Shadow?¡± Did such a name exist in the Hundred Family Surnames?

    ¡°You idiot!¡± Big Boss ck ran over to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet with a meow. ¡°Shadow is the assumed name of the Dragon Guards. These 300 guards all have Shadow in front of their names. Ninny, why don¡¯t you know anything? Miaow!¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was silent. Why was this tubby ck furball still hanging around?

    The gyrfalcon cried out. ¡°My master is the leader of the Dragon Guards. My master¡¯s super tough, my master¡¯s...¡±

    ¡°Shut your mouth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. Fanboys were the most annoying! All of the people in the courtyard gave a start. Nobody had said anything.

    After lifting her leg and kicking Big Boss ck aside, Ning Xiaoyao spoke to Shadowgale again. ¡°Take your fellow brothers to rest. We¡¯ll meet again in three days. Windy[2. Windy(´ó·ç) - da feng, a nickname for Shadowgale. Da Feng literally means ¡°big wind,¡± or a lot of wind.], you have to be obedient. Goodbye.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to continue her quest of hunting for the kitchens. She wasn¡¯t in the apocalypse anymore, but her stomach was still starving. This was unforgivable.

    ¡°Windy?¡± Shadowrain didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry as he looked towards his big brother. Ning Xiaoyao had long stepped over the tall threshold of the Hall of Punishment and walked away.

    Shadowgale¡¯s face was wooden. He was the type of person who remained loyal above all else once he recognized a master. Ning Xiaoyao was his master now, so it was fine whether he was called Windy or Rainy or even Snowy.

    Lou Zigui slowly stood up from the steps. What used to be an effortless move now cost him endless effort. Song Jin ran forward to steady him as he studied Lou Zigui¡¯splexion. ¡°Supreme Commander, are you feeling unwell?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said in a low voice.

    Shadowgale walked by Lou Zigui just then, followed by Shadowthunder, Shadowrain, and Shadowbolt. As themander of the guards, he gave a deep bow to Lou Zigui and said, ¡°Many thanks to Supreme Commander for your assistance.¡±

    ¡°It was His Majesty who saved you,¡± Lou Zigui said softly.

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t speak, but gave Lou Zigui another deep bow. His body was riddled with torture wounds, so after kneeling to Ning Xiaoyao and bowing to Lou Zigui, his wounds split open again. However, it was hard to see the blood with his ck clothes. Lou Zigui was a man of the battlefields, so he clearly caught the scent of blood from Shadowgale¡¯s body.

    His voice lowered further as he spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t go to the Imperial Physician Courtyard. Head to the Supreme Splendor Hall, there¡¯s an imperial physician there who can treat your wounds. I¡¯ll have Fang Tang and the rest buy medicine outside the pce.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s eyes flew up to look at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager isn¡¯t someone who easily admits defeat,¡± Lou Zigui raised his hand with effort and weakly patted Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Since His Majesty saved you all, he wouldn¡¯t want you to fall into another perilous situation. Go to the Supreme Splendor Hall. Only be staying alive can you serve His Majesty thoroughly.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale was moved by Lou Zigui¡¯s words. Their lives were cheap, but since such lives were useful for His Majesty, they had to make sure they survived.

    Lou Zigui had exhausted most of his strength, but mustered up onest breath to speak. ¡°I¡¯ll go back to the Supreme Splendor Hall with you all.¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest of the Dragon Guards had been locked up in the dungeons on the night following thete emperor¡¯s burial via the testamentary edict in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands. They had no idea what had happened to Lou Zigui. When Shadowgale heard that he wasing with them, he gave a start. It was already sote. Was Supreme Commander Lou nning to stay overnight at the Imperial Pce?

 Chapter 27: Big Boss Black says, restore Supreme Commanderâ€™s innocence!

    <h4>Chapter 27: Big Boss ck says, restore Supreme Commander''s innocence!</h4>

    Even with 300 more upants, Supreme Splendor Hall still looked as spacious and empty as before. Imperial Physician Gao surveyed the 300 extra patients and keenly felt a desire to go die. How could he manage all these people?!

    --

    As soon as Grand Preceptor Xie returned home, he was summoned into the pce by Empress Dowager Xie. After learning of the events at the Hall of Punishment, he fell into a long silence.

    ¡°We misjudged her!¡± Empress Dowager Xie said hatefully.

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at his eldest daughter¡¯s angry white face and spoke in a low voice. ¡°We did misjudge her. If my heart had been on guard that day at the execution grounds, this subject wouldn¡¯t have followed along with her.¡± If he knew this girl was a man-eating wolf, he would have thought twice at the execution grounds. How could the imposing emperor be held under duress by Fang Tang and his crew? Were the imperial guards all dead people? Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t release the temper suppressed in his chest. If he had thought more deeply back then, he and his daughter wouldn¡¯t be the passive party now.

    Empress Dowager Xie gently stroked the armrest of her chair, her tone worried. ¡°Will there be any problems in the assembly three days from now?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie wasn¡¯t concerned about this. He smiled and said, ¡°Once Lou Zigui dies, His Majesty will know that everything she¡¯s done was useless.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie trusted that Lou Zigui would definitely die from poison, but she still felt anxious. ¡°Who did Ning Yu learn her martial arts from? Why doesn¡¯t father know anything about this matter?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face turned ugly at these words.

    ¡°Her wet nurse just happened to fall ill and die before she came to the pce,¡± Empress Dowager Xie continued. ¡°Father, you were the one who arranged that wet nurse. Since Ning Yu is at cross-purposes with us, can you be sure that wet nurse really died from sickness?¡±

    Less than four people in the world knew that Ning Yu was a female. They included Ning Yu herself, the Xie father and mother pair, and the deceased wet nurse who had raised Ning Yu and stayed by her side growing up.

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s pointless to investigate that old nanny¡¯s death now.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie could understand her father¡¯s meaning. Whether that wet nurse died from disease or by Ning Yu¡¯s hands meant nothing to them when it yielded the same results. They had delivered Ning Yu to the throne, nurturing a tiger that invited cmity. Those who indulged their enemies were asking for trouble.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager should wait patiently for three days,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°As long as Lou Zigui dies, His Majesty will have no choice but to bow her head to you.¡±

    ¡°Ah, men,¡± Empress Dowager Xie thought back to the scene of Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui standing together at the Hall of Punishment and smiled coldly. ¡°Loyalty and honor are all lies. For the sake of power and his own life, will Lou Zigui still remember to avenge the crown prince?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t help but rejoice that he¡¯d arranged for an extra chess piece.

    --

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting at a long table in the imperial kitchens. She¡¯d managed to polish off three big bowls of rice, one bowl of red braised pork, and a bowl of scallop soup. Big Boss ck perched on the table as he mewled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Ninny, are you a rice bucket[1. rice bucket (·¹Í°) - fan tong, a phrase that both means a ¡°big/piggish eater¡± and a ¡°fathead, good-for-nothing.¡±]?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to drink down the soy sauce for the red braised pork before replying, ¡°Scram.¡±

    ¡°I want to talk about the Supreme Commander with you,¡± Big Boss ck said.

    Ning Xiaoyao tossed the empty bowl on the table. Outside, the chefs and eunuchs she¡¯d cleared out were standing by the door. When they heard His Majesty banging bowls in the kitchen, they didn¡¯t even dare to breathe out loud. Many of them had assumed the current emperor was a meek sheep, but after seeing him today, anyone who still thought His Majesty was weak and easy to bully was a fool seeking his own death.

    ¡°Is the Supreme Commander your father?¡± Ning Xiaoyao jabbed Big Boss ck¡¯s head with a pair of chopsticks. ¡°Can¡¯t you pick another topic to talk about?¡±

    ¡°Miaow,¡± Big Boss ckid in front of Ning Xiaoyao and mewed like a spoiled child.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt herself grow chills as she turned guarded. ¡°What are you nning?¡± Trying to please her for no reason at all was something only a wicked thief would do.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Big Boss ck said, ¡°You have to restore Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s train of thought waspletely out of line with Big Boss ck. She rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Sorry about that. I¡¯ve already slept with your Supreme Commander, so there¡¯s no such thing as innocence anymore. Neither can I bring it back.¡±

    Big Boss ck¡¯s fur rose up in hackles. How he wanted to bite this ninny to death. How to destroy her?!

    ¡°I¡¯m not an expert with felines,¡± Ning Xiaoyao extended her neck to peer at the empty soup pot. There was nothing left to eat, so she could only lick her lips. ¡°Let¡¯s just part ways here. You go find a cat to talk about cat business, while I find a human to talk human business.¡±

    Big Boss ck saw Ning Xiaoyao rise to leave and quickly bit down on her sleeve. ¡°You have to clear Supreme Commander¡¯s criminal name, ah. Supreme Commander¡¯s very pitiful, miaow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat down unmoving again. To understand someone, you had to find that person¡¯s fans for the details. Big Boss ck sprawled on the table as he began to narrate Lou Zigui¡¯s story from birth. First the Grand Marshal¡¯s[2. Grand Marshal (ÔªË§) - a title for the highest rank in the army, formerly held by Lou Zigui''ste father.] wife died from postnatal bleeding, then the Supreme Commander joined the army in his youth, then his father and brothers died in battle until there was only a sickly nephew left at home. He¡¯d been arranged to marry six separate girls, each beautiful in her own way, but none of them lived to the wedding day. Supreme Commander Lou had fought countless battles, suppressed numerous brigands, and Big Boss ck even exined the origins of the name ¡®Lou Zigui¡¯ to Ning Xiaoyao.

    By the end, Ning Xiaoyao felt like crying. What kind of life did this man lead? It would¡¯ve been better if a zombie bit him to death instead. Living a life alone like this was truly pitiful and lonely. No, it was more urate to ask whether such a life had any meaning?

    ¡°Miaow, Your Majesty, just help Supreme Commander,¡± Big Boss ck reached out a paw to lightly scratch Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°Supreme Commander isn¡¯t a bad guy.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were red as she nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll help him.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s cat eyes widened.

    ¡°I swear it on my character and principles!¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered.

    ¡°Good,¡± Big Boss ck turned serious as well. ¡°If you can restore Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence, in the future I, in the future I won¡¯t call you ninny anymore.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. What a great show of gratitude. She¡¯d rather be gifted rabbits instead!

    Big Boss ck noticed Ning Xiaoyao staring at him and added on to his favors. ¡°And in the future, you¡¯ll be an even better girl than Jiao Jiao in my heart.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had a bad premonition as she asked, ¡°Who¡¯s Jiao Jiao?¡±

    ¡°The female cat that lives in Minister Hong of the Ministry of Public Works¡¯[3. Ministry of Public Works (¹¤²¿) - gongbu, also known as the Board of Works or Ministry of Works, one of the Three Departments and Six Ministries of ancient Chinese bureaucracy. The Ministry of Public Works is one of the Six Ministries beneath the Department of State Affairs, which itself ranks just below the emperor. Such a ministry is in charge of government construction projects, hiring of artisans andborers for temporary service, manufacturing government equipment, the maintenance of roads and canals, standardisation of weights and measures, and the gathering of resources from the countryside.] estate. All the cats in the capital are chasing after Jiao Jiao, miaow!¡± Big Boss ck spoke in a low voice.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± replied Ning Xiaoyao. She really wanted to kill this cat!

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up to leave, but Big Boss ck chased after her. ¡°Ninny, you can¡¯t lie to this cat.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you¡¯d stop calling me ¡®ninny?¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t restored Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence yet,¡± Big Boss ck persisted upon this point.

    Ning Xiaoyao kicked Big Boss ck again before walking out of the biggest kitchens of the imperial kitchens. Right at this moment, Fang Tang had brought along ten eunuchs from the Supreme Splendor Hall to the imperial kitchens. The young General Fang had never learned manners in this life, pushing aside a head eunuch blocking the path as he charged into the courtyard. As soon as he saw Ning Xiaoyao, he prepared to pay his respects.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at him. ¡°It¡¯s better not to pay respects if you have to do it at least a dozen times a day. No matter how many times you ask me how well I¡¯m doing, it¡¯s no guarantee that I¡¯ll do any better.¡±

    A puffing Fang Tang really did just stand there unmoving as he asked, ¡°You¡¯ve eaten already, Your Majesty? Supreme Commander has brought all the Dragon Guards to the Supreme Splendor Hall. Right now, Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s attending to their wounds, so your subject came to find some food.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s lots ofrge mantou[4. mantou (ÂøÍ·) - steamed bread. ] inside,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the eunuchs. ¡°Go get them, take anything as long as it¡¯s food.¡±

    The young eunuchs went inside the kitchens to fetch the food. Fang Tang ran in front of Ning Xiaoyao and said in a low voice, ¡°What if the dishes are poisoned?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand and said confidently, ¡°No fear, I¡¯m here.¡± Besides that fraudulent aphrodisiac, Ning Xiaoyao trusted her skills to treat hundreds of poisons. Although she¡¯d been helpless against the aphrodisiac, that was because it wasn¡¯t a poison in the first ce!

    While Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words were referring to herself, Fang Tang interpreted His Majesty¡¯s words to mean that no one dared to provoke him in the pce right now. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject heard that the Grand Preceptor entered the pce again,¡± he reported.

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lip. Those two must be doing bad things again. ¡°Tell me about what happened this time,¡± she said. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with the Supreme Commander sending letters to Northern Hu¡¯s royal court?¡±

    Right now, restoring the Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence was the most important thing. As for the two bastards in the empress dowager¡¯s pce, Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips again. If nothing else, I¡¯ll resort to violence. Who knew where those two were when she was still hacking at zombies! (Author: It¡¯s apletely different dimension. What¡¯s the point ofparing stuff like that? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    As soon as the Supreme Commander was mentioned, Fang Tang grew restless. The young General Fang gesticted with his hands as he said, ¡°Those letters must have been faked by Modou!¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°A supreme khan of the Northern Hu, a man from the southern Man tribe,¡± Fang Tang exined.

    ¡°Then how the did Grand Preceptor get these faked letters? Did he have them made?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. If those two could even fabricate a testamentary edict, how hard could it be to fake a few more letters?

    ¡°They were taken from the Northern Hu king¡¯s tent,¡± Fang Tang shook his head. ¡°The mounted scout who did it isn¡¯t one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men.¡±

    ¡°Then whose man is he?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°A spy sent to Northern Hu by thete emperor,¡± Fang Tang said in a small voice.

    Right now, the eunuchs were either running, lifting, or carrying mantou and various dishes on their shoulders in the form of baskets, pots, and steamers as they streamed out of the kitchens. Ning Xiaoyao had these eunuchs walk in front while she and Fang Tang brought up the rear. Big Boss ck still trailed after her. The little animals had their own standards for judging people. When Ning Xiaoyao helped the gyrfalcon save his master, they didn¡¯t think it was to umte power and influence or to bribe people¡¯s hearts. They only thought that Ning Xiaoyao was a good person, a human they could approach without cares.

    Ning Xiaoyao bent down to pick up Big Boss ck and ce him on her shoulders so he could perch there. Fang Tang¡¯s mouth twitched as he looked at the tubby ck furball without a hair out of ce. ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re raising a ck cat?¡±

    Big Boss ck¡¯s fur suddenly rose into hackles again. Humans believed that ck cats could re-animate the dead andmunicate with spirits, so they were considered unlucky creatures. Nobody in this world wanted to raise a ck cat, so Big Boss ck was very clear on how much humans disliked him for his body of ck fur.

    Ning Xiaoyao carelessly nodded her head. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m raising him. Let¡¯s keep talking about the Supreme Commander.¡± This Fang brother doesn¡¯t stay on topic either, does he? Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s still waiting for his innocence to be restored, why talk about cats now?

    Big Boss ck¡¯s tubby round body gave a shudder before a ¡®miaow¡¯ rose from the very depths of his throat. He extended a paw and lightly scratched at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck. This ninny is a very, very good human. Big Boss ck decided from here on to never call Ning Xiaoyao ¡®ninny¡¯ again.

 Chapter 28: His Majesty Ning doesnâ€™t shirk responsibility after putting on the pants

    <h4>Chapter 28: His Majesty Ning doesn¡¯t shirk responsibility after putting on the pants</h4>

    Fang Tang didn¡¯t think the letters were fabricated by Grand Preceptor Xie, and exined a whole mess of his personal conjectures and reasons. In the end, he ended with a hateful tone. ¡°This subject¡¯s certain that the Northern Hu would rather Supreme Commander be made into mincemeat.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed with feeling after hearing the history of old scores between Supreme Commander Lou and Northern Hu. ¡°That¡¯s certain. Supreme Commander Lou even killed the supreme khan¡¯s father, so his enmity must be huge.¡±

    ¡°This subject only hopes for the day that our Yongning generals can stomp Northern Hu¡¯s royal court t and kill all those Man tribe thralls!¡± Fang Tang said viciously.

    ¡°... ...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. This guy really had a grudge. He didn¡¯t just want to kill an entire family, but an entire tribe.

    After he finished his hateful spiel, Fang Tang¡¯s face turned bitter again. ¡°Your Majesty, how do we restore Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up at the skies in worry. ¡°It really is a problem.¡±

    Fang Tang pushed open the doors to the Supreme Splendor Hall for Ning Xiaoyao and spoke with a voice filled with faith. ¡°Your Majesty is wise and brilliant. This subject believes that Your Majesty can definitely do it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked serious as she nodded her head. ¡°Let me think it over.¡± Since the problem was already there, it just needed someone to solve it. Ning Xiaoyao rallied herself up to fight a round for that long-suffering orphan, Supreme Commander.

    Currently, the Dragon Guards were sitting on mats on the courtyard before the pce rooms. When they saw Ning Xiaoyao, they hastened to rise and pay their respects.

    ¡°Eat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand. ¡°Only fools refuse to eat when there¡¯s food. Fill yourselves up and have Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang bring more if there isn¡¯t enough.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Fang Tang. He was a food deliveryman now? Also, just what the heck was Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang?

    Now that Ning Xiaoyao was full, she had the strength to treat others. She chose a few with severe injuries and touched a head here, patted a shoulder there, not batting an eyelid as she changed their serious wounds to minor ones. The Dragon Guards felt their injuries stop hurting, but none of them attributed it to something as supernatural as an ability. They only assumed that they were young enough to shoulder their injuries, and that Imperial Physician Gao had given them good medicine.

    Lou Zigui remained in the audience hall of the pce, but didn¡¯t lie on the dragon bed. Instead, he was half-leaning, half-sitting in a long, narrow by the window. There was a mantou in his hand despite the fact that he had no appetite and didn¡¯t feel hungry. Still, he forced himself to eat. He had to make sure he recovered quickly because he had no time to waste treating his wounds. When Ning Xiaoyao pushed open the door and entered, Lou Zigui had just eaten half a mantou. The sight of her made him choke. Ning Xiaoyao surveyed Lou Zigui from the door and judged that he was no match for her currently. She straightened her chest and walked to the couch before greeting him as if no one else was there.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, is the mantou tasty?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Lou Zigui. This girl still had the mood to talk about mantou with him?

    Big Boss ck leapt off of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and onto the couch. He didn¡¯t dare touch Lou Zigui, but settled down as close to him as possible. The cats on the Wutong tree outside all raised a cheer.

    One of them was a tiger-striped cat that Ning Xiaoyao had never seen before, who spoke in a genteel voice, ¡°Boss finally has the chance to get intimate with Supreme Commander¡¯s fangze fragrance[1. fangze fragrance (·¼Ôó) - scented hair oil used by women in former times.].¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was mute. Did this cat even know what fangze fragrance was?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s thoughts weren¡¯t on the animals. He didn¡¯t even seem to see Big Boss ck as he spoke to Song Jin at the rest. ¡°All of you can withdraw, go eat something.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao spoke to Song Jin. ¡°Can you help me out? Find empty rooms for Windy and the rest to live in. If they keep getting sted by wind in the courtyard, they¡¯ll get sick.¡±

    Song Jing¡¯s fair white face broke out into a smile as he bowed. ¡°This subject obeys yourmand.¡±

    ¡°No need to obey mymand, just help me out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave a wide grin. Big Boss ck lifted his paws to cover his eyes. This girl still looked like a fool. Song Jin¡¯s smile turned stiff. No matter what, he felt that His Majesty¡¯s words sounded off somehow.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui urged. Song Jin and the rest left. Ning Xiaoyao looked at the te atop the couch and reached out a hand to take a mantou. A single bite from her polished half of it off. Lou Zigui raised his head to watch Ning Xiaoyao eat.

    Ning Xiaoyao had been eating rice before. Now that she tasted white flour mantou, she couldn¡¯t help but exim, ¡°So this is mantou, it¡¯s really delish!¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to urge Ning Xiaoyao to eat faster. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t get it and asked, ¡°What?¡±

    Lou Zigui felt his forehead before coldly spitting out two words. ¡°Eat faster.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t read his expression at all. ¡°Then you eat too.¡±

    Lou Zigui finished off his half-eaten mantou. As a man of rank-and-file, he didn¡¯t have the luxury of picking his meals. As long as it was edible, he swallowed it into his stomach. But tonight¡¯s mantou from the imperial kitchens made him finally understand what ¡®hard to swallow¡¯ felt like. Ning Xiaoyao had already eaten two mantous by the time Lou Zigui finished his one. She picked up another steaming hot mantou and stuffed it in his hands, adding on, ¡°Eat some more, there¡¯s plenty of mantou.¡±

    ¡°Do you have some words to say to me?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth was full of mantou as she replied. ¡°Is there anything else? Windy and the rest are all right now.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re usurping state power!¡± Lou Zigui said icily.

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed her mantou, pinching the other half between her fingers as she spoke in a low voice. ¡°What can I do now that I¡¯ve stolen it? Even if I want to return it, there¡¯s no one to return it to.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips curved up as he gave a coldugh.

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the other half of the mantou into her mouth, her cheeks puffing up as she made a vow to Lou Zigui. ¡°Seriously, I don¡¯t want to be the emperor, I swear. If I lie then I¡¯m a puppy.¡±

    ¡°Do you take me for a three-year-old child?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Fang Tang said you¡¯re 22 years old this year.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb!¡± Lou Zigui was angry.

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily patted Lou Zigui¡¯s chest. ¡°Don¡¯t get excited, you definitely can¡¯t. Let¡¯s talk nicely if we have things to say.¡±

    Lou Zigui took a deep breath. ¡°Take your hands away.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quietly withdrew her hands. Big Boss ck cried, ¡°Miaow, Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t like you. You should find another one.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted Big Boss ck up by the scruff of his neck and threw the furball out the window. Only then did Lou Zigui asked, ¡°You¡¯re raising this cat?¡±

    Big Boss ck shouted from outside the window, ¡°What kind of skills is it to bully a cat? If you¡¯ve got guts, restore Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence!¡± A chorus of cat meows came from the Wutong tree to boost the morale of their boss. All of them were calling Ning Xiaoyao a ninny.

    Ning Xiaoyao plopped down next to Lou Zigui and said, ¡°We¡¯ve already rolled in the sheets together...¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by roll in the sheets?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°It means we¡¯ve gone to bed together,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I slept with you, understand?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face turned green again.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a person who shirks responsibility after putting on the pants. I¡¯ll definitely take care of your matter, so don¡¯t be scared, Supreme Commander. I¡¯ll stay by your side.¡±

    Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t angry anymore, having beenpletely flummoxed by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Did she know what she was talking about?

    Ning Xiaoyao shouted towards the window. ¡°We¡¯re talking serious business here, can you all quiet down?¡±

    The meows outside the window stopped. Lou Zigui felt that something wasn¡¯t right! Ning Xiaoyao straightened up and said, ¡°I can¡¯t restore the innocence to your body.¡±

    Lou Zigui was still at a loss for words.

    ¡°But I can redress the usation that you¡¯ve betrayed your country,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Finally, here was something he could reply to. ¡°What do you n to do?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Fang Tang already analyzed things. The letters in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s hands had to have been fabricated by that supreme khan of Northern Hu, Modou,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°So I was thinking, if we could kill our way to the northern barbarians and capture that shameless guy, then curse, beat, and tyrannize him until he admitted his crimes, wouldn¡¯t Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence return?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Lou Zigui was silent. If they could capture Modou, then why did he have to keep defending Anyuan¡¯s Six Prefectures garrison with massive troops?

    Ning Xiaoyao sought Lou Zigui¡¯s opinion on the matter. ¡°Supreme Commander, what do you think about my idea?¡±

    ¡°Do you have any idea what the Northern Hu are?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao cocked her head to the side in thought. Ning Yu had said back then that the ¡®armies of the Northern Hu had already broken through the pass. The country can¡¯t sustain itself anymore,¡¯ so ¡®I''d like to see how long you can hold onto Heaven and Earth!¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao remembered these words very clearly.

    ¡°The Northern Hu are really tough?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui could only force his spirits alert as he exined the enmity between Yongning and Northern Hu. They had engaged in battles for 200 years, long enough for enmity to turn into deep-set hatred and seas of blood. The final result would either see Yongning fall or the Northern Hu destroyed.

    ¡°Understood?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao by the end.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head, her face filled with shock. ¡°A group of shepherds are this formidable? They¡¯ve fought with you, no, with us, for 200 years?¡±

    Shepherds, shepherds...

    These words echoed evilly in Lou Zigui¡¯s head for a long while until he felt like dying. After all that, this foolish girl hadn¡¯t understood a thing! A puzzled Ning Xiaoyao munched on another mantou and asked, ¡°Have the people of the grasnds gically evolved?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Can they fly? Can they control thunder and lightning, use superhuman strength, run at insane speeds, shift ces in an instant, or...¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re just a group of Man tribesmen,¡± Lou Zigui cut her off.

    ¡°Just then when Fang Tang mentioned it, I wanted to ask as well. What¡¯s a Man tribe?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui suppressed the fire raging in his heart. ¡°Just uncivilized, uncultured Man people who¡¯ve never learned things like courtesy or etiquette.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°So if the people are normal humans, are their sheep super powerful? Can they shoot mes or water, are their strength...¡±

    ¡°Are you making up stories? Who told you these lies and nonsense?¡± Lou Zigui interrupted again. Had being locked up by Xie Wenyuan turned this person into an idiot?

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into the woolen nket atop the couch. Animals in the apocalypse, if not zombies themselves, were gically evolved as ferocious creatures. Her head hung as her body shrank. In Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes, she looked somewhat pathetic.

    ¡°We can¡¯t catch Modou. Neither are the Northern Hu merely shepherds,¡± Lou Zigui turned his tone gentle as he exined softly.

    Ning Xiaoyao dug at the woolen nket as she mused, could it be that nomads in search of pastures aren¡¯t called shepherds here? (Author: Enough already, you...)

    ¡°Reputation is useless to me,¡± Lou Zigui said again. ¡°Impartiality naturally exists in people¡¯s hearts, you needn¡¯t worry about such matters.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly raised her head. ¡°What ¡®impartiality naturally exists in people¡¯s hearts?¡¯ Have you forgotten? So many people wanted to eat you alive today. You think everyone loves you right now, with flowers blooming all over the ce?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want to talk to this idiot by his side anymore.

 Chapter 29: Calling a conference of the first meeting

    <h4>Chapter 29: Calling a conference of the first meeting</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t care about things like reputation. People during the apocalypse didn¡¯t even know if they¡¯d be bitten by a zombie one day. Surviving was hard enough, so reputation wasn¡¯t worth anything. But right now, Ning Xiaoyao cared about Lou Zigui¡¯s reputation very much. This person had fought, bled, and gotten injured for his country before being cursed as a traitor. For what? Just because he was friends with the crown prince? Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand it, so of course she couldn¡¯t take it.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to fear,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest as she promised Lou Zigui. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely help you get your innocence back.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s injury didn¡¯t hurt anymore, but his head did. He felt both tired and confused. Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to rub Lou Zigui¡¯s forehead. Her movements were too quick, so by the time Lou Zigui realized what was going down, her slender, thin fingers were already touching his skin. He narrowed his eyes. This person¡¯s martial arts skills are quite advanced.

    ¡°If you¡¯re tired, then sleep,¡± Ning Xiaoyao poked his forehead as a soft green ball of light entered into his head. ¡°Feel much better now?¡± she asked softly.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze turned clueless again. Once more, he smelled the scent of grasses, trees, and a fresh meadow after rainfall. ¡°You?¡± he asked Ning Xiaoyao doubtfully.

    Ning Xiaoyao withdrew her hand with a cheery grin. The faint scent lingering in the air quickly disappeared without a trace. Lou Zigui suddenly felt very reluctant to part with that fragrance. He lowered his head to stare at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s very fair, very skinny hand.

    ¡°You know martial arts?¡± he asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know whether Ning Yu had ever learned martial arts, but she didn¡¯t care. ¡°I¡¯ve learned it. There¡¯s still yummy seafood soup outside, you want some? I can bring some over?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t get to talk before Ning Xiaoyao ran off. He sat on the low, narrow couch and looked at the door that had been closed again before suddenly recovering his senses. He wanted to talk to her about her female identity, but her ramblings hadpletely led him off track. Besides his first words at the start of their conversation, he hadn¡¯t gotten to speak at all!

    Ning Xiaoyao ran into the corridors and was confused to see a full vat of scallop soup. Why wasn¡¯t anyone drinking something so tasty? ¡°None of you are drinking it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Fang Tang and the rest, who were standing around. ¡°If you¡¯re not, I¡¯ll take it to Supreme Commander.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao was standing in the courtyard until he heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words and ran over. He didn¡¯t even stop to pay his respects before crying out, ¡°Your Majesty, the wounded can¡¯t eat expanding foodstuffs like these scallops.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was startled.

    ¡°They cannot,¡± Imperial Physician Gao said in a severe tone. Since he was brought over here with a sword to his neck, he had to take responsibility for these people. They¡¯d incurred external wounds and still wanted to eat expanding food? Did they have a death wish?

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say that Supreme Commander¡¯swounds were just about healed, but she stopped on second thought. Would these people treat Supreme Commander as a freak if he recovered from his injuries so quickly? (Author: Why don¡¯t you consider whether others would treat you as a freak and roast you?)

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Imperial Physician Gao shouted towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    She sighed. ¡°Then forget it. Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang, go to the kitchens and find some other soups to bring over.¡±

    Fang Tang obeyed and left.

    ¡°Are you eating this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Imperial Physician Gao, who shook his head. Right now, he didn¡¯t want to eat anything. He just wanted to know what would happen to him in the future! A few generals shook their heads at Ning Xiaoyao as well. They weren¡¯t in the mood to eat, either. Ning Xiaoyao ced the giant vat on her shoulders. If humans weren¡¯t going to eat it, then the cats could.

    ¡°... ...¡± went all the people at the scene. This vat was even taller than His Majesty, but he¡¯d just carried it away like that. Exactly how much strength did he have?

    Big Boss ck and the rest saw Ning Xiaoyaoing out with a giant vat of scallops and jumped down from the Wutong tree in excitement. They surrounded Ning Xiaoyao with meows in a circle. Ning Xiaoyao found an empty patch of ground and ignored all formalities to pour out the soup as she said, ¡°Eat up.¡± Then she raised the vat and drank down the rest.

    Faced with a delicious meal before him, Big Boss ck still didn¡¯t forget to ask, ¡°What about Supreme Commander?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao put down the vat and said, ¡°Fell asleep.¡±

    Big Boss ck lowered his head to eat the scallops on the ground, chewing and chewing until he suddenly remembered another thing with a shrill cry. ¡°Isn¡¯t Supreme Commander poisoned?!¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was speechless. So much for being a fanboy. It was already nighttime, but that chubby ck dumpling had only remembered Supreme Commander¡¯s poisoning now. Big Boss ck ran up to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and scratched her face with his paw. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s poison, Supreme Commander¡¯s poison, Supreme Commander¡¯s...¡±

    ¡°Enough, you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tossed Big Boss ck into the air. ¡°I¡¯ve already treated Supreme Commander¡¯s poison.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a doctor?¡± said Little White, the long furred white cat. Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± an old sparrow called from the treetops. ¡°You¡¯ve only read a few books, and they were all taught by your old wet nurse! The Grand Preceptor wouldn¡¯t have let you learn anything, chirp.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes and said, ¡°I can even talk with you guys, so why can¡¯t I be a doctor?¡±

    The little animals all looked at her with wide eyes. (¡Ñ_¡Ñ) These words seemed to make a lot of sense. Ning Xiaoyao looked down and saw, hmm...the weasels, badgers, a few hedgehogs, and various little animals she didn¡¯t know had all arrived.

    ¡°How are you going to restore Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence?¡± Big Boss ck asked as he ate.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied truthfully.

    ¡°Grandfather Sparrow,¡± Big Boss ck lifted his head to ask the old bird in the tree, ¡°Can you steal the letters that hurt Supreme Commander from that old Xie bastard¡¯s house?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes lit up; this was a good idea!

    Grandfather Sparrow shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t lift it with my beak.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Find a hawk!¡± a voice called from underfoot. Ning Xiaoyao nced down and saw that even the ants had arrived.

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of those letters? How can we prove they were faked?¡± Yellow Great Immortal asked, his whiskers stained white with traces of soup. His words immediately showcased his superior intelligence quotient. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned bitter again. That¡¯s right, we can¡¯t run over and catch Modou from Northern Hu. How was she supposed to prove the letters were fake?

    An unhappy Big Boss ck didn¡¯t even want to eat scallops anymore. ¡°Then is there no way? Miaow, you promised me, little Yu!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her hairs stand on end when Big Boss ck called her ¡®little Yu.¡¯ ¡°What little Yu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao red.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± When asking favors from this human, Big Boss ck was an easy conversation partner and corrected himself easily.

    ¡°My name is Ning Xiaoyao,¡± Ning Xiaoyao introduced herself to the little animals.

    ¡°But your name is Ning Yu,¡± a cat protested.

    ¡°Ning Xiaoyao,¡± In terms of names, Ning Xiaoyao was very persistent. Anyone who wanted to could take an unlucky name like Ning Yu. She wasn¡¯t going to use it even if she died.

    ¡°Then Xiaoyao,¡± Big Boss ck gave a vicious scratch to the cat who interrupted and continued, ¡°You promised me, you have to stick to your word!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao flopped onto the ground, extremely annoyed. ¡°Yeah, I promised you. Give me some time to think it over, won¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I have a little grandson who told me Northern Hu sent a letter out of the capital yesterday,¡± Grandfather Sparrow spoke from his branch. ¡°Supreme Commander''snot dead, so they¡¯re very unhappy, chirp.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao exhaled before sitting up again to peer at Grandfather Sparrow. ¡°There are northern barbarians in the capital city too?¡±

    ¡°Of course there are!¡± all the animals chorused. Why didn¡¯t this ninny know? That was being a little too stupid, wasn¡¯t it?

    --

    In the front gardens, Shadowrain asked his senior, ¡°Did His Majesty build a livestock shed in the flower gardens?¡±

    Unhappy, Shadowgale said, ¡°Do you need a shed to raise a cat?¡±

    ¡°There are birds chirping and cats meowing,¡± Shadowthunder added, ¡°What else is there?¡±

    ¡°Foxes?¡± a Dragon Guard guessed.

    Bang!

    Everyone heard the loud noise of impact and nearly jumped. The next second, Ning Xiaoyao dashed out of the flower gardens in a frenzy as if she had just descended from the Heavens to appear in the corridor. She waved a hand at Shadowgale and the others and said, ¡°Windy, Little Song, all of youe over. We¡¯re holding a conference!¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said the generals and Dragon Guards. What was a conference?

    --

    In the time it took half a stick of incense to burn, Ning Xiaoyao headed the start of the first conference meeting in a side hall of the pce.

    ¡°The subject of our meeting today is to discuss how to restore Supreme Commander¡¯sinnocence,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat on a couch that was about the size of a bed, her face serious and solemn.

    Fang Tang had just sat down when he stood up again at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. ¡°Your Majesty, you have a way?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao motioned towards Fang Tang with a hand. ¡°Sit down, we¡¯ll talk properly if there are words to say. Don¡¯t get excited.¡±

    The young General Fang could only sit down again.

    ¡°Cough cough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat. ¡°Right now, Supreme Commander¡¯s asleep so we won¡¯t wake him up. My original n was to kill our way into Northern Hu territory and capture that shameless Modou.¡±

    ¦²(¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, went everyone else.

    ¡°But Supreme Commander said that was an impossible task,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued.

    ¡°... ...¡± went everyone. Please don¡¯t cause trouble, this really is something impossible.

    ¡°Just now, I received news that the Northern Hu are very unsatisfied to see Supreme Commander still alive. They¡¯re extremely unhappy,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Dare I ask,¡± Song Jin spoke up, ¡°From where did Your Majesty got such news?¡±

    After some thought, Ning Xiaoyao said resolutely, ¡°My little pals are all very capable.¡±

    For some reason, everyone suddenly felt that His Majesty had turned enigmatic and unfathomable. Could it be that His Majesty had already trained up his own troops while staying at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the gathered men and spoke. ¡°I was thinking about it this way. If the Northern Hu wanted to kill Supreme Commander, wouldn¡¯t that prove he was innocent?¡±

    Everyone gave a start before suddenly looking delight. That¡¯s right! Song Jin took this moment to speak to the more experienced members.

    ¡°What if the Grand Preceptor uses Supreme Commander and Northern Hu of putting on a false show?¡±

    ¡°If the Northern Hu show up to kill Supreme Commander, it¡¯ll prove they aren¡¯t good people,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Meanwhile, we¡¯ll take the chance to round up these northern barbarian secret...secret people, secret...¡± Dammit. Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. What did they call people who worked in espionage here?

    ¡°Secret agents,¡± Fang Tang reminded her.

    ¡°Oh, right. Secret agents,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We¡¯ll seize the opportunity to capture all the secret agents. What kind of blockhead would put their life on the line to keep acting out a wretched plight ruse[1. wretched plight ruse (¿àÇé¼Æ) - kuqingji, a probably y on words for self-injury ruse, or kurouji (¿àÈâ¼Æ) strategy where one inflicts injury to oneself to win the confidence of the enemy.]?¡±

 Chapter 30: Little sparrow delivers a golden tooth

    <h4>Chapter 30: Little sparrow delivers a golden tooth</h4>

    The gathered crowd had no idea what a wretched plight ruse was, but they could figure it out after thinking it through. It sounded more or less like a self-injury ruse[1. self-injury ruse (¿àÈâ¼Æ) - kurouji, a strategy where one inflicts injury to oneself to win the confidence of the enemy.].

    ¡°Besides,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt her idea was reasonable the more she talked. ¡°What does this have to do with the Grand Preceptor? We¡¯re doing it as a show for the popce, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    That¡¯s true, thought the gathered men. What does this have to do with the Grand Preceptor? When everyone believed them instead, who cares what the Grand Preceptor rambled about?

    ¡°If the Grand Preceptor uses Supreme Commander of betraying his country then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°We¡¯ll box his ears!¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± replied everyone. It seemed like His Majesty had a big grudge against the Grand Preceptor.

    ¡°Are we going to do it this way?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked herpanions.

    ¡°Do it!¡± Fang Tang was the first to yell. Everyone else looked at Song Jin. How about youe up with an idea?

    Song Jin said, ¡°Your Majesty, what should your subjects do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take Supreme Commander out to stroll around the streets,¡± Ning Xiaoyao already had her n in ce. ¡°Meanwhile, Windy takes his fellowrades--eh, Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang, you guys go too--in different clothing. We¡¯ll sit around and wait for the northern barbarians to charge us and kill Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that simple?¡± Fang Tang asked.

    ¡°Then how else do you want it to go, Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Go to the Fragrant Storey on West Street,¡± Song Jin spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty can bring Supreme Commander there, it was where thete emperor often went to mingle with the people incognito. Northern Hu won¡¯t be too suspicious if Your Majesty goes. They¡¯ll just assume Your Majesty is taking Supreme Commander to drive away his cares.¡±

    ¡°Done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands. ¡°Then I¡¯ll take Supreme Commander to the Fragrant Storey.¡±

    At this, Shadowgale raised a question. ¡°Your Majesty, what if Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t want to go? What do we do then?¡± Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t look like someone who was good-tempered, much less easy to convince. But Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t worry and just waved a hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Worsees to worst, I¡¯ll carry him over.¡±

    Fang Tang and the rest all wore odd expressions on their faces. Carry him again?

    ¡°Then let¡¯s split up and prepare,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up and gulped the contents of her teacup. She wiped her lips and said, ¡°Meeting dismissed, we¡¯ll leave the pce on time tomorrow night.¡±

    ¡°Why nighttime?¡± a guard asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Because Windy and the rest are still injured. It¡¯s no good for them to get up early,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    Shadowgale and the rest suddenly felt touched again.

    ¡°Besides, who¡¯s going to murder someone in broad daylight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. It¡¯s not like they were going to kill zombies.

    ¡°... ...¡± said everyone else. Why does it seem like His Majesty¡¯s an expert in such matters?

    --

    In the corridors outside the main audience hall, two mama [2. mama (æÖæÖ) - a form of address for an elderly female servant, also a wet nurse.] were kneeling to wait for Ning Xiaoyao. When they saw her walk over with her hands behind her back, one mama hastily spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant brought Mute Granny over to help you bathe.¡±

    ¡°Mute Granny?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the mama kneeling behind the first one. ¡°She can¡¯t speak?¡±

    This woman who looked to be in her fifties hurriedly nodded her head, opening her mouth so Ning Xiaoyao could see. She only spotted the remnants of a tongue in the mouth. Empress Dowager Xie really was a prudent type, arranging a mute servant to help with her bathing. This way, even if she knew her body was female, this mama won¡¯t be able to say a thing. Mm, Ning Xiaoyao mused, this mama is probably illiterate too.

    She bent down to help Mute Granny up before telling the other servant, ¡°I¡¯m not bathing. You go arrange for the Dragon Guards and ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s generals to bathe instead. The water has to be hot.¡±

    After epting the decree, the mama asked, ¡°Then this Mute Granny?¡±

    ¡°Leave her here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. If she chased this one away, wouldn¡¯t Empress Dowager Xie just arrange for a second or a third Mute Granny instead? Why make such a fuss?

    The mama took along Mute Granny and left. Ning Xiaoyao pushed open the door to her rooms. As a person with healing powers, all she had to do was activate her ability all over her body and it¡¯d clean up all impurities from inside out. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t need to bathe at all! Right now, Lou Zigui was still sleeping soundly on the couch. The Spring¡¯s evening breeze was soft and gentle as it lightly brushed against Lou Zigui¡¯s hair. Big Boss ck perched on the window to guard his Supreme Commander, his green eyes narrowed into slits.

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up Lou Zigui princess-style and delivered him to the bed, before putting the covers over him and touching his forehead. She exhaled a breath. He wouldn¡¯t need more than two days before his injuries recovered. Big Boss ck ran to the foot of the bed and scratched at Ning Xiaoyao with his paw again.

    ¡°Are you nning to sleep with him too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Wake up, you¡¯re male. Nothing wille of it if you sleep with Supreme Commander!¡±

    Big Boss ck made a determined effort to scratch Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shins. This ninny was insulting his adoration for the Supreme Commander! Ning Xiaoyao kicked Big Boss ck aside before jumping out the window into the flower gardens.

    ¡°You¡¯ve made your decision?¡± Grandfather Sparrow was still standing on the same branch as before.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat beneath the tree and nodded. ¡°Mm, we¡¯ve decided. We¡¯ll make our move tomorrow night.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow flew tond on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s crossed legs. ¡°Then how are you going to tell Northern Hu that Supreme Commander¡¯s left the pce?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao conjured out a mantou from a pocket and fed some to Grandfather Sparrow as she exined. ¡°That¡¯s why I want to ask you, Grandfather Sparrow, to help me out. Can you guys steal something from the northern barbarians?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow gave a start. Did sparrows steal from humans? Were they sick of living?

    ¡°You guys just need to lure a northern barbarian to glimpse a view of Supreme Commander, that¡¯s all,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°When they see the Supreme Commander, they¡¯ll definitelye to kill him.¡±

    Big Boss ck quietly approached Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°Then what should be stolen?¡±

    ¡°Anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°As long as it¡¯s a treasure of the Northern Hu, it¡¯ll work.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow pecked a few bites of mantou from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand before giving a sigh. ¡°Supreme Commander is a good person.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck both nodded their heads.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll help you on this matter, Xiaoyao,¡± said Grandfather Sparrow.

    ¡°Thank you, Grandfather Sparrow!¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised him up and kissed his little head. Grandfather Sparrow hastily flew out of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. Males and females shouldn¡¯t be so intimate. Did this Xiaoyao understand or not, ah, chirp~

    ¡°I want to go tomorrow, too,¡± Big Boss ck said.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to fight, what are you going for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck showed off his ws. ¡°I can scratch those Northern Hu to death.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips twitched. If you have the skills, why not scratch the Xie father and daughter to death?

    From outside the walls, the sound of the night watch carried over. A fine drizzle fell from the skies, so Ning Xiaoyao carried Big Boss ck back into the rooms. She ced him on the couch before lying next to Lou Zigui. Since they had to fight tomorrow, she wanted to sleep a bit. When Lou Zigui rolled over, Ning Xiaoyao was in the middle of self-cleaning herself. Her entire body was enveloped in a soft green light. Lou Zigui raised a hand and tightly hugged Ning Xiaoyao, sighing deeply in his sleep. His lips rested on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face as if he¡¯d finally found a lost treasure.

    ¡°... ...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. They couldn¡¯t use her of stealing Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence this time, right? Moreover, wasn¡¯t this guy treating her as a body pillow?

    The drizzle fell all through the night and next day until dusk. Ning Xiaoyao spent her entire day eating and drinking as she got familiar with Fang Tang and Shadowgale¡¯s crew. Once it got dark, she watched the Dragon Guards and Song Jin¡¯s men leave the pce in casual garb before yawning and carrying the still sleeping Lou Zigui onto the carriage.

    ¡°Windy, let¡¯s go,¡± she told the carriage driver.

    The general of the imperial guards looked like he¡¯d swallowed goldthread [3. goldthread (»ÆÁ¬) - huanglian, a type of nt used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with stomach problems. Perhaps a certain emperor is giving the imperial guards stomachaches? ;)] when he saw Ning Xiaoyao stick her head out the carriage window. He couldn¡¯t hold back the Dragon Guards, much less His Majesty, from leaving the pce. But how was he supposed to exin things to the empress dowager if they did go?!

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s not feeling very well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lied without a change in expression. ¡°I¡¯m taking him out of the pce to find a doctor.¡±

    The general of the imperial guards hastened to reply, ¡°This soldier understands.¡±

    Shadowgale struck out with the whip in his hands, and the two horse carriage galloped out of the pce gates. Ning Xiaoyao had just left when Empress Dowager Xie received the news.

    ¡°His Majesty said that Supreme Commander¡¯s not feeling very well?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked the head eunuch who brought in the report.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the head eunuch replied while half-bowed. ¡°His Majesty brought Supreme Commander out of the pce to see a doctor.¡±

    Nobody dared to speak up. If it was an issue of illness, there were physicians on duty at the Imperial Physician Courtyard all day and night. His Majesty hadn¡¯t summoned an imperial physician but went out to look for a doctor. Wasn''t this clearly telling everyone that he didn¡¯t trust the imperial physicians or the empress dowager in charge of managing the pce affairs?

    Empress Dowager Xie gave a soft exhale as she waved tiredly for the head eunuch to withdraw. She seemed saddened, but there was a cold smile in her heart. Lou Zigui¡¯s been poisoned, so of course his body won¡¯t get any better. She¡¯d like to see what her daughter looked like after Lou Zigui died.

    --

    When Lou Zigui heard the sound of carriage wheels, his eyes flew open in alert. Why would the pce sound like moving wheels? The vision before him was a smiling face that still carried traces of baby fat.

    ¡°Awake?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Miaow,¡± Big Boss ck greeted, staring at Lou Zigui as well.

    Lou Zigui sat up and nced at Ning Xiaoyao, then at the interior of the carriage, before asking in a low voice, ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°Fragrant Storey,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Where?¡± Lou Zigui thought he¡¯d misheard. Why would this woman take him to the capital city¡¯s most famous brothel?

    Ning Xiaoyao thought over her words. There was no mistake, Song Jin had said ¡®Fragrant Storey¡¯st night. ¡°Fragrant Storey, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said confidently.

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Lou Zigui was angry. Did women talk about brothels?

    ¡°You¡¯re not going?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°No, we¡¯re going back,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned wooden. ¡°We¡¯re going even if you don¡¯t want to. Today we have big things to aplish. All you have to do is sh your face.¡±

    Lou Zigui had no idea what was going on. Why couldn¡¯t he understand this person when she talked? ¡°sh my face? How am I supposed to sh it?¡±

    ¡°It means to show your face,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt a bit hurt. It was hard to make connections when yournguage ran along different systems.

    Take him to the brothel to show his face? Lou Zigui just couldn¡¯t figure out what Ning Xiaoyao was nning!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Fang Tang¡¯s voice called from outside the window. Ning Xiaoyao hastily lifted the curtains.

    ¡°Thieving bird!¡± a guttural voice cried out from behind the carriage, along with a chorus ofughter. A sparrow flew past the window and loosened its ws, depositing a shiny gold object into the carriage. Ning Xiaoyao picked it up and saw, aiyah, a golden tooth. Though the shape wasn¡¯t as fine as the ones from the apocalypse, it was a tooth beyond a doubt. Chirping noises came from the sparrows atop a wall encircling a nearby house. Ning Xiaoyao spotted Grandfather Sparrow amongst the crowd.

    ¡°Do well,¡± Grandfather Sparrow shouted at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You have to restore Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence, chirp~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded at Grandfather Sparrow. She definitely would!

    Supreme Commander Lou was speechless. What was this person doing, nodding her head out the window while holding a golden tooth delivered by a sparrow? Had she been possessed?

 Chapter 31: His Majesty Ning brandishes a brick

    <h4>Chapter 31: His Majesty Ning brandishes a brick</h4>

    Fang Tang threw the golden tooth at the middle-aged man who¡¯d came chasing after the sparrow. At a nce, one could tell this man was dressed like Northern Hu horse dealers. The horse dealer nced at the lifted curtains of the carriage before docilely kneeling on the ground to thank Fang Tang.

    Disdainfully, Fang Tang said, ¡°Pathetic, letting a bird steal something out of your mouth.¡±

    The horse dealer muttered subserviently as he remained kneeling. Though he was speaking, no one could hear his words clearly.

    ¡°If even a sparrow could take it, it probably wasn¡¯t real gold,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Lou Zigui in the carriage.

    ¡°Go on, scram,¡± Fang Tang waved away the Northern Hu horse dealer with his hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head and asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Did the fake tooth seller cheat that man?¡±

    Lou Zigui felt himself getting a headache as he knitted his brows. ¡°Just what are you nning to do today?¡± He couldn¡¯t follow such a stupid train of thought, or else they¡¯d end up talking about who knows what.

    ¡°Restoring your innocence, ah. You don¡¯t know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°... ...¡± said Lou Zigui. Had anyone bothered to tell him beforehand?

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered the curtains and said, ¡°No fear, I¡¯ll protect you.¡±

    ¡°Miaow, and me too,¡± Big Boss ck called out.

    What did she mean, she¡¯d protect him? ¡°How are you nning to restore my innocence? Are we killing our way to Northern Hu?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say yesterday that it was an impossible task?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want to talk anymore. Had he said such thingsst night?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand, preparing to touch Lou Zigui¡¯s head again. ¡°Supreme Commander your innocence wille back very soon.¡±

    Lou Zigui evaded her hand. ¡°Can you tell me, what you¡¯ve nn...¡± Before he could finished, the carriage wheels ran over a rock and caused the carriage to shake. Lou Zigui¡¯s body was still weak, so he tumbled headfirst into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sp. Then his lips crashed against something he shouldn¡¯t be touching. The soft silk beneath his mouth instantly turned Lou Zigui¡¯s face red before he sat bolt upright. Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. They¡¯d rolled around in the sheets already, but this guy was still so shy. Why make such a fuss?

    The carriage drove forward for a while longer beforeing to a stop.

    ¡°Your Majesty, we¡¯ve arrived at the Fragrant Storey,¡± Shadowgale said from outside.

    Ning Xiaoyao got off the carriage. The country was currently in mourning, so all the civilians were wearing mourning clothes in memory of thete emperor. The streets of the red-light district werepletely unlit, nor were there any pedestrians walking around. Everything was deserted. Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at the three-storey brick and wooden building, musing that this was very different from the wineshops in her imagination. Aside from theck of customers, there wasn¡¯t a single speck of light. Were all the shops on this street about to go bankrupt?

    Fang Tang carefully helped Lou Zigui off the carriage. Shadowgale brought out a dumpy matron from the establishment, and Ning Xiaoyao caught a whiff of her potent powder before she even came over. She sneezed and wanted to tell the woman more wasn¡¯t necessarily better when it came to perfume. But then the little gyrfalcon gave out a long cry.

    ¡°The northern barbarians are here!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao heard footstepsing from north of the street and turned back to run in front of Lou Zigui. She was about to warn everyone to prepare for a counterattack against the enemy when a ming arrow shot towards Lou Zigui. Shadowgale dashed forward from behind Fang Tang and sliced the arrow in half with a sh of his sabre.

    ¡°Kill!¡± Shadowgale shouted as he led the way with his sabre.

    The sound of whistling air came from behind them. Ning Xiaoyao turned to see hundreds of flying arrowsing their way.

    Lou Zigui spotted the arrows and Ning Xiaoyao, who still hadn¡¯t thought to dodge. His anxiety made him cry out. ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    The Dragon Guards raised their shields and blocked the rain of arrows. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have time to rx before the onught of arrows started anew. Beneath the moonlight, their tips shone like cold stars.

    ¡°This the Northern Hu¡¯s Nine Arrow Crossbow!¡± Fang Tang shouted from the back.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know what a Nine Arrow Crossbow was, but she saw Shadowgale and the rest getting hammered by a storm of arrows. Standing behind the shield, they had absolutely no way to advance. It was obvious that the flying arrows exerted too much pressure for them to do anything except stand in ce.

    ¡°Did you guys ce any men along the streets?¡± Lou Zigui asked Fang Tang angrily.

    The night breeze was rather chilly, but Fang Tang had already broken into a sweat. They had arranged men along the south and north ends of the street, but there weren¡¯t many of them. He was afraid that putting too much people would deter the northern barbarians froming in the first ce. Now that they¡¯d attacked in full force, the Dragon Guards stationed at each end had no way to bar their way, much less outnk them.

    ¡°You actually dared to ce His Majesty in mortal danger?¡± Lou Zigui raised his leg, wanting to give Fang Tang a kick.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran over just then to push Fang Tang aside. ¡°Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang, you¡¯re still in the mood to chat about life with Supreme Commander right now?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s leg stopped in mid-air as he narrowly avoided spraining his waist. Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to pick up the carriage. She had already marked this carriage as a heavy object, or else she would¡¯ve started tearing the buildings apart. This time, she used every ounce of her strength to grab the carriage by its front axles before holding her breath and lifting it above her head.

    Lou Zigui and Fang Tang were both dumbfounded as they settled on the same thought. How is this even possible?!

    Using her gically superior strength, Ning Xiaoyao cast a final nce at the location of the Northern Hu archers, shouted a get lost, you!, and violently smashed the carriage in their direction.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s panicked cries came from the carriage.

    ¡°... ...¡± Crap, Ning Xiaoyao forgot that the fat ck furball was still inside.

    The 600 jin [1. jin (½ï) - traditional unit of weight approximating 0.5kg or 1.1lbs.] imperial carriage whooshed along in the wind over the heads of Shadowgale and the rest to crash on top of the Northern Hu archers. Shadowgale didn¡¯t even hear any voices cry out, only the sound of the carriage shattering into pieces. Big Boss ck leaped onto a northern barbarian¡¯s head. Cats had light bones and were good at jumping, so Big Boss ck was fine despite the destroyed carriage. He revealed his ws and ruthlessly left five bloody grooves in the bald head. This barbarian was lucky enough to escape heavy injuries from the smashed carriage, but fell prey to a cat¡¯s w and a head full of blood. With an angry cry, he lifted his arms to grab at the cat on top of him.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Big Boss ck shouted, his tail caught by therge man.

    Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t brought any weapons, so she could only pick up a brick from the ground and run towards the man. Lou Zigui had just recovered from his shock when he saw His Majesty dashing towards the northern barbarian with brick in hand.

    ¡°You...¡± Supreme Commander Lou wanted to shout, but ended up saying nothing from his open mouth. Fang Tang gaped at the sight of His Majesty leaping up and smashing the brick down on a man twice her height until he toppled to the ground, face covered in blood.

    Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang had trouble finding his words as he stammered, ¡°His, His Majesty¡¯s so, so valiant.¡±

    Was it a good thing for a woman to be praised as valiant? Lou Zigui mused, but couldn¡¯t find an answer.

    ¡°Are you guys just going to watch while the Northern Hu surround me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned back to look at the stunned forms of Shadowgale and the rest after rescuing Big Boss ck with her brick. Hey, pals aren¡¯t supposed to act this way!

    The Dragon Guards recovered their senses with her words and started rushing at the crowds.

    ¡°Hateful humans!¡± Big Boss Boss scratched the northern barbarian¡¯s face. Ning Xiaoyao plucked up the tubby ck furball and tossed him onto her shoulders.

    ¡°Enough, you. He¡¯s already unconscious, so what are you scratching him for?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s that dog emperor[1. dog emperor (¹·»ÊµÛ) - gou huangdi, a literal trantion. ¡°Dog¡± in this sense means ¡°damned, cursed.¡±] of Yongning!¡± a northern barbarian shouted as he pointed at Ning Xiaoyao with his sabre.

    Ninny, fatuous ruler, dog emperor. Ning Xiaoyao was indignant. Couldn¡¯t they give her a more positive nickname? She picked up another brick from the ground and joined in the fray to keep fighting. Shadowgale started out by shielding Ning Xiaoyao, only to discover her dancing, whirling, brick-wielding skills made her beat people up like watermelons. As soon as she hit someone, red liquid would flow, so he stopped worrying. His Majesty was such a capable fighter that he didn¡¯t even need them to protect him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let them run away!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at the Dragon Guards while brutally bricking barbarian brains. It was so dark. Just how many Northern Hu spies existed in the capital city?

    At the frontlines, the ¡®bloody battle¡¯ reigned, while Lou Zigui and Fang Tang stood by the two horses that had drawn the carriage. It almost seemed like this whole thing had nothing to do with them. Above their heads, the circling gyrfalcon suddenly gave out another long keel as he dove from the rooftops of the Fragrant Storey. Fang Tang sensed something amiss with the wind. He didn¡¯t even have time to turn his head, but instinctively sliced in the direction of the whistling air. A green-tipped arrowhead broke apart two-thirds from its tail to fall at Fang Tang¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Fang Tang nced at the rusty copper arrowhead and cursed. ¡°Those Man thralls dipped the arrows in poison!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao twisted her head to look at the Fragrant Storey rooftops, only to see the little gyrfalcon pecking and scratching at a northern barbarian. Right now, the ground was littered with wood. Without a second thought, Ning Xiaoyao kicked up a thick, sturdy piece of timber and caught it in her hand, before throwing it at the barbarian on the roof.

    A horrible shriek and the sound of breaking roof tiles came from above Lou Zigui and Fang Tang¡¯s head. They looked up and saw a northern barbarian fall at their feet. Not only was his head bloodied, his legs seemed broken as well.

    ¡°S-so fierce,¡± Fang Tang sighed with feeling. If His Majesty could join the battlefields, he¡¯d be a warrior there as well!

    Lou Zigui cradled his forehead as his expression turned stern. ¡°There¡¯s 100 Dragon Guards here at most. Where did the other 200 go? What about Seventh Song and the rest?¡±

    Song Jin was seventh in terms of seniority amongst their brothers, so he was called Seventh Song in the army. At his question, Fang Tang suddenly grew alert. That¡¯s right, they were shouting and ughtering up a storm here, but why hadn¡¯t Seventh Song and the otherse out of hiding yet?

    ¡°Where did they hide themselves?¡± Lou Zigui asked in a low voice. Fang Tang raised his arm to point behind them at an alleyway. Song Jin and the rest should¡¯ve hidden there.

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head and asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Did the fake tooth seller cheat that man?¡±

    Lou Zigui felt himself getting a headache as he knitted his brows.

    Ning Xiaoyao: HahaHAH, that guy got yed good!

    Lou Zigui: It feels like Your Majesty''s ying with us all...

    Ning Xiaoyao: What? No way, this is serious business! Work stuff! A matter of life and death, guilty or not-guilty!

    Ning Xiaoyao: Though you can probably rx, Supreme Commander. *pats his shoulder* I''ve totally got everything covered, your part included.

    Lou Zigui: (Do you...? Do you really?!)

    [/expand]

 Chapter 32: Grand Preceptor does evil again

    <h4>Chapter 32: Grand Preceptor does evil again</h4>

    As Fang Tang pointed at the alleyway, he took a step forward, nning to run over and look for himself. But Lou Zigui said sternly, ¡°Don¡¯t go, there are people on top of the walls.¡±

    Fang Tang hastily looked over and saw two ck robed figures standing atop the walls on both sides. Their faces were covered with ck cloth, making it impossible to tell their looks. ¡°Northern Hu?¡± Fang Tang was astonished. Just two people were enough to hold back Song Jin and his men?

    ¡°If they were northern barbarians, why haven¡¯t theye to kill me?¡± Lou Zigui said softly. Fang Tang was astonished.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui intoned coolly.

    ¡°What?¡± Fang Tang wanted to shout, but held himself back.

    Lou Zigui observed the situation of the battlefield. Ning Xiaoyao was currently fighting while holding a brick above her head. A ck cat sat on her shoulders with its fangs and ws bared. The two of them made a pair in ck and white, amusing Lou Zigui enough for him to chortle. Grand Preceptor Xie probably never expected to raise a granddaughter like this, right?

    ¡°They¡¯re really the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men?¡± Fang Tang didn¡¯t understand why his Supreme Commander could stillugh in such a situation. ¡°What does that damned old fogey want to do?¡±

    ¡°He wants to shock and scare His Majesty with my death,¡± Lou Zigui withdrew his smile to speak in a cold voice. The Dragon Guards would protect Ning Xiaoyao unto death, buying enough time for him to die at Northern Hu¡¯s hands. When he was gone, Grand Preceptor Xie could then bring his men and horses to rescue His Majesty. It was strike that dealt two blows at once: to kill his enemy while teaching a harsh lesson to his disobedient grandchild. Lou Zigui looked coldly at the two men atop the wall. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Grand Preceptor Xie wanted to be that oriole.

    --

    In the long and narrow alleyway, Grand Preceptor Xie stood with his hands behind his back as he paced around in circles. Song Jin and the ck Frost Cavalry, along with the rest of the Dragon Guards, were all lying on the ground. Their minds were alert, but they had no feeling in their limbs. Nor could they speak.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± a ck-clothed man jumped down from the wall to crouch on one leg before him. He spoke in a soft voice, ¡°The Northern Hu are about to lose.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie ground to a halt. ¡°You¡¯re certain?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the ck-robed man didn¡¯t say much, but only kept to a simple word.

    The most powerful weapons from this group of northern barbarians were their Nine Arrow Crossbows. One crossbow could shoot nine arrows at once, an excellent tool on the battlefield when they were attacking cities and seizing territories. Unfortunately, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s 600 jin carriage injured over half of the archers. When she jumped up to kill the rest, the crossbows became useless at close-range. From that moment on, the Northern Hu were doomed to lose.

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand to dismiss the messenger before tugging at his cor. He slowly paced to a ce with poor lighting in the alley and sat down, where no one could see his expression. His calm face instantly shifted to a gloomy one. He didn¡¯te today for Lou Zigui, because it wasn¡¯t worth wasting effort on a man destined to die. He¡¯d brought along all the expert fighters of his estate and drugged Song Jin and the rest, just so Ning Xiaoyao could watch Lou Zigui die in front of her eyes. When she felt death first-hand and understood her life wouldn''t be the same without the Xie n¡¯s protection, she¡¯d understand her precarious state. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s most capable assistant, Xu Yi, walked to his side and spoke in a low voice.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, these soldiers were afflicted with a potent poison. Now that His Majesty¡¯s taken care of the Northern Hu, perhaps Grand Preceptor should reconsider how to deal with these people?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie hadn¡¯t nned on keeping the lives of Song Jin and his men, but now he didn¡¯t have a chance toe to the rescue of the emperor. If he couldn¡¯t pressure Ning Xiaoyao, how could he kill Song Jin and the rest?

    ¡°Grand Preceptor could use these people¡¯s lives as coteral in the court assembly two dayster,¡± Xu Yi was a middle-aged man, but his hair had already turned white while his back was stooped. ¡°But if we do it this way, Grand Preceptor and His Majesty really will have no good feelings left.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head with a ridiculing smile. For the sake of power and absolute authority, he and Ning Yu had long forsaken ties of friendship between them.

    A few sparrows stood on the wall behind Grand Preceptor Xie. After watching the two men quiet down following their brief exchange, a few sparrows flew away from the wall andnded on a small building, where they started to chirp and cry.

    ¡°Grandfather Sparrow, that Grand Preceptor Xie is too wicked!¡± a small sparrow cried as it hopped around. ¡°Too wicked, chirp chirp~¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow used his beak tob the little sparrow¡¯s feathers. ¡°A person like that will sink to the 18th level of Hell after he dies. He¡¯ll have his time to regret then.¡±

    ¡°Then what about now?¡± another little sparrow asked anxiously.

    ¡°Go find Xiaoyao,¡± Grandfather Sparrow directed. ¡°Tell her that Old Xie¡¯s up to his evil tricks again.¡±

    The little sparrow nodded and prepared to fly away when he stopped. ¡°There¡¯s a little gyrfalcon there. Will he take us away and eat us?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Grandfather Sparrow smoothed out the little sparrow¡¯s feathers again. ¡°If he bites you, just say you know Xiaoyao and have something urgent to tell her.¡±

    ¡°Mmkay,¡± the little sparrow pped its wings and flew off.

    ¡°Does Xiaoyao have a way to defeat Grand Preceptor Xie?¡± a few sparrows started worrying for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sake.

    Grandfather Sparrow stood on the roof and observed the crowd at the Fragrant Storey from a distance. ¡°Xiaoyao¡¯s the emperor.¡±

    How was it easy to grasp everything under Heaven? The higher one¡¯s position, the greater one¡¯s responsibility. When problems arose, themoners, ministers, and everyone else might not have ideas, but the emperor had to have solutions. Grandfather Sparrow lightly chirped a few times as he inexplicably felt pained for the young Miss Ning Xiaoyao.

    --

    The little sparrow ran into the gyrfalcon as soon as it arrived at the Fragrant Storey.

    ¡°I¡¯vee to find Xiaoyao. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s doing evil things again, I¡¯m here to report to her.¡± Without waiting for the gyrfalcon to bite him, the sparrow spoke up.

    Hearing this, the gyrfalcon gave a call and flew up into the skies. Ning Xiaoyao had stopped waving around her brick by now and was sitting at the doorstep of a two-storey building while panting for breath. First she threw a carriage, then she beat people with bricks, how tiring. The little gyrfalconnded on her shoulder and cast a nce at Big Boss ck by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side before chirping her the news. In the end, he even used his head to nuzzlefortingly at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dirt-streaked face.

    Crap!

    Ning Xiaoyao sat stiffly for awhile before leaping to her feet. Was this any good? That old bastard, how could he spend every minute of every day trying to hurt people?!

    Shadowgale ran to Ning Xiaoyao then, his hand holding his sabre. ¡°Your Majesty, we¡¯ve taken down all the northern barbarians.¡±

    Big Boss ck spoke up. ¡°Xiaoyao, aren¡¯t you going to take a look at the Northern Hu''sir in the capital city?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao mused a bit before lifting Big Boss ck and cing him on Shadowgale¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Windy, my cat knows where the Northern Hu¡¯sir is located. You guys follow him to capture all the people.¡±

    (¡Ñ_¡Ñ), went Shadowgale and the Dragon Guards standing by him. Follow a cat¡¯s directions?

    Ning Xiaoyao took to her heels to dash towards the alleyway, but couldn¡¯t help but encourage, ¡°Go for it, Windy, you guys can do it!¡±

    Big Boss ck leaped down from Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder and raised his head to look at him, meowing twice before running towards the northern end of the streets.

    ¡°Second, take some people to look after the prisoners, the rest of you follow that cat,¡± Shadowgale still didn¡¯t know that Song Jin and the rest had fallen to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hands, so he only gave orders to the Dragon Guards present. Ning Xiaoyao ran past Lou Zigui and Fang Tang like a burst of wind, a sparrow perched atop her head. The little gyrfalcon descended from the air. Instead of following his owner Shadowgale, he opted tond on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t see anything happen to little Song and the rest from the air?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I saw them fall to the ground, but they didn¡¯t die,¡± the gyrfalcon replied.

    ¡°You still should¡¯ve given me a heads up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled at the falcon¡¯s feathers.

    The little gyrfalcon felt very wronged. ¡°My owner was fine though, aroo.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. True enough, small animals only cared about their owners. The rest of humanity could live or die for all they cared.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you were fine too,¡± the gyrfalcon¡¯s wings hurt from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s tugging, but he didn¡¯t get mad. Instead, he tried to make it up by nuzzling Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face with his head.

    Fine, Ning Xiaoyao decided to forgive this idiot. Besides his owner, she was the most important person to him. She had a proper sense of pride in that.

    Fang Tang watched Ning Xiaoyao run off and turned to Lou Zigui. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s heading for the alleyway?¡±

    As soon as Lou Zigui took a few hasty steps forward, his head began to spin. ¡°Help me over there,¡± Lou Zigui said as he exerted all his strength, brows furrowing.

    Fang Tang pointed ahead and said dumbly, ¡°Supreme Commander, His Majesty¡¯s entered the alleyway.¡± She ran way too fast, didn¡¯t she?

    Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help but reply irritably, ¡°Nobody can hurt His Majesty, what are you afraid of?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Fang Tang. Indeed, His Majesty¡¯s valiant ways were indeed indomitable.

    --

    When Ning Xiaoyao rushed into the alleyway and saw the copsed forms of Song Jin and the rest, her anger turned into extraordinary wrath. Grand Preceptor Xie walked into front of Ning Xiaoyao and prepared to bow to pay his respects. Ning Xiaoyao still recalled the empress dowager¡¯s words about filial piety. She couldn¡¯t touch her own mother, so the same thing applied to her own maternal grandfather. Instead, she looked at the hunchbacked man by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side.

    A sparrow on the wall cried out, ¡°Xiaoyao, he¡¯s a bad guy too!¡±

    If he was a bad guy, then what was she waiting for? Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand and pped Assistant Xu, who was preparing to bow as well. His head had hardly dipped when Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s p sent him crumpling wordlessly to the ground face-first, a giant lump on his head. Slowly, it began to swell.

    ¡°You,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t maintain his expression. Assistant Xu was his most handy man, one that he treated with the rites of an intimate friend. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s p just then was equivalent to a p on his face. Ignoring Grand Preceptor Xie and Assistant Xu, Ning Xiaoyao hurried forward to check on Song Jin, who was lying on the ground by her left side.

    When Song Jin saw Ning Xiaoyao crouched by his side, his mouth moved rapidly. He desperately wanted to speak, but no matter what he did, no sound came out. Ning Xiaoyao ced her hand on top of his and said, ¡°It¡¯s all right. With me here, nothing can hurt you guys.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stood behind Ning Xiaoyao and said softly, ¡°Your Majesty, they were poisoned. When this subject arrived with my men, the Northern Hu were just...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± the sparrows chirped at the same time. Why didn¡¯t this old scoundrel have any face?!

 Chapter 33: If I leave, who will be emperor?

    <h4>Chapter 33: If I leave, who will be emperor?</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie was starting to get annoyed by all the chirping sparrows tonight. By the time he refocused on the issue at hand, he saw with a start that Song Jin had stood up from the ground. How, how could this be?!

    Ning Xiaoyao was as tired as a dog to begin with. After treating Song Jin¡¯s poison, she was now as tired as a dead dog and plopped on the ground. From her pocket she took out some sugar beans and tossed them into her mouth. She had to recover her strength quickly when so many people were waiting for poison treatment. Grand Preceptor Xie backed up a few steps, still in shock. His first thought was that there was a problem with the person who had released the poison smoke! Had he already been drawn over to Ning Yu¡¯s side and turned into one of herckeys?

    Song Jin didn¡¯t know why he could move all of a sudden, but there was no time to ponder that now. He red coldly at Grand Preceptor Xie before stepping forward to shield Ning Xiaoyao behind him. At this moment, Lou Zigui arrived with Fang Tang supporting him, walking step-by-step into the alleyway. He nced at Ning Xiaoyao sitting on the ground and felt his heart quiver. Hastily he asked, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao munched on sugar beans as she waved a hand at him. ¡°I¡¯m over here, ah.¡±

    Hearing her speak, Lou Zigui felt reassured. His vision shifted to Grand Preceptor Xie, who¡¯d brought along high level experts in both archery and concealed weapons. But without Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯smand, they didn¡¯t dare to make a move. Grand Preceptor Xie met Lou Zigui¡¯s icy gaze and suddenly smiled.

    ¡°His Majesty and Supreme Commander are well and safe. Now I can set my cares at rest.¡±

    Coldly, Lou Zigui replied, ¡°We¡¯ve troubled Grand Preceptor to worry. The only fortunate thing tonight was that His Majesty was unhurt.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled. ¡°Supreme Commander says rightly. His Majesty being unhurt is the most important thing. Supreme Commander ah, the Northern Hu won¡¯t stop trying to destroy our Yongning, so you have to take care of yourself.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s instruction is apt.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stayed on the ground as she asked the falcon on her shoulder, ¡°Howe they¡¯re talking to each other? Aren¡¯t they supposed to bite each other to death at first sight?¡± Instead, they were standing across from each other and exchanging words like friends. What was going on?

    The little gyrfalcon first admitted he didn¡¯t know, before adding, ¡°All you humans know is how to pretend!¡± Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. Thisment seemed to make sense. She actually had no rebuttal for it.

    By now, Grand Preceptor Xie had spoken up again. ¡°His Majesty was long aware of problems with those letters. But for the sake of ensnaring the capital¡¯s northern barbarians in one, he could only wrong Supreme Commander and y out a self-injury ruse. Now that the secret agents have all been caught, Supreme Commander won¡¯t need to bear usations of being a traitor anymore.¡± Here, Grand Preceptor Xie cupped one hand in another and raised it before his chest in obeisance. ¡°I offended Supreme Commander much in the past. I hope that Supreme Commander won¡¯t me me.¡±

    Oh my God!

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands shook. It felt like ten million alpacas were running amok in her heart. She had just acknowledged this old man¡¯s shamelessness when he outdid himself again! Fang Tang¡¯s hand supporting Lou Zigui was shaking as well. Grand Preceptor Xie was supposed to be an intellectual schr renowned for his Confucian values. But he was just a damned despicable viin! The little gyrfalcon pped his wings and cried, ¡°Awoo, awoo, awoo, Xiaoyao, let me eat him up!¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± went the people present. This falcon could howl like a wolf?

    Ning Xiaoyao hugged the gyrfalcon to her chest. This old guy had so many subordinates that they¡¯d kill the bird before he even flew in front of the old man¡¯s face. Lou Zigui patted Fang Tang¡¯s hand and looked at Grand Preceptor Xie with a smile that even reached to his eyes. He was a man with the looks of a painting. When he didn¡¯t smile, his being was infused with heavy killing intent that scared people off. But when he did smile, it was as if a painter had added extra color to the corners of his eyes with a rush. The scene evoked that of spring breezes for ten li and flowers blooming in bright profusion.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart skipped twice. She knew that Lou Zigui was good-looking, but he¡¯d never truly smiled at her before. Ning Xiaoyao never knew that someone¡¯s smile could look like blooming flowers--not just one, but a field of them!

    Grand Preceptor Xie was smiling as well, but his hands were clenched into fists. He knew why Lou Zigui was smiling. Because he¡¯d ced all the me on the Northern Hu to justify himself, he was effectively admitting his failure this time. If he was a gambler, he would¡¯ve lost all his family properties by now. Lou Zigui pushed aside Fang Tang¡¯s hand and slowly walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side before half crouching to speak in a low voice. ¡°This subject invites Your Majesty to return to the pce. The Northern Hu spies have already been captured, so Your Majesty has no need to put yourself in danger anymore.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Would there be those who escaped?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°If there did, the numbers wouldn¡¯t be high. Ants can¡¯t shake a tree, so Your Majesty needn¡¯t worry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. Though she didn¡¯t know why this man thought so little of ants, she realized that they really had no way to shakerge trees. His words weren¡¯t wrong. (Author: The two of you aren¡¯t talking about the same thing, okay? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui extended a hand towards Ning Xiaoyao. She ced her right hand in Lou Zigui¡¯s palm, but didn¡¯t really let the other pull her up. Supreme Commander was still ailing!

    After standing up with her own strength, she asked in a soft voice, ¡°Are we really leaving?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. He lowered his head to nce at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. By now, they¡¯d turned into two dusty ws, but a nce showed that its owner enjoyed a high position and lived infort. Would a martial arts practitioner have hands like these?

    ¡°There¡¯s still so many people lying on the ground,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to leave. She hadn¡¯t saved them yet, so how could she?

    Lou Zigui asked Song Jin, ¡°Are you well?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine now,¡± Song Jin hastened to reply.

    ¡°Have the men sent back to the imperial pce,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Let Shadowthunder escort the Northern Hu men to the justice courts with Grand Preceptor Xie and interrogate them overnight.¡±

    Song Jin was worried. ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor...?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Lou Zigui was certain. ¡°This is the red-light district. Even though the shops are closed, news spreads fast. Xie Wenyuan wouldn¡¯t dare to try any tricks.¡± When he was painted as a traitor, the people were ready to eat him alive. Faced with that kind of public sentiment, would Grand Preceptor Xie risk incurring universal condemnation?

    Song Jin replied in the affirmative. Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao along, but she dawdled and didn¡¯t want to leave. How could she abandon so many of herpanions here?

    ¡°You can¡¯t bear to leave the grand preceptor?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. She¡¯d rather throw that old man to the zombies as a meal!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, be good and listen,¡± Lou Zigui said lightly. ¡°They¡¯ll be all right. You can treat them after you return to the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had gotten used to the icy-faced, chilly-gaze Lou Zigui, so his sudden warmth threw her off. Was this guy bipr? He was a cruelmander one minute and a lover of the people the next?

    Grand Preceptor Xieughed mockingly as he watched Lou Zigui lead Ning Xiaoyao away. Now that he thought of it, he hadn¡¯t lost yet. Once Lou Zigui died, he¡¯d have plenty of time to teach that girl Ning Yu a lesson.

    ¡°Go to the soldiers and horses division, have the Nine Gate Infantry Commander [1. Nine Gate Infantry Commander (¾ÅÃÅÌá¶½) - military appointment during imperial China. The person with this title was in charge of overseeing and safeguarding the nine city gates of the imperial capital.] transfer the troops,¡± Grand Preceptor Xiemanded his men. ¡°Not one of the Northern Hu can be allowed to escape.¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men hastened to obey. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Outside the alleyway, Lou Zigui spoke to Fang Tang who had followed after them. ¡°You stay and help Seventh Song.¡±

    ¡°Then who will protect you two?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Seventh Song?¡±

    Fang Tang and Ning Xiaoyao opened their mouths at the same time.

    ¡°Seventh Song is Song Jin,¡± Lou Zigui exined to her as he walked towards the streets. Fang Tang watched the two leave from the alleyway until they were far away. Then he turned back. With the emperor¡¯s strength and skills with bricks, His Majesty could definitely protect their Supreme Commander.

    Since Ning Xiaoyao had smashed the carriage, she could only walk out of the red light district with Lou Zigui on foot. It seemed like it¡¯d only take a few minutes, but they were still stuck in the street half an hourter.

    ¡°How about I carry you?¡± an impatient Ning Xiaoyao offered.

    Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°Am I going to die?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave a start.

    Lou Zigui repeated his question. ¡°Am I going to die? Very soon, at that?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie, that crafty sycophant, had looked at him as one would look at a dead man.

    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°The grand preceptor put poison on the executioner¡¯s de, but I¡¯ve already treated that for you. Didn¡¯t you know?¡±

    Lou Zigui staggered in his steps. Like hell he knew! Nobody had ever told him!

    ¡°Seems like you didn¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, smiling broadly until her eyes disappeared. ¡°So I didn¡¯t tell you after all. Heheh, I thought I did.¡±

    Lou Zigui could hear all sorts of evil intentions hidden in that ¡®heheh.¡¯

    ¡°That Old Xie doesn¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still grinning. ¡°He thinks that you¡¯ll die on the day of the court assembly. When that dayes, Supreme Commander you should stand in front of him and have him pee his pants from fright!¡±

    Lou Zigui felt another headacheing on. Was his only purpose after escaping death to make Xie Wenyuan pee in his pants? It seemed like he was never on the same wavelength with this other person¡¯s brain.

    Ning Xiaoyao kept talking. ¡°If I can treat Song Jin, then I can treat the rest. Supreme Commander you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    ¡°You know medicine, and your medical skills are brilliant,¡± Lou Zigui gazed at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Who¡¯s your master?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stiffened. Shoot, she¡¯d been exposed.

    Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t nning to pressure her for answers, so when she kept mute with a foolish grin on her face, he said, ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t ask this. Can you tell me what you want instead?¡± If this person still wanted to ask for his military power, Lou Zigui mused, I should offer it up with my two hands. This person saved my life and the lives of Fang Tang and the rest. She¡¯s only been on the throne for three days, but she¡¯s saved so many people.

    Ning Xiaoyao still shook her head. ¡°What do I want military power for?¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao, who puffed out her cheeks.

    ¡°Then how about I ask you a question. I can leave, but will you guys be okay if I did?¡±

    Now it was Lou Zigui¡¯s turn to feel startled. The person beside him wanted to cast off everything and leave? Ning Xiaoyao supported Lou Zigui while they walked as she whispered, ¡°My strength isn¡¯t bad, and I won¡¯t suffer losses if I get into a fight. I can treat illnesses for people as well, so I won¡¯t starve to death no matter where I go, right? What¡¯s there that I can¡¯t do?¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his head to stare at the ground.

    ¡°If I leave, who will be the emperor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui stopped. Besides the crown prince, there were no other outstanding imperial sons from thete emperor. Moreover, the grand preceptor¡¯s party held the reins of power today. The capital city¡¯s troops and horses were controlled by the Xie father and daughter, so if any other imperial son took the throne, wouldn¡¯t they assuredly be a puppet?

 Chapter 34: Where thereâ€™s a Heaven, thereâ€™s a Hell

    <h4>Chapter 34: Where there''s a Heaven, there''s a Hell</h4>

    The paved gstones beneath their feet led straight forwards. Thanks to years of carriage wheels crushing them underfoot, the limestone had acquired ruts that looked like they were carved in by hand. Lou Zigui finally realized today that long use of limestone roads would turn them into such a state.

    ¡°It¡¯s time for a change,¡± Lou Zigui said out of the blue.

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao and the gyrfalcon both looked at him, not understanding.

    Lou Zigui pointed at the ground beneath his feet. ¡°It¡¯s time to change these gstones.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down but still didn¡¯t get what Supreme Commander meant. Was she in charge of repairing the roads too, now that she was the emperor? She never heard of the emperor being responsible for construction or roadworks. Ning Xiaoyao thought as she lifted her foot to stomp on the ground, puzzled as she spoke. ¡°Isn¡¯t it pretty alright?¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent as he moved forward again. This time, he didn¡¯t let Ning Xiaoyao support him. Ning Xiaoyao only felt baffled. This wasn¡¯t how one made conversation, ah!

    ¡°Supreme Commander wants to fix the roads?¡± the little gyrfalcon asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. This was a very long street. ¡°Then who¡¯s going to pay for it?¡± Her question was very pragmatic. She had a pocket full of sugar beans but not a coin of money. Was he hoping she could fix the streets? The little gyrfalcon shut his mouth. Falcons didn¡¯t have money and neither did his master~

    A street can be reced with a new one, but what about a dynasty? Lou Zigui asked himself. How does one bring a dying dynasty back to life?

    Ning Xiaoyao ran to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and asked, ¡°Hey, you really want to fix the roads?¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to look at her. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯srge eyes were shining. She¡¯d realized she was a pauper right now and wanted to find a ce to cry. It was no good for an emperor to be poverty-stricken.

    Lou Zigui had been hesitant before, but now he¡¯d made his decision. Standing in the empty street, he told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Be the emperor.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened, making her face seem even smaller than before. This person knew she was a girl, but wanted her to be emperor?!

    ¡°I know you had no choice,¡± Lou Zigui said. Ning Xiaoyao nodded, this was true. The day she arrived, she was already the emperor. Even if she was Ning Yu, how could she me herself for her unlucky fate? That girl¡¯s entire life was in the Xie father and daughter¡¯s hands, so how could she have made choices for herself?

    ¡°If you want to break free from the Xie father and daughter pair, I¡¯ll help you,¡± Lou Zigui bent his waist slightly to speak in a low voice. His breath still carried the scent of Chinese medicine, which mixed with the fragrance of flowers to leave Ning Xiaoyao a little disoriented.

    ¡°As for our matters,¡± Lou Zigui added, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about that in the future, all right?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°What matters?¡± As long as Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t me her for the crown prince¡¯s death, what other debts did they have between them? Ning Xiaoyao really had no idea, but Lou Zigui believed that all women in this world valued their chastity. Ning Xiaoyao had to be pretending she didn¡¯t know.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui straightened up and walked forward.

    ¡°Ah? Oh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked by his side. Lou Zigui released a breath when Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t mention the events of that night, but he¡¯d only taken a few steps before he started spurning himself in his heart. After taking away a girl¡¯s virginity, he actually insisted on not talking about their future. So as it turned out, he was that sort of wretch and scoundrel. If his father and older brothers were still alive, they¡¯d definitely beat him to death.

    ¡°I,¡± Seeing that they were about to leave the street, Lou Zigui spoke to Ning Xiaoyao softly. ¡°I won¡¯t take a wife in the future. As long as Your Majesty is in the pce, I won¡¯t marry anyone.¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. If that happened, would Big Boss ck bite her to death?

    ¡°In the future,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s tone was a little abnormal as he spoke, ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll definitely make things clear to you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao still didn¡¯t understand him. Why did Supreme Commander have to make things clear to her and not take any wives? (Author: Did you forget that you two slept together?!)

    From a distance, the sound of urgent hoofbeats drew closer. Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao standing on tiptoes as she strained to look and said, ¡°The Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s troops have arrived.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ¡®ohh¡¯d¡¯ as if she understood, when she really had no idea what a Nine Gate Infantry Commander was at all. The two of them reached the end of the street as the Nine Gate Infantry Commander Tao Chen [1. Tao Chen (ÌÔÚÈ) - Tao is a surname that means ¡°pottery, earthernware,¡± Chen is simply a character for a surname.] brought his men and horses to the crossroads. When he saw Lou Zigui, he gave a start.

    ¡°Go on in,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly.

    Tao Chen sat astride his horse as he cupped his fist at Lou Zigui before pressing the animal forward. Only after he galloped past Lou Zigui did he spot the short person by his side. A single nce was enough to make him shift on his horse. He had been present on the day of the execution and clearly seen Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. Why is His Majesty here?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui stepped behind Ning Xiaoyao and urged her on. Ning Xiaoyao started walking, but kept shooting curious nces at the armed troops before them. Tao Chen watched Ning Xiaoyao leave and felt great uncertainty in his heart. Since when had Lou Zigui be His Majesty¡¯s close confidante? Just what had happened between the Grand Preceptor and His Majesty?

    ¡°Just then, that person was the Nine Gate Infantry Commander,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°He¡¯s Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s third son-inw. Before he was a fighter in the navy forces of the south. Nine years ago, the grand preceptor recalled him to the capital to be the Nine Gate Infantry Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao originally felt that these troops were like torch-bearing brigands with their shiny armor and impressive air; after hearing their leader was rted to Grand Preceptor Xie she felt nothing about them at all.

    ¡°You never saw him while staying at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. He¡¯d have to ask Ning Yu for that, she had no idea.

    Left of the crossroads was another straight road. Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t taken a few steps before she heard the cries of a cat. After listening for awhile, she realized something was wrong because she couldn¡¯t understand these noises like she understood cats.

    ¡°A child?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui. It was sote. Why was a child out crying in the streets?

    Lou Zigui nced at a bamboo canopy not far away and pointed it out. ¡°There¡¯s a soup kitchen there. During the day, a rich family provides free porridge for the poor. The refugees should be waiting nearby so they can get their porridge as early as possible tomorrow.¡±

    There were even families who gave out food for free? Ning Xiaoyao ran forward. She couldn¡¯t miss out on such a good deal. But once she reached the awning, she discovered two alleyways on her left and right. The scene inside them...turned her stupefied as she stared at the incredible sight.

    The alleyway was full of people sitting down, all of them wearing ragged clothing. All of them, from the old seniors to the young children and even people at the prime of their life, were sallow and emaciated. In the left alley, a woman was hugging a little child and crying while everyone around her looked expressionless. Ning Xiaoyao listened and listened, but didn¡¯t hear the little child¡¯s cry she heard before. Her heart felt a bit flustered as she quickly ran to that woman¡¯s side. When the woman lifted her head to look at Ning Xiaoyao, her mouth was still making sobbing noises, but no tears flowed from her eyes. Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to touch the little boy in her arms. His skin was still warm, but his heart had stopped beating already. She withdrew her hand because she had no way to raise the dead back to life.

    ¡°My son is sick,¡± the woman told Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao furled her lips. The little boy couldn¡¯t be more than three years old, but his body was as skinny as a reed. His stomach, though, was bloated, a sign of dropsy from starvation. The child must have starved to death.

    ¡°Dead,¡± an old woman nearby said hoarsely. ¡°Don¡¯t cradle him anymore.¡±

    The woman started to cry again, rocking the boy in her arms as if lulling him to sleep. Ning Xiaoyao took a step back. This world had no zombies or pollution, but was filled with blue skies and clean water. But people could still starve to death here? As she looked around the alleyway, she discovered that all of the children had distended stomachs from starving. A few thin men slowly started to surrounded Ning Xiaoyao, who looked like the son of some rich family at a nce. There was a gyrfalcon on her shoulder, so if they couldn¡¯t rob her of money, they could grab the bird. Even if they didn¡¯t sell it at the market, they could make it into a delicious meal for themselves.

    It was here that Ning Xiaoyao stomped her feet, utterly difited, before running out of the alley. The men were clearly on the verge of surrounding her, but Ning Xiaoyao vanished with a gust of wind, scaring them witless. Was that a ghost?

    Ning Xiaoyao ran into the right alleyway next. As before, all the people here were skinny and emaciated, their faces wooden. The children were thin with swollen stomachs, and everyone stared at Ning Xiaoyao as if she didn¡¯t exist. Hunger had robbed them of all curiosity. Lou Zigui sat quietly on a backless bench beneath the bamboo canopy, watching the motionless Ning Xiaoyao. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate might be a cage, but it was one made of beautiful brocades, jewels, and jade. Lou Zigui believed that this was His Majesty¡¯s first time see these refugees with her own eyes.

    Ning Xiaoyao still had a pocket of sugar beans, but she didn¡¯t dare take them out. Her experience surviving in the apocalypse had taught her that revealing these beans would only sent the people in a mad scramble as they trampled each other for the goods. The old and children couldn¡¯t endure such torments.

    ¡°Do you want a servant?¡± a very soft voice spoke up from her right. Ning Xiaoyao turned to see a little girl sitting there, an old man lying on the mat in front of her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want money, but can you save my grandpa?¡± the little girl asked with her head raised.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked over to the old man¡¯s side and nced at his protruding ribs, before shaking her head at the girl. ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡± Livor mortis had already appeared on his body, meaning that this man had been dead for at least two hours.

    The little girl lowered her head but didn¡¯t cry. She simply tugged up the frayed cotton bedding until it covered the old man¡¯s face. Ning Xiaoyao saw that a two to three year old boy was sleeping behind the girl and asked, ¡°Your little brother?¡±

    The little girl nodded before suddenly lifting her head again. ¡°Sir, we can be your servants. All we need is some food to eat.¡±

    ¡°How old are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Ten, no, I¡¯m twelve,¡± the little girl said hastily. ¡°I¡¯m strong and willing, I can do any kind of work.¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡±

    ¡°Us too!¡±

    ... ...

    In just a little while, Ning Xiaoyao had been surrounded by a crowd of people, all who wanted to be her servants. They didn¡¯t want anything in return besides some food to eat. Ning Xiaoya felt very helpless. She knew how to treat illnesses and hack zombies, but nobody had ever taught her how to deal with such a situation. So as it turned out, this world had its ugly ces too.

    Half crouched by the old man¡¯s body, Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. The Father in the army hadn¡¯t lied to her. Where there was Heaven, there was a Hell.

 Chapter 35: I want to give the refugees a home

    <h4>Chapter 35: I want to give the refugees a home</h4>

    Lou Zigui knitted his brows as he saw Ning Xiaoyao leading a little girl by one hand while carrying a little boy with the other. ¡°You want to take them away?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was spitting with anger. ¡°Can¡¯t I? If I can¡¯t help everyone, can¡¯t I help a little girl?¡±

    The little girl ducked behind Ning Xiaoyao, afraid to look at Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao took the girl¡¯s hand and walked forward, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t fear, it¡¯s my house. Can¡¯t I decide who lives in it?¡±

    Lou Zigui stood up, his expression somewhat helpless. There were millions of refugees in the world, so what was the use of saving this brother and sister pair? Ning Xiaoyao walked a few steps before having the girl carry her brother to wait for her by the street. She ran back herself.

    ¡°You have other business?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao pped herself on the forehead. ¡°Their grandfather¡¯s body is still in the alleyway.¡± She¡¯d almost forgotten. This wasn¡¯t the apocalypse where one abandoned corpses if one couldn¡¯t take care of them. Dead bodies should be buried, right?

    Lou Zigui hastily reached out to pull Ning Xiaoyao back. ¡°Don¡¯t look.¡±

    But Ning Xiaoyao already saw the situation inside the alleyway. She hadn¡¯t left for a few minutes before the old man¡¯s limbs had been hacked off his body. Arge pot was already sitting atop a pile of wood, while a few men were attempting to start a fire. Ning Xiaoyao stared nkly there, before turning to look at the other alley. A fire was already burning beneath a pot there, and a tiny hand hung over its edge. The crying woman from before was sitting right by the fire, a broken bowl in her hands. Lou Zigui had nned to cover Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes, but after some hesitation, he drew her into his arms instead.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look,¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°Don¡¯t look at them.¡±

    Eating the bodies of their own kind. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes dropped. Should she rejoice over the fact that they hadn¡¯t started killing humans for food yet? In the apocalypse, there were no other options. Both agriculture and soilless culture gave pitiful crop yields. Much of thends had been seized by the zombies and were unsuited for cultivating crops. But what was the cause of famine in this world?

    Lou Zigui half carried Ning Xiaoyao as he walked forward. He wanted Ning Xiaoyao to see the hardships of the refugees, but he never meant to scare her. The little girl saw Lou Zigui half-carrying Ning Xiaoyao past her and picked up her little brother, who was sucking on his thumb. Then she quietly followed behind them. Ning Xiaoyao heard the girl¡¯s footsteps and lightly pushed Lou Zigui¡¯s hand aside. She wanted to say someforting words, but found that her brain had short-circuited. The words wouldn¡¯te.

    ¡°Grandpa was eaten by them,¡± the little girl rubbed her eyes as she spoke.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand subconsciously tightened around Lou Zigui¡¯s.

    ¡°You knew?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The little girl nodded. ¡°Those who die are eaten. Grandpa was like this too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao further tightened her grip on Lou Zigui, who could only lift his hand and pull her into his arms again. ¡°Where¡¯s your mother?¡± he asked the little girl.

    ¡°She ran away with another man. Big brother disappeared.¡± the little girl looked at Lou Zigui, then at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Sir, I really am twelve years old. I can work. When my little brother grows up, he can work for sir as well.¡±

    This girl who was at most ten years old kept on insisting she was twelve. Undoubtedly, she feared that they¡¯d think she was too young and weak to work. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes reddened before she walked over to hug the girl. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Erya [1. Er Ya (¶þÑ¾) - a name that literally means ¡°secondss.¡±],¡± the little girl said her own name then, as if fearing Ning Xiaoyao would forget her little brother, added on, ¡°My little brother¡¯s call Xiaoqiu [2. Xiaoqiu (Ð¡Çò) - literally ¡°little ball.¡±].¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wrapped Xiaoqiu into her arms and bumped foreheads with Erya. ¡°I¡¯m Xiaoyao. From now on, just follow me.¡±

    Only then did Erya knew for sure she and Xiaoqiu could live. She knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao. Many people watched them from the alleyway, but their faces didn¡¯t show any signs of envy. This was Erya and her brother¡¯s good fortune, their fate in life. You couldn¡¯t get things like this just through envy. How could Ning Xiaoyao let Erya bow to her? She pulled the girl upright and took her hand as she walked forward.

    The stench of blood filled the air. Ning Xiaoyao could almost hear the watering to boil. Lou Zigui walked behind Ning Xiaoyao and watched as she raised a hand to rub her eyes. He suddenly regretted bringing her along this path. Protecting the family, serving the country, and governing thends were all men¡¯s work. Why did he want a young girl like her to see the hardships of the people? Did he want this girl to shoulder a task that had left so many men at their wits¡¯ end?

    Ning Xiaoyao walked and walked until she suddenly stopped to turn around with a serious expression. ¡°Did the Northern Hu bring cmity to those people?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. The Northern Hu were an outside threat, but the refugees were part of internal conflicts.

    ¡°Then tell me, Supreme Commander,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Why don¡¯t they have homes anymore?¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to wipe away the dampness by her eyes before replying softly, ¡°Because of natural disasters, because of man-made disasters. Because Yongning is beyond a cure.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t understand the deeper reasonings behind Lou Zigui¡¯s words, but she did understand one thing. There were about two hundred thousand refugees in this country. Three generations¡¯ of emperors had ruled past unlucky reigns. If it wasn¡¯t drought, it was flood. If there weren¡¯t locust gues, then there were earthquakes and epidemics. Themoners suffered these disasters and lost their homes, but the dynasty was incapable of helping them. Thus, everyone had no choice but to leave their homes and live as nomads to beg for a living. The dynasty had to fight wars, send disaster relief, provide for the immense members of its imperial n and those schrly-ranked literati who didn¡¯t need to pay taxes. Thus, the dynasty ced even more pressure on themoners who lived innds untouched by disasters.

    ¡°This is a man-made cmity,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Farmersbor for a year, but their crops don¡¯t even make up half of the taxes they need to pay. Deficits lead to severe punishment, where the offenders are captured and ced into forcedbor. They¡¯d be forced to leave their wives and children and break the family apart, so of course they¡¯d chose to flee instead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like dying. What kind of crappy ce was this?!

    The scent of meat drifted from behind them. Lou Zigui pulled NIng Xiaoyao away. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s nose was far keener than Lou Zigui¡¯s, so she¡¯d caught whiff of the meat much earlier. After following Lou Zigui a few steps, Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Though I don¡¯t know if it¡¯ll work, I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    Right now, Lou Zigui wanted to leave this ce as quickly as possible, so all he did was ask, ¡°Do your best doing what?¡±

    ¡°I want to give the refugees a home, so I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sincerely.

    Lou Zigui stopped as he turned to look at her. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were still slightly red, but her face was serious. Back in her world, she put her life at stake to strive for humanity¡¯s survival. Now that she was here and so many people were suffering, she¡¯d just put her life at stake and strive again. Besides, the ways of this world couldn¡¯t be any harder than the apocalypse, right? Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t believe that she couldn¡¯t do something good in this world!

    Lou Zigui was a bit distracted. Ten years ago, the crown prince had worn an anxious expression while firmly saying, I want to give the refugees a home. Now ten years had passed. The person who had told him that back then no longer existed, but his little sister was now saying the exact same words. Suddenly, he seemed to wake up with a start as he looked at the streets around them. Finally, his eyes settled on a Wutong tree standing behind Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ten years ago, on this very street and before that very tree, the crown prince had spoken the same words. Time always flowed by at lightning speeds. When you thought you¡¯d never see something again, it¡¯d always let you re-experience those bygone scenes, hear those bygone words. Inexorably, it seemed as if time had mysteriously turned backwards.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand and waved it back and forth in front of Lou Zigui¡¯s face. Were the words she said too touching for him? When Lou Zigui recovered his senses, the soft and pretty youth before him seemed to have faded into the evening light, leaving two bright eyes to stare at him.

    ¡°Hey hey, ¡° Ning Xiaoyao yelled, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Then what are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I¡¯ll decide on things one by one. Let me get through the court assembly in two days¡¯ time first. If my words are useless, then I can¡¯t aplish anything.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°What you said just then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°About Old Xie controlling two generations¡¯ of emperors and the country half-dead like this, does it prove he¡¯s incapable? If he¡¯s useless, what¡¯s he still doing around the pce? I¡¯ll make him go away.¡±

    ¡°But the Xie n¡¯s already arge tree with deep roots,¡± Lou Zigui countered.

    ¡°Large..rge tree with deep roots?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°I¡¯m talking about that old man Xie, why are you bringing up trees with me?¡±

    ¡°... ...¡± said Lou Zigui. Here they go again, the topic was changing once more.

    ¡°I and him and the empress dowager too, we¡¯ll just go torment each other,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. They could talk about treester. ¡°Right now, my goal is to pass through the trial of court assembly. Then I¡¯ll go look for money.¡±

    ¡°Look for money?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. If you have power but no money, you still can¡¯t do a thing. Even if it¡¯s nting crops, you still need money to buy the seeds first, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. ¡°With cash on hand, the heart won¡¯t panic. That¡¯s a truth.¡±

    Lou Zigui cradled his forehead.

    NIng Xiaoyao tugged on his hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go back. Maybe I can find some money if I dig around my rooms. Tomorrow I¡¯ll have Windy take that money and buy some food to give everyone.¡±

    ¡°There are too many refugees in the capital. Your Majesty can¡¯t afford to raise them,¡± Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Moreover, the total number of refugees in the world number in the millions. How can one person like Your Majesty support them all?¡±

    ¡°Give me some time, let me think it over,¡± Ning Xiayao said. ¡°I still haven¡¯t figured out how to get through that court assembly.¡± When she got to this topic, Ning Xiaoyao felt vexed and dejected again. She really wanted to kill that father and daughter pair ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

    Lou Zigui¡¯s heart was filled with murderous intentions as well, but he was clear that killing Xie Wenyuan and Empress Dowager Xie now wouldn¡¯t eliminate the Xie n.

    Once Ning Xiaoyao finished feeling annoyed, she turned to see Erya standing beneath the Wutong tree, taking care of her brother as they ate sugar beans. Ning Xiaoyao straightened her posture at the sight. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. Last night she was still Supreme Commander¡¯s number one mortal enemy, but weren¡¯t they pals now?

    ¡°Bad guys can¡¯t be smug forever, just as good guys can¡¯t be unlucky forever,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a sugar bean in Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth. ¡°I think our luck¡¯s picking up now. Things will improve.¡±

    The sweet vor of sugar filled his mouth as Lou Zigui¡¯s hand rested against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. His voice was soft as he spoke.

    ¡°His name was Yanhui. Your older brother was Ning Yanhui.[3. Ning Yanhui (ÄþÑà»Ú) - Ning is a surname that means ¡°peaceful, to pacify,¡± Yanhui means ¡°the swallow returns.]¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was speechless. Why were they talking about older brothers now? Wasn¡¯t there something off with all this?!

 Chapter 36: His Majesty wants to slap the Grand Preceptor

    <h4>Chapter 36: His Majesty wants to p the Grand Preceptor</h4>

    ¡°After your older brother became crown prince, very few people remembered that his name was Ning Yanhui,¡± Lou Zigui said in a small voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because he was the future master of the imperial court,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°No one dared to use his name again. Even thete emperor only referred to him as ¡®crown prince.¡¯¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. That tragic? After bing the crown prince, he couldn¡¯t even use his own name anymore! (Author: Hey hey, did you get the wrong idea again?! O(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°He also said he wanted to give the refugees a home,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start. Someone with the same life goals as her couldn¡¯t be a bad guy, so she chewed her lip and hated the Xie father and daughter all the more. They were thoroughly wicked!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the pce,¡± Lou Zigui said softly.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called over Erya and picked Xiaoqiu up in her arms before walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Lou Zigui back to the pce. The night wind blew past them to rustle the leaves on the treetops. Drops of dew dripped down from the branches, but Lou Zigui didn¡¯t turn back again. The streets, scenery, and tree hadn¡¯t changed, but that person was gone. He didn¡¯t have time to cherish the memory of a past gone by. Because he was still living, he had to keep moving forward. This way, he wouldn¡¯t fail in his duty to his old friend.

    After this night, news of His Majesty¡¯s self-injury ruse to capture the Northern Hu spies in one swoop, as well as how Lou Zigui had never betrayed the country, spread through the court and themonalty as soon as day broke. An excited Fang Tang ran in from outside the pce first thing that morning to speak to Lou Zigui on his bed.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, there¡¯s tons of people kneeling on the street before the imperial pce. They¡¯ve all admitted their mistakes and are asking you for punishment.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression was t as he replied, ¡°The ignorant are meless.¡±

    Fang Tang immediately grew unhappy. ¡°You¡¯re letting it go just like that?¡± He still remembered how those people had treated his Supreme Commander at the execution grounds!

    ¡°If I don¡¯t let things go,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Could I just kill them for it instead?¡±

    Fang Tang didn¡¯t say anymore, but watched as Lou Zigui sat up in bed. After a while, he asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, aren¡¯t you even a little bit angry?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. He wasn¡¯t a saint, so how couldn¡¯t he be mad? But what was the use of getting angry? Could he run out of the pce and take a bite out of every person who had bitten and cursed him?

    Fang Tang was a simple-hearted man. After feeling stifled for a while, he recovered his cheer and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, His Majesty really did help you wash your name clean.¡±

    Only now did Lou Zigui crack a smile. His Majesty not only washed his reputation clean, but cleanly captured all the Northern Hu spies as well. She¡¯d done a beautiful job.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look at His Majesty,¡± Fang Tang said as he happily ran for the door.

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s face turned serious. On a subconscious level, he didn¡¯t like Fang Tang getting so friendly with Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Go bring me something to eat,¡± he said. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing going on, don¡¯t bother His Majesty.¡±

    Fang Tang was a little dumbfounded. When had he ever bothered His Majesty?

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was bustling about the great hall, packing up all of its valuable objects as she listened to Big Boss ck tell her about the masses kneeling outside to ask Supreme Commander to mete punishment. Big Boss ck was excited enough to chase his own tail in circles. Supreme Commander was a great hero again! Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t think there was anything to be happy about. Would Supreme Commander¡¯s cut and bitten flesh return to him just because these people knelt down? Of all the words to believe, they had chosen to trust that old man Xie¡¯s? (Author: Enough, you. If people didn¡¯t trust the government, who else can they trust?)

    Grandfather Sparrow brought along a few little sparrows to the windowsill and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, the grand preceptor entered the pce and went to the empress dowager¡¯s ce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hmph¡¯d. ¡°They¡¯re up to mischief again.¡±

    A little sparrow said, ¡°Xiaoyao, Grandpa Ash said he¡¯lle tell you once he finishes listening to those bad guys talk.¡±

    ¡°But Grandpa Ash also said that Big Boss ck and the rest will have to withdraw when he talks,¡± another sparrow piped up. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Grandpa Ash proved himself to be a mouse who was a long-time resident of the empress dowager¡¯s pce. He even knew things like ¡®withdraw.¡¯

    Big Boss ck wasn¡¯t happy and cried, ¡°Since when have we ever eaten his family¡¯s small mice? Withdraw? Miaow, he should pay obeisance to me instead!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tossed Big Boss ck out the window again. This fool had stayed in the pce for too long, too, even talking about things like obeisance. Mice paying obeisance to cats? The heck was that?!

    ¡°Grandfather Sparrow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao trusted him very much at this point. She pointed at the packed items that she was preparing to sell and asked, ¡°How much do you think my things are worth?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow flew onto the table for a look. ¡°These are all things belonging to the imperial n. No one would dare to buy them. Even the pawnshops would be too afraid to ept them. Xiaoyao, why don¡¯t you even know about this?¡± Grandfather Sparrow gave her an anxious look. If this child was always so simple-minded, then what was to be done?

    Ning Xiaoyao felt unwell again. There was a room full of good things here, but she couldn¡¯t sell them off?!

    While Ning Xiaoyao was fretting over money in the main pce, the empress dowager was fretting over power in her own.

    ¡°May Esteemed Empress Dowager keep calm,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sat in a chair as steady as Mt. Tai. ¡°There¡¯s still one more day until the court assembly. As long as Lou Zigui dies, His Majesty won¡¯t have anyone else to rely on.¡±

    The empress dowager rose to her feet and walked in front of him. ¡°Father,¡± she said, ¡°Will Lou Zigui die for sure?¡±

    ¡°Naturally,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    ¡°Last night, Song Jin and the others escaped unscathed,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°Father, how can you be sure that the poison you gave to Lou Zigui will definitely take his life?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression changed in the face of his daughter¡¯s outright doubts, but he kept his voice low to reply, ¡°The poison on that de was personally applied by this official. At the execution grounds, it was this official who personally handed over the de to the executioner. I saw him walk up the tform and used that knife to cut open Lou Zigui¡¯s flesh. Esteemed Empress Dowager, how could there be any doubt in something this official did personally?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie had been worried ever since she got news that Lou Zigui¡¯s gross injustice was cleared. Only now did her heart calm down. ¡°Then how do you exinst night¡¯s events?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Last night¡¯s poisoner already fled,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°This subject has already ordered men to capture him.¡±

    ¡°Who was it?¡±

    ¡°A poisons expert from the jianghu, at most,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. Naturally, he didn¡¯t want to get into details.

    Empress Dowager Xie walked to the long, narrow couch and sat down. She picked up the sleeping Ning Xin and held him in her arms soothingly. ¡°Did that person seek refuge with His Majesty?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave a cold smile. ¡°Then he chose the wrong master.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie lifted her eyes to look at her father. He had never made any mistakes, but he¡¯d alreadymitted multiple errors when it came to Ning Yu.

    ¡°I ask that Esteemed Empress Dowager bear things for one more day,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°One dayter, Esteemed Empress Dowager shall hold court from behind the screen. His Majesty will show filial obedience towards you.¡±

    ¡°Then we don¡¯t need to do anything else?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded. ¡°No need for anything else. Right now, His Majesty mustn¡¯t suspect a thing.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie lightly patted Ning Xin¡¯s back as she sighed and told herself to endure one more day. When Lou Zigui died one dayter, wouldn¡¯t Ning Yu bow her head and admit defeat?

    ¡°Go.¡± On the rafters of the pce, an old, white-whiskered mouse told the little mouse behind him. ¡°Tell His Majesty that the Xie father and daughter are waiting for Supreme Commander to die.¡±

    The little mouse nodded its head and turned to dash off like a streak of smoke. Grandpa Ash perched on the rafters as he stared at Empress Dowager Xie below him. He¡¯d seen this woman when she first entered the pce. She was as beautiful as a fairy, but it was a pity her heart was ck. Even animals like him had a better conscience.

    The little mouse didn¡¯t disappear from long before running back, peanut grains sticking to the edges of his lips. ¡°Ancestral Grandfather, Xiaoyao said she knows. She also said she was going to treat us to peanuts. I told her we¡¯ll find her in the gardens of the main pce tonight at third watch [1. third watch (Èý¸ü) - sangeng, third of the five night watch periods, takes ce from 23:00-1:00. Now known as midnight.].¡±

    Grandpa Ash¡¯s whiskers trembled. Tonight at the third watch, why did this little mouse insist on using such pretentious humannguage!

    ¡°Xiaoyao sure is nice. She¡¯s treating us to peanuts and even said she¡¯d shut up Big Boss ck and the rest when we find her at night,¡± the bean-like eyes of the little mouse glistened. ¡°Ancestral Grandfather, I think that Xiaoyao¡¯s a good human.¡±

    Grandpa Ash looked down the rafters again as he gave a sigh. When evil men held power, good men didn¡¯t live long. Wasn¡¯t His Highness Crown Prince one such example? ¡°I won¡¯t go tonight,¡± Grandpa Ash told the little mouse. ¡°You tell Xiaoyao that I thank her.¡±

    It''s better not to meet first, Grandpa Ash thought. Just in case Xiaoyao doesn¡¯t pass this trial. Otherwise, she¡¯ll just be another good human with a short life. He didn¡¯t want to grieve for yet another good human when the time came, so Grandpa Ash decided to keep his distance for now.

    ¡°Oh,¡± the little mouse obediently obeyed. After some thought, he said, ¡°Xiaoyao said she¡¯s going to facep the grand preceptor when he leaves the pceter, squeak.¡±

    Grandpa Ash widened his eyes. Facep?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on the cobblestone paths near the exit gates of the pce, watching as Grand Preceptor Xie brought along his people to leave the empress dowager¡¯s hall. She patted the gyrfalcon¡¯s head and said, ¡°Little falcon, this old man was the one who gave orders to beat up Windy. It¡¯s time you took revenge for Windy¡¯s sake.¡±

    The little gyrfalcon stretched his wings and flew towards Grand Preceptor Xie. Grand Preceptor Xie was walking along when he suddenly felt something drop onto his official¡¯s hat. When he looked up--plop--a pile of bird guano dropped with precision onto his face.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Big Boss ck hugged himself with his paws as he rolled about on the ground. The animals crouched onnd, flying in the air, and perched on the trees all broke out inughter. So even the human Grand Preceptor could have a day like today! The eunuchs who were following Grand Preceptor Xie, along with the imperial guards on duty at the gates, were all dumbfounded. A bird had pooped on the grand preceptor¡¯s face, what was this about?!

    Grand Preceptor Xie had an unhealthy obsession with cleanliness. When he touched his face and got a handful of bird droppings, his disgust was understandable even to those without mysophobia. Right now, the grand preceptor was suffering a fate worse than death.

    ¡°Give me, give this old man,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s very words were trembling as he howled with rage, pointing at the gyrfalcon. ¡°Kill that falcon!¡±

    Some imperial guards who were hoping to get on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s good side reached for their bow and arrows. But what happened next turned them stupefied again. The gyrfalcon that had pooped on the Grand Preceptor flew above their heads in a circle beforending on the shoulder of a person nearby. All eyes rested on the figure and saw, hehe, His Majesty. Ning Xiaoyao waved at Grand Preceptor Xie before turning to leave with the gyrfalcon. Both human and bird were immensely proud of themselves. Yeah, so we threw poop at your face. If you have the guts,e and bite us!

    ¡°... ...¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was speechless. This, this bastard!

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start. Someone with the same life goals as her couldn¡¯t be a bad guy, so she chewed her lip and hated the Xie father and daughter all the more. They were thoroughly wicked!

    Ning Xiaoyao: Actually, I''ve got a wicked side too.

    Lou Zigui: (Somehow, I doubt that...)

    Ning Xiaoyao: Huh? Supreme Commander,did you say something?

    Lou Zigui: (Don''t tell me she can read my mind..)

    [/expand]

 Chapter 37: His Majesty Ning is poverty-stricken

    <h4>Chapter 37: His Majesty Ning is poverty-stricken</h4>

    His Majesty¡¯s gyrfalcon pooped on the dignified Grand Preceptor, making the old man¡¯s cohorts uneasy and disbelieving. His Majesty had been raised by the Grand Preceptor since young, but they''d be enemies after he ascended the throne? Was the imperial n naturally cold-hearted, capable of casting off all affection for the sake of power? Or had something happened between His Majesty and the Grand Preceptor that the rest of them didn''t know?

    Empress Dowager Xie was so angry that she didn''t eat all day. Nobody had caused her and her father to lose so much face since the previous two emperors ascended the throne. Fang Tang andpany were jubnt and only regretted that they hadn''t been able to witness it firsthand.

    But Lou Zigui creased his brows and told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Once news of this spreads, you''ll be hard pressed to avoid usations of being ungrateful and harsh.¡± Since he epted the idea of Ning Xiaoyao being emperor, he wanted this girl to get through it in one piece without anyone denouncing her.

    Fang Tang andpany felt their smiles stiffen. Ning Xiaoyao wasn''t worried at all as her head rocked back and forth. ¡°What''s there to fear? I''ll say that he mistreated and starved me back then. Who doesn''t know how to open their mouths and talk?Just you all wait. If I''m not happy, don''t think the Grand Preceptor will be either.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°.....¡± said Fang Tang and the rest.

    Was it really all right to make up nonsense like this?

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Ning Xiaoyao snorted. ¡°Besides, am I to me for the little gyrfalcon pooping? The Grand Preceptor manages Heaven and Earth, but can he tell a little gyrfalcon where it should poop?¡±

    Fang Tang broke into apuse. That¡¯s right, His Majesty¡¯s words were perfectly true. Xie Wenyuan, you manage Heaven and Earth, so could you lower yourself to bother about where a bird poops?

    Lou Zigui sighed as his head began to hurt. Pooping here and pooping there, did this person have any sense of being a female at all? (Author: Supreme Commander, your requirements for His Majesty are too high...)

    Song Jin coughed dryly twice before proceeding with business. ¡°Your Majesty, generals of the army like us aren''t allowed to enter the imperial audience hall during court assembly without being summoned.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Song Jin. In other words, she was left to fend for herself that day?

    Song Jin saw that Ning Xiaoyao didn''t seem to understand, so he could only add, ¡°After all the officials have paid their respects to Your Majesty, please summon us subjects into the imperial audience hall.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that''s no problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao got it now. She patted her chest and promised, ¡°Lil¡¯ Song, don''t you worry. I''ll definitely let you guys into the golden hall.¡±

    Song Jin looked at His Majesty, who had a long-furred white cat resting around her shoulders. Though His Majesty had done a splendid job these past few days, he still felt that she was somewhat unreliable.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± an eunuch called just then from outside.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager wasn''t feeling well, so the imperial physicians went to pay a call,¡± the eunuch replied. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager sent over a mama to say that she wanted to see Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips contemptuously. ¡°Isn''t it just because she didn''t eat? Do I look like rice or mantou to you? Or is it that once the Esteemed Empress Dowager sees Zhen, she''ll be reminded of red braised pork?¡±

    The eunuch outside the doors fell silent. These didn''t sound like human words no matter how he listened!

    ¡°If she''s sick, she should take medicine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°What''s the use of seeing me?¡±

    ¡°Your, Your Majesty?¡± the eunuch stammered.

    ¡°Aiya, you still don''t understand my words?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned impatient. ¡°I''m not going, not going. Got that?¡±

    The eunuch ran off. His Majesty and Esteemed Empress Dowager couldn''t be genial anymore. Ning Xiaoyao shook her head after chasing off the eunuch before using a file to continue scraping off the stamp of a crane-shaped incense burner in her hands.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you''re really not going to see Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Not going,¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept her head bowed as she worked. ¡°If I see her before attending the assembly, I might not be able to keep myself from...¡±

    p! Lou Zigui hit the table with his hand. A startled Ning Xiaoyao swallowed the words at the tip of her tongue.

    Of all virtues, filial piety is most important. Everyone in the world except for Ning Xiaoyao could speak ill of Empress Dowager Xie. Lou Zigui shook his head at her and said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s only been bewitched by the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gaped at Lou Zigui with her mouth hanging open. Was Supreme Commander sick again, or had he taken the wrong medicine? He actually thinks the Empress Dowager¡¯s a Little Red Riding Hood tricked by the Big Bad Wolf!

    Song Jin could only keep with his dry coughing. Right now His Majesty looked extremely foolish, making it hard for him to see her straight-on.

    Fang Tang took this chance to ask, ¡°Your Majesty, why are you scraping away the stamp on this incense burner?¡± This morning he''d seen the girl Erya that His Majesty brought back using a file to scrape the insignia off a reticte silver flower vase, too.

    ¡°We can''t sell off these things if the stamp¡¯s still there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°So this is the only way.¡±

    ¡°Sell them?¡± Song Jin eximed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t afraid to tell others she was poor.

    ¡°How could Your Majesty not have money?¡± a general on Lou Zigui¡¯s left side asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao had on a bitter expression. ¡°I asked around yesterday. The empress dowager¡¯s taking care of my money for me. In other words, if I want money, I have to ask her for it.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said everyone else. This truly was something painful.

    ¡°Yesterday, Supreme Commander and I saw tons of refugees,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°So many people are starving, so I need money to buy them food!¡±

    The generals fell silent as they watched Ning Xiaoyao file away at the incense burner without even lifting her head. The current emperor was someone who thought of themon people. Lou Zigui waved a hand at the assembled generals and pointed at the shut gates of the pce. One after the other, the generals withdrew, each and every one of them thinking of ways to get money. They couldn¡¯t just stand there and watch His Majesty sell off the family properties.

    Lou Zigui poured a cup of water for Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°You can just have the eunuchs do things like this.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t stop working as she shook her head. ¡°Those eunuchs are all the empress dowager¡¯s men. How could I dare to use them?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s forehead creased into a lump. Ning Xiaoyao paused then to survey her work. Not bad, she¡¯d managed to get rid of the stamp. You really can work faster if you have the strength! Ning Xiaoyao gave herself a brownie point. Erya had been filing away since this morning, but still hadn¡¯t managed to remove the insignia on her flower vase.

    ¡°Even if you sell off everything in this room, it won¡¯t solve the problem,¡± Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s reddish hands and felt as if a needle had pricked his heart.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t do a thing, won¡¯t that solve the problem even less?¡± Ning Xiaoyao resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She¡¯d looked into things already. The money her father had left her was with the empress dowager, while the national treasury was under the jurisdiction of the Board of Revenue. As to the boss of that Board, hurhur, he was none other than Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eldest son! Both the money from the imperial n and the country were in the Xie n¡¯s hands, much to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s distress.

    Lou Zigui sat for awhile after getting a file from Ning Xiaoyao. He too, began to help her file away the emperor¡¯s insignia on various items. His Majesty¡¯s words weren¡¯t wrong; rather than sitting around feeling anxious, it was better to do something practical. (Author: So Supreme Commander, your ¡®practical work¡¯ consists of spending time together with His Majesty and rub, rub, rubbing away?)

    --

    When Empress Dowager Xie heard the eunuch repeat Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words in her pce, she raised a hand and smashed a teacup on the floor. All of the people present in her hall were as silent as a cicada in the cold--keeping quiet out of fear. Even back when Esteemed Empress Dowager had been feuding with the empress and the 72 concubines of the imperial harem, she never lost control of herself like today. His Majesty had angered Esteemed Empress Dowager to this extent.

    Right now, Empress Dowager Xie couldn¡¯t wait for the next day, when Lou Zigui would die from poison. How would her unfilial daughter Ning Yu kneel before her to ask for mercy then?

    Lai mama carried over Ning Xin to stand by Empress Dowager Xie, coaxing her in a soft voice. ¡°May the empress dowager calm her anger. As long as the empress dowager hasn¡¯t done wrong, then all the fault will lie with His Majesty.¡±

    Between mother and son, if the mother was kind and the son unfilial, then everyone would condemn the son. Empress Dowager Xie understood Lai mama¡¯s words, but she couldn¡¯t swallow her indignation. As the personying the pieces, she¡¯d been bitten by her own piece instead! ¡°Great Master [1. Great Master (´óÊ¦) - a courtesy title used to address Buddhist monks] Kumu [2. Kumu (¿ÝÄ¾) - ¡°dead tree.¡±] was right,¡± Empress Dowager Xie muttered between clenched teeth. ¡°His Majesty and This Dowager [3. aijia (°§¼Ò) - a personal pronoun used by a widowed empress to refer to herself.] will bring bad fate to each other when we¡¯re together. There¡¯s no way His Majesty and This Dowager could be a kind mother and filial son!¡±

    As she spoke, Empress Dowager Xie felt even more saddened. She took Ning Xin from Lai mama¡¯s arms as tears flowed down her face. Lai mama sighed. Her mistress had never treated His Majesty as her own son. If you just give birth without ever raising the child, how can you hope for His Majesty to show you any feelings? As a bystander, Lai mama saw the situation best, but she didn¡¯t dare say such words aloud. A servant like her had no ce speaking for a mother of the imperial n.

    ¡°Imperial Mother[4. muhou(Ä¸ºó) - or ¡°imperial mother,¡± in which the mother is an official consort/empress rather than a concubine.] can only rely on you,¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s tears fell on Ning Xin¡¯s face, her voice choked with sobs. ¡°Prince, you must grow up a little faster.¡±

    His face soaked with cooling tears, the Prince Cheng, Ning Xin, began to wail loudly. In a sh, the empress dowager¡¯s pce was filled with the sound of sobbing, making it dreary and miserable.

    --

    When night fell, Ning Xiaoyao took Erya and her brother to sleep in the imperial pce. Meanwhile, Lou Zigui stepped out of his temporary quarters, a spring jacket casually draped across his body. Song Jin¡¯s steps hurried through the corridors before he stopped in front of Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Go make some inquiries,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice as he looked at the courtyard full of cuckoos. ¡°Find out who usually looks after Prince Cheng.¡±

    Song Jin¡¯s eyes suddenly shed. ¡°Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°A single ¡®unfilial¡¯ can suppress His Majesty on the day of court assembly until he can¡¯t move,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Besides His Majesty, the only other person that the Xie n relies on is Prince Cheng. If the Xie father and daughter wants to fight, then have them fight.¡±

    ¡°This soldier understands,¡± Song Jin replied.

    ¡°Find those of us arranged in the imperial guards,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to involve them, but now I¡¯ll need to use them.¡±

    Song Jin dropped his voice. ¡°Where does Supreme Commander want to meet them?¡±

    ¡°Bring the head to meet me here tomorrow,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°If His Majesty refutes the empress dowager¡¯s attempts to hold court behind a curtain, then the Xie n¡¯s dogs within the imperial guards will have to be killed.¡±

    Song Jin had seen plenty of killing, so when Lou Zigui put it so frankly, he simply gave a straightforward nod. The two of them could have been discussing what to eat tomorrow.

    ¡°It¡¯s not good to agitate the Xie father and daughter either,¡± Song Jin said. ¡°All of the troops in the capital city and its surrounding areas are under the Xie n¡¯s control. Wouldn¡¯t they...¡±

    ¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Lou Zigui said without waiting for Song Jin to finish. ¡°Prince Cheng is still young. If they kill His Majesty and make Prince Cheng the emperor, then Empress Dowager Xie would have to die with her son as tradition dictates. Would that woman be willing?¡± How could a woman who coveted power treat her life as anything less than precious?

    ¡°You go arrange things,¡± Lou Zigui patted Song Jin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Be careful while you do.¡±

    Song Jin nodded and turned to rush off. Lou Zigui stood by himself in the corridor, themps casting his long shadow in relief against the ground. Big Boss ck ran to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and meowed twice. Lou Zigui looked down at him.

    Big Boss ck jumped to the banisters of the walkway and nuzzled his head against Lou Zigui¡¯s hand as he meowed, ¡°Supreme Commander, you don¡¯t have to worry. Xiaoyao¡¯s really tough!¡±

    Right now, the really tough Ning Xiaoyao had just turned over on the bed. In her dream, a table full of crispy fried chicken was waving a hand at her. As His Majesty Ning opened her mouth, drool poured onto her pillow.

 Chapter 38: Gratuitous favoritism, or begging them to scram?

    <h4>Chapter 38: Gratuitous favoritism, or begging them to scram?</h4>

    Yongning held a small court assembly once every two days, and arge one once every three days. On the day of the new emperor¡¯srge assembly, Heaven didn¡¯t grant any beautiful weather. Starting in the hours before dawn, heavy rain had fallen until the sun rose. It was as if all the water from the rivers had decided to pour down from the skies. If anyone stood in the rain without an umbre, they¡¯d be hard-pressed to open their eyes against the onught.

    Before entering the Hall of Golden Chimes[1. Hall of Golden Chimes (½ðöÇµî) - jinluandian, a popr name for the emperor¡¯s audience hall in the imperial pce.], Grand Preceptor Xie purposely paused at the foot of the steps to observe Fang Tang and the rest standing in the rain. Though Fang Tang andpany didn¡¯t know why, Lou Zigui had ordered them to look grieved and heartbroken today. Thus, they had all rubbed their eyes red to stand in the rain, looking as if they might weep. It seemed like they¡¯d been driven to distraction by grief. Grand Preceptor Xie felt his heart ease at the sight. These were all military men who had killed countless people. For them to look so utterly wretched must mean that Lou Zigui had already passed away.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on the Dragon Throne in the Hall of Golden Chimes, wearing her emperor¡¯s court dress. Various ministers knelt at the foot of the steps leading to her throne, doing their three kneelings and nine kowtows[2. three kneelings and nine kowtows (Èý°Ý¾Åßµ) - sanbai jiukou, also called the ¡°grand kowtow.¡± A ceremony done during the coronation of a new emperor that involves the subject kneeling from a standing position three times and kowtowing thrice each time.] while hailing her to live ten thousand years and going through the grand rites between a sovereign and his subjects. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face was wooden, her gaze seemingly cold. Her reserved and taciturn manner made her seem rather lofty and distant.

    His Majesty was currently just 15 years old, but none of the gathered ministers considered her to be a little emperor. Just the feat of rescuing and absolving Lou Zigui from the Xie father and daughter, who¡¯d racked their brains to dirty his name, along with rounding up the Northern Hu spies, were schemes and tricks too well to be called ¡®little.¡¯ Those so-called ims of a ¡®self-injury ruse¡¯ were enough to trick themoners, but how could people of the imperial court be so easily hoodwinked?

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at NIng Xiaoyao from his kneeling position. In his eyes, her expression was another verification of Lou Zigui¡¯s death. Now she looked helpless and at a loss.

    Actually, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s thoughts were currently wandering about. She truly sympathized with the people kneeling outside in the rain who couldn¡¯te in. Just what was the point of that? Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t really understand imperial power, so she naturally couldn¡¯t make sense of the situation. In any case, she¡¯d rather die than get out of her bedcovers in weather like this unless zombies were besieging the city. After the ministers had finished making obeisances to their sovereign, Ning Xiaoyao still remained sitting without speaking. Grand Preceptor Xie cast a nce at the eunuch in charge of ceremony standing by the steps to the throne.

    Immediately, the eunuch cried out, ¡°Rise!¡±

    All of the ministers stood up. Grand Preceptor Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao again. This time, she was still lost in a daydream. Allst night, she¡¯d been trying to figure out how to fight today, so her nerves were stretched taut. Now they¡¯d copsed, leaving her a little out of character.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stepped forward and said loudly, ¡°May Esteemed Empress Dowager enter the court.¡±

    There were ministers amongst the crowd that weren¡¯t sided with the Grand Preceptor. When they saw that His Majesty had yet to speak before Grand Preceptor Xie took matters into his own hands, they felt the urge to reprimand the man. Do you still know the difference between a monarch and a minister? Just who¡¯s in charge of this court assembly? But before any of the ministers could speak up for justice¡¯s sake, the eunuch in charge of ceremony shouted, ¡°May Esteemed Empress Dowager enter the couuuurt~¡±

    A wan and sallow Empress Dowager Xie entered the Hall of Golden Chimes dressed in mourning robes. There was only a single silver hairpin holding up her hair, and Lai mama supported her as she walked. No matter what the ministers felt, they all knelt down to pay their respects when the empress dowager entered. At this moment, Empress Dowager Xie felt a sense of satisfaction in her heart. After scheming and struggling for half a lifetime, she¡¯d finally gotten what she wished for today.

    Empress Dowager Xie raised a hand to let the ministers rise, then looked at Ning Xiaoyao who was still foolishly sitting atop the Dragon Throne. ording to custom, Ning Xiaoyao should rise now to meet her mother and receive her at the steps to the throne.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the eunuch at attendance by her side called out in a low voice.

    Ning Xiayao was currently musing, do the refugees in the streets have a ce to seek shelter with the rain like this? So vexing! Is there anyone with too much money on their hands that can lend me some for an emergency?

    The eunuch called out to Ning Xiaoyao a few times with no reaction before he didn¡¯t dare to say any more. The empress dowager and Grand Preceptor Xie could treat this pce as the Xie n¡¯s domain, but not him. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s expression grew heavy. This girl still wanted to give her attitude? Grand Preceptor Xie coughed in response and shook his head when Empress Dowager Xie looked his way. Empress Dowager Xie thought over multiple possibilities before taking a step towards the throne, tears flowing from her eyes as she wept in sorrow.

    ¡°Ah,te emperor. Now that you¡¯ve gone and left His Majesty so young, how is this consort[1. chenqie (³¼æª) ¨C a humble form of self-address for females equivalent to ¡®your subject¡¯ or ¡®your servant¡¯.] to do as a weak woman? Ah,te emperor!¡±

    When Empress Dowager Xie started crying, Grand Preceptor Xie shed tears as well. Many others in the Hall of Golden Chimes followed suit, though none of them dared to cry out loud. If you bawled out loud like the funeral wailers, weren¡¯t you cursing the new emperor to die as well?

    --

    Song Jin and the rest couldn¡¯t hear the sounds inside the pce from their position at the foot of the stairs. General Seventh Song was currently straining his ears to listen, but couldn¡¯t hear His Majesty summoning them inside.

    ¡°Why isn¡¯t there any movement?¡± Fang Tang was getting impatient.

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s disappeared, too,¡± another general piped up quietly.

    Song Jin knew he couldn¡¯t be rash right now. At the very least, he had to hold fort until his Supreme Commander showed up. Wiping away rainwater from his face, he said, ¡°Be more patient. Wait.¡±

    ¡°I saw Old Liu, but didn¡¯t recognize any of the others next to him,¡± Fang Tang took a step forward to lean on Song Jin. ¡°Are they Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s men?¡±

    Song Jin¡¯s eyes quickly swept over the imperial guards nearby. The Old Liu that Fang Tang had mentioned was originally a military officer from their ck Frost Cavalry. Later on, he¡¯d borrowed his family¡¯s power and influence to get reassigned to the capital city¡¯s imperial guards. This person had been in close contact with them recently, so Song Jin recognized all the men under hismand. But Fang Tang¡¯sment made him realize that all of Old Liu¡¯s surrounding men had unfamiliar faces.

    ¡°Old Liu looks like he¡¯s about to pee his pants,¡± Fang Tang added.

    Song Jin¡¯s gaze rested on Old Liu¡¯s taut, tense face before he shifted his eyes away. ¡°Even if the Grand Preceptor wants to rebel, he¡¯ll have to ask if His Majesty and Supreme Commander agrees first.¡±

    Fang Tang subconsciously brushed a hand against his waist, only to realize he couldn¡¯t bring a sabre to a court assembly. Damn it.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao heard the sounds of crying in the Hall of Golden Chimes and suddenly came back to her senses. Only now did she see Empress Dowager Xie actually ascending the steps to her throne.

    ¡°When did you show up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked in surprise. Weren¡¯t people only allowed to enter at the emperor¡¯s summons? Did she call this person in?

    Empress Dowager Xie paused in her sobbing, feeling as if she¡¯d just been pped in the face. Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her and said, ¡°You can just stand there.¡± Any closer, and she feared she¡¯d make a move because she couldn¡¯t hold herself back.

    Empress Dowager Xie stood on the steps to the throne, unable to advance or retreat. The ministers were a little at a loss. Beforehand, it was the Xie father and daughter calling the shots in the pce. Now His Majesty had recalled he was the emperor after waking up from his daydream?

    Empress Dowager Xie wasn¡¯t a woman who lost her cool easily, but two sentences from Ning Xiaoyao had left her embarrassed. She still looked weak and heartbroken, however, as she spoke. ¡°This Dowager meets with Your Majesty,¡± Empress Dowager Xie lowered her head towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat without moving. ¡°You¡¯re my, you¡¯re Zhen¡¯s[2. Zhen (ëÞ) - the royal ¡®We,¡¯ a personal pronoun used exclusively by the emperor to refer to himself.] mother. You can meet with Zhen anytime.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± went the ministers. What did these words mean?

    Grand Preceptor Xie knew that Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t be allowed to speak any longer. What if she wanted to take off her clothes again? Covering his mouth, he gave a cough. Two eunuchs silently shifted towards the Dragon Throne until they were within arms¡¯ reach of Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty has grown up at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate since you were a child,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Now that thete emperor¡¯s suddenly passed away, these ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains[3. ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains (ÍòÀï½­É½) - wanli jiangshan, idiom to represent a kingdom.] are all pressing upon Your Majesty¡¯s shoulders. This subject feels terrified in his heart.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Turning a girl into the emperor, of course you¡¯d feel scared.

    One minister couldn¡¯t listen any longer. Why feel afraid that His Majesty¡¯s ascended the throne? Are you cursing His Majesty of being incapable with his power? Of being unable to reign as emperor? This minister was about to step forward when his colleagues held him back. If you step out now to oppose Xie Wenyuan, aren¡¯t you seeking death?

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even want to give Ning Xiaoyao a chance to speak. Hearing her chuckle, he sped up his words. ¡°When thete emperor passed away, he once had a final wish for the empress dowager to assist in political affairs.¡±

    ¡°....¡± Here they go, Ning Xiaoyao thought. This idiot¡¯s crediting words to a dead man again.

    Empress Dowager Xie sucked in her tears and spoke up quietly for the asion. ¡°Thete emperor...¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie continued. ¡°Ordinarily, those of the imperial harem don¡¯t concern themselves with political matters. But as thete emperor left us so hastily, and as His Majesty has been distant from court affairs since youth, and thete emperor himself left this will behind him. I invited Esteemed Empress Dowager to trouble herself for the time being. Your Majesty is naturally bright and clever, so this subject believes it won¡¯t be long before Your Majesty can take care of politics on your own. When that timees, Esteemed Empress Dowager can be invited back to spend her remaining years peacefully in the imperial harem.¡±

    As Grand Preceptor Xie spoke, he kneeled down and pressed his head to the ground. ¡°This subject invites Esteemed Empress Dowager to hold court from behind the screen.¡±

    With a foosh, half of the officials in the pce knelt down in suit and loudly chorused, ¡°This subject invites Esteemed Empress Dowager to hold court from behind the screen.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie feigned a difficult expression as she said, ¡°This Dowager is just a married woman, you...¡±

    ¡°So then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao finally found a opening to speak. ¡°Since you think you¡¯re incapable, there¡¯s no need to force things, right?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was stifled once again by Ning Xiaoyao, who looked at the kneeling Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°Zhen¡¯s been listening to your words. Are you cursing Zhen for being mentally deficient?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°.....¡± said the various ministers.

    ¡°For better or worse, Zhen has half of your Xie n¡¯s blood, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao had no skills with court intrigue and zero experience with politics, but she understood one truth: whether it was quarreling oring to blows, you had to hold onto your enemy¡¯s mistakes like death as soon as you found one. ¡°If Zhen is mentally deficient, it can¡¯t be the imperial n¡¯s blood to me. It must be your Xie n blood that¡¯scking.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie just knew that they couldn¡¯t give this girl a chance to talk! Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s fingers pressed against her palms once more as she wept, ¡°Why do this, Your Majesty? If Your Majesty isn¡¯t willing...¡±

    ¡°I, Zhen indeed isn¡¯t willing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t wait for Empress Dowager Xie to finish before raising her voice. ¡°Just then, the Grand Preceptor even said it himself. ¡®The imperial harem doesn¡¯t concern itself with political matters.¡¯ Are you treating the established customs of my Ning n as a joke?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face turned green. Grand Preceptor Xie soundly kowtowed and said, ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare. Your Majesty is overwhelming this subject with gratuitous favoritism.¡±

    ¡°You even called Zhen mentally deficient. Is this ¡®You Majesty showing gratuitous favoritism,¡¯ or you wanting Your Majesty to scram?¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled coldly. Gratuitous favoritism? She wanted to whip that idiot to death!

    Hall of Golden Chimes (hypothetical picture):

 Chapter 39: His Majesty Ning fighting alone

    <h4>Chapter 39: His Majesty Ning fighting alone</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie was in an awkward, unfavorable plight. He could either turn hostile towards Ning Xiaoyao and thoroughly be her enemy, or kneel on the ground to admit his errors and ask for punishment. Who told him to be a subject while Ning Xiaoyao was the sovereign? Ning Xiaoyao earnestly wished that Grand Preceptor Xie could rush up and bite her right now so she had an excuse to beat him within an inch of his life. Empress Dowager Xie started to feel uneasy. Had Lou Zigui really died? Was this really His Majesty acting as if all hope was lost?

    ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie knelt down with head bowed.

    ¡°Then Zhen isn''t mentally deficient?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    One of the ministers stepped forward then to ask, ¡°Your Majesty, what is ¡®mentally deficient?¡¯¡±

    ¡°It means blockhead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao snapped in annoyance. The people in this world didn''t even know what ¡°mentally deficient¡± meant!

    There were some ministers who suddenly wanted tough, but bit down painfully on their tongues to stop themselves. Ning Xiaoyao patted the armrest of the Dragon Throne and said,¡±Say something, ah.¡±

    ¡°This subject doesn''t dare. Your Majesty has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood,¡± the Grand Preceptor kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao again. ¡°The sun and moon themselves can stand witness to this subject¡¯s care towards Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes. Just then, the Grand Preceptor was still angry, but now he had calmed down. Psychologically speaking, his mental fortitude was formidable.

    Finally, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s camp appeared to make their move. One minister stepped forward and said, ¡°Since it was thete emperor¡¯s wish...¡±

    ¡°Hold it, you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand towards the speaker. ¡°Didn''t you just hear the empress dowager say she was only a married woman? She hasn''t even held court from behind a screen yet, and she''s already crying like this. Do you want me to force her to her death?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the minister in question. His Majesty was a ckguard and a rascal, wasn''t he?!

    ¡°Your Majesty misunderstands,¡± Empress Dowager Xie hastened to say.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Just then, the Grand Preceptor said that Zhen has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood. How could Zhen still not understand what others mean?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie dearly regretted her actions now. Why had she pretended to be modest and unassuming while showing off her weak side? ¡°How could we disobey thete emperor¡¯sst will?¡± she asked, using thete emperor to directly suppress Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Thete emperor¡¯sst will,¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed, ¡°Does ite with an imperial edict?¡±

    ¡°These were thete emperor¡¯s verbal instructions,¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Who heard them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked again. ¡°Does ast will exist just because you father and daughter pair said so?¡±

    ¡°This subject heard it with his own ears!¡± in response to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, a dozen or so voices chorused simultaneously before their owners knelt down.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. She was going to be beat up by the crowd at this rate.

    ¡°Is Your Majesty ming This Dowager?¡± Empress Dowager Xie covered her face and burst into tears. Her body trembled, and she looked on the verge of fainting away.

    Ning Xiaoyao seized the chance to chase her off. ¡°If you¡¯re not feeling well, go back to the imperial harem.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie fell until she was sitting on the steps to the throne. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t catch how she fell, but felt that her movements were inexorably beautiful, almost like someone dancing.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shouted.

    Empress Dowager Xie softly beat her chest as she sobbed. ¡°This Dowager would rather pass away like thete emperor right now. Your Majesty, This Dowager is but a woman. Now that my husband¡¯s dead, I defer to the son. Whatever Your Majesty wants This Dowager to do, This Dowager will do it. In the past, it was This Dowager who did a disservice to Your Majesty and made you stay at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate for over a decade without a chance to even see thete emperor. This is This Dowager¡¯s fault. Your Majesty, ah~¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s sobs were soft, but were still enough to tug at the heartstrings.

    Ning Xiaoyao viciously pinched herself on the leg. She wanted to cry too, because she could tell that the empress dowager was pretending to be pitiful in front of the ministers. Still, Ning Xiaoyao still couldn¡¯t cry even after pinching herself multiple times. Pretending to be weak and weepy was one of her weak points!

    Grand Preceptor Xie shot a nce at the ce where the rest of the imperial n was standing. These imperial sons and noblemen were currently just looking on, unconcerned.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Within the Hall of Golden Chimes, an old but steady voice spoke up. Grand Preceptor Xie gave a start at the voice. Ning Xiaoyao looked over, and saw a white-haired, bearded old man around 70 years old. He was thin, and his bowed head made it impossible for Ning Xiaoyao to see his face. Instead, she felt guilty ofmitting a sin by epting a kowtow from someone so old.

    ¡°You have business?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The old man opened his mouth and said, ¡°Your Majesty, acting this way is inappropriate.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. Here was another one of those opposed against her. Meanwhile, doubts gued Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s heart. This Elder Li was one of the few remaining in the pce who could still oppose him. He had always praised himself for being the leader of the qingliu, or clear stream--those groups of schrs who were concerned with politics but held themselves aloof from those in power. Was he standing on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side today?

    Elder Li bent forwards as he spoke out sternly with the force of justice. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager is Your Majesty¡¯s own mother. How could Your Majesty treat Esteemed Empress Dowager like so?¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s words suddenly cleared up Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s mind. What was the strongest weapon in their hands? Wasn¡¯t it filial piety? Even if Ning Yu was the most noble Son of Heaven, she had no excuse pushing her mother to the point of pained tears in the great hall.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sighed in a low voice. ¡°His Majesty is still young. Elder Li, you cannot excoriate His Majesty.¡±

    Elder Li said, ¡°A son should conduct himself with filial piety towards his mother. Does one need to look at age for this? Which sage taught it this way?¡± His first criticism against Ning Xiaoyao began to attract followers from the officials who took him as their teacher. Women of the imperial harem shouldn¡¯t meddle in politics, but mistakes in filial piety weren¡¯t permitted either. His Majesty had to conform to conventions in this case.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like stamping her feet. By that logic, wouldn¡¯t she have to kneel and beg the empress dowager to hold curtain from behind the curtains? And then have Grand Preceptor Xie squander the country for a dozen more years until more good people, more citizens died? All for the sake of a lying woman who didn¡¯t cherish human life? Ning Xiaoyao wanted to speak sense to these people, but Elder Li¡¯s faction were all qingliu who were learned schrs well-versed in literary Chinese, pedantic terms, and Confucius says quotes. They could crush Ning Xiaoyao until she was left speechless without an argument. How was she supposed to argue with them when she wouldn¡¯t understand their words? £¨TOT£©

    ¡°This subject asks that Esteemed Empress Dowager holds court from behind the curtain,¡± a member of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction shouted as he knelt on the ground in the wake of Elder Li¡¯s censure.

    ¡°Your Majesty still isn¡¯t inviting Esteemed Empress Dowager to rise?¡± Elder Li gave Ning Xiaoyao a disapproving look.

    ¡°Late emperor...¡± Empress Dowager Xie continued to cry.

    ¡°May Esteemed Empress Dowager hold court from behind the screen,¡± men from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction continued to shout.

    Ning Xiaoyao leapt up from the Dragon Throne. It looked like she couldn¡¯t talk sense to anyone anymore. ¡°Fine then,¡± she said loudly. ¡°If Esteemed Empress Dowager holds court from behind the curtain today, Zhen will abdicate tomorrow.¡±

    Her decisive statement stunned Empress Dowager Xie and the gathered ministers. Ning Xiaoyao stood from amanding height as she looked at Empress Dowager Xie. Isn''t your life goal to live a luxurious life as the empress dowager while holding court from behind the curtain? Then I won¡¯t be the emperor anymore. I don¡¯t want to y around with you, so what now?

    ¡°You,¡± Empress Dowager Xie was really shaking now, but from anger. Was this girl determined to fight her to the death? ¡°Your Majesty, do you want to force This Dowager until she dies?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li was angry.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at the old man. ¡°Don¡¯t talk just yet, let Zhen speak first. Filial piety, is it? Me letting Esteemed Empress Dowager work like a coolie to govern the throne and administer affairs of state is filial piety? Do you all know what true filial piety is?¡±

    Elder Li said, ¡°May Your Majesty instruct us.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow, Zhen will take the empress dowager to travel around the world,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed towards the outside of the pce. ¡°When a person gets old, they should enjoy a happy life of ease andfort!¡±

    The ministers were all silent. Was the empress dowager really that old?

    Empress Dowager Xie, with her head full of ck hair, only loathed the fact that Ning Xin was still too young. Right now, she couldn¡¯t let Ning Xiaoyao die.

    ¡°These are Zhen¡¯s words today. If nothing else works, Zhen will abdicate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was apletely clever hoodlum.

    Elder Li said, ¡°Imperial power was bestowed by the Heavens. How could Your Majesty treat it as a game?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Imperial power was bestowed by the Heavens? Hasn¡¯t Zhen been treated like a trained dog by everyone all the same? Do you even believe your own words?¡±

    How could anything train the emperor like a dog? Elder Li fell to his knees. Ning Xiaoyao shifted to one side to avoid it. Having someone so old kneel to her was more than she deserved. Elder Li knocked his head against the floor and said, ¡°This subject only tried, to the greatest extent, to present sincere advice. Sincere advice is often grating to the ears, the Sage said...¡±

    ¡°Elder one, that¡¯s enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to die as soon as she heard the Sage said. Sages said so many things, yet the world was still full of people who lived in worse state than dogs. (Author: Can you give it up with the dogs already?)

    Elder Li gave a start when he heard Ning Xiaoyao call him ¡®elder one.¡¯ Why would such a moniker show up in the Hall of Golden Chimes? Ning Xiaoyao had already worked up a sweat from her impatience. She reached out a hand and tugged at the cor of her dragon robes. These clothes looked distinguished and imposing, but was she allowed to say that she preferred pure cotton clothes instead?

    As soon as Empress Dowager Xie saw Ning Xiaoyao tugging at her cor, she cried out, ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand stiffened in response. She lowered her head to peer at Empress Dowager Xie. Had she thought of another scheme to counter her again? Empress Dowager Xie stood up from the steps all by herself and faced the crowd of ministers. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression shifted. What was his daughter nning to do?

    Empress Dowager Xie suddenly bent down on one knee to bow towards the crowd. When that happened, no one else besides Ning Xiaoyao dared to remain standing in the great hall. All the ministers fell to their knees in haste. Empress Dowager Xie spoke sorrowfully, ¡°Thete emperor passed away without His Majesty having a chance to see him once. After entering the pce, His Majesty cried himself bitterly into unconsciousness multiple times. If not for the rules of our forefathers, and the fact that today¡¯s the date for arge assembly, then His Majesty would still be convalescing quietly in the imperial pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to spit up blood. This woman could act and speak nonsense all too well!

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s body is indisposed. As This Dowager sees it, today¡¯srge assembly should just end here,¡± Empress Dowager Xie continued. ¡°His Majesty is filial, so there¡¯s no way he wouldn¡¯t obey thete emperor¡¯sst will. Nothing more needs to be said. This Dowager understands the bitterness in His Majesty¡¯s heart, so I ask for your excellencies¡¯ understanding towards His Majesty¡¯s grief.¡±

    ¡°This subject solemnly obeys Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s decree,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie led the way with a cry. Ning Xiaoyao looked dumbstruck at Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s back. What did this mean? She was going to hold court from behind the screen just like that?

    ¡°Please rise,¡± Empress Dowager Xie raised her hand at the kneeling ministers.

    ¡°Hold on, you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Howe you¡¯re the one issuing orders here now?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie turned to face Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Someonee. Why aren¡¯t you hurrying to send His Majesty back to the pce?¡±

    The two eunuchs standing by the Dragon Throne answered in the affirmative before walking towards Ning Xiaoyao. Now she finally understood--the empress dowager wasn¡¯t nning to argue with her, but had resorted to violence instead. The two eunuchs bowed as they reached Ning Xiaoyao and grabbed one of her hands on each side. Ning Xiaoyao chuckled as their hands touched. These two weren¡¯t eunuchs at all! Their androgen levels fell well within normal range in their bodies. Like hell they¡¯re eunuchs!

    Grand Preceptor Xie released a breath in relief as the two ¡°eunuchs¡± grabbed hold of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. He knew Ning Xiaoyao knew martial arts, so he hand chose these two experts from his own estate. They were there to keep Ning Xiaoyao at bay in case a scuffle broke out.

 Chapter 40: His Majestyâ€™s indeed extraordinarily valiant

    <h4>Chapter 40: His Majesty''s indeed extraordinarily valiant</h4>

    ¡°This servant respectfully invites Your Majesty to return to the pce,¡± the two ¡®eunuchs¡¯ said, but the strength of their grip belied their words. There was enough strength to break Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wrists.

    ¡°Your Majesty will be better after using some of the imperial physician¡¯s medicine upon your return,¡± Empress Dowager Xie wiped at her tears, her face filled with heartbroken grief as she looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    The assembled ministers were left at a loss by the events suddenly ying out before them. None of them had time to react or say anything as the Hall of Golden Chimes fell into silence. There was only the sound of Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s sobs. Ning Xiaoyao had been waiting to fight for ages. Her martial arts skills weren¡¯t that impressive, but she had the strength of gically evolved humankind. His Majesty Ning raised her hands, shook herself free, and grabbed the ¡®eunuch¡¯tched onto her right wrist. Then she flung him outside as if he weighed nothing. The ¡®eunuch¡¯ on her left had already reacted subconsciously when his hand felt nothing but air. He aimed for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s abdomen, but Ning Xiaoyao caught his hand with her right and lifted him up before throwing him down the steps to the throne.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shrieked.

    ¡°Someonee,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie reacted lightning-fast. A group of imperial guards ran in from outside, making a racket with all the armor they were wearing. Ning Xiaoyao surveyed the scene before testing the weight of the Dragon Throne behind her. Then she lifted the shiny gold throne above her head and threw it outside the pce. All of the ministers felt a gust of wind as it flew past them. The girth of the Dragon Throne was far wider than the opening in the door to the Hall of Golden Chimes. The seat that had sat generations of Ning n imperials knocked over three or four doors before smashing over a swath of imperial guards. The rest were transfixed with fear or amazement amidst the loud cries of the victims. Ning Xiaoyao lifted a leg and stepped before Empress Dowager Xie. Since she¡¯d already put aside any and all considerations of face, what else did she have to worry about?

    Empress Dowager Xie wanted to back away, but she was standing on the steps to the throne. Her foot touched air before she rolled down the steps in surprise. A sharp pain shot up her left leg before the empress dowager fainted away from the shock. This time, she didn¡¯t even have to pretend. Grand Preceptor Xie knew that their Xie n couldn¡¯t lose someone like Empress Dowager Xie, who had the power to shelter their entire n for a lifetime. He rushed forward to stand protectively by her side. Lai mama couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch Ning Xiaoyao beat people upter, and sobbed as she shouted for the empress dowager. She rushed towards the steps to the throne and threw herself by the empress dowager¡¯s side. Chaos had descended on the Hall of Golden Chimes.

    Standing outside, far below the main steps to the pce, were Fang Tang, Song Jin, and the rest. Their ears had caught wind of the unnaturalmotion, so they charged upwards without a second thought.

    ¡°Hold it!¡± an imperial guard who spotted them shouted.

    ¡°Climb!¡± Song Jin told his fellow brothers-at-arms. Hearing this, Fang Tang kept running without even turning back. The imperial guards chased after them with weapons in hand. Old Liu[1. Old Liu (ÀÏÁõ) - first mentioned in chapter 38, a former member of Supreme Commander¡¯s ck Frost Calvary who got re-assigned to the imperial guards thanks to his familial connections.] stood in ce unmoving. Currently, this Deputy General Liu was wishing he¡¯d nevere here at all. Could he cross swords with his former colleagues? No, he couldn¡¯t. Could he ignore orders from his superiors? He couldn¡¯t do that, either. This moment of hesitation was enough to make Old Liu realize he was the only imperial guard still standing around. Now he just wanted to drop dead.

    Inside the Hall of Golden Chimes atop the steps, the imperial guards who¡¯d been attacked by the Dragon Throne poured into the great hall.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan!¡± Elder Li finally targeted Grand Preceptor Xie with his angry criticism. ¡°Are you nning to revolt?!¡± He was old, but he wasn¡¯t blind. The Xie father and daughter pair were nning to seize His Majesty and send him back to the pce! This despicable pair, did they really think Heaven and Earth belonged to the Xie n?

    Grand Preceptor Xie had no time to pay attention to Elder Li now. Schrs couldn¡¯t manage a rebellion even if they took ten years, so why would he bothering to odds with Elder Li? ¡°His Majesty¡¯s been affected with grief from losing his father. These days, his mind¡¯s been muddleheaded. Hurry and send His Majesty back to the pce and call for the imperial physicians,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie loudly ordered the imperial guards.

    Ning Xiaoyao watched the guards rushing towards her and smoothed out her sleeves. No matter how many people they sent, she wasn¡¯t afraid. They were only humans after all. Could they be any harder to deal with than zombies? Unexpectedly, Elder Li actually did something out of the blue. The old man who¡¯d been leading on his pupils to scold Ning Xiaoyao like a dog suddenly ran in front of the steps to the imperial throne and stood there unmoving. His posture suggested that if any of the imperial guards wanted to climb those steps, they¡¯d have to do it past his dead body. Grand Preceptor Xie gave a coldugh before signalling the imperial guards with a wave of his hand. The imperial guards pushed the officials blocking the way lightly aside and threw them carelessly to the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao shouted, ¡°Old father, get out of the way!¡± He was already so old. An old man like you doesn¡¯t need to get mixed up in a fight!

    Elder Li still stood by the steps, towering and majestic in his stillness.

    Aiya, my God.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt fatigued at heart as she ran down the steps. For the sake of herself and this old man, she was going to act first.

    It was just then that Fang Tang reached the top of the stairs. Seeing the Dragon Throne smashed into pieces by the door, then the imperial guards sprawled on the ground beside it, left him and the rest of the generals all speechless. His Majesty was indeed, extraordinarily valiant. The imperial guards still standing at the door hastened to surround Fang Tang and the rest.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Song Jin yelled towards the noisy and confused voices inside the Hall of Golden Chimes

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice immediately called out from inside. ¡°Invading the house and confiscating property, there¡¯s no logic to this!¡± When Fang Tang heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice, he formed a fist and punched the imperial guard standing before him. As a result, chaos descended outside the great hall as well.

    Right now, Ning Xiaoyao wanted to help Elder Li to the side. What if this old man got hurt in the fightter? But Elder Li grabbed Ning Xiaoyao instead and said heroically, ¡°Your Majesty, with this subject and the others here, how could we allow Your Majesty to risk his own life?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao watched the rapidly approaching imperial guards, then at the old man holding onto her with a hand full of protruding old veins, before she teared up. Old man, just whose side are you on?

    Many of Elder Li¡¯s pupils had pulled themselves up from the ground after being knocked over. Upon hearing their teacher¡¯s words, they were filled with warm-blooded righteous ardour. Then they rushed forward and continued pestering the imperial guards. If those men wanted to ascend the steps to the imperial throne, they¡¯d have to beat them to death first!

    Meanwhile, the other members of the imperial n stood on one side, unmoving. None of them had even spoken up. Ning Yu was an imperial son that thete emperor had never even seen. He had be emperor after figuratively stepping over the crown prince¡¯s corpse. The Xie Family had always imed credit for being big and great, but now Ning Yu had be their enemy. In the eyes of the imperial n, this was just a case of dog eat dog as a result of uneven division of power.

    ¡°It¡¯s certainly lively,¡± the second imperial son Ning Huo sneered with augh.

    The imperial uncle Prince Fu, also known as Ning Guangshun, had his arms crossed as he watched the crowd of people running around. He took in the view with relish as he said, ¡°How long has it been since our Ning Family¡¯s royal court been so bustling with excitement?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the rest of the rtives. Never had something like this happened!

    Empress Dowager Xie woke up from her stupor then, only to see Lai mama¡¯s crying, yelling old face distorted beyond recognition. For a second, she couldn¡¯t even recognize the mama and felt rmed. Lai mama had no idea her tearstained, snivelling face had scared her own mistress. When she saw Empress Dowager Xie opening her eyes, she quickly eximed, ¡°Grand Preceptor, Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s awakened!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had been watching Ning Xiaoyao struggling with Elder Li at the steps to the throne when he heart Lai mama¡¯s shout. Quickly, he turned back to walk to the empress dowager¡¯s side and knelt down on one knee. ¡°Does Esteemed Empress Dowager feel unwell anywhere?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie lifted her eyes, looking past scores of people to pinpoint Ning Xiaoyao at the steps to the throne. The sight of that girl made her feel unwell all over. ¡°She,¡± Empress Dowager Xie ced her hand on her father¡¯s wrist, tightening her grip as she murmured in a low voice. ¡°What other things can she rely on at this point?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face was currently gloomy and somber. Ning Yu didn¡¯t seem like she¡¯d formed any alliances with the imperial n. Now that Lou Zigui was dead, who else could this girl rely on? Those 300 or so Dragon Guards? Weren¡¯t they the same guards he¡¯d trapped in the back pce beforehand?

    At this point, Empress Dowager Xie asked the Grand Preceptor the same question she¡¯d asked many times before. ¡°Is Lou Zigui really dead?¡±

    How could there be any mistakes in something he¡¯d done himself? Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s rather loose skin trembled on his face. It was impossible for him to make a mistake there. If not there, then where?

    ¡°Father!¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s nails dug into Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s flesh.

    ¡°She¡¯s nothing but a stranded beast,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie went over the details again. From dipping the de in poison, to handing it over to the executioner, to watching the executioner perform the sentence with the poisoned de in question, he could find no mistakes. Thus, he said as much to Empress Dowager Xie.

    Fighting against a stranded beast? Empress Dowager Xie nced at Ning Xiaoyao. Such a stranded beast had the heart to tug and struggle with an old-fashioned old fogey?

    ¡°There must have been a mistake somewhere,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°Father, something must have gone wrong!¡±

    Suddenly, another heavy object fell onto the ground, its impact reverberating throughout the hall. The Xie father and daughter pair turned around, only to see a white marble banister fallen on the floor, ten imperial guards crushed beneath its weight. Silence descended on the great hall. His Majesty had pulled off one of the banisters by the steps to the imperial throne, and with only one hand. That was because Elder Li had her other hand in check. O(¨s¡õ¨t)o

    ¡°This is all you¡¯re useful for?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at the imperial guards. None of them had drawn their swords when entering the great hall, but some of them ced hands on their weapons at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words.

    Ning Xiaoyao shouted from the steps, ¡°If any of you dares to kill today, I¡¯ll kill your whole families tomorrow!¡± If it was a contest to see who was more ruthless, anyone could do it.

    Her words frightened the imperial guards. The Grand Preceptor had the ability to fight with His Majesty, but would he protect them if His Majesty turned the de on them instead?

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s mind isn¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one whose mind isn¡¯t clear,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Grand Preceptor Xie as she interrupted loudly. ¡°I just knew it, you wanted to revolt. What te emperor¡¯sst will?¡¯ When thete emperor was dying, it was you and your scoundrel subordinates who were there. Who knows how my dad--my imperial father, actually died?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie finally roared. This girl wanted the lives of their entire n!

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shouts were no lower than Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s. ¡°You still know that I¡¯m supposed to be the emperor?!¡±

    ¡°Take His Majesty back to the pce,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said severely. Ning Xiaoyao gave her a nce. Her leg was already broken, but she didn¡¯t feel any pain?

    Empress Dowager Xie was currently full of strong misgivings. How could she feel the pain from her broken leg at all? Ning Xiaoyao then focused her sights on another banister behind Elder Li. It was impossible to find a brick here, so all she could do was take the house apart.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you cannot,¡± Elder Li literally threw himself at Ning Xiaoyao. This was the Hall of Golden Chimes. Your Majesty, are you nning to ruin the property of your forefathers?

    Ning Xiaoyao could only struggle forward with Elder Li clinging to her body. He was always about not doing this or not doing that. What was she supposed to do, wait for the Grand Preceptor to take a bite out of her?

    ¡°Wahhhhh.....!¡±

    In the midst of the chaos, the sound of an infant crying floated in from outside. Everyone inside the Hall of Golden Chimes stopped as if frozen in time. Why had a baby shown up?

 Chapter 41: Trust me, Iâ€™ll protect you

    <h4>Chapter 41: Trust me, I''ll protect you</h4>

    As the wails of a baby filled the air, Lou Zigui stepped over the tall threshold of the Hall of Golden Chimes and walked to the Xie father and mother pair. He was wearing the court dress of a military officer when he entered.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Lou Zigui, then at Big Boss ck walking proudly beside him with his head held high, and felt her mouth twitch. Did this cat fancy himself a leopard? (Author: Why are you focusing on the kitty instead? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o ) The baby in Lou Zigui¡¯s arms kept crying incessantly while he dangled a green jade charm over the child¡¯s head, as if trying to coax its sobs.

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face had already been stricken of all color from the moment he saw Lou Zigui step inside the door. It felt as if two of his three immortal souls had flown away. This man is still alive? He¡¯s actually still living?! Grand Preceptor Xie couldn''t believe his eyes as he stared at Lou Zigui, fervently wishing that his gaze could stab holes through his body. He was in such vehement denial that he began to wonder if everything was a nightmare.

    Empress Dowager Xie was caught in the throes of fright as well. By the time she saw the charm in Lou Zigui¡¯s hands, she lunged forward despite already nursing a broken leg. How could Lou Zigui let her hit her mark? He sidestepped Empress Dowager Xie just by turning aside. The empress dowager tumbled to the ground, her broken leg striking harshly against the floor. She gave a horrible shriek before passing out from the pain.

    Lai mama stared at the jade charm in rm. By the time she recovered her wits, she could only cry out in despair, ¡°Prince, Prince Cheng!¡±

    Her terrifying cry startled everyone present. All of his fur stood on end as Big Boss ck jumped up to scratch Lai mama. Miaow, she¡¯d scared this cat to death!

    Lai mama got a wful that left her face bloody, causing her to shriek again. She rushed towards Lou Zigui like a madwoman, intent on snatching back her young master.

    Lou Zigui stood there unmoving. Fang Tang approached from behind and kicked Lai mama, sending her flying into one of the pce pirs. Her body twitched a few times andy still.

    ¡°You,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie knew things were bad as soon as Lai mama called out for Prince Cheng. Ning Xin had fallen into Lou Zigui¡¯s hands, which was good as saying their lifeline was with Lou Zigui. Subconsciously, Grand Preceptor Xie reached out to grab the child as well, but when his eyes met Lou Zigui¡¯s icy ones, his hands froze in mid-air. How could he be a match for Lou Zigui?

    Lou Zigui made a detour around the empress dowager and headed towards the steps to the throne. The imperial guards had already lost half their initiative at the sight of Lou Zigui. Coupled with the sight of bloodstained swords from Fang Tang and the rest, and they''d lost all will to fight. Lou Zigui¡¯s men were all masters who''d put their lives on the line fighting the Northern Hu at Anyuan¡¯s six provinces. Were they supposed to risk their lives fighting these masters too? Thus, the imperial guards parted in the middle to allow Lou Zigui past. He didn''t have to say a word. Ning Xiaoyao looked curiously at the baby in Lou Zigui¡¯s arms. So this was Ning Xin?

    Lou Zigui stopped at the foot of the steps and bent his knees, preparing to kneel. Yet Ning Xiaoyao had already ran down the steps and lifted the covers hiding Ning Xin¡¯s face.

    ¡°Let me look at him.¡± She''d seen him after he grew up, but never when he was a baby.

    With this, it was impossible for Lou Zigui to kneel anymore. An insightful Song Jin took the initiative to kneel and pay respects to Ning Xiaoyao, with Fang Tang and the rest quickly following suit. Ning Xiaoyao hastened forward, intending to help them up. They were already so familiar with each other, so why the need to kneel?

    Meanwhile, Elder Li pointed a finger at Lou Zigui. ¡°How could you enter without a summons...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had just helped up Song Jin and the rest when she heard his words. They made her feel like dying again. ¡°Enough, you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to tell Elder Li. ¡°Did I yell for those imperial guards toe inside either?¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s reply was angry. ¡°These people are like thieves whoe under cover of night to do ill. They should be killed!¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. If they were that easy to kill, would the fighting have ended up at this point?

    Elder Li¡¯s face reddened. From a single ¡®heheh,¡¯ he could hear how His Majesty was sneering at him.

    ¡°I summon you all to enter the great hall,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Fang Tang and the rest, before turning towards Elder Li. ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s beard shook. Were they fooling around with him? Were they?!

    ¡°Why is Prince Cheng in your hands?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked loudly from the floor with her coiled hair was all disheveled. Abominable, couldn¡¯t they see that her son was in Lou Zigui¡¯s hands? Why was this man still saying such pointless words?

    Lou Zigui nced at Empress Dowager Xie before raising his hand and tossing the jade charm before her. Jade wasn''t partial to being thrown about, so the green jade charm shattered into multiple pieces as soon as it hit the ground. Ning Xiaoyao felt pained at the sight. You could probably sell something like that for a lot of money outside, right? Empress Dowager Xie cradled the broken pieces of jade in her hands. This was definitely the charm she used to y with Ning Xin. She¡¯d evenly personally tied the knotted string attached to the jade, so there was no mistaking it as her own.

    ¡°What was the point of making such a ruckus?¡± Lou Zigui asked the gathered crowd, his tone even. Ning Xiaoyao blinked. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t you know why we were making a ruckus?

    Nobody spoke. Could they say that the Xie father and daughter pair had rebelled? Or should they say His Majesty was unfilial, forcing the empress dowager to tears? They didn¡¯t want to offend either side before knowing which side was superior.

    ¡°Scram,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes swept over the imperial guards still standing within the great hall. The guards looked towards Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Lou Zigui said when the imperial guards didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t wait for Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s reaction, but raised his voice to shout. The remnants of the doors to the pce was hit with arge force, causing loud echoes to ring out. Another troop of armored imperial guards ran in from outside.

    ¡°Our own men,¡± Fang Tang exined quietly to Ning Xiaoyao, afraid that she¡¯d get nervous.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Even without Fang Tang¡¯s words, she knew that anyone who listened to Lou Zigui¡¯s orders couldn¡¯t be on the Xie father and mother¡¯s side.

    ¡°Elder Li spoke rightly,¡± Lou Zigui pointed at the remaining imperial guards. ¡°These men are like thieves without any sense of thew of thend.¡± The newly arrived imperial guards rushed in to capture theirpatriots as they met in a face-off.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± a few of the imperial guards yelled towards Grand Preceptor Xie. A general strode forward and struck him across the face, leaving his lips looking like rotten peaches and the man unable to speak. Ning Xiaoyao quietly swallowed her saliva. Too savage. (Author: You think you haven¡¯t knocked your share of people to the ground? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Grand Preceptor Xie had to protect this group of imperial guards. If he didn¡¯t take care of them when trouble hit and showed a cold heart, who would follow him loyally in the future? Taking a deep breath, Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°All of you, withdraw.¡±

    Hearing this, the imperial guards felt like they¡¯d received a general amnesty and hurried to retreat.

    ¡°You want to leave?¡± Fang Tang waved the sabre in his hand. ¡°How could that be so simple?!¡±

    Song Jin pulled Fang Tang aside. Those imperial guards weren¡¯t the important point right now.

    The imperial guards practically ran out of the Hall of Golden Chimes. Outside, the bodies of the remaining imperial guards and armored pce guards littered the ground, their blood mixing with water as it flowed down the stairs. It was obvious that Lou Zigui had killed his share before entering the great hall. Now the man stood inside, head bent to look at Ning Xin in his arms as he spoke. ¡°Thete emperor indeed had ast will, but I believe his intention was for Esteemed Empress Dowager to hold court from behind the curtain as assistance to His Majesty should he need it. Thete emperor¡¯sst will on his deathbed would naturally be for His Majesty¡¯s sake. Grand Preceptor, would thete emperor have forgotten the regtions prohibiting members of the imperial harem from participating in politics?¡±

    What else could Grand Preceptor Xie say, with Ning Xinying in Lou Zigui¡¯s arms?

    Lou ZIgui turned towards Elder Li next. ¡°Elder, what do you think?¡±

    Elder Li was dissatisfied with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s unfilial ways, but he definitely didn¡¯t want the Xie n controlling everything under Heaven. Quickly, he nodded his head. ¡°Exactly so.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned back to Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Thete emperor was only thinking for His Majesty¡¯s sake. Why is it, do you suppose, that by the time his intentions reached the Grand Preceptor, it became a requirement for Esteemed Empress Dowager to hold court from behind the curtain?¡±

    When Empress Dowager Xie saw Lou Zigui move his hand towards Ning Xin¡¯s neck, she cried out, ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand rested on Ning Xin¡¯s throat, and Prince Cheng¡¯s cries grew more shrill.

    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± Empress Dowager Xie felt like a knife had sliced through her heart as she sobbed. ¡°You can¡¯t just let him cry like this.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in silent tribute for Ning Yu for three seconds. This mother of hers had a heart that changed from the Arctic Ocean to the Antarctic Continent. She walked to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and reached out a hand to touch Ning Xin¡¯s tearstained face. Pale green light shed from her fingertips before Ning Xin stopped wailing.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t care a whit about Ning Xin, but pressed Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Does the Grand Preceptor have nothing to say?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie crouched down, his motions suggesting he was going to help up Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Is that really Prince Cheng?¡± he asked her in a low voice.

    Empress Dowager Xie gave a start. She¡¯d only seen the charm, but not what the infant looked like. After careful thought, she realized she couldn¡¯t be sure that the child was Ning Xin. Still, she replied softly, ¡°Do you want to gamble with Prince Cheng¡¯s life?¡±

    What if the baby really was Ning Xin? If anything happened to him, where was she supposed to find another son to take his ce? Grand Preceptor Xie gave a low sigh. If this daughter and that mama hadn¡¯t imed this child as Ning Xin, he would¡¯ve had other ideas. If it was just a baby, they could switch him for another one. But now, Grand Preceptor Xie sucked in a breath, now he had no choice but to admit defeat.

    Big Boss ck had been keeping a close watch over the Xie father and daughter pair the whole time. Hearing their conversation, he swished his tail. Instead of thinking how to save the baby, these two were still debating whether the child in Lou Zigui¡¯s arms was actually Ning Xin. As a cat, he couldn¡¯t understand how viins used their heads.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stood up and cupped his hands to Lou Zigui. ¡°It looks like this old man has to thank Supreme Commander for your pointers. It was this old man who was muddleheaded and misunderstood thete emperor¡¯sst will.¡±

    ¡°You should apologize to His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui said simply.

    Grand Preceptor Xie promptly knelt down to Ning Xiaoyao, kowtowing his head against the ground. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject deserves ten thousand deaths.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then you can go...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted Grand Preceptor Xie to die, but Lou Zigui quietly called out before she could finish speaking. ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Hn?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked over.

    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to kill them,¡± Lou Zigui inclined his head slightly towards Ning Xiaoyao and spoke in a very soft voice. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ll protect you.¡±

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao: *sighs*

    Ning Xiaoyao: What took you so long, Supreme Commander?I was about to lose my mind!

    Lou Zigui: Had to change some diapers.

    Ning Xiaoyao: Ooooh, you bold thing, you!

    Lou Zigui: What?

    Ning Xiaoyao: Changing his royalness'' royal diapers!

    Lou Zigui: *stiffens* Excuse me--

    Ning Xiaoyao: Ministers and officials! Loyal subjects, hear ye! Announcing the Royal Nappie Master, Supreme Commander Lou Zigu--

    Lou Zigui: That will be enough.

    Ning Xiaoyao: Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt--

    Elder Li: *severe tone* Your Majesty.

    Ning Xiaoyao: --I take it back, I take it all back!

    [/expand]

 Chapter 42: Piles of corpses at the empress dowagerâ€™s palace

    <h4>Chapter 42: Piles of corpses at the empress dowager''s pce</h4>

    Lou Zigui had a limited number of soldiers on hand, while the Grand Preceptor controlled the capital city, its surrounding environs, and the troops associated with both. Lou Zigui was clear in his heart that they couldn¡¯t corner the Xie father and daughter like dogs to a wall until they jumped. There was no guarantee that they¡¯d im victory then. Ning Xiaoyao felt hurt. Leaving aside all her work and being lectured like a mutt, she¡¯d even thrown away the Dragon Throne. Now she had to make good with the Xie father and mother and continue to act like family with them? Was there no end to this?!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui said to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How about you adjourn this court session?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was filled with reluctance but managed to mutter, ¡°Adjourned.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the people in the hall. Adjourned just like that? First there were quarrels, then people had died, then the great hall itself had been torn apart. Were things just going to end here?

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even spare the ministers a nce as he told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui,¡± Empress Dowager Xie saw them turning away and hastened to cry out, ¡°Give Prince Cheng back to This Dowager.¡±

    Lou Zigui jostled the baby in his arms a couple of times and replied, ¡°Prince Cheng is His Majesty¡¯s biological little brother. His Majesty is taking Prince Cheng to the imperial pce for a short rest, so Esteemed Empress Dowager can send someone to pick him up there.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± For the sake of protecting her son, Empress Dowager Xie was still willing to risk her life and defy Lou Zigui.

    Grand Preceptor Xie half knelt down and patted Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hand. In a small voice, he said, ¡°Nothing will happen to the prince. Empress Dowager need not worry, let them leave.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie stared at Ning Xiaoyao and said wretchedly, ¡°He¡¯s your own little brother!¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. As if being of the same blood ever stopped anyone from killing each other. By now, Song Jin had found the eunuch in charge of announcements behind a pir and brought him to the foot of the stairs leading to the throne.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear His Majesty say to adjourn the court?¡± he asked.

    This eunuch was shaking with fear as he opened his mouth and shouted, ¡°Adjourned!¡±

    Only after His Majesty left with Lou Zigui did the other members of the imperial n speak up. ¡°So the empress dowager won¡¯t hold court from behind a screen?¡±

    The puffy Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun, swayed his body as he tottered out of the pce and replied, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s even knelt to recognize his wrongs and said he misunderstood. How could Esteemed Empress Dowager hold court from behind any screen now?¡±

    ¡°Then, then His Majesty won?¡± another rtive asked.

    Prince Fu smiled coldly. It was nothing more than a dog biting another dog. Who cared about the losers or victors?

    --

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao carried a branch in her hand on the trip to the Imperial Pce, scratching it against the ground as she sighed. Right now, His Majesty Ning¡¯s head was dizzy, and all she could think about was how nobody respected her position as emperor.

    When Lou Zigui heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sighs, he asked, ¡°Your Majesty is unhappy?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a bitter expression. ¡°Is there anything worth being happy about?¡±

    Lou Zigui arched an eyebrow. ¡°The empress dowager couldn¡¯t hold court from behind a screen. Isn¡¯t Your Majesty happy about that?¡±

    Hmm?

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start. That¡¯s right, the empress dowager couldn¡¯t hold court from behind a screen today. It should be the empress dowager who¡¯s unhappy, right? Once she figured this out, Ning Xiaoyao grinned. As long as Empress Dowager Xie wasn¡¯t happy, she was! Big Boss ck ran ahead to avoid her foolish grin. As a cat, he couldn¡¯t stand how stupid it looked on her face.

    ¡°Hah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tossed away the branch in her hands and turned towards Fang Tang and the rest. ¡°I only just realized, we scored a victory today!¡± Why didn¡¯t Fang Tang and the rest feel touched at all?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes showed hints ofughter when he saw the mncholy Ning Xiaoyao suddenly turned bright and cheerful. Those who were easily satisfied were typically more simple and pure. Upon returning to the Imperial Pce, Ning Xiaoyao stood on tiptoe to look at the child in Lou Zigui¡¯s arms again. Though she¡¯d wanted to kill Empress Dowager Xie from the first second she met her, Ning Xiaoyao had no such thoughts toward Ning Xin. It was senseless to shout and fight against an infant, wasn¡¯t it?

    But Lou Zigui handed the baby over to Song Jin and simply said, ¡°Take it out of the pce.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was floored again. ¡°You want to send him away?¡± Wouldn¡¯t Empress Dowager Xie go crazy?

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯srge, dark eyes and suddenly smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, this isn¡¯t Prince Cheng.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still stunned. This wasn¡¯t Ning Xin? Then they¡¯d cheated their way against the Xie father and daughter pair?

    Lou Zigui waved a hand at Song Jin, who awkwardly held onto the babe and bowed to Ning Xiaoyao. Then hisrge strides took him out of the great hall.

    ¡°I¡¯m not preparing to hurt Prince Cheng,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°In that case, it doesn¡¯t matter whose child I carried into the Hall of Golden Chimes, because the effects were all the same.¡±

    ¡°Then what about that charm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao still remembered how pained she felt over the broken jade charm.

    ¡°That was real. It was taken from the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡± Lou Zigui sat down and looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Without that charm, how could we have convinced the Xie father and daughter that the baby was Prince Cheng?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was a little confused from being run around circles by Supreme Commander Lou. ¡°If you could take the charm out, why not take Prince Cheng directly as well?¡±

    ¡°Believe me,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°When the Xie father and mother return to the empress dowager¡¯s pce and see Prince Cheng, they¡¯ll be even more rmed.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t manage any more questions, so she turned to look at the dumbfounded Fang Tang. ¡°Do you have trouble understanding him?¡±

    Fang Tang nodded. Now that she had apanion, Ning Xiaoyao stopped worrying about her IQ. She nodded in turn. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand it either.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou rested a hand on his forehead. The other generals looked at the two figures standing in solidarity. Were they uniting under their stupidity? (Author: Can¡¯t you guys treat His Majesty with a bit more respect?)

    ¡°Go and take care of the matter with the imperial guards,¡± Lou Zigui told the generals under hismand. ¡°Get rid of the ones we can¡¯t keep.¡±

    The generals epted their orders and withdrew. Ning Xiaoyao asked weakly, ¡°Are we discharging the ones we can¡¯t keep?¡±

    Fang Tang felt a sudden sense of superiority then. He wasn¡¯t the stupidest one!

    Lou Zigui nced at Fang Tang and said, ¡°You¡¯re still standing here?¡±

    Fang Tang ran out of the room.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lou Zigui said after the man had gone. ¡°Since those men only obey the empress dowager and Grand Preceptor¡¯smands, what¡¯s the use of leaving them by Your Majesty¡¯s side?¡±

    Oh, then they¡¯re getting discharged. Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and said, ¡°Then we won¡¯t have them. Let¡¯s do some major recruiting. There are so many refugees in the streets, so won¡¯t it be simple to get some to do the work of imperial guards?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui. It seemed that this person didn¡¯t understand a thing about imperial guards, either. (Author: Supreme Commander, you¡¯re wrong. This person doesn¡¯t understand a thing about this world, period. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Whose baby was that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked again.

    ¡°A colleague¡¯s grandson,¡± Lou Zigui answered.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao released a breath. As long as they hadn¡¯t bought off someone, it was all good. After asking all the avable questions, the room fell into silence between the sitting and standing pair. Herrge eyes stared at his small ones for a while before Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t get to speak before Big Boss ck couldn¡¯t take it anymore and cried, ¡°You ninny, do you only know how to eat?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted up Big Boss ck and threw him out the window. Didn¡¯t he promise to stop calling her a ninny once she restored Supreme Commander¡¯s innocence? This fat ck furball wasn¡¯t trustworthy at all!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a pce maid reported after Big Boss ck fell out the window. ¡°Elder Li begs for an audience.¡±

    As soon as she heard it was that old man, Ning Xiaoyao trembled. The old grandpa wasn¡¯t going to let her off?

    ¡°Go tell Elder Li,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°His Majesty¡¯s feeling unwell and gone to rest. If Elder Li has any business, he can say it at the small assembly two dayster.¡±

    Though the pce maid was unable to get Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, she replied in the affirmative and left with Lou Zigui¡¯s answer.

    ¡°Speaking of which, exactly what kind of official is that elder?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Is he higher than the Grand Preceptor, or lower?¡±

    Lou Zigui furrowed his eyebrows at the question. It looked like there was plenty of things for His Majesty to learn. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao nced at herself, then at Supreme Commander Lou, and asked, ¡°Huh? Howe I have to stand?¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent. Who knew?

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped her forehead again. ¡°I need to go back to the Hall of Golden Chimes.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡± Supreme Commander Lou asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the Dragon Throne, it¡¯s not pure gold,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°But the outsideyer of gold ting is worth a lot of money if I scrape it off. I¡¯m going to carry it back."

    ¡°You,¡± Supreme Commander Lou found it difficult to form words as he replied, ¡°Do you know the significance of the Dragon Throne?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head in thought. Not understanding, she replied, ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a chair?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the Dragon Throne,¡± Supreme Commander Lou stressed.

    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t change into a dragon,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said disdainfully. ¡°What¡¯s the use of sitting on a Dragon Throne? Didn¡¯t that grandpa Li lecture me like a dog all the same?¡±

    ¡°Elder Li scolded you?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze turned heavy. Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders and sat next to Lou Zigui. She took a pastry from the dish on a table and ced it in Lou Zigui¡¯s hand before getting one for herself and eating half of it in one bite.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure if he was scolding me, but he looked pretty emotional when he was talking. Almost like he wanted to bite me.¡±

    ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t understand anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. Lou Zigui fell silent. If Elder Li heard His Majesty¡¯s words, maybe he¡¯d feel like dying?

    ¡°Eh, Supreme Commander, are you hungry?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked again.

    Lou Zigui looked at the pastry in his hand. Did they have to change topics to food?

    --

    Big Boss ck ran out of the Imperial Pce. After going with Supreme Commander to the Hall of Golden Chimes, he had to show off in front of his fellow brothers. But before he found them, he heard a few gray pigeons fly overhead and speak.

    ¡°A lot of people¡¯s died at the empress dowager¡¯s pce, coo coo.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, coo coo, it¡¯s frightening. Let¡¯s not go see.¡±

    Big Boss ck turned nk. He changed directions to run towards the empress dowager¡¯s pce instead. How could there be lots of dead people?

    --

    Empress Dowager Xie was carried over to her pce on a sedan chair, but there was no sound of anyone once the doors were opened. Only the caws of crows filled the air, along with a stench of blood that made her want to throw up.

    ¡°At the very least, Prince Cheng is unharmed.¡± the Grand Preceptor didn¡¯t think there was anyone living left at the empress dowager¡¯s pce. These were the only words he could say to calm down his eldest daughter.

    ¡°How, how could this be?¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice trembled.

    ¡°The Dragon Guards,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said in a low voice. ¡°Most of the imperial guards went to the assembly hall, so the ones remaining here were no match for them.¡±

    The sedan chair arrived at the main doors. Beyond them was a pile of corpses, upon which carrion-eating crow tits were hopping back and forth in search of food. Two severed pieces of intestines had been picked out of a body andy across the threshold. It was nowpletely covered in flies. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands clenched with a death grip around the handlebars of the sedan chair to avoid falling out of her seat entirely. Still, she couldn¡¯t hold back the wave of nausea. As soon as she opened her mouth, it was to vomit.

 Chapter 43: The Imperial Jade Seal is very important

    <h4>Chapter 43: The Imperial Jade Seal is very important</h4>

    The stench of blood was still heavy within the pce. Two pce maidsy copsed in front of a bed with their heads chopped off, the blood staining the floor in front of the bed a fresh red. Despite this, an infant¡¯s babbling cries came from the embroidered sheets. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s mind turnedpletely nk at the sound. Grand Preceptor Xie hurried forward a few steps and lifted the covers aside, picking up the sleeping infant within.

    ¡°Who is he?¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted. Grand Preceptor Xie carried the little infant to Empress Dowager Xie, who looked at the tiny, tubby white body wearing bright and beautiful brocade clothes. Her lip trembled twice before she cried out shrilly, ¡°How does he dare? How did he dare to treat my son like this?!¡±

    Let her little son stay in the same room as corpses? She¡¯d just given birth to him, he was nothing but a baby!

    In the midst of her anger, Empress Dowager Xie broke out into tears. She¡¯d never felt so helpless in her life as this moment, nor had anyone done something so intolerable. Ning Yu, Lou Zigui. When Empress Dowager Xie thought of these two names now, she wished she could swallow them raw! Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t dare hand Ning Xin into his daughter¡¯s hands, but ordered a mama to carry Empress Dowager Xie to the bed.

    ¡°There are dead people here,¡± Empress Dowager Xie screamed at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Can¡¯t you see there¡¯s dead people here?!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie bent over and said softly, ¡°Do you want to move out of the empress dowager¡¯s pce? Lou Zigui would rather you move out this instant.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie suddenly widened her phoenix eyes.

    ¡°Carry Esteemed Empress Dowager to bed,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie straightened up and ordered. A few mama who¡¯d been scared witless came forward and carefully helped Empress Dowager Xie lie down on the bed, not daring to look at the two corpses on the ground.

    ¡°Call for an imperial physician and clean this ce up,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. Immediately, a eunuch ran towards the Imperial Physician Courtyard, while the people left behind began to clear out the bodies and clean up. Grand Preceptor Xie walked in front of the window and prepared to open it, only to remember the pile of bodies outside. They reeked of blood that made one want to throw up, so he could only give up on the idea and ordered someone to light incense instead.

    Very soon, the rooms were cleaned up. The imperial physician that hurried over couldn¡¯t even tell that two headless bodies used to lie at the foot of the bed. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s broken leg was set in ce, leaving her covered in sweat from the pain. Her hatred for her daughter and Lou Zigui increased by many folds yet again. Grand Preceptor Xie held onto Ning Xin as he waited by the side the entire time. When the physician, pce maids, and eunuchs all left, he ced Ning Xin by Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s side and sat down on a round stool in front of the bed.

    ¡°Lou Zigui tricked us,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said.

    ¡°He ughtered everyone in the empress dowager¡¯s pce, so how hard would it be to take away the prince as well?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    ¡°Then why did he trick us with a fake child?¡± Empress Dowager Xie said angrily.

    The Grand Preceptor sighed. ¡°When Empress Dowager saw the prince, what were you thinking of?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie turned her head to look at Ning Xin by her side. It was a while before she replied. ¡°Fear. Lou Zigui was telling This Dowager that he could kill the prince at any time.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded his head. Perhaps the scent of his mother had soothed Ning Xin, because the baby gave a yawn while chewing on his finger before he fell asleep.

    ¡°When we captured Lou Zigui, we killed off all of his bodyguards right then and there,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie unfolded the little nkets on one side and draped them over Ning Xin¡¯s body. Quietly, he added, ¡°Today he killed the people at your pce as revenge.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Lou Zigui guaranteed to die?¡± Empress Dowager Xie grabbed the Grand Preceptor¡¯s hand and demanded. ¡°Why is he still alive? You did the deed personally, so how could there be any mistakes?!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had no words to answer his eldest daughter¡¯s questions.

    ¡°Because Lou Zigui didn¡¯t die, our ns became aughingstock for all to see!¡± Empress Dowager Xie couldn¡¯t control her emotions right now. Her usually beautiful face was distorted and twisted as she spoke in a high voice. ¡°Father, tell This Dowager why Lou Zigui didn¡¯t die?¡±

    Her shrill tones startled Ning Xin awake. The child didn¡¯t open his eyes, but opened his mouth to cry. His tears calmed finally calmed down Empress Dowager Xie, who took him into her arms to coax him and kiss his chubby face. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s rage soon changed into sorrow tears streamed down her face. ¡°Ning Yu hates This Dowager this much?¡±

    ¡°Pah!¡± On the ceiling rafters, the little rat Oil Jar who¡¯d been invited by Ning Xiaoyao to feast on peanuts spat at the people below him. ¡°It¡¯s obviously this woman who wanted to hurt Xiaoyao!¡±

    Oil Jar was very angry and bared his fangs. Grandfather Ash swatted him with a paw and said, ¡°Don¡¯t make noises, listen to them speak.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie lifted his head to peer at the rafters. He couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was something there...

    Empress Dowager Xie put down the sleeping Ning Xin and said coldly, ¡°Now that we¡¯ve lost this round, This Dowager can¡¯t hold court from behind the curtains. Could we say thete emperor¡¯sst will made father into the acting regent of the monarchy? As This Dowager sees it, we can¡¯t use this excuse anymore.¡±

    By now, a mama had arrived with a medicinal decoction. Grand Preceptor Xie epted the bowl and waved the mama away, before personally feeding the empress dowager her medicine. ¡°This subject will start investigating Lou Zigui¡¯s matter from the poison itself,¡± he said. Once the medicine hit her throat, the empress dowager¡¯s mouth was filled with bitter vors.

    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing. Has the empress dowager noticed?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked. ¡°When His Majesty saved Lou Zigui that day, he had already suffered through 30 slices and being tore and bitten by themoners. This subject saw the bones of his shoulder peeking through with my own eyes.¡±

    ¡°He was injured that severely?¡± Empress Dowager Xie was doubtful. ¡°When This Dowager saw him today, his movements were very natural. It didn¡¯t seem like he was injured at all.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty has a capable medical expert by her side,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said in a low tone. ¡°No, it can¡¯t be called an expert, but a miracle doctor wouldn¡¯t be exaggerating things.¡±

    ¡°A person like that would follow Ning Yu?¡± Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t want to believe it.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°This subject will find that person.¡±

    ¡°And after you do?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be best if we can use them for ourselves. Otherwise,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie made a chopping motion towards his head.

    Empress Dowager Xie smiled. ¡°Kill? This Dowager only wishes for Ning Yu not to kill This Dowager right now, and give her little brother a way out.¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Today was nothing but a battle lost. You don¡¯t need to take it to heart too much.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Has Empress Dowager forgotten? The Imperial Jade Seal is still in your hands,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie dropped his voice. ¡°With the Imperial Jade Seal, how can His Majesty issue any orders in court unless you bring it to him there?¡±

    Who would recognize an imperial decree as legitimate without the imperial jade seal?

    Empress Dowager Xie shook her head. ¡°Once His Majestyes of age and takes over the reins of government, could This Dowager still hold onto the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    ¡°If Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t give it, would His Majesty dare to snatch it from you?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked. Empress Dowager Xie stared at her father as he spoke. Ning Yu even dared to threaten to kill her, so why wouldn¡¯t that scoundrel dare to steal from her?

    ¡°This subject will arrange things,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°If His Majesty pressures Empress Dowager too much, she can¡¯t maintain a steady seat on the Dragon Throne either.¡±

    ¡°Father?¡±

    ¡°If she wants to protect Lou Zigui and the rest, then she¡¯ll have to cherish her position as emperor,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie knocked his fingers against the edge of the bed. ¡°If there¡¯s things and people she has to look out for, His Majesty won¡¯t be able to threaten us with her female identity anymore. Otherwise, we¡¯ll all perish together. This is good news.¡±

    ¡°Go tell Xiaoyao,¡± Grandfather Ash told Oil Jar, who hissed at the ones beneath the ceiling rafters again before he turned and scurried off. Very soon, Ning Xiaoyao got Oil Jar¡¯s report while sitting beneath the Wutong tree in her little flower garden. Her hand shook before she dropped her apple. Ning Xiaoyao wanted to find various ways to die. So that woman could still hold court from behind a curtain?! Why wasn¡¯t this over yet?

    Oil Jar said, ¡°Xiaoyao, you have to think of something. Squeak squeak, the empress dowager is a bad woman!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao mmed her head against the tree. Grandfather Sparrow stood on a branch and said, ¡°Oil Jar, do you know where the empress dowager hid the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Oil Jar shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never seen the empress dowager take out such a thing.¡±

    ¡°Neither have we,¡± said Grandfather Sparrow.

    Ning Xiaoyao took another apple out of her sleeve for Oil Jar before picking up the one she dropped to munch on herself. Many bitester, Ning Xiaoyao sprang to her feet and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go discuss this with Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ran off like the wind while Oil Jar held onto an apple even bigger than himself as he rolled around on the ground. He asked, ¡°Grandfather Sparrow, do you think Supreme Commander will have any ideas?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow adjusted his grip on the kernel of corn beneath his w that Ning Xiaoyao had gifted to him and shook his head. ¡°If Supreme Commander could find the Imperial Jade Seal, he would have taken it from the empress dowager¡¯s pce already.¡±

    Oil Jar¡¯s ears drooped. Even the sweet apple in his mouth didn¡¯t taste so good anymore. Grandfather Sparrow flew up from the branch and headed towards the empress dowager¡¯s pce. Maybe he¡¯d find the Imperial Jade Seal if he looked around~

    --

    ¡°Imperial Jade Seal?¡± In the middle of bending over a letter he was writing, Lou Zigui looked up.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°The Imperial Jade Seal¡¯s still in the empress dowager¡¯s hands!¡±

    Lou Zigui set his brush down and gestured for Ning Xiaoyao to sit. ¡°I had Shadowgale and the rest search through the empress dowager¡¯s pce, but they didn¡¯t find the Imperial Jade Seal.¡±

    ¡°And so?¡± Ning Xiaoyao watched Lou Zigui eagerly.

    ¡°Perhaps the Imperial Jade Seal¡¯s not in the pce at all, but at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t even warmed her seat yet before she jumped back up. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go look around the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    Lou Zigui quickly reached out a hand and tugged at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How could the Grand Preceptor admit to the Imperial Jade Seal being in his estate? He¡¯d never open the doors to let you search.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood as she thought. ¡°The Grand Preceptor clearly said the imperial jade seal was still in the empress dowager¡¯s hands.¡± Oil Jar¡¯s words to her couldn¡¯t be wrong.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor said so?¡± Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°When did he say it?¡±

    ¡°....¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Should she sell out Oil Jar?

    ¡°You can¡¯t trust the Grand Preceptor¡¯s words,¡± No matter how intelligent Lou Zigui was, he¡¯d never think that it was a mouse who¡¯d delivered the news this time. Thus, he only spoke logic to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Ah? Ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao could only nod. It was pretty painful to have a secret you couldn¡¯t share with your pals, wasn¡¯t it?

    ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged men to scout the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate at night,¡± Lou Zigui said in a small voice. ¡°Your Majesty doesn¡¯t need to worry, I¡¯ll definitely find the Imperial Jade Seal for you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded again before sitting down to space out for awhile. Abruptly, she asked, ¡°Truthfully speaking, it¡¯s only a stamp. Can¡¯t I carve one out of a radish myself?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand shook in the middle of writing his letter, causing the brush tip to leave a streak across his words and ruin his halfpleted paper.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the long ck mark drawn across the paper. ¡°I guess that¡¯s not possible.¡±

    Lou Zigui lifted his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao, still wearing a very gentle smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t Your Majesty sit in the flower gardens for a while?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t get that Supreme Commander Lou was telling her to get lost. ¡°Supreme Commander, are you hungry right now? I¡¯ll get you something good to eat.¡±

    ¡°....¡± said the Supreme Commander who¡¯d just finished eating lunch...

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao: Wah, scaaaaaary~!

    Lou Zigui: Who are you trying to fool...

    Ning Xiaoyao: Hey, hey! There are sensitive types in our readers too, y''know!

    Ning Xiaoyao: Some of them have never killed a zombie in their lives, much less another human being!

    Lou Zigui:...haven''t you got that backwards?

    Ning Xiaoyao: Whaaa? No way, it''s you guys who are backwards.

    Ning Xiaoyao: Leave it to humans to kill each other when there''s nomon enemy, hmph!

    Lou Zigui: (Aren''t you...a human too...)

    [/expand]

 Chapter 44: Youâ€™re invincible if youâ€™re shameless

    <h4>Chapter 44: You''re invincible if you''re shameless</h4>

    The men who scouted out the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate that night came to report early next morning on their results. They didn¡¯t find the Imperial Jade Seal on the premises. Lou Zigui didn¡¯t seem disappointed by the news, because he never expected to find the hereditary seal in one night. After reading through the written message brought by his men, Lou Zigui handed it over to Song Jin by his side.

    Fang Tang couldn¡¯t wait to read the message and asked, ¡°What else is there?¡±

    Song Jin read through the contents as he spoke, ¡°Last night, the Grand Preceptor gathered his followers and fellow officials for an all-night discussion.¡±

    All of the generals exchanged nces before one spoke up. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand, why won¡¯t the empress dowager return the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°It¡¯s not strange that you have no idea. Unlike her, we still know what it means to have some self-respect.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was standing right outside their door when she murmured to Big Boss ck, who was draped around her shoulders. ¡°Supreme Commander said a truth just then.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°People are invincible if they¡¯re shameless,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wore a serious expression on her face.

    Big Boss ck flicked his tail before he replied. ¡°What about shameless cats?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to the gardens with Big Boss ck on her shoulders. ¡°ck Tubby, you¡¯re thinking too much. Even if you¡¯re shameless, you still won¡¯t be able to beat tigers or panthers or bears.¡±

    Big Boss ck arched a paw at Ning Xiaoyao. He¡¯d already told her to call him Big Boss ck, not ck Tubby!

    --

    ¡°Go search around these people¡¯s estates,¡± Inside the room, Lou Zigui handed a namelist to Song Jin, who skimmed through the names before carefully slipping the paper inside his robes.

    Fang Tang spoke up again. ¡°Supreme Commander, do we need to call in reinforcements?¡± Without soldiers on hand, the young General Fang Tang couldn¡¯t feel at ease. No matter how well they could fight alongside His Majesty, they still weren¡¯t capable of defeating all the troops in the capital, right? Song Jin nced at Fang Tang and shook his head.

    ¡°Do you think the Grand Preceptor will let us travel out of the capital right now?¡±

    At this, Fang Tang realized he¡¯d said something stupid again. Lou Zigui tapped his fingers against the table and said quietly, ¡°We need to find the Imperial Jade Seal first.¡±

    ¡°And if we can¡¯t?¡± Fang Tang asked.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s fingers stopped tapping on the table. Fang Tang felt an inexplicable tension in the air, while the other generals all looked up simultaneously at their Supreme Commander. As generals, they knew that one needed to retreat and withdraw at times to get things done. If they couldn¡¯t find the Imperial Jade Seal, what would they do at the small assembly two dayster? Invade and plunder the premises like they did yesterday?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s half-raised fingers lightly rested on the table as he lowered his voice. ¡°If we can¡¯t find it, we¡¯ll steal it when Esteemed Empress Dowager takes it out during the assembly.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the generals. All right, they were going to invade and plunder again.

    ¡°Will such actions not cause trouble for His Majesty?¡± Song Jin fretted. ¡°Suppose someone uses His Majesty of being unfilial then, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°The one who robs will be me, so what¡¯s that got to do with His Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you, you¡¯re a bit of a scoundrel like that,¡± Fang Tang said. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that you¡¯re one of His Majesty¡¯s men?¡±

    His Majesty¡¯s?

    Supreme Commander Lou fell into an abnormal silence at the words. They were now filled with significance for him. The emotions of that certain dusky evening suddenly rose up, causing the corners of his lips to tug up silently. The generals were all silent. What had Fang Tang said to make Supreme Commander smile like that? Why did it look like their Supreme Commander was yearning for love?

    ¡°Where is His Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui asked suddenly. The generals were still silent. Supreme Commander, you ask for His Majesty right after you think about women. Is that really a good thing?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao was sitting below the Wutong tree in the flower gardens again. The little gyrfalcon had brought her a bag of Sweet Rice Crispies[1. Sweet Rice Crispies (³´Ã×ÌÇ) - a type of snack, typically shaped in squares, made by frying glutinous rice and maltose together with other ingredients like peanuts to create a sticky, crunchy, chewy square.] before tilting his head to nuzzle at her face. ¡°Xiaoyao, this is from me to you. All the girls like to eat these.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the Sweet Rice Crispies in her mouth. Naturally, she had to split good stuff like this with her littlepanions, so all of the little animals in the flower garden soon had their own share as well.

    ¡°Grandfather Sparrow,¡± Big Boss ck stood beneath the tree to ask the bird above him. ¡°Have you found out where the empress dowager hid the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow pecked a mouthful of Sweet Rice Crispie and said, ¡°No. The empress dowager was stabbing a doll of Xiaoyao allst night.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by stabbing a doll[2. stabbing a doll (ÔúÐ¡ÈË) - zha xiaoren, or literally ¡®poking at a little person,¡¯ a form of voodoo used to curse the person the doll is meant to represent.]?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, sensing that it wasn¡¯t anything good.

    All of the little animals were residents of the pce and naturally knew what these stabbing dolls stood for. Various mouths opened to exin to Ning Xiaoyao. After understanding the gist of it, Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. She never thought the esteemed empress dowager had a naive side as well. If you could curse someone to death just by stabbing a doll of them, then why did people of the apocalypse need to fight zombies? Couldn¡¯t they all just stab little dolls of them instead?

    At this moment, the Wifey Magpie who¡¯d been absent for days arrived at the Wutong tree and chirped at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes at the male magpie who¡¯d arrived with Wifey Magpie. This one didn¡¯t seem to be Husband Magpie.

    ¡°You finally remarried?¡± Big Boss ck shouted. ¡°Miaow, you cold, heartless magpie!¡±

    Thus, the cat and magpie began to fight. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but feel hurt. Couldn¡¯t they discuss her problems first? Which was more important, the affairs of a country or Wifey Magpie¡¯s illicit lover? The male magpie who followed Wifey Magpie here flew before Ning Xiaoyao to stare at the Sweet Rice Crispie in her hand.

    ¡°Eat up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took one from her bag and handed it over. The male magpie thanked Ning Xiaoyao politely and pecked a mouthful of crispie to eat.

    ¡°I live in the old locust tree at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± he said. ¡°Many generations of my family have.¡±

    ¡°Then do you know where the Grand Preceptor¡¯s hid the Imperial Jade Seal?¡± Yellow Great Immortal asked hastily, his mouth covered in rice crumbs.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t have the Imperial Jade Seal,¡± the male magpie replied. ¡°He said so himself yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Looks like the seal¡¯s still in the empress dowager¡¯s hands,¡± Yellow Great Immortal said in a wise tone to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor invited over a bunch of doctors,¡± the male magpie added. ¡°Xiaoyao, the Grand Preceptor said you¡¯ve lost your wits because thete emperor died.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Awoo, awoo, awoo,¡± the little gyrfalcon grew angry. ¡°He¡¯s the one who¡¯s lost his wits!¡±

    ¡°Those doctors already wrote a prescription,¡± the male magpie said. ¡°They even created a timeline that said you¡¯ve been sick since you were little. Whenever you get a little excited, you lose your mind, oh~¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Wasn¡¯t this still calling her crazy?

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor said that as long as he can prove you¡¯re sick, the empress dowager will be able to govern from the throne with the Imperial Jade Seal, chirp~¡± the male magpie looked at Ning Xiaoyao sympathetically.

    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m not sick,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression was wooden.

    ¡°But the doctors said you are,¡± the male magpie pped his wings. ¡°They¡¯re all famous doctors, oh~¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, let¡¯s bite those famous doctors to death,¡± Big Boss ck suggested as he sauntered over, his head full of bumps from his recent bout.

    ¡°There¡¯s a bunch of tigers in the mountains outside the capital~¡± a little sparrow suggested from a branch.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, give them a few jin[3. jin (½ï) - Chinese unit of measurement approximately 0.5kg] of meat and ask for their help,¡± the little gyrfalcon was eager to try out the idea. ¡°I can find them to discuss it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go too,¡± a few sparrows chirped in.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°They can¡¯t enter the city.¡± Get a few tigers to run into the city and bite those doctors to death? They¡¯d be shot to death by arrows from the city archers before they even made it inside, right?

    ¡°Then what do we do?¡± Big Boss ck thought hard. Suddenly, a light clicked on in his cat brain. ¡°Then we can poison them, poison them all to death, miaow!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Wifey Magpie said as she stood next to the male magpie. ¡°My grandma said before that there was an empress in the past who kill the emperor¡¯s most beloved woman just like that.¡±

    NIng Xiaoyao could only remain silent. Even a pce murder case hade to light.

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of killing a few?¡± Yellow Great Immortal shook his skinny head. ¡°The Grand Preceptor can just find a few more doctors. Are we supposed to kill all the doctors in the world?¡±

    ¡°Then what can we do?¡± Big Boss ck stared with hisrge round eyes, their pupils starting to glow green.

    ¡°Imperial Jade Seal,¡± said Yellow Great Immortal. ¡°As long as we find the Imperial Jade Seal, none of that old Grand Preceptor wretch¡¯s words will work. Kekek, the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager will be depressed to death.¡± As reality proved, Yellow Great Immortal was the most reliable of this bunch.

    ¡°Miaow meow mi,¡± Big Boss ck waved his tail. ¡°But where¡¯s the Imperial Jade Seal? Did the empress dowager eat it?¡±

    All of the little animals grew worried at the thought.

    ¡°I know the location of the previous dynasty¡¯s emperor burial mound,¡± a small marmot poked his head out from the ground. ¡°Xiaoyao, should I bring you that emperor¡¯s Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    ¡°How many Imperial Jade Seals are there?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°The Great An has already perished,¡± Grandfather Sparrow hesitated. ¡°Can Xiaoyao use the Imperial Jade Seal from the Great An?¡±

    The marmot was very innocent as he asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t it an Imperial Jade Seal all the same?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Please don¡¯t cause trouble. If she used that seal, Elder Li would kill her.

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯sing!¡± Husband Magpie called as he flew over. Besides Supreme Commander¡¯s fanboy, Big Boss ck, all of the other animals dispersed with their share of Sweet Rice Crispies. When Lou Zigui walked into the gardens, he saw Ning Xiaoyao sitting below the Wutong tree with dappled sunlight streaming on her shoulder. Her entire form was curled up into a little ball.

    ¡°Want to eat Sweet Rice Crispie?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she raised her head.

    Lou Zigui hesitated before sitting beside her. He rubbed her warm, sun-kissed head and said, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. Your Majesty should eat it for yourself.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the Sweet Rice Crispie in her hand into her mouth.

    Supreme Commander Lou watched Ning Xiaoyao munch and crunch on the Sweet Rice Crispie for a long time before suddenly blurting out, ¡°Too skinny.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to look at the person beside her, her face all confusion. ¡°Whaa?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve eaten quite a bit, but why haven¡¯t you put on any meat?¡± Lou Zigui seemed to be asking himself, but the question seemed directed at Ning Xiaoyao as well.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to look at her bound chest, which was as t as an airport runway. Then she looked back at Lou Zigui and asked in a solemn tone, ¡°You think they¡¯re too small?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou gave a start. Small?

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed her cheeks. He¡¯d slept with her first and found faults with her afterwards. Was this really the mark of a true man? Big Boss ck cast a nce at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chest before deciding to y dead on the ground. He couldn¡¯t butt in when it came to things like this. Last time when he mentioned to Jiao Jiao how her tail wasn¡¯t soft enough, she¡¯d almost bitten his ear off! If Supreme Commander said that part of Xiaoyao was too small, he¡¯d definitely get a thrashing.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s line of vision shifted downwards before his intelligence kicked in and turned his face red. That wasn¡¯t what he had meant.

    ¡°I¡¯m still young,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Supreme Commander Lou hastened to nod his head. ¡°I know, you¡¯ll grow.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. So, he still thought hers were too small, tch!

 Chapter 45: The omnipotent Grandpa Ash

    <h4>Chapter 45: The omnipotent Grandpa Ash</h4>

    On this early morning, Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck basked in the warmth of the spring sun as theyy in Supreme Commander¡¯sp and by his feet, respectively, to take a nap.

    Shadowgale had spent half the day searching through his rooms before asking Shadowthunder and the rest, ¡°Where are the snacks that I brought back from the kitchens?¡±

    Shadowthunder and the rest shook their heads. Their senior liked to eat sickeningly sweet things, but none of them were fond of that.

    ¡°Did those snacks grow legs and run off?¡± Shadowgale grew worried. Had any of the Xie father and daughter¡¯s people snuck in? The gyrfalcon that had justnded by the window pped his wings and flew away after he heard his owner shouting for his snacks. He already gave the Sweet Rice Crispies to Xiaoyao! The rest of them ended up in Erya and Xiaoqiu¡¯s stomachs by noon. The little gyrfalcon circled around the pce gates once before telling Ning Xiaoyao that the Grand Preceptor had brought five or six doctors with him to the pce.

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips. These had to be the doctors who were going to diagnose her as insane.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, does Supreme Commander have any ideas?¡± The gyrfalcon asked as he perched on her shoulder.

    ¡°Supreme Commander and I should probably each do our own thing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat bonelessly against the Wutong tree. ¡°It''s fine as long as we have amon enemy, this is called ¡®painting a picture with two brushes at the same time,¡¯ hahaha.¡±

    ¡°Ninny.¡± Big Boss ck turned his body as he gnawed on a giant raw fish head, leaving his butt to face Ning Xiaoyao. This ninny was stillughing at a time like this. If they couldn''t find the Imperial Jade Seal, then it''d be her time to cry.

    ¡°I''ve thought it over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Even if the empress dowager takes out the Imperial Jade Seal when the timees, I won''t be afraid of her.¡±

    Big Boss ck quickly turned around in a circle to face Ning Xiaoyao again and cried, ¡°Are you going to bite the empress dowager to death?¡±

    ¡°You shut your mouth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Big Boss ck as she picked up a big rock. When she raised a hand to p the rock, it turned into a pile of dust.

    ¡°Oh!¡± All of the little animals that were present sucked in a breath. Xiaoyao was so amazing!

    ¡°When the timees, I''ll grab onto the empress dowager¡¯s hand and p the Imperial Jade Seal into nothing.¡± If Ning Xiaoyao had a tail, then it''d be sticking in the air by now. ¡°Will the empress dowager have any other ideas without the imperial jade seal? I''ve asked Supreme Commander, and he said that seal¡¯s made from jade. Is jade as hard as rock? Once it''s reduced to nothing, I''ll carve a new seal out of wood.¡±

    If she couldn''t carve it out of a radish, then there shouldn''t be any problems with wood, right? Ning Xiaoyao had already made her calctions. Zombies weren''t breaking thews when they bit people, while crazy people didn''t lose their lives after murdering another person. If she was already ssified as insane, then why did she need to fear the empress dowager?

    ¡°Oh!¡± All of the little animals were cheering. Xiaoyao was amazing!

    ¡°It''s not good to form cults around one person, haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed. She was such a blockhead for worrying over something so simple.

    ¡°Idiot!¡±

    In the midst of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s delight and the little animals¡¯ cheer, a shrill, thin, yet iparably awe-inspiring voice rose from the flower gardens. Everything fell silent. Ning Xiaoyao looked towards the direction of the sound and saw Oil Jar. Next to him was a very skinny old mouse with extremely long whiskers. Oil Jar signaled to Ning Xiaoyao with his eyes. Ancestral Grandfather is angry, hurry up and admit your wrongs!

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Big Boss Block, who was actually lying prone on his stomach without making a move. Once again, she found this world unreal. This cat was an obedient as a grandson before that old mouse. Where did the hierarchy of the food chain go?

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Oil Jar shouted. ¡°This is my Ancestral Grandfather.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and patted off the bits of stray grass stuck to her butt. Grandpa Ash brought Oil Jar with him as he walked to Ning Xiaoyao. He cast a nce at Big Boss ck and said, ¡°The whelp of Old ck¡¯s family, move aside.¡±

    With his tail between his legs, Big Boss ck walked away with Yellow Great Immortal.

    Dang.

    Even cats were afraid of this old mouse! Ning Xiaoyao hastily bowed towards Grandpa Ash and dered, ¡°Grandpa Ash.¡±

    Grandpa Ash said, ¡°You want to p the Imperial Jade Seal into nothingness?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tried to read Grandpa Ash¡¯s old mouse face, but she couldn''t find anything at all. (Author: You can''t even read human faces and you want to read a mouse? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Utter nonsense!¡± Grandpa Ash said. ¡°How can you be the emperor without an Imperial Jade Seal? Do you even know how many people have died for its sake? In order to get this Imperial Jade Seal, your grandfather¡¯s grandfather killed his older brother, the emperor. On that day, the grounds of the entire Imperial Pce were covered in blood. Hundreds of crows in the neighborhood feasted for an entire month upon their corpses.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°.....¡± said Big Boss ck and the rest.

    Why were they so ruthless?

    ¡°You want topletely destroy the Imperial Jade Seal?¡± Grandpa Ash raised his front paw to point at Ning Xiaoyao. Although Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand how shocking it was to make a seal out of a different material, she still shook her head under the pressure of Grandpa Ash. How could one old mouse be so dignified and awe-inspiring?

    ¡°You won¡¯t smash it?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t smash it.¡±

    ¡°Ancestral Grandpa,¡± Oil Jar made a slight bow with his two front paws sped together, ¡°Just forgive Xiaoyao, will you? Xiaoyao¡¯s a really good person.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m a good person.¡±

    Grandpa Ash said, ¡°You sit down. Do I have to raise my head to talk to you?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao obediently sat down.

    ¡°I know where the Imperial Jade Seal is,¡± said Grandpa Ash.

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyao sat down, she jumped back up. All of the little animals went ¦²(¡ã¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, Grandpa Ash was omnipotent.

    ¡°Sit down to talk,¡± Grandpa Ash stomped the ground with his hind legs as he lectured. ¡°You¡¯re the emperor, the emperor!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt like she was facing Elder Li again and felt very vexed. ¡°That there,¡± His Majesty Ning said as she sat down again, ¡°Where¡¯s the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    ¡°The empress dowager¡¯s bed,¡± Grandpa Ash said.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to mock her. Just how much did this woman love power? She hid the imperial jade seal in her own bed? Wouldn¡¯t its hard edges rub against her when she slept? (Author: Is there any point for you to worry bout that?)

    Grandpa Ash said, ¡°Shadowgale and the rest went to search the empress dowager¡¯s pce yesterday, but they didn¡¯t overturn her bed. However, you can¡¯t me them, Xiaoyao. Men and women don¡¯t mingle so casually, so it¡¯s not good for them to look through a widow¡¯s bed.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed. ¡°I get it. As long as Windy and the rest don¡¯t climb onto the empress dowager¡¯s bed, ha...¡±

    The little gyrfalcon flew over to peck at Ning Xiaoyao and cried, ¡°How could my master be interested in a widow like that empress dowager?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Wifey Magpie shouted from the trees. ¡°She¡¯s just a venomous widower!¡±

    ¡°Enough,¡± Grandpa Ash raised an imposing paw. ¡°She¡¯s still Xiaoyao¡¯s own mother. We can¡¯t curse Xiaoyao¡¯s mother in front of her face.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Were they sure that Elder Li hadn¡¯t personally raised this mouse?

    ¡°Xiaoyao, then let¡¯s take back the Imperial Jade Seal,¡± Big Boss ck said.

    ¡°Done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to leave.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, do you know where your mother sleeps?¡± Grandpa Ash asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao made a face: ‡å She really had no idea!

    ¡°Moreover,¡± Grandpa Ash added, ¡°How can you enter your mother¡¯s bedroom, now that you¡¯re a son past seven years old?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt dizzy again. What kind of logic was this?

    ¡°Males and females don¡¯t intermingle once they¡¯re past their seventh birthday,¡± Grandpa Ash said. ¡°What you have going on with Supreme Commander now is wrong.¡±

    ¡°Ancestral Grandfather,¡± Oil Jar sped his paws together again, pleading for his revered ancestor to stop.

    Grandpa Ash looked at the dull-faced Ning Xiaoyao before slowing exhaling a breath. ¡°But since Supreme Commander¡¯s a good man, I won¡¯t say anything about it this time.¡±

    ¡°Th, thanks,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuttered back.

    ¡°You¡¯re the emperor, so you decide how to take the Imperial Jade Seal,¡± Grandpa Ash said. ¡°The empress dowager is a venomous widow, so you must be careful.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and the little animals fell silent again. Who was it that said just then not to curse her mother in her face?

    ¡°You owe me a favor,¡± Grandpa Ash was now settling his ounts, now that he¡¯d said his piece.

    ¡°Mm, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°Grandpa Ash, you decide.¡±

    ¡°A sack of peanuts,¡± Grandpa Ash said. Ning Xiaoyao had invited Oil Jar and the other little mice to eat peanuts, but not him. He liked eating peanuts too!

    ¡°Done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed promptly. Trading a sack of peanuts for the Imperial Jade Seal wasn¡¯t a loss at all. Now everyone was happy and satisfied.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find the empress dowager to chat about life,¡± Ning Xiaoyao puffed out her chest as she delegated the tasks beneath the Wutong tree. ¡°ck Tubby and little gyrfalcon will go hunt for the Imperial Jade Seal in the empress dowager¡¯s bed.¡±

    ¡°My name is Big Boss ck!¡± Big Boss ck cried.

    ¡°Aritey, ck Tubby,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Big Boss ck: TOT~

    ¡°Will there be danger?¡± Yellow Great Immortal asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t there guards in the empress dowager¡¯s bedroom?¡±

    ¡°No fear,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Once I make a ruckus with the empress dowager, all her people will gang up to beat me up. Then ck Tubby and little gyrfalcon can quickly make their move. Urk, Oil Jar, bring along a few brothers to keep watch, hah.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Oil Jar nodded.

    ¡°You can curse her, but you can¡¯t hit her,¡± Grandpa Ash reminded Ning Xiaoyao once more. ¡°She¡¯s your own mother!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. Own mother, his sister[1. his sister (ËûÃÃ) - tamei, literally, ¡°his little sister,¡± a way of cursing that uses names of female rtives. Other examples include his/her aunt, his/her mother, etc.]!

    ¡°To the empress dowager''s pce!¡± It wasn¡¯t clear who had dered the words, but all of the little animals flew, ran, or burrowed into the ground as they headed for the empress dowager¡¯s ce.

    Grandpa Ash pointed a paw at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Peanuts.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately stood at attention. With his wish fulfilled, Grandpa Ash turned to leave. All that were left in the flower gardens was one human, one falcon, and a cat.

    ¡°So we¡¯ll set off now?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°Should we bring along Supreme Commander?¡± the gyrfalcon asked. For some reason, he couldn¡¯t imagine anyone ganging up against Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Would it be bad if I bring Supreme Commander to a widower¡¯s ce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck turned to shout at the gyrfalcon. ¡°Do you want to ruin my Supreme Commander¡¯s purity? Miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao red at Big Boss ck because enough was enough. Then she left the Imperial Pce with the cat around her shoulders and the gyrfalcon flying above her head, disappearing in a sh.

    --

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Lou Zigui was sitting in his room, staring in disbelief at Shadowgale. ¡°Where did His Majesty go?¡±

    Shadowgale was anxious as well. ¡°His Majesty went to the empress dowager¡¯s pce. Supreme Commander, will the empress dowager harm His Majesty?¡±

    Song Jin¡¯s eyes were leaping in their sockets. ¡°His Majesty will beat up the empress dowager instead, right?¡± It was really hard to guess who would hurt whom when those two were together.

    Fang Tang was the type who had nothing to do and didn¡¯t mind drama. Happily he asked, ¡°Will His Majesty directly put the empress dowager to death instead?¡±

    Kill one¡¯s own mother?

    Everyone¡¯s conscience gave a jolt at the words. That really wouldn¡¯t fly. Lou Zigui rose to his feet. ¡°I¡¯m going to the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± he said.

    Song Jin grabbed his Supreme Commander¡¯s sleeve, his face looking like he¡¯d seen a ghost. ¡°You¡¯re going to the empress dowager¡¯s pce?¡± No matter how respectful the empress dowager was, she was still a widow. It¡¯d be insane for an male outsider like him to go looking for her.

    Meanwhile, the eunuchs behind the gates to the empress dowager¡¯s pce had long peed their pants in terror. His Majesty had arrived!

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Big Boss ck quickly turned around in a circle to face Ning Xiaoyao again and cried, ¡°Are you going to bite the empress dowager to death?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: I don''t have teeth like yours, how am I supposed to bite her?

    Little Gyrfalcon: I heard the people bit Supreme Commander just fine at the execution grounds, though.

    Big Boss ck: You shut your mouth! Don''t talk bad about my Supreme Commander!

    Little Gyrfalcon: I didn''t talk bad about anyone! You''re the one who''s always calling Xiaoyao ''ninny!''

    Big Boss ck: That''s because she is a ninny!

    Ning Xiaoyao: Oi, ck Tubby, didn''t you say you''d stop?!

    Big Boss ck: Don''t call me ck Tubby! Mreoow!

    Little Gyrfalcon: Aroo, aroo! You stop being a bully right now!

    Ning Xiaoyao: Hey, hey! My snacks--don''t fight over my food!

    [/expand]

 Chapter 46: If you canâ€™t beat them up, then tear down the house

    <h4>Chapter 46: If you can''t beat them up, then tear down the house</h4>

    ¡°Open the doors!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she knocked on the gates. A young eunuch ran like the wind to the empress dowager and Grand Preceptor, who were currently together in a room. Because he was too nervous, he ended up rolling and crawling his way there as well.

    The little gyrfalcon flew up for a look before returning to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Xiaoyao, someone¡¯s gone off to report to the empress dowager.¡±

    How could they search for the Imperial Jade Seal if the Xie father and mother pair had time to prepare in advance? Ning Xiaoyao signaled Big Boss ck and the little gyrfalcon to split up before murmuring, ¡°You guys go find Grandpa Ash. I¡¯ll go in and attract their attention. We¡¯ll meet up again at the Imperial Pce.¡±

    Big Boss ck brushed his tail against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face before leaping to the ground. Then he followed the perimeter of the pce walls and headed south. The gyrfalcon circled around Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head before flying into the pce.

    ¡°Open the doors!¡± Ning Xiaoyao began to pound at the gates again once she saw herpanions off.

    A gatekeeper eunuch ran to the gates then and said, ¡°Your, Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve yelled for half the day now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Didn¡¯t any of you hear? How many other ¡®Your Majesties¡¯ are there in this pce?¡±

    The eunuch in charge said, ¡°A servant¡¯s gone to report to Esteemed Empress Dowager. Since Your Majesty suddenly showed up, the servants...¡±

    ¡°Shoot!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. ¡°I¡¯m here to see my mom, do I need to make a phone call for that?¡±

    The eunuchs behind the gates fell silent. What was ¡®making a phone call?¡¯ And also, ¡®I¡¯m here to see my mom?¡¯ Your Majesty, would you believe it yourself if you heard those words? The empress dowager¡¯s people had just been exterminated recently!

    ¡°Are you guys opening the gates or not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Without Empress Dowager Xie¡¯smand, who would dare to open the door? The eunuch in charge bowed his head and bent forward as he shouted towards the door, ¡°Your Majesty, may Your Majesty please wait shortly, Esteemed Empress Dowager...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her foot and viciously kicked the gates.

    BANG!

    Following the loud noise, dust rose from four sides. Some people jumped up into the air with a shrill cry, while others were transfixed with fear. Ning Xiaoyao had kicked the empress dowager¡¯s gates straight to the ground. There was no time for the head eunuch to run away, so he was crushed beneath the doors with a few other eunuchs. He was even crying for help. Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t someone who ignored people in trouble, and raised her foot for another kick. The gates were sent flying towards the stairs outside the door where there was nobody else. The ck copper gates went tumbling down a few dozen steps before breaking into pieces,pletely ruined. Nobody in the empress dowager¡¯s pce cried out this time, too stunned by the sight. His Majesty¡¯s actually an exceptional expert, isn¡¯t he? That had to be it?!

    Ning Xiaoyao knelt down and touched the fallen people, discovering in the process that they had been quite fortunate. The toppled gates hadn¡¯t caused them any internal injuries. Since their injuries weren¡¯t life-threatening, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t help heal them. She still had to deal with a group beatingter, so she had to preserve her strength.

    ¡°Go see a doctor; have the empress dowager pay for your medical expenses,¡± Ning Xiaoyao left them with another unintelligible sentence before running into the pce. It was impossible for Empress Dowager Xie to miss the loud, repeatedmotion at the gates from her side chambers. She lost it right then and there as she pped her hand against the tea table and shouted.

    ¡°What does that person want to do? Doesn¡¯t that person know this is the empress dowager¡¯s pce?!¡±

    Currently, all the doctors they¡¯d brought from outside the pce were present. The Grand Preceptor hastily rose to his feet and said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, please calm your anger. Perhaps His Majesty...perhaps he was eager because he was thinking of his mother.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie kept banging the tea table,pletely out of her usual poise. ¡°Someonee, go ask His Majesty--ask just what he¡¯s nning?!¡±

    ¡°....¡± replied all the eunuchs and courtdies in the room. Who would dare ask His Majesty such a question? His Majesty might notmit matricide, but it¡¯d be as easy as killing ants to get rid of servants like them.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said calmly. ¡°This subject will take the doctors and retreat.¡± It was possible that Ning Yu was aiming for these outside doctors. After all, they were neither ministers of the court or imperial physicians. If Ning Yu was truly venomous, she could use the empress dowager of meeting with outside men, a crime that would make their lives more difficult. But before the empress dowager could even react to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s words, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice sounded from outside.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my mom?¡±

    It was a very nice voice, butcked the soft and gentle air of a typical girl. Grand Preceptor Xie had long gotten used to this voice, but the words it was saying were foreign to him. Empress Dowager Xie only felt tormented. Did she let this idiot in? She wanted to shout for her to stay out, but her reasoning was still intact. By the time the words reached her lips, she¡¯d changed them to say, ¡°Who is that? Someone go and see.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the doctors. Just then, the empress dowager had been shouting about His Majestying over. Now she didn¡¯t know who it was? She really knew how to act. Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand at the doctors, indicating that they should go with him. The eunuch who¡¯d received orders from the empress dowager didn¡¯t even have time to turn around before Ning Xiaoyao had already arrived at the room.

    She pushed open the door and said, ¡°It¡¯s me, Ning Xiao--Ning Yu, ah.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie wanted to tell her to scram, but she still held herself back. Ning Xiaoyao entered the room and nced at the doctors standing behind Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Oh, these are my old ma¡¯s...¡±

    ¡°Imperial Mother¡± Wifey Magpie cried from outside the window. What was with this ¡®my mom,¡¯ ¡®my old ma?¡¯ She was going to die from impatience!

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips and switched to say, ¡°Are these your friends, Imperial Mother?¡±

    This was the firstplete sentence Ning Xiaoyao had said upon entering the room. Following that, all the doctors fell to their knees. They were outsider males, so how could they dare make friends with the reigning empress dowager? Did His Majesty want to cook up charges against them and put them and their families to death with the nine familial exterminations?

    ¡°Why are you guys all kneeling?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood with her hands behind her back, looking at the doctors. Where were their professional ethics? How dare they call someone sick when she wasn¡¯t ill at all?

    ¡°Thismoner calls on Your Majesty,¡± the doctors bowed.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°You¡¯re all my Imperial Mother¡¯s friends, so there¡¯s no need to kneel. In the future, drop by the pce often and chat a bit with my Imperial Mother. She¡¯s already lonely by herself, and now that my Imperial Father¡¯s dead too...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Before Ning Xiaoyao could finish, Empress Dowager Xie gave out a shrill cry. This idiot wanted to hound her to death! Abominable wretch!

    Grand Preceptor Xie managed to open his mouth with difficulty. ¡°Your Majesty, they are doctors brought into the pce by this subject.¡±

    Only now did Ning Xiaoyao spare Grand Preceptor Xie a nce, secretly resenting the fact that she wasn¡¯t tall enough to look down on him disdainfully. ¡°There are imperial physicians in the pce, so what are you bringing these doctors in for? These really aren¡¯t my Imperial Mother¡¯s friends?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you must be jesting, right?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t sit still either and stood up to loudly question Ning Xiaoyao.

    Empress Dowager Xie stood up as well, while Ning Xiaoyao found an old-fashioned wooden armchair and sat down. ¡°Why would I joke if I had nothing else to do? If they¡¯re not friends, then they¡¯re not friends. We might be strangers before today, but we can be friends the days afterwards.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said everyone inside and outside the room. So this person still wanted the empress dowager dead! Meeting with outsider males at the empress dowager¡¯s pce, then bing their friends? Was the empress dowager a red apricot seed who had left the pce walls to have an affair?[1. red apricot seed...have an affair (Ò»Ö§ºìÐÓ³öÁË¹¬Ç½) - yizhi hongxing chule gongqiang, an analogy used to exin an adulterous woman (though usually regr courtyard walls are used in ce of pce ones) by describing her as a beautiful scenery in Spring that can¡¯t be bothered to contain herself within four walls. Just as how the spring scenery spills over the walls to the world beyond (in this case, represented by the sole red apricot seed falling out), the adulterous woman leaves the borders of her own home to sleep in the bed of others]

    Empress Dowager Xie raised her hand to point at the exit, before telling Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You get out.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Will it be easier for you to make friends if I leave?¡±

    None of the people inside and outside of the room dared to breathe at her words. Empress Dowager Xie strode forward a few steps to stand before Ning Xiaoyao, raising a hand in preparation to p her.

    ¡°Empress Dowager Xie,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie eximed. That scoundrel Ning Yu deserved a spanking, but the Grand Preceptor was convinced that the empress dowager wouldn¡¯t be able to best her. (Author: o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hand froze stiffly in mid-air. Grand Preceptor Xie said respectfully to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, why don¡¯t we have these doctors withdraw first.¡±

    ¡°Withdraw?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t I supposedly lose my senses? Tell me, when did I get such an illness?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s head whipped back to look at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Yu had spies in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?! All of the doctors had started to tremble as they knelt on the ground.

    ¡°Speak!¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand and pped the tea table. It was the same one that Empress Dowager Xie had been hitting, but this time it narrowly avoided breaking to pieces beneath Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. The doctors all stole silent looks at Grand Preceptor Xie as if to say, help us, ah!

    Grand Preceptor Xie grit his teeth and replied, ¡°Your Majesty did catch a serious illness when you were young.¡±

    ¡°How could someone crazy be the emperor? I might as well resign from the position,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached out to grab a pastry from the tea table and started to eat. Empress Dowager Xie looked expressionless, but her mind couldn¡¯t help but wonder why she didn¡¯t poison those pastries?

    Grand Preceptor Xie was forcing himself to endure so he could speak nicely to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty was mandated to be the Son of Heaven, so how can you keep speaking of resigning from your position? A family needs a head, just as a country needs a sovereign, ah, Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°Then what did you bring all these people here for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to hear any of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s nonsense right now. She pointed at the doctors and asked, ¡°Kill them to silence the witnesses?¡±

    One of the doctors copsed on the floor, having fainted from fright. Ning Xiaoyao was all smiles as she looked at the empress dowager. ¡°That¡¯s all the guts he has, and he still wants to be Imperial Mother¡¯s friend?¡±

    The chord called Reason finally snapped in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s head. Without a word, she threw herself at Ning Xiaoyao, who leapt to her feet and smashed her chair. If she was going to cause trouble, how couldn¡¯t shee to blows? She was waiting for this very moment! The wooden window used to partition off the room for warmth was hit by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s chair and sent flying out with it, carved patterns and all.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie rushed forward to protect his daughter. Ning Xiaoyao waved a fist and punched the wall. If she couldn¡¯t hit her mother, she could at least wreck the house, right?

    By now, Lou Zigui had brought Shadowgale and the rest of the Dragon Guards to the foot of the stairs leading to the empress dowager¡¯s pce. His shoe stepped right onto a fragment of the shattered gates. All of them looked up the steps simultaneously. Shadowgale¡¯s lips trembled before he said, ¡°His Majesty tore down the empress dowager¡¯s pce gates too.¡±

    RrrrrRRRRUMBLE--

    The sound of a building copsing came from the empress dowager¡¯s pce, causing the floor beneath their feet to quake. Shadowrain was rmed. ¡°Is His, His Majesty nning to tear down the empress dowager¡¯s pce?¡± Is the empress dowager still alive right now?

    Lou Zigui quickly made his way up the steps. Killing one¡¯s mother was prohibited. Right now, he only had one thought in his mind. He could kill Empress Dowager Xie, and was bound one day to murder that poisonous widow, but he would never let that woman¡¯s blood stain Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands.

    By now, Oil Jar had rushed to the window at the southern corner of the empress dowager¡¯s pce and met up with Big Boss ck, who was getting ready to jump inside. ¡°Hurry,¡± he said, ¡°Xiaoyao¡¯s lifted the roof off the empress dowager¡¯s side chambers. Everyone¡¯s gone to see the show.¡± (Author: Those people are going to save their mistress. If you don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, don¡¯t speak nonsense, ah~)

    Big Boss ck jumped into the empress dowager¡¯s bedroom. Grandpa Ash was already waiting on the bed, and raised a paw to point at the bed boards. ¡°The Imperial Jade Seal¡¯s hidden in a secretpartment down there.¡± Then he pointed at the second carved wooden flower on the bed railings and said, ¡°Press that, and you¡¯ll open thepartment.¡±

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    ¡°Are you guys opening the gates or not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao: ''Cause you know, I''m not the most patient person in the world!

    Eunuch #1: Y-Your Majesty, p-p-please have mercy...!

    Eunuch #2: W-we really can''t...

    Ning Xiaoyao: *sniffs* And also, what''s that smell?!

    Ning Xiaoyao: Didn''t my mom ever bother to toilet-train you guys?

    Eunuch #1, #2: (Are those even human words?! Your Majesty, you''re savage!)

    [/expand]

 Chapter 47: His Abominable Majesty

    <h4>Chapter 47: His Abominable Majesty</h4>

    Big Boss ck jumped onto the second carved wooden flower, which was a remarkably lifelike depiction of a cotton rose hibiscus, and sank down on the switch. There was a click from the bed before a sunken area appeared beneath the sheets.

    ¡°Take the Imperial Jade Seal and go,¡± Grandpa Ash directed Big Boss ck to work.

    Big Boss ck pushed aside the sheets and saw the Imperial Jade Seal box in the secretpartment beneath. Big Boss ck wanted to pick it up in his mouth, but his mouth was too small to hold onto the seal. Then he wanted to pick it up with his paws, but it was too heavy. Grandpa Ash stuck his whiskers upwards and said hatefully, ¡°You¡¯re useless!¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Big Boss ck. How he wanted to eat this old grandpa mouse!

    Chubby Yellow and Little White came into the room just then, bringing along a few of their kitty friends. Big Boss ck saw his strong and sturdypanions and said softly, ¡°Miaow, get to work.¡±

    The various cats used their mouths, heads, and paws to get the Imperial Jade Seal box out of the secretpartment. Then they moved it off the bed and to the window. The little gyrfalcon was waiting on the ledge. He wrapped his ws around the ring on top of the Imperial Jade Seal box and flew into the air with the box in his grip.

    ¡°Avoid being seen by the humans!¡± Grandpa Ash jump onto the window ledge and shouted.

    The little gyrfalcon softly called back before flying low towards the corner of the walls. Under the cover of a flock of magpies, he crossed over the wall. All of the eunuchs guarding the empress dowager¡¯s bedroom were focused on themotion at the side room, so they didn¡¯t notice a thing when a flock of birds flew silently over their heads.

    ¡°All right,¡± an old crow perched on a roof said to itspanion. ¡°These idiots didn¡¯t catch what the little gyrfalcon and the rest did, so there¡¯s no need for us to poop in their eyes.¡±

    The other crows all began to caw in unison. There was no helping these group of stupid humans, was there?

    ¡°Don¡¯t make a racket,¡± the old crow¡¯s ck feathers gleamed beneath the sunlight as he spoke in a sinister tone. ¡°When Supreme Commander kills them all, we¡¯ll eat them all, caw!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the cats and mice still in the bedroom. Had these crows gotten addicted to the taste of human corpses?

    When the leader of the eunuchs heard the crows cawing from the roof, he hastily threw some rocks at them to chase them away. Yesterday the air had been covered in crows when the empress dowager¡¯s pce was littered with corpses, just like a scene from a nightmare. The bodies had been taken out of the pce already, so why were these crows still dropping by?! The crows kept cawing as they flew to the skies, while the leader of the eunuchs cursed them from the ground. ¡°Scram! Abominable crows!¡±

    ¡°Stupid humans!¡± the crows cawed back.

    Taking advantage of the arguments between crow and man, Big Boss ck led hispanions to jump out the window and disperse. Grandpa Ash took Oil Jar and the other little mice to smooth out the empress dowager¡¯s bed sheets before shutting the window from the inside. Then they all climbed up to the rafters and dispersed as well. When the crows saw that the mice had left, they evacuated the airspace above the empress dowager¡¯s pce as well.

    Over at the side room, Wifey Magpie spotted the crows leaving and told Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, they¡¯ve all left. Let¡¯s retreat as well?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had a bitter expression on her face. She was currently besieged by the eunuchs of the empress dowager¡¯s pce on all sides. It didn¡¯t seem like she could just dust off her robes and leave, especially when the empress dowager looked like she¡¯d gone crazy.

    It was then that Lou Zigui arrived with Shadowgale and the rest to the courtyard outside the side room. Those who saw them couldn¡¯t help but twist their expressions at the sight. His Majesty was a son, so it wasn¡¯t a big matter if he showed up without announcing himself. But what were giant thorns like you guys doing showing up?

    When Shadowgale saw that both the roof and second storey of the side room was gone, he couldn¡¯t help but be stunned. In only such a short time, His Majesty had reduced the three-storey side chambers to this state?! Lou Zigui swept his eyes around the people in the courtyard and furrowed his brows. Then he told Shadowgale and the rest, ¡°Protect the emperor.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie nearly spat up blood at these words. Protect the emperor? Just who was the victim here? Who had been unreasonable and made a scene?

    Shadowgale and the rest kicked the eunuchs away to stand around Ning Xiaoyao protectively. Lou Zigui came forward and bent over with a bow. ¡°This subject camete to the rescue, may Your Majesty mete punishment.¡±

    The extent of Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s shamelessness shocked everyone in the empress dowager¡¯s pce. It was rare to see someone who could lie with his eyes right open. Can¡¯t you see how His Majesty¡¯s torn apart the side chamber?! Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and turned to see the esteemed empress dowager shooting daggers at her with her eyes.

    Grand Preceptor Xie hung his arms, his expression pained as he muttered to himself, ¡°How could it be like this? How could it be like this?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. Grand Preceptor Xie was still putting on an act even now. Lou Zigui walked forward a few more steps and said, ¡°This subject asks that Your Majesty return to the Imperial Pce now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°You¡¯re all leaving just like that?¡± the empress dowager asked.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes were like ice as he looked at her. ¡°Then Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s meaning is?¡±

    ¡°Who allowed you all toe in?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Lou Zigui was neither humble nor haughty as he spoke. ¡°This subject and the rest were anxious to rescue His Majesty. May Esteemed Empress Dowager please forgive us for the trespass.¡±

    ¡°And if This Dowager won¡¯t forgive?¡± Empress Dowager Xie raised her voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao chose this time to speak up. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll forgive you guys.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s figure tottered. Two mama cried out ¡®Esteemed Empress Dowager!¡¯ before rushing forward to support her on both sides. Grand Preceptor Xie pointed a finger at the remains of the house and asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, what was the meaning of this?¡±

    ¡°Thought it looked too old, tore it down to build a new one for my Imperial Mother instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thered nonsense as soon as she opened her mouth. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you guys before I started dismantling the house?¡±

    Even the doctors hiding on the side and pretending they didn¡¯t exist couldn¡¯t bear to listen anymore. When did you ever tell us?!

    Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t even speak as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao. He wasn¡¯t a good man and had spent his life crafting plots and machinations whilepeting against his cohorts. But anyone who could be his opponent wasn¡¯t someone simple. No matter how dirty everyone¡¯s hearts could be, they at least pretended to be righteous and moral on the surface. Thus, Grand Preceptor Xie had no experience dealing with hoodlums and rogues.

    ¡°This Dowager didn¡¯t hear anything,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said coldly.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then maybe I said it too softly.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°I say, I¡¯ve said it before, I¡¯m the emperor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao used an extremely provoking tone as she looked at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Imperial Mother, what do we call the emperor¡¯s words?¡±

    ¡°A golden mouth and pearly words[1. golden mouth and pearly words (½ð¿ÚÓñÑÔ) - jinkouyuyan, literally ¡®golden mouth, jade speech,¡¯ meaning precious words/utterances that carry great weight.],¡± Lou Zigui spoke up.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips curved up towards Empress Dowager Xie as she spread out her arms. ¡°Exactly.¡±

    None of the empress dowager¡¯s people dared to look at her face right now. Would she die from the rage?

    ¡°Then when does Your Majesty n to construct a new building for Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°Dismantlinges first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Right now, I don¡¯t have any money on hand. When I get enough money, we¡¯ll talk about it. There are so many rooms in the empress dowager¡¯s pce, can¡¯t my Imperial Mother live in any of them?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was floored by anger at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words again. Was she still human?! Empress Dowager Xie shook off the two mama holding her up and walked in front of Ning Xiaoyao as she stared. Ning Xiaoyao stared back. Staring contest? What¡¯s so scary about that?

    Empress Dowager Xie suddenly nodded at Ning Xiaoyao and spoke in a tone that only she could hear. ¡°Have you ever thought of This Dowager as a mother?¡±

    No son or daughter would ever ruin their mother¡¯s name by saying she had unclear rtions with other men. Empress Dowager Xie really was saddened by the sight of this daughter in front of her. She¡¯d never raised this child before, but hadn¡¯t she painstakingly birthed her all the same?

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips. This woman was too caught up in her own acting, wasn¡¯t she. ¡°Are you?¡± she whispered into her ear. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s entire body stiffened. Ning Xiaoyao took the chance to sneakily add on, ¡°Hand over the Imperial Jade Seal and I won¡¯te to find you anymore.¡±

    The sadness in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s heart immediately dissipated like fog. After all that, she¡¯d just came for the hereditary Imperial Jade Seal.

    ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯lle find you every few days,¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept up with her threats. ¡°I have the same words as before. As long as I¡¯m unhappy, don¡¯t you think of being happy, either.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie clenched her fists, voice cold. ¡°All right, then This Dowager will be waiting for Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Then see youter,¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a detour around Empress Dowager Xie and walked towards the courtyard. Lou Zigui, Shadowgale and the rest followed behind her. Soon, they left the courtyard and pavilions, green trees, spring flowers, and little bridge and flowing water. Empress Dowager Xie watched Ning Xiaoyao as she left. Even though someone hade to support her again, she still sat back, paralyzed in her chair. Her entire body had lost all of its strength.

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at the remains of the side chamber around him, then at the pieces of brick and tile at his feet. Amidst all the mess, Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand and ordered, ¡°All of you retreat.¡±

    The eunuchs and courtdies were surprised. Have them retreat now?

    ¡°Beat it,¡± Empress Dowager Xie snarled from her seat. In a sh, there was no one left in the courtyard besides the father and daughter pair and a few doctors.

    Grand Preceptor Xie walked to the doctors, who were still fearfully bowing their heads, and said lightly, ¡°As these gentlemen see it, has His Majesty¡¯s illness gotten worse?¡±

    The doctors all shivered. As they saw it, neither His Majesty or the empress dowager were normal at all. Oh, neither was the Grand Preceptor. He still wanted to say that His Majesty had lost his senses? Wasn¡¯t he afraid of His Majesty tearing his bones apart just like how he¡¯d torn the house apart?

    ¡°Has it?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked again when the doctors didn¡¯t reply. All of them deeply regretted getting involved in this turbid mess, but now it was toote to back out. The Grand Preceptor would never let them off.

    One of the doctors steeled his heart and said, ¡°Thismoner thinks so.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at the others, who could only nod in reply.

    ¡°Good,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie nodded as well, before turning to walk to Empress Dowager Xie. He extended a hand to help her up and said in a low voice, ¡°As of today, both this subject and Empress Dowager has no way of retreat, but Empress Dowager need not feel anxious. No matter how ruthless His Majesty is, she didn¡¯t hurt Empress Dowager a bit today. This proves that she understands the consequences of being unfilial to her mother.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Empress Dowager Xie smiled icily. ¡°This Dowager would like to see just what her end will be.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s one more day until the small assembly,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Since His Majesty is sick, she cannot preside over political affairs. This isn¡¯t just an excuse. Look at what His Majesty¡¯s done today. If she isn¡¯t crazy, then what is she?¡±

    Thunk.

    Another noise came from the building. The Xie father and daughter, along with all the doctors, hastily looked over at the now two-storey house. A pir from the second floor was slowly sliding down. Grand Preceptor Xie and a mama quickly supported Empress Dowager Xie to run outside. By the time father and mother reached the entrance to the courtyard, there was a loud rumble from behind them. They turned back and saw that the second floor of the building had copsed as well...

    ¡°That abominable--¡± Empress Dowager Xie wanted to curse, but the cloud of dust that rose up sent her into a coughing, choking fit. Grand Preceptor Xie had to turn his body and lean against the courtyard wall to prevent falling over. Esteemed Empress Dowager was right, Ning Yu was abominable and deserved to die!

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    ¡°All right,¡± an old crow perched on a roof said to itspanion. ¡°These idiots didn¡¯t catch what the little gyrfalcon and the rest did, so there¡¯s no need for us to poop in their eyes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: That''s because I''m the one drawing all their attention away!

    Big Boss ck: Keep up the good work, nin--Ning Xiaoyao!

    Ning Xiaoyao: My surname''s Ning, not Nin-Ning!

    Big Boss ck: I--I knew that!

    Grandpa Ash: *shakes head* Maybe it''s a good thing you don''t notice everything, Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao: Huh? Isn''t it ck Tubby who missed the obvious?

    Big Boss ck: *snickers*

    Ning Xiaoyao: Hey, don''t look so happy about being wrong!

    [/expand]

 Chapter 48: A way to deal with villains

    <h4>Chapter 48: A way to deal with viins</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao walked out of the empress dowager¡¯s pce with her head held high and chest puffed out as she spoke to Shadowgale and the rest, who were still in a trance.

    ¡°Let me tell you guys, there¡¯s nothing scary about viins. There¡¯s only one way to deal with them, and that¡¯s bully, bully, and bully again. Make them too scared to act like viins, make them...¡±

    Lou Zigui reached out a hand to muffle Ning Xiaoyao and said quietly, ¡°Your Majesty must guard your tongue.¡± Standing in front of the empress dowager¡¯s pce while ranting about bullying them? Any son or daughter who spoke of their mother this way was in for a bad end. Ning Xiaoyao only made a ¡®che¡¯ in response. Was she supposed to wait until the empress dowager bullied her instead? In your dreams.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fuming made Lou Zigui unable to stop himself from pinching her puffed up cheeks. Quietly he said, ¡°Your mouth is so wide that it looks like it¡¯s going to split open. Has Your Majesty gotten your hands on the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao went (£þ£þ¡÷£þ£»). Was she that easy to read?

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it in the Imperial Pce, hm?¡± Lou Zigui smiled as he pinched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dazed face again. Ning Xiaoyao covered her cheeks and glowered at Lou Zigui. What was he ying at? Lou Zigui coughed lightly and withdrew his hand. This littledy always made his hands itch to pinch her here and there. He never expected himself to act that way, either.

    Shadowgale and the rest were still too lost in their trance to notice Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s ¡®defiance¡¯ against the sovereign. He¡¯d smashed the empress dowager¡¯s doors, tore down her side chambers, and even angered her to the point of tears despite the fact that she¡¯d reigned as an evil seductress in all her years as an imperial concubine. The Dragon Guards were still marveling at how manly His Majesty was!

    The row of people arrived quickly at the foot of the stairs to the emperor¡¯s Imperial Pce. The little gyrfalcon flew out from the pce andnded on Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder, before chirping a few times at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Xiaoyao, I put the Imperial Jade Seal on your bed. I even hid it beneath the covers~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug out some stir-fried broad beans from her pocket and said, ¡°Little gyrfalcon, I¡¯m treating you to these.¡±

    The little gyrfalcon abandoned his owner¡¯s shoulder for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s and ate the tasty, crunchy beans directly from the palm of her hand. Shadowgale¡¯s feelings were mixed upon seeing his increasingly round gyrfalcon. If His Majesty kept feeding him like this, would he get too fat to fly? What would he do then?

    High above the steps to the Imperial Pce, the two eunuchs nking both sides saw the approaching group and hastened to bow. Lou Zigui followed behind Ning Xiaoyao to walk past the front courtyard and into the winding covered walkways. Only then did he say in a low voice, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is here and will definitely find a way to take care of the matter regarding the Imperial Jade Seal. This subject asks that Your Majesty refrain from putting yourself into danger.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was stupefied. Hadn¡¯t this person already guessed that she had the Imperial Jade Seal on hand? Why was he telling these things to her now? Did Supreme Commander have multiple personalities?

    Lou Zigui bent down slightly and asked, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°All, alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao could only reply.

    Lou Zigui kept walking forward as he said, ¡°Your Majesty needn¡¯t worry, this subject will find a way.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already sent people outside the pce,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°The Imperial Jade Seal can¡¯t be in the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms, feeling that something was off. The walkway turned another corner, changing the scenery from a water scene to a copse of dense bamboo on both sides. Wind whistled gently through the bamboo nts and echoed down the walkway. While Ning Xiaoyao was standing still to look up at the bamboo, Lou Zigui took the chance to signal Shadowgale with his eyes. Shadowgale bowed and turned to leave. The gyrfalcon saw his owner depart, but thought it over before deciding to stay with Ning Xiaoyao and her yummy food. Thus, he stood on her shoulder without moving~

    Soon enough, a head eunuch ran out from the walkway before stopping at the curve as if he was preparing to take a step forward. Shadowgale emerged from the depths instead and recognized him as the head eunuch. ¡°Steward Hu?¡±

    Steward Hu hastily pasted on a smile. ¡°Is Head Commander nning to head out?¡±

    Shadowgale looked towards the courtyard behind Steward Hu, where a few eunuchs and courtdies were standing there like a pile of wood.

    ¡°Just now, this one heard from the young eunuchs at the gate that His Majesty¡¯s returned?¡± Steward Hu asked.

    ¡°If there¡¯s no business, don¡¯t just enter the residences of the main pce,¡± Shadowgale said coldly.

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes,¡± Steward Hu nodded. ¡°This one understands.¡±

    Shadowgale nced at the courtyard again, his eyes like a dagger. All of the eunuchs and courtdies there felt a chill despite standing in the sun. Steward Hu stood at the foot of the steps leading to the covered walkway without asking Shadowgale what he was doing. He kept a cheerful expression all the while. Shadowgale then turned and quickly walked back into the covered walkway. When Steward Hu saw that he had disappeared, his smile vanished. Then he headed for a small cobblestone path in the front courtyard and went towards the western end of the emperor¡¯s Imperial Pce.

    A short whileter, Shadowgale reappeared by a small path leading to the empress dowager¡¯s pce before ducking into a small copse of trees by the road. In the time it took to burn half a stick of incense, a young eunuch hastily made his way out of the Imperial Pce. He didn¡¯t take the main roads, but kept to the small paths. Once he¡¯d left the Imperial Pce behind hi, this young eunuch ran straight past Shadowgale¡¯s hiding ce in the trees to head for the empress dowager¡¯s pce.

    --

    When Ning Xiaoyo returned to the Imperial Pce, she ran to her room and flung aside the covers of her bed. Then she opened up the Imperial Jade Seal box and took out the square-shaped jade seal iid with gold. Giving it a kiss, she quickly brought it to Lou Zigui, who had followed behind her, and asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, take a look. Is this the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Lou Zigui took the seal into his hands and carefully examined it, before replying, ¡°Without a doubt, this is the Imperial Jade Seal.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands and said happily, ¡°Then that¡¯s good, everything¡¯s fine now.¡±

    Lou Zigui ced the Imperial Jade Seal back in its box and asked softly, ¡°Your Majesty, how did you get your hands on it?¡±

    The little gyrfalcon was very smug as he perched on the table: ¦ä(£þ¦á£þ)¦ä He had a part in it too.

    Could she say that her animalpanions had helped her? Ning Xiaoyao reckoned that Lou Zigui wouldn¡¯t believe it, so she onlyughed and said, ¡°Guess.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°All right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned serious. ¡°Grandpa Ash who lives in the empress dowager¡¯s pce told me where the Imperial Jade Seal was.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Grandpa Ash?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°An old mouse,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Lou Zigui ced a hand on his forehead, while Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to look at him. ¡°You don¡¯t believe it?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°If Your Majesty doesn¡¯t want to say, then forget it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. She knew things would end up like this. Lou Zigui looked at the Imperial Jade Seal in its box. In his mind, His Majesty must have informers in the empress dowager¡¯s pce just as the empress dowager had informers in His Majesty¡¯s pce. These results hade about from a concerted effort between His Majesty and his subordinates.

    ¡°Your Majesty is very formidable,¡± Supreme Commander Lou praised.

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her little chest. She thought she was pretty formidable too, since she¡¯d used a sack of peanuts to trade for the Imperial Jade Seal.

    ¡°Hide the facts for now,¡± Lou Zigui closed the box as he spoke. ¡°There¡¯s still one more day before the small assembly. Let¡¯s see what the Xie father and mother will do first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was startled again. Why was there no end to it? ¡°Isn¡¯t the Imperial Jade Seal in our hands?¡± she asked, ¡°What else do they n to do?¡±

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°The empress dowager doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°If the Imperial Jade Seal disappeared after I went to see her, wouldn¡¯t she and the Grand Preceptor figure it out?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t think that the Xie father and daughter were so stupid.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure they can¡¯t figure it out,¡± Lou Zigui said as he smiled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. She rather liked it when the Supreme Commander smiled, but her IQ couldn''t keep up with him. What''s to be done about that?

    Big Boss ck jumped through the window then and walked to the bed before jumping on it. ¡°Miaow, this cat¡¯s returned. Xiaoyao, aren''t you going to tell Supreme Commander how this cat helped out?¡±

    When Ning Xiaoyao looked at Big Boss ck, she felt cured again. Who was the real stupid one? Would the Supreme Commander believe her just because she said so? Just then, she''d tried it out herself and he hadn''t believed a word! (Author: If you have any more IQ, then you wouldn''t have tried in the first ce, hey!)

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Big Boss ck meowed at Supreme Commander Lou, ¡°I was the one who took the Imperial Jade Seal out of the empress dowager¡¯s bed with my mouth. Please praise me, please hold me, meow~¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    Lou Zigui stared at the cat meowing at him nonstop and asked, ¡°Is he hungry?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up Big Boss ck and threw him onto the grass outside the window. The species and gender were both wrong, so what was this fat ck furball meowing for? If there was a chance, she was going to find Jiao Jiao and have a good talk with her. (Author: What could you two talk about? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o ) When the little gyrfalcon saw Big Boss ck sailing into the air in a perfect arc, he clutched his stomach and cried out as he rolled around the table. Supreme Commander Lou fell silent, but couldn''t help but feel that he was missing out on something.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, are you hungry?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    When he heard this question again, Lou Zigui lifted a hand to rub Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m going to n things out. If Your Majesty is hungry, I''ll order someone to tell the imperial kitchens.¡±

    ¡°What are you nning out?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Something to make sure the empress dowager and Grand Preceptor won''t suspect that Your Majesty has the Imperial Jade Seal,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Did Your Majesty forget what we just talked about?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. How was she supposed to remember so many things?

    ¡°I''ll be back in a bit,¡± Lou Zigui said as he left the room. Ning Xiaoyao gaped after him. What about when he said he was going to call for the imperial kitchens?

    Big Boss ck called out then from the window. ¡°Xiaoyao, Grandpa Ash hase again.¡±

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyao heard that name, she thought of Elder Li and trembled as she sat on the bed. She hadn''t even prepared the sack of peanuts yet. Grandpa Ash jump in through the window, followed by Oil Jar and another little mouse.

    Hmm?

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyao saw this new little mouse, her forehead creased. There was arge tumor growing on the end of his tail that was evenrger than the mouse himself.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, this is my elder cousin,¡± Oil Jar shouted as he entered the room. ¡°He''s sick, so my auntie told him to enter the pce and find Ancestral Grandfather for ideas. Xiaoyao, can you help my elder cousin take a look?¡±

    Of course there was no problem with that. Ning Xiaoyao jumped off the bed and reached out a hand to grab Oil Jar¡¯s cousin. But as soon as she tried, the mouse hastily went to hide behind Grandpa Ash.

    ¡°My auntie¡¯s very pitiful,¡± Oil Jar said sadly, ¡°Of all the mice in her litter, only my elder cousin survived. The rest were all eaten by cats.¡±

    ¡°Little Oil Jar, could you not drag us cats into everything?¡± Big Boss ck shouted from the window.

    ¡°Maybe you guys were the very ones who ate them!¡± Oil Jar bared his teeth at Big Boss ck, who felt stifled by the sight. Where had his birth gone wrong so that even a little mouse could bare its fangs at him?

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao: Heheh, I''m really a man of many talents!

    Lou Zigui: Why is Your Majesty...holding up a flower branch?

    Ning Xiaoyao: Well the flowers are a bonus, but I was just trying to make a "point!"

    Lou Zigui:.....

    Ning Xiaoyao: Hey, don''t look down! You''re a smart dude too, Supreme Commander!

    Lou Zigui:...many thanks to Your Majesty for the praise.

    Ning Xiaoyao: That''s the spirit! Sessfully gaining Zhen''s favor is definitely something to write home about!

    Lou Zigui: That kind of ''favor'' is usually reserved for the imperial harem, Your Majesty.

    Ning Xiaoyao: What''s a girl like me gonna do with a harem? If anyone''s my fav, it''ll have to be the guy who slept with--

    Lou Zigui: *muffles her* That''s enough of that, now.

    [/expand]

 Chapter 49: Oil Lampâ€™s gift

    <h4>Chapter 49: Oil Lamp''s gift</h4>

    ¡°Withdraw your teeth,¡± Grandpa Ash scolded Oil Jar, before speaking to the little mouse behind him. ¡°Oil Lamp, let Xiaoyao take a look at your illness. Don''t be afraid, Xiaoyao¡¯s one of our people.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± said the Ning Xiaoyao who had been treated as one of the group. Grandpa Ash didn''t say she was ¡®one of our mice,¡¯ ah.

    Oil Lamp walked out from behind Grandpa Ash, his body shivering as he timidly offered his greetings. ¡°Hello, Xiaoyao. My name is Oil Lamp.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cradled Oil Lamp in her hand as she brushed against the tumor on his tail. It felt hard to the touch, which was no good news.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, can this illness be cured?¡± Oil Jar asked nervously.

    ¡°No problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat on the bed. Since she couldn''t find a knife, she picked up a pair of scissors instead. ¡°No illness exists that I can''t cure.¡±

    ¡°If you''re treating Oil Lamp¡¯s illness, why use a de?¡±

    A de?

    Oil Lamp was scared to death as he moved his body to try and see Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Oil Lamp, there''s a peanut in front of you.¡±

    Oil Lamp quickly turned to face forward. ¡°Peanut? Where?¡±

    Grandpa Ash and Oil Jar looked forward as well. The allure of peanuts were too powerful. Ning Xiaoyao took advantage of Oil Lamp¡¯s distraction to snip off his tumor, taking off half of his tail in the process as well.

    ¡°Squeak!¡± The pain caused Oil Lamp to give out a miserable shriek, scaring all the animals inside and outside to death. For some reason, the window blew open the door to the room at this very moment, revealing Mute Nanny and a courtdy holding a serving tray. They locked eyes with Ning Xiaoyao. As soon as the courtdy saw Ning Xiaoyao, she screamed and threw aside the tray in her hands. Ning Xiaoyao tossed aside the scissors and held onto Oil Lamp¡¯s severed tail, partly to stop the bleeding, partly to look bewildered at the pair outside the door. What was wrong with them?

    ¡°Your, Your Majesty, have mercy,¡± the little courtdy kneeled on the floor to kowtow to her. Mute Nanny looked at if she¡¯d lost her soul as she stood there as dull as a block of wood. Blood had sttered to cover half of His Majesty¡¯s face, also staining the scissors that were in her right hand. In her left hand was a dead, blood-drenched mouse. Was His Majesty murdering mice in cold blood?!

    ¡°Did I look at you the wrong way?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the little courtdy, her face half covered in blood.

    The little courtdy was crying so much that she couldn''t speak. His Majesty¡¯s too scary!

    Ning Xiaoyao peeked to see what had dropped on the floor. Fortunately, it was just tea. If it was food, she''d have felt much sadder. ¡°If there''s nothing else, then you can withdraw. I have enough water to drink here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn''t know why the courtdy was crying, nor did she have time to ask. So she asked her to leave instead.

    Mute Nanny quickly helped the courtdy away. Ning Xiaoyao used a sleeve to wipe the blood off her face before opening her fingers to check on Oil Lamp¡¯s tail. By now, the blood had stopped, and the tumor had been cleanly clipped away, thus making this surgery a sess. Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a clean handkerchief and wrapped up Oil Lamp¡¯s still healing tail before setting him lightly on the ground. ¡°All right, keep your tail away from water for the next few days. Come back three dayster so I can have another look.¡±

    The weight that had always dragged him down had disappeared, along with the pain. Oil Lamp was so happy that he could dance for joy. Grandpa Ash jumped onto the bed and stared at Ning Xiaoyao with his beady eyes. Ning Xiaoyao was about to pick up the discarded tumor on the ground for closer examination, but felt nervous from Grandpa Ash¡¯s state. She proactively admitted her wrongs and said, ¡°That there, I haven''t prepared the peanuts yet.¡±

    ¡°I heard you cursed the empress dowager?¡± Grandpa Ash asked.

    ¡°Mm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°She''s your mother,¡± Grandpa Ash was very serious. Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. Her bad luck all came from this mother of hers.

    ¡°You can''t scold her on the subject of her chastity,¡± Grandpa Ash lectured Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. She hadn''t even said some of the worse things.

    ¡°Understood?¡± Grandpa Ash asked. Ning Xiaoyao nodded, even if she didn''t get it. This mouse was just like Elder Li, someone she couldn''t afford to offend.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor was cursing Xiaoyao too,¡± Oil Lamp spoke up.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao hurried to say, ¡°Oil Lamp, you live at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°I live in the third big house on the left side of Fragrant Gauze Alley,¡± Oil Lamp replied. Ning Xiaoyao could only shake her head since she was unfamiliar with the capital city.

    Big Boss ck licked his whiskers. ¡°Fragrant Gauze Alley, third house on the left, that should be where the head steward of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate keeps his little woman Yan Hong[1. Yan Hong (ÑÞºì) - a name that means ¡®scarlet.¡¯], right?¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Oil Lamp nodded.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Even a steward had his own little woman? Was that any good at all?

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Oil Lamp looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°That head steward says the Grand Preceptor calls you a simpleton in his estate.¡±

    ¡°That old bastard! I''ll bite him to death!¡± Big Boss ck snarled. The little gyrfalcon furiously pped his wings as well to express his anger.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at them both and said, ¡°He¡¯s the one who''s a simpleton. His entire family are simpletons.¡±

    Oil Lamp asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, did you have the things from the pce brought out to be sold, and then used the money to buy rice for the refugees?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was very surprised. ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°The head steward said so,¡± Oil Lamp replied. ¡°He also said that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s already given orders to stop you for fishing for fame andpliments, or bribing people¡¯s hearts to your side, and some other things I can''t remember, squeak squeak.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dig her fingers into her hands. Great, so the Grand Preceptor already knew about her sending Shadowgale and the rest off to sell the items that she''d scraped off the royal insignias from. Was the pce capable of keeping any secrets?

    ¡°Isn''t Xiaoyao doing good deeds?¡± Oil Jar asked, ¡°Why is the Grand Preceptor cursing her?¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor said that there are too many refugees, and that Xiaoyao can''t afford to raise them all,¡± Oil Lamp replied. ¡°And the Grand Preceptor¡¯s also given orders to all the grain shops in the capital, to not sell any grain to Xiaoyao anymore.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to spit blood. That old geezer¡¯s reach actually extended to the grain shops of the capital? Wasn''t he defying the natural order of things? Even the little animals were stunned.

    Oil Lamp swished his half-cut tail and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯m going to give you a present.¡±

    A dejected Ning Xiaoyao could only reply, ¡°Thank you, but there''s no need.¡±

    ¡°I know the location of the Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s secret grain depot,¡± Oil Lamp said out of the blue.

    Ning Xiaoyao whipped her head up, light shining once more from her eyes. ¡°Secret grain depot?¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Oil Lamp said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor secretly prepared it for his army.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn''t want to talk anymore. The Grand Preceptor even had his own army?

    ¡°Don''t speak nonsense,¡± Grandpa Ash said, ¡°Those soldiers belong to the reigning dynasty.¡±

    Oil Lamp seemed to fear Grandpa Ash very much, because he lowered his head and said in a small voice, ¡°But those troops all listen to what the Grand Preceptor says.¡±

    Grandpa Ash red at him. ¡°You''re still talking?¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine, fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stroked the white furs on Grandpa Ash¡¯s back. ¡°We can discuss those detailster. Oil Lamp, where''s the grain depot?¡±

    ¡°Eastern outskirts of the capital city, at the Xie n¡¯s ancestral graves,¡± Oil Lamp replied immediately.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. That old Xie geezer sure was something, hiding his grain by the ancestral graves.

    ¡°The head steward has the key,¡± Oil Lamp said as he ran outside. ¡°Xiaoyao, wait for me a bit.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked Grandpa Ash, ¡°Oil Lamp¡¯s even going to bring back the key?¡±

    ¡°He had one in his mouth when he came,¡± Grandpa Ash replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao mentally gave Oil Lamp a ¡®like.¡¯ Mighty Oil Lamp!

    Soon enough, Oil Lamp jumped back through the window with a key in his mouth. ¡°Ngh, it¡¯s this one.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took the key into her hands as her eyes narrowly avoided being filled up with warm tears. She finally had some grain in her hands! As for how the Grand Preceptor would support his troops without the grain, that was something for him to worry about. What did that have to do with His Majesty? (Author: o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Now the little gyrfalcon spoke up. ¡°If the head steward¡¯s lost the key, will the Grand Preceptor change the locks?¡±

    ¡°This is Yan Hong¡¯s secret copy of the key,¡± Oil Lamp said, ¡°She''s on intimate terms with the head captain in charge of guarding the grain depot. They''re nning to secretly steal the grain and sell it for money without telling the head steward.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt that the key in her hands was very heavy. There was even a story of love, hatred, passion and enmity behind it.

    ¡°This matter can be done,¡± Grandpa Ash said severely.

    Ning Xiaoyao hit the bed and said, ¡°Done!¡± If she didn''t steal the grain, wouldn''t she be a real fool?

    ¡°Then Xiaoyao, you have to be quick. The rice in the grain depot will be moved away in a few days,¡± Oil Lamp climbed onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s foot.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up holding Oil Lamp in her hand as she scratched Oil Lamp¡¯s head and rubbed his stomach. Then His Majesty Ning made a promise. ¡°Oil Lamp, I¡¯ll give you a sack of peanuts too.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Oil Lamp was so happy that his entire body shook.

    ¡°ck Tubby,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to call for Big Boss ck.

    ¡°I said before, my name is Big Boss ck,¡± Big Boss ck shouted.

    ¡°Oil Lamp, you take ck Tubby to see the grain depot,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Oil Lamp. ¡°I need to know its location. Oil Lamp, ah, can you take my household¡¯s ck Tubby there?¡±

    Big Boss ck originally wanted to take a stand for his name, but after hearing Ning Xiaoyao say ¡®my household¡¯s ck Tubby,¡¯ he suddenly felt touched again. He was Xiaoyao¡¯s household cat now?

    Oil Lamp looked timidly at Big Boss ck and said, ¡°He won¡¯t eat me, right?¡±

    ¡°If he eats you, I¡¯ll tear off his skin!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said powerfully.

    Big Boss ck suddenly lost all traces of feeling touched.

    ¡°Done,¡± Oil Lamp nodded. Ning Xiaoyao walked to the window, took out two sugar beans, and stuffed them into Oil Lamp¡¯s mouth. Then she ced him on top of Big Boss ck¡¯s head and scratched beneath the cat¡¯s chin.

    ¡°ck Tubby, you have to take good care of Oil Lamp. He¡¯s still injured.¡±

    Big Boss ck felt stifled enough to die. Asking a cat to take care of a little mouse, this ninny was hopeless!

    ¡°You can¡¯t manage this by yourself, can you?¡± Big Boss ck showed Ning Xiaoyao a paw. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to discuss it with Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Figure out the location first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin as she mentally calcted. ¡°Then I¡¯ll find the Supreme Commander to discuss things.¡±

    --

    ¡°Achoo!¡± Inside the study, the Lou Zigui that Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck were currently discussing let out a sneeze.

    Song Jin turned pale with fright before sitting up from his chair. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, won¡¯t Old Huo and the rest get captured by the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll have to suffer,¡± Lou Zigui raised a hand to press against his nose before continuing in a low voice, ¡°But they won''t need to worry about their lives. At most, I¡¯ll have Xie Wenyuan release them after a day.¡±

    ¡°For the sake of the Imperial Jade Seal?¡± Song Jin asked.

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t answer Song Jin¡¯s question, but said instead, ¡°Make sure Old Huo and the rest don¡¯t let themselves be captured without a fight when they search through the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate at night. Have them set fire and burn the estate for me.¡±

    Song Jin couldn¡¯t help but think. If they burned the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, then how many of their men still left in the capital would survive?

    ¡°Go on, do as I said,¡± Supreme Commander Lou looked up at Song Jin. Military men had always been duty-bound to followmands. Song Jin epted the orders with an affirmative before turning to leave the room withrge strides. Supreme Commander Lou tapped his finger lightly against the table. The small assembly one dayter would definitely be very lively.

 Chapter 50: The Supreme Commanderâ€™s not wearing clothes, His Majesty wants to beat him up

    <h4>Chapter 50: The Supreme Commander''s not wearing clothes, His Majesty wants to beat him up</h4>

    That night, rain fell in the capital again. The evening breeze also carried with it a chill rarely felt inte spring. Due to the national mourning period, none of the Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s usualmps were lit. The residence couldn¡¯t bepared to the emperor¡¯s Imperial Pce, but it was still one of the very best estates in the capital city. A night watchman sounded the call for the second watch[1. second watch (¶þ¸ü) - ergen, the second of five night watches, takes ce from 21:00-23:00] as he walked past the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, only to smell something burning. The night watchman hastily looked towards the estate and promptly dropped the gong in his hands. Frightened, he cried out, ¡°Fire, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate is on fire!¡±

    The silent stillness of the rainy night was broken by the night watchman¡¯s shouts.

    Less than an hourter, the Grand Preceptor was sitting in an old-fashioned wooden armchair in an underground chamber of the estate, facing five men trussed up on a torture rack. Each of the men sported injuries on their bodies, while two of them had already lost consciousness. The head steward Xie Laibao ran briskly into the underground chamber and bent down to speak to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, the servants have put out the fires. Half of the storehouses were burnt down. The old madame had a scare, but herdyship has already ordered someone to take the Grand Preceptor¡¯s tag to invite an imperial physician from the pce.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sat there without saying a word. Xie Laibao retreated out of the room, his figure still bent over.

    ¡°Setting fires,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said coldly as he looked at the five men on the racks. ¡°Lou Zigui has truly toxic designs!¡±

    The three men who were still conscious on the racks showed no reaction to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words. The head guard standing by Grand Preceptor¡¯s side said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, are we still keeping these five men?¡±

    As the victim of a house fire, how could Grand Preceptor Xie not harbor thoughts of killing these men? But he still shook his head at the guard. These men were Lou Zigui¡¯s subordinates, so they were now coteral in his hands. Their lives would only be worth something if they weren¡¯t dead.

    ¡°It¡¯s too good for them,¡± the head guard said resentfully.

    One of the oilmps in the basement burst into a shower of sparks with a pah. For the sake of the Imperial Jade Seal, the hereditary symbol of a country, Ning Yu and Lou Zigui were as anxious as dogs trying to jump over a wall. Of this, Grand Preceptor Xie was very clear in his heart. It¡¯s just a pity, Grand Preceptor Xie grinned, That the Imperial Jade Seal isn¡¯t in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    The head guard couldn¡¯t help but get goosebumps at the sight of that smile. Had the Grand Preceptor gone mad with anger? Half of his storerooms gone, how much money did the Xie Family lose in this fire? It¡¯s like losing half a gold mountain at once, but His Excellency Grand Preceptor can still smile?

    Xie Laibao returned again to run to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side, bending over to say urgently, ¡°Grand Preceptor, a eunuch arrived from the pce. Esteemed Empress Dowager wants to invite you there for a trip.¡±

    ¡°Why are you so flustered?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at his head steward. Why was this servant less and less able to endure such events? Of the six men in ck, only one had escaped. Ning Yu and Lou Zigui must have gotten news of their missing men by now. Today, His Majesty had even gone to find Esteemed Empress Dowager and kick up a row. As Grand Preceptor Xie understood it, his eldest daughter must be summoning him to the pce for that affair.

    Xie Laibao pped himself in the face before saying, ¡°This servant deserves to die.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie rose to his feet and nced at the five men on the racks one more time. He then ordered the head guard, ¡°Have them write down their testimonies, but remember not to let them die.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the head guard obeyed in a loud voice.

    Grand Preceptor Xie brought along Xie Laibao as he left the basement. When he recalled that he¡¯d be facing off that local ruffian, the rascal Ning Yu again, his head suddenly began to ache.

    --

    Currently, Empress Dowager Xie had just about turned her bedroom upside down. She pulled everything off her bed onto the ground, even the mosquito hanging over the bed. The rouge and face powder on her dressing table, along with her jewelry case, had all been knocked to the floor, filling the room with the scene of cosmetics. The wardrobe doors had been flung open, its neat, orderly, and folded clothes left in a messy pile. The end effect looked like someone had ransacked through the respectable empress dowager¡¯s rooms.

    Empress Dowager Xie fell back into her chair as words echoed in her head: The--imperial--jade--seal--was--gone! A few mama and courtdies shook with fear as they guarded the door outside. After all themotion by the empress dowager, they didn¡¯t even dare to turn around and look inside. Outside in the courtyard, a few stewards and eunuchs also stood there helpless, their expressions nervous.

    ¡°After His Majesty left the empress dowager¡¯s pce today, he skinned a young eunuch alive,¡± a steward whispered to his cohorts. ¡°Is Esteemed Empress Dowager saddened for His Majesty¡¯s sake again?¡±

    The other stewards and eunuchs stared at the speaker. He sure could talk. Why would the Esteemed Empress Dowager bother getting sad over an eunuch¡¯s death. It was more likely that His Majesty had provoked her somehow again. (Author: All His Majesty did was perform a surgery to treat a little mouse. When did that turn into killing a young eunuch? Can¡¯t these rumors be more reliable?)

    Empress Dowager Xie was wondering where her Imperial Jade Seal was at the same time Ning Xiaoyao was pacing around in her room. Big Boss ck had left with Oil Lamp that afternoon to check out the Grand Preceptor¡¯s secret grain depot. Now that it was dark, why hadn¡¯t theye back yet? Just where did they go to find that grain depot?

    The little gyrfalcon was getting dizzy from her pacing and said, ¡°How about I go look for Big Boss ck and Oil Lamp?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t, I don¡¯t want to lose you in the process too.¡±

    ¡°Then what do we do?¡± Oil Jar had already finished nibbling through half a sack of peanuts. ¡°Oil Jar is anxious too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Oil Jar, who was nearly buried beneath empty peanut shells, and fell silent. Was this really someone who felt anxious?

    ¡°Then how about letting my master look for them?¡± the little gyrfalcon suggested.

    ¡°Don¡¯t drag your master into this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°What if Windy gets captured by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men? Forget it.¡± Her right hand formed into a fist and pounded into her left palm before Ning Xiaoyao came to a decision. ¡°I¡¯ll go look for them myself!¡±

    ¡°Miaow.¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s meows came from the window just then.

    Dang! Ning Xiaoyao hurried to open the window. This fat ck furball¡¯s finallye back.

    Big Boss ck scurried up the window ledge, his fur all tangled up. He was covered in dust. ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Big Boss ck meowed, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate is on fire.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to ask. ¡°Did Grand Preceptor Xie burn to death?¡±

    Big Boss ck scratched the back of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand with his w. ¡°What kind of good news are you hoping for? Supreme Commander¡¯s men were captured by the Grand Preceptor. He told people to hit them and they were beaten terribly.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was stunned. Another mishap!

    Big Boss ck was impatient. ¡°Xiaoyao, what do we do now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned on the spot and decided right then to find Supreme Commander Lou. Currently, Lou Zigui had gotten the Dragon Guards to get him some hot water and taken off his clothes in his room. He was using a hand towel to wipe off his body.

    Ning Xiaoyao mmed the door open and rushed directly into the room.

    The naked Lou Zigui stiffened.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, it¡¯s not good!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. On her shoulders, Big Boss ck raised his paws to cover her eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to look at the Supreme Commander¡¯s body!¡± the cat cried.

    Ah, geez.

    Ning Xiaoyao threw the fat furball on her shoulders outside the room, too vexed to listen to him. Was he turning from a fanboy into an idiotic fanatic? Once again, Supreme Commander Lou witnessed the sight of His Majesty tossing a cat away. He ced his towel on the edge of a washbasin and began to look for his clothes.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran until she was standing right in front of Lou Zigui and said, ¡°At a time like this, how could you still be in the mood to get dressed?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± Lou Zigui was speechless. Was he supposed to stay naked without any clothes on?

    Ning Xiaoyao gestured madly with her hands as she exined, ¡°It¡¯s no good, your people were captured by the Grand Preceptor. What should we do? Should we bring along Windy and the rest and ughter our way to the estate and rescue them?¡±

    ¡°Who told Your Majesty this?¡±

    ¡°ck Tubby, oh, that¡¯s not it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Saving people is more important. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t worry about who told me the news.¡±

    Big Boss ck began to cry out from outside the room. ¡°It was this cat, this cat told her. Ninny, you¡¯re blotting out my contributions in front of Supreme Commander. Miaow, you¡¯re a scoundrel!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted towards him.

    When Lou Zigui heard the cat outside stop meowing, he only said, ¡°This cat listens to Your Majesty¡¯s words rather well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about saving people!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was so anxious that sweat had broken out on her forehead. ¡°The important thing is rescuing them, rescuing them is more important, ah, geez!¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was making such a din in the middle of the night that Lou Zigui could already hear footsteps hurrying this way. He was quick to coax her. ¡°You calm down first.¡±

    ¡°How can I calm down?¡± Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head and spun in ce again. ¡°The Grand Preceptor had them beaten, their bodies are covered in blood!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes dimmed. Of course he knew that Old Huo and the rest would suffer through torture, but he¡¯d seem mountains of corpses and seas of blood ever since joining the army at twelve. Lou Zigui¡¯s heart had long turned as cold as ice and as hard as iron. ¡°They¡¯re still alive, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    He raised a hand to stroke Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head before putting on the clothes he¡¯d left by the bed. By now, Ning Xiaoyao had realized one thing. If she already had the Imperial Jade Seal, why were the Supreme Commander¡¯s men still running over to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? ¡°You want,¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui, whose back was to her as he got dressed, ¡°You want to set a fire and burn the Grand Preceptor¡¯s family to death?¡±

    If that was possible, then Lou Zigui would do exactly that.

    ¡°Is there something I don¡¯t know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran to sit on Lou Zigui¡¯s bed as she looked at him. ¡°Tell me about it, or else I¡¯ll just feel anxious. Then I won¡¯t be able to fall asleep.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale¡¯s voice called from outside the door.

    Lou Zigui quickened his rate of dressing.

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered.

    Shadowgale stood outside the door and said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor entered the pce and went to see the empress dowager.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped up and grabbed Lou Zigui¡¯s hand. ¡°That old geezer¡¯se to the pce to lodge aint.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s action pulled down half of Lou Zigui¡¯s clothes again.

    ¡°Windy, you don¡¯t have to say another word. Find some men ande with me.¡± When she didn¡¯t hear Lou Zigui¡¯s reply, Ning Xiaoyao lost the patience to wait and went around him to run out. Those people had to be saved. As for why they¡¯d set fire to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate in the first ce, that was something that could be asked about after the rescue.

    When Shadowgale heard Ning Xiaoyao shout, he popped his head into the room and asked, ¡°Where is Your Majesty going?¡±

    ¡°To the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°.....¡± said the Head Commander Shadowgale. His Majesty told me to gather the other fellows. Are we nning to kill the Grand Preceptor¡¯s entire family while he¡¯s out of the house?

    When Lou Zigui realized that Ning Xiaoyao was about to run out of the room, he caught up from behind and tried to grab her hand. When he missed, he could only wrap Ning Xiaoyao into a hug.

    ¡°.....¡± said the Head Commander Shaowgale. For some reason, it looked off when Supreme Commander Lou hugged His Majesty.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± Lou Zigui told Shadowgale as he held onto Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I¡¯m going to say a few words to His Majesty.¡± Shadowgale withdrew his head and even closed the door for Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to save them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed aside Lou Zigui. She was very strong, so Lou Zigui had to stagger back three steps before he came to a stop. ¡°Just what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Lou Zigui. If he couldn¡¯t give her a satisfactory answer, then she¡¯d, then she¡¯d... Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before deciding that she¡¯d definitely beat him up!

 Chapter 51: Thatâ€™s not how comrades-in-arms should act

    <h4>Chapter 51: That''s not howrades-in-arms should act</h4>

    ¡°I had them go,¡± Lou Zigui carelessly tied his sash as he avoided meeting Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wide-eyed stare. He dropped his voice and added, ¡°If we have our subordinates seek death recklessly for the sake of the Imperial Jade Seal, the Grand Preceptor won¡¯t be able to figure out just who has it.¡±

    For the sake of the Imperial Jade Seal, he was sending his own people to be tyrannized by the Grand Preceptor? Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know anything about court intrigue, nor did she have experience with political struggles or crafty schemes. She just couldn¡¯t figure it out, and her heart even turned a little cold. How could it be like this? Ning Xiaoyao stared at Lou Zigui. Sending troops on an expedition in the struggle for power and profit was something done by opposing parties to cheat the other. Lou Zigui didn¡¯t see any problems with his methods, but Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s constant staring made him crease his forehead.

    Again he stressed, ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still calling it fine even though they¡¯ve been beaten?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head with a sigh. She didn¡¯t understand this world, but this wasn¡¯t howrades-in-arms should act.

    ¡°You still don¡¯t understand?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao. She had managed to muster up a force of her own right under Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes, enduring humiliation for the sake of her important mission. At court, she used her power to gain the upper hand and wrathfully beat back all opponents. Didn¡¯t she know to make small sacrifices for the greater good?

    ¡°What does it matter what I understand if you¡¯ve already gone and done it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she sank down in the chair behind her. She held her head, wanting to quiet down and calm her nerves a bit. Maybe then she¡¯d get it?

    While Ning Xiaoyao was trying to figure things out, Lou Zigui was as well. He half-knelt in front of Ning Xiaoyao and, after a pause, reached out to tug aside the hand cradling her head. ¡°Are you angry? Why?¡±

    ¡°How could you send your own people to get beaten up by the Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui gave a start. ¡°It¡¯s only a ruse. At most, it¡¯ll justst a day before I¡¯ll rescue them.¡±

    ¡°They were perfectly fine, so why did they have to run over for a beating?¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself. The current emperor who¡¯d transmigrated from an apocalypse and the local native Supreme Commander both fell silent. They were of different births and hailed from different environments, so their ways of thinking were even more different. It was impossible for them to connect their thoughts.

    After a while, Lou Zigui spoke, ¡°Your Majesty is ming me for being cruel.¡±

    ¡°A bit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head drooped.

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui really felt like a viin after seeing her dejected-looking head. After thinking it over, he didn¡¯t speak. He had ordered Old Huo and the rest to subject themselves to torture while thinking that they wouldn¡¯t die. But he¡¯d never stopped to consider anything else. How could someone in the role of a general possibly attend to the feelings of each and every soldier under hismand?

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had already organized her thoughts by the time Supreme Commander Lou was starting to revisit his decision. Zombies and humans were different, so she couldn¡¯t use her methods for dealing with zombies on human enemies here, right? Even though she didn¡¯t get it, she believed that the man in front of her now wasn¡¯t a bad guy. If that was the case, she had to ept his methods.

    ¡°Forget it?¡± Lou Zigui was startled again.

    ¡°Then does Supreme Commander still have words to say to me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°You, you¡¯re not angry?¡± Lou Zigui said doubtfully. This girl was sunny one moment and stormy the next, was she fooling around with him?

    ¡°I¡¯m not angry. Why should I be angry with Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou had a bad premonition.

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from her chair and said proudly, ¡°There¡¯s an idiom I know, called ¡®the more one tries to hide, the more one is exposed.¡¯¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t understand what knowing an idiom had to do with anything.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that your n will make the Grand Preceptor and Empress Dowager suspect you of trying to cover things up?¡±

    Lou Zigui rose to his feet and shook his head. ¡°They¡¯d suspect, but I¡¯ve never done foolish actions. It¡¯d be rare for me to make a mistake like ransacking the house, so the Xie father and daughter pair wouldn¡¯t be sure whether I was faking my idiocy or not.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°Did you already forget how they caught you and sent you to the execution grounds?¡± If he wasn¡¯t stupid, how could he have gotten caught in the first ce?

    Supreme Commander Lou fell silent. Big Boss ck stood by the door with his paws over his head. When you give someone a blow, you¡¯re not supposed to aim for their face! This ninny really doesn¡¯t understand a thing!

    ¡°I¡¯ve decided,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she circled around Supreme Commander Lou. ¡°I¡¯m going to take Windy and the rest to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯ve already re-organized the imperial guards so they¡¯ll listen to mymands? I¡¯ll bring them along too.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Save people, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said assuredly. ¡°Right now, we¡¯re just two viins hiding schemes in our hearts.¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand on his forehead. ¡°We¡¯re not the viins.¡±

    ¡°Aye, it¡¯s just an analogy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°How could it be all right for the Grand Preceptor to capture our men? Suppose they sell us out?¡±

    ¡°They won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this just in case they do?¡±

    Lou Zigui began to carefully ponder Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s proposal. There was always the fear of ¡®what if.¡¯ This really was an excuse to invade the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate for a rescue while he was out.

    Ning Xiaoyao cocked her head to look at Lou Zigui and said, ¡°I even heard that this thief, the Grand Preceptor, has a lot of money. There¡¯s like mountains of gold and silver in his estate. We can bring some back with us during our trip.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Snatching money while snatching people at the same time. If this girl shed her dragon robes, she could go straight on to being a bandit instead.

    ¡°How about it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I¡¯ll take some people over. Your Majesty can just wait in the pce.¡± The military forces of the capital city were still in the Xie n¡¯s hands. Was it that easy to invade the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want to see Ning Xiaoyao risk her life again. Though Ning Xiaoyao really wanted toe along, she didn¡¯t argue with Supreme Commander Lou on the matter.

    ¡°Done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Lou Zigui shouted towards the door.

    Outside, Shadowgale, who had been standing guard the entire time, replied with an affirmative and entered the room.

    ¡°Collect the Dragon Guards and all the imperial guards who are not on duty tonight,¡± Lou Zigui ordered. ¡°We¡¯re going to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    Shadowgale had been keeping his head bowed while listening to Supreme Commander Lou, but now he lifted his head to give a startled nce at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao grinned broadly and said, ¡°Windy, take your brothers and thoroughly kick some Xie n butts!¡±

    Shadowgale epted the orders and ran out of the room. If their master wasn¡¯t afraid to cause a giant ruckus, then what was there to be afraid of for them as servants?

    While the two figured in the emperor¡¯s pce prepared to rob the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, Empress Dowager Xie was questioning the Grand Preceptor in her own hall. ¡°Do you think this is Lou Zigui¡¯s n to cover things up?¡± The Imperial Jade Seal had disappeared after Ning Yu charged into her pce. Who else could it be besides Ning Yu that stole the seal?

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. ¡°How could Lou Zigui be stupid enough to try such petty tricks?¡±

    ¡°Then father¡¯s thoughts are?¡± Empress Dowager Xie wasn¡¯t in a mood for guessing games and asked him outright.

    Had Ning Yu and Lou Zigui grown desperate enough to send people to infiltrate the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Or were they trying to cover over the fact that they had the Imperial Jade Seal already? Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t be certain.

    Empress Dowager Xie couldn¡¯t sit still and urged again, ¡°Father still won¡¯t decide when it¡¯s time to make a choice?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie inwardly sighed. This daughter of his might scheme all she liked, but she was only adept atpeting for favors in the imperial harem. Her perspective was limited. What did she mean by ¡®decide when it¡¯s time?¡¯ A careless move now would cost them the entire game, so how could they not be careful??

    ¡°Father!¡± Empress Dowager Xie cried.

    ¡°Even this subject doesn¡¯t know where Esteemed Empress Dowager keeps the Imperial Jade Seal,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke in a low voice. ¡°Who else knows of its location in the empress dowager¡¯s pce?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie shook her head. The Imperial Jade Seal was an object even more important than her own life. Nobody else would know its location besides her herself.

    ¡°The Dragon Guards bathed the empress dowager¡¯s pce in blood and killed off all the servants, but still didn¡¯t find the Imperial Jade Seal. What kind of person has the skills to know its location and take it away?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Empress Dowager Xie couldn¡¯t think of anyone who could.

    ¡°When His Majesty and those men left the pce today, the Imperial Jade Seal wasn¡¯t with them,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. The size and shape of the seal made it impossible to hide it on one¡¯s body without making it obvious.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying all these things,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said impatiently, ¡°Is father simply telling This Dowager that Ning Yu doesn¡¯t have the Imperial Jade Seal? Fine then, if that¡¯s the case, who has it now?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie raised his eyes to look at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Empress Dowager, think it over again. Have you ever mentioned its hiding ce to anyone else?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t!¡± Empress Dowager Xie was convinced. Grand Preceptor Xie fell deep into thought.

    ¡°Father, ah,¡± Empress Dowager Xie was anxious enough to shout when she saw that the Grand Preceptor was still calm and unhurried.

    ¡°Empress Dowager, don¡¯t be flustered,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie intoned. ¡°The more things are like this, the less we should panic.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie sucked in a deep breath, her fingers on the arm of her chair still shaking.

    ¡°Empress Dowager,¡± a pce mama called from outside the door.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Empress Dowager Xie replied.

    ¡°Just now, Supreme Commander Lou took the Dragon Guards and about a thousand imperial guards to leave the pce,¡± the mama said in a flurried tone. Empress Dowager Xie immediately rose to her feet.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said towards the door. ¡°You may withdraw.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie stood dazed for a while before striding to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side. ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s taking men to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie nodded. ¡°Five of his men are in this subject¡¯s hands. That cuckoo¡¯s taking advantage of the fact that this subject is here to kill his way into the estate.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s trembling hands closed into fists. ¡°Taking troops to attack the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Has Lou Zigui gone mad?¡±

    The capital city¡¯s own troops numbered 80,000, while the Nine Gate Infantry Commander had 40,000 troops of his own. Lou Zigui¡¯s own men numbered 1,000 at the most, so did he think he was capable of fighting and winning against the capital¡¯s 120,000 troops and horses?

    ¡°Before this subject entered the pce, I took precautions against Lou Zigui in case he got desperate,¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°This subject has already sent someone to request troops from the capital¡¯s barracks.¡±

    ¡°Then Ning Yu doesn¡¯t have the Imperial Jade Seal?¡± Empress Dowager Xie muttered to herself.

    ¡°It might be better if she did,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said softly.

    ¡°What?¡± Empress Dowager Xie was shocked.

    A gloomy look came into Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes. ¡°Did Empress Dowager think that killing the crown prince would stop the other imperial sons from coveting the Dragon Throne?¡± His words caused the Empress Dowager¡¯s heart to turn cold.

    ¡°Internal struggle,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head, ¡°Empress Dowager, those imperial sons and vassals would rather see us struggle amongst ourselves so they could reap the spoils of victory without lifting a single finger.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie stood there for a long time before gritting her teeth. ¡°Ning Yu deserves to die!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave a long sigh. ¡°If the Dragon Guards spared anyone in the empress dowager¡¯s pce, then Empress Dowager can hand them over to this subject.¡± Dead people told no tales and caused no trouble. There weren¡¯t many eunuchs and courtdies who had apanied the Empress Dowager to therge assembly that day, but Grand Preceptor Xie was convinced that he only needed a day to find the spy amongst them and unseal their lips.

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Ning Xiaoyao: This is my disapproving face.

    Lou Zigui: It''s only a ruse...

    Ning Xiaoyao: Well, I think your ruse sucks!

    Lou Zigui: Why?!

    Ning Xiaoyao: What kind of n hurts your allies more than your enemies? I-d-i-o-t!

    Lou Zigui: By pretending to show weakness to our enemies, we--

    Ning Xiaoyao: --totally let them beat us up, is that right? They''re just gonna bully us more now!

    Lou Zigui: We''ll pay them back in time.

    Ning Xiaoyao: I don''t like intentionally leaving debts!

    [/expand]

 Chapter 52: Bloody battle at the Grand Preceptorâ€™s estate

    <h4>Chapter 52: Bloody battle at the Grand Preceptor''s estate</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie was already asking for people, while Empress Dowager Xie had yet to express a view, when the court mama from before suddenly spoke out again, frightened out of her wits.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, His, His Majesty¡¯s arrived.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie immediately grew angry. What was that damned girl doing back again?

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head at her and said quietly, ¡°If we can¡¯t keep her back, then let her in.¡± This person could tear the empress dowager¡¯s pce gates off at a whim and dismantle houses like toys. Would it be any use to tell her you didn¡¯t want to see her?

    Empress Dowager Xie felt blood surging up from her heart before she calmed herself down and managed to speak with difficulty. ¡°Invite His Majesty in.¡±

    Before the court mama could reply, Ning Xiaoyao had already walked to the doors and pushed them open to enter. She blinked herrge eyes and smiled at them as if trying to be charming. But in the eyes of the Xie father and daughter pair, she looked like a detestable evil spirit.

    ¡°Back again, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded towards Grand Preceptor Xie as he rose at her entrance. ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°What has Your Majestye to This Dowager¡¯s ce to do this time?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked. ¡°Have you, perhaps, found an unsightly balcony somewhere that you want to tear down with our own hands?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat down on Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s right, directly opposite Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°I haven¡¯t found one yet. That there, if there¡¯s any room you don¡¯t like, just tell me and I¡¯ll take it apart for you. It takes money to build a house, but all you need is strength to break one down. You don¡¯t have to be polite with me about that.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t want to talk with this idiot anymore.

    ¡°Then Your Majesty¡¯s purpose for thiste night visit is?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie queried.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking a Grand Preceptor like you why you¡¯re seeking out the empress dowager here sote,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°In any case, it¡¯d be a waste if I did ask, because I¡¯m sure it¡¯s no good business.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Empress Dowager Xie eximed angrily.

    ¡°I came here for two things,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Empress Dowager Xie for her to be quiet. Then she looked at Grand Preceptor Xie and spoke. ¡°I heard that someone invaded the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate tonight to burn and kill people?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then you should restrain your grief,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sincerely.

    Grand Preceptor Xie felt blood surging up from his heart as well. Were condolences supposed to be used like this?!

    ¡°I¡¯m worried for the sake of you and your family¡¯s safety ah, Grand Preceptor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Grand Preceptor Xie just stared at her.

    ¡°So, I had Supreme Commander take the Dragon Guards and the imperial guards to protect your family at the estate. In the meantime, we can check to see if there are still bad guys lurking around, hehe.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me, it¡¯s something I should do anyways.¡±

    The Xie father and daughter reached a new understanding about the extent of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shamelessness. Ning Xiaoyao next looked at Empress Dowager Xie and said, ¡°I was so worried about the Grand Preceptor and his family that I couldn¡¯t fall asleep, so I came to have a chat with you.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands were trembling violently. She even harbored thoughts of murdering Ning Xiaoyao, who tilted her head to the side and looked back at Grand Preceptor Xie again.

    ¡°Or maybe you, Grand Preceptor, can chat about life with me instead?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave a quiet sigh. ¡°Your Majesty, just what do you what?¡±

    ¡°The Imperial Jade Seal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied immediately.

    As expected. These words rose in both Empress Dowager Xie and the Grand Preceptor¡¯s hearts. Ning Xiaoyao had her hands clenched into fists, her palms slick with sweat. She hade here to gue them with unreasonable demands so these viins wouldn¡¯t have time to think twice. She just wasn¡¯t sure whether she¡¯d seed.

    ¡°Father should return to the estate,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. Capturing his spies and finding the Imperial Jade Seal was more important. How was there time to talk pointlessly with that abominable girl, Ning Yu?

    Grand Preceptor Xie murmured in the affirmative as he bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is an outsider male and cannot stay long within the pce. This subject takes his leave.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. So this man actually knew that outsider males shouldn¡¯t linger within the pce?

    After Grand Preceptor Xie had left, Empress Dowager Xie steadied her heart and said, ¡°Your Majesty, This Dowager has something to remind you of.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°The various hegemons have already enumerated their reports in full detail to the capital,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°Before, the refugees were rising in revolt amongst the 16 garrison posts in the southeast. Thete emperor sent troops to suppress them and had dyed payment ofst year¡¯s official sries to the hegemons. This time, Your Majesty needs to give them thebined sries fromst year and this year. Originally, the Grand Preceptor was going toe up with a n, but he¡¯s unable to do as much as he like. Thus, it¡¯ll be up to Your Majesty to think of a solution by yourself.¡±

    Since they were enemies now, then Ning Yu could take care of the unreasonable hegemons herself. Empress Dowager Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao as she viciously imagined the hegemons leaving her with no way to retreat. Ning Xiaoyao ¡®ohh¡¯d¡¯ in response but didn¡¯t pay the matter any attention. She didn¡¯t have any money even if she wanted some, and she only had this one life. How could His Majesty Ning the hoodlum fear anything like this? As she raised her head to look at the rain outside the windows, Ning Xiaoyao wondered how Supreme Commander and the others were doing. Had they killed their way into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate yet?

    --

    Right at this moment, Shadowbolt[1. Shadowbolt (Ó°µç) - Ying Dian, one of the four greatmanders of the Dragon Guards. Ying means ¡°shadow,¡± Dian in this context means ¡°lightning.¡±] was jumping off the walls of an alleyway near the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Hended in front of Lou Zigui and said softly, ¡°Supreme Commander wasn¡¯t wrong. There are troops lying in ambush by front, back, and side doors, they¡¯re from the capital¡¯s militia. Together, their forces number at least 2,000 people.¡±

    Lou Zigui peered at the nearby Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, which was big enough to im an entire street. There was a tall archway at the end of the street as well. Both civil and military officials had to stop and get off their carriages or horses in respect when passing this archway. It was the clearest example of the Xie n¡¯s power and influence.

    Shadowgale was worried. ¡°So there are 2,000 troops.¡± In other words, double the number of their own men. How were they supposed to fight this battle?

    ¡°We¡¯ll charge in,¡± Lou Zigui was still looking at the upturned eaves of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s archway, his voice cold. ¡°As long as we have the Xie family in our hands, we won¡¯t need to fear even if the entire capital¡¯s troopse killing our way.¡±

    Fang Tang unsheathed his sword. ¡°Then what are we waiting for? Supreme Commander, let¡¯s kill our way in.¡±

    ¡°Should the Dragon Guards use the back door?¡± Shadowgale had unsheathed his sabre as well.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to split up our forces,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°We¡¯ll go in via the front door. Seventh Song, light that door on fire first.¡±

    Song Jin nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that Cuckoo Lou staring at from the alley?¡± Standing with their backs to the light, a few capital city troop members stared at Supreme Commander Lou. One of them grew impatient and asked, ¡°Is he having second thoughts aftering to the door?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s best if he turns back now,¡± an older officer replied, his face anxious. Lou Zigui had brought along the Dragon Guards and the imperial guards. What did that mean? It meant that the person looking for trouble at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate was none other than the current emperor. Once the two sides started fighting, they wouldn¡¯t have the chance to pledge loyalty to His Majesty anymore.

    The rain grew stronger.

    Lou Zigui half-raised a hand before quickly swiping it down. A thousand Dragon Guards and imperial guards all walked on foot towards the long street with the archway.

    ¡°Not good,¡± a military officer shouted, ¡°They¡¯ve made their move!¡±

    A dozen or so arrows flew simultaneously through the night, piercing the air with their sharp, shrill sounds. Inside the Buddhist worship hall at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, the Old Madame Xie dropped her string of prayer beads on the ground.

    ¡°Old Madame!¡± Right now, thedies of the house were all gathered at the worship hall. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s wife, n¨¦e Wang, hurried to the Old Madame¡¯s side as soon as she saw her drop the beads.

    Old Madame Xie forced herself to calm down. ¡°It¡¯s all right. This old woman would like to see how that Lou Zigui¡¯s nning to enter our Xie family¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°Fire!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s caught on fire!¡±

    ¡°The front door¡¯s caught on fire--¡±

    Old Madame Xie¡¯s words had hardlynded before cries of rm came from the front courtyards of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. All of the women inside the hall looked in the direction of the front door. Beyond the ajar wooden door, they saw the bright red mes reflected in their irises amidst the pouring rainstorm.

    ¡°Burn it,¡± Lou Ziguimanded coldly stood in front of the stone screen wall before the Grand Preceptor¡¯s front gates.

    Song Jin was in charge of setting things on fire tonight, and gave a nod of assent before turning to Fang Tang and the rest. ¡°What are you lot still doing, standing around?¡± Fang Tang shook the blood off his sword before leading a legion of imperial guards to charge inside the houses.

    ¡°Lou Zigui, you have some gall!¡± cried General Chen Lu of the capital city barracks as he strode into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. A sh of lightning cut across the horizon, followed by a billow of spring thunder. Within that spark of light, General Chen saw that Lou Zigui was smiling.

    ¡°So the Grand Preceptor told you toe,¡± Lou Zigui said as he looked at Chen Lu. ¡°It looks like you didn¡¯t end up marrying his Xie Family girl after all.¡±

    Within the storm, Chen Lu gritted his teeth.

    ¡°I¡¯m merely here on imperial orders,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°But what about you, General Chen?¡±

    Chen Lu had been bitterly disappointed. Because the Nine Gate Infantry Commander, Tao Chen, was the Grand Preceptor¡¯s son-inw via his third daughter, he could sleep snugly at home. But while Chen Lu was a general who could only dispatch troops when foreign armies were attacking, he had been sent out this time to roast on the racks. There was still a world of difference in treating those who were family, and those who were not.

    Lou Zigui raised a finger to tap at his temples before he said, ¡°General Chen, let this Supreme Commander give you a bit of advice. A smart bird chooses the branch upon where it rests[2.. a smart bird chooses the branch upon where it rests (Á¼ÇÝÔñÄ¾¶øÆÜ) - liangqin zhemu erxi, a saying meaning that smart people will pick a ce that allows them to use their talents freely, while being treated fairly.].¡±

    Chen Lu gave a start. Was this a hint from His Majesty? While he was spacing out, Lou Zigui and his men circled around the stone screen wall blocking the front door[3. stone screen wall blocking the front door (ÕÕ±Ú) - zhaobi, literally a stone wall ced in front of doors to offer the residents some privacy. Some examples can be seen here.] and went inside the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    Another sh of lightning lit up the skies, illuminating the stone screen wall in a bloody light. In the upper left hand corner, the God of Longevity holding onto the peaches of immortality took on a ferocious expression in the eerie light. At the same time, the inner rooms of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate rose with the rmed cries of hysterical females. Perhaps their shouts were the one to bring Chen Lu to his senses; perhaps the God of Immortality¡¯s suddenly fierce visage was to me; in any case, he came to a realization. Now that he was in the same boat as the Xie n, could he really get off? Even if there was an excellent, tall branch waiting for him, he stillcked the chance to climb that high.

    ¡°After them!¡± General Chen ordered loudly. ¡°Capture Lou Zigui and all the rest!¡±

    The military officers under General Chen¡¯smand were all inwardly shaking their heads. It¡¯d only taken a second of his inattention for Lou Zigui to kill all the way to the back courtyards. He¡¯d already captured the womenfolk of the Xie family, so how were they supposed to fight now? Who could bear responsibility if the Xie family females got hurt?

    At this very moment, Lou Zigui had reached the entrance to the underground chambers. He raised his sword and slit the throat of the guard on duty. Shadowgale and the Dragon Guards killed their way through the imperial and Xie estate guards. Shadowrain and a few other Dragon Guards used their bodies and took turns ramming down the metal door until it burst open. Lou Zigui grabbed a nearby Xie estate guard before he fully kicked open the door.

    Arrows flew out from the underground chamber, but buried themselves in Lou Zigui¡¯s convenient human shield, killing him right then and there. Shadowrain and a few Dragon Guards hacked and chopped at the metal door until they pried it off the wall, then used it as a shield before them as they charged inside.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± one of the ck Frost Cavalry generals ran over and reported in a low tone, ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s returned to the estate.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded before descending into the underground chambers.

    --

    ¡°It¡¯s the study, the study¡¯s on fire! And, and the Grand Preceptor¡¯s bedroom as well!¡±

    Currently, Grand Preceptor Xie was standing outside his estate as he listened to his head steward¡¯s cries. Since they can¡¯t find the Imperial Jade Seal, they¡¯re burning down the ce with the highest possibility of concealing it? Grand Preceptor Xieughed coldly in his heart.

    So this is the extent of your skills, Lou Zigui.

    Note on Teasers:[expand]

    (Trantor has decided to focus on more trantions recently so she''ll only write teaser dialogues if the mood hits!)

    [/expand]

 Chapter 53: Worth of a human life

    <h4>Chapter 53: Worth of a human life</h4>

    The bodies of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guardsy scattered all around the floor of the underground chambers. Shadowrain and his men carefully undid the bonds of the five men tied to the torture racks and helped them down. Old Huo was like the rest of hisrades, his body stered in blood. His left eye was swollenpletely shut, so he could only look at Lou Zigui with his right eye.

    ¡°You¡¯ve suffered,¡± Lou Zigui took off his outer robes and draped them over Old Huo. ¡°I¡¯ll take you all out right now.¡±

    Old Huo was too weak to speak right now, but stared at Lou Zigui with his right eye before striving his hardest to look up. Lou Zigui followed his line of vision to look behind Old Huo and saw a blood spattered stone wall behind him. There was so much blood coating it that it had congealed into a sticky, ck stain. Lou Zigui could tell at first nce that there was something wrong about this wall, because its color was lighter than the color of the wall to the right. Moreover, the stains on both the right and left edges didn¡¯t match up with the wall itself. Most likely, it was some sort of secret door that opened from the right.

    ¡°Ah, ahh,¡± Old Huo made a few noises at Lou Zigui, who patted his handfortingly as he stood up with his sword in hand.

    He was about to open the secret door and kill whoever was behind it when a Dragon Guard suddenly cried out, ¡°Supreme Commander, the Grand Preceptor¡¯sing over with the capital city¡¯s archers!¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to look at the Dragon Guard.

    ¡°General Song and General Fang have already left with their men via the back door.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui ordered Shadowrain, who gave a loud affirmative before preparing to leave with a man in his arms. But as soon as he took a step, the man spat up arge mouthful of blood. Shadowrain was too scared to move any further. Lou Zigui hurried to his side while the man spat out more blood.

    Finally, he shook his head and managed to say with effort, ¡°Supreme Commander, this...this one w-won¡¯t, won¡¯t make it.¡±

    Shadowrain half knelt on the ground again, the youth still cradled in his arms. It was at this time that Shadowgale ran in with Imperial Physician Gao in tow.

    ¡°Hurry, over here!¡± Shadowrain called towards the doctor, his entire face lighting up.

    Imperial Physician Gao ran over and nced at the injured man. He didn¡¯t even need to take a pulse before shaking his head at Lou Zigui. ¡°It¡¯s not good, his internal injuries are too severe.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Imperial Physician Gao, who hastened to add, ¡°This official doesn¡¯t dare speak nonsense.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face seemed expressionless, but he reached out to take the youth from Shadowrain¡¯s arms and ordered, ¡°All of you leave first, use the back door.¡±

    ¡°What about him?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    Imperial Physician Gao shook his head at Lou Zigui. This man was beyond saving. Weren¡¯t my words just then clear enough?

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Shadowrain stood up. He looked at the youth on the verge of death onest time before furiously stamping his feet. Then he took his men with him and ran off with Old Huo and the other prisoners. As their footsteps faded away, Lou Zigui asked the man, ¡°What¡¯s your name? Do you still have any family?¡±

    Now that things hade to this, the injured man was even wearing a calm smile. ¡°This one¡¯s called Zheng A¡¯niu[1. Zheng A¡¯niu (Ö£°¢Å£) - Zheng is a surname, A¡¯Niu can mean ¡®Ol¡¯ Cow, a nickname.]. As for my family affairs, O-Old Brother Huo knows a...all.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Old Huo and take care of your family.¡±

    Zheng A¡¯Niu looked at the sword in Lou Zigui¡¯s hands before suddenly using all his strength to raise his body and impale himself upon the de. The few guards still hiding behind the secret door only saw the bright gleam of metal pierce through Zheng A¡¯Niu¡¯s back through a peephole. They trembled in fear at the sight. Hidden behind the door, they were unable to hear any of the conversation outside, but assumed that Lou Zigui had been cruel enough to kill his own man if he couldn¡¯t take him away. He didn¡¯t even spare his own subordinates, they thought.

    Shadowrain stood outside the back door of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate until he saw Lou Zigui walking out by himself. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before swallowing his unspoken questions. The youth must have died.

    Meanwhile, a man named Sun Lu ran into the courtyard containing the underground chambers until he reached Grand Preceptor Xie. Quietly he said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, Lou Zigui took his men and escaped through the back door.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at Sun Lu. There had been no sounds of fightinging from the back door. If this man really wanted to catch the intruders, could they had left so soundlessly? Sun Lu felt nervous beneath Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s gaze and hastened to exin. ¡°This official sent men to guard the back door, but they, they were all tied up and thrown to the streets. Grand Preceptor, these men are too....¡±

    ¡°Forget it,¡± the Grand Preceptor raised his hand.

    Sun Lu immediately shut up. The Grand Preceptor patted his hand with the sword as his expression rxed. ¡°Not raising arms against them is good as well. This old man doesn¡¯t me you.¡± When Sun Lu heard Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words, he was this close from kneeling on the ground to give his thanks right then and there.

    Grand Preceptor Xie took measured steps to the underground chambers. He had no mercy for traitors, but he couldn¡¯t be severe to his own people, either. Though Sun Lu hadn¡¯t fought to the death against Lou Zigui tonight, it didn¡¯t count as a betrayal in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes. Aside from the fact that Lou Zigui had a fearsome reputation as a star of death, he also had the reigning emperor standing behind him. The fact that Sun Lu had been able to fight a few rounds with his men was proof enough of his loyalty.

    Inside the underground chambers, the guards who had hidden behind the secret door were now standing around Zheng A¡¯Niu¡¯s corpse at a loss. As soon as Grand Preceptor Xie entered and saw the body, his face sank. ¡°You ended up killing the prisoner after all?¡±

    The guards hastened to kneel before Grand Preceptor Xie, and one them made to report, ¡°Grand Preceptor, this prisoner was personally killed by Lou Zigui himself.¡±

    An aide behind the Grand Preceptor stepped forward them to carefully examine Zheng A¡¯Niu¡¯s body. When finished, he dered, ¡°This person¡¯s injuries reached his internal organs. It would¡¯ve been impossible to move him. Even with medical treatment, it¡¯s unlikely that he would¡¯ve survived.¡±

    So he was killed?

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled coldly. Leaving no survivors behind. After Lou Zigui¡¯sst stumble cost him, he was certainly doing things more and more carefully now.

    --

    When Lou Zigui brought the imperial guards and Dragon Guards back to the Imperial Pce, Ning Xiaoyao had finished tormenting the empress dowager as well. She was standing at the gates to Supreme Splendor Hall to wait for their return. When she spotted Lou Zigui, Shadowgale and rest at the foot of the steps, she was about to run out when Lou Zigui called out, ¡°The rain¡¯s too heavy; this subject asks that Your Majesty still your steps.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao waited until Lou Zigui climbed the stairs and was under the door arch before she asked, ¡°Did you rescue them?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°This subject ordered them to be arranged suitably and treated outside of the pce.¡±

    Now free from her worries, Ning Xiaoyao happily cried out, ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±

    Lou Zigui took an umbre from a eunuch and shared it with Ning Xiaoyao as they walked back to the main hall together. The rains had sent flower petals scattering all over the grounds. It was unclear how many flowers would be left by the time the storm ended. Still, neither Ning Xiaoyao nor Lou Zigui were the types to get sentimental about the seasons. Once they reached the covered walkway, Ning Xiaoyao watched Lou Zigui close the umbre before asking curiously, ¡°Supreme Commander, how many houses did you burn down at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°Not too many. A few buildings and one of the front doors.¡±

    Too little!

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed out her cheeks. She really should¡¯vee along, she was an expert at setting fires to houses. (Author: Since when did you gain another skill out of the blue?) Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want to tell Ning Xiaoyao about the death of onerade, but when he recalled her seemingly endlesswork of spies, he coughed lightly and said, ¡°One of the men passed on.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t get it just yet.

    ¡°One died,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately narrowed her eyes in anger and demanded, ¡°Who did it? The Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°His injuries were too serious,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°There was no way to move him, so we could only...¡±

    ¡°Only have him take care of it himself?¡± Ning Xiaoyao got to the heart of the matter before Lou Zigui had even figured out how to exin Zheng A¡¯Niu¡¯s suicide. He nodded instead.

    ¡°Mother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao swore to herself. She¡¯d helped her fellowrades-in-arms end their lives plenty of times. In the apocalypse, if you didn¡¯t want to turn into a zombie after being bitten, the best way to go was either kill yourself or have someone do it for you. Ning Xiaoyao walked a few steps before she paused to kick at the walkway pir, causing the entire winding walkway to shudder twice.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui rested a hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. Ning Xiaoyao felt both regret and a guilty conscience. Is there something wrong with my brain? She knew that those men had suffered through torture, but why did she forget that they¡¯d need medical treatment, too? It seemed that she¡¯d turned stupid after eating a few full meals. While she was talking nonsense with Empress Dowager Xie, a perfectly good man had died.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lou Zigui used his hands to pry open Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s clenched jaw before she drew blood with her teeth. Ning Xiaoyao simply bit Lou Zigui instead.

    He allowed her to bite him before murmuring, ¡°This is my fault.¡± He had been certain that Xie Wenyuan wouldn¡¯t kill his men, but why did he forget that serious torture could kill them just the same? How could I have forgotten...?

    ¡°I¡¯m a seriouslypetent doctor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°But I didn¡¯t go.¡±

    Lou Zigui held Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand as they walked forward. Her fingers were a bit cold, so Lou Zigui tightened his grip to warm them better.

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault,¡± Lou Zigui said after they¡¯d walked awhile in silence and stopped.

    Right now, Ning Xiaoyao was in a horrible mood.

    ¡°I said, it¡¯s my fault,¡± Lou Zigui cupped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face in his hands.

    ¡°The man¡¯s already gone, so what does it matter whose fault it is?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said dejectedly.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s finger brushed across Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips before he asked, ¡°He was just a conscript.[2. conscript (¾ü»§) - junhu, historically speaking, men were forcibly conscripted into military service around the Ming and Yuan Dynasties. These conscripts had rights simr to ves (that is to say, hardly any) and universally looked down upon, even by the peasants.] Is a conscript¡¯s life worth that much in your eyes?¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew incensed at the question. She didn¡¯t know what a conscript was, but how could a human life be worthless? ¡°Enough already. Say anymore and I¡¯ll get hostile.¡± Ning Xiaoyao swatted away Lou Zigui¡¯s hand. Song Jin and the rest were standing at the entrance to the covered walkway as they listened to Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui talk.

    ¡°Zheng A¡¯Niu was only a conscript,¡± Lou Zigui stressed to Ning Xiaoyao again.

    Yongning¡¯s military men inherited their positions. When the father of a military family died, a son took his ce. When that son died, the grandson stepped in. Generations of sons and grandsons existed like so. Even if all the males of a family died out, someone would be found from the rtives to stand in for the missing spot. In an age that only esteemed those who read books and were literate, what worth was the life of a poor man in the military? Compared to the four sses of ancient China--schrs, farmers, artisans, and merchants--conscripts were even more wretched than traders. Their lives were as cheap as dogs.

    ¡°If human lives aren¡¯t worth anything, then what is? So what if he¡¯s a conscript? Aren¡¯t conscripts people too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gesticted wildly with her hands like a small animal with its fur standing on end. ¡°Who said conscripts weren¡¯t people? Get that guy for me and I promise I won¡¯t beat him to death, but bite him to death!¡±

    Although Lou Zigui was unable to warm up His Majesty Ning¡¯s hands, His Majesty Ning¡¯s words ended up warming many people¡¯s hearts.

 Chapter 54: His Abominable Majesty who deserves death everyday in the empress dowagerâ€™s heart

    <h4>Chapter 54: His Abominable Majesty who deserves death everyday in the empress dowager''s heart</h4>

    After being set on fire twice in the space of one night, news of the Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s misfortune spread throughout the capital by next morning. Both the court and themoners were discussing the matter amongst themselves, wondering just what kind of mighty figure dared to treat the Xie n this way? They were a family that had stood tall and powerful through the reign of five sessive emperors. If Grand Preceptor Xie had chosen this time to stroll in the streets or sit in the teahouses, then he would¡¯ve discovered that while the people were guessing and sighing in admiration for the culprit, they were also whispering about how the Xie n had fallen from favor in the eyes of the current emperor. The fact that Lou Zigui and Grand Preceptor Xie still had old scores to settle was another reason the popce didn¡¯t sympathize with the victims of the fire, the Xie family.

    That would have been enough to startle the heart of Grand Preceptor Xie. At the same time his Xie n¡¯s power and influence had soared to the skies, they¡¯d lost all respect amongst the people. However, he had no time to listen to the gossip outside his estate now. He was currently busy with searching for the Imperial Jade Seal while making backup ns in case they failed to find it.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager sent Lai mama and her crew to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Shadowgale reported to Ning Xiaoyao over a cup of tea in the Supreme Splendor Hall. They were both sitting as he added in a small voice, ¡°This servant went to ask around and found out they were locked up as soon as they entered the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°You even know of things like that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was surprised. ¡°Windy, you have...you have those informer types in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate too?¡±

    Shadowgale really wasn¡¯t used to sitting and talking with His Majesty at the same table. He awkwardly shifted in his seat before he spoke. ¡°This servant is useless and has no informants. Your servant spent money to buy the information instead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked, before stuffing her jade teacup into Windy¡¯s hands. ¡°This is for you. You have to save your money in the future.¡±

    Shadowgale hastened to shake his head before putting the jade teacup back on the tea tray. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant has no ce to use such money.¡± He was an orphan, and his clothing, food, and living quarters were all provided by the pce. Even if he had money, there was no ce for him to spend it.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao drew out her sigh. ¡°Don¡¯t be a fool, Windy. Don¡¯t you need money to marry a wife? And to raise your sons and daughters in the future? Are you nning to starve them to death?¡± Shadowgale¡¯s face immediately flushed before he slid out of his seat to kneel down before Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Did I stupidly say something wrong again?

    ¡°Your servant¡¯s loyalty to Your Majesty definitely isn¡¯t half hearted.,¡± Shadowgale kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao. Now she couldn¡¯t sit still, and jumped up to pull Shadowgale off the ground. Then she turned to look at Supreme Commander Lou for help. Just what did this mean?

    Lou Zigui sighed and said, ¡°The Dragon Guards are servants of the emperor. They have neither homes nor properties, no wives or children.¡±

    (£þ¡÷£þ£»), went Ning Xiaoyao. Was this even human?! Just because you were a bodyguard, you couldn¡¯t even get a wife?! (Author: So in your heart, the Dragon Guards are just bodyguards...) Shadowgale was so flustered that he wished he could die.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this servant isn¡¯t in a rtionship.¡±

    ¡°Miaow a mi,¡± Big Boss ck was unsatisfied with Shadowgale¡¯s words and cried out, ¡°Everyday, Little Peach Blossom from the imperial kitchens makes you goodies to eat. You have the impudence to say you don¡¯t like her?!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. It seemed that she¡¯d gotten wind of yet another secret.

    ¡°Is, is he hungry?¡± Shadowgale had no idea why Big ck Boss was meowing at him. Had he done something to this cat?

    Ning Xiaoyao patted Big Boss ck¡¯s head so he could be quiet and grinned at Shadowgale. Again, she stuffed the jade teacup into his hands and said, ¡°I¡¯m the emperor.¡±

    Shadowgale stared nkly at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°So you have to listen to my words and ept the teacup. And also, don¡¯t spend money recklessly in the future.¡±

    ¡°Your servant obeys the emperor¡¯s decree,¡± Shadowgale said.

    ¡°Mm, sit down,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat her herself and said, ¡°Let¡¯s keep going. Urk, what were we talking about just then?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Shadowgale. His Majesty was really too forgetful.

    Lou Zigui spoke up instead. ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s nning to interrogate Lai mama and the others.¡±

    ¡°For the sake of the Imperial Jade Seal?¡± Shadowgale said in a rush. Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes and looked at the ceiling. For goodness sakes, it was the Imperial Jade Seal again.

    ¡°Keep an eye on the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Lou Zigui told Shadowgale. ¡°The Grand Preceptor will definitely enter the pce to see her tonight.¡±

    Shadowgale rose to ept themand before politely taking his leave of Ning Xiaoyao. Then he went to arrange for subordinates to keep watch on the empress dowager¡¯s pce.

    ¡°We have the Imperial Jade Seal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was at a loss again. ¡°What else can the Grand Preceptor do?¡±

    Lou Zigui rose to sit by her side and said quietly, ¡°If they can¡¯t find the real one, I think the Grand Preceptor will make a fake.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. ¡°Make a fake Imperial Jade Seal?¡± Since that old man could falsify an emperor by cing his granddaughter on the throne, he was now using that bad habit on the Imperial Jade Seal as well?

    ¡°Just by looking at you, I can trust that Xie Wenyuan and his daughter have the guts,¡± Lou Zigui said. Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes and stared at the ceiling again. Whoever said they didn¡¯t have the guts?

    But as her brain thought it over, she turned around and asked, ¡°Then isn¡¯t this the perfect chance to capture them both? Speaking of which, what¡¯s the crime for creating a fake Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    ¡°The nine familial exterminations,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao steeled her heart and grit her teeth, ¡°Then have his entire family killed!¡±

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Lou Zigui had essentially thrown a pail of cold water into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face.

    ¡°Oh, then we¡¯ll spare the elderly and the children, as well as the women,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°That should be fine, right?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°If that won¡¯t do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after looking at Lou Zigui¡¯s reaction, ¡°We won¡¯t kill them, but put them in jail. That should be fine, right?¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand on his forehead. Every time he talked with her, he always ended up feeling helpless by the end.

    ¡°That won¡¯t do either?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was shocked. So much for nursing grievances and harboring hatred, making enemies and loathing family. Wouldn¡¯t things never stop unless they were dead?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hands held back Ning Xiaoyao before she ran away. In a low voice, he said, ¡°You can¡¯t pressure dogs to jump off a wall. Has Your Majesty forgotten? The capital city and its environs all have troops under the Xie family¡¯s control. If you decree the Xie n to go through the nine familial exterminations tomorrow, then the Xie n¡¯s troops will storm the capital the very next day.¡±

    Well, [email protected]#([email protected]#%.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt a million alpacas racing around her heart again. Are you seeing this? There¡¯s no respect for an emperor at all!

    ¡°Does Your Majesty understand my words?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips and said listlessly, ¡°Understood. At tomorrow¡¯s assembly, I¡¯ll give the Grand Preceptor a hug. Then we¡¯ll each go home and find our respective mothers.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Supreme Commander Lou. The sound of rain came from outside the window, making Ning Xiaoyao turn her head to look with an aggrieved air.

    ¡°Why is it raining again? Are we going to have a flood?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± Once again, Supreme Commander Lou had no idea how to continue from his previous conversation. By the time night fell, the annoying rainfall had stopped, and Grand Preceptor Xie had arrived at Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s pce. As soon as he stepped through the front doors, news of his arrival spread to Supreme Splendor Hall.

    ¡°What did the Grand Preceptor bring along with him?¡± Lou Zigui asked Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°There were twelve mama following behind him, each of them carrying arge wooden case.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s fingers knocked lightly against his table. The fake Imperial Jade Seal had to be in one of those 12 boxes. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao had no curiosity whatsoever about the machinations of the Xie father and daughter pair. With Grandpa Ash here, how could they hold onto any secrets in her pce?

    --

    ¡°This is?¡± Currently, Empress Dowager Xie was pointing in delight to the wooden case before her. ¡°Father found and brought back the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head, and Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s smile immediately turned gloomy. The Grand Preceptor took out an Imperial Jade Seal from the wooden case and ced it in her hands.

    ¡°Those dozen servants of yours have long been beaten to death, but none of them gave an answer in the end.¡±

    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be that the Imperial Jade Seal just upped and flew off on its own?¡± Empress Dowager Xie said anxiously.

    ¡°Empress Dowager,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°The most pressing matter of the moment is to ensure we pass through tomorrow¡¯s trials.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie lowered her head to closely examine the Imperial Jade Seal in her hands. After careful observation, she could find no difference between this seal and the original.

    ¡°The nation¡¯s hereditary Imperial Jade Seal contains the blood of dragons,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said in a low voice. ¡°It can¡¯t be affected by water or fire, much less injured by the edge of a de. But this jade seal has no such immunities.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie set the fake Imperial Jade Seal down lightly, her face pale. ¡°If anyone finds out, that is, This Dowager means to say, suppose the person with the Imperial Jade Seal stands out? What will we do then?¡±

    ¡°Then we were simply luring the snake from its cave,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie had obviously thought things through beforeing over. ¡°In order to capture the person who stole the Imperial Jade Seal, we created a fake because we had no other alternative.¡±

    ¡°Then, then suppose that person doesn¡¯t reveal themselves?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    ¡°Then this seal is the real one,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands clenched around the armrest of her chair.

    ¡°Empress Dowager can set aside your cares,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie nudged the fake seal towards her. ¡°Who would dare go into the Hall of Golden Chimes and soak in it water, burn it in fire, or cut through a jade seal with their de?¡±

    ¡°Nobody,¡± Empress Dowager Xie replied.

    ¡°Then what is Empress Dowager afraid of?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked. ¡°As long as Empress Dowager says this is the hereditary Imperial Jade Seal, then it¡¯ll precisely be our Yongning¡¯s hereditary Imperial Jade Seal.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was soothed by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words, but the image of Ning Xiaoyao soon appeared in her mind instead. Again, she grew flustered and said, ¡°Ning Yu is simply crazy. Father, are you sure she won¡¯t make a move towards the jade seal?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie onlyughed. ¡°Empress Dowager, Ning Yu isn¡¯t crazy. She¡¯s extremely intelligent, so why would she do anything that threatens her throne?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯d unfilial!¡± Empress Dowager Xie spoke with a venomous expression.

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked like himself as always. ¡°Nobody in the world knows what happens in the royal courts or deep in the pce. Aside from Ning Yu tearing down a side chamber, even if she tore down the entire empress dowager¡¯s pce, she wouldn¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°The walls have ears and people have mouths. How could people of the world not know what this girl¡¯s done?¡±

    Grand Preceptor countered, ¡°Then would Empress Dowager cry towards the people of the world,ining that Ning Yu is unfilial?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie grew sullen again. She couldn¡¯t do that, because once Ning Yu lost the throne, it meant she wouldn¡¯t be Empress Dowager anymore. Moreover, this ¡°son¡± who had yet toe of age would lose the chance to be a proper emperor. Grand Preceptor Xie patted the Imperial Jade Seal basking beneath themplight and said, ¡°Empress Dowager needn¡¯t fear unless the Imperial Jade Seal is in Ning Yu¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°Is the Imperial Jade Seal really not in Ning Yu¡¯s hands?¡± Empress Dowager Xie was truly worried.

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said without hesitation. If Ning Yu really had the seal, then she and Lou Zigui would have no need to set such desperate fires and ce the lives of their subordinates on the line for a y. This wasn¡¯t Lou Zigui¡¯s style of doing things.

    ¡°Then doesn¡¯t father want an exnation for Lou Zigui¡¯s arson towards the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°This subject is willing to take a step back,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°Without the Imperial Jade Seal, they¡¯ve already lost. Why does this subject need to raise another fist? Empress Dowager must keep thinking of warming Ning Yu¡¯s heart.¡±

    ¡°That abominable girl,¡± Empress Dowager Xie cursed. (Author: It looks like His Majesty deserves death everyday when he¡¯s with you, ah~ o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

 Chapter 55: Chaos like a pot of porridge at the Hall of Golden Chimes

    <h4>Chapter 55: Chaos like a pot of porridge at the Hall of Golden Chimes</h4>

    Empress Dowager Xie spent a sleepless night watching over the fake Imperial Jade Seal. The next morning, she applied heavy rouge and powder via her reflection in the mirror before hiding the dark circles beneath her eyes and her wan and sallow skin. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have a good night¡¯s rest, either. The sun had just started peeking out from the east when she got dressed in her dragon robes and went to the Hall of Golden Chimes in fine mettle for a fight. Compared to therge assembly from two days ago, today¡¯s assembly had far less people. The ones who were present were all important ministers of the current dynasty.

    Ning Xiaoyao swept her eyes over the officials assembled before the steps to her throne, feeling her heart give a jolt at the sight of Elder Li. He¡¯s already so old, so can¡¯t he call in a sick leave or something?

    After making his grand bow, Elder Li rose and nced at the imperial writing desk. The casket for the Imperial Jade Seal was missing, causing his heart to rise in his chest. Lou Zigui had already burned the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate twice, but still didn¡¯t find the Imperial Jade Seal?

    Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat. She hadn¡¯t understood a thing in her first time at assembly, but Lou Zigui¡¯s sudden coaching had taught her enough. Right now, it was time for her to speak. ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Today, we¡¯ll discuss the matters of the refugees with everyone.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stepped forward from his position amongst the rows of officials.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Let Zhen finish speaking, won¡¯t you?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°May Your Majesty summon Esteemed Empress Dowager to the hall and request her for the hereditary Imperial Jade Seal.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. She supposed this guy would die unless she brought up the issue of the seal. ¡°Imperial Jade Seal?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Grand Preceptor Xie intently as she asked. ¡°You have to chose today of all days to discuss the Imperial Jade Seal with Zhen?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie knelt on the ground and said sincerely, ¡°You Majesty, ah, the hereditary Imperial Jade Seal is an important treasure of the nation, it is the origin of our country...¡±

    ¡°Enough with you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut off his lecture before it began. She¡¯d looked into that Imperial Jade Seal herself. It was nothing more than a piece of jade, more worthless than mantou in the apocalypse. (Author: Enough with you as well...)

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie still wanted to shout.

    ¡°Finefinefine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Have the Empress Dowager enter the hall.¡± If those two wanted to seek death that much, what could she do?

    The echoing summons for the Empress Dowager to enter apanied the woman herself. Just like that day at therge assembly, she was dressed from head to toe in mourning apparel as she took slow, unhurried steps inside. Although she¡¯d injured her leg that day, and imperial physician had examined her and said she¡¯d only hurt her muscle. Thus, Empress Dowager Xie was currently hobbling her way through.

    Ning Xiaoyao smiled at the sight of Empress Dowager Xie and said, ¡°Imperial Mother, so you¡¯vee.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was already nursing secret motives. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile, her steps faltered. She couldn¡¯t help but feel that her expression was exceptionally sinister, as if something about the entire situation was off.

    ¡°This subject greets Esteemed Empress Dowager, may Empress Dowager live for thousands and thousands of years,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie led the rest to pay obeisance to the empress dowager. Empress Dowager Xie nced at herself. She was now inside the Hall of Golden Chimes for the sole reason of presenting the Imperial Jade Seal. Even if she wanted to back out now, the chance was far gone. She took the box containing the seal from a mama behind her and took a step towards the stairs to the throne. When Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao was still sitting there unmoving, he coughed lightly in response. She looked over and saw him motion her to rise, and pursed her lips. She was unhappy, so she wouldn¡¯t get up!

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Hadn¡¯t they arranged for her to get up when the empress dowager came? Why was she refusing to do her part now that it was time?

    Elder Li raised his head then to nce at Ning Xiaoyao before creasing his brows and intoning, ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    Immediately, Ning Xiaoyao leapt up from the Dragon Throne and said to Empress Dowager Xie, ¡°Imperial Mother, walk slowly in case you fall down.¡±

    Lou Zigui suddenly felt displeasure in his heart. Were Elder Li¡¯s words that useful? Then what did he count for? (Author: Do you have topete for favor at a time like this? Wake up already!)

    Empress Dowager Xie walked to the imperial writing desk before saying lightly, ¡°Your Majesty isn¡¯t kneeling to ept the Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    For a second, Ning Xiaoyao felt the urge to ster this woman¡¯s face in poop. Forget about the real deal, she was even holding a fake and demanding her to kneel? Where did she get her self-confidence from?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Dowager Xie urged Ning Xiaoyao, who stood stubbornly unmoving.

    I just won¡¯t kneel, see what you can do about that!

    Empress Dowager Xie wanted to smash the box in her hands against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. This girl still wanted to oppose her at a time like this!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± While both parties were refusing to budge, an eunuch announced loudly from the door, ¡°Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun, Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan, Prince Xi, Ning Guangyu, Prince Qi, Ning...¡±

    ¡°Let theme in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before the eunuch even finished rattling off the names. She didn¡¯t mind if more people were here to see the show, so these princes might as well join in. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s forehead furrowed. What were these vassal princes doing in the hall? Because they had the Imperial Jade Seal, were these people thinking of forcing the emperor to abdicate? Empress Dowager Xie harbored the same thoughts as Grand Preceptor Xie as she shifted her gaze from Ning Xiaoyao to the gates of the hall.

    Ning Xiaoyao took the chance to seize the box holding the Imperial Jade Seal from the empress dowager¡¯s hands and ce it on its designated ce on her desk. Even if this seal was a fake, it still had to be made of jade. Later on, she could sell it off for money.

    The vassal princes quickly entered the Hall of Golden Chimes and bowed in obeisance to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Since you¡¯re all here, stand by the side and watch.¡±

    All of the princes stood to one side and really did settle down to watch the proceedings.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the refugees, then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao proposed.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject discussed things with various ministers yesterday. We¡¯ve decided that it¡¯s best if the Imperial Jade Seal remains with Esteemed Empress Dowager for a short time.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°And if Zhen doesn¡¯t agree?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie lowered his head, looking extremely respectful and modest. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject believes that Your Majesty should ce emphasis on nursing your health first and foremost.¡±

    Here ites.

    Ning Xiaoyao just knew that this old man wouldn¡¯t let her off. ¡°I--Zhen isn¡¯t ill,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If Zhen¡¯s not sick, why bother with nursing the body?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, since time immemorial, doctors have never treated themselves. Your Majesty cannot hide your sickness for fear of treatment.¡±

    By now, Elder Li had stepped forward as well. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s already said that his dragon body is in good health. Grand Preceptor, you keep iming that His Majesty¡¯s unwell, but just what kind of illness is it?¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor is His Majesty¡¯s maternal grandfather,¡± an official from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s camp epted the challenge. ¡°Could the Grand Preceptor not know if His Majesty¡¯s dragon body is unwell?¡±

    ¡°Rulers and ministers, rulers and ministers,¡± Elder Li said coldly. ¡°Since when have a ruler and his ministers been led by one¡¯s maternal ancestors? Grand Preceptor Xie, you ought to remember your duty as an official first and foremost.¡±

    ¡°This old man is terrified by Elder Li¡¯s words,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie personally took the stand to fight back. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s health concerns the country and its citizens. Could this old man dare to make irresponsible remarks?¡±

    Elder Li stared at Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°This Grand Preceptor should be clear in his heart where he stands.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie took out a pile of case histories from his sleeve and said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject braves death today to petition the throne, all because this subject wishes for Your Majesty to preserve your dragon body and quickly recuperate at ease.¡±

    Half of the ministers in the hall had already fell on their knees to ask Ning Xiaoyao to look after her health. Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. Supreme Commander Lou had told her that all of the ministers present today were big shots. But as it turned out, three-fourths of them already belonged to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction.

    ¡°What¡¯s that in your hand?¡± Elder Li asked.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s former health records,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    ¡°You,¡± Elder Li¡¯s face suddenly changed colors. ¡°Xie Wenyuan, you have some gall!¡±

    Since ancient times, the Son of Heaven¡¯s health records had never been officially publicized so as to avoid others taking advantage of the information. Today, Grand Preceptor Xie had actually submitted the emperor¡¯s records as a memorial to the sovereign. Did he still hold the emperor in his eyes?

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes filled with tears as he kneeled on the ground. ¡°Your Majesty, as long as Your Majesty preserves your dragon body, this subject is willing to die to atone for his crimes. Your Majesty, this subject kneels to ask Your Majesty to ce the country first and foremost. Your Majesty, ah!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt goosebumps growing all over her body. This really was like daughter, like father! If she was a movie empress, then he was a movie emperor!

    Elder Li ignored Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s act and angrily eximed, ¡°Since time immemorial, the imperial harem has never participated in the likes of politics. His Majesty has already taken over the reins of government, so the Imperial Jade Seal should be left safely on the imperial writing desk. Leave it for a short while with Esteemed Empress Dowager? Xie Wenyuan, just what are you nning to do?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t reply, buty prostrate on the ground to cry out for His Majesty. Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips and said, ¡°Don¡¯t make a racket. Zhen isn¡¯t sick.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie began to read the medical records in a loud voice. Elder Li took a few steps and bent down, intending to snatch the records from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hands.

    Oh!

    Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes, feeling that things had turned big again. While Grand Preceptor Xie and Elder Li were engaged in a mutual tussle, the other ministers got tangled in a mob as well. Very soon, the solemn and respectful Hall of Golden Chimes had descended into a chaotic vegetable market. Ning Xiaoyao cupped her chin in her hands as she looked at the crowds below. This was her royal court, so lively!

    The ever silent Lou Zigui turned a cold eye on the two factions before them. He was already fed up with this batch of civil officials. Besides verbalpetitions and party ys to grasp influence in the court, they didn¡¯t leave even half a foothold for the military in the pce. Just what had they ever done for their country?

    In the midst of his struggles with Elder Li, Grand Preceptor Xie dropped the medical records in his hands. The wind blowing through the open, spacious Hall of Golden Chimes scattered the hundreds and hundreds of pages until they filled the air. They looked like paper money sent airborne by the breeze. A few of the papers flew tond on the imperial writing desk, where Ning Xiaoyao gave them a nce. The traditional Chinese characters made her head ache, so she simply crumpled them up and tossed them away.

    Elder Li was a fierce fighting old man, but still the members of his faction were too fewpared to the rest. Very soon, he fell at a disadvantage against their numbers. But the ¡®clear stream¡¯ civil officials had never feared death in court. Even like this, they were still determined to struggle to the end, cursing their opponents as crafty, fawning types. Though some of them had been injured already, they didn¡¯t stop fighting. As a result, things grew more and more riotous in the Hall of Golden Chimes.

    Some Ning nsmen couldn¡¯t bear to watch theirpatriots get hurt and wanted to tell them to stop, but a few well-ced res from elder members of their faction sent them shrinking back.

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie yelled towards the entrance. Immediately, a troop of soldiers from the capital rushed inside.

    ¡°Capital city soldiers?¡± a nsman cried out in surprised. ¡°The Xie n actually transferred the capital¡¯s forces into the pce?¡± All of the nsmen who¡¯d been watching the show found their faces turning green. In the end, this hall belonged to their Ning n. What was Xie Wenyuan doing by bringing the capital city¡¯s troops here? What kind of ce did he think the imperial household was?

    ¡°Pah!¡± Elder Li spat on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s body and shouted, ¡°Traitor Xie, do you want to rebel?!¡±

    ¡°Take away these scoundrels who don¡¯t have His Majesty in their eyes, and who dare to defy the royalws and decrees!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even spare Elder Li a nce. They had been feuding against each other for two sessive emperors now, so it was about time to end it all.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± one of Elder Li¡¯s allies, a rather clear minded official, took the chance to call for Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao heaved a sigh. Ah geez, these people finally remembered Their Majesty still exists.

    ¡°Take away the criminals!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered coldly.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed the box of jade before her. She didn¡¯t know how much money a broken jade was worth. Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Xie had been staring at her daughter the entire time. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao grab the Imperial Jade Seal, she was quick to press it back down with a hasty question.

    ¡°What is Your Majesty doing?¡±

 Chapter 56: Yet another failure for the Xie father and mother pair

    <h4>Chapter 56: Yet another failure for the Xie father and mother pair</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao swatted aside Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hand before taking the Imperial Jade Seal from its casket and throwing it down the steps. The casket was jade too, so Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t bear to break that as well.

    When the Imperial Jade Seal fell on the ground, it shattered with a soft pyah. The noisy vegetable market that had be the imperial court instantly fell silent. A stray gust of wind stered one of the papers from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s medical records straight into Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face. Even so, he didn¡¯t budge. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet as she clutched the edges of the imperial writing desk to keep from copsing onto the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips split into a happy grin. See what happens when you seek death? The broken pieces of the Imperial Jade Seal were an offensive sight to the Ning nsmen and court ministers alike.

    ¡°This Imperial Jade Seal is a fake,¡± Elder Li said angrily as he recovered to look at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Xie Wenyuan, how do you exin this?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was utterly paralyzed. Events had gone beyond his expectations, leaving his mind in chaos. Elder Li was practically roaring by now.

    ¡°Do you really think that the world belongs to your Xie n? Xie Wenyuan, for fabricating an Imperial Jade Seal, you deserve the nine familial exterminations!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stilled his heart and turned to kneel towards Ning Xiaoyao again until his forehead touched the ground. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject has secret facts to report to the throne.¡±

    Within a short time, Grand Preceptor Xie had not only calmed down, but rapidly reviewed the recent course of events in his head. If Ning Yu dared to destroy the Imperial Jade Seal, there were only two possible reasons: one was that she possessed the true seal, and two was that she¡¯d made a trade with whoever stole the seal in the first ce. If that person wanted state power, then he or she and Ning Yu would treat the Xie n as their mutual enemy. After getting rid of the Xie n, the thief could struggle with Ning Yu for power afterwards. This too, could be considered a strategy. Based on his own beliefs from before, Grand Preceptor Xie was more inclined to the second possibility. Thus, he said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager discovered the Imperial Jade Seal missing yesterday. As this was a significant event, this subject decided it wasn¡¯t suitable to rm the members of court. Instead, this subject and Esteemed Empress Dowager set a trap to lure the snake from its den with the seal, wishing to trade the fake for the real one.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao secretly admired this guy, who almost made lies sound like the truth. ¡°Oh,¡± she chuckled twice, ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is, Zhen was too impulsive? Otherwise, you would¡¯ve caught the thief who stole the Imperial Jade Seal by now?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie knocked his head against the ground and said, ¡°It was this subject who was useless.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao called towards the door. ¡°Windy,e inside the hall with the Imperial Jade Seal.¡±

    The sound of many footsteps sounded from outside, before Windy walked in with the Imperial Jade Seal resting in his hands. Behind he was Shadowthunder, Shadowrain, and Shadowbolt, each leading three separate lines of Dragon Guards.

    ¡°You,¡± Empress Dowager Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao, her eyes nearly popping out of her sockets. Right now, she didn¡¯t look a bit like a matchless beauty.

    Ning Xiaoyao said to Windy, ¡°Windy, give the Imperial Jade Seal to my Imperial Mother and have her try it out. See if this is the real thing.¡± But even without Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s reminder, Empress Dowager Xie was determined to test it for herself.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie yelled harshly when he saw his daughter actually reach out to take the seal.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands froze in mid-air, and Windy handed the seal to Ning Xiaoyao instead. Ning Xiaoyao picked up the seal and mmed it down on the writing desk. Only two tries were enough to split the desk in two.

    ¡°......¡± said everyone in the hall.

    ¡°It¡¯s real,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she examined the undamaged Imperial Jade Seal. Everyone was gaping dumbstruck, still at a loss for words. Without the support of the imperial writing desk, Empress Dowager Xie fell and sat heavily on the ground. On the side, a eunuch in charge of court affairs looked like he wanted to cry at the sight of the wrecked desk. Last time in court, His Majesty had destroyed the Dragon Throne, so he could only bring over the one in the imperial study as a temporary recement. Now His Majesty had destroyed the imperial writing desk as well. If this kept on, would he empty out the imperial study entirely?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li was always the first person to recover their wits. He knelt down and beseeched, ¡°This subject asks that Xie Wenyuan be given the death sentence!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Old man, can¡¯t you see that the Dragon Guards are preparing to duke it out with the soldiers of the capital under Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯smand? How am I supposed to ughter Grand Preceptor Xie?

    ¡°The imperial harem cannot interfere in such affairs,¡± Elder Li said, turning his temper to Empress Dowager Xie next. ¡°This subject asks that Esteemed Empress Dowager returns to her pce!¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie slowly raised her head to look towards her father.

    ¡°May Esteemed Empress Dowager please return to the pce,¡± Elder Li¡¯s pupils chorused together.

    Empress Dowager Xie next turned back to look at Ning Xiaoyao. At this moment, she finally realized the significance of thete emperor¡¯s death. The person who doted on her most in the world was gone, so there was no one left to allow her major and minor mistakes. Nobody else would ever keep her in the palm of their hand and treat her as a treasure.

    ¡°Late em...¡± Empress Dowager Xie began to cry, but her tears were genuine this time.

    ¡°Stop yelling for my Imperial Father,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut her off. She pointed at herself and said softly, ¡°Do you think my Imperial Father would still love you if he knew about these things?¡±

    Windy and the two eunuchs standing by His Majesty¡¯s side dearly wished they were deaf at this moment. Legends said that the dead could see the living one more time from a terrace in the underworld. Empress Dowager Xie was thinking of that legend when she stared dazedly at Ning Xiaoyao. What would thete emperor think of her once he saw this daughter of his, and heard the conversations between her and her father?

    ¡°You, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Don¡¯t think of getting a memorial archway in your name after all the whatnot you did.¡±

    Windy really wished he was too stupid to understand what ¡®whatnot¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao was referring to.

    She wasn¡¯t thete emperor¡¯s beloved consort anymore, but a poisonous widow? Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t hear Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, but her heart felt a sharp pain as soon as she thought of the words ¡®poisonous widow.¡¯ Clutching her chest, she gave a sob before fainting away. Ning Xiaoyao immediately felt delighted and had to force herself to look somber. She told the two mama who had apanied Empress Dowager Xie inside, ¡°Can¡¯t you see that my Imperial Mother¡¯s fainted? Carry her back to the pce and find an imperial physician.¡±

    The two mama had long been scared out of their wits and ran over woodenly at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. One of them grabbed the Empress Dowager by her feet, the other near her head. They were about to leave when they saw the sword-wielding Dragon Guards and capital soldiers standing by the doors. Immediately, their legs grew weak as they stopped, not daring to move.

    ¡°Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had to call out again, ¡°Escort them back.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Windy walked forward and gave a push to the mama supporting Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s head. Only then did the two mama follow Shadowgale with trembling steps out of the hall.

    ¡°She still wants to tussle in court with guts like that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself as she rolled her eyes. The two eunuchs nking her throne pretended that they didn¡¯t exist. They didn¡¯t hear a thing just then, nope!

    ¡°You must have been the one who forced Esteemed Empress Dowager,¡± Elder Li fired a shot against Grand Preceptor Xie as soon as the two mama left. ¡°Xie Wenyuan, your heart is ruthless!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°Elder Li can always trump up charges against me if he wants to condemn me.¡±

    Elder Li gave a deep bow to Ning Xiaoyao before dering, ¡°This subject asks that Xie Wenyuan be given the death penalty!¡±

    ¡°Old gramps, calm down a bit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°How can this subject be calm unless that Xie crook is dead?¡± Even veins were popping out from Elder Li¡¯s head.

    ¡°Then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then turn around and take a look behind you. Let¡¯s all stay calm, it¡¯s a devil to be impatient.¡±

    Elder Li looked back, only to see two forces standing at face off against each other.

    ¡°Teacher,¡± one of his pupils said in a low voice, ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to put that Xie crook to death.¡±

    Lou Zigui walked in front of Grand Preceptor Xie and murmured, ¡°Grand Preceptor has misjudged this Lou.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s gaze flickered, as Lou Zigui added, ¡°And misjudged His Majesty as well.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was holding onto a fragment of jade from the fake Imperial Jade Seal in his hands. After his hand shook twice, the shard dug into his flesh and drew blood. Even when the liquid seeped past his fingertips, he still didn¡¯t feel the pain. This was his first time experiencing such crushing defeat, up to the point that he was unable to retaliate.

    ¡°Let¡¯s each take a step back,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Grand Preceptor should return to your estate to reflect, while His Majesty takes over the reins of government. What does Grand Preceptor think?¡±

    ¡°The imperial harem can¡¯t meddle in such affairs,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°So, Lou Zigui, a soldier like you can?¡±

    The Yongning Dynasty had always used its civil powers to rule its military powers. The military didn¡¯t interfere with anything as part of the precepts set down by founding ancestors of the country from the Ning n. Grand Preceptor Xie stared coldly at Lou Zigui. As if it¡¯d be easy for a soldier to interfere!

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips rose up into an icy smile. ¡°Even though the imperial harem can¡¯t interfere, didn¡¯t Grand Preceptor do his best to allow Esteemed Empress Dowager to hold court from behind the screen anyways?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hand loosened, allowing the bloody jade fragment between his fingers to drop to the ground.

    ¡°Whether it¡¯s war or peace, I¡¯ll keep youpany,¡± Lou Zigui said quietly. Grand Preceptor Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who was currently ying around with the Imperial Jade Seal in her hands. What did it mean to pick up a rock and smash your own foot? Exactly this!

    When Ning Xiaoyao felt someone staring at her, she looked up and discovered Grand Preceptor Xie. She tossed the Imperial Jade Seal up and down as she asked, ¡°Grand Preceptor, do you still have more words to say?¡±

    Slowly, Grand Preceptor Xie kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao again. ¡°This subject deserves death.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say such useless things,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Say something more realistic.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie simply said, ¡°This subject will listen to Your Majesty handle matters.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao really, truly, extremely wanted to tell Grand Preceptor Xie to go die, but when she saw the two rows of people standing by the door, staring at each other like enemy zombies, she only suppressed the urge in her heart. Meanwhile, Lou ZIgui nced at Ning Xiaoyao and lightly shook his head.

    Ning Xiaoyao ced the Imperial Jade Seal to one side and said, ¡°You¡¯ve all just seen as well. Empress Dowager is in terrible health, fainting here and there. This isn¡¯t a good trend at all.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. Esteemed Empress Dowager was actually infuriated into fainting by you, right?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯ll be very filial to Empress Dowager. She¡¯s my own ma after all, right? Just have Empress Dowager recuperate in her pce. As for the Grand Preceptor, just look at what you¡¯ve done today. I know you had good intentions, ah--you wanted to catch the thief who stole the Imperial Jade Seal, lure the snake from its den--but what if someone didn¡¯t know? They might think you¡¯re rebelling instead!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. He did want to rebel, didn¡¯t he?

    ¡°This subject knows his wrongs,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie admitted.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, then. Go home and think over your wrongs carefully,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Once you¡¯ve thought things through,e see Zhen again.¡±

    ¡°This subject epts the decree,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie kowtowed to thank Ning Xiaoyao for her grace before rising to his feet and backing up three steps. Then he turned around and walked out of the Hall of Golden Chimes.

    Hello Grand Preceptor, goodbye Grand Preceptor, the little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart was waving farewell to the old man. Once he left the hall, the capital soldiers immediately withdrew as well. Ning Xiaoyao touched the jade casket hidden by her butt. Ah-ya, this treasure was still here. White jade too, without a single w or blemish. I estimate it¡¯s worth a lot of money.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± someone spoke up while Ning Xiaoyao was appraising a mental price for the jade casket. ¡°Is Your Majesty going to let Xie Wenyuan go just like that after he fabricated an Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up as her eyes locked gazes with Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun.

 Chapter 57: His Majesty has the qualities of an enlightened sovereign

    <h4>Chapter 57: His Majesty has the qualities of an enlightened sovereign</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao took a look at the fatty standing before her. Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun, had the stomach of a seven to eight months pregnant woman. If not for the fact that he was all fat beneath those robes, Ning Xiaoyao would¡¯ve suspected he had hydrepigastrium[1. Hydrepigastrium (¸¹¼¡Ë®) - fujishui, umtion of water between the stomach muscles] instead. Don¡¯t assume that women were the only creatures who ced an importance on beauty in this world. Ning Guangshun couldn¡¯t even keep a straight face when Ning Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t stop staring at his stomach. He wanted to suck his tummy in, but didn¡¯t have the capability to.

    Finally, that Prince Fu lost his temper and cried, ¡°If Your Majesty isn¡¯t thinking about the cmity that is Xie Wenyuan, what use is it to stare at this subject?!¡± Whenever Ning Guangshun got angry, his entire body would shake. His breathing too, sounded like an air blower in use.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Good physique, haha. Very good physique.¡±

    Ning Guangshun had a sudden urge to kill Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else in the hall. Truly, His Majesty is a genius when ites to offending others.

    Lou Zigui knew that these rtives were blood-sucking types that were difficult to deal with so he said, ¡°Your Majesty, how about adjourning the session?¡±

    ¡°Adjourning?¡± Ning Guangshun asked. ¡°Will Xie Wenyuan¡¯s matter be dropped just like that, leaving a light consequence for such a lofty issue?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Then what do you want done?¡±

    Ning Guangshun replied, ¡°Is Your Majesty unclear on the crime for fabricating an Imperial Jade Seal?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao answered, ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s already exined himself.¡±

    ¡°But the Imperial Jade Seal was clearly in Your Majesty¡¯s hands,¡± another rtive piped up. The rest of the nsmen all nodded their heads in agreement. Their eyes were shining like freshly fallen snow. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t hope to blindside them to pass their obstacle.

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped speaking. Ning Guangshunughed coldly and said, ¡°Does Your Majesty still want to protect your maternal n, even now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao smacked her lips and pointed at the wide open doors leading out of the hall. ¡°How¡¯s this for an idea? Why don¡¯t you take some people to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and kill him?¡±

    Ning Guangshun choked at her words. What was he supposed to kill the Grand Preceptor with?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°This guy, who is he?¡± She nced at Lou Zigui, waiting for him to make an introduction.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°That one is Prince Fu.¡±

    ¡°Prince Fu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Zhen will give you an imperial decree right now. Take some men and go kill the Grand Preceptor, how¡¯s that?¡±

    Ning Guangshun wouldn¡¯t ept that decree even if they beat him to death!

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw that Prince Fu had chosen to stand there and remain silent, she chuckled. What¡¯s the use of yelling at me? If he¡¯s a real man, he should take care of it himself! Ning Guangshun¡¯s fleshy face turned alternate shades of green and red from anger.

    ¡°You guys, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she pointed at her imperial nsmen, ¡°If any of you guys have a way to kill Grand Preceptor Xie, I¡¯ll yield the Dragon Throne to him.¡± The nsmen looked at Ning Xiaoyao in surprise. She¡¯d made her imperial position seem like something of such little consequence.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up while cradling the Imperial Jade Seal, shaking her head at them with a sigh. ¡°How about you all go home.¡± These idiots were all talk and no action, she couldn¡¯t count on them.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li shouted.

    Ning Xiaoyao was starting to lose her patience. She stopped and asked, ¡°You want to kill the Grand Preceptor too?¡±

    Elder Li was delighted to reply. ¡°This old subject is useless and unable to put that Xie crook to death.¡±

    ¡°Then speak more politely,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We still have to work together. If you curse the Grand Preceptor as ¡®that Xie crook,¡¯ wouldn¡¯t he have to call you ¡®that Li crook¡¯ to make things even?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li¡¯s pupils were displeased.

    ¡°Let¡¯s all stop for a bit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao signaled Shadowgale to get the jade casket from the Dragon Throne as well, before telling the ministers, ¡°What¡¯s the use of just fighting each other?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, then the official sries for this subject and others...¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, ah, let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged the Imperial Jade Seal and ran. Official sry, your sister!

    His Majesty had fled like the wind, leaving Prince Xi unable toplete his sentence. He nearly choked himself to death. Just what kind of man is he? Was there ever an emperor like this?!

    Rather than flee with Ning Xiaoyao, Lou Zigui stood standing in the hall with his hands sped behind his back. His cold stare swept past all the imperial nsmen before he turned and strode away.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Guangshun called after him, ¡°Are you His Majesty¡¯sckey now?¡±

    Lou Zigui paused in his steps, but didn¡¯t turn around. Instead he said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being loyal and devoted to one¡¯s sovereign?¡±

    Ning Guangshun raised a hand to stop his fellow nsman from retorting. Lou Zigui had already chosen his branch, so it¡¯d be useless to persuade him otherwise.

    --

    When Lou Zigui left the Hall of Golden Chimes, he was greeted by clear blue skies and the splendid, fiery colors of spring. Ning Xiaoyao had her back to the sun as she stood in a side corridor, leaping and jumping as she waved at him to hurry over. After Lou Zigui reached her, he raised a hand to touch her golden, sun-kissed forehead--but Ning Xiaoyao grabbed his hand instead.

    ¡°My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she fled down the steps with Lou Zigui in tow just like she was escaping from zombies, ¡°Supreme Commander, didn¡¯t you hear those princes asking me for money?¡± She chattered away as they ran. ¡°How could I have any money? Let¡¯s run away, quick.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even have a chance to speak up as Ning Xiaoyao dragged him along. The Dragon Guards chased behind them, but despite their extreme lightness techniques and speed, they could only watch as His Majesty disappeared from their sights with Lou Zigui. The Supreme Commander¡¯s legs had almost left the ground entirely thanks to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s insane running speeds. ( o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°This,¡± Shadowrain said, gaping, ¡°Just who is His Majesty¡¯s master?¡± He really could run!

    Shadowgale fell silent for a while. Not being able to outrun Ning Xiaoyao had shaken him up quite a bit. If your master could run better than you, why would he need you to protect him?

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s injuries haven¡¯t fully healed yet, so how can he even run like that?¡± In the end, this was all Shadowgale said. All of the Dragon Guards fell silent. Was Head Commander feeling distress for Supreme Commander¡¯s sake, and thus ming His Majesty for running too quickly? But somehow, that didn¡¯t seem right?

    --

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Inside the Hall of Golden Chimes, Ning Guangshun gave a cold snort at Elder Li before leaving the building with his fellow imperial nsmen. By the time Elder Li slowly shuffled out, everyone had left except for the guards in front of the hall.

    ¡°Teacher?¡± a pupil supported Elder Li by the arm as he prepared to head down the steps. Elder Li stood at the head of the stairs, looking towards the path leading to the imperial harem. The white feldspar road was devoid of all people and shone golden-yellow beneath the spring sunlight. Because the roady on a nt and seemed to stretch on endlessly, it resembled a road to the Heavens that disappeared into the horizon.

    ¡°Teacher?¡± a few more pupils asked when they saw Elder Li stand there unmoving. It didn¡¯t look like he was angry, though.

    ¡°His Majesty has the qualities of an enlightened sovereign,¡± Elder Li suddenly said softly as he stared at the golden path.

    A few of the adults were stunned by his words. Elder Li pushed aside the pupil supporting him and walked haltingly down the steps. Outstanding rulers didn¡¯t need to possess unmatched literary talents or learning to seed. Neither did they have to be omniscient and omnipotent. If a sovereign was that powerful, why would he even need a court full of civil and military officials? In Elder Li¡¯s mind, as long as one kept the plight of the people at heart and tolerated all sorts of things with a magnanimous attitude to find the best solution in adversity, he was an outstanding monarch. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s deeds and actions over the past few days had fulfilled all of these requirements.

    ¡°Teacher,¡± a few men chased after him.

    ¡°He knew of the Xie n¡¯s wrongs, but was unable to pull up their towering tree by the roots,¡± Elder Li said quietly to them. ¡°So His Majesty knew to retreat while he was still ahead. His Majesty sold off his property in the pce to aid the refugees because he wanted to take care of that matter.¡±

    ¡°Just by saving a few refugees?¡± one of the men asked quietly. ¡°How will that solve the issue of their existence? His Majesty¡¯s lone efforts are like trying to put out a zing cart of wood with a cup of water--utterly inadequate.¡±

    ¡°At least His Majesty still thinks of the refugees,¡± Elder Li gave the man a look. A few others fell into silence. None of the three emperors preceding His Majesty¡¯s rule had ever bothered with the refugees. Perhaps if they had, the refugees wouldn¡¯t have numbered into the hundreds of thousands by now.

    ¡°This old man was disrespectful to His Majesty again and again,¡± Elder Li said. ¡°But His Majesty hasn¡¯t show this old man a fierce expression from beginning to end. His Majesty was only 14 years oldst year, but his capacity for tolerating others is something this old man admires.¡± (Author: If I say that kid¡¯s afraid of you, would you believe it, old gramps? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°It is as teacher says,¡± the men chorused. Ning Xiaoyao was far more different than the previous emperor, who didn¡¯t bother with anything at all.

    ¡°His Majesty will definitely be an outstanding figure after more discipline,¡± Elder Li suddenly grew daring and energetic. What did a subject ask for? Simply the chance to meet an enlightened sovereign!

    More discipline? The assembled ministers wanted to fall over at Elder Li¡¯s words. Do you really think His Majesty doesn¡¯t have a temper at all?!

    The little gyrfalcon flew past Elder Li¡¯s head. Of course Xiaoyao was going to be a big and mighty emperor! But this old guy still wanted to torment her? He followed Elder Li and his people as they left the pce gates until he saw the old man preparing to get on his sedan chair. At this moment, the little gyrfalcon forced out a stream of poop that plopped onto Elder Li¡¯s official¡¯s hat.

    ¡°.......¡± said everyone else.

    ¡°Awoo,¡± the little gyrfalcon flew past the pce walls and fled. Elder Li stared at his hand, which was now covered in bird poop after he¡¯d felt his hat. He wasn¡¯t as staunch as Grand Preceptor Xie, and extremely mysophobic besides. His hand shook, and he wanted to throw up, but after a few dry heaves he simply fainted away.

    ¡°Ah, teacher!¡±

    ¡°Aiya, Elder Li!¡±

    ¡°Teacher fainted?¡±

    ¡°Someonee, hurry--¡±

    ¡°Imperial physician!¡±

    ... ...

    Chaos descended upon the scene before the imperial pce gates.

    --

    ¡°Achoo!¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave a big sneeze while sitting inside the Supreme Splendor Hall. She rubbed her nose and told Lou Zigui, ¡°If it¡¯s not the Grand Preceptor saying bad things, it¡¯s probably the empress dowager cursing me!¡±

    Lou Zigui was currently seated to adjust his breathing. No matter how strong his martial arts were, he still couldn¡¯tpared to the running speeds of a gically evolved human. Ning Xiaoyao downed a cup of tea into her stomach before tossing the Imperial Jade Seal to Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, do you think the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager will be docile now?¡± Lou Zigui ced the Imperial Jade Seal neatly to one side before shaking his head. Ning Xiaoyao poured a cup for him before she said, ¡°Looks like the battles are still long from being over.¡±

    Lou Zigui raised the teacup and wet his lips. ¡°The royal court is just like a battleground. What you said isn¡¯t wrong.¡±

    ¡°Really? There¡¯s such a saying?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was wearing an expression that clearly said: I haven¡¯t studied many books, so you don¡¯t lie to me.

    ¡°......¡± said Supreme Commander Lou. Then why did you talk about battles in the first ce?

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked up the teapot and swallowed a few more mouthfuls before inspecting its cdon surface. ¡°This teapot doesn¡¯t look half bad. Is this worth any money?¡±

    Lou Zigui felt himself in a difficult position. He¡¯d never entered a pawnshop in his life.

    ¡°Ah peh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat before Lou Zigui had a chance to speak. ¡°We can talk about thister. Tonight we¡¯ll have dinner early before finishing up some big business.¡± Stealing grain was the more important, bigger deal!

    ¡°W...what big business?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Fang Tang suddenly ran in, yelling, ¡°It¡¯s not good! Windy¡¯s gyrfalcon pooped on Elder Li¡¯s head. Right now, Elder Li¡¯s fainted away in front of the pce!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Could she y around anymore at this rate?

 Chapter 58: All the good cabbage went to the little white pig

    <h4>Chapter 58: All the good cabbage went to the little white pig</h4>

    Currently, Shadowgale wasn¡¯t worried about losing his job because he couldn¡¯t outrun His Majesty, but holding onto his own gyrfalcon after what had happened. He really wanted to kill this animal, but still felt reluctant.

    ¡°That was Elder Li,¡± Shadowrain said anxiously. ¡°Why did it have to be him of all people?¡± Elder Li had fought against Grand Preceptor Xie for a decade. Though he¡¯d never won once, he¡¯d kept fighting again and again despite all setbacks. Was it easy to provoke a man that even Grand Preceptor Xie hadn¡¯t been able to kill?

    All of the Dragon Guards sucked in a breath. Gloomy clouds floated over the courtyard. By the time Ning Xiaoyao rushed over, Shadowgale was holding the little gyrfalcon like a chicken in one hand and a knife in the other.

    Shoot!

    Ning Xiaoyao rushed over and snatched the little gyrfalcon into her own arms. Then she yelled at Shadowgale, ¡°What are you nning to do to him!?¡±

    ¡°Awoo,¡± the little gyrfalcon felt greatly wronged as he burrowed his head next to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck.

    ¡°Your Majesty, Elder Li...¡± Shadowgale¡¯s expression looked pained.

    ¡°Why are you ming the little gyrfalcon when a bird pooped on Elder Li¡¯s head?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Hm?

    Everyone felt that something sounded off somewhere. Ning Xiaoyao patted the little gyrfalcon¡¯s wings and red at Shadowgale. ¡°Even adulterers have to be caught in the act on the bed. Did you see the little gyrfalcon poop? Don¡¯t all gyrfalcons look the same? Don¡¯t speak carelessly without proof, you¡¯ve frightened the precious thing!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale.

    ¡°...........¡± said the rest of Dragon Guards. For some reason, they always felt that His Majesty¡¯s words were utterly devious.

    ¡°Supreme Commander went to see Elder Li,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she prepared to leave with the little gyrfalcon in her arms. ¡°Eat early tonight, we¡¯re going out of the pce to work.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty isn¡¯t going to take a look at Elder Li?¡± Shadowthunder asked. Ning Xiaoyao nced at him. Was she really going to go over to get yelled at? Did all second-inmands have personalities that gave people a second of cringe?[2. a second of cringe (¶þµÄÌØÐÔ) - er de texing, a pun that ys on the meaning of ¶þ (er) or two/second in Chinese. In this case, to be ¡°er¡± is to be awkward, unable to read the mood, or somewhat off-kilter. Shadowthunder is the second-inmand of the Dragon Guards, so his nickname is ¶þÀ×, or Er Lei, in Chinese. Calling ¡°Er Lei¡± an ¡°er¡± means Ning Xiaoyao finds hisments topletely miss the point by focusing on Elder Li¡¯s plight instead.] For example, there was someone like this Second Thunder.

    ¡°Second Thunder,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke to Shadowthunder seriously, ¡°When we do things, we have to focus on the main point.¡±

    Shadowthunder was the type of man with a strong and sturdy build. He scratched his head and smiled sheepishly at Ning Xiaoyao, revealing a row of white teeth. ¡°W...whut main point?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands shook as she pulled out one of the little gyrfalcon¡¯s feathers. With Shadowthunder¡¯s build and his fierce, brave features, he could fully be trained into someone who could kill with looks alone. It¡¯d be a unique skill, but in actuality? This guy was a durd, how disenchanting!

    Shadowgale pulled Shadowthunder aside and asked, ¡°Just then, Your Majesty mentioned something about working?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dropped her voice. ¡°I¡¯ve discovered where the Grand Preceptor keeps his secret grain depot. Tonight we go to steal his grain!¡±

    Fsshhhhh--

    The sound of breaths sucked in simultaneously filled the courtyard.

    ¡°Really?¡± Shadowgale asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Really,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°It¡¯s even more real than pearls. When the sun sets, we¡¯ll make our move. Our slogan will be, ¡®Don¡¯t leave the Grand Preceptor even a single grain of rice.¡±

    The Dragon Guards suddenly felt that the Grand Preceptor was truly pitiful. His Majesty¡¯s grudge against the man must be as deep as a sea of blood.

    ¡°Keep it a secret,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the Dragon Guards. ¡°We can¡¯t let the Grand Preceptor know.¡± All of the Dragon Guards nodded. They didn¡¯t need His Majesty to tell them that. After that Xie father and daughter pair had nearly caused their deaths a few days ago, they too, held a grudge against them as deep as a sea of blood.

    ¡°Where is this grain depot?¡± Shadowgale asked as he left with Ning Xiaoyao. As for Elder Li...heheh, who was that again?

    --

    By the pce gates, Elder Li had already regained consciousness. His pupils had washed his hand clean and hidden away the stained official¡¯s hat. Since it couldn¡¯t be thrown away, they¡¯d take it home and wash it up themselves. Lou Zigui and Fang Tang slowly made their way over from inside the gates with a few imperial guards in tow.

    ¡°That, that falcon,¡± Elder Li grew agitated at the sight of Lou Zigui. Just then, he¡¯d been considering His Majesty as an enlightened sovereign before the emperor had gotten this bird to poop on him. Don¡¯t think he wasn¡¯t aware of how a bird had pooped on Grand Preceptor Xie as well!

    Supreme Commander Lou stood in front of Elder Li and asked the imperial physician who had beaten him here by a step, ¡°How is Elder Li¡¯s condition?¡±

    The imperial physician was quick to answer. ¡°To reply Supreme Commander, Elder Li is unhurt. It was just a momentary attack of nerves that caused him to faint away.¡±

    Fang Tang truly felt that this physician was in a difficult position. It was obvious that Elder Li had fainted away from disgust because of the bird poop.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t any of you helped Elder Li to his feet yet?¡± Lou Zigui asked the members of Elder Li¡¯s faction, whose foreheads broke out in sweat at his words.

    ¡°Where¡¯s that falcon?¡± Elder Li didn¡¯t allow anyone to help him up, but asked Lou Zigui while sitting on the ground. A few of his followers wanted their teacher to stop making a fuss. Sure, he could fight to the death with Xie Wenyuan, but he couldn¡¯t do the same with His Majesty as well, could he?

    Supreme Commander Lou bent down and forcefully pulled Elder Li up, before half carrying him to his sedan chair. ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand Elder Li¡¯s words,¡± he said.

    Elder Li attempted to struggle free, but Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even need the strength to swat a mosquito when it came to dealing with him. ¡°That gyrfalcon was raised by His Majesty,¡± Elder Li said angrily.

    ¡°His Majesty hasn¡¯t raised any falcons,¡± Supreme Commander Lou said.

    ¡°That one was personally raised by His Majesty himself.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? That isn¡¯t something this subordinate knows.¡±

    Elder Li was unable to get out of Lou Zigui¡¯s grasp, ring his temper all the more. ¡°Lou Zigui, do you think this old man is ignorant of what happened to Xie Wenyuan that day?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s your proof?¡± Lou Zigui pushed Elder Li into the government sedan chair, his hand on the door as he murmured, ¡°Elder, you released the one falcon who deserves ten thousand deaths to run free. There are tens of thousands of other falcons under the broad sky, so how can Elder tell the difference between them all, much less catch them?¡±

    Fang Tang¡¯s mouth twitched as he stood listening on the side. His Supreme Commander was acting like a rascal, forcing people to submit. Elder Li was so angry that he nearly choked.

    ¡°Last night, I entered an underground room in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui stuffed a roughly sketched map into Elder Li¡¯s hands. ¡°It was a torture chamber,plete with a secret room behind the north wall.¡±

    Elder Li looked at Lou Zigui. Yongning hadws in ce forbidding private torture chambers in the homes of ministers and schr-officials. But who still abided by thosews today?

    Lou Zigui continued to speak. ¡°There¡¯s a collection of bloodstains on that wall, and various torture tools within the chamber. Without a doubt, it¡¯s used for torture.¡±

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Elder Li asked.

    ¡°Uncover this torture chamber,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice. ¡°Isn¡¯t this yet another crime on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s record?¡±

    ¡°This is child¡¯s y,¡± Elder Li said in a low voice. ¡°Fabricating an Imperial Jade Seal could only reduce him to reflecting on his wrongs behind closed doors. The existence of a single torture chamber can¡¯t hurt Xie Wenyuan a whit.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a military man,¡± Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°I only know that you have to hit a dog in the water[3. dog in the water (ÂäË®¹·) - luo shui gou, ng for a viin who is down on his luck.] where it hurts. Isn¡¯t it good to make Xie Wenyuan stay home to reflect for a few more extra days?¡±

    Elder Li bent his body forward to close the distance between them, before saying, ¡°You chose this old man to stir up troubles for Xie Wenyuan. Just what are you nning?¡±

    ¡°Naturally, to put my life on the line and assist His Majesty in governing the country,¡± Lou Zigui replied softly.

    Elder Li withdrew and straightened up so he was sitting properly in the sedan chair. Then he looked at Lou Zigui and said, ¡°This old man understands.¡± Lou Zigui straightened up as well, giving Elder Li a slight bow before turning to leave.

    ¡°Supreme Commander Lou,¡± Elder Li left him with somest words. ¡°This old man will remember your words today. Don¡¯t forget them in the future when Supreme Commander is standing with one man above and tens of thousands below.[4. one man above...tens of thousands below.... (Ò»ÈËÖ®ÏÂ£¬ÍòÈËÖ®ÉÏ) - yiren zhixia, wanren zhishang, a saying to refer to a man in a position of power second to only the emperor, the sole figure ¡°above¡± him in terms of authority. Elder Li is predicting that Lou Zigui will one day grow to be such a man under Ning Xiaoyao.]¡±

    With his back facing Elder Li, Lou Zigui gave a slight nod. Then he resumed his journey into the pce. Elder Li sat in the sedan chair and watched him enter the pce gates before lifting his foot to stomp on the carriage. ¡°Leave.¡±

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was lecturing the little gyrfalcon in her room with Big Boss ck listening in on the side.

    ¡°But that old man wanted to torment you,¡± the little gyrfalcon still felt very wronged. He did a good thing by pooping on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s head, but when he did the same thing to Elder Li, who had already treated Xiaoyao poorly, he was a bad guy instead? What kind of logic was that?

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head and said ,¡±Disciplining doesn¡¯t mean the same thing as tormenting, ah.¡± This is why they say you should never provoke illiterates.

    ¡°Then what does it mean?¡± the little gyrfalcon asked.

    ¡°It means to maltreat someone,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. ¡°Stuff like burn you in a fire, starve you, or leave you in a snowstorm with only a cotton-padded jacket.¡± (Author: Are you sure you¡¯re exining the concept of ¡®discipline¡¯ here? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Hearing this, the little gyrfalcon still felt that he hadn¡¯t done anything wrong at all. Meanwhile, Big Boss ck wanted to find Elder Li and leave cat poop on his face.

    ¡°Aye!¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. It looked like that old man wasn¡¯t nning to let her off. What should she do? Even when Lou Zigui entered the room, she was still sighing and exhaling.

    He sat next to her and asked, ¡°What is it, Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head hung as she said, ¡°I¡¯ve found out that Elder Li isn¡¯t nning to let me off.¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t do such a thing,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°I told him to go to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate tonight, so it¡¯ll be the Grand Preceptor he doesn¡¯t let off.¡±

    ¡°Whaa? Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediatelyughed. ¡°For real? Supreme Commander, how¡¯d you manage that?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to the grain depot tonight,¡± Lou Zigui silently lifted Big Boss ck off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders and brushed away the stray cat fur on her cor. ¡°If word of it leaks out and alerts the Grand Preceptor, he¡¯ll send a troop of capital soldiers, or maybe even the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s men. How would we be able move away the grain once they show up? I think that Elder Li can at least buy us some time if he¡¯s at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cocked her head to one side to look at him. Sighing with emotion, she dered, ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re pretty evil, yo.¡±

    Lou Ziguiughed, the sound like a gentle breeze. ¡°I¡¯m evil?¡± he asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao split her face into a grin as she wrapped her hands around his neck and bent over him. There was a soft mwah as she nted a kiss on his face and said, ¡°Not evil, not evil a bit! I like!¡±

    The sudden kiss turned Lou Zigui¡¯s smile stiff. No, it was more urate to say that Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s entire body had frozen up. Ning Xiaoyao was still imagining how they wouldpletely empty out the grain depot while Elder Li was teaching Grand Preceptor Xie a painful lesson in his house. The more she thought, the happier His Majesty Ning became. She held onto to Supreme Commander Lou and mwah, mwah, kissed him multiple times. Of course she had to reward such an amazing partner!

    ¡°This is wonderful, we¡¯re going to have rice and flour really soon!¡± Ning Xiaoyao leaped up from the bench,pletely ignoring Big Boss ck, who looked like he wanted to bite her to death. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the kitchens and see what we¡¯re having for dinner tonight.¡±

    She wanted to leave right after kissing him?

    Lou Zigui saw that the bouncy girl before him was about to escape, so he reached out to grab her hand.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a smile. ¡°Supreme Commander, is there something else?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou grit his teeth before efficiently pulling Ning Xiaoyao into hisp until she was sitting on his leg. Forget about maintaining distance between a man and a woman. Haven¡¯t we already experienced skinship together? Seeing this, Big Boss ck felt unwell all over. He jumped off the table and out the window to escape. He had to find a ce to calm down, because it turned out that his Supreme Commander like ninnies like Xiaoyao. Was the fate of all good cabbages to be eaten by little white pigs? (Author: What kind of nonsense are you spewing?)

    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao. There were some questions that demanded proper answers.

 Chapter 59: Because I like you, because Iâ€™m happy

    <h4>Chapter 59: Because I like you, because I''m happy</h4>

    Lou Zigui lowered his head and rested it against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face, before going on to exin his question in detail.

    ¡°If I like someone, I kiss them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had been born as a gically evolved human being with loose moral standards. Her reply was powerful enough to leave an impression. People in the apocalypse greeted each other with kisses as a form of hello. They did goodbye kisses as well. Happy times were marked with celebratory kisses, while tragedies were consoled byforting ones. What was the big deal?

    ¡°Like?¡± Lou Zigui asked again. He lived in a time and age where matchmakers paired up couples and the parents¡¯ word wasw. Husband and wife didn¡¯t even meet each other before marriage, so having a girl say she liked him to his face was, while not universally shocking, still teetering on the border of his expectations. When Ning Xiaoyao saw Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s serious face, she couldn¡¯t help but to grow serious herself.

    After some thought, she finally said, ¡°Mm, because I like you and because I was happy.¡± If she didn¡¯t like him, she wouldn¡¯t have been willing to grab him, much less set her lips on him. And if she hadn¡¯t been happy, she wouldn¡¯t have thought of kissing him in the first ce.

    Lou Zigui felt his heart grow restless. Though he¡¯d asked his question and gotten the answer, he had no experience with females at all. Faced with such a situation, he still didn¡¯t know what to do, much less what he felt like. Happy? But he also felt rmed and restless. rmed? What kind of thing made someone happy and rmed at the same time? He had a clear conscience upon self-examination, because he was pleased with his current debt of gratitudebined with his duty for vengeance. All of the methods Supreme Commander Lou had used in the past few days to deal with different things werepletely useless for the situation at hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao cradled Lou Zigui¡¯s face. When Supreme Commander Lou felt clueless, he usually wore an expressionless face. His current expression was a strange one for Ning Xiaoyao and made her wonder. Did I make a mistake somewhere? Ning Xiaoyao asked herself. Was the kissing method all wrong, or was the timing off? Maybe this was wrong ce for kisses? Or was this simr to Shadowgale and Little Peach Blossom from the imperial kitchens? Had Supreme Commander found his own true love somewhere in the pce as well? (Author: How many times have I told you? If you don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, don¡¯t make wild guesses!)

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s brain ran over the options of time, ce, and person before she loosened her hands and shook her head in embarrassment. No matter how she looked at it, the person seemed most likely to me. You could grab a handful of babes anywhere in the pce and find one that was pleasing. Such things were way toomonce.

    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao apologized to Lou Zigui. ¡°I didn¡¯t know a thing.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s heart was still in turmoil, but now he was at a loss. He grabbed Ning Xiaoyao before she stood up and asked, ¡°What don¡¯t you know?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve found your true love,¡± Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Congrattions, ah.¡± She definitely wasn¡¯t going to be some third wheel in their rtionship. People in the apocalypse could bed each other as they liked, but you weren¡¯t supposed to get involved with people who¡¯d already found their true love. Anyone who destroyed true love deserved to be bitten by zombies!

    ¡°True love?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand her words.

    ¡°Wh-which girl is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Any female who could capture Lou Zigui so quickly had to be someone she should meet. She¡¯d slept with him once, after all. The great and mighty Supreme Commander should give up on avenging himself for that fact, at most? (Author: If you want to be human, you need to have a conscience, hey!)

    Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s face had turnedpletely ck. If he still didn¡¯t understand Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words by now, then he was an idiot.

    ¡°You can¡¯t say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao saw his face darken and felt that things had gottenplicated. Hopefully his true love wasn¡¯t the empress, because that babe already had her own true love and a baby to boot. Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao before gripping her arms tightly.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Don¡¯t say it, then. I¡¯m not forcing you to do anything, so can¡¯t you let me go first?¡± If this continued, she wouldn¡¯t be able to resist fighting back. Did he think her arms were made of steel?

    ¡°There is no other woman,¡± Lou Zigui finally spoke up.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was stunned.

    Lou Zigui pulled the person in his arms into an embrace and said, ¡°That day, I promised you that I wouldn¡¯t wed anyone without giving you a proper justification.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re actually nning to hog Supreme Commander all to yourself?!¡± Big Boss ck yelled angrily from outside the window. ¡°Ning Xiaoyao, go die, die, dieeee ahhh--¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. In all honesty, when had she ever brought up terms like that with Supreme Commander Lou?

    ¡°Ning Xiaoyao!¡± Big Boss ck was still shouting and yelling. The little gyrfalcon flew outside. This damned cat was cursing at Xiaoyao, how unforgivable! Outside the window, the cat and gyrfalcon started to fight with meows and cries as bits of cat fur and feathers flew into the air. Ning Xiaoyao stuck her neck out the window, wanting to see all the fuss. More urately, she wanted to see what Big Boss ck looked like when he was acting at his most vicious. But Lou Zigui was in no mood to pay attention to the events happening outside.

    He raised a hand and grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s somewhat tubby chin and murmured, ¡°You like me, hm?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She didn¡¯t find anyone disagreeable in this world besides the Xie father and daughter pair.

    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze darkened as he peered at Ning Xiaoyao. He was considered to be the bane of others¡¯ existence. Aside from the fellow brothers under hismand, no one else dared to approach him. It was as if they feared a single word with him would cause their deaths. As a person used to being alone, he wasn¡¯t self-confident enough to believe that anyone would like him.

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed out loud. What was there to fear? Big Boss ck biting her to death? (Author: Can you two stop having such different trains of thought? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    So this means she¡¯s not scared? Lou Zigui stared at her nkly. Then unexpectedly, he leaned down to kiss Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s open mouth, causing their tongues to touch. Thus, the mighty Supreme Commander Lou learned how to kiss without ever consulting a teacher.

    --

    ¡°Hurry up and get dark soon!¡±

    After the time it took to brew a cup of tea had passed, Ning Xiaoyao was standing by the window with her arms above her head, shouting at the top of her lungs. Over by the Wutong tree, one could see the patch of ck fur that belonged to Big Boss ck. He was pretending to y dead after fighting with the little gyrfalcon. Fighting falcons really wasn¡¯t something a cat should do, because he was tired to death.

    ¡°ck Tubby,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at him, ¡°You still have to lead the way tonight, so don¡¯t y dead.¡±

    Big Boss ck continued to y dead. Lou Zigui walked to the window as well, his mood all but recovered. There was still an unnatural air about him, but he went ahead and rested his hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze trailed downwards because she¡¯d definitely felt that, oh~

    Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s face fell.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke with the tone of an old experienced Daoist. ¡°It¡¯s normal to shoot identally while polishing a gun. It¡¯s the same as our first time, when you couldn¡¯tst long--¡±

    Lou Zigui muffled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth, feeling unsatisfied by the fact that he was always at a disadvantage when it came to such topics. He held Ning Xiaoyao while standing by the window and kissed her for awhile longer. When he finished, he said fiercely, ¡°Don¡¯t stir up the mes.¡± Despite his expression, he was faint at heart.

    Ning Xiaoyao spared a nce at the foot of the Wutong tree outdoors. Big Boss ck was lying there like he¡¯d rather die instead of living.

    ¡°N-Ning Yu?¡± Lou Zigui tried saying her name.

    ¡°Ning Xiaoyao. I¡¯m called Ning Xiaoyao,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to shake her head. Then she grew serious and added, ¡°If you call me Ning Yu, our friendship ends here!¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou fell silent.

    ¡°Let me hear you try calling me ¡®Xiaoyao,¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao demanded.

    ¡°You don¡¯t like ¡®Ning Yu¡¯ as a name?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s so good about that name?¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt indignant. Who wanted to share a name with the unlucky bastard who¡¯d been killed off by her own mother?

    ¡°This name was bestowed upon you by thete emperor,¡± Lou Zigui said quietly.

    ¡°That¡¯s because my father didn¡¯t know I was a fem--¡±

    ¡°All right, I know,¡± Supreme Commander Lou muffled His Majesty Ning again. Why was this person so careless with her speech?

    ¡°Ning Xiaoyao.¡± Ning Xiaoyao moved Lou Zigui¡¯s hand aside and jabbed a finger at his chest, before poking him three more times.

    ¡°A gentleman is like yu, or jade,¡± Lou Zigui held onto her finger and murmured, ¡°That was thete emperor¡¯s wish for you when he gave you the name of Yu.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over, but still felt that this was ridiculous. Even if she was a he, could that he still be a gentleman like jade? In fact, what did ¡®gentleman like jade¡¯ even mean? Someone who looked like a piece of jade?[1. Jade was often used to describe a gentleman¡¯s most excellent qualities in ancient times. You can read more about the specifics here.] (Author: There¡¯s no need to think, you¡¯ll never get it....)

    ¡°I¡¯ll go make some arrangements,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°And have someonee over to clean up the garden at the same time.¡±

    The little flower garden was covered in cat fur and falcon feathers. Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t stand the sight at all. Ning Xiaoyao nodded to say she agreed. She wanted to go to the kitchens too, to see what kind of food they were making today. Lou Zigui turned towards the door, but suddenly stopped, turned around, and bent down to whisper by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Xiaoyao.¡± When Supreme Commander Lou spoke softly, his voice was a little hoarse, just like someone who¡¯d just woken up. Even though he¡¯d only said two words, there was an unclear quality to them.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like she¡¯d been electrocuted. Lou Zigui brushed his hand against the stray locks of hair across her forehead before turning to leave.

    The heck! Ning Xiaoyao leaned against the window ledge as she watched Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s retreating form. As a former doctor, she could measure with her eyes that the proportion of his upper body to his lower body was 5:8, with the belly button making up the division point. These were gold-standard measurements. Moreover, he had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, two long legs, and was dressed in clothing that made him look thinner. He was just as impressive unclothed as well, plus he had a pretty face and an electrifying voice. Honestly, his very existence broke all thews of Nature! When Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to inspect her own body, she couldn¡¯t help but feel depressed. Comparing yourself to others would only make yourself angry! (Author: Do you have topare your body with a man¡¯s?)

    The little gyrfalcon flew onto the window ledge and chirped at Xiaoyao, spreading his wings to expose his tummy. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Big Boss ck was missing a patch of fur on his head, but this guy had lost feathers from his stomach. ¡°How could you let ck Tubby use his ws? How did he manage to reach your stomach?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, perplexed.

    The little gyrfalcon used its head to nuzzle against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. Ning Xiaoyao reached out to rubbed his bare tummy, and ayer of tiny new feathers grew out in exchange to cover up the bald spot.

    ¡°Meow~¡± Big Boss ck ran over with a cry.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave a mean snort before turning to leave.

    ¡°.......¡± said Big Boss ck. Was there ever a cat owner like this?!

    ¡°Little falcon, fly around the empress dowager¡¯s ce when you have nothing else to do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she headed for the kitchens. ¡°See what the empress dowager¡¯s up to.¡±

    ¡°Kay~¡± the little gyrfalcon spread its wings and took to the air, heading in the direction of the empress dowager¡¯s pce.

    --

    ¡°Take this letter to the Grand Preceptor,¡± Empress Dowager said, handing over a personally written missive to a eunuch. After receiving her decree, the eunuch cradled the letter and quickly left the pce.

    Currently, Grand Preceptor Xie was sitting in his study at his estate, flipping through the ount books from Head Steward Xie Laibao.

    ¡°This batch of army provisions will reach the western suburb¡¯s granaries by dusk today,¡± Xie Laibao reported quietly. ¡°Your servant had the subordinates speed up the pace. They¡¯ll finish storing up all the grain after nightfall.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie silently calcted the quantity of grain in his head. Once it was stored, he¡¯d have to arrange for people to move it elsewhere. Compared to the Board of Revenue¡¯s granary, his own reserves in the western suburbs was wealth equivalent to an entire nation.

    ¡°You must be careful,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie warned as he closed up the ounts. ¡°Make sure you don¡¯t attract any attention.¡±

    Xie Laibao hastily ttered, ¡°Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t worry. Your servant wouldn¡¯t dare to be careless. Moreover, who would dare to touch the Grand Preceptor¡¯s things in or out of the capital? Your servant doesn¡¯t think that such a person exists in this world.¡±

    There was that girl, Ning Yu. However, Ning Yu didn¡¯t know the existence of the western suburb¡¯s grain depot. Grand Preceptor Xi silently rejoiced in his heart.

 Chapter 60: Looting and being looted

    <h4>Chapter 60: Looting and being looted</h4>

    Just after celebrating the fact that Ning Yu knew nothing of the grain depot, Grand Preceptor Xie remembered the Imperial Jade Seal. Immediately, he pounded the ount book on his table. Xie Laibao shut his mouth as soon as he saw the Grand Preceptor¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°Bring a few extra men with you tonight when you go over,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered Xie Laibao, who hastened to demur.

    Then he asked timidly, ¡°Grand Preceptor, will something happen tonight?¡± Almost everyone in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate knew that His Majesty was at odds with their Grand Preceptor. When Grand Preceptor Xie mentioned bringing more manpower, Head Steward Xie immediately thought of His Majesty.

    ¡°If anything does happen,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said coldly, ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to risk your lives, either. Juste back. If they want to steal, then this old man will make it hard for them to steal a single grain.¡±

    Three generations of Xie n members had looked after the grain depot in the western suburbs. There was a switch inside the storage area that was connected to a system of irrigation canals filled with kerosene[1. kerosene (»ðÓÍ) - huoyou. Ancient Chinese had started using underground oil fairly early in their history. You can check out a diagram of ancient Chinese oil drills here.]. If anyone triggered the switch by the entrance, the kerosene would be lit on fire and destroy the entire depot. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s paternal grandfather had set up the system in the past. That was because if anyone discovered their Xie n secretly harboring army provisions, then they¡¯d be hard pressed to escape the death sentence. The fire was meant to destroy all the evidence. Because the depot had gone through three generations of Xie n members without ever being discovered, this switch had ended up being an ornament instead. If Grand Preceptor Xie hadn¡¯t made his remark just then, Xie Laibao wouldn¡¯t have even remembered the switch.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± Xie Laibao could discern the meaning hidden in his words. If anyone tried to steal the grain, they could just watch the granary burn to ashes. Even so, Head Steward Xie felt pained by the thought.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Xie Laibao could only obey.

    Grand Preceptor Xie pinched the thick ount book between his fingers. Since he and Ning Yu were on different paths now, how could he leave her any satisfaction? While Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s men were arriving with their grain delivery, Supreme Commander Lou had already sent men out in groups before night fell. The four main gates of the capital city were filled with people streaming in and out everyday. Humans, horses, and carriages formed a constant stream of traffic. One hundred men dressed as peddlers,borers or coolies mixed in with the crowd in twos and threes to leave the city. Even if the guards had been given instructions by Grand Preceptor Xie to inspect for any people from the pce, they weren''t able to discover these 100 disguised Dragon Guards. Meanwhile, the eunuch that Empress Dowager Xie had sent out with a letter for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate was detained outside the pce by an imperial guard. The letter was confiscated and the person captured, then locked away in one of the dungeons beneath the Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Ning Xiaoyao waspletely ignorant of Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s actions. After eating dinner, she and Erya started scraping off royal insignias from various gold, silver, and bronze wares until it grew dark. When the sun set, a crescent moon showed its face in the skies. ck clouds rolled across the horizon until it began to rain heavily. Ning Xiaoyao despaired in the face of such annoying weather, her bad mood leading her to devour half a basket of meat buns. Shadowgale and the rest began to worry that she¡¯d hurt her digestive system if she kept wolfing down food.

    ¡°The rain¡¯s too heavy,¡± Lou Zigui said as he looked out the window. ¡°Maybe you shouldn¡¯t go.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was putting on a palm-bark rain cape when she replied, ¡°Hehe, did you forget about Zheng A¡¯Niu[2] already?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t say a word after Ning Xiaoyao had struck his Achilles¡¯ heel.

    --

    After Grand Preceptor Xie finished his dinner, he started pacing back and forth in his study, seemingly anxious. His second steward Xie Laifu[2. Xie Laifu (Ð»À´¸£) - Laifu literally means e, wealth.¡± It¡¯s an interesting naming scheme that matches Head Steward Xie Laibao (Ð»À´±¦), who is e, treasure.¡±] rode a fast horse to the manor doors before running all the way through to the study.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Second Steward Xie was drenched from head to toe by the rain, but bowed and replied, ¡°May Grand Preceptor set your cares at rest. The grain has long been delivered and the head steward is currently taking men to move them to the granary.¡±

    ¡°Have there been any unusual movements around the grain depot?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked again.

    Xie Laifu was quick to shake his head. ¡°None. Your servant brought men to walk around the perimeter of the granary and didn¡¯t see anyone.¡±

    Only then did Grand Preceptor Xie sit back down. He¡¯d really thought too much of Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± a servant in charge of the gates came in a rush and stuttered, ¡°Grand Preceptor, it¡¯s n-no good. Elder L-Li brought a whole bunch of officials, and, and yamen runners from the Ministry of Punishments here.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had hardly warmed his bottom on the chair when he stood back up again. ¡°What¡¯s hee to do?¡±

    The gatekeeper said, ¡°Elder Li said that the estate had a t...torture chamber. He¡¯s here to inspect it.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie. Which old and great families didn¡¯t have torture chambers of their own? Did that old Li eat the wrong medicine or something?!

    Currently, Elder Li was standing in the heavy downpour, his skinny frame looking tall and sturdy in the rain. ¡°Charge inside,¡± Elder Li said to his pupils and the Ministry of Punishment¡¯s yamen runners while looking at the half-open gates of the front door. ¡°We live on the official¡¯s sry given to us by the sovereign, so we have an obligation to repay that imperial benevolence.¡±

    --

    ¡°Achoo!¡± Crouching in the bushes, Ning Xiaoyao muffled her mouth in a sneeze. Lou Zigui ced his own cloak on her shoulders until she was entirely enveloped beneath his form.

    ¡°Cold?¡± Lou Zigui reached out a hand to touch Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s own.

    ¡°Not cold,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°If I didn¡¯t see wrong, this is a cemetery, right?¡±

    Although the barren hills before them had no gravestones, each and every mound of earth looked like graves no matter how she saw them.

    ¡°It¡¯s a cemetery,¡± Lou Zigui confirmed, pulling Ning Xiaoyao into his embrace. He figured that Ning Xiaoyao had never seen such a gloomy sight. ¡°These are called grave mounds.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to prostrate herself before Grand Preceptor Xie for cing his granary amongst the grave mounds. He really knew how to find a hiding ce!

    Shadowgale silently climbed down from halfway up a slope and slipped into the bushes to report, ¡°Your Majesty, the head steward of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate brought people to the entrance of the grain depot. Your servant saw them just deliver grain inside. There¡¯s quite a few carts parked outside.¡±

    ¡°You get a ¡®like,¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. They were nning to steal the grain when their foes delivered more to the depot. Not everyone had this kind of luck.

    ¡°Then we,¡± Now Shadowgale was looking at Lou Zigui, ¡°Then how are we supposed to go over?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rustled the bushes as she leaped out of them and said, ¡°Do we need to pay attention to details if we¡¯re here to plunder the ce? Fellow looters, let¡¯s pounce!¡±

    ¡°Pounce?¡± Shadowgale asked Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui thought it over. Robbing and looting seemed to involve capturing people and goods, so all the looters had to do was pounce. He rested a hand on his forehead and began to seriously wonder whether this girl had been born as a bandit. When Shadowgale saw that His Majesty had all but disappeared, with Supreme Commander Lou ready to follow, he couldn¡¯t help but blurt out, ¡°We¡¯re just going over like that? Don¡¯t we need to hide our faces?¡± Were there such thieves who went to rob in in view?

    ¡°Why do you need to hide your face if you¡¯re helping His Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°......¡± said Shadowgale. That¡¯s right. Anyways, they¡¯d already fallen out with the Grand Preceptor. So what if they robbed him in in sight?

    ¡°I¡¯ve, I¡¯ve never done the work of bandits before,¡± Shadowthunder muttered on the side.

    Lou Zigui replied evenly, ¡°I haven¡¯t done it either.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. Was there a need to say that out loud on purpose?

    --

    Xie Laibo patted his chest as he saw the two stone doors of the granary swing shut. He exhaled a breath. After listening to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s instructions that day, Head Steward Xie¡¯s heart had been beating at least 200 beats per minute. He brushed the rainwater off his face. The grain was now stored inside with the doors all locked, and nobody had shown up to steal it. It looks like he¡¯d been scaring himself with his worries all day.

    Ning Xiaoyao stepped next to Xie Laibo and raised a hand to pat his shoulder. ¡°Hey.¡±

    With the heavy rainfall, the water-repellentnterns could only illuminate a small area of space. Xie Laibao didn¡¯t recognize Ning Xiaoyao at first nce and snarled, ¡°Who are you? You dare to pat this sir¡¯s shoulder? Bastard!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. Why did this steward have such a bad temper? Big Boss ck was perched on her shoulders as well, and couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Was his ninny a person that just anyone could bully? He leaped up and wed at Xie Laibao¡¯s face.

    ¡°Yowch!¡± Caughtpletely off guard, Xie Laibo met the cat¡¯s ws straight on before covering his face to howl painfully.

    ¡°Who is it?!¡± the guards that had protected the grain immediately started shouting at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand and pped Xie Laibao to the ground. ¡°You¡¯re pretending to not know me?¡± she asked.

    A sh of lightning lit up the night sky above their heads, followed by a rumble of thunder. This time, Xie Laibao clearly saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face and began to tremble so hard that he couldn¡¯t breathe. This, this person had shown up after all!

    ¡°Take this scoundrel into custody!¡± the leader of the grain guards raised his staff and pointed at Ning Xiaoyao with an order. Most of the Xie n¡¯s guards rarely met their match, because everyone who heard of the Xie n¡¯s name in the capital feared them. Who would really dare to fight against them? One order from their leader sent the guards rushed towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    Xie Laibao peed his pants. His His Majesty? They were simply rushing to their deaths! ¡°Don¡¯t, ahhh--¡± Head Steward Xie wanted to shout for them to stop, but his words soon broke into a wretched cry. His Majesty had lifted him above her head and thrown him at the iing hordes like a giant boulder.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck chased after Xie Laibao. This man was unforgivable, so he was going to make sure his face was covered in blood!

    The hundred or so Dragon Guards caught up in time to see Ning Xiaoyao fighting the guards with a brick in her hand again. Without a word, they joined in the fray. Aside from Song Jin, who was attending to garrison duties at the imperial pce, Fang Tang and the rest had alle along. When young General Fang saw the two groups of people duking it out between the grave mounds, his throat grew choked with emotion.

    ¡°Do we have to fight? As soon as His Majesty reveals his identity, will any of these men dare to fight back? Or do we have to keep things secret today so that Xie Wenyuan won¡¯t know we did this?¡±

    Lou Zigui could only sigh repeatedly as he watched Ning Xiaoyao dancing her way through the crowds with a brick, knocking people down one after the other. Would it be any use if he told her to stop fighting? ¡°Let¡¯s go help out,¡± Supreme Commander Lou told his subordinates. Since they were going to fight, then they¡¯d be absolutely merciless and force these people to concede defeat.

    Head Steward Xie cradled his head as he rolled around on the ground. His own Grand Preceptor had still underestimated His Majesty¡¯s ferocity. Don¡¯t risk their lives? Juste back? What was the use even if they didn¡¯t risk their lives? His Majesty wasn¡¯t letting them off one bit! When the cries of battle finally stopped, Xie Laibao lifted his head to look around him. Without exception, all of their guards had copsed on the ground.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck wed Xie Laibao again, this time on the back of his head. Head Steward Xie Laibao had already been dragged around by half the hair on his head. Though he tried to hold it back, he still couldn¡¯t help the pained cry that flew from his lips.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to his side and said in surprise, ¡°Huh, still alive?¡±

    Xie Laibao crawled to his knees and started to kowtow. ¡°Your Majesty, spare my life!¡±

    ¡°Open the doors,¡± Lou Zigui ordered Shadowgale.

    ¡°Y-you can¡¯t, ah!¡± a guard shouted. ¡°Without the key, the door will activate the switch inside and burn up the entire granary!¡± He didn¡¯t want to die. Once the grain depot caught on fire and destroyed all the grain, wouldn¡¯t these people kill them to vent their anger instead?

    - Zheng A¡¯Niu was one of the conscripts under Lou Zigui¡¯smand who invaded the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate at his orders to trick him into thinking they were after the Imperial Jade Seal. He was one of five men who allowed themselves to be captured, tortured, and interrogated by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. Unfortunately, Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t there that time, so he died from internal injuries incurred by torture.

 Chapter 61: Head Steward Xie despairs

    <h4>Chapter 61: Head Steward Xie despairs</h4>

    Shadowgale had already led his men to run to the door, but stopped short of touching it at the guard¡¯s words. Lou Zigui walked in front of Xie Laibao. When Xie Laibao looked up to see Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s serious face, he already felt pained despite not going through any sort of torture. Who else would hee to to find the key, if not me? But when Xie Laibao thought of his family members, he grit his teeth and decided not to reveal the location of the key even if they beat him to death.

    Fang Tang ran over and bent over to pat down Xie Laibao¡¯s body for the key. Then he shook his head and said, ¡°There¡¯s no key anywhere on him. Should we search all the guards here?¡± Even without Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s orders, the Dragon Guards had started to search the other guards.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the key?¡± Lou Zigui asked Xie Laibao, who refused to speak. Fang Tang raised a foot and stepped on Xie Laibao¡¯s fingers, causing him to cry out in pain.

    ¡°Speak!¡± Fang Tang kicked Xie Laibao¡¯s shoulder, causing him to roll around on the ground. The mud-covered Xie Laibao might be a ve of his house, but his master had tremendous power. Thus, Head Steward Xie¡¯s life had always been smooth and easy, so he had never suffered such hardships before. He¡¯d just raised his head out of the muddy water for air when Fang Tang¡¯s foot attacked him once more, forcing him under. After swallowing a few mouthfuls of mud and water, Xie Laibao felt half dead already. Even so, some of the generals were still dissatisfied and shouted, ¡°Why are you being so polite? Are you massaging his back for him?¡±

    Fang Tang wasn¡¯t content. ¡°What do we do if I kill this cur of a servant?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter even if he dies,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly.

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had words to say, but Lou Zigui simply waved a hand at her.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you don¡¯t need to involve yourself in these matters.¡±

    Xie Laibo wanted to beg for mercy and say he didn¡¯t know where the key was, but he had no strength to speak anymore. Fang Tang¡¯s foot stomped mercilessly on him until Head Steward Xie spat up blood.

    Shadowgale ran over at this moment and spoke to Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui in a low voice. ¡°We¡¯ve searched them all, but none of the guards have the key on them. Could they have a special location just for hiding the key?¡±

    A general piped up, ¡°Are there any people inside the granary?¡±

    ¡°Or rather, can the people inside only get out if someone outside opens the door?¡± another general guessed.

    ¡°We need to find the key,¡± Shadowgale was dressed in a palm-bark rain cape, but he was thoroughly drenched by now. Anxiously he said, ¡°Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t we havee in vain today?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quietly took out the key from her bag and ced it in her palm for everyone to see. ¡°I have the key, ah.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¦²(¡ã¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, went everyone else.

    ¡°Th-this is impossible,¡± Head Steward Xie muttered in a daze.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t any of you talking anymore?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Everyone else looked at her. What do you want us to say?

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head before ncing at Supreme Commander Lou. What¡¯s with this situation?

    Lou Zigui took the key from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm. Unlike normal keys, this one was double in length. Judging by its coloring, it¡¯d never been used before. He tested its weight in his hand before he said, ¡°If His Majesty can find this ce, then naturally he can find its key as well.¡±

    Everyone stared at Supreme Commander Lou in silence as well. Judging by your words, this is actually a very simple matter?

    ¡°Go open the door,¡± Lou Zigui gave the key to Shadowgale.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran along with Shadowgale so she could see what the granary looked like. When Xie Laibao heard the sound of the stone doors opening, he crawled upright despite his two broken ribs. By the time he saw both doorspletely open, Head Steward Xie spat out a mouthful of blood and fell, physically paralyzed, into a puddle of mud. How could this be?!

    Ning Xiaoyao ran inside the granary before quickly dashing back out. She rushed in front of Lou Zigui and began to dance for joy as she shouted, ¡°It¡¯s all rice and flour, all rice and flour, ah!¡±

    ¡°Then you...¡± Lou Zigui said. Before he could finish, Ning Xiaoyao dashed into the granary again. When she got back to the pce, she was going to give Oil Lamp one, no, three bags of peanuts!

    The rainfall seemed to have lessened. Lou Zigui lifted his head and saw that the clouds had scattered, leaving a crescent moon and a sky full of stars.

    ¡°The rain¡¯s stopping, right?¡± Fang Tang asked as he stared nkly at the sky.

    ¡°Put all the grain onto the carts,¡± Lou Zigui told a general standing by his side. ¡°We¡¯ll move them overnight.¡±

    ¡°The rain stopped!¡± Fang Tang shouted. As the first general walked past him, he pped the back of Fang Tang¡¯s head. This guy was already a general, so why was he still blustering about so crudely?

    It was easy to climb a mountain, but harder to descend, especially in rainy weather like this. At least the grain would be fine if it were to get a little wet, because drying it in the sun would take care of matters. However, the flour would be ruined by moisture. Thus, the break in the rain was good news for moving the carts as well as both rice and flour. All of the Dragon Guards were in joyful spirits. When Xie Laibao regained consciousness again, it was to see a bunch of people busying themselves with loading and moving carts. Someone lifted his face by the chin, allowing him to see Fang Tang and Supreme Commander Lou standing next to him.

    ¡°He¡¯s awake,¡± Fang Tang reported to Supreme Commander Lou.

    Xie Laibao trembled like a man afflicted with mria.

    ¡°Head Steward Xie,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    After Fang Tang kicked him once again, Xie Laibao seemed to wake uppletely and repeated over and over again, ¡°N-no, I don¡¯t dare, this servant, this servant doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to kill anyone today,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Xie Laibao kowtowed while sprawled on the ground to thank Supreme Commander Lou for his mercy.

    ¡°But how are you going to report this to the Grand Preceptor when we empty out the grain depot?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Head Steward Xie stiffened in response.

    ¡°Who else here knows the existence of the key?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Xie Laibao opened and closed his mouth soundlessly a few times. Fang Tangughed. ¡°It¡¯se to this and you¡¯re still worrying about the lives of others?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t pressure Xie Laibao verbally, but simply looked at him coldly. Head Steward Xie didn¡¯t let him wait for long, but twisted his head to look behind him. A group of Dragon Guards was looking after his guards, who were all kneeling on the ground nearby.

    ¡°Him,¡± Xie Laibao pointed at a person who resembled a personal assistant. ¡°The ountant for the grain depot.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Then he was the one who handed over the key. It had nothing to do with you.¡±

    Xie Laibao looked at Lou Zigui, his face deathly pale. This man wanted him to endure a living torture. Even if he had the guts to betray the Grand Preceptor, he didn¡¯t have the skills to match!

    ¡°I left you alive,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice. ¡°If there¡¯s matters in the future, I¡¯ll have someone look for you.¡±

    The stench of urine emanated from beneath Head Steward Xie¡¯s body. He really had been scared to the point of peeing his pants. Fang Tang backed away a few steps, his face filled with distaste. But Lou Zigui stood his ground, maintaining the same tone of voice as before.

    ¡°Of course, you can make a full confession to the Grand Preceptor. However, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be able to exin yourself clearly. There shouldn¡¯t be many copies of the grain depot key.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Xie Laibao. Please exin how His Majesty has the grain depot key? There were only two of them in total. The Grand Preceptor had one, while his own was kept either on his person or left in the secret storage box next to the granary main entrance. If his key was still here, then had the Grand Preceptor lost his own? If that was the case, would the Grand Preceptor still allow grain to be stored here? Had he gone mad?

    ¡°You should go,¡± Lou Zigui waved a hand at Xie Laibao.

    Xie Laibao thought it over before saying, ¡°May Supreme Commander show mercy and let me die to my satisfaction.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being stubborn now?¡± Fang Tang¡¯s temper red up as he strode forward for another kick. Lou Zigui patted his shoulder to keep him there, before ncing at Head Steward Xie.

    ¡°Then you¡¯d be the one who that handed over the key. Will Xie Wenyuan spare your family afterwards?¡±

    Head Steward Xie knew that he had no more options.

    ¡°What will the head steward choose?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Xie Laibao faltered, ¡°What does Supreme Commander want this one to do?¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to walk towards the grain depot. Since this servant had already bowed his head to him, there was no need for him to waste words with him now.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you hurry and scram?¡± Fang Tang said. Head Steward Xie wanted to stand up, but his broken ribs caused him unbearable agony whenever he moved. When Fang Tang saw him struggling to get up for ages, he simply kicked him unconscious. If Head Steward Xie couldn¡¯t walk, he might as well wait for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men to rescue him.

    By now, Lou Zigui was inside the grain depot, where the piles of grain and flour reached to the ceiling. Everything was stacked in neat little hills, enough to make him suck in a breath. The capital city was filled with refugees all over the ce, but the Board of Revenue had only 10 percent of its granaries stocked up. They had owed the army provisions year after year while the Xie n¡¯s granary was actually such a sight. In the midst of his fury, Lou Zigui felt a pang of sadness as well.

    Shadowgale walked over with a bag of grain on his shoulders before he looked around and cried out, ¡°Where¡¯s His Majesty?¡±

    Everyone inside the granary stopped working. Only now did they discover that His Majesty, who had been running crazily around the granary, had disappeared! Lou Zigui lost all interest in the scene before him as well and furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°Did His Majesty go outside?¡±

    A Dragon Guard standing by the stone doors waved a hand. ¡°Just then, His Majesty took his cat and left. I heard His Majesty tell the cat that they were going to the back of the mountains.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty was talking to the cat?¡± Shadowgale shouted.

    Lou Zigui rested a hand on his forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the back mountains to find His Majesty. The rest of you, hurry and take these supplies away.¡± After leaving instructions with Shadowgale, Lou Zigui left with quick steps.

    --

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was squatting beneath a protruding rock as she stared at the three round white furballs before her. One was bigger than the other two.

    ¡°Doggies?¡± she asked.

    Big Boss ck simply raised a paw at her. ¡°These are wolves, snow wolves!¡±

    ¡°.........¡± She¡¯d came out to pick the yummy wild fruits that Big Boss ck had mentioned, but instead of fruit, she¡¯d ended up finding three wolves instead.

    ¡°Get lost!¡± the mother wolf growled at Ning Xiaoyao, baring its teeth as it prepared to stand up.

    ¡°Why should I leave?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Did a trap get your leg?¡± When the mother wolf had moved, Ning Xiaoyao had noticed the animal trap biting into its left hind leg. Even her bone was exposed.

    This human understood its speech! The mother wolf was astonished.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao broke the trap on the mother wolf¡¯s leg. She was very strong, so her fingers and thumb were enough to snap the thing in two. The mother wolf was in so much pain that its entire body shook.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Ning Xiaoyao covered the mother wolf¡¯s injury with her hands. ¡°It¡¯ll recover very soon, so close your eyes and count one, two, three.¡±

    Pale green light surrounded the mother wolf¡¯s injury before the pain quickly disappeared. The ruthless light in the mother wolf¡¯s eyes softened as she said, ¡°Thank you, human.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Ning Xiaoyao released her hands as the wound healed. Even the fur had grown back. ¡°My name is Ning Xiaoyao,¡± she said as she pointed at the mother wolf. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Peach,¡± the mother wolf replied. ¡°So you¡¯re that Xiaoyao. I¡¯ll give you a present as thanks.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face broke into a grin. T-there¡¯s gonna be a present again?!

 Chapter 62: His Majesty Ning says, the darkness tempts one to commit crimes

    <h4>Chapter 62: His Majesty Ning says, the darkness tempts one tomit crimes</h4>

    ¡°I didn¡¯t save you just to get a present,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sincerely to the mother wolf named Peach.

    Big Boss ck patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face with his paw. ¡°Stop pretending.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I need money and grain.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Peach.

    An unsatisfied Big Boss ck asked her, ¡°Can¡¯t you control yourself a bit more?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Can¡¯t you ever shut your mouth?¡± First he told her to stop pretending, then he told her to control herself. Even a movie queen wouldn¡¯t be able to master such aplicated role. Peach licked her lips as she saw the human and cat about to break into an argument. Her tail gave a swish before a grayish ck cloth ball rolled out from behind her.

    ¡°I wanted to give you this,¡± she told Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the thing that some human must have thrown away and was now being used as Peach¡¯s toy. ¡°So it¡¯s a little cloth ball.¡± Getting a present was a happy asion, so Ning Xiaoyao cheerfully reached out to take the ball. But Peach wagged her tail and hid the ball behind her again. Ning Xiaoyao awkwardly withdrew her hands. Big Boss ck felt like his ninny had been bullied once more, and wanted to take revenge for her with his ws. Yet after he saw Peach¡¯s fangs, Big Boss ck grew rmed.

    Peach looked at Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°I was going to give you this cloth ball to start, but you said you wanted money and grain. So I won¡¯t give you the cloth ball anymore.¡±

    ¡°Miaow,¡± said Big Boss ck, ¡°Are you going to give us money and grain?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily waved her hands. ¡°No need, I have money and I¡¯ve just stolen some grain.¡±

    ¡°Over on that side of the mountain,¡± said Peach, ¡° There¡¯s a ce where humans live. You should go take a look, there¡¯s a lot of money and grain there.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I can¡¯t steal from themon people.¡±

    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re enemies with the Grand Preceptor?¡± Peach asked.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Did all the animals know about this?

    ¡°Those are the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men,¡± Peach said, ¡°My leg was injured near those big houses.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s joy came so quickly that she suffered apse of concentration. Big Boss ck bit his tail just to check. It hurt, so that meant everything happening right now was real! Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the mountain face before them and asked, ¡°Is it over there?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Follow alongside the brook to the north until its end, and you¡¯ll reach it,¡± Peach said as she looked behind Xiaoyao. ¡°There¡¯s a humaning, so I¡¯m going now. Xiaoyao, if fate decrees it, we¡¯ll meet again.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao heard the sound of footsteps as well, and turned around. Peach picked up one little snow wolf in its mouth and vanished into the forest. Big Boss ck shouted after her, ¡°Did you forget one?¡±

    Peach¡¯s voice came from far away, ¡°Xiaoyao, that other son of mine is too small and weak. I can¡¯t provide for him, so you can adopt him.¡±

    Lou Zigui had already reached the vicinity, but grew rmed when he heard a wolf howling. He unsheathed his saber and ran towards the direction of the noise.

    Ning Xiaoyao bent down to pick up the abandoned wolf pup, feeling its bones beneath the fur. She furrowed her brows and asked Big Boss ck, ¡°Why is he so skinny?¡±

    ¡°All whelps are skinny if you can¡¯t provide for them,¡± Big Boss ck reached out a paw to pat the little snow wolf¡¯s head. ¡°Peach took away the one that looked stronger.¡±

    In the animal world, mothers would always prioritize raising the healthier child. It sounded cruel, but that was simply survival of the fittest. Ning Xiaoyao hugged the trembling wolf pup tighter to her chest as she looked in the direction where Peach had run off to. She could still see her figure amongst the trees of the forest.

    When Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao standing unharmed beneath a rocky outcropping, he exhaled in relief and quickly went to her side. He spotted the white furball in her arms at a nce.

    ¡°Wolf pup,¡± Ning Xiaoyao showed Lou Zigui the little snow wolf.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes grew cautious as he looked around them. ¡°Where¡¯s the mother?¡± He¡¯d heard a wolf howl just then, so it had to be nearby.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Big Boss ck before she replied, ¡°Urk, it ran away.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyal. ¡°Ran away?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao waved her fist. ¡°Heheh, I¡¯m very powerful.¡±

    Lou Zigui wanted to cover his forehead again. If you¡¯re here to steal grain, then steal grain. Why are you stealing from a wolf¡¯s den, too? He grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and prepared to leave, wary of running into a pack of wolves. But Ning Xiaoyao simply nuzzled Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder with her head and said with a grin, ¡°The Grand Preceptor still has another secret location on the other side of that mountain. I don¡¯t know how many men he has, but we might as well destroy the ce over there too, right?¡±

    Lou Zigui found himself speechless at this moment. Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand in front of Lou Zigui¡¯s face. He¡¯d suddenly stopped speaking, but he didn¡¯t look particrly happy either. Just what was the situation now?

    Supreme Commander Lou grabbed the hand in front of his face and sighed. ¡°Did another one of your subordinates find this as well?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. She thought it was ludicrous to have a fake army under hermand when she was simply a leader without a following. Finally, she pointed at Big Boss ck and said, ¡°ck Tubby found it.¡±

    Big Boss ck suddenly sat up straight when Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s attention shifted to him. His dark green cat eyes opened wide to meet Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s own. Please praise me, please hold me!

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes dimmed. So she still won¡¯t tell me who¡¯s helping her. Ning Xiaoyao stared at the ground with a guilty conscience, because she¡¯d ended up crediting Big Boss ck for Peach¡¯s work. Lou Zigui looked into the distance. Under the cover of darkness, the other mountain peak seemed to pierce through the clouds. His silence made Ning Xiaoyao feel all the more guilty. She was about to make up another lie when Lou Zigui finally said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go over there.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hastened to nod her head.

    Lou Zigui lifted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chin and added, ¡°I hope that one day, Your Majesty will stop hiding things from me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face still held traces of baby fat, but now she¡¯d puffed herself into a steamed stuffed bun. How was she supposed to exin to him that she understood animals? ¡°I can talk to animals,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously as she looked at Lou Zigui.

    Supreme Commander Louughed as he headed towards the granary.

    Does he believe me or not? Ning Xiaoyao followed behind him.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Supreme Commander Lou suddenly stopped, causing Ning Xiaoyao to crash into his back. ¡°I¡¯m not forcing you to do anything. I just want to help you, and I w-want...want to protect you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gingerly touched her red nose. Fine, Supreme Commander Lou doesn''t believe me after all! The sadness!

    Soon afterwards, they reached the western corner of the northern mountain. A small stream meandered past the curves of the mountain. Tiny fish asionally leapt out the water, their sshing creating teeny sparks of light beneath the star-studded, crescent moon skies.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Ning Xiaoyao could hear the little fish shouting. She waved at the ripples to say hello. Lou Zigui looked at the jagged rock path beneath their feet, worried that Ning Xiaoyao would be tired by such a journey. When he nced back at her, it was with the thought of piggybacking this girl instead.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, look at the fish,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled broadly as she pointed at the leaping fish. Supreme Commander Lou quietly turned back to keep walking. He¡¯d been overthinking things by worrying about this girl. At the end of the brook was was another outcrop of mountains.

    ¡°There¡¯s no path left,¡± Fang Tang said as he patted a moss-covered boulder after he and a few of the Dragon Guards caught up from following Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°Over here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was scratching her head to search when she heard the fish in the stream speak up. A little fish jumped out of the water before sshing back in.

    ¡°I keep thinking there¡¯s something weird about the fish in the water,¡± one Dragon Guard told hispanion. What kinds of fish keep leaping in and out?

    ¡°Are they carp leaping the dragon gate?¡± another Dragon Guard guessed.

    ¡°But these aren¡¯t carp,¡± another Dragon Guard said quietly as he knelt by the stream.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Supreme Commander Lou shouted from the banks of the brook. Everyone turned to see that their sovereign had leapt into the water.

    ¡°There¡¯s a fissure here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after she ran to where the little fish had jumped out of the water. ¡°People can fit through it.¡±

    Lou Zigui rand to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. The mountainside here was covered in vines, so Lou Zigui took his de and hacked them all off. Sure enough, a crack big enough to fit a single person appeared before his eyes.

    ¡°This is the way,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took a step forward without even waiting for Lou Zigui¡¯s reaction, and entered the fissure. Moonlight couldn¡¯t prate through the crack, which was so dark that one couldn¡¯t even see one¡¯s fingers. However, the abnormal abilities of a gically evolved human helped Ning Xiaoyao see a five meter wide path stretch out from before her feet.

    ¡°The path¡¯s right here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she turned to shout outside. ¡°We...¡±

    She didn¡¯t manage to finish before a furious Supreme Commander Lou anxiously pulled her into his arms. ¡°What if there was a trap in here? How could you be so rash?!¡± Even with her in his arms, Lou Zigui¡¯s heart was still thumping. The moment he saw this person dash recklessly into the passageway, his mind had turnedpletely nk.

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, whose nose was stered against Lou Zigui¡¯s chest. As long as the trap didn¡¯t involve zombies, she wouldn¡¯t die.

    ¡°You can¡¯t do this again next time,¡± Lou Zigui loudly required Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Oh? I want you to remember, you can¡¯t have no precautions whatsoever!¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Still ¡®oh?¡¯¡±

    ¡°I, I know.¡±

    Outside the fissure, everyone exchanged nces. Supreme Commander, ah, we know you¡¯re worried about His Majesty, but you can¡¯t treat him as one of the cadets in training. He¡¯s His Majesty, ah.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s chin rubbed against the soft head of hair beneath him before he sighed. He was thinking how telling her all this seemed useless when a soft, warm sensation pressed again his face. Ning Xiaoyao had stood on her tiptoes to kiss him, her heart filled with contentment. It felt great to have Supreme Commander worrying about her. Lou Zigui touched where he¡¯d been kissed and gave a light cough.

    Ning Xiaoyao said mysteriously, ¡°Not bad, right? The darkness tempts people tomit crimes, oh~¡±

    Lou Zigui muffled the mouth that dared to say anything without care. Outside, Fang Tang carefully asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, can wee in yet?¡±

    Lou Zigui lit the torch in his hands and inspected the path before him, before replying, ¡°Come in.¡± A line of people followed along the path cut into the mountain to head north.

    --

    One hourter, Grand Preceptor Xie looked at the faintly brightening skies as he emerged from the underground chambers with Elder Li. ¡°That¡¯s a ce for imprisoning servants who¡¯vemitted crimes. Naturally, these people would harbor injuries on their bodies from the punishments they endured.¡±

    Elder Li gave him a cold smile.

    ¡°Where else does Elder Li want to inspect?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Elder Li kept up his cold smile. Grand Preceptor Xie was nearly at the limit of his patience. One of the estate¡¯s stewards dashed into the courtyard, in too much of a rush to even bow properly. He ran to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side and said a few words by his ear very fast. Grand Preceptor Xie staggered in ce. The granary of the western suburbs was done for....

 Chapter 63: Iâ€™m still a pauper?

    <h4>Chapter 63: I''m still a pauper?</h4>

    Elder Li saw Grand Preceptor Xie lose control of himself all too clearly. ¡°Has something happened again?¡± he asked while knowing the answer.

    Grand Preceptor Xie straightened up. Of all the times toe, Elder Li had chosen tonight of all nights, when the western suburbs had met with trouble. He looked at Elder Li and nodded. ¡°This old man still has matters to take care of. If Elder Li still wants to search elsewhere, do as you wish.¡±

    Elder Li replied, ¡°I can have my subordinates take care of the torture chamber issue. This old man also has matters to discuss with the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie pushed aside the steward supporting him and strode in front of Elder Li to say in a low voice, ¡°Did Lou Zigui tell you toe?¡±

    ¡°What does Grand Preceptor mean?¡± Elder Li replied. ¡°What does this old man have to do with Lou Zigui when I¡¯ve juste to inspect your torture chambers?¡±

    ¡°Elder Li should return,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ignored how Elder Li feigned ignorance. ¡°This old man doesn¡¯t want to get angry.¡±

    Elder Li even dared to scold Emperor Ning Xiaoyao like a dog in the Hall of Golden Chimes, so why would he fear Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s threats? He gave a chillyugh and spoke to his subordinates. ¡°There¡¯s still over half of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate that remains untouched. Why are you all still standing around?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was a tolerant person. Though his heart was raging, his expression didn¡¯t betray a single thing. He cupped his hands before his chest and said, ¡°Then may Elder Li do as he pleases.¡±

    Then he turned to leave. Elder Li was about to give chase when he was held back by two of his pupils who were officials at the Ministry of Punishments. They were worried that leaving the two men alone would end up with Grand Preceptor Xie poisoning their teacher to death! Grand Preceptor Xie walked like the wind as he spoke to the steward who¡¯d brought him thetest news.

    ¡°This happened as soon as it got dark, so why did you only tell me now?¡±

    The steward wore a pained expression as he murmured, ¡°Supposedly, they were being targeted by assassins the whole way back. They finally managed to get the city gates open with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s token, but Elder Li¡¯s men then kept them back at the estate¡¯s front gates. If they hadn¡¯t shouted and made a racket, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to enter.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was filled with loathing as he gritted his teeth. ¡°Where¡¯s Xie Laibao?¡±

    ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t know,¡± the steward replied.

    By the time Grand Preceptor Xie reached the courtyard in front of his study, the three sons by his first wife were all waiting for him. They rushed forward at his entrance.

    ¡°What are you all doing here?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Eldest Young Master Xie and the Minister of Revenue Xie Anyi[1. Xie Anyi (Ð»°²Ò×) - An means ¡°peaceful, at ease,¡± Yi means ¡°easy, amiable.¡±] said, ¡°Father, are we just going to let Elder Li rampage like this?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, father,¡± Second Young Master Xie added. ¡°Is our Xie estate a ce that Li thing can search?¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said when he saw that his third son wanted to speak up too. ¡°This old man has no guilty conscience, so why not let him search?¡±

    ¡°Father!¡± all three of his sons grew anxious.

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand at his sons. ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore. These things have nothing to do with you, so return to your rooms. Father still has business to attend to.¡±

    The three young masters saw Grand Preceptor Xie walk through the full moon door leading to his quarters, but none of them had the nerve to follow after him.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± the person who¡¯de to deliver the message was waiting at the flight of the steps leading to his house. He ran to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side and sank to his knees. ¡°Grand Preceptor, Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s robbed the granary.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re certain it was Lou Zigui?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°Your servant heard someone shout his name from the direction of the granary.¡± The subordinate didn¡¯t dare to speak up, but suppressed his voice to answer him.

    Grand Preceptor Xie examined the subordinate, whose face was covered in dust, his clothes were torn with multiple gashes, while his injuries exposed swollen skin. He wasn¡¯t even wearing any shoes.

    ¡°This servant was on the lookout in the woods.¡± Three of the subordinate¡¯s toenails had fallen off during his run, but he could care less about the pain now. He went on to report, ¡°When this subordinate saw that someone was going to steal the grain, it was already toote to shout a warning.¡±

    ¡°Why was it toote?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The subordinate replied, ¡°Because they didn¡¯t take the forest paths, but cut straight through the bushes.¡± It wasn¡¯t that the lookouts were useless, but that the thieves hadn¡¯t used the paths at all! (Author: You¡¯d have to me Big Boss ck for leading the way, then~)

    ¡°Where¡¯s His Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked. ¡°Did His Majesty head towards the mountains?¡±

    The subordinate grew stupefied before shaking his head.

    ¡°Do you not know, or did His Majesty not go?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The subordinate said, ¡°T-this servant doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°The granary didn¡¯t catch on fire?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The subordinate shook his head. Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t allow him to get up, but simply walked past his kneeling form to go inside his study. The steward followed behind him, watching the Grand Preceptor as he walked with his hands behind his back. The steward didn¡¯t dare to say a word. Grand Preceptor Xie furrowed his brows. They¡¯d discovered the granary without setting off the fire. So Lou Zigui actually had the key to the granary? How could this be? Was Xie Laibao actually one of Ning Yu¡¯s men?

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered to himself. The lives of Xie Laibao¡¯s entire family was in his hands, so it was impossible for him to betray him.

    So what had happened for Lou Zigui to have the key? Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t find an answer no matter how he thought it over.

    ¡°Father,¡± Eldest Young Master Xie Anyi¡¯s voice called from outside the study.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stood leaning against his writing desk. Xie Anyi entered the study and got a fright from his father¡¯s face. Right now, Grand Preceptor Xie looked ashen white, and even his breathing had turnedbored.

    ¡°I told you to go back to your rooms,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you listen?¡±

    Xie Anyi walked forward a few steps and said quietly, ¡°How could your son sleep peacefully with matters like this in the estate?¡±

    When the steward saw father and son speaking, he quickly retreated from the scene.

    ¡°Father,¡± Xie Anyi said, ¡°Your son believes that Elder Li didn¡¯t charge here without a reason.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Lou Zigui robbed our grain stores in the western suburbs overnight.¡±

    Eldest Young Master Xie¡¯s face looked at a loss. Grand Preceptor Xie harbored a splitting headache as he realized that even the eldest son of his first wife didn¡¯t know of the existence of the western granary. How then, did news of it leak out? When Eldest Young Master Xie found out the news from Grand Preceptor Xie, he toppled back a few steps and fell into an empty chair.

    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be Lou Zigui,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°If he did, he would¡¯ve made his move against this granary long ago.¡±

    Eldest Young Master Xie tried a few times before he could speak. ¡°Then who was it?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    Xie Anyi opened and closed his mouth a few times, losing his ability to speak once more. Grand Preceptor Xie resumed his pacing around the study. He had to work things out. Xie Anyi sat dazed for a while, the shock causing his entire body to break out into sweat. His voice trembled as he spoke. ¡°Father, then what should we do?¡±

    By now, the light outside the windows was growing ever lighter. Grand Preceptor Xie stood before them as he muttered, ¡°A crafty rabbit has three holes. Your father wouldn¡¯t have hid all the grain in one ce.¡±

    Xie Anyi rose to his feet and walked with weak steps behind Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Then the other ces...¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way anyone can find those other ces,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stared at his son. ¡°Before father dies, I¡¯ll tell you their locations. But now isn¡¯t the time.¡±

    Xie Anyi felt as if a heavy weight was pressing upon him as he bent forward in a bow. ¡°Your son understands.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at the gradually brightening window, his back still as straight as a brush handle.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t Esteemed Empress Dowager send any news when Lou Zigui left the pce?¡± Xie Anyi suddenly asked.

    ¡°The pce gates have already been sealed,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Both the Dragon Guards and imperial guards are in His Majesty¡¯s hands. How could a single woman like Esteemed Empress Dowager be able to fight against him?¡±

    This was another blow to Eldest Young Master Xie. ¡°Then, then our next move...¡±

    ¡°We wait,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said before his son finished his question. ¡°This old man would like to see whether His Majesty dares to raise a sword against our Xie n.¡±

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao waved the saber in her hand a couple times before saying to Fang Tang, ¡°Your saber is seriously too light. Is this a toy sword or what?¡±

    For a second, Fang Tang didn¡¯t even want to talk to His Majesty anymore.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°If we sell this saber, how much money would we get?¡±

    Fang Tang took back his saber from Ning Xiaoyao. He was wrong to have stuffed it in His Majesty¡¯s hands. On one side, Shadowthunder wiped his face that was covered in sweat and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, we¡¯ve found half a room full of gold and silver, but you still need money?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s body instantly straightened as she grinned. That¡¯s true, half a room full of gold and silver and lots and lots of rice and flour. She was finally rich!

    Everyone looked at the mountain valley before them. It was surrounded by cliffs on four sides with no way out. Anyone who could find that fissure and the path leading to this gorge like His Majesty was worthy of worship. Not only was His Majesty extraordinarily brave, but filled with discernment!

    Lou Zigui walked over from the southern end of the cliff and said, ¡°There¡¯s a zip line leading down the cliffs; that¡¯s probably how they lowered down the grain and gold.¡±

    ¡°Then do we need to lift them back up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at the top of the mountain. This really was a bit too high up.

    ¡°I¡¯ve looked around,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°They use the path we just took to move the supplies out.¡±

    Fang Tang clicked his tongue. ¡°A different path to bring things in and take them out. It looks like Xie Wenyuan¡¯s spent quite some care to preserve the secret of this ce.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice. The Xie n were people of the capital, so this ce must have been the results of generations of Xie n work.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her hands together. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about stuffter. Shouldn¡¯t we move everything away right now?¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at Fang Tang and Shadowthunder, who hastened to lead the way to the storeroom. Because they didn¡¯t have enough people, generals andmanders alike needed to pitch in a hand and work. After everyone left, Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°There¡¯s no way to empty out this ce without ten days to half a month.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll do it gradually,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I don¡¯t mind if there¡¯s too much stuff.¡±

    ¡°How is Your Majesty nning to use this money?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over and replied, ¡°I want to use the grain to raise the refugees. As for the money, save some to buy seeds and the rest, urk, do you want it, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui was startled. She was asking him if he wanted it? Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand again. Why wasn¡¯t this guy talking anymore, again?

    ¡°Your Majesty isn¡¯t using it?¡± Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°What do I want money for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. She lived in a big house with cabs full of clothes and plenty of food. What would she do with money?

    ¡°Then will you give all this money to me?¡± Supreme Commander Lou asked.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. He wanted it all?!

    When Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao was speechless, he slowly let go of her hand.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, are you really short of money?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Very much,¡± Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s two-word answer was resolute and decisive.

    ¡°The room¡¯s half full of money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted.

    ¡°Last year, the soldiers of my Anyuan¡¯s Six Provinces were denied their pay and provisions,¡± Supreme Commander Lou began to settle ounts with Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Their winter clothes are still from three years before. Not a single horse entered their stablesst year either, and now half of the cavalry have no horses to ride. When the soldiers get injured and have to withdraw, theirpensation fee is a trifling 10 taels of silver, but the royal court hasn¡¯tpensated them for years. Moreover...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t say any more,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked like she wanted to die as she clutched her head. ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is that money like this isn¡¯t enough? I¡¯m still as poor as a pauper?!¡±

 Chapter 64: His Majesty piggybacks Supreme Commander to see the sunrise

    <h4>Chapter 64: His Majesty piggybacks Supreme Commander to see the sunrise</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t forget,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Yongning doesn¡¯t just include the six provinces of Anyuan and a single ck Frost Cavalry, but also the vassal lords and their official sries...¡±

    ¡°Stop,¡± Ning Xiaoyao squatted on the ground and pulled up a few fistfuls of grass before deciding to ept the truth. She was still a pauper in tons of debt. Lou Zigui felt his face turn hot after asked Ning Xiaoyao for money and even detailing the expenses. He felt ashamed at what he just did. He¡¯d actually asked a girl for money! The shock of such a hit against Supreme Commander Lou was impressive.

    Early morning light shone past the peaks to illuminate the dusky valley. The damp air in the gorge began to grow warm as Ning Xiaoyao remained squatting and pulling up grass. Lou Zigui stood there as if in a daze. Big Boss ck had just filled his stomach with a few bird eggs when he ran over for a look and saw neither of the pair talking. In the end, he ran off once more. Ning Xiaoyao had finished pulling up all the grass around her when she leaped to her feet to stare at Lou Zigui. Supreme Commander Lou was used to acting tough in front of others, but still couldn¡¯t help his embarrassment this time. He turned aside to stare at the cliffs beside them.

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped to pat Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about. Isn¡¯t it just money in the end? Before today, I didn¡¯t have a single copper coin to my name. Didn¡¯t I end up with half a room full of gold and silver all the same?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked back at Ning Xiaoyao. Five minutes ago, she¡¯d been despondent, but now she was full of life once again. She waved her two skinny arms and said, ¡°I¡¯m properly proud of being a pauper.¡±

    These words didn¡¯t sound quite humane to Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s ears.

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head to look at the high cliffs above them. ¡°Supreme Commander, want to see the sunrise?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Because they¡¯d switched topics too quickly, Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t keep up.

    Ning Xiaoyao crouched in front of Lou Zigui before reaching back to pull him forward. By the time her little body straightened up, she was piggybacking Supreme Commander Lou. ¡°Hold on tightly to me. I¡¯ll take you up the mountain to see the sunrise.¡±

    His Majesty Ning grabbed onto some rocks that were sticking out and began to scale the cliff. Lou Zigui waspletely flummoxed by what was going on. By the time he recovered his senses, he¡¯d discovered that they were already halfway up the cliff.

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui suffered another blow when he realized a girl was piggybacking him up the mountain. But just when he made to get off of Ning Xiaoyao, her hand slipped off a protruding rock.

    ¡°Hey hey, don¡¯t move,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly grabbed onto a different rock as she shouted at Lou Zigui. Now Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t dare to budge. He was a general who rode horses, but he knew his lightness techniques weren¡¯t sufficient to carry Ning Xiaoyao up this nearly 30 meter tall cliff.

    Below them, Big Boss ck opened his lungs to shout, ¡°Ning Xiaoyao, you ninny, do you want to die early? Are you trying tomit suicide with Supreme Commander? Meowmeowmeowmeowmeow!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled.

    ¡°Let go of my Supreme Commander!¡± Big Boss ck shouted, ¡°Please let him go!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to talk to that crazy fancat anymore. Big Boss ck¡¯s abnormal cries attracted the attention of all the people at work. They ran over to the source of the noise.

    Fang Tang said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this cat? Is it in heat because the sun¡¯se out? He...¡± Young General Fang¡¯s words died in his throat as his eyes followed the gaze of others to look at the cliff. The scene before them all seemed a little unreal. Was His Majesty piggybacking their Supreme Commander while scaling the cliffs?

    Big Boss ck spent all his time shouting at the cliffs. When he saw that Ning Xiaoyao was ignoring him, he jumped up and started climbing the cliff as well. None of the other people dared to breathe. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s climbing posture looked unusually dangerous, as if she could fall off at any moment. But her speed was still ridiculously fast, leaving one¡¯s heart in palpitations.

    ¡°This...if they fall down, could we still catch them?¡± Shadowthunder asked as he wrung his hands.

    Fang Tang said, ¡°Could you catch two people at the same time if our Supreme Commander was included as well?¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards thought that this was a difficult task. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao kicked against a boulder to jump up. That boulder was about half the size of a full-grown man, and wobbled twice in the space of her kick before dislodging stray pieces of rocks and sand below. Then the boulder cracked and fell down the cliff.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck slipped into a rock crevice as the boulder came crashing by. This life risking ninny! The people below the cliff scattered in all directions. Though each of them had choice words for the asion, they kept them in their hearts. His Majesty wasn¡¯t someone you could curse.

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped upwards again until she stood atop the cliff and saw the half hidden sun on the horizon. She tugged on Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and said, ¡°There¡¯s still time. Supreme Commander, quick, take a look!¡±

    Though Supreme Commander Lou was standing on the ground with both feet, his head was still dizzy. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao and began to suspect whether this was all a dream. Ning Xiaoyao yelled and yelled until she realized the person beside her wasn¡¯t reacting. When she turned to look, she discovered that Lou Zigui was staring at her in a daze. Thus, she grabbed him by the chin and turned him to face the right direction. ¡°Quick, look!¡±

    The mountain forest before them seemed to stretch on into eternity. A red sun was rising up in the sky, its rays piercing through the early morning fog to dye the entire forest a golden red. A flock of birds flew out of the woods and filled the air with their cries. Lou Zigui squinted against the sunlight, his eyes following the flock of birds as they headed towards an untouchable distance. Ning Xiaoyao was watching the birds as well as she tried to determine their species. But before she could figure it out, Big Boss ck reached the top of the cliff and rushed over to scratch her twice. While Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck were trading res, the flock of birds vanished into the horizon.

    Lou Zigui slowly withdrew his distant gaze. By the time he looked back, his eyes had turned very gentle. ¡°Do you like to watch the sunrise?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked up Big Boss ck and threw him into the forest behind them. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen it before. Since we¡¯ve got nothing to do anyways, we might as well give it a look.¡±

    Nothing to do anyways.

    How was the great Supreme Commander supposed to continue from that? Because you had nothing better to do, you piggybacked a man up the mountain to watch a sunrise?

    Ning Xiaoyao grinned and asked, ¡°Is it nice? Have you seen one before?¡±

    Lou Zigui turned back to the rising red sun and nodded. ¡°It¡¯s nice. I¡¯ve never seen it in before in the--in the past.¡± In his twenty-some odd years of life, Supreme Commander Lou had never stopped to admire the scenery.

    ¡°Tsk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. The industrial revolution had yet to descend upon this world, so the environment was currently in its most pristine and beautiful state. But this man had actually never seen a sunrise before? ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll take you to see other things,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest as she promised. ¡°We¡¯ll see mountains and water. Wherever there¡¯s food and ces to y, or good scenery to enjoy, I¡¯ll take you all there.¡±

    ¡°In the future,¡± Lou Zigui murmured softly. He suddenly smiled and grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°Alright. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, I¡¯ll take you.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll settle it happily like this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled broadly as she stood in the sunlight.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s smile was exceptionally soft and warm, but the overcast look in his eyes didn¡¯t thaw in the sunlight or from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s brilliant smile. A cuckoo that cried blood, the bane of others¡¯ existence. That was his fate in life, and it had cast a shadow upon everything he did. Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t sure what such a wicked curse would do to him, or how he¡¯d justify himself to this girl in the very end. As for his own future--well, Supreme Commander Lou had never given thought to that.

    Ning Xiaoyao was simple-minded and finished amusing herself before looking around. Now was a time to figure out how to get back. Should she jump, or climb back down?

    ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander, are you two alright?¡± Fang Tang yelled from below.

    Ning Xiaoyao shouted back, ¡°We¡¯re fine, ah. Little Fang, want toe up and see the view?¡±

    Fang Tang¡¯s mouth twitched. Was this the time to admire the view right now? Why could he never catch up to what His Majesty was thinking? Lou Zigui stuck out his neck to look below before pulling back Ning Xiaoyao, whose feet were already hanging over the edge.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to bother with your cat?¡± he asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t worry about Big Boss ck at all. If that idiot could be the boss of all the cats in the capital, shouldn¡¯t he be able to find his way around?

    ¡°He knows his own way home,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed onto Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s sleeve. ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over. It¡¯s a little hard to jump from here, so it¡¯s better if I piggyback you back down instead.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Supreme Commander Lou. Couldn¡¯t they find a path down instead? Big Boss ck took this moment to rush out from the woods and rush to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ve found something!¡±

    Without another word, Ning Xiaoyao turned to follow Big Boss ck into the forest.

    ¡°.........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou, who¡¯d been abandoned.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran after Big Boss ck for about 500 meters before three to four wooden houses appeared before her. Outside the houses were a few wooden carts and rope as thick as a man¡¯s arm. There were also piles of weapons scattered about the empty ground in front of the houses.

    ¡°My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clutched her chest, a little overwhelmed. ¡°ck Tubby, what do you think is inside?¡±

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°In any case, there aren¡¯t any people inside. This cat didn¡¯t smell any humans.¡±

    So what were they waiting for? Ning Xiaoyao charged towards the wooden houses with Big Boss ck following along. She kicked open the door of the central house and saw a room full of long wooden boxes. Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath by the front door before going inside. Ignoring the locks on the boxes, she raised a hand and chopped open the closest box.

    Golden light nearly blinded Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°We¡¯ve, we¡¯ve struck it rich again,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stammered towards Big Boss ck.

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°It was this cat that found it. This cat wants two big fish--no, five big fish!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up Big Boss ck and gave him a kiss. ¡°This Majesty will give you ten big fish!¡±

    Big Boss ck was so touched that he wagged his tail until it nearly fell off. ¡°You said it yourself, don¡¯t go back on your words!¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯m a liar, then I¡¯m a puppy!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hit a high five with Big Boss ck¡¯s paw. When Supreme Commander Lou arrived, he saw a cat rolling around in a pile of gold while His Majesty was busy carrying boxes out of the wooden houses.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, we¡¯ve struck it rich again!¡± Ning Xiaoyao threw the two boxes in her hands to the ground as she shouted. Lou Zigui picked up a gold ingot from the pile where Big Boss ck was rolling around in and turned it over in his hands. ¡°This goldes from south of the river.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand what Supreme Commander Lou meant. If we see gold, all we have to do is take it. Who cares where it came from?

    ¡°They haven¡¯t had time to move this gold into the valley yet,¡± Lou Zigui carefully reced the ingot in the box, stroking Big Boss ck¡¯s head at the same time.

    ¡°Mew~¡± Big Boss ck suddenly felt that his entire cat life had been worth it.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms and asked, ¡°So you¡¯re saying that this is still the Grand Preceptor¡¯s money?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou nodded. This gold from the private banks in Jiangnan, or the region south of the river, had toe from the profits of private shares in the businesses there owned by the Xie n.

    ¡°Hahaha,¡± If Ning Xiaoyao knew how to dance, she¡¯d be dancing right now. It¡¯s the Grand Preceptor¡¯s money again! Grand Preceptor deserves a ¡®like!¡¯

    Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t help but think, Xie Wenyuan would be spitting blood by now, right?

 Chapter 65: His Majesty Ning asks, do you like her?

    <h4>Chapter 65: His Majesty Ning asks, do you like her?</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie really was spitting blood. A property that had been managed by generations of the Xie n had practically disappeared overnight. No one else in his ce would¡¯ve been able to take such a blow.

    When Ning Xiaoyao returned in high spirits to the pce, she issued a decree to set up food relief centers at each of the four city gates in the capital. It was impossible to feed all of the refugees in the city until they were full, but at least she could make sure they wouldn¡¯t starve to death, or be forced to eat the dead to survive. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s private orders to forbid the capital shops from selling grain to Ning Xiaoyao thus became useless. Why would His Majesty need to buy any more grain when she had her own?

    ¡°Keep away from the vanguard,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told his eldest son Xie Anyi while lying sick in bed. ¡°As long as our Xie n still has troops and horses, there¡¯s no need to fear.¡±

    Xie Anyi nodded to agree, but still his heart was ill at ease. Historically speaking, any subject that dared to tussle with the Son of Heaven was more apt to lose than win. Can our Xie n really keep His Majesty down?

    ¡°Find some way to send a letter into the pce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added. ¡°Have Esteemed Empress Dowager ease her worries and to not fear. This is a temporary victory at most. My Xie n has yet to be a sinking ship just by losing some money.¡±

    Losing some money? If it was just ¡®some money,¡¯ would a father like you have spat out blood and fallen ill? Eldest Young Master Xie did his best to remain calm and nod. ¡°His Majesty and Esteemed Empress Dowager are still mother and son by blood, after all. Perhaps His Majesty will understand the loyal devotion of our Xie n with time.¡±

    What was so bad about a strong maternal n when it came to a young emperor? Eldest Young Master Xie just couldn¡¯t understand why His Majesty was at odds with them now. Still, he had hope that the two sides could reconcile. When Grand Preceptor Xie heard his son¡¯s words, a sweet taste filled his throat before he nearly spat out another mouthful of blood. What did family love count for in the face of power? The empress dowager had all her thoughts on Ning Xin, while Ning Yu was after imperial power. A mother and daughter like them had no mutual affection to begin with. Because their gaze had wavered, they¡¯d ced a wolf to sit upon the Dragon Throne. Grand Preceptor Xie shut his eyes and took a long breath. From now on, the path before them would be difficult.

    Xie Anyi sat cautiously on his seat, not daring to say a word. Grand Preceptor Xie swallowed the blood in his throat and opened his eyes to see Xie Anyi sitting there with his head lowered. His brows furrowed even more at the sight. This son of his was nearly 40 years old and the official Minister of Revenue. Despite this, he was still incapable of acting independently.

    ¡°Father?¡± Eldest Young Master Xie felt his palms began to sweat under his father¡¯s stern scrutiny.

    ¡°Go invite Prince Fu to the estate for a chat,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Do it in person. If he doesn¡¯te, then just say that Lou Zigui was an intimate friend of thete crown prince. When thete crown prince was alive, he¡¯d never forgotten about the sries of the vassal lords. Now that His Majesty favors and trusts Lou Zigui, you should ask Prince Fu to consider whether that Lou Zigui will ever mention the sry issue to His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°If you do this, won¡¯t Prince Fu...¡±

    ¡°Go on,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie cut off his son¡¯s words. Xie Anyi saw his gloomy face and didn¡¯t dare to say any more. He made a noise of assent and left.

    How could it be so easy to be an emperor? Grand Preceptor Xie beat the headboards as heid on the bed. Since you, Ning Yu, want to rule over everything, then this old man will let you have a taste of that power!

    --

    Although Ning Xiaoyao had transmigrated to this world, she really had yet to taste the vor of absolute sovereignty. Right now, His Majesty Ning was sitting in the main quarters of the Supreme Splendor Hall. A grandfather and his grandchild were currently ring at her.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± an old man dressed in military court attire, who looked about sixty years old, faced her with a face filled with grief and indignation. ¡°Your subject Ji Jiu[1. Ji Jiu (¼Í¾Ã) - Ji is a surname that means ¡°order, discipline, era,¡± Jiu means ¡°a long time.¡±] heard news of what happened to the Supreme Commander. Thus, I¡¯ve brought along a full ount of events at Anyuan¡¯s six provinces and hurried my way to the capital. However, I was still unable to make it before Supreme Commander was beaten and tortured.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao made an ¡®oh¡¯ of assent. She couldn¡¯t help but think that if she hadn¡¯t transmigrated, Supreme Commander wouldn¡¯t even be a pile of bones by the time this old general made it back.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Because Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t paying attention, old General Ji raised his voice and cried out, ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s heart is wholly for the country. Even if it was to kill the Northern Hu spies, how could Your Majesty bear to have Supreme Commander sent to the execution grounds and be eaten alive by tens of thousands of people, and have him...¡±

    ¡°I-it wasn¡¯t that ridiculous,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off. ¡°How could we have tens of thousands of people trying to eat him? Could Supreme Commander still be alive after that?¡±

    ¡°This subject is pained at heart!¡± old General Ji said as he fell to his knees again in tears. Throughout the whole thing, his seventeen year old granddaughter had been ring at Ning Xiaoyao, making her wonder whether she¡¯d killed the girl¡¯s entire family or something.

    ¡°Without poison, there is no great man--a great man has to be ruthless,¡± Ji Yuerong[2. Ji Yuerong (¼ÍÔÂÈÝ) - Ji is a surname that means ¡°order, discipline, era,¡± Yuerong can mean ¡°appearance like the moon.¡±] said hatefully towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Supreme Commander shed blood for his country as a martyr. Did Your Majesty ever think of the blood Supreme Commander bled for Yongning when you schemed your self-injury ruse?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. This gal was cursing her for letting Supreme Commander shed blood and tears? Could she say she had nothing to do with it?

    ¡°What nonsense are you spewing?¡± old General Ji quickly lifted his head to scold his granddaughter. ¡°You cannot be impudent!¡±

    Ji Yuerong shut her mouth, but still looked unkindly at Ning Xiaoyao. It was then that Lou Zigui finally hurried over from his sleeping quarters.

    ¡°No need to bow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she waved a hand at him.

    ¡°Old General Ji,¡± Lou Zigui turned to cup his hands in greeting at the general.

    Ji Yuerong ran in front of Lou Zigui and asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, how are your wounds?¡±

    Big Boss ck took this chance to jump onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s armrest and said quietly, ¡°This cat¡¯s made some inquiries. That girl is a general. Their Ji Family defends the border station at Jinhuan City.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao examined Ji Yuerong. This girl had a figure that made her feel ashamed. She was 170cm tall with a big chest, small waist, and pert bottom. At seventeen years old, she¡¯d already developed so well! Dangit, Ning Xiaoyao could only envy her devilish figure in secret. Big Boss ck¡¯s paw scratched at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°She¡¯s been hitched with two families before, but somehow her two fianc¨¦s both died.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao murmured, ¡°Not bad, it¡¯s better than Supreme Commander¡¯s six dead fianc¨¦es. Only two died on her.¡±

    Big Boss ck raised his w at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face and cried, ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to talk bad about my Supreme Commander.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped Big Boss ck, who eximed, ¡°Then don¡¯t me me in the future if I don¡¯t tell you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me what?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°If you guys hadn¡¯t tricked Supreme Commander to the capital this time, that woman would¡¯ve been betrothed to him,¡± Big Boss ck red at the Ji girl, who was still talking to his Supreme Commander. ¡°Her grandpa even found a matchmaker.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked over at the Ji girl again and somehow felt a bit annoyed. Big Boss ck jumped onto her shoulder. ¡°But you¡¯re better than that girl. Xiaoyao, this cat thinks you¡¯re good.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao haphazardly stroked Big Boss ck¡¯s head. ¡°Then what about mepared to Jiao Jiao?¡±

    Big Boss ck took a long time before he said reluctantly, ¡°You¡¯re better.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Though Big Boss ck¡¯s words had been a little fake, she still had to thank the tubby for trying his best tofort her.

    ¡°What if that woman curses my Supreme Commander to death?¡± Big Boss ck asked. ¡°That''s why, Xiaoyao, you have to protect Supreme Commander well. You can¡¯t let that woman snatch him away.¡±

    Now Ning Xiaoyao felt even more vexed. In the end, all this fat ck furball cared about was his Supreme Commander!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui was shouting at her now. Ning Xiaoyao was currently fuming at Big Boss ck, who gave her a paw.

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s talking to you!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips before looking at Supreme Commander Lou and the Ji girl stuck by his side. His Majesty Ning stood up and said, ¡°You two take your time and chat, I---Zhen will leave first.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re admitting defeat just like that?!¡± Big Boss ck was stunned.

    ¡°Drop it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered. ¡°All I did was roll around in the sheets once with Supreme Commander. We haven¡¯t gotten a marriage certificate or anything.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Big Boss ck. What¡¯s a marriage certificate?

    ¡°His Majesty is talking to the cat on his shoulder?¡± Ji Yuerong could see Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth moving, but she was too far away in therge hall to hear what she was saying.

    ¡°That¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s cat,¡± Lou Zigui said quietly.

    ¡°So he¡¯d rather talk to a cat than to us?¡± Ji Yuerong asked.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s smile stiffened when he heard Ji Yuerong saying such things about Ning Xiaoyao. In a low voice, he intoned, ¡°That¡¯s His Majesty. Miss Ji, you cannot be disrespectful to His Majesty.¡±

    Ji Yuerong¡¯s gaze on Ning Xiaoyao turned even more unkind.

    Ning Xiaoyao took along Big Boss ck as she jumped out a window and left. The longer she saw those two standing together, the more annoyed she felt. He was a handsome man and she was a beautiful woman. They¡¯re really too much of a match!

    The Ji grandfather and granddaughter were startled by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s window-flipping antics. Was there ever an emperor that jumped out the window to leave his pce? Lou Zigui had seen Ning Xiaoyao climb through windows and even over walls. Unperturbed by the sight, he cupped his hands to Old General Ji and said, ¡°Please wait here awhile. I¡¯ll speak a few words to His Majesty.¡±

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao kicked at the pebbles as she walked until the person hurrying behind her caught up and grabbed her by the hand. When she turned back, she saw Big Boss ck¡¯s Supreme Commander. (Author: So you¡¯ve finally given Supreme Commander away to Big Boss ck?) Lou Zigui examined Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression, who couldn¡¯t hide a shred of what she was feeling. Supreme Commander Lou could tell that she was unhappy at a nce.

    ¡°They¡¯re from the bordends,¡± Lou Zigui only thought that the Ji Family¡¯s manner of speaking had offended Ning Xiaoyao, so he was quick to defend them. ¡°They¡¯re used to speaking that way. Don¡¯t take any of their unpleasant words to heart.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. Compared to those who called her an incapable ruler, those two had been rather polite to her overall.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°The Ji n are a military family situated at the border. Old General Ji has three sons, but his second and youngest sons died in battle a long time ago. Four years prior, the Northern Hu dispatched their troops to invade our territory. Miss Ji¡¯s father went out to fight and lost both his legs, while her older brother lost both his eyes. Xiaoyao, the numbers of the Ji n are weak and thin, and Old General Ji is already getting on in years. That¡¯s why Miss Ji had to take on the mantle of war despite being a female.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes drooped. She didn¡¯t find Miss Ji and her devilish figure annoying anymore.

    ¡°Don¡¯t me them, alright?¡± Lou Zigui said as he held onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled out her hand, her head still lowered. ¡°I won¡¯t get mad at good people. You can go keep thempany. I¡¯ll have the kitchens make them a tasty meal.¡± His Majesty Ning didn¡¯t have enough money to spend, but she at least had enough grain and flour for now.

    Supreme Commander Lou felt his heart flutter when Ning Xiaoyao prepared to leave. He took a step forward and blocked her way to ask, ¡°Is there something else?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hesitated. People from the apocalypse never knew when they would be eaten by zombies, so they always said what was on their mind at the moment. Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head and looked at Lou Zigui with a very serious face.

    ¡°Old General Ji wants you to marry Miss Ji. Do you like her?¡±

 Chapter 66: His Majesty says, conspiracies fear the light

    <h4>Chapter 66: His Majesty says, conspiracies fear the light</h4>

    Lou Zigui was dumbfounded at first, before he broke out intoughter. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Who would dare marry their daughters to me?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that part. Just tell me whether you like Miss Ji or not.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even think as he replied, ¡°I see her only as a little sister.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°How could these be words be a sham?¡± Lou Zigui cupped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chin and tilted her head back to look him in the eyes. ¡°Things like this concern ady¡¯s reputation and integrity. You shouldn¡¯t speak carelessly.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. How much was reputation worth? Could you eat it? Supreme Commander Lou could tell with a nce that Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t taken his words to heart. He lowered his voice and said, ¡°Miss Ji¡¯s brother got married four years ago when he turned blind. But he hasn¡¯t had a single child with his wife. Thus, Miss Ji needs to recruit a son-inw.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s ¡®recruit a son-inw¡¯?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°That means someone who marries into the bride¡¯s family.¡±

    ¡°Heheh, I don¡¯t get it.¡±

    ¡°In other words, a live-in son-inw,¡± Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s phrases were turning more and more vernacr.

    Ning Xiaoyao finally understood thest one, so she nodded and said, ¡°That¡¯s true, ha. They¡¯ll still need some babies with Ji surnames. This is what they call ¡®producing male heirs to continue the family line,¡¯ right?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I have to defend the Lou family, so how could I marry into the Ji n?¡±

    ¡°So you only see Miss Ji as your little sister?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s brain was quick on the uptake this time.

    Lou Zigui nodded once and said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in silent tribute to Miss Ji for all of 30 seconds. Treating someone like their little sister was like telling a little girl or boy that you were their older brother. Anyone who ran into those words was sure to have a 120% failure in starting a rtionship with their chosen one.

    ¡°Satisfied?¡± Lou Zigui bent down to ask Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and docilely replied, ¡°Satisfied.¡± The stifled feeling in her heart suddenly disappeared, so why wouldn¡¯t she be pleased?

    ¡°Who told you that Old General Ji wanted to marry Miss Ji to me?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Big Boss ck jumped off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and quickly ran away.

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Who was it?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look at the kitchens,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had to escape as well, but Lou Zigui grabbed her hand and towed her back. He¡¯d never been in a romantic rtionship in his life, so he had no idea the girl before him might have just been eating vinegar[1. ³Ô´× chi cu - ¡°eating vinegar¡± ¨C or eating sourness. It means being jealous]. Instead, he assumed that His Majesty could be sounding him out. Ji Jiu had hurried thousands of miles from the border to the capital just to give a full ount of Lou Zigui¡¯s deeds in battle. Would His Majesty start worrying that the Ji n was too intimate with him?

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw that she couldn¡¯t run away, she could only clear her throat and jab Supreme Commander Lou imposingly in the chest. ¡°You two were standing so close to each other that you almost stuck together. Yet you still won¡¯t let me question you with a lie or two?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s handsome face momentarily twisted. Could anyone just make up lies as they pleased? ¡°The rtionship between Miss Ji and I is pure and meless. When were we standing so close that we nearly stuck together?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Saying such things is pointless,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Could what I saw with my own eyes be wrong?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before, you can¡¯t ruin Miss Ji¡¯s reputation! Your mere utterances are words that carry great weight. If news of this spreads, will Miss Ji ever be able to find a husband in her lifetime?¡± Supreme Commander Lou was getting anxious. The future of the Ji n rested on a son-inw that Ji Yuerong could bring in, then on her birthing a son. Someone needed to inherit the duties of looking after the Ji n ancestors. If Ning Xiaoyao spoke such words, how would Ji Yuerong be able to get a single man?

    ¡°You¡¯re so worried for her sake,¡± Ning Xiaoyao knitted her brows as she examined him from head to toe. ¡°Do you really see her as just your little sister?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t get it. Why are we back on this topic again?

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the kitchens,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed aside Lou Zigui¡¯s hand. ¡°Think it over carefully by yourself.¡±

    After Ning Xiaoyao turned on her heels, Supreme Commander Lou stood unmoving for a long time in the walkway. What am I supposed to think over? No wait, what happened just now? (Author: Is it going to be impossible for the two of you to follow a single train of thought? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Big Boss ck stuck out his head from the shrubs and looked left and right, before Ning Xiaoyao plucked him up by the neck.

    ¡°Miaow~¡± said Big Boss ck.

    Ning Xiaoyao held Big Boss ck as she headed for the kitchens. ¡°Don¡¯t try and act cute. ¡®Fess up for for your own good, were you trying to be funny when you told me about the betrothal and the matchmaker?¡±

    Big Boss ck hastened to say, ¡°If I¡¯m lying, then I¡¯m a cur.¡±

    ¡°Pah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat at him. ¡°You¡¯ll still be a cat even if you die.¡±

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°You can ask that woman¡¯s horse if you don¡¯t believe me. Big White knows everything!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Hold on, who¡¯s Big White?¡±

    Big Boss ck answered, ¡°Ji Yuerong¡¯s horse.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. It hadn¡¯t taken long for this fat ck furball to chat up Miss Ji¡¯s horse.

    Big Boss ck added, ¡°You¡¯re just stupid. Don¡¯t you even get it? It¡¯s Ji Yuerong who likes Supreme Commander. Her grandfather dotes on her, so he¡¯d do anything he could to satisfy her wish to marry Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°Did Big White say these things too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared at Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Big Boss ck swished his tail. ¡°Supreme Commander was the one who gave Big White to Ji Yuerong. That stupid horse even dares to say that Supreme Commander and his young Miss are childhood lovers. Meow a mi, when I heard that I was so angry that I scratched him.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°So you two ended your friendship just like that?¡±

    Big Boss ck was set on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders, where he nuzzled her face with his head. ¡°Who wants to be friends with some foreign horse? You can tell at a nce that he¡¯s a horse who hasn¡¯t seen much of life at all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. This cat was actually discriminating against different provinces?

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Wifey Magpie and the little gyrfalcon both flew onto the tree in front of her.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Hello, Wifey Magpie and little gyrfalcon.¡±

    Wifey Magpie chirped, ¡°Xiaoyao, why are you still over here?¡±

    ¡°Then where should I be?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°My cousin came to look for me,¡± Wifey Magpie said. ¡°He...¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s your cousin?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck¡¯s tail patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face as he replied, ¡°The one who lives at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Oh, oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao knew which one it was now, and immediately straightened up. ¡°Is the Grand Preceptor up to mischief again?¡±

    Wifey Magpie said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor wants the have Prince Fu deal with you. Xiaoyao, you have to be careful, chirp.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head again. ¡°Who¡¯s Prince Fu?¡±

    The little gyrfalcon said, ¡°Don¡¯t know, but I heard my master say that Prince Fu is a big fatty.¡±

    Fatty, alright. Ning Xiaoyao knew who he was now.

    ¡°Are those two teaming up?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Wifey Magpie replied, ¡°My cousin said that you owe Prince Fu a lot of money, Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Big Boss ck and the little gyrfalcon both turned to stare at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. ¡°Yes, I owe the Ning nsmen two years¡¯ worth of official sry.¡±

    All three animals sucked in a breath at her words. Wifey Magpie said, ¡°Then it¡¯s over. That has to be lots and lots of money, right?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao held onto herst thread of hope. ¡°Say, do you think the Grand Preceptor actually wants to help me pay them back?¡±

    The three animals stared wordlessly at her.

    All right. Ning Xiaoyao squatted on the ground to pull out tufts of grass. She was thinking too much. She¡¯d just robbed the Grand Preceptor, so would he return evil with good and repay her debts? Big Boss ck waved his tail back and forth before he finally spoke up. ¡°How about we go and find Grandpa Ash?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. It was better for someone like Grandpa Ash to sit and chat with the likes of Elder Li. Big Boss ck then said, ¡°Then how about finding Supreme Commander?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but go heheheh. Supreme Commander was waiting for her to give him money.

    ¡°Don¡¯t heheheh,¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood on end. Even though he was a cat, he could sense the sinister air behind suchughter. Ning Xiaoyao knelt on the ground and pulled up all the grass around her. In the end, she decided that she couldn¡¯t be a sitting duck and threw away the grass in her hands. Then she stood up and dered, ¡°I¡¯m going to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    Wifey Magpie nearly toppled off her branch. The little gyrfalcon, however, grew excited. ¡°Xiaoyao, are you going to kill the Grand Preceptor¡¯s entire family? Awooawooawoo!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a falcon, don¡¯t howl like a wolf,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head hurt.

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°Are you really going to kill off the Grand Preceptor¡¯s entire family?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s killing whom?¡± Ning Xiaoyao started walking forward. ¡°Doesn¡¯t he want to partner up with Fatty Fu to trap me? Then I¡¯ll talk about the problems with them right there.¡±

    ¡°Will it help?¡± Big Boss ck didn¡¯t think this was reasonable.

    ¡°Let me tell you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said confidently, ¡°Any and all conspiracies fear the light. I¡¯ll go right up to their door and have the Grand Preceptor tell me his words to my face. Hmph, I¡¯m not afraid of him!¡± The Grand Preceptor would have a bad end as soon as she took off her clothes, so what was she afraid of? (Author: That¡¯s your only move, you--) Big Boss ck thought over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words and felt that they made sense.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to the little gyrfalcon. ¡°Tell your master to take a long a few of hisrades and follow me to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    The little gyrfalcon replied, ¡°Xiaoyao, master doesn¡¯t understand me when I talk.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pped herself on the forehead. She almost forgot. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go find Windy.¡±

    Wifey Magpie flew off to tell her friends. Xiaoyao was going to cause trouble at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, so she had to gather her pals to cheer her on, urk, and watch the show at the same time.

    Shadowgale was currently sitting in his rooms, wiping off his de with a piece of cloth. Ning Xiaoyao rushed in like a breeze and shouted, ¡°Windy, bring Second Thunder and the rest, we¡¯re going to search and confiscate the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s hand shook, almost dropping the beloved de in his hands. ¡°We¡¯re going where!?¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Are, are we going to kill the Grand Preceptor?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao arched an eyebrow. ¡°Why are you putting it that way too? Am I that savage?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Shadowgale. Who said those words in the first ce?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Grand Preceptor went to find Prince Fu. I¡¯m nning to chat about life with him and the prince.¡±

    Shadowgale rose to his feet in rm. ¡°Prince Fu is allying himself with the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°They¡¯re going to meet today.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this servant will call the others right away.¡±

    As Ning Xiaoyao watched Shadowgale run away desperately, she spoke to the cat on her shoulders. ¡°Why do I feel like Windy¡¯s afraid of Fatty Fu?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡± Big Boss ck asked, ¡°It¡¯s not like he could beat you in a fight.¡±

    That was true. Ning Xiaoyao tightened her belt and turned to the gyrfalcon on the window ledge, ¡°Little falcon, we¡¯re heading out.¡±

    Currently, Lou Zigui was still making conversation with the Ji grandfather and granddaughter in the main hall. Old General Ji was most worried about Lou Zigui¡¯s health and asked, ¡°I heard that Supreme Commander was severely wounded. How are your injuries now?¡±

    Lou Ziguiughed. ¡°Right now, I can run and jump about. Where are those so-called severe injuries?¡±

    Both members of the Ji n felt that Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t look seriously hurt at all.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Fang Tang ran in, his face filled with excitement as he quietly dered, ¡°His Majesty took Shadowgale and the rest to attack the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou. Didn¡¯t she say she was going to invite the Ji pair to a meal? How did that meal turn into heading for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate instead?!

 Chapter 67: His Majesty says,

    <h4>Chapter 67: His Majesty says,</h4>

    Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun, took pleasure in the misfortune of the Xie n¡¯s eldest son when he came with a personal invitation to the Xie estate. At the same time, he was caught betweenughing and crying. Xie Wenyuan had been shrewd his entire life. When he wanted wind, wind woulde; when he wanted rain, rain woulde. In the end, the very grandson he¡¯d helped onto the throne had left him in a sorry plight. Perhaps this was simply his retribution; perhaps Ning Yu had been born as a wolf that couldn¡¯t be tamed.

    Xie Anyi lowered his posture before this prince, but kept all of his father¡¯s words at heart. When Prince Fu heard those words, he lost the mood tough at Grand Preceptor Xie. Dismiss the vassal lords? Isn¡¯t that just asking for their lives?

    Inside the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, second steward Xie Laifu was helping Grand Preceptor Xie take his medicine. At the same time, he reported, ¡°Grand Preceptor, the kitchens are already preparing Prince Fu¡¯s favorite tea and pastries. But will he reallye?¡±

    Prince Fu had once struggled for the throne with the previous emperor, while the Grand Preceptor had been the main force to helping the previous emperor to win his position. To put it bluntly, Grand Preceptor Xie was one of the culprits that had lost Prince Fu his throne. Second Steward Xie really couldn¡¯t fathom how Prince Fu would acknowledge the Grand Preceptor.

    Grand Preceptor Xie checked the color of the skies outside the window and said, ¡°The prince should be just about arriving. Have my two sons go to the gates and greet him.¡±

    Second Steward Xie hastened to obey. ¡°Yes, this servant will do so now.¡±

    After the length of time it took to burn half a stick of incense passed, Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun, appeared before the Grand Preceptor¡¯s gates. Xie Laifu sighed with feeling in his heart. His Grand Preceptor really was something. Nobody could escape from his grasp! Prince Fu didn¡¯t say much to the three sons of Grand Preceptor¡¯s first wife. After a few civilities, he was brought to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s study. There, Grand Preceptor Xie was half lying on a long and narrow couch. He didn¡¯t rise when Prince Fu entered, but sped his hands together to apologize. ¡°This official has difficulty rising due to sickness. I ask the prince to forgive me for being unable to receive you personally.¡±

    Prince Fu nced at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯splexion. Truly, he looked severely ill, with dark circles under his eyes and ashen white skin. It seemed like he¡¯d aged a decade or more.

    ¡°All of you withdraw,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered his three sons.

    Prince Fu sat down before Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, since you¡¯re too ill to rise, then this prince will make a long story short. Lou Zigui¡¯s really mentioned dismissing the vassal lords to His Majesty?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie wore a pained smile. ¡°If the prince doesn¡¯t believe me, then whye to my estate?¡±

    ¡°This prince believes that the most pressing issue for His Majesty and Lou Zigui now is disposing of you, the Grand Preceptor,¡± Prince Fu said coldly.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Prince, this official is simply blocking the blows from the front lines. Has prince ever considered where Lou Zigui¡¯s de will fall once this official is disposed of? Thete crown prince once said the the vassal lords had brought cmity to the country. Lou Zigui is simply promoting thete crown prince¡¯s phrases.¡±

    Prince Fu fell silent, before he asked, ¡°Then what is Grand Preceptor¡¯s meaning?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is still young,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head with a forced smile. ¡°Right now, Lou Zigui has blinded him. This official has worked hard to coax him, but earned his ire instead. With things as they are now, the only way to have His Majesty dispose of the vile men by his side and bring in virtuous officials is to make him understand that Lou Zigui is ipetent when ites to managing a country.¡±

    Just who were the vile men and who were the virtuous officials?

    Prince Fu widened his eyes as he discovered, to his shock, that getting older had only made Xie Wenyuan even more shameless.

    ¡°Prince,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°This official is powerless now.¡±

    Prince Fu replied, ¡°We princes will go ask His Majesty for the official sries he owes us. If Lou Zigui can¡¯t produce the money or help His Majesty, then His Majesty will naturally realize his ipetence. What is Grand Preceptor nning?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sped his hands at Prince Fu again and said, ¡°Prince possesses vast talents.¡±

    Prince Fuughed. ¡°This prince is simply a defeated foe at the hands of the Grand Preceptor, not some vast talent. Grand Preceptor, what can this prince get out of helping you?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled. ¡°Prince, helping others is helping yourself.¡±

    Prince Fu smiled as well. Is it that easy to deal with Ning Yu? If the current emperor was an easy foe, would you be bedridden now, Xie Wenyuan? If he wanted the vassal lords to exert themselves, how could a simple verbal threat be enough?

    At the same time, the hard-to-deal-with emperor was currently listening to the Head Commander of the Dragon Guards talk about the vassal lords.

    ¡°Your subordinate heard all this from His Highness, thete emperor,¡± Shadowgale said in a low voice as he walked with Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°All of the vassal lords own their own territories, but they¡¯re not allowed to own private armies. Still, everything else within those territories, including thend, farmers, and craftsmen, all belong to them. These lords neither pay taxes nor enlist in active service, but receive arge official sry from the imperial n each year.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°Vassal lords are treated that well?¡± If she knew this earlier, she might as well transmigrate as a vassal lord instead! (Author: You make it sound like you can call the shots. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Shadowgale said, ¡°His Highness Crown Prince said the forefathers of the country set down those rules to take care of the imperial sons who couldn¡¯t inherit the throne. To prevent them from suffering too much, the country ended up raising its own princes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. ¡°But as time passes, we¡¯d only get more and more princes. The country only has so muchnd and money. If we need to raise more and more people each year, these princes will be the burden of the country. Isn¡¯t that right? Dangit, that means we¡¯re basically raising a litter of big, fat pigs. And we can¡¯t even eat them after we fatten them up! We have to keep raising them until they¡¯re old, and then raise their children, forever?¡±

    What kind of logic was this?! Ning Xiaoyao wanted to keel over at that founding Ning emperor¡¯s feet. Shadowgale pretended he didn¡¯t hear anything about ¡®fat pigs¡¯ or whatever. Truly speaking, His Majesty was far more brutal with his words than the crown prince.

    Xie Laifu stood by the front gates and saw Ning Xiaoyao swaggering over from a distance with her men in tow. Second Steward Xie couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. His Majesty wasing?!

    Ning Xiaoyao stood at the entrance of the Xie estate and nced at the two stone lions nking its gates. There were eleven steps that led up to the front door, which was still unpainted. Two horse head walls[1. horse head wall (ÂíÍ·Ç½) - matou qiang, an element of traditional Chinese architecture, usually a tall wall between houses that is ented with a horse sculpture at the ends. Horse head walls were used to fireproof houses in densely popted areas, and often had heights that extended above the house¡¯s original roofs.] bordered both sides of the door. This was the ce that Ning Yu had lived for the first fourteen years of her life. Ning Xiaoyao tried her best to feel something from the premises, but got nothing.

    Shadowgale murmured to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Last time, the Supreme Commander ordered these front doors burnt down.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°A good burning. He should¡¯ve burned a bit more.¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t say anything else. His Majesty¡¯s grudge with the Grand Preceptor is really too deep. Xie Laifu could verify that this was indeed the reigning emperor at their gates. But right now, his two legs were shaking so much that he couldn¡¯t even speak. There were a few men of the Xie estate who didn¡¯t recognize Ning Xiaoyao at all. When they saw the big group of people stop by the front gates, one of them pointed at her and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Ning Xiayao¡¯s foot pushed off against the ground before shended atop the eleven steps to the front door. Shadowgale at the rest hastened to follow and stand behind her.

    ¡°You guys,¡± the speaker quickly moved to step in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This is the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, yet you...¡±

    Shadowgale raised a hand and sent the man sprawling down the steps with a cold voice, ¡°Impudence!¡±

    ¡°Your, your servant greets Your Majesty,¡± Xie Laifu kneeled towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    The gate guards grew stunned at these words, too frozen in shock to bow at the emperor, much less report his arrival to the estate.

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the kneeling man before her and said, ¡°After hearing that the Grand Preceptor fell ill, Zhen¡¯se to pay a call.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Second Steward Xie. Weren¡¯t you the one that made my Grand Preceptor so angry that he spat up blood?

    Ning Xiaoyao strode into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. She didn¡¯t even need to ask to know where he and Prince Fu were staying, because Wifey Magpie¡¯s cousin was leading the way ahead of her. Ning Xiaoyao was a fast walker, and the Dragon Guards all had good lightness techniques. By the time Xie Laifu blinked, they had all disappeared.

    ¡°W-what should we do?¡± a gate guard asked, staring at the empty space before the doors.

    Xie Laifu immediately crawled to his feet and half ran, half stumbled into the estate, shouting at the top of his lungs, ¡°His Majesty¡¯s arrived! The emperor is here!¡± No matter the emperor¡¯s motive, he still had to let the estate know of this esteemed ancestor¡¯s arrival! Following Second Steward Xie¡¯s shouts, the entire Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate descended into chaos.

    Ning Xiaoyao followed Wifey Magpie¡¯s cousin to the courtyard outside Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s study. She had Shadowgale and the rest take care of the guards while she knocked one over herself and stepped into the courtyard.

    When Grand Preceptor Xie heard the sounds of fighting outside, he asked out loud, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao opened the study door and said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, Zhen¡¯se to see you.¡±

    At the sight of Ning Xiaoyao, Grand Preceptor Xie sat bolt upright. Prince Fu was absolutely dumbfounded by the sight Why was this little emperor running over here?

    Ning Xiaoyao stood at perfect military stance before the bed and said to Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Eh? You were just lying down before, but now you¡¯ve sat up since Zhen¡¯s arrived. If Zhen spends time to chat with you about life a bit, maybe you¡¯llpletely recover, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    When an official saw His Majesty, they were supposed to make the the most formal of bows. For example, Prince Fu was already kneeling on the ground. But Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t want to bow, so he simply looked at Ning Xiaoyao. He had watched this girl grow up, so recognized her facial features and figure as Ning Yu without a doubt. But Grand Preceptor Xie still felt that she was unlike Ning Yu at all. The Ning Yu he knew didn¡¯t have this kind of towering courage and always stood a little hunchbacked. The Ning Yu he knew respected and even feared him a little, and would always avoid his gaze while admiring him. Currently, this person... Grand Preceptor Xie dearly wanted to ask this Ning Yu before him now, ¡®Just who are you?''

    Grand Preceptor Xie slowly crept off the ground to kneel. Ning Xiaoyao reached out with her hands and helped up Grand Preceptor Xie and Prince Fu. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite, let¡¯s sit down and talk.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s presence brings light to this humble dwelling. The reason Your Majesty came today was...¡±

    ¡°Zhen heard you¡¯re asking Zhen for money?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Prince Fu before Grand Preceptor Xie finished his civilities.

    Prince Fu subconsciously replied, ¡°This official doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed and praised, ¡°Zhen knew that you wouldn¡¯t! You¡¯re a loyal subject!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Prince Fu.

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice turned even more respectful as he spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, the official sries were an ancient rule of our forefathers.¡±

    Prince Fu hurried to continue the topic. ¡°That¡¯s right, Your Majesty. These are the forefather¡¯s rules; moreover, the vassal lords have thousands of men in these estates...¡±

    ¡°You have a thousand people in your house?¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted.

    Prince Fu nodded his head. Ning Xiaoyao spread out her hands. ¡°It¡¯s useless even if you have 10,000 men. Zhen has no money.¡±

    Prince Fu stood startled before he spoke. ¡°Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven!¡± Aren¡¯t you shameless, saying that you don¡¯t have any money as the emperor?

    ¡°It¡¯s useless even if I¡¯m some Son of Heaven. Zhen really has no money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Prince Fu sincerely.

    Prince Fu fell silent. So are you going to be shameless until the end to renege on your debt?

 Chapter 68: Prince Fu wants to kill the emperor

    <h4>Chapter 68: Prince Fu wants to kill the emperor</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sudden appearance made it impossible for Prince Fu to react or bring up the issue of official sries. A reasonable man feared meeting a rascal the most, but here was one for him now.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°If Your Majesty is like this, what about the prestige of the imperial n?¡± Tranted into regr speech, it meant, don¡¯t you have any shame?

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the tea table on the side, which held a spread of snacks and drinks for Prince Fu. She picked one up for a taste and almost died from the sweetness! When she nced at Prince Fu¡¯s giant belly again, Ning Xiaoyao figured she¡¯d found the reason why he was so chubby. Prince Fu felt like leaping up at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s stare. He swore that he¡¯d go head to head with his life against the emperor if thetter brought up his physique again!

    Ning Xiaoyao munched on two sickeningly sweet pastries as she spoke. ¡°Prince, Zhen feels that...¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for Your Majesty to worry about this subject¡¯s figure,¡± Prince Fu nipped the topic in the bud.

    Isn¡¯t it a good thing to have a normal figure? Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand Prince Fu¡¯s thoughts as she quietly picked up another pastry. Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t stand such shamelessness and spoke up again.

    ¡°Your Majesty, even Your Majesty cannot defy the matters of the forefathers.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao finally looked at Grand Preceptor Xie and chuckled a few times as she tugged on her cor. This man is discussing forefathers with me? Isn¡¯t that a joke? If they really went by the forefathers, could I be emperor now? Grand Preceptor Xie understood Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s movements. She was reminding him of her female identity again, making it impossible for him to speak up anymore than he had already.

    The tubby flesh on Prince Fu¡¯s face trembled as he forced a smile. ¡°Your Majesty jests. Anyone can be penniless in this world, but Your Majesty holds the wealth of the entire country. How could you have no money?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over as she started digging into her pockets; first the left side, then then the right side. Prince Fu watched Ning Xiaoyao busy herself and secretly swore that he¡¯d risk his life to finish this idiot off if he gave him a few copper coins to dismiss him!

    Ning Xiaoyao dug around in her pockets but found nothing. She told Prince Fu to wait a bit longer before she started searching around her waist. By now, Lou Zigui had stopped on his horse before the Grand Preceptor¡¯s gates. He tookrge strides to inside the grounds, while Elder Li and his men were closing in on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s courtyard outside his study. Meanwhile, the officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction were already exchanging nces with a few of the Ning nsmen at the entrance to the same courtyard as they stared at the men sprawled on the ground. All of the fallen had been knocked down by Shadowgale and the rest. The victims consisted of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards and servants as well as Prince Fu¡¯s personal bodyguards. The gathered men lifted their heads to peek at the full moon gate leading into the courtyard, wondering whether the Grand Preceptor and Prince Fu were still alive at this moment.

    Inside the Grand Preceptor¡¯s study, Ning Xiaoyao finally found what she was looking for. She took out a dagger from her belt and pped it into Prince Fu¡¯s palm. ¡°If you want money, I have none. But if you want lives, then I have one[1. If you want money...if you want lives... (ÒªÇ®Ã»ÓÐÒªÃüÒ»Ìõ) - yaoqian meiyou yaoming yitiao, a saying that harkens to the past, where debts could be paid with lives in ce of money.]. How¡¯s this? If you really want money, you might as well kill me with this knife.¡±

    Prince Fu held the dagger, his entire body trembling. Wasn¡¯t His Majesty just being a ckguard? Since when were debtors even bolder than their creditors in this time and age?!

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her small chest and said, ¡°Either you give up about the money, or you use that knife on me. If you¡¯re a man, then cut to the chase.¡±

    Prince Fu was so angry that he couldn¡¯t utter a sound. He was a prince of the first rank, one of the most favorite sons of his imperial father. Nobody had ever dared to fool around with him!

    Ning Xiaoyao saw that Prince Fu wasn¡¯t talking and released a breath. She turned to Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°You¡¯ll be the witness. The prince doesn¡¯t want money anymore, but I wasn¡¯t the one who forced him to decide.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t speak either. This was the first time he¡¯d ever seen someone like Ning Xiaoyao, who took it upon herself to decide all matters. When had Prince Fu ever said he didn¡¯t want his official sry?

    ¡°I never said so!¡± Prince Fu immediately denied the ims.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned pained again. She stood up and faced Prince Fu while patting her chest. ¡°Then go ahead and stab me.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you can¡¯t act like this,¡± Prince Fu was furious. The emperor was pressuring him with his life. Did His Majesty really think he wouldn¡¯t dare to stab him? (Author: Do you dare, then?)

    ¡°Xiaoyao, be careful!¡± Outside the windows, Wifey and Husband Magpies both cried out.

    ¡°Money is merely worldly possessions,¡± Grandfather Sparrow pped his wings desperately as he stood on the window ledge. ¡°You can¡¯t throw away your life because of money, ah! Cheep, cheepcheepcheep, cheep!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie felt that something was off about this scene in his study.

    Ning Xiaoyao still stood absolutely straight. As long as it wasn¡¯t a zombie who bit her, she¡¯d be fine no matter how many times she was stabbed! After mentally giving herself a ¡®Like,¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao urged, ¡°If you¡¯re a man, then be more decisive. Or are you so fat that you¡¯ve forgotten that you¡¯re a man in the first ce?¡±

    Were these human words?!

    Prince Fu raised the dagger in his hand. The bullying had gone too far!

    Big Boss ck had been helping Shadowgale and the rest fight off the guards, but he took this moment to leap onto the window ledge. The first thing he saw was that Fatty Fu brandishing a dagger at his ninny, who was just standing there like a fool instead of running away.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck meowed shrilly as he dashed down the window and leaped in front of Prince Fu. A few jumpster and he was baring his ws at Prince Fu¡¯s chubby face. Prince Fu could forget about His Majesty bullying him, but now a cat was joining in the bullying as well? After the ws left five bloody gashes on Prince Fu¡¯s face, he finally lost it. Holding the dagger, the prince went to sh Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cried out. She couldn¡¯t bear to watch Big Boss ck get hurt. Even though she wouldn¡¯t die from a stab wound, could the same be said about the cat?

    ¡°Prince, stop it!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shouted as well. Ning Xiaoyao had yet toe of age, so he couldn¡¯t watch Prince Fu simply kill her off. Big Boss ck jumped on top of Prince Fu¡¯s head and started meowing as he aimed his ws at the skull beneath him. Prince Fu raised the dagger to hack at the cat on his head. Ning Xiaoyao jumped up and hauled aside his dagger-wielding hand. Prince Fu tried to struggle free, but he couldn¡¯t overpower Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s strength. In the middle of their tug-of-war, the dagger in his hand gradually drew closer to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chest.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stood up, forgetting to even put shoes over his stockings. ¡°Prince, you cannot be rash!¡±

    BANG--!

    When Lou Zigui finally kicked open the study door, this was the scene he revealed to everyone outside. There was a moment of silence. Ning Xiaoyao was practically hanging off Prince Fu¡¯s arm, a glinting dagger pointed at her chest. When she saw the crowd outside, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder where they¡¯d all showed up from. Were they all here to call on the sick Grand Preceptor, or to get rumors on when he¡¯d die instead? (Author: Can¡¯t you think of something useful for once?)

    Prince Fu suddenly had a bad premonition of things toe.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lou Zigui shouted.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned towards Supreme Commander Lou, the motion dragging her chest against the edge of the dagger.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s heart grew faint before he rushed forward, formed a fist, and punched the dazed Prince Fu half into the air. Big Boss ck flew into the air with him, leaving five more bloody gashes on the prince¡¯s head. The nearly 200 pound bulk of Prince Fu fell heavily to the ground, shaking the floor around them.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t bother with the results of his punch as he examined Ning Xiaoyao from head to toe.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the unmoving form of Prince Fu on the floor and said somewhat ignorantly, ¡°I¡¯m fine. I think Prince Fu¡¯s the one who¡¯s in trouble.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou turned to look at Shadowgale and the rest. ¡°Prince Fu attempted to stab His Majesty. Why haven¡¯t you all taken him into custody yet?!¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest all rushed forward to surround Prince Fu, whose head and face were soaked in blood. He even suspected that his back might¡¯ve been broken. Shadowgale wasn¡¯t polite at all as he rested the edge of his saber against the prince¡¯s throat. The cold metal chilled Prince Fu to his very soul as he finally recovered his senses. Stab His Majesty? Could he afford to shoulder such an usation?

    ¡°This prince didn¡¯t, this prince was...¡±

    ¡°Shut his mouth!¡± Elder Li squeezed into the study then, his tone fierce. Shadowgale gritted his teeth. Prince Fu hadpeted with thete emperor for the throne, but now he even wanted to kill their little emperor as well? Unforgivable.

    ¡°Beat them¡± Head Commander Shadowgale ordered.

    And thus, Prince Fu and all of his bodyguards were brutally walloped by His Majesty¡¯s Dragon Guards. Ning Xiaoyao cradled Big Boss ck, who had ran back into her arms. Both girl and cat were a little at a loss. How did this prince suddenly get using of killing her? Elder Li looked towards the other vassal lords, whose expressions were all ghastly.

    ¡°Prince Fu attempted to stab His Majesty before these fellow princes all showed up at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. What are your intentions?¡±

    This old fart!

    The vassal lords would rather stomp Elder Li to death this instant. He made them sound like they were Prince Fu¡¯s cohorts, all conspiring to kill their monarch. How could any of them afford to bear the burden of such a crime?

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Elder Lie as well?¡± Prince Xi, Ning Guangzong,[2. Prince Xi, Ning Guangzong (ìûÍõ£¬Äþ¹â×Ú) - Guang means ¡°light,¡± Zong means ¡°ancestor, n, model/great master.¡± Xi means ¡°auspiciousness, happiness, jubtion.¡±] spoke up to rebut him.

    Elder Li¡¯s tone was stern with a sense of justice. ¡°This official was worried that Prince Fu would harm His Majesty, and so hastened here with a purpose to protect him.¡±

    Prince Fu spat up blood. Li Wuqi,[3. Li Wuqi (ÀîÎïÆô) - Li is a surname that also means ¡°plum,¡± Wu means ¡°thing, matter, the outside world as distinct from oneself,¡± and Qi is ¡°enlighten, awaken, open.¡±] you old bastard, ah!

    Lou Zigui next spoke coldly to the vassal lords. ¡°Did the vassal lordse with the same intentions as Elder Li, to protect His Majesty?¡±

    The vassal lords were rendered speechless by Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s words. If they said yes, then they¡¯d be forcing Prince Fu on the road to death. If they said no, then they¡¯d be Prince Fu¡¯s aplices in wanting to stab the emperor. What now?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Fang Tang¡¯s voice called from outside just then. ¡°Our men are leading a thousand imperial guards here as protection.¡±

    1,000 imperial guards. The various vassal lords exchanged nces with each other. Their personal bodyguards only added up to 300 total men, but they¡¯d brought less than 100 of them to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. If His Majesty was going to give them the death sentence, then they couldn¡¯t fight back or escape, right?

    ¡°Go and search,¡± Lou Zigui ordered Fang Tang. ¡°See if there are other cohorts of Prince Fu in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Fang Tang answered loudly.

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men wanted to cry. Another search? Prince Fu was now exerting all his strength to half lift his body beneath the Dragon Guard¡¯s beating. ¡°Your Majesty, ah!¡± If you¡¯re a real man, then say some words on my behalf!

    ¡°Mm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked at Prince Fu as she held Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Meow?¡± Big Boss ck clutched at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sleeves with his paws, also blinking at Prince Fu. Both girl and cat were equally clueless. Prince Fu spat out a mouthful of blood. Why are you two acting innocent now? Bring back your attitude before, when you were offering your life for money, and when he was scratching my face full of blood!

    Grand Preceptor Xie coldly regarded everything from the side. Prince Fu had fallen into Ning Yu, Lou Zigui, and Li Wuqi¡¯s trap. Otherwise, why would Lou Zigui and Li Wuqi show up just as Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a dagger into Prince Fu¡¯s hands? (Author: This really was a coincidence. Do you believe me, Your Excellency Grand Preceptor? ¨r(¨s©n¨t£©¨q)

 Chapter 69: A girl with a serpentâ€™s heart and a wolfâ€™s personality

    <h4>Chapter 69: A girl with a serpent''s heart and a wolf''s personality</h4>

    Prince Fu sprawled unmoving on the ground, unable to even take deep breaths. Only them did the Dragon Guards cease their beatdown. Shadowthunder even asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, is hitting him like this enough?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Prince Fu. Forget about wisdom or divine might, these adjectives didn¡¯t fit him at all. He possessed a poor image to begin with, and all the beatings had changed his 220lb body into something that looked like a swollen, 270lb one. Still, Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but pity Prince Fu. She didn¡¯t think Windy or Second Thunder had used much strength at all, but why was he all swollen up like this now? (Author: Enough, you....)

    ¡°You can¡¯t hit him anymore,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowthunder. ¡°Or else he¡¯ll die.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s cold voice rang out beside her. ¡°Even the death sentence isn¡¯t enough to make up for attempted assassination of Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily waved a hand at Supreme Commander Lou. ¡°Be more lenient, haha, more lenient.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked down at Ning Xiaoyao, who raised up Big Boss ck¡¯s paws and waved them at him. Quietly she said, ¡°There¡¯s a question that I don¡¯t know whether or not I should ask.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on her tiptoes and dropped her tone even lower. ¡°I was the one who told Prince Fu to stab me. Does this still count as attempted assassination from Prince Fu?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°I feel that Prince Fu is innocent, but Windy and the rest already beat him up like that. I already owe him two years of official sry, but now I owe him medical expenses as well. Supreme Commander, I say we ought to retreat. Let¡¯s just pretend the stabbing attempt never happened, alright?¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    Ning Xiaoyao observed his silence and continued to exin. ¡°When I wanted to tell them to stop, Windy and rest had already started beating him up.¡±

    Big Boss ck cried out, ¡°He still wants medical expenses? Then you might as well stab that fatty, miaow!¡± Ning Xiaoyao muffled Big Boss ck¡¯s mouth. Did this ck furball think that ten gashes didn¡¯t count enough to warrant medical expenses?!

    Lou Zigui replied softly, ¡°Why did you want him to kill you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. ¡°He wanted money from me, but I had nothing to give except my life. So I told him to clear my debts with a stab.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou rubbed his forehead with his hand and sighed. He had no words to reply her.

    ¡°Are we withdrawing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to a corner, where they stood together as he murmured, ¡°You don¡¯t want to give these princes their sries?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly nodded her head. She¡¯d never give away money if she had it, especially since she was currently a pauper. Lou Zigui bent down until his lips were by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ears, and whispered, ¡°Then listen to me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao leaned back to stare at him. ¡°You¡¯re going toe up with the money in my ce? Aren¡¯t you even more of a pauper than me?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou momentarily choked before he clenched his teeth. ¡°Prince Fu nned to assassinate you the entire time.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    ¡°Listen to me first. We¡¯ll talk about theplicated details of right and wrongter.¡± Lou Zigui said, pressing a hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. Ning Xiaoyao nced back at the half-dead Prince Fu. She thought of the money she needed, the ounts that Supreme Commander Lou had calcted for her, and all the refugees in the capital that could only eat one meal a day. Then she decided to abandon her conscience and do as he wished.

    ¡°Done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°As long as we can get rid of that sry issue, we¡¯ll frame him.¡±

    Lou Zigui made a soft noise of assent before lightly brushing against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. He was still worried, so he urged her, ¡°Starting now, don¡¯t say a word.¡±

    This was a very unreasonable demand of her, but when Ning Xiaoyao thought of the money, she decided to agree. Grand Preceptor Xie had been staring at them both until he suddenly broke out into cold sweat. The nces between those two are too abnormal! Their shared whispers aren¡¯t like that of a sovereign and official or even friends, but sweet nothings between a pair of lovers, ah! Grand Preceptor Xie felt his breathing turnbored as he helped himself to a sitting position on the long couch. His hands wrapped around the armrest before telling himself that was impossible. If Lou Zigui knew that Ning Yu was female, could he still refrain from exposing her up to this point? Would Lou Zigui ever give up the chance to kill their Xie n in one shot?

    Grand Preceptor Xie privately found it impossible, but Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui had already split up by the time he looked back. Lou Zigui walked towards Prince Fu, while Ning Xiaoyao remained standing in the corner while holding Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Stop thinking about it,¡± Big Boss ck said, ¡°It serves that fatty right to have bad luck.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stroked Big Boss ck¡¯s head. What kind of expression did she have now after casting her conscience aside? She couldn¡¯t imagine it, so she asked Big Boss ck, ¡°How can I make sure no one can tell I¡¯ve done something shameful?¡±

    Big Boss ck rolled his eyes and said, ¡°Just look expressionless.¡±

    Expressionless? That was easy. Ning Xiaoyao looked at everyone in the room and pretended they were all zombies. Her face became devoid of expression as her gaze turned frighteningly cold. (Author: So that¡¯s what you look like when you see zombies. ( ¡Ñ o ¡Ñ ) ) Grand Preceptor Xie had been watching Elder Li talk with Lou Zigui before his eyes turned back to Ning Xiaoyao. His hand tightened on the armrest when he caught her looking coldly at Lou Zigui. This girl, Grand Preceptor Xie thought, Why is she looking at Lou Zigui with that kind of expression? He and the empress dowager had been thoroughly tricked by this girl. Was she now treating Lou Zigui as a stepping stone beneath her feet as well?

    ck Frost Cavalry. Anyuan¡¯s Six Provinces. Former subordinates of the Lou n.

    ... ...

    When Grand Preceptor Xie recalled all the things that Lou Zigui could give Ning Xiaoyao, his breathing turned sluggish. It was as if a heavy stone was crushing his heart in his chest, making it hard to breathe. How did he raise a girl with a serpent¡¯s heart and a wolf¡¯s personality?!

    The little gyrfalcon took this chance to fly from Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder to Ning Xiaoyao. He cocked his head and nuzzled it against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ve found out that the Grand Preceptor looks like he¡¯s dying.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked expressionlessly at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°That seems to be the case. It looks like his heart disease¡¯s acting up.¡±

    Big Boss ck stuck out a head to look as well. ¡°Heart disease? What kind of disease is that? If he¡¯s sick, why¡¯s he looking at us?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Well dang, his face is all twisted up. Is he trying to make us his scapegoat even if he dies?¡±

    ¡°What a toxic old man!¡± the little gyrfalcon pped his wings in rage. ¡°Xiaoyao, let me eat him!¡±

    ¡°Stay calm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the falcon¡¯s head. ¡°Right now, Fatty Fu is more important.¡±

    ¡°So we¡¯re just going to let him stare at us like that?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao imagined Grand Preceptor Xie as the strongest zombie in this room before splitting her lips into a grin. In the apocalypse, she¡¯d often worn such a expression right before she fired her rifle and blew out her enemy¡¯s brains. Otherwise, it was her with a knife hacking zombies to pieces. Grand Preceptor Xie was a shrewd man that caught the killing intent in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes immediately. She was like a bloodthirsty devil who wanted him dead. Grand Preceptor Xie pressed a hand over his heart, feeling a hopeless terror rise up in his chest as their eyes met.

    Oh yeah! Ning Xiaoyao was excited. Grand Preceptor Xie was clutching his heart, so did that mean his heart disease had already reached the advanced stages?

    Grand Preceptor Xie slowly copsed onto the long couch, unable to take such a shock. Neither him nor the empress dowager no longer had any means of dealing with Ning Yu. Their lives were in her hands, but they still had to protect her position on throne before Ning Xin came of age. Everyone would be satisfied if Ning Yu was simply an obedient chess piece, but now she was nning to use them as her pieces to pulverize and discard as she wished. What should they do?

    As it turned out, he and the empress dowager were simply pawns as well. Grand Preceptor Xie had been far-seeing and astute his entire life, so how could he bear such a blow?

    ¡°Father!¡± Eldest Young Master Xie was the first to realize the Grand Preceptor Xie had fainted. His cries brought all three sons of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s first wife rushing to his side.

    ¡°Doctor, go call a doctor!¡± Third Young Master Xie shouted as he rushed out the door. It was chaotic enough inside the estate, but now things were even more crazy. Prince Fu was unconscious on the ground, while Lou Zigui and Elder Li¡¯s people were fighting against the vassal lords. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction and Elder Li¡¯s pupils had already been hurling verbal insults back and forth for some time now. Now that the Grand Preceptor had fainted, his three sons were crying out for their father while the room was full of people bustling about. The Xie n¡¯s women were all sobbing in the courtyard outside, making it feel as if the Xie family was about to meet its doom.

    Ning Xiaoyao strode to the long couch and reached out a hand to touch Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s head. Big Boss ck was anxious. ¡°Is he dead? Is that old man dead?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand with a sigh and a shake of her head. It wasn¡¯t heart disease acting up at all. Instead, the Grand Preceptor had been too agitated and fainted away from the stress. Ning Xiaoyao found it iprehensible. Why would the Grand Preceptor have gotten so agitated and fainted away after seeing Prince Fu¡¯s unfortunate lot? (Author: As for the truth, leaving it unsaid is fine as well.) Ning Xiaoyao grabbed the two tes of pastries from the tea table and detoured her way past the fighting factions to stand before the window. She dumped one te outside for Wifey Magpie and the rest, while pointing at the other te to Grandfather Ash and the sparrows. ¡°Eat up.¡±

    Big Boss ck bit a mouthful of pastry before spitting it up in disgust. ¡°Too sweet, it¡¯s not tasty at all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a bagful of sugar beans from her pockets and nodded in agreement. ¡°I think it¡¯s too sweet, too.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow flew on top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°Xiaoyao, are you just going to let them argue like this?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I don¡¯t even understand what they¡¯re arguing about, so how am I supposed to stop them from fighting?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow fell silent. He hadn¡¯t understood the speakers, either. Ning Xiaoyao sat on the window ledge and turned to look out the window. The sunlight was perfect right now, and there was a soft, warm breeze in the air. Bathed in the rays of the sun and caressed by the wind, Ning Xiaoyao yawned. This weather is great for naps.

    ¡°This old man loathes!¡± Elder Li suddenly shouted out loud right before Ning Xiaoyao nodded off. His voice suppressed all other voices in the room and nearly sent Ning Xiaoyao rolling off the window ledge. Big Boss ck choked on a piece of pastry at Elder Li¡¯s outburst, forcing him to w at his own throat in desperation. Grandfather Sparrow took all the other sparrows and flew off. They didn¡¯t have much courage to begin with, as sparrows.

    ¡°Wh, what happened?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the little gyrfalcon, who was the only calm one of the bunch.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know,¡± the little gyrfalcon shook its head. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand their words.¡±

    ¡°Prince Fu enjoys 10,000 mu[1. mu (Ä¶) - traditional unit of area that may vary with dynasty.] ofnd without lifting a finger and enves around 100,000 people of your own. Such glory, splendor, wealth and position were offered to you on behalf of imperial benevolence. And yet youmitted the greatest treason to his sovereign by an attempted assassination,¡± Elder Li said loudly to Prince Fu. ¡°Where is the justice in this world if this criminal doesn¡¯t die? You¡¯ll all pleading and exining on his behalf, but where have you ced His Majesty¡¯s position?!¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Elder Li wanted death. Was Fatty Fu doomed to die no matter what?

 Chapter 70: On why Prince Fu wants to commit regicide

    <h4>Chapter 70: On why Prince Fu wants tomit regicide</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the vassal lords couldn¡¯t stop Elder Li from talking, so they looked to the emperor next. Now that they were aware of her existence, Ning Xiaoyao finally hopped down the window. The little gyrfalcon perched on her left shoulder, while Big Boss ck sat on her right. She was holding a half-eaten pastry in her hand as she strolled slowly towards the main battlegrounds of the study. Everyone stared at His Majesty, unwilling to make any judgement on her current appearance. Prince Fu was still sprawled on the ground, a living example of anyone who went against the emperor. Who would disrespect their sovereign now?

    Elder Li wrinkled his brows, but forced himself to ignore Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s current appearance in favor of the main event: Prince Fu. He asked, ¡°Your Majesty, what punishment does Prince Fu deserve?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui, but Elder Li popped in before thetter could speak.

    ¡°Your Majesty, why are you looking at Supreme Commander Lou?¡±

    Because he¡¯s the one who caused the fall of Prince Fu, ah. Ning Xiaoyao bit her cheek and replied, ¡°If I have to be the one who decides, then let¡¯s just lock him up in the Hall of Punishment first.¡±

    Elder Li cried, ¡°Attempted regicide is a heinous crime that merits the nine familial exterminations!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Old gramps, I¡¯m one of his family members too.¡± Prince Fu was part of the imperial family. You can¡¯t kill off the entire imperial n, can you?

    Elder Li was temporarily left lost for words.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Prince Zhi, Ning Guanyuan,[1. Prince Zhi, Ning Guanyuan (ìíÍõ£¬Äþ¹âÔ´) - Zhi means ¡°happiness, blessedness,¡± Guangyuan together means ¡°light source, illuminiant.¡±] asked. ¡°Why did Prince Fu do this?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at her imperial uncle. Compared to Prince Fu, Prince Zhu had perfectly normal human proportions. However, he had puffy, sunken eyes with deep set shadows and a sallowplexion. His entire person looked tired and listless. Ning Xiaoyao lightly brushed her hand against Prince Zhi¡¯s to get aplete diagnosis, before bumping into all the other vassal lords for the same thing. The results made His Majesty Ning suck in a breath. It looked like it''d be difficult to find anyone in the Ning n who lived with healthy bodies, much less healthy lives. The various princes had no idea why His Majesty had bumped against each of their hands, but only looked at her and waited for her to speak.

    ¡°What other reason could it be?¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Prince Fu wanted---¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander.¡± Prince Xi spoke up to cut him off. ¡°You entered the room at the same time we did. Don''t tell me you saw everything happening in the study when you were still outside the courtyard gates.¡±

    Now Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t help His Majesty, either. Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before she said, ¡°It went like this: he wanted to be the emperor, so he was going to ughter me.¡±

    Silence fell upon the study. The vassal lords and the officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction all looked at Ning Xiaoyao with an expression that said, ¡®you¡¯re screwing with me!¡¯ If Prince Fu wanted to be emperor, he would¡¯ve tried his all while struggling with the previous emperor for the throne. Why would he wait until now? Supreme Commander Lou had a headache, but his face remained unchanged and serious as he spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, this isn¡¯t the time for jokes.¡±

    This isn¡¯t the time for jokes. Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. In other words, Supreme Commander was telling her that her excuse sucked, so she needed another one. ¡°That there, it was just a joke. I¡¯m not dead, so you guys don¡¯t need to be so nervous, hahaha.¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed.

    Nobody joined her inughing. Ning Xiaoyao closed her mouth in embarrassment and nced at Big Boss ck, then the little gyrfalcon. Both of them simply shook their heads. They weren¡¯t humans, so how could they know how to lie like one? Ning Xiaoyao shook her head as well, her eyes spinning while she nearly tugged out a chunk of her hair. Finally, she squeezed out another excuse and told the vassal lords, ¡°Prince Fu told me that the thousands of people in his estate are about to starve to death, so he wanted his official sry. I said sure, I¡¯d give it to him, but he said that wouldn¡¯t do, he wanted to add more money. I said that was impossible, and then it was after that the prince wanted to kill me.¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said everyone in the room. This reason was even more unbelievable than herst one. Prince Fu had was notcking for money. Would he use a dagger against his sovereign for the sake of some cash, just to end up in his half-dead state now? Ning Xiaoyao observed the silent spectators in the study, then shot Supreme Commander another nce. She discovered that Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth was twitching and realized her newest excuse still majorly sucked.

    ¡°Your Majesty, ah,¡± Prince Xi bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t you say anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped Prince Xi from further nitpicking. She adopted a respectable tone and replied, ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a murderer. How would I know what they¡¯re thinking? Take Prince Fu to the Hall of Punishment and torture him a bit. Once we get the reason out of him, I¡¯ll definitely tell you guys. Just wait a while.¡±

    How could anyone wait for things like this? All of the vassal lords grew anxious again.

    ¡°None of you talk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke up quicker than any of them. ¡°Zhen¡¯s suffered a fright, so Zhen needs some peace and quiet right now. Don¡¯t ask who peace is, any of you.¡±

    Though the princes were silent now, they weren¡¯t afraid. It was simply His Majesty who had steeled her heart to prevent them from speaking.

    Lou Zigui took this chance to order Shadowgale, ¡°Take Prince Fu away to the Hall of Punishment.¡±

    Shadowgale loudly epted the orders before two Dragon Guards stepped forward to lift up Prince Fu. Ning Xiaoyao fretted at the side, ¡°Add two more. Can you two really lift him up?¡±

    The two Dragon Guards had already picked up Prince Fu, but their hands shook before sending him crashing down again. The unconscious Prince Fu coughed as he hit the ground before spitting up another mouthful of blood. Two more Dragon Guards ran over, and the total of four men lifted up Prince Fu together. On the way out, they somehow rammed Prince Fu¡¯s head against the doorframe, leaving arge bump on his skull. The various vassal lords began to suspect whether these people from the pce were using base and shameless methods to kill off Prince Fu.

    ¡°Old gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to Elder Li after Prince Fu was carried out of the room. ¡°Help look over the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, would you? I¡¯ll be going back first.¡±

    Elder Li asked, ¡°What does Your Majesty want this subject to look for?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Just see if there¡¯s any of Prince Fu¡¯s cohorts here. And also, isn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor sick? Chat with him about life for a bit and keep himpany.¡±

    ¡°This subject obeys the decree,¡± Elder Li epted without the slightest hesitation.

    ¡°.........¡± said the three young masters of the Xie n.

    ¡°........¡± said the officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction.

    His Majesty is using Elder Li to kill off Grand Preceptor! Just how deep is his grudge?!

    ¡°As for the official sries,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said to the princes, ¡°That¡¯s something between your guys and me. It has nothing to do with the Grand Preceptor; of course, if the Grand Preceptor¡¯s willing to shell out the money, then we¡¯ll count him in.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had finally regained consciousness after a doctor used acupuncture needles on him. As soon as he heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, he cried out from the bed, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is powerless!¡± Even if he had money, he wouldn¡¯t pay for this damnable girl!

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then this matter has nothing to do with the Grand Preceptor. If you princes have anything to say, find me and don¡¯t bother him. Look at the Grand Preceptor now, could you bear to make him worry about such things?¡±

    Everyone looked at the pale-faced Grand Preceptor, who seemed to be struggling for air through his shallow breaths. Then they lowered their heads and replied, ¡°These subjects obey the decree.¡±

    ¡°If you defy an imperial decree, you¡¯ll lose your heads, ha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao warned the princes somewhat smugly. Grand Preceptor Xie wants to team up with the vassal lords to knock her down? Keep dreaming. Do you see all this? Her Majesty Ning¡¯s torn apart this alliance before it even began!

    All of the princes could only reply, ¡°These subjects wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Grand Preceptor Xie, who avoided her eyes to signal his first and second sons to help him up.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°No need to send me off. Grand Preceptor, you should recuperate. Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Thinking up to here, Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°I was nning to talk to you today about whether you¡¯ve recognized your wrongs. But seeing as how you¡¯re still unwell, let¡¯s save that for a different day. Today, you can just tell Old Gramps Li what you¡¯ve realized about your mistakes.¡±

    A vein on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s forehead suddenly started twitching, but he maintained his calm and murmured, ¡°This subject obeys the decree.¡± Ning Xiaoyao spun around and left, a little disappointed that she hadn¡¯t angered the Grand Preceptor into fainting a second time.

    Lou Zigui told the vassal lords, ¡°Do you all still have words to say to the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    All of the princes took a step outside the study. Anyone that spoke to the Grand Preceptor now would be doomed. Ning Xiaoyao stood in the walkway and took a breath of fresh air. She nced at the half-eaten pastry still in her hand. It really was too sweet for her to finish, and all she wanted now was some water. Lou Zigui walked to her side and said in a low voice, ¡°Your Majesty, shall we return to the pce?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Supreme Commander Lou before lifting her hand and stuffing the half-eaten pastry into his mouth. ¡°This is a pastry from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, have a taste.¡±

    The sickeningly sweet vor made Lou Zigui crease his eyebrows immediately. He even wondered whether this pastry was poisoned.

    ¡°We can¡¯t waste food,¡± Ning Xiaoyao encouraged Supreme Commander Lou to finish his pastry. The princes witnessed His Majesty feeding Supreme Commander all too clearly, and couldn¡¯t help but feel that the scene was off somehow. By now, Shadowgale had ran back in from outside the courtyard to report.

    ¡°Your Majesty, the Xie n¡¯s old madame begs for an audience.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, have that old madame go wash up and prepare for bed instead.¡±

    Everyone looked at the blue skies and white clouds above their heads. Is this called ¡®gettingte?¡¯

    ¡°Have a look,¡± Lou Zigui forced himself to swallow the pastry before he spoke. ¡°She¡¯s Your Majesty¡¯s great-grandmother. It won¡¯t be good if news spread that you went to the estate without visiting her.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao understood. Here was another issue of filial piety. ¡°Then have the olddye in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale. It didn¡¯t take long for him to run out to ry the news. Soon enough, Old Madame Xie came into the courtyard, supported by a young girl.

    ¡°No need to bow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a wave of her hand before the olddy could pay her respects. The olddy was so ancient that Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t bear to have her get on her knees and kowtow. Being on the recieving end of such behavior from old people was more than she deserved!

    Despite this, Old Madame Xie and the girl by her side still bent their knees for a bow, before the old woman looked at Ning Xiaoyao silently. Ning Xiaoyao surveyed the olddy and said, ¡°Olddy, your body looks pretty well.¡±

    Old Madame Xie seemed to have no idea of what had happened here. She wiped her eyes and said, ¡°This old woman can die without regrets, now that I¡¯ve gotten the chance to see Your Majesty while I¡¯m still living. Your Majesty, this old woman misses you.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Seriously? Did this old woman really miss her?

    ¡°Elder cousin,¡± the young girl supporting the old woman called out shyly to Ning Xiaoyao, her face bright red as she revealed a smile. Ning Xiaoyao gave a start at the moniker and felt a bad premonition. Adultery was in the air!

 Chapter 71: Waiting for riches, honor, and disaster

    <h4>Chapter 71: Waiting for riches, honor, and disaster</h4>

    The girl standing in the courtyard was currently in the prime of her youth, with curvy eyebrows and phoenix eyes. Her skin was white as snow and seemed delicate enough to break with but a puff of wind. She was wearing a white dress embroidered with various flowers, which fluttered in the breeze and made for a very pleasing picture for all who saw her.

    ¡°You cannot be impudent,¡± Old Madame Xie scolded the girl by her side with a look. The girl hastily ducked her head, but flickered her eyes up to steal peeks at Ning Xiaoyao, who had moved to stand behind Supreme Commander Lou instead. This girl is giving me goosebumps.

    ¡°Her name is Xie Duoying,¡±[1. Xie Duoying (Ð»¶äÓ¨) - Duoying could mean ¡°a jade-like stone, lustrous and transparent.¡±] Big Boss ck said in a low voice. ¡°She¡¯s the Grand Preceptor¡¯s granddaughter from one of his sons. Meow a mi, is she here to seduce my Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. The girl was only staring at her. How was that seducing the Supreme Commander? A few of the princes exchanged meaningful nces with each other. It looks like the Xie n wants to send women to the Son of Heaven again.

    Old Madame Xie said, ¡°I don¡¯t know whether Your Majesty could give this old woman some face ande rest a bit in my main hall? Have a taste of the pastries made by this old woman and our fifthss.¡± The girl named Xie Duoying was quite good with her timing, because she lifted her head right then to steal another timid peek at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Pastries again? Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Judging from the level of pastry she¡¯d tried before, this olddy would be better off giving her a te of red braised pork.

    ¡°Elder cousin,¡± Xie Duoying again called out to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°That¡¯s His Majesty!¡± Old Madame Xie scolded her great-granddaughter again. ¡°How could you be such a ill-behaved girl? Hurry up and kneel to ask His Majesty for punishment!¡± Old Madame Xie raised her walking stick and pounded it onto the ground.

    Xie Duoying knelt on the ground. This time, her eyes were filled with tears as she looked at Ning Xiaoyao, the pupils bright and clear. Ning Xiaoyao thought it over for a long time before she figured out what was up. This young Miss of the Xie n was a girl that lured others to dote on her. Lou Zigui onlyughed coldly. It looked like this old madame of the Xie n had no idea that His Majesty was a female. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t invite herself to court such dishonor.

    Hearing Lou Ziguiugh, Xie Duoying¡¯s entire body stiffened. But she wasn¡¯t a girl who simply looked at any man, so she ignored him. Fifth Young Miss Xie understood in her heart that the old madame wanted to present her to His Majesty. His Majesty Ning Yu had been living in the Xie estate for 14 years, but he¡¯d always been cut off from the rest of the world. No one knew about him, and even members of the Xie n often forgot that such an imperial son existed on their premises. If they knew this personage would turn into a dragon overnight, then Fifth Young Miss believed that His Majesty would have had long had a Xie n woman at his side by now.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced back at the half-open doors of the study. Nothing stirred inside.

    ¡°This one admits her wrongs,¡± Xie Duoying confessed her faults to Ning Xiaoyao. By now, it should be Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cue to speak so the girl could retreat from her stage. All of the vassal lords looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Here was such a delicately sweet and pretty beauty kneeling right before them. His Majesty was simply a boy who had a single empress consort by his side. How could he be able to hold himself back?

    Ning Xiaoyao simply walked past Xie Duoying. This girl had called her elder cousin, which meant she was at most 13 to 14 years old. Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t petty enough to find faults with a little girl.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Old Madame Xie cried out anxiously when she saw her leaving. Tears streamed out from the corner of her eyes. Ning Xiaoyao paused at the shout to look back. Well great, the olddy¡¯s already kneeling down. The Xie girl was crying like a person made out of tears, too.

    ¡°Your Majesty, ah,¡± Old Madame Xie cried, ¡°This old woman is only someone from the back courtyard. This old woman doesn¡¯t have much experience with the world, but knows that watching Your Majesty grown into adulthood filled me with joy in my heart. This old woman only hopes that Your Majesty will be in good health all your life and be an illustrious sovereign.¡±

    The olddy¡¯s words hadpletely befuddled Ning Xiaoyao. She¡¯d brought over a pretty girl to see him, then refused to exin anything about the girl in favor of reminiscing over the past and looking into the future. Was she simply offering her affections that she¡¯d refused? Or did she pick up this girl on the way because it was inconvenient to walk by herself?

    Old Madame Xie continued to speak. ¡°This old woman cannot oversee matters outside the estate, but only asks that Your Majesty take this old woman¡¯s old age into consideration and offer me some stability.¡±

    ¡°Hold on, you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°You¡¯re not living a stable life right now?¡± This old woman had such a big house and looked well-fed and well-clothed. Even the person who helped her walk here was a beautiful girl. More importantly, there weren¡¯t any zombies in this world! What more could this olddy ask for?

    Both the people inside and outside the study fell silent. You had a falling out with the Grand Preceptor. Right now, Fang Tang¡¯s taking the imperial guards to search through the estate, and it sounds like they¡¯re confiscating property too. How do you expect the olddy to live a stable life?

    Old Madame Xie seemed unable to bear it any longer. Her body swayed as she knelt on the ground, looking at Ning Xiaoyao with a face full of tears. Ning Xiaoyao moved to the side and said, ¡°I don¡¯t like this, this younger cousin.¡±

    Fifth Young Miss Xie¡¯s face immediately drained of blood. Ning Xiaoyao was very sincere as she spoke. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m assuming there¡¯s feelings being offered when there¡¯s none. Olddy, maybe I¡¯ve misunderstood, but I think it¡¯s best if I say things clearly.¡±

    Lou Zigui took that moment to walk to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and murmur, ¡°This subject asks that Your Majesty returns to the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao simply turned and left the courtyard with him following behind. The various princes walked past Old Madame Xie and Xie Duoying as well, their heads shaking as they saw the distracted-looking pair. The girl was a pretty one, but it was a pity that His Majesty had a heart made out of steel. Looks like the olddy¡¯s beauty trap is useless.

    After everyone left, Old Madame Xie fell back to sit on the ground. Xie Duoying knelt in front of her, rmed. ¡°Old Madame, did....did Ying¡¯er make a mistake somewhere?¡±

    The old madame looked at the girl before her. Of all the Xie n girls carrying the Duo name,[2. Duo name - Chinese families traditionally assign a character to each generation of children born in the family. In this case, the children that were born in the same generation as Xie Duoying would all be grandchildren of the Grand Preceptor, and all have their names start with Xie Duo ¡°something.¡± Side note: the trantor hails from the 30-31st generation of her family, and all her siblings and cousins carry names with the character for Jing (¾²), or ¡°silence, peace, stillness.¡±] this one was the brightest and most beautiful, valued by all the elders of the n. But if Ning Yu couldn¡¯t be swayed by her beauty, then none of the other Xie n girls would even stand a chance. Xie Duoying began to cry. What was she supposed to do in the future, now that His Majesty had rejected her in person? If anyone married a girl that the emperor had slighted and then treated her like a treasure, what would that mean? Would the man be using the emperor of having bad taste when it came to women? Would any man in the world dare to invite such an assumption upon themselves?

    Elder Liughed from inside the room as he spoke to Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Yet another y, Grand Preceptor. Your Xie n was once acimed for its literary talents as well, what a shame.¡±

    Elder Li had only spoken half of what he wanted to say, but it was already a sound box on the ears for Grand Preceptor Xie and his three sons of the first wife. All the old, great families would offer their daughters to win favor. It was no different from selling off the women for honor and glory, but no one from the great families would admit it openly. Elder Li¡¯s sigh just then was simply tearing a mask off of the Xie n.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Elder Li told his pupils. ¡°Follow this old man to see how General Fang is doing.¡±

    Once Elder Li left with his people, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction took their leave as well. Right now, the Grand Preceptor was ill and the old madame wailing in the courtyard. Forget about state affairs, the Xie n had enough problems to deal with at home. If they stayed any longer, wouldn¡¯t they just be causing more trouble themselves?

    ¡°Go on,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told his cohorts. ¡°This old man¡¯s body is fine, there¡¯s no need for you all to worry.¡±

    The various officials were somewhatforted by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words. Rather than his health, what Grand Preceptor Xie really meant was that he himself would be fine. As long as the Grand Preceptor was still standing, the rest of them would be fine as well. All of the officials respectfully withdrew from the study. As they reached the courtyard, they shielded their faces with their sleeves to avoid seeing the two crying woman on the ground. Grand Preceptor Xie had Xie Anyi, his eldest son, support him outside. Only his family was here now. The old madame remained sitting on the ground as she asked, ¡°Back then, when you had His Majesty stay in the West Courtyard of the estate, you said he didn¡¯t like to see other people. You forbade anyone from disturbing his peace and quiet, which is why I prohibited entrance into the West Courtyard. Now Grand Preceptor, tell this old woman the truth. Does His Majesty really dislikepany?¡±

    The old madame had thought it over for a while, but couldn¡¯t find any ce in terms of food or clothing where they¡¯d shortchanged Ning Yu. If there was anything to hate by Ning Yu, then it was that they hadn¡¯t offered him any support and made him live 14 years like an old mountain hermit in seclusion. Grand Preceptor Xie had Second Young Master Xie help the old madame into his study before ordering his eldest son to take his brothers and daughter to wait outside his rooms. He would speak to Old Madame personally.

    Old Madame Xie was still crying and highly agitated. ¡°Say something!¡± she cried.

    Grand Preceptor Xie waited a while before he lowered his voice. ¡°Has mother forgotten the fortune told by that old monk 14 years ago? ¡®This child is destined to be at odds with the empress since birth, and they shall not reconcile in this lifetime.¡¯ Empress Dowager has always wished to give birth to another son and ce him on the throne; unfortunately, thete emperor passed away when she gave birth to Prince Cheng. Forget about putting a baby in swaddling clothes on the throne. Even if he was made emperor, rules for such a child decree that one keeps the son and disposes of the mother. That isn¡¯t something I or Empress Dowager can ept.¡±

    Old Madame Xie stood up from her chair and trilled, ¡°In other words, you father and daughter pair have been treating His Majesty as a disposable piece from the start? And His Majesty knows it?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave a pained smile. ¡°Judging from His Majesty¡¯s actions recently, he is naturally aware of it.¡±

    Old Madame Xie copsed back into her chair again.

    ¡°So mother shouldn¡¯t think of sending any more Xie n females into the pce for the future,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°It¡¯s an impossible thing.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t tell Old Madame Xie that Ning Yu was female, because the fewer people that knew, the better. At the same time, he feared that the truth would frighten the old woman to death.

    Old Madame Xie cried and asked, ¡°But what now?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty will grow to understand that he¡¯s inseparable from our Xie n,¡± Grand Preceptor Xieforted his mother. ¡°So this son can give mother some stability on my own. There¡¯s no need for you to beg it from others.¡±

    Old Madame Xie stomped the floor with her walking stick, scared yet vexed. ¡°I¡¯ve ruined my fifth granddaughter!¡±

    The Xie n was a flourishing family. Grand Preceptor Xie had three sons and five daughters by his first wife, each of whom had numerous offspring of their own. There were about 20 some unmarried girls by first wives alone, so Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t care about the plight of Fifth Young Miss Xie. All he did was say, ¡°Mother need not be saddened. Why fear that we won¡¯t find matches for our Xie n daughters?¡±

    Old Madame Xie didn¡¯t quite believe Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words. If nothing¡¯s wrong, then why would you have fainted as you did? Were you simply yacting? She lightly shook her head, feeling cold all over. Certainly, she might be a respected member of the Xie n, but in the end she still relied on her son and grandsons. If they were finished, then she would be finished as well, yet she couldn¡¯t do a thing. She was only capable of waiting until riches, honor, or disaster alike struck their home.

 Chapter 72: Taking His Majesty to ride a horse

    <h4>Chapter 72: Taking His Majesty to ride a horse</h4>

    While Old Madame Xie was panicking over the fate of herself and the Xie n, Ning Xiaoyao was standing outside the gates of the Xie estate and speaking to Xie Laifu, who was bent over like an archer¡¯s bow.

    ¡°These gates look really ugly.¡±

    The gates were identical to the previous ones except forcking a coat of paint. Second Steward Xie nced at them, unable to fathom His Majesty¡¯s words. The Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s doors were tall and imposing, so where were they ugly? Moreover, could you even judge the ugliness of a door? Ning Xiaoyao raised her hands and tugged on the gates.

    CRACK!

    His Majesty had personally torn down the Xie estate¡¯s new doors. All of the Xie estate¡¯s men looked dumbfounded. All of the Dragon Guards, inparison, werepletely calm. His Majesty had already knocked down the gates to the Hall of Punishment and the empress dowager¡¯s pce. He¡¯d even torn apart the empress dowager¡¯s chambers, so destroying the Grand Preceptor¡¯s gates shouldn¡¯t be a big deal at all, right?

    When Ning Xiaoyao let go of her hands, the brand new gates toppled to the ground. Because the ground before the gates was very clean, there wasn¡¯t a cloud of dust when theynded, only some shockingly loud reverberations.

    ¡°I tore down the gates for you for free,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said while standing on the tall threshold for the gates. ¡°Rece them with prettier ones. No need to thank me, it was effortless and something I should¡¯ve done.¡±

    Second Steward Xia stared at Ning Xiaoyao, his expression wooden. He watched as His Majesty hopped a few times on the threshold before stamping his feet. Soon enough, their threshold copsed beneath his feet as well...

    ¡°That threshold looked pretty ugly too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Second Steward Xia, who fell to the ground on his knees. At this, all of the other Xie n men by the doors knelt as well. They finally saw that His Majesty was tearing apart the Xie estate. Perhaps he wanted to kill them all as well. Second Steward Xie had an absurd thought while he was on his knees: at least I¡¯m too much of a joke to be killed off.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt less annoyed after destroying the front gates and threshold. Back in the apocalypse, she used to tear down houses whenever she was in a bad mood. It¡¯d always make her feel better. As expected, it still worked, even here. She stood in front of the doorless entrance to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and took a deep breath. (Author: That was during the apocalypse! People still live in the houses here, pah!)

    Shadowthunder ran up to Ning Xiaoyao then and pointed at the walls bordering the doors. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant thinks that these walls look ugly, too.¡±

    ¡°Mm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to see. That¡¯s right, I¡¯ve already torn down the doors and ttened the threshold, but why should I leave these walls around? ¡°I think they¡¯re ugly, too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied sincerely. ¡°Second Thunder, let¡¯s help out Grand Preceptor again.¡±

    ¡°Demolish them!¡± Shadowthunder rolled up his sleeves and led his fellow brothers to charge. They¡¯d almost been killed by the Grand Preceptor and Empress Dowager to be buried alive with thete emperor. Forget about a single wall, they were even willing to tear down the entire Xie estate for free. None of the people from the estate said a thing. Everything happening now went beyond their scope of experience. They¡¯d never heard of people who started tearing houses apart as soon as they said it was ugly, all right?

    Lou Zigui watched them silently before telling Shadowgale, ¡°Keep an eye on them, make sure it¡¯s not too excessive.¡±

    Shadowgale hastened to assent. Lou Zigui led along his battle horse to the steps leading up to the estate and shouted out at Ning Xiaoyao before she ran towards the walls as well. ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked back.

    ¡°Your Majesty,e back to the pce with this subject,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked back at Shadowthunder and the others, who were currently dismantling the wall, and felt reluctant to leave.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject wishes to return,¡± Lou Zigui said next.

    Big Boss ck appeared out of nowhere and scurried up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders, before giving her a scratch. ¡°Xiaoyao, my Supreme Commander wants to go back.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao descended the steps, looking back ever so often behind her. Lou Zigui extended a hand to her and said, ¡°This subject will help Your Majesty onto the horse.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s horse, a tall, russet steed whose coat gleamed like dark red mes. He had four sturdy limbs and, as Ning Xiaoyao discovered after patting his stomach, firm muscles. Meat like this had a high protein content and would be extra chewy when cooked in a pot.

    ¡°A good horse,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Supreme Commander Lou.

    Lou Zigui smiled at his battle horse. When he¡¯d first gotten the animal from his father, it was still a young colt. Now it galloped through the battlefields with him on its back. ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°This is a good horse.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed a mouthful of drool, while Lou Zigui¡¯s smile took on a proud, nostalgic tint. (Author: You guys are on twopletely different trains of thought again, pah!)

    There was a bang as Shadowthunder and the rest tore down a section of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s walls.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked forward. ¡°To home.¡±

    Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t let go of Ning Xiaoyao yet. ¡°Did Your Majesty walk all the way here?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I walk very fast. Urk, even faster than horses.¡±

    When Supreme Commander Lou recalled how she¡¯d climbed a mountain to see the sunrise, he believed her words. ¡°Climb up onto the horse,¡± he pulled up beside her. The thought of this girl leaving him in the dust, even with him on horseback, was a picture that made him want to die.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°You want me to ride your horse?¡± The horses in this world were equivalent to cars in hers. Supreme Commander Lou wanted her to drive his car? After realizing how much he trusted her, Ning Xiaoyao was very happy. Lou Zigui simply nodded his head. He was even worried that His Majesty would refuse because men and women were supposed to keep their distance. Shadowgale had been listening to their conversation the entire time. When he heard that Lou Zigui wanted His Majesty to ride a horse, he walked over and prepared to kneel down so that His Majesty could step on him to mount the horse.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao calcted the height differences between her and the russet horse before taking a step back and jumping straight onto its back.

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale, who¡¯d just walked over.

    ¡°........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    So, the high-level martial arts expert who taught Ning Xiaoyao her skills never taught her how to get on a horse... The russet horse gave a few whinnies, frightened by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s horse climbing methods.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled at the horse¡¯s mane and asked Lou Zigui, ¡°How do I ride this?¡±

    Lou Zigui suddenly felt sorry for his horse. He¡¯d never pulled on its mane like that before!

    Shaowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, there are reins to use. Hold onto the horse¡¯s reins.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao searched around and asked, ¡°Which ones are the reins?¡±

    When Head Commander Shadowgale saw His Majesty pick up the horsewhip, he consulted with Supreme Commander Lou, ¡°Supreme Commander, this subordinate believes His Majesty doesn¡¯t know how to ride a horse. Why don¡¯t you ride with His Majesty?¡±

    Lou Zigui rested his forehead in his hands. He¡¯d only brought this single horse over, while the others were all tied up at home. Was he supposed to run after the horse if he wasn¡¯t sharing one with His Majesty? For a second, Supreme Commander Lou began to harbor doubts about Head Commander Shadowgale¡¯s IQ.

    Ning Xiaoyao decided to speak to the horse instead. ¡°Go ahead, walk forward.¡±

    The russet horse didn¡¯t move. Big Boss ck jumped from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder to the horse¡¯s back and scratched him with his ws. ¡°You won¡¯t listen to His Majesty¡¯s words?¡±

    The horse still didn¡¯t move, but gave a snort instead.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked Big Boss ck, ¡°What does he mean by that?¡±

    Big Boss ck replied, ¡°He¡¯s looking down on us.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t quite believe him.

    Big Boss ck was convinced. ¡°Yes, miaow. This is a bad horse. Howe he gets to be ridden by my Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. So Big Boss ck is already this delusional. What¡¯s the use of being jealous of a horse? Do you think you have the skills to carry your Supreme Commander into the battlefields?

    ¡°Neigh,¡± the russet horse whinnied. Stupid cat. The hairs on Big Boss ck¡¯s body stood on end. He opened his mouth to bite and raised his ws to scratch. But Lou Zigui took that chance to get on his horse, wrapping his arms around Ning Xiaoyao and stroking Big Boss ck¡¯s head at the same time.

    ¡°Be good,¡± he said in a low voice, ¡°Or else you¡¯ll fall off.¡±

    ¡°Meooowoo~¡± Big Boss ck immediately abandoned his tyrannical ways to act cute. Ning Xiaoyao felt incapable of ridiculing him.

    ¡°Return to the pce quickly if you¡¯re done here,¡± Lou Zigui said as he nced at the vassal lords still standing inside the Grand Preceptor¡¯s doorway. Then he instructed Shadowgale, ¡°Divide up some men to guard and escort these princes home.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale obeyed.

    ¡°Hyaa!¡± Supreme Commander Lou urged on his horse and left.

    Shadowgale turned to the other Dragon Guards. ¡°That section over the door looks ugly, too. Tear it down.¡±

    The people of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate didn¡¯t want to say another word. Neither did the vassal lords, since it wasn¡¯t their houses being torn down anyways. However, all of the princes now saw the current emperor in a new light. He was adept at tormenting others, absolutely shameless, and despicable in his methods. The only adjective he was missing in his repertoire was ¡°obscene.¡±

    Lou Zigui took Ning Xiaoyao on his horse past the Grand Preceptor¡¯s archway and said, ¡°This was given to the Xie n by the previous emperor. All civil officials are required to get off their carriages before its entrance. The same with military officials and their horses.¡±

    ¡°Pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat at the archway. ¡°I thought this was just some innocent memorial archway.¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent. How could this be some memorial archway?!

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched her hands into fists. ¡°When wee by next time, I¡¯ll tear it down.¡±

    Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help but feel curious. ¡°Why will there be a next time?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao smiled at him. ¡°If you just torment someone once, what does it count for? You have to go about it slowly. Today we tore down the gates and their estate walls. Next time I¡¯ll tear down this memorial archway, and the time after that I¡¯ll aim for that study we were in.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a memorial archway,¡± Lou Zigui started before he gave up halfway. Never mind. Whatever makes you happy, Your Majesty.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, so you were a vicious and venomous type,¡± Big Boss ck eximed in loud admiration.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed Big Boss ck¡¯s head and then asked Supreme Commander Lou, ¡°Supreme Commander, what¡¯s the name of your horse?¡±

    Lou Zigui gave a start.

    ¡°You can¡¯t say it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°I, I haven¡¯t given him a name.¡±

    Big Boss ck wasn¡¯t jealous of the russet horse anymore. Instead he said, ¡°Xiaoyao doesn¡¯t have much brains, but she even named me ck Tubby. Supreme Commander didn¡¯t even give you a name? You¡¯re so pitiful, miaow.¡± (Author: But what¡¯s worth showing off about your name?)

    The russet horse slowed its galloping. Even the cat had a name, but he didn¡¯t have any despite growing up with his master! The sudden, painful realization saddened him. Why didn¡¯t my master give me a name?

    ¡°Miaow,¡± Big Boss ck stabbed another dagger into the russet horse¡¯s heart. ¡°Supreme Commander must not like you very much!¡±

    The russet horse stopped moving altogether, feeling even sadder than before. Lou Zigui discovered that his battle horse had stopped on its own volition and grew surprised. His horse was afraid of meowing cats?

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smoothed out the horse¡¯s mane and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, just call this horse Little Red. See how red its coat is.¡±

    Little Red?

    What kind of terrible name was that? Supreme Commander Lou stared at the emperor between his arms with a start. Just what do you mean by calling a battle horse ¡®Little Red?¡¯

 Chapter 73: Sweet-scented osmanthus candy, a young man and a beautiful girl

    <h4>Chapter 73: Sweet-scented osmanthus candy, a young man and a beautiful girl</h4>

    ¡°Call him Little Red,¡± Ning Xiaoyao twisted around to look at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui shook his head.

    ¡°Then what are you going to call him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Immediately, the russet horse twitched its ears. Big Boss ck turned to look at his Supreme Commander as well.

    A battle horse¡¯s name should be strong and aggressive, but Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t think of one no matter how he tried. Weiwu[1. Weiwu (ÍþÎä) - ¡°mighty, powerful.¡± Also frequently used to describe stirring battle scenes or soldiers.] was a name already taken by some of the horses in the military. Baqi?[2. Baqi (°ÔÆø) - ¡°aggressive, domineering.¡± Also a frequent adjective used to describe cold male leads in Chinese web novels.] Fang Tang¡¯s horse seemed to have that name. Then what other names sounded mighty and domineering? Dragon, Tiger, Panther, Wolf--these were all names that sounded fierce, but it seemed like they already had owners as well. Lou Zigui suddenly realized how much he¡¯d missed out on after not yet giving his horse a name.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck was already turning sore from looking up at Lou Zigui for so long. ¡°You can¡¯t think of one?¡±

    Lou Zigui tried his best to hold on. ¡°I¡¯ll think it over when we get back.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes. ¡°Then tell me the ones you¡¯ve thought up as backups instead?¡± It wasn¡¯t so easy to hoodwink His Majesty Ning. As expected, Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t say a word. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes shone with sympathy. How hard could it be to make up a name? Though Supreme Commander looked like the kind of guy who could do everything except give birth, he was apparently useless when it came to names.

    Lou Zigui tried to exin himself. ¡°All the good names have been taken already.¡±

    ¡°Then just use Little Red,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If you keep on hesitating, someone will take this name, too.¡±

    ¡°Old Yellow, keep steady.¡± an old peasant driving an ox cart spoke to his animal, his sons sitting on the cart behind him. They passed by His Majesty Ning and Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°Look at that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spread out her arms. ¡°Someone¡¯s already using ¡®Old Yellow¡¯ as a name.¡±

    So you can¡¯t use the same name on a horse, even though it¡¯s from an ox? What kind of rules are these? Supreme Commander Lou felt a bit lost.

    ¡°I still think Little Red¡¯s pretty good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was persistent with her persuasions. ¡°In the future I¡¯ll raise a mare and call her Little Ming.[3. Ming (Ã÷) - ¡°bright, brilliant, light.¡±] Little Red and Little Ming, what a great match.¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°My horse is a stallion.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked as clueless as ever. ¡°Little Red is a great name, ah.¡± Little Ming and Little Red were two names that were familiar to anyone who went to school. School textbooks always needed to name the people used for examples inside, the same for school exams. Most of the time, it was always Little Red and Little Ming. What formidable names!

    ¡°So my stallion will be Little Red, and your future mare will be Little Ming?¡± Supreme Commander Lou asked her incredulously. Just how did these names match at all?

    ¡°Right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. (Author: Did you mix up their genders?)

    Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t help but feel that something was off somewhere. Ning Xiaoyao nuzzled her head against Lou Zigui¡¯s chest, feeling a little disappointed. ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡±

    The person sitting in front of him was hanging her head. She¡¯d even stopped grinning foolishly. Lou Zigui¡¯sst death throes crumbled at the sight before he caved in. ¡°All right,¡± he nodded. ¡°Then Little Red it is.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately regained her spirits. ¡°Really?¡±

    Lou Zigui patted his battle horse and said, ¡°He¡¯ll be called Little Red in the future.¡±

    ¡°Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands. ¡°In the future, my Little Ming will follow Little Red. I want a litter of sons from Little Red, or maybe daughters.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. You haven¡¯t even acquired a horse, much less started raising one yet, and you¡¯re already pairing her up with a stallion? Moreover, what do names have to do with ideal matches?

    Big Boss ck perched on Little Red¡¯s head with a sigh. ¡°You might as well ept it. Xiaoyao¡¯s brain has never been all that useful.¡±

    The russet horse replied, ¡°Then will she raise a stupid horse like her as well?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Big Boss ck. So as it turns out, you were worried about your future wife?

    ¡°Little Red, let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled on Little Red¡¯s long mane and shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely find you a good wife!¡±

    Little Red galloped forward and cried, ¡°You have to stick to your word!¡±

    ¡°I vow on my high character and moral principles,¡± Ning Xiaoyao promised.

    ¡°Neigh~¡± Little Red galloped blindingly fast.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°What are you doing with the horse...¡±

    ¡°Little Red,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reminded him.

    ¡°Are you talking to Little Red?¡±

    ¡°Right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander, you really hurt Little Red¡¯s feelings when you didn¡¯t give him a name.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou felt that it was impossible for him to continue the topic any further. The two of them caught up to the previous old peasant driving the ox cart, before Ning Xiaoyao took out five taels of silver from her bag and stuffed it into the arms of one of the sons. ¡°For you,¡± she said.

    The son was stunned.

    ¡°Bed rest is required for a broken leg, the bone will grow back on its own,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted as they galloped past. ¡°There¡¯s enough for the doctor¡¯s fee there, so I hope your big brother gets well soon.¡±

    Little Red ran like the wind. By the time the people on the ox cart realized what had happened, the young man who had given them the money was already gone.

    ¡°I heard them talking just earlier,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined to Lou Zigui. ¡°That boy¡¯s big brother broke his leg while working for thendlord, but it takes three taels of silver just to invite a physician and buy the medicine. Their family can only afford one tael.¡±

    ¡°Three taels of silver?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°But didn¡¯t you give them five taels?¡±

    ¡°So the little brother can buy some nourishing foods,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander, your eyes sure are sharp. You could tell I gave away five silver taels at a nce?¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent before he spoke. ¡°Xiaoyao, your ears are very formidable as well.¡± We were so far behind the ox cart, so how did this girl heard what that boy was saying?

    ¡°This is good,¡± the old man driving the ox cart said to the stunned son beside him. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back and find a doctor. Your big brother can be saved, we¡¯ve run into a good person!¡±

    The five taels of silver felt heavy in the youth¡¯s hands. He raised a hand to wipe away the tears in his eyes and kneeled on the ground to kowtow three times towards Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui¡¯s retreating forms. Then he stood up and jumped onto the ox cart. Though he didn¡¯t know the name of their savior, he did remember their face. The youth tightened his grip on the lifesaving money in his hands. If they ever met again in the future, he¡¯d be willing to act as their horse or ox to repay their benefactor.

    --

    Little Red turned into a street leading north as Ning Xiaoyao started whispering to Lou Zigui. ¡°I was going to take something with me from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s study, but there wasn¡¯t a single copper coin inside!¡±

    Lou Zigui really had no words to say. So while they were exchanging verbal blows, this girl had already scanned the entirety of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s study?

    Ning Xiaoyao took out some brushes from her bag and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, have a look. I think these brushes have jade handles. How much can we sell them for?¡±

    So you ended up sneaking something out after all? Lou Zigui rested a hand on his forehead.

    ¡°How about we find a pawnshop and ask them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested. She¡¯d just given away five taels of silver, so she was anxious to make up the loss.

    ¡°This was an item bestowed by the emperor,¡± Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t seem like she was joking, so he could only speak up. ¡°Aplete set contains 24 brushes, each with a handle carved with 24 different scenes of Jiangnan.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared at the jade handle of her brush. She¡¯d never had a chance to see art before, so her art appreciation skills were zero. She didn¡¯t see what was so special about the carvings on this brush, either, but she did know how to calcte their worth. ¡°Is the person who made these brushes still alive?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°That person¡¯s been dead for nearly 100 years.¡±

    You could still use brushes that were almost 100 years old? Ning Xiaoyao found it hard to understand and added, ¡°Looks like these brushes are worth a lot of money.¡±

    ¡°You know about these brushes?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Artists,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined with the wisdom of experience, ¡°Don¡¯t have works of much worth when they¡¯re alive, but their creations be valuable after they die.¡±

    What kind of logic was this now? Lou Zigui still didn¡¯t understand. Ning Xiaoyao put back the treasured 24 brushes into her bag before deciding to find a dependable pawnshop to change them into money.

    ¡°They were bestowed by the emperor,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°You can¡¯t exchange them.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I¡¯ll file off the imperial seals when we get back.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie was currently ordering his men to search for his pens in the study. Those were his most treasured set of pens, but how did they disappear after he just let them out to dry in the sun? Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t ept this reality.

    Elder Li onlyughed coldly and said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, now you¡¯re saying you¡¯ve lost the gift bestowed by the emperor as an excuse? Is this how you n to drive this old man away? Why don¡¯t you tell me where you¡¯ve gone wrong? That was His Majesty¡¯s orders. Are you nning to defy and disobey an imperial decree?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie just wanted Elder Li to go die. Why is he still alive?

    ¡°Who would dare take the emperor¡¯s gift?¡± Elder Li chuckled coldly.¡± Who are you nning to frame this time? Is everyone who came to your estate today a suspect and a thief?¡±

    After fighting against Xie Wenyuan for half his life, Elder Li could see right through him. He was nothing more than an extremely vile viin!

    Grand Preceptor Xie felt his vision go dark. Xie Anyi only felt that his father would die for sure if this continued, so he kneeled down before Elder Li. ¡°Elder, my father¡¯s body really can¡¯t take it anymore. I implore Elder to return home for the time being.¡±

    Elder Li sat there unmoving. Begging him to be generous? Then what about all the people that Xie Wenyuan had forced to their deaths? Had Xie Wenyuan ever been generous to them?

    ¡°Elder,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie signaled his son to get up before looking at Elder Li. ¡°The vassal lords won¡¯t let go of Prince Fu¡¯s matters just like that. What do you think His Majesty will do in the face of their counter attack?¡±

    Elder Li was stumped by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s question. Now it was the Grand Preceptor¡¯s turn to smile coldly. How could it be so simple to be an emperor?

    Ning Xiaoyao had no idea that Grand Preceptor Xie hade back to life so soon. She was dragging Lou Zigui along the streets while drinking very fragrant barley tea. She¡¯d also bought some sweet osmanthus candy from an old granny, which tasted 100 times better than the pastries from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. They even bought a big bag of dried fish strips for Big Boss ck and a loud little bell for Little Red. Finally, they rode their horse to stop in front of stage facing the streets and watch a Chinese opera performance showing highlights from various operas.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand the story, which spoke of a talented young man falling in love with a beautiful girl and oveing all sorts of obstacles together before they married and lived happily ever after.. Still, she watched on with relish. Lou Zigui found the entire thing uninteresting at first, but since Ning Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t leave, he stayed as well. As time passed, His Excellency Supreme Commander slowly became caught up in the emotions of the y.

    ¡°Just what are they singing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered as she leaned against Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Evesting and unchanging,¡± Lou Zigui whispered back, ¡°Only envying the mandarin ducks and not immortals. When hair was ck, a vow was made to stay until it turns white, this life...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a piece of osmanthus candy into Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth, smiling so that her eyes curved into crescents. ¡°I''m treating you to another candy,¡± she said.

    Big Boss ck licked his balls as he silently ridiculed her. It¡¯s obviously Supreme Commander who paid for everything. Since when did it turn into that ninny treating my Supreme Commander to candy?

    The vor of the osmanthus candy was very light with the perfect level of sweetness. Lou Zigui was about to tell Ning Xiaoyao something when the opera singers on stage did their curtain call. Against the lingering strains of music, multicolored confetti burst from the rafters to rain down around them both.

 Chapter 74: Prince Fu has ten thousand plots of fertile farmland

    <h4>Chapter 74: Prince Fu has ten thousand plots of fertile farnd</h4>

    It was early evening when thenterns were being lit when Lou Zigui and Ning Xiaoyao returned to the pce. Shadowgale and the rest had arrived long in advance, and had even sent Dragon Guards and imperial guards to look for the pair. Shadowgale himself had started thinking of the worst case scenario and thought that Grand Preceptor Xie had managed to get rid of His Majesty and Supreme Commander.

    Ning Xiaoyao was still wearing her simple-minded grin when she jabbed at her nose and told Shadowgale, ¡°How could anyone sessfully assassinate me? If I couldn¡¯t beat them, I¡¯d just run away!¡±

    Shadowgale looked at His Majesty¡¯s row of little white teeth and felt that he really had worried over nothing.

    ¡°Little Fang¡¯s still not back yet?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked after looking over the crowd.

    Shadowgale said, ¡°General Fang is still at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then let¡¯s keep him there to torment the guy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said carelessly. As long as Fang Tang wasn¡¯t bothering her, it was fine.

    Shadowthunder scooted over and said, ¡°Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor said he¡¯s lost a set of 24 brushes with Jiangnan scenes etched into the handles. It was given to him by thete emperor.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand brushed against her bag, but her expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Who knows if he¡¯s telling the truth? Ignore him.¡±

    Shadowthunder nodded. ¡°Your Majesty is right. This subordinate doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s true, either. Funnily enough, the Grand Preceptor even got into an argument with Elder Li over those very brushes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat. ¡°Elder Li knows that the Grand Preceptor lost his brushes too?¡±

    Shadowthunder nodded again.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked towards the main hall. It looked like she¡¯d have to hold off on selling those brushes just yet, at least until after the news died down. (Author: Just how much do you fear Elder Li? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Song Jin ran through the gates of Supreme Splendor Hall with a report just then, ¡°The imperial nsmen are asking for an audience outside the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao subconsciously looked towards Lou Zigui, who asked, ¡°How many of them came?¡±

    ¡°All the ones who should havee,¡± Song Jin replied in a low voice.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for His Majesty to see them,¡± Supreme Commander Lou turned towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You¡¯re the emperor. No one can force you to do anything.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao inexplicably felt that she was pretty awesome. Everyone else fell silent instead. Those are the imperial nsmen. His Majesty¡¯s currently at odds with the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager. Supreme Commander, are you egging His Majesty to fight against the entire imperial n as well?

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll forget about them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was heading towards the hall, but now she turned to head towards the door instead. ¡°I¡¯ll go have a talk with Prince Fu instead.¡±

    Lou Zigui hastened to raise his hand and block Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s way. ¡°What is Your Majesty nning to talk about with Prince Fu? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to ¡®chat about life¡¯ with him,¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. Supreme Commander, can¡¯t you be more respectful towards His Majesty?

    ¡°I heard Elder Li say that Fatty Fu has 10,000 plots of fertile farnd, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I¡¯m nning to take them off Prince Fu¡¯s hands.¡± She could use money to buy seeds, but she couldn¡¯t do much after that. Ning Xiaoyao was a thorough nner, so she¡¯d set her sights on those 10,000 plots of fertile farnd as soon as Elder Li had mentioned them.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Then is Your Majesty nning to give Prince Fu his official sry from the past two years?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook his head.

    So you¡¯re not only going to withhold his pay, but take Prince Fu¡¯snds as well? Everyone looked at His Majesty in awe. You were nning to force Prince Fu to death from the start, weren¡¯t you? That has to be it, right?

    Once again, Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao over to a corner and asked her in a soft voice, ¡°Are you nning to dismiss the vassal lords?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    Lou Zigui was rendered speechless again. She didn¡¯t want to pay Prince Fu, but she still wanted hisnd. How are you going to do that without dismissing the vassal lords?

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui could only stand there and exin to Ning Xiaoyao what it meant to dismiss the vassal lords. In the end, he emphasized one point, ¡°If you dismiss the vassal lords now, it¡¯ll definitely lead to another war.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t those princes not allowed to keep troops?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re not allowed,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°But they have retainers to guard their estates and hired men as part of their retinue. It¡¯s precisely those people that make up their private armies.¡±

    Dismissing the vassal lords would mean waging war. After making that connection in her head, Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I won¡¯t do something as fierce and cruel to the people as causing a war. That doesn¡¯t match my personality.¡±

    Did waging war have anything to do with one¡¯s personality? Lou Zigui still didn¡¯t understand His Majesty¡¯s words.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have a talk first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice. ¡°If that doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll think of a way to secretly kill off Prince Fu instead.¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Even if you kill off Prince Fu, his eldest son will still inherit hisnd.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°If I can kill off the father, why can¡¯t I kill off the son?¡±

    By that logic, you¡¯d be able to kill the grandson if you kill the son, too? Lou Zigui looked at His Majesty Ning in silence. And you still want to say you¡¯re not fierce and cruel?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled along Lou Zigui as she headed for the exit of Supreme Splendor Hall. How could she kill off people so easily? Negotiation talks meant talking it out until both sides came to an agreement. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s back was absolutely straight as she walked and did mental calctions. Prince Fu hadpeted with the previous emperor for the throne before losing. The previous emperor had doted on a woman like Empress Dowager Xie and heavily used Grand Preceptor Xie, a treacherous official with a mouth full of nonsense. Really, the previous emperor¡¯s IQ level couldn¡¯t be very much at all. If that was the case, how smart could Prince Fu be? He was defeated by that very same emperor, after all! Ning Xiaoyao felt no pressure and was full of confidence. (Author: Hey hey, you can¡¯t calcte IQs like that!)

    Prince Fu was wearing a cangue and handcuffs, sitting on the floor of a rtively clean cell. The underground prisons made it impossible for the prisoners to see the hours of the day,pletely depriving them of all sense of time. Prince Fu had no idea how long he¡¯d been sitting in this cell. He¡¯d suddenly fallen from being a dignified and impressive Prince Fu of the first rank to a criminal guilty of regicide. It was impossible for him to ept such a fact, and thinking about it only made his head hurt. He wasn¡¯t even sure how he ended up like this when he truly had no intentions to kill the emperor, ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao pushed open the door to the cell and walked in with Lou Zigui, but Prince Fu simply remained sitting on the ground, staring at nothing. When Ning Xiaoyao saw his nk stare, she asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Has he been scared senseless?¡±

    Lou Zigui shouted at the prisoner, ¡°Prince Fu?¡±

    Meanwhile, Shadowgale ran inside to ce a few more oilmps around the cell. Either Lou Zigui¡¯s shout or the added light helped Prince Fu recover his wits. His head whipped up to look at Ning Xiaoyao, who waved at him and said, ¡°So we meet again.¡±

    Prince Fu wanted to stand up, but he gave a wretched cry as soon as he straightened his back. Ning Xiaoyao exined to Lou Zigui and the Dragon Guards, ¡°He has bad cirction.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. We¡¯re not interested in the reasons behind Prince Fu¡¯s screams at all.

    Prince Fu red at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You ruined me! I had no intention to kill you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao feigned ignorance as she adopted an astonished expression. ¡°Really?¡±

    Prince Fu started to shout, ¡°You¡¯re the one who handed the dagger to this prince!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao spread out her hands. ¡°Am I an idiot? Give you a de when I have nothing else to do, just so you can kill me for fun?¡±

    Prince Fu was absolutely floored. Ning Xiaoyao heaved a sigh. ¡°I know you hate me. After all, my father defeated you when you wanted to be the emperor. That¡¯s about equal to stealing your wife away. You¡¯re holding a big grudge, right?¡±

    Nobody on the site could stomach these words. Lou Zigui could only muffle his mouth and cough, shaking his head when Ning Xiaoyao looked his way. Don¡¯t speak nonsense!

    Ning Xiaoyao processed the head shake and thought, since Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t want me to waste time (Author: Can¡¯t you two read each other¡¯s mind better?), ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Prince Fu, ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase. I¡¯m not going to give you any money. It¡¯s impossible even if you beat me to death. So, that there, I want your 10,000 plots of fertile farnd. Give me a price.¡±

    Prince Fu stared at her in a daze. ¡°You¡¯re going to pay for them?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any money right now. I¡¯ll write you an IOU.¡± Ning Xiaoyao had already thought it over on the way here. ¡°First I¡¯ll owe you, then I¡¯ll give you the money when I get some.¡±

    ¡®Aren¡¯t you just stealing all the same, then?¡¯ thought everyone else.

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a slight smile as she asked, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Prince Fu stared woodenly at Ning Xiaoyao for a long time. Gradually, the flesh on his body began to tremble. When Ning Xiaoyao saw Prince Fu¡¯s expression distort, she maintained her smile and said, ¡°If there¡¯s anything you can¡¯t take, just bring it up. We can talk it over.¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Prince Fu had been shaking for so long that Supreme Commander Lou and the Dragon Guards were worried that he¡¯d shake his meat right off. Finally, he howled with rage, ¡°I¡¯m not satisfied with any of this! Ning Yu, do you take this prince for an idiot? Absolutely intolerable! If you have the guts, just kill this prince!¡±

    ¡°If an uncle can endure, why not an aunt?¡±[1. If an uncle can endure, why not an aunt (ÊåÊåÄÜÈÌ...ÉôÉô¾Í²»ÄÜÈÌ) - SHUSHU nengren, shenshen bunengren, long story short, this is the vernacr version of Prince Fu¡¯s quote of ¡°Absolutely intolerable!¡± which itself is a Confucius quote of ÊÇ¿ÉÈÌ£¬Êë²»¿ÉÈÌ shi keren, SHU bukeren. Both quotes mean the same thing--something ispletely uneptable--but Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s quote is a modern variant used today that has a y on words for two homonyms, Êë (SHU, ¡°who, which, what¡±) and Êå (SHU, ¡°uncle¡±). Naturally, the joke sounds funnier in Chinese...] Ning Xiaoyao was still slow and leisurely as she spoke. ¡°Prince, getting mad won¡¯t solve the problem. Can you fix your attitude?¡±

    ¡°Just kill me!¡± Prince Fu roared.

    ¡°You should calm down.¡±

    ¡°Ning Yu, kill me if you have the guts!¡± Prince Fu was still yelling with rage.

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped trying to calm Prince Fu this time. Instead, she lifted her leg and kicked him into the wall. The mountain of flesh that was Prince Fu crashed against the wall and caused the entire cell to shudder twice. He left a gaping hole in his wake as he fell to the ground and spat out a mouthful of blood, along with two teeth.

    ¡°You, you hit me?¡± Prince Fu said in disbelief as heid sprawled on the floor.

    Ning Xiaoyao spoke with the self-assurance of justice on her side. ¡°You¡¯re the one who told me to kill you!¡±

    ¡°Ptui!¡± Prince Fu spat out another mouthful of blood.

    Supreme Commander Lou and the Dragon Guards could only act as silent bystanders. There was no ce for them to pitch in and help. Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m going to make sure onest time. Do you really want me to kill you?¡±

    Prince Fu didn¡¯t say another word. He didn¡¯t want to die; at the same time, he had discovered that this Ning Yu was a little madman. A lunatic!

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw that Prince Fu had turned docile, she crossed her legs and sat down in front of him. Her hand lifted to the wooden cangue resting on Prince Fu¡¯s shoulders before she snapped the 100 pound thing in half with her fingers. Now Prince Fu grew even more docile. If it was so easy for this lunatic to break that 100 pound instrument of torture into two pieces, it¡¯d probably take him less effort to break off my head if he wanted.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted Prince Fu¡¯s shoulder before pulling him upright into a sitting position. He hadn¡¯t grown a body of flesh for nothing. A single touch of his shoulder revealed to Ning Xiaoyao the condition of his injuries. Thanks to his thickyers of fat, he didn¡¯t have any internal injuries despite wrecking a hole in the wall.

    Prince Fu finally gathered his courage after being stared at by Ning Xiaoyao and asked, ¡°Y-you, just what do you want?¡±

    ¡°Speak up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Name your conditions. What will convince you to sell yournd?¡±

    Prince Fu said, ¡°It was bestowed upon me by thete emperor.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao drew back the corners of her mouth into a grin that revealed her little white teeth. ¡°Conditions.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Prince Fu. If Yongning¡¯s emperor is a lunatic, then the country is doomed, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

 Chapter 75: Prince Fuâ€™s two conditions

    <h4>Chapter 75: Prince Fu''s two conditions</h4>

    Prince Fu¡¯s brain began making rapid calctions as he stared at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s grin and gleaming white teeth. None of his guards were here right now, nor his imperial consort who always helped him think up ideas, or his children--though he didn¡¯t set much store in their help. He was still carrying the crime of attempted regicide on his shoulders, while Ning Yu was an unreasonable little lunatic. Prince Fu felt as if he¡¯d been driven to a corner with no possible way out.

    Ning Xiaoyao patiently waited for Prince Fu to express his terms while reminding herself at the same time that this fatty wasn¡¯t a zombie, so she couldn¡¯t crush his brains outright if they started fighting.

    ¡°You,¡± Prince Fu said after a long time in thought. ¡°Are you still going to offer your life in ce of money?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I can give you an IOU.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Prince Fu. Is this any different from pledging your life in ce of your money? Aren¡¯t you still reneging on a debt all the same?!

    ¡°Come on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°State a price.¡±

    Prince Fu opened his mouth to speak, but Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand. ¡°Hold on. Since you¡¯re my uncle and we¡¯re one family, you should give me a cheaper price. At least, it should be lower than the market price.¡±

    Prince Fu started trembling all over again.

    ¡°Uncle,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called out sincerely.

    ¡°Now you remember that I¡¯m your imperial uncle?¡± Once again, Prince Fu couldn¡¯t hold back his temper. He roared, ¡°When you kicked me--when you stuffed that dagger into my hands--why didn¡¯t a crazy idiot like you remember that I was your imperial uncle then?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to wipe at her face, because this uncle of hers had sent his spittle flying all over her.

    ¡°May prince guard your tongue,¡± Supreme Commander Lou finally spoke up. Prince Fu gave a start when he raised his head and saw Lou Zigui standing to the left and behind of Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s right. He¡¯d almost forgotten that Ning Yu had this star of misfortune, Lou Zigui, helping him out. A cold chill ran down his back.

    ¡°Come on, give a price,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Prince Fu gritted his teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t want money.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately broke into a grin. ¡°You¡¯re giving it to me for free?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Prince Fu.

    ¡°..............¡± said everyone else.

    What kind of fantasy are you living in?

    ¡°Agree to fulfill two of my conditions and I¡¯ll give you thend,¡± Prince Fu said. At this, Lou Zigui stepped forward to stand beside Ning Xiaoyao, looking coldly at Prince Fu.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Supreme Commander,¡± Prince Fu said, ¡°This prince won¡¯t ask for the imperial throne.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed out loud. ¡°Even if you did, I wouldn¡¯t give it to you, ah.¡±

    Prince Fu narrowly avoided spitting up blood again.

    ¡°Speak, what two conditions?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Lou Zigui didn¡¯t hold out much hope for Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun¡¯s two conditions. They would probably be impossible requests.

    Prince Fu said, ¡°I like the set of 24 brushes etched with Jiangnan designs that thete emperor bestowed to the Grand Preceptor. Have the Grand Preceptor hand over his treasured brushes to me.¡± Everyone in the world knows the Grand Preceptor treasures those brushes like his life. Ning Yu, you and the Grand Preceptor are like fire and water right now. How could Xie Wenyuan hand them over to you? Moreover, Prince Fu thought gloomily as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s a gift bestowed by thete emperor. Could you take it by force? That would bepletely shameless.

    The little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart was doing a tiny dance, but she reminded herself not to smile. This wasn¡¯t the time to let Prince Fu know she already had the brushes, because this fatty had yet another condition. Lou Zigui turned away to look at a corner of the prison cell. Right now, His Excellency Supreme Commander had no idea what kind of expression he should be making. How could something so coincidental happen?

    Prince Fu looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expressionless face and said, ¡°Can Your Majesty fulfill this condition?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°That¡¯s my business. Say your second condition.¡±

    Prince Fu said, ¡°Make me lose weight from eating meat at every meal.¡±

    A few of the Dragon Guards sucked in their breaths at this deration. How is that possible? This was a prince who ate a mouthful of meat with every sip of water he drank. How are you supposed to lose weight if you eat meat for every meal?

    Shadowgale ran to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and bent down to whisper in her ear. ¡°Prince Fu once suffered from a serious illness. After taking the medicine for it, he grew fat, but none of the imperial physicians could ever make him skinny again. Moreover, Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor said he¡¯s lost that set of brushes. Did Prince Fu n this out with Grand Preceptor Xie ahead of time?¡±

    While reminding His Majesty that it was impossible for Prince Fu to lose weight, Shadowgale had shared his conspiracy theories as well. How could everything be so serendipitous? Just when Grand Preceptor Xie lost his brushes, Prince Fu was demanding them as part of his terms?

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded at Shadowgale. ¡°Very well, I understand.¡± She had her own idea about Prince Fu¡¯s chubbiness after touching him earlier. His weight wasn¡¯t caused by the medicine taken during his illness, but a benign tumor that had developed in his brain. Fortunately, the tumor hadn¡¯t grown any bigger despite remaining in his head for all these years. Neither did it turn malignant. However, it had caused endocrine imbnce in Prince Fu, thus resulting in his weight gain. As long as she treated his illness, he¡¯d be able to lose weight. By now, the little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart was singing as well as dancing. She was going to get her 10,000 plots of fertile farnd! (o(¨Rv¨Q)o)

    Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao. What are you going to do?

    Ning Xiaoyao turned back to Prince Fu and said, ¡°You only have these two conditions?¡±

    ¡°Just these two,¡± Prince Fu said.

    ¡°You¡¯re certain?¡±

    ¡°Certain!¡± Prince Fu nodded his head furiously. Ning Xiaoyao rose to her feet. She couldn¡¯t agree just like that; she needed to do something so the fatty couldn¡¯t go back on his words.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Supreme Commander Lou led His Majesty Ning aside to a corner again. ¡°It¡¯s easy enough to fulfill his first request, but it¡¯s impossible to make Prince Fu lose weight. He¡¯s simply guing Your Majesty with unreasonable demands.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was all smiles as she said in a low voice, ¡°Supreme Commander, did you forget? If I can treat your wounds, why can¡¯t I make Fatty Fu skinny?¡±

    Lou Zigui seemed doubtful. ¡°Is there really a medicine that can make people skinnier? He even wants meat for every meal.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao reply, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Even if he drinks oil for every meal, I still have ways to make him skinny.¡±

    ¡°You have a handle on things?¡± Lou Zigui still didn¡¯t believe it.

    ¡°I do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°If nothing else works, I¡¯ll just cut the meat from his body!¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at Prince Fu, who looked like a mountain of flesh as he sat on the ground, and felt that this was a solution as well. ¡°He never said he had to be alive after he lost weight,¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice to murmur. ¡°Then we might as well slice off all his flesh.¡±

    (£þ¡÷£þ£») , went Ning Xiaoyao. It¡¯s only losing weight. Do you have to be so savage and cruel?

    Prince Fu suddenly felt a chill and shrank back his neck.

    ¡°He''s really shameless,¡± Shadowthunder muttered to a few of hisrades. All of the Dragon Guards nodded in assent. He¡¯s supposed to be a prince, but he still makes such rascally demands.

    ¡°You can''t just agree to him like this,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao hastened to nod her head. ¡°I was thinking of that, too. Supreme Commander, should we find some people as witnesses?¡±

    ¡°Find Elder Li.¡± That was Lou Zigui¡¯s first thought.

    ¡°Does it have to be him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked pained.

    Lou Zigui nodded before he exined. ¡°He has a reputation for being upright and fair. The people of the world trust his words.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then it''ll be that old man. Anyone else?¡±

    ¡°Have the imperial nsmen enter the pce,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Your Majesty will have to let them know that you didn''t force Prince Fu.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°All I did was kick him once.¡±

    ¡°There''s no need to mention that,¡± Lou Zigui had to stick with logic. Wasn''t hitting someone the same as forcing them? Why didn''t this girl understand such logic?

    ¡°He was the one who told me to kill him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I didn''t kill him, but I did kick him once. What else can be said?¡±

    Lou Zigui merely nodded his head. His Majesty had left him with no way to retort again. Ning Xiaoyao walked to Prince Fu and said, ¡°Do you want to think it over and pick some other conditions?¡±

    I just knew it''d be impossible for you little lunatic. Prince Fu¡¯s heart filled with joy as he shook his head. ¡°There are no other conditions. Your Majesty, if you can aplish these two requests, I''ll even give you the cultivated fields within those 10,000 plots of fertile farnd!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao opened and closed her mouth. So it''s not just 10,000 plots of fertile farnd?

    Prince Fu asked, ¡°What does Your Majesty think?¡±

    ¡°I''ll go think it over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stepped out of the cell.

    Lou Zigui leaned against the wall with the hole and smiled coldly. As soon as Ning Xiaoyao left the cell, she told Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, you go write up a contract.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn''t understand. ¡°A contract?¡±

    ¡°Oh, like an official dispatch.¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about a written agreement?¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Lou Zigui rested a hand on his forehead. How could this be a whatever matter?

    ¡°If I fulfill both of Fatty Fu¡¯s conditions, all the cultivated fields within hisnds would belong to me, too. Supreme Commander, all you have to do is write down that agreement. Then he and I will sign the paper in front of Elder Li and the others. No, wait, I''ll stamp it with the Imperial Jade Seal.¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly recalled.

    ¡°...........¡± said everyone else. That''s not how you use an Imperial Jade Seal, right?

    Supreme Commander Lou nodded before he went to find brush and paper to pen the agreement.

    ¡°Windy,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Go find Elder Li and bring him into the pce. Even if he''s sleeping, wake him up and invite him over.¡±

    Shadowgale epted the decree and left. How could Elder Li be sleeping now? He''s probably still at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    Ning Xiaoyao next looked at Shadowrain and Shadowbolt. ¡°Third Rain, you''ll bring the imperial nsmen here. Fourth Lightning, go get the Imperial Jade Seal from my rooms.¡±

    Both Shadowrain and Shadowbolt assented and withdrew. Only Shadowthunder was left to scratch at his cheek as he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, can you really make Prince Fu lose weight?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I can.¡±

    Shadowthunder was an honest man who spoke what he thought. ¡°For real?¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she cast a secretive look at the Dragon Guards. ¡°Supreme Commander says that if nothing works, we can slice off his flesh.¡±

    The Dragon Guards felt their own flesh aching at the idea.

    One hourter, Shadowgale brought Elder Li to the prison cells. Ning Xiaoyao had been having staring contests with the imperial nsmen for quite a while now when they arrived. Instead of having Elder Li pay his respects, Ning Xiaoyao greeted him first. ¡°Old Grandfather, hello. There''s no need to bow, we''re going to get proper business done.¡±

    Elder Li bent forward. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty. I''m not sure which business Your Majesty is referring to?¡±

    Lou Zigui stepped forward and handed over the finished written agreement. Elder Li read through it rapidly before he was infuriated intoughter. Was he brought over to witness a joke? Afterwards, Supreme Commander Lou brought the agreement to the imperial nsmen for review, each of whom wore ‡å expressions towards Ning Xiaoyao when they were done. Are you making fun of us?

 Chapter 76: When His Majesty took out the brushes...

    <h4>Chapter 76: When His Majesty took out the brushes...</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s what happened, so everyone here can stand as witnesses,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood in the corridor of the jail area as she exined to Elder Li and the imperial nsmen. Her manner and mien was like that of a person saying she owed her next door neighbor some copper coins and they were there to acknowledge her IOU.

    After Prince Xi, Ning Guangzong, was sure that Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t joking, he asked, ¡°If Your Majesty can¡¯t fulfill these conditions, what does Prince Fu stand to gain?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged and replied, ¡°I won¡¯t want hisnd anymore.¡±

    Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan, asked, ¡°Then of Prince Fu¡¯s crime?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t mention that part,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand as if saying she was helpless.

    ¡°........¡± went the imperial nsmen. Did Prince Fu get his brains addled by poison? The most troublesome thing for him now is his punishment for attempted regicide. Why are you wrangling with His Majesty over yournds instead?

    Lou Zigui took the written agreement from one nsman¡¯s hands and handed it back to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°If Prince Fu isn¡¯t willing to sign his name, you can¡¯t force him in front of all these people,¡± he murmured to her softly.

    Ning Xiaoyao had thoroughly thought out her n already. ¡°He¡¯ll definitely sign.¡±

    Next, everyone followed His Majesty into the prison cell. As soon as Prince Fu saw his nsmene in, he prepared to rise. Ning Xiaoyao crouched down and held him in ce. ¡°Why are you so excited? Seen your family or something?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the imperial nsmen. But we are his family!

    Prince Fu struggled until he realized he couldn¡¯t move, and nced down at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s small hand and skinny arm. He really didn¡¯t understand how a person as scrawny as a chicken whelp could be so strong.

    ¡°Those two conditions you stated,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°You¡¯re not going to reconsider?¡±

    Prince Fu smiled coldly. ¡°I¡¯ve said it long before, it¡¯s only just those two.¡±

    ¡°Think it over some more,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said in a negotiating tone. Prince Fu stared at her, and she returned his gaze sincerely. As Prince Fu saw it, the little lunatic was starting to panic.

    ¡°You can make up some new ones if you¡¯d like. I¡¯ll agree to three of them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Prince Fu shook his head, determined. ¡°It¡¯ll just be these two.¡±

    The vassal lords grew agitated as they shouted at Prince Fu. ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°If these princes have words to say, shouldn¡¯t you request permission first?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he looked at the vassal lords. The Supreme Commander was standing in an area filled with shadows, making it impossible for the vassal lords to read his expression. They could only feel that his voice was as cold as ice.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded at Prince Fu. ¡°Fine. If you¡¯re a man, don¡¯t change your mind.¡±

    Prince Fu smiled icily. ¡°Once a gentleman gives his word, even a pack of four horses wouldn¡¯t be able to drag it back.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced the written agreement before Prince Fu¡¯s eyes. ¡°Take a look. If there¡¯s no problems, we¡¯ll both sign our names.¡±

    Prince Fu gave a start at the sight of the agreement. His requests were impossible to begin with, so why had this little lunatic bothered to put them down in writing? Lou Zigui saw Prince Fu hesitating and knew that he was starting to get suspicious of them. He took a step forward and prepared to take the agreement away.

    ¡°If you won¡¯t sign, then change your two conditions,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rified.

    Prince Fu raised his hand and pressed down on the agreement before Lou Zigui could pull it away. It was impossible that the Grand Preceptor would hand over those 24 brushes etched with scenes from Jiangnan. Nor could he get skinnier just from eating meat at every meal. Prince Fu looked at Ning Xiaoyao, and then Lou Zigui. These two are bluffing! They have to be!

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to sign?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Your Majesty is fulfilling this subject¡¯s heart¡¯s desire. Why wouldn¡¯t this subject sign?¡± Prince Fu said.

    ¡°Did you hear that? He¡¯s even referring to himself as ¡®this subject¡¯ now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered in Lou Zigui¡¯s ear.

    Lou Zigui held on to a corner of the agreement without moving. Prince Fu saw his fingers and grinned. ¡°Supreme Commander, do you have any more words to say?¡±

    Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan, took this chance to speak up. ¡°How long is Your Majesty nning to take to make Prince Fu skinny?¡±

    All of the imperial nsmen cast sidelong nces at Prince Zhi. Do you really want to join in their madness? Prince Fu will be a fatty for the rest of his life. Maybe he¡¯ll be lucky and be skinny in his next life, but it¡¯ll be impossible in this one unless his meat is sliced off. (Author: You guys are thinking the same way as Supreme Commander. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say ¡®immediately,¡¯ but stopped herself with it at the tip of her tongue. It probably wouldn¡¯t be good to be too outstanding. Thus, she simply nced at Supreme Commander Lou. How long does it take for people to lose weight in this country?

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°A year.¡±

    Prince Fu shook his head.

    ¡°Then make it a month,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°It can¡¯t be any less than that.¡±

    Prince Fu extended his hand towards Lou Zigui. ¡°Hand over a brush.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao grabbed Prince Fu¡¯s hand and scraped his fingers against the floor, causing him to give out a wretched cry. He¡¯d always lived infort, but His Majesty had scraped ayer of skin right off his hand. When Ning Xiaoyao lifted his hand up again, many of the rtives saw his bloody fingertips and began to harbor second thoughts in their hearts. The written agreement had not mentioned anything about keeping Prince Fu alive. Was His Majesty really going to strip the meat from Prince Fu¡¯s body?!

    Ning Xiaoyao pressed Prince Fu¡¯s bloody finger to the written agreement, then turned to ask Shadowbolt for the Imperial Jade Seal. Once that was done, she stamped the seal against the paper. Prince Fu cradled his bleeding fingers and shot Ning Xiaoyao a furious look. Ning Xiaoyao stood up and handed the written agreement to Elder Li. ¡°Old gramps, you should sign too. You¡¯re the witness.¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s face had sunk so much that he could be practically underwater. He wanted to throw this farce of an agreement at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Ning Xiaoyao quickly backed away to stand next to Lou Zigui. She told the nsmen, ¡°You guys should all sign as well. All of you are witnesses, so you can¡¯t favor one and discriminate against the other.¡±

    Nobody was in the mood to tell His Majesty that being choosy wasn¡¯t the issue. All of the nsmen followed silently behind Elder Li and signed their names on the agreement. When the paper came back to Lou Zigui¡¯s hands, Ning Xiaoyao asked quietly, ¡°Are there any more questions?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked over the gathered signatures. ¡°There¡¯s no issue with the written agreement, but what about Prince Fu¡¯s fat?¡±

    ¡°Have him lose it first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to say. ¡°If he can¡¯t lose enough, we¡¯ll cut it off then. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t be so hasty to kill off this fatty.¡±

    Lou Zigui folded the agreement into a square and held it in his hand. Ning Xiaoyao walked in front of Prince Fu and said, ¡°Since you¡¯ve signed with your fingerprint, you can¡¯t regret it anymore.¡±

    Prince Fu said, ¡°When is Your Majesty nning to go to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to ask him to give up his most cherished possession?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug into her bag. Everyone¡¯s eyes focused on her fingers. Ning Xiaoyao pulled out a set of brushes and ced them on the ground in front of Prince Fu. ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll give you the brushes first.¡±

    ¡°Th-this is impossible,¡± Elder Li rushed to Prince Fu¡¯s side. Ning Xiaoyao quickly backed away to give Elder Li space. Elder Li knelt down to examined each of the brushes in detail before turning to look dazedly at Ning Xiaoyao. So Xie Wenyuan really did lose his treasure. Your Majesty was the one who stole it!

    ¡°Elder,¡± a nsman asked, ¡°Is, is that the real Jiangnan set of 24 brushes?¡±

    Elder Li could only nod in reply.

    A deathly stillness stole upon the prison cell. The imperial nsmen, Dragon Guards and everyone else were all stupefied.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Prince Fu muttered as he grabbed the jade-handle brushes with wide eyes. The Jiangnan set of 24 brushes were originally a cherished possession of Prince Fu¡¯s imperial father, Emperor Mingzong.[1. Mingzong (Ã÷×Ú) - Ming is ¡°bright, brilliant, light,¡± Zong is ¡°n, great master, purpose.¡±] They were the only set of brushes ever carved by the great painting sage, Gentleman Wu. When Emperor Mingzong was still on the throne, he¡¯d once said that he¡¯d give these treasured items to Prince Fu. Unfortunately, after Emperor Mingzong¡¯s death, Prince Fu failed to gain the throne. His imperial brother became Emperor Yuanzong and bestowed the brushes to Grand Preceptor Xie instead. That became Prince Fu¡¯s second greatest source of resentment in his life after losing the imperial throne. Because of that, Prince Fu could tell the authenticity of his heart¡¯s desire with but a single nce. His hands trembled and the brushes fell to the ground before he raised his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao.

    The prison cell was silent.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Count them. 24 brushes, I don''t owe you a single one.¡±

    ¡°H-how could this be?¡± Prince Fu felt a little like falling apart.

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed. ¡°These brushes and you must have some mutual fate. When I went to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate today, I saw them lying beneath the walkway. It didn¡¯t look like anyone was using them, so I took the set.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s mouth twitched. That was Xie Wenyuan leaving his brushes out to dry. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want them! Elder Li wanted to argue with Ning Xiaoyao, but when he recalled all thends of Prince Fu, he held himself back.

    A nsman piped up with a stammer, ¡°S-shouldn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor be informed first?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao creased her eyebrows. ¡°Why do I need to tell the Grand Preceptor about something I took from my bag?¡±

    None of the nsmen could speak up. This person snatched things with so much assurance on her side. What could we even begin to say in reply to that? Elder Li straightened up and stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Now that the first condition¡¯s been fulfilled, when will Your Majesty make the prince lose weight?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in such a rush, there¡¯s an entire month,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone send over some meat for the prince to eat soon.¡±

    All of the imperial nsmen were worried for Prince Fu¡¯s sake. Are you sure you won¡¯t just cut off his flesh to lose that weight? They wanted to ask, but they feared the answer. Suppose that¡¯s really the case? What would they do then? Fight to the death to rescue Prince Fu from his prison cell? None of their guards were here right now, and they were surrounded by Dragon Guards. It¡¯d be hard for them to fight for Prince Fu¡¯s life, but on the other hand, it would be very easy for Ning Yu to end theirs. The various imperial nsmen huddled together to talk in whispers.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t wait for them to finish their conversations before he spoke up. ¡°Since everyone¡¯s already signed their names, you gentlemen may now leave the pce.¡±

    The nsmen looked over at Lou Zigui. Though the cell was filled with lit oilmps, this star of misfortune insisted on standing in the only dark corner of the room. His gloomy eyes gave him a cold aura.

    ¡°Your subjects take their leave,¡± the various princes and nsmen knelt down to bid farewell to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Goodbye, I won¡¯t bother with seeing you out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    The nsmen didn¡¯t spare Prince Fu another nce, but followed Shadowrain out of the prisons. Elder Li stared at the brushes clutched tightly in Prince Fu¡¯s hands before he spoke to Ning Xiaoyao in a quiet tone, ¡°This subject will be waiting for Your Majesty¡¯s good news.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest. ¡°No problem. I¡¯ve specialized in helping people lose weight for a hundred years.¡±

    Elder Li left with a calm face. If he listened to His Majesty talk nonsense any longer, he¡¯d be shortening his own lifespan!

    Now, only His Majesty Ning, Supreme Commander Lou and Prince Fu were left in the cell. Once again, Ning Xiaoyao crouched in front of Prince Fu and asked, ¡°How much meat do you want to eatter?¡±

    Prince Fu looked at Ning Xiaoyao and trembled.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to eat meat anymore?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°You know how to cure me?¡± Prince Fu asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then let¡¯s start with one bowl first. I¡¯ll have Supreme Commander bring it to you personally. Is the prince satisfied with such service?¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to walk out. Prince Fu raised his voice. ¡°You know how to cure me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ced a hand on top of Prince Fu¡¯s head, a pale green light emitting from her fingertips to sink into Prince Fu¡¯s hair. ¡°I know how to treat you, ah,¡± she said as she let him go.

    ¡°You can, you really can make me skinny?¡± Prince Fu grabbed onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao cocked her head and gave him an answer that was asking for a spanking. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a guess?¡±

    Prince Fu would rather they died together. ¡°It¡¯s impossible,¡± he said.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a significant chuckle. Oh, my farnd~

 Chapter 77: Is this man really loyal to his sovereign?

    <h4>Chapter 77: Is this man really loyal to his sovereign?</h4>

    That night, Prince Fu ate a bowl of red-braised pork and drank two big bowls of chicken soup. Ning Xiaoyao stood outside the prison cell on her tiptoes to spy on Prince Fu eating through a tiny window, talking to Shadowgale at the same time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just judge Prince Fu by his size. Actually, he doesn¡¯t eat all that much.¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t need tiptoes to see inside the cell, but he didn¡¯t care about how much Prince Fu ate. He was more worried over how the prince would lose the promised weight.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her heels to the floor and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to eat dinner.¡± Watching someone else eating meat and drinking soup was like a form of torture for Ning Xiaoyao.

    Shadowgale¡¯s voice grew serious. ¡°Your Majesty, how about if this servant takes Prince Fu out for a jog?¡±

    Inside the prison, Prince Fu was already lying on the floor to sleep after his meal. ¡®It¡¯d be impossible for him not to get fatter,¡¯ Shadowgale thought anxiously.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. ¡°It¡¯s fine to take him out for exercise. But Windy, you don¡¯t have to make it sound like you¡¯re walking the dog. We still need to respect the prince.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale. For whose sake do you think I¡¯m worried?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Shadowgale away. ¡°He¡¯ll get skinnier, so let¡¯s go back for dinner. Red-braised pork, oh!¡± When Ning Xiaoyao thought of the red and oily meat, she practically flew out of the prisons. Shadowgale¡¯s feet nearly left the ground as he was dragged along, his handsome face distorted by their speed. It wasn¡¯tfortable at all to be pulled along like a kite, but the Head Commander of the Dragon Guards didn¡¯t struggle against the flow. After all, how could he defy His Majesty? ¡®Besides,¡¯ Shadowgale thought in embarrassment as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s petite frame, ¡®Even if I struggled, it might very well be useless. My lightness techniques can¡¯t bepared to His Majesty, and as for my fighting skills...heheh. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m His Majesty¡¯s match there either.¡¯

    After Ning Xiaoyao and Shadowgale left, Prince Fu rubbed his stomach while lying on the floor. He didn¡¯t feel any skinnier, so he rxed and took out the Jiangnan set of 24 brushes for a look. Then he hugged them close to his chest and fell asleep.

    When Ning Xiaoyao arrived back at Supreme Splendor Hall and sat down at the table, her eyes swept over all the people waiting for her to start the meal before she asked, ¡°Huh? Where¡¯s Supreme Commander and Little Song?¡±

    None of the ck Frost Cavalry generals said a word, but kept their heads lowered and pretended they hadn¡¯t heard anything. Their Supreme Commander had taken the military fees he¡¯d gotten from His Majesty and took Song Jin out the pce to find a way to deliver the money to Anyuan County. Although their Supreme Commander sometimes used underhanded methods toplete his goals, all of the generals decided to y deaf in front of Ning Xiaoyao. On a subconscious level, they didn¡¯t want His Majesty to know of Supreme Commander¡¯s other, darker side.

    Fang Tang handed over a bowl of rice and mumbled, ¡°Supreme Commander took Song Jin and went out of the pce.¡±

    Immediately, all of the generals red at Fang Tang. What were they supposed to say if His Majesty asked them more questions?

    But Ning Xiaoyao simply reached with her chopsticks towards the red-braised pork and said, ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that. Let¡¯s start eating, then!¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said the generals. Is His Majesty too open-minded, or just too at ease with our Supreme Commander?

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed red-braised pork into her mouth at lightning speeds. With two fewer people at the table, she could eat a lot more pork! (Author: That¡¯s right, His Majesty Ning is precisely stubborn about such types of goals. ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q£©

    --

    Meanwhile, Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan, was sitting in the courtyard of his estate in the capital city. Next to him were his best conversation partners from amongst the various imperial nsmen. Yongning¡¯s imperial nsmen were currently deeply worried and sick at heart. Generations of imperial monarchs had glorified and nurtured their nsmen, but now an emperor like Ning Xiaoyao had suddenly appeared out of the blue. None of the princes could take it.

    ¡°If His Majesty uses this as a pretense to kill Prince Fu,¡± Prince Xi, Ning Guangzong said, ¡°Then who would he aim for next?¡±

    The various princes exchanged nces. It was unlikely that any of them could escape.

    ¡°So, His Majesty is nning to dismiss the vassal lords?¡± Prince Qi, Ning Guangbei[1. Prince Qi, Ning Guangbei (ÆíÍõ£¬Äþ¹â±±) - Qi means ¡°to implore, pray request,¡± Guangbei means ¡°northern lights, radiance from the north.] asked.

    ¡°None of His Majesty¡¯s brothers have been granted enfeoffments yet,¡± Prince Zhi observed. The nsmen fell into silence again. Not only was Ning Yu trying to control their enfeoffments, he wanted to take theirnds away from them as well. Anyone could tell that he was the same as thete crown prince,pletely ipatible with vassal lords like themselves.

    ¡°Right now, he¡¯s still distracted with Xie Wenyuan,¡± a nsman murmured softly. ¡°Once he gets rid of Xie Wenyuan, we¡¯ll...¡±

    Prince Xi mmed his hand on the table to cut off the speaker¡¯s words.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how His Majesty will take care of Prince Fu first,¡± Prince Zhi sighed as he shook his head. ¡°Joining together with Xie Wenyuan is like trying to ask a tiger for its skin. The Xie n is still His Majesty¡¯s maternal n. What if everything turns out to be an act to trick us all? Prince Fu was caught at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Could Grand Preceptor Xie bepletely innocent in it all? If Ning Yu could act out a self-injury ruse with Lou Zigui, why can¡¯t he pretend to have a falling out with Xie Wenyuan as well?¡±

    Prince Zhi¡¯s proposal seemed possible, which caused cold sweat to break out on the nsmen¡¯s backs. If that was the truth, then that little Emperor Ning Yu had too many hidden depths. What an insidious person.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see what he¡¯ll do with Prince Fu first,¡± Prince Zhi repeated. ¡°Before we know what he¡¯s thinking, we shouldn¡¯t do anything at all. If we¡¯re innocent, Ning Yu won¡¯t be able to do anything to us.¡±

    Prince Zhi and Prince Fu had always been leaders of the imperial nsmen. Because none of the others had any good ideas, and because Prince Fu¡¯s own plight was unclear, they naturally listened to Prince Zhi¡¯s words.

    --

    Lou Zigui and Song Jin were just standing around Prince Fu¡¯s courtyard when they saw him sending off the rest of the imperial nsmen.

    ¡°They really dide here just to discuss things,¡± Song Jin said.

    Lou Zigui nced coldly at Prince Zhi standing on top of the steps. Once the nsmen had all left, Supreme Commander Lou walked out from a patch of poorly lit streets and headed for Prince Zhi¡¯s front gates. As soon as Prince Zhi saw him, his parting smile for the nsmen turned stiff on his face.

    Lou Zigui stopped at the foot of the stairs and bowed respectfully towards Prince Zhi. ¡°Prince.¡±

    Prince Zhi nced in the direction that Lou Zigui hade from. Seeing nobody else there, he spoke. ¡°Come in,¡± Prince Zhi beckoned before turning back towards the doors.

    Lou Zigui brought Song Jin with him into the courtyard, where they walked to a reception pavilion. When Prince Zhi turned back, he nced at Song Jin. Song Jin backed up a few steps and waited by the entrance. The reception pavilion wasn¡¯t very big, though it was filled with delicate, exquisite furniture and ornaments. As Lou Zigui swept his gaze over the objects, he suddenly recalled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s nearly empty rooms. Then he gave Prince Zhi an unfriendly nce.

    Prince Zhi hadn¡¯t grown up being frightened by every little thing, so Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s re only made him straighten his posture. ¡°Has Supreme Commandere on His Majesty¡¯s orders?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Prince Zhi rxed. ¡°Oh, then what has Supreme Commandere to find this prince for?¡± (Author: Is His Majesty already something much more fearsome than Supreme Commander Lou in the eyes of you princes?)

    Lou Zigui took out a thick packet of silver drafts[2. silver drafts (ÒøÆ±) - yinpiao, ancient form of paper money, which could be exchanged for real silver at banks.] from his sleeve and ced it on the tea table before pushing it towards Prince Zhi. Prince Zhi¡¯s eyes nced over the number on the topmost silver draft and asked, ¡°What does Supreme Commander mean by this?¡±

    ¡°I know that the prince is sending out a consignment of goods to your territory tomorrow,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice.

    Prince Zhi gave a start.

    Lou Zigui chuckled, and continued, ¡°Prince Zhi is rather daring.¡±

    Prince Zhi suddenly sprang to his feet. His territory was Qiufeng City[3. Qiufeng (Çï·á) - together, the characters mean ¡°luxuriant autumn.¡±], near Anyuan¡¯s Six Provinces that made up the bordends of the country. He had been the only one of Emperor Mingzong¡¯s imperial sons who had actually led troops into battle, so he¡¯d been granted Qiufeng City in order to monitor military intelligence from Anyuan¡¯s Six Provinces. Unfortunately, Prince Zhi had never taken such responsibilities to heart. Instead, he had started business deals with the Northern Hu instead. Technically speaking, that was betraying his country. Prince Zhi had always been prudent in his dealings, so he didn¡¯t know how Lou Zigui had found out.

    ¡°I defended those borders,¡± Lou Zigui said as he smiled. ¡°Why did prince think you could hide things from my eyes?¡±

    Prince Zhi slowly sat back down. If Cuckoo Lou hade to find him, then it was probably for ckmail, rather than make him stop his business dealings. ¡°I have something to bring into Anyuan as well,¡± Lou Zigui pointed at the stack of silver drafts. ¡°This is my freight fee. Does prince think that it¡¯s enough?¡±

    Prince Zhi stared at the silver drafts on the table without saying a word.

    Lou Ziguiughed again and said, ¡°You were the one who got those letters using me ofmunicating with the Northern Hu on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s behalf, correct?¡±

    The hand resting on Prince Zhi¡¯s leg twitched.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I thought that prince wouldn¡¯t force me on a road to death since I was helping you keep the peace. I see now that I was mistaken.¡±

    Prince Zhi asked, ¡°Does Supreme Commander have any proof?¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°Prince, rather than asking me whether I have any proof, why don¡¯t you consider why Xie Wenyuan would know you could help him get those letters from the Northern Hu?¡±

    Prince Zhi¡¯s hand twitched again.

    ¡°Those letters are fake,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°The Northern Hu used prince, just as how the Grand Preceptor is using you now. How does it feel to be a pawn?¡±

    Prince Zhi slowly rxed his clenched fists and murmured, ¡°This prince doesn¡¯t understand Supreme Commander¡¯s words.¡±

    ¡°The delivery this time is very important,¡± Lou Zigui said as he stared at him. ¡°I ask that prince takes special care.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Prince Zhi was a little ticked off from feeling like he was in the palm of someone¡¯s hand.

    ¡°What Xie Wenyuan wants is to lord over all and obey only one,¡±[4. lord over all and obey only one (Ò»ÈËÖ®ÏÂÍòÈËÉÏ) - yiren zhixia wanren shang, a saying that means to have authority over everyone else and only serve one person; in other words, a person second in power to the emperor himself.] Lou Zigui said. ¡°How does prince know you¡¯re not simply a thorn in Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side?¡±

    When Prince Zhi recalled his suspicions about Ning Yu and Xie Wenyuan acting in tandem, his heart rose to his throat.

    ¡°I can pretend I know nothing about the letters,¡± Lou Zigui continued to speak in a soft voice, ¡°And since I never ¡®knew¡¯ that Prince Zhi had dealings with the Northern Hu in the past, I can keep feigning ignorance in the future. What does prince think?¡±

    Prince Zhi gave Lou Zigui a prating stare. ¡°Just so this prince can help you with a single delivery?¡±

    ¡°Song Jin will follow along with prince¡¯s caravan,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I¡¯ll only be at ease if it¡¯s my own men looking after my goods.¡±

    Prince Zhi said, ¡°You want this prince to help you deliver people? Lou Zigui, you want to transfer the ck Frost Cavalry to the capital city?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my business,¡± Supreme Commander Lou replied. ¡°No matter where the ck Frost Cavalry goes, it won¡¯t affect prince¡¯s position, will it?¡±

    Prince Zhi touched the silver drafts on the tea table.

    ¡°Prince can certainly seek out Xie Wenyuan. But how can prince shift away an entire Qiufeng City?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Prince Zhi replied, ¡°This prince thought you¡¯d hate anyone who did business with the Northern Hu.¡±

    His Excellency Supreme Commander wore a guileless smile as he murmured, ¡°The fact that I of the Lou family can settle at Anyuan¡¯s Six Provinces is precisely because there are Northern Hu beyond the borders. If the Northern Hu didn¡¯t exist, it¡¯d be hard for my Lou n to survive. This is the principle behind the saying, a drawn bow needs a flying bird to shoot.¡±

    Prince Zhi sucked in a breath. Is this man really loyal to his sovereign?

 Chapter 78: Supreme Commanderâ€™s true face

    <h4>Chapter 78: Supreme Commander''s true face</h4>

    A small sparrow flew up from the window ledge of the reception pavilion, circled around Prince Zhi¡¯s courtyard once, then headed towards the pce.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor was already arranging for your death before His Majesty ascended the throne,¡± Prince Zhi said inside the pavilion as he looked at Lou Zigui. ¡°If it was really a self-injury ruse, then you and the Grand Preceptor would¡¯ve had to n everything out before thete crown prince died. You betrayed His Highness Crown Prince?¡±

    The candlelight flickered briefly in the pavilion. Lou Zigui still looked as calm as ever, his lips still curved up into a smile. ¡°His Highness Crown Prince was simply unlucky,¡± he said to Prince Zhi. ¡°How could an unlucky person like that be emperor? Moreover, even if His Highness Crown Prince had ascended the throne, his first thing would¡¯ve been to dissolve the vassal lords. Does prince think well of that?¡±

    So Xie Wenyuan found out from Lou Zigui that I was doing business with the Northern Hu before he found me himself? Prince Zhi stared at Lou Zigui and couldn¡¯t help but feel that the entire situation was too mystifying for him to untangle.

    ¡°Prince,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Can Song Jin apany your caravan to leave the capital city tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Is the current quarrel between His Majesty and Xie Wenyuan a sham as well?¡± Prince Zhi asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s simply a power struggle,¡± Supreme Commander Lou replied, which was equal to saying nothing at all.

    For the sake of power, His Majesty could either quarrel with the Grand Preceptor or join hands with him to dismiss the vassal lords. Since Prince Zhi couldn¡¯t get a clear answer, he simply stopped asking and nodded his head. ¡°Tomorrow evening, have Song Jin go to the north gate.¡±

    Lou Zigui rose and gave him a bow. ¡°Many thanks to prince.¡±

    Prince Zhi didn¡¯t see him off, but simply waved his hand. ¡°You may leave.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned and walked out of the reception pavilion. Prince Zhi remained sitting there by himself. If Lou Zigui and Xie Wenyuan know that I¡¯ve been dealing with the Northern Hu, what of Ning Yu? Wouldn¡¯t he know as well? Maybe I shouldn¡¯t stay in the capital city after all, Prince Zhi realized with a start as he stared at the flickering candlelight.

    --

    ¡°Once you¡¯ve exited the capital with Prince Zhi¡¯s caravan, find a way to leave their group,¡± Lou Zigui quietly instructed Song Jin on their way back to the pce. ¡°The road will be dangerous, so be careful.¡±

    Song Jin couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart ache when he recalled the money his Supreme Commander had given away. Now General Song felt like dying even more at his words. ¡°Will Prince Zhi betray us even after epting our money?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s untrustworthy to begin with,¡± Lou Zigui said as he urged on his horse. ¡°What, you believe him?¡±

    ¡°Then why did you give him so much money, Supreme Commander?¡± Song Jin said, still pained. ¡°If it was given to the troops, we...¡±

    ¡°That money was simply coteral,¡± Lou Zigui interrupted Song Jin¡¯s angry rant. ¡°If we didn¡¯t give Prince Zhi something he likes, would he agree to bring you out of the capital?¡±

    One person offered a bribe while the other epted, leaving both parties in the wrong. This was the only way to strike a deal with a bastard like Prince Zhu, who could even neglect the duties of his forefathers at Qiufeng City for the chance to turn a profit.

    ¡°Would he, would he turn me over to the Grand Preceptor after bringing me out of the city?¡± Song Jin asked.

    ¡°Perhaps, perhaps not,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°But either way, it''ll be safer if you travel alone.¡±

    Song Jin nodded and followed after Lou Zigui in silence for awhile before he spoke up again. ¡°Is there still hope for Yongning like this?¡± After seeing his share of imperial nsmen and court officials, General Seventh Song couldn''t help but question their plight.

    Lou Zigui turned to look at Song Jin andughed. ¡°I was thinking of whether Prince Fu can get skinny.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± went Song Jin. Supreme Commander, if you don''t want to talk about it, there''s no need to forcefully change the topic to Prince Fu.

    ¡°Do you think Prince Fu will get skinnier?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    How am I supposed to answer that question? Do I call the shots on whether or not he loses weight?

    --

    ¡°Can Prince Fu really get skinnier?¡± Shadowgale was asking Ning Xiaoyao the very same question in the little flower garden behind the main hall.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was currently stuffing red bean cake into her mouth. She grinned as she asked, ¡°Did Little Peach Blossom make these?¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s expression turned stiff.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat below the wutong tree. ¡°Come on, tell me about your Little Peach Blossom. How far have you gone?¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t want to talk with Ning Xiaoyao anymore. Was now the time to talk about Little Peach Blossom?! Meanwhile, a little sparrownded on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and started chirping by her ear.

    ¡°........¡± went Shadowgale. It couldn¡¯t be that His Majesty¡¯s raising this sparrow, too?

    ¡°Windy, go take a walk with Little Peach Blossom and chat about life with her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took the little sparrow into her palm as she spoke to Shadowgale, who could only withdraw. He wasn¡¯t in any mood to go find Little Peach Blossom forpany, because he wanted to be on night watch duty over Prince Fu!

    After Shadowgale left, Ning Xiaoyao asked the sparrow, ¡°Supreme Commander really said those things to Prince Zhi?¡±

    ¡°Yes, chirp~¡± the little sparrow bobbed its head.

    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Big Boss ck jumped out from behind the Wutong tree with an fierce shout. ¡°You have to be the Grand Preceptor¡¯s bird, sent here to sow discord amongst us. Miaow, I¡¯ll eat you up!¡±

    Big Boss ck leaped up into the air, only to be buffeted aside by Ning Xiaoyao. The little sparrow shook its body of feathers and said seriously, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯m not the Grand Preceptor¡¯s bird.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed the sparrow¡¯s chubby tummy. This she believed, because she¡¯d never seen a bird cage in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate before. He wasn¡¯t some bird enthusiast. (Author: Even if the Grand Preceptor kept a bird, he wouldn¡¯t keep a sparrow of all things, right? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Big Boss ck sprawled on the ground as he meowed, ¡°Xiaoyao, this damned bird must be tricking you. Supreme Commander isn¡¯t that type of man!¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow took the chance to alight on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder, and the little sparrow spoke up again. ¡°Grandfather Sparrow, Wheat isn¡¯t lying.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow¡¯s tone was stern. ¡°Xiaoyao, Wheat is a good child, he wouldn¡¯t lie.¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur was standing on end.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°Mm, I believe Wheat. Come on, Wheat, I¡¯ll treat you to some red bean cake.¡±

    Wheat was very happy, because red bean cake was super yummy. Grandfather Sparrow looked at Ning Xiaoyao in concern. ¡°Xiaoyao, what do you n to do?¡±

    Big Boss ck scurried up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s leg and cried, ¡°Xiaoyao, you can¡¯t kill my Supreme Commander, ah!¡±

    At this moment, there was no smile on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. ¡°He actually gave money to Prince Zhi,¡± she muttered to the animals. ¡°If I knew about this earlier, I would¡¯ve used the money for myself, ah!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the little animals. Aren¡¯t you missing the point?

    ¡°You,¡± Grandfather Sparrow said. ¡°Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander knew about Prince Zhi¡¯s liaisons with the Northern Hu, oh. From what I understand, he doesn¡¯t want to annihte the Northern Hu at all. He¡¯s worried that he¡¯ll be abandoned by you once the threat of the Northern Hu is gone.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Isn¡¯t it good to do business?¡±

    ¡°Of course it isn¡¯t good,¡± Big Boss ck bared his ws at Ning Xiaoyao again. ¡°If you sell iron to the Northern Hu, then they can make weapons. If you sell them grain, they can fight without having to go hungry. How could this be any good?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± went the little animals. ck Tubby, can your Supreme Commander still live after your words?

    A dark shadow fell across Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. His Majesty Ning raised her head and saw Lou Zigui standing right in front of her, so she simply asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, you knew that Prince Zhi was doing business with the Northern Hu, so why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡±

    Lou Zigui froze in ce before Ning Xiaoyao. Wheat and Grandfather Sparrow flew onto a branch, while Big Boss ck hid behind Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s legs. The chirping and meowing flower gardens immediately turned silent. Ning Xiaoyao gave Lou Zigui a perplexed look and said, ¡°Tell me about your reasons.¡±

    Lou Zigui hid the hand holding an oilpaper package behind his back before he asked, ¡°Your Majesty knows all about the conversation between me and Prince Zhi?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Yes, I have little pals at Prince Zhi¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. Little pals again?

    Wheat gave a cheerful chirp from the branches. He was one of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s little pals now! Grandfather Sparrow pecked him on the head. Now wasn¡¯t the time to be happy. They had to keep a solemn silence.

    ¡°I,¡± underneath the tree, Lou Zigui spoke. ¡°I can exin.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao crossed her legs and sat down to prepare for a long talk.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I was thinking of it this way. Without these business deals, the Northern Hu would invade the borders more frequently.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand. What kind of logic was this?

    ¡°The Northern Hu people have no iron, cloth, or tea. They¡¯recking in many types of medicine. Aside from their flocks, they have nothing else,¡± Lou Zigui exined. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao imagined a savage world in her head. So in other words, I live in a feudal society while those Northern Hu live in a prehistoric one? (Author: Don¡¯t make wild guesses, ahhh!)

    ¡°I can understand the thoughts of the Northern Hu,¡± Lou Zigui half-knelt in front of Ning Xiaoyao as he lowered his voice. ¡°When their parents, women, and children are starving to death before their eyes while we Yongning people have plenty of provisions, why wouldn¡¯t they kill their way to ournds?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. ¡°So because they¡¯re starving to death, theye over to kill and pige? What kind of logic is that?¡±

    ¡°If there everes a day when you¡¯re starving to death, I¡¯d go steal, too,¡± Lou Zigui said as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who felt a little floored.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to just watch you die. That¡¯s why I can understand what the Northern Hu are thinking.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. For some reason, her heartbeats had sped up.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Those years I spent at the border were extremely tough. Even the top soldiers of the ck Frost Cavalry couldn¡¯t kill more than 40% of their numbers. Xiaoyao, it¡¯s not that I fear death, but that I don¡¯t want to send my soldiers to their death. If the Northern Hu weren¡¯t trapped with no way out, they wouldn¡¯t invade us so readily.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head in thought. In other words, if we fill the stomachs of the Northern Hu, they won¡¯t quarrel with Yongning anymore? ¡°That¡¯s not right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dropped her hands. ¡°Although doing business has its positives, they why does the government--I mean, the imperial court--disallow it?¡±

    ¡°Because we can¡¯t,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Could he speak properly? Ning Xiaoyao red at him. Lou Zigui wanted to stroke Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head, but withdrew his hand under Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s stare. ¡°If business is done in secret, it¡¯ll limit the goods sent over the border and jack up their prices as well. As long as the Northern Hu don¡¯t die, but don¡¯t eat their fill either while we deplete their wealth, it¡¯s not a bad deal in my eyes. But ifrge numbers of traders did business with them, it¡¯d only benefit the Northern Hu. A few merchants would profit from the trade, but it¡¯d hurt our country as a whole.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms as she shot another nce at Supreme Commander Lou. So you¡¯re letting Prince Zhi be all sneaky with the Northern Hu? A ck-bellied schemer, that should be your true self, right?

 Chapter 79: Xiaoyao is a good emperor

    <h4>Chapter 79: Xiaoyao is a good emperor</h4>

    ¡°I gave Prince Zhi money because I wanted Song Jin to return to Anyuan. Prince Zhi is a man who loves money, so of course I need to cater to his tastes,¡± Lou Zigui said before exining his entire reasoning process, including why Song Jin couldn¡¯t simply leave the city by himself. As a resident of an apocalyptic era with no experience in crafty plots and machinations, Ning Xiaoyao was stunned. Why did a person have to take so many twists and turns just to deliver some money? And also, Little Song might risk death just by taking a simple trip home?

    When Lou Zigui finished, he looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, do you understand my intentions now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. Would her IQ be called into question if she said she didn¡¯t understand? She thought it over before replying, ¡°Can we earn back the money we gave away?¡± Things like the reasons for coteral or going home were beyond her, but the money should be the most important point, right?

    Lou Zigui nodded before he lowered his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll get that money back.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao released a breath. If that was the case, she wouldn¡¯t feel so pained.

    ¡°Everything else I said on the scene were all lies,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao next. ¡°Xiaoyao, don¡¯t take it as the truth.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but turn these words over in her head. What else did Supreme Commander say?

    Lou Zigui leaned in closer to Ning Xiaoyao and murmured, ¡°My father and brothers all died by the Northern Hu¡¯s hands. If I don¡¯t destroy them in my lifetime, I won¡¯t have any face to see them again.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao went ¡®oh¡¯ and wanted tofort Lou Zigui, but couldn¡¯t figure out how. In the end, she simply stuffed a red bean cake into his mouth and said. ¡°Eat up.¡± Eating sweets could improve a person¡¯s mood.

    So she believes me? It¡¯s all right? As Lou Zigui ate the sweet red bean cake, he slowly sank down to sit next to Ning Xiaoyao. Then he carefully rested his hand over her own. When he saw that she didn¡¯t resist, Supreme Commander Lou simply grasped her entire hand. Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to look at the person next to her. For some reason, she kept feeling like she¡¯d missed out on something important he¡¯d said before.

    On the tree branch, Wheat said to Grandfather Sparrow, ¡°So it¡¯s that easy to talk to Xiaoyao, chirp~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao next asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Do the Northern Hu have any connections with birds?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou was still nursing a guilty conscience, so he thought over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question before answering, ¡°The Northern Hu believe in the Wolf God, so they have nothing to do with birds.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. If the Northern Hu had nothing to do with birds, then what was all that nonsense about ¡®a drawn bow needs a flying bird to shoot?¡¯ And that stuff about bows, too. If there weren¡¯t any birds in the air, who¡¯d bother carrying a bow on their backs in the first ce? Just what was the connection between that phrase and the Northern Hu? Ning Xiaoyao found that this question was too mysterious for her to solve. (Author: Illiteracy kills, ah. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Why did you ask about that of all things?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up at Wheat in the branches. Did he hear the wrong thing? Wheat simply chirped at Ning Xiaoya again. The red bean cake is sooo delicious~

    Ning Xiaoyao silently filed away the fact that Wheat liked eating red bean cake before asking Lou Zigui, ¡°Then did Prince Zhi agree for Song Jin to go along?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Then everything¡¯s good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided not to think about this anymore. In any case, she didn¡¯t understand it and questions seemed useless when she couldn¡¯t fathom Supreme Commander¡¯s answers. Lou Zigui finally withdrew the hand behind his back and extended it to Ning Xiaoyao. The oilpaper package in his palm was still sealed shut.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui opened up the package to reveal a pound of fried dough twists inside. ¡°I bought them on the road. I remember there was one stall who makes really good dough twists,¡± he told Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a fried dough twist and took a bite. It had juste out of the pot, so it was crispy and savory. Ning Xiaoyao was so happy that her eyes curved into crescents. Tasty.

    When Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile, he finally felt some peace of mind despite being free from guilt in the first ce. ¡°Do you like them? Then I¡¯ll buy them for you again next time.¡±

    ¡°Sure, sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded as she crunched on her dough twist.

    Lou Zigui watched Ning Xiaoyao munch her way through the snacks before he suddenly said, ¡°Xiaoyao, I won¡¯t lie to you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was just reaching in the package for another fried dough twist when she heard Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s words. She looked at him and nodded her head, but her mind was wholly on the fried dough twists. Even her ears heard nothing but the crinkling of oilpaper beneath her fingers. As for Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s words, His Majesty Ning didn¡¯t take them in at all. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard his thanks, her mouth was full of dough twists. She looked at him and muttered unintelligibly, ¡°Whaa?¡±

    Lou Zigui rested his hands on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders before lowering his head to whisper by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. ¡°Thank you for being willing to trust me.¡± Supreme Commander Lou knew that he¡¯d said truly wretched words in front of Prince Zhi. Though Ning Xiaoyao had easily given him her trust, he was clear that such faith in him was a heavy weight.

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a fried dough twist into Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth. In any case, no one had died, so what was this big deal about trust? She split her mouth into a grin and said, ¡°Seeing as you¡¯ve brought me fried dough twists, I¡¯ll lend you money next time too when I earn some.¡± What was a pauper¡¯s purpose in life? To earn money, of course!

    Lou Zigui kissed the top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head.

    The moonlight was gentle and soft, while the wutong tree¡¯s leaves rustled slightly in the breeze scented with the fragrance of chamei flowers. Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head as she swallowed the dough twists in her mouth. Faint green light shimmered between her lips, cleaning her teeth thoroughly before she kissed Lou Zigui back.

    Although Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui¡¯s brains had been running onpletely different trains of thought, both of them were very happy in this moment~

    Mute Nanny silently retreated from her perch at the window, afraid to make a peep. Ning Xiaoyao noticed that half-shut window and figured that the most Mute Nanny could do was tell everything to the empress dowager. But the empress dowager wouldn¡¯t dare to reveal the secret of her gender anyways, so Ning Xiaoyao resumed resting her head against Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s shoulders. If nothing woulde of it, why should she worry?

    Mute Nanny knew of His Majesty¡¯s secret, or else Empress Dowager Xie would never have let her serve the emperor. After retreating from the main hall, she felt her legs grow weak as her heart pounded. Supreme Commander was kissing His Majesty. Do the two of them, are they... Mute Nanny¡¯s thoughts ran wild. Supreme Commander knows that His Majesty is a female. What now?

    Outside the walls of the Supreme Splendor Hall, the gong rang for the second watch of the night--between 9 and 11PM. Mute Nanny leaped onto the western wall of the Supreme Splendor Hall before smoothly climbing down the other side. Her motions were far more fluid and natural than Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wall-climbing skills. Big Boss ck raced up the wall and watched Mute Nanny heading to the west, before jumping down to give chase. Although the entire empress dowager¡¯s pce was nked by imperial guards, Mute Nanny simply slipped silently behind a pair without either one the wiser. Big Boss ck followed Mute Nanny to the outer walls of the empress dowager¡¯s pce. When he saw Mute Nanny flip over another wall to go inside, he wanted to find a way in as well, but was stopped but a fat round furball. He could tell it was that little rat Oil Jar just by the smell.

    ¡°Big Boss ck, you can¡¯t go in here,¡± Oil Jar said. ¡°There are guards inside.¡±

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°The old granny who went in just then saw Supreme Commander kissing Xiaoyao.¡±

    ¡°Squeak?¡± Oil Jar grew agitated as he bit his own tail and ran around in a circle. ¡°Supreme Commander kissed our Xiaoyao? Oh, Xiaoyao can be married off now!¡±

    Big Boss ck really wanted to swallow up this stupid rat. He raised a paw and smacked Oil Jar to the ground. ¡°What if that old woman tells the empress dowager?¡±

    Oil Jar was stunned speechless.

    ¡°Will the empress dowager allow Supreme Commander to marry Xiaoyao?¡± Big Boss ck was very worried.

    Oil Jar¡¯s whiskers quivered. ¡°That¡¯s right, the empress dowager is very, very vile.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you still spacing around for?¡± Big Boss ck roared. ¡°Hurry and scout for news. I¡¯ll wait for you here.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Oil Jar grew serious as he crawled up from the floor and ran into the darkness. If the empress dowager won¡¯t let Xiaoyao marry Supreme Commander, he thought, I¡¯ll go out of the city and find Brother Tiger to learn how to kill humans. Then I¡¯ll bite the empress dowager to death!

    If the empress dowager doesn¡¯t let Supreme Commander marry my ninny, Big Boss ck thought as he waited by the wall, I¡¯ll bring along my brothers and find a chance to finish her off. Don¡¯t think cats can¡¯t kill humans. Hmph, hmph! Big Boss ck bared his teeth. He had fangs, too! (Author: You two are worried about thepletely wrong thing!)

    --

    Mute Nanny knelt in front of Empress Dowager Xie, only standing when thetter raised her hand.

    ¡°His Majesty really has a miracle medicine to make Prince Fu skinnier?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Mute Nanny shook her head as she signed with her hands.

    Empress Dowager Xie creased her eyebrows. ¡°No? Then what¡¯s all that fuss about?¡±

    Mute Nanny lowered her head and stood there respectfully. Empress Dowager Xie next asked, ¡°What else has His Majesty done in the past two days?¡±

    Only then did Mute Nanny look up at Empress Dowager Xie again. Just now, she discovered that the woman had aged. This second nce only confirmed her beliefs. There were wrinkles at the corner of the empress dowager¡¯s eyes, and her face wasn¡¯t rosy anymore without rogue. There was even an age spot on her chin. How was this the most favored peerless beauty of the entire imperial harem?

    Empress Dowager Xie saw Mute Nanny staring dumbly at her and touched her own face before giving a bitterugh. ¡°Do you think This Dowager¡¯s aged?¡±

    Mute Nanny hastily shook her head.

    Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°This Dowager knows it just from looking in the mirror. I¡¯ve aged, so what¡¯s the use if This Dowager dresses up myself now to look younger? Thete emperor isn¡¯t here anymore, so who should This Dowager dress up for?¡±

    Perhaps Empress Dowager Xie was willing to share her thoughts with Mute Nanny because she was a loyal servant who couldn¡¯t speak. Inexplicably, tears filled her eyes before she heaved a faint sigh. Her pce was still the same as bygone days, but there were no more happy nights filled with song. Now, it was just her sitting here by herself.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Empress Dowager Xie looked back at Mute Nanny. ¡°What else has His Majesty done?¡±

    Once again, the scene of Supreme Commander Lou kissing His Majesty resurfaced in Mute Nanny¡¯s mind. She raised her hand and prepared to use signnguage, but a sudden gust of cold wind blew through the pce and chilled her palm. Only then did Mute Nanny realize her hands had broken out in sweat.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Empress Dowager Xie saw that Mute Nanny hadn¡¯t made a move and so she leaned forward, her voice frigid. ¡°What¡¯s that girl nning now?¡±

    Mute Nanny¡¯s hand closed into a fist again before she slowly shook her head.

    ¡°Nothing?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    This time, Mute Nanny signed with her fingers. His Majesty is busying herself with Prince Fu¡¯s matters. Lou Zigui left the pce, but his reasons were unknown.

    His Majesty had never allowed her to kneel before her, and always called her granny. She was an emperor that smiled at everyone and treated her to snacks, even the osmanthus candy she¡¯d brought outside the pce. His Majesty had sold off all the things in her room to buy grain to support the capital¡¯s refugees. She¡¯d even heard His Majesty say that she¡¯d divide Prince Fu¡¯snd amongst the refugees once she got it. This is a good emperor, Mute Nanny thought in her heart. I can¡¯t hurt a good emperor who calls me ¡®granny.¡¯

 Chapter 80: Shrieking Prince Fu

    <h4>Chapter 80: Shrieking Prince Fu</h4>

    Empress Dowager Xie backed away until she was leaning against her chair again. After staring at Mute Nanny for awhile, she dismissed her from sight. Then she continued to sit by herself in a room that had once witnessed a life of luxury and dissipation.

    Mute Nanny jumped over the wall to leave the empress dowager¡¯s pce, her restless heart finally at ease. She would always be a servant of the Xie n in this life, but she once had a family as well. They had died in the great famine of the north ten years ago, and the only surviving members of her n today had been reduced to refugees themselves. As she ran towards Supreme Splendor Hall, Mute Nanny couldn¡¯t help but think how great it would¡¯ve been if this little emperor had been on the throne ten years ago. That¡¯s why, this time she hadn¡¯t made the wrong choice.

    --

    ¡°She didn¡¯t tell?¡± Big Boss ck licked his lips as he perched by the wall.

    ¡°Is that good news?¡± Oil Jar asked.

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. But since she didn¡¯t spill the secret, this old woman shouldn¡¯t be a bad guy, right?¡±

    Oil Jar couldn¡¯t help but worry. ¡°Ancestral Grandfather went to the ancestors¡¯ hall to find Grandfather Tortoise for a talk. Otherwise, Oil Jar could just ask Ancestral Grandfather.¡±

    ¡°Humans are reallyplicated!¡± Big Boss ck dered.

    ¡°Squeak!¡± Oil Jar raised a paw. Food for thought!

    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll go catch a rat to eat,¡± Big Boss ck ran off. Only rat meat could calm his nerves now.

    ¡°.........¡± said Oil Jar. Has this cat ever considered my feelings? He told me to my face he¡¯s going rat hunting! (TOT)

    --

    ¡°Good night.¡± Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was bidding Lou Zigui farewell at the Supreme Splendor Hall. ¡°We¡¯ll go see Prince Fu tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui nodded.

    His Majesty Ningy on the bed and quickly fell asleep with snores, but Supreme Commander Lou spent a long time sitting beneath the wutong tree in the flower gardens. When Big Boss ck returned after catching his rat, he quietlyy down between Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s legs. The other little animals had all left after Ning Xiaoyao returned to her rooms to sleep. After all, it took courage to stick to close to the cold and icy Supreme Commander.

    By the morning of the next time, Ning Xiaoyao was still sleeping under her covers when Shadowgale rushed outside her door with shouts.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao yawned beneath her covers.

    ¡°Prince Fu. Prince Fu, he, he,¡± Shadowgale stuttered as he talked, unable to form a sentence.

    That¡¯s right! Ning Xiaoyao rolled off the bed. Fatty Fu¡¯s still waiting for me in the Hall of Punishment!

    Lou Zigui had only gone back to his rooms to wash his face and change into a different set of clothes. By the time he returned and saw Shadowgale¡¯s rare loss of self-control, he only asked, ¡°What¡¯s happened to Prince Fu?¡±

    Shadowgale turned towards Lou Zigui and shouted to him and everyone else who had rushed over at themotion, ¡°He¡¯s skinnier. That fatty¡¯s gotten skinnier!¡±

    ¦²(¡ã¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, went everyone else.

    (¡Ñ_¡Ñ), went Supreme Commander Lou, who¡¯d been nning to bring people to slice off Prince Fu¡¯s flesh.

    ¡°Really?¡± Fang Tang rushed in front of Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale furiously nodded his head. He hadn¡¯t believed his eyes, so he¡¯d ran into the cell to pinch Prince Fu¡¯s stomach personally. That fatty had really turned thinner!

    ¡°Then is the prince still alive?¡± a Dragon Guard piped up cautiously.

    ¡°So His Majesty gave the prince some meat capable of poisoning away his flesh? The prince not only got skinnier from the poison, but was poisoned to death as well?¡± another Dragon Guard guessed.

    Though the words sounded like magic, many people found them logical.

    ¡®Can¡¯t you have more faith in me?¡¯ thought Ning Xiaoyao as she stepped out of her rooms.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale¡¯s expression grew more excited at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao. It was impossible to express his current feelings with words.

    Ning Xiaoyao tied up her waistband and said, ¡°Enough now, let¡¯s go to the Hall of Punishment.¡±

    At this moment, one of the ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s generals came running over before he bowed to Ning Xiaoyao and reported, ¡°Your Majesty, the imperial nsmen, Elder Li, Grand Preceptor Xie and the officials of the Six Ministries are all asking for an audience outside the pce walls.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. It looked like everyone was wondering whether Prince Fu had lost weight. Seems like they¡¯re all impatient types.

    ¡°Let them go to the Hall of Punishments,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the general. ¡°We¡¯ll all go see Prince Fu together.¡±

    The general looked at Lou Zigui, who nodded. Then he epted the decree and left. Though Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t notice this action, Shadowgale did. His joyful heart felt a chill at the sight, but he didn¡¯t reveal his feelings. Do His Majesty¡¯s imperial decrees need Supreme Commander¡¯s approval before they¡¯re epted? Shadowgale nced at Ning Xiaoyao, who was making a mess of her hair the more she tried to pat it in ce, and felt a thread of worry in his heart. Grand Preceptor Xie isn¡¯t anyone good, but how easy is it to control this group of military men?

    --

    The imperial nsmen followed an imperial guard to the Hall of Punishments, with Elder Li, Grand Preceptor Xie, and the officials from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s faction. It was Spring, so the green trees afforded them shade while the flowers bloomed in profusion; unfortunately, no one in the crowd was in a mood to enjoy such sights.

    Prince Zhi saw that they were about to arrive, so he instructed his nsmen in a small voice, ¡°If His Majesty tries to force Prince Fu to deathter, we have to kneel and beg His Majesty to spare him.¡±

    The imperial nsmen looked at the gates to the Hall of Punishment before nodding in unison. Then they took deep breaths. It wasn¡¯t easy fighting against the emperor. But if they couldn¡¯t preserve Prince Fu¡¯s life today, their own might be forfeit in the future.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Prince Zhi said as he stepped over the tall threshold. Everyone was harboring thoughts about Prince Fu¡¯s death as they followed Prince Zhi inside.

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao and the rest were standing in the jail cells. Aside from Ning Xiaoyao, everyone else was staring wide-eyed at the person sitting on the ground inside the prison. He couldn¡¯t be any more than 170 to 180 pounds. Was this really the same man as the meat mountain from yesterday?

    Prince Fu had already fallen apart once upon waking up. Now he was sitting there senseless. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao, he fell apart again. ¡°H-how is this possible?!¡± Prince Fu shrieked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    A proper and upright prince was now screaming like a girl. The Dragon Guards who¡¯d gotten bolder after spending time with His Majesty only looked at him with disdain. This is what you call a prince? As they stared, their eyes narrowed until they grew stunned. But he¡¯s really gotten skinnier!

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t react to Prince Fu¡¯s shrill cries. Compared to the howls of zombies, his screams sounded more like singing. Ning Xiaoyao grabbed Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and presented Prince Fu to him like some sort of treasure. ¡°Look, he¡¯s skinnier, right?¡±

    Still amazed, Lou Zigui did exactly what Shadowgale had done before: get on his knees and pinch Prince Fu¡¯s stomach. Then he pinched Prince Fu¡¯s face and rose to his feet. After staring at the prince for ages, he said, ¡°It really is Prince Fu.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. You thought I found someone to pretend to be him?

    Prince Fu reached out a hand to grab Ning Xiaoyao, but Lou Zigui simply shielded Ning Xiaoyao behind him. Ning Xiaoyao poked out her head and waved at Prince Fu. ¡°Prince, you¡¯ve slimmed down into a handsome uncle. Aren¡¯t you happy?¡±

    Everyone was silent, but Prince Fu look half-scared to death. Prince Fu pointed a finger at Ning Xiaoyao and shouted, ¡°You, you know witchcraft?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face fell. ¡°If I really knew witchcraft, I¡¯d make you disappear. No, that¡¯s not it. I¡¯d make your entire family disappear so I could have all your things. Why would I waste time with this?¡± No matter what, she couldn¡¯t make the people of this world think she was some sort of monster and burn her to death. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze turned cold as she looked at Prince Fu.

    Why did that little lunatic¡¯s eyes turn so frightening all of a sudden? Prince Fu felt a chill down his back.

    It was at this moment that the imperial nsmen, Elder Li, Grand Preceptor Xie, and the officials from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s faction in court arrived at the scene. The Dragon Guards backed away to make room, leaving a bunch of people to gape at Prince Fu.

    ¡°Y-you¡¯re really Prince Fu?¡± Prince Zhi only managed to ask after a long time had passed.

    Prince Fu looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who said, ¡°You don¡¯t recognize what Prince Fu looks like?¡±

    A young nsman stammered, ¡°I...I¡¯ve never seen Prince Fu before he got fat before.¡±

    ¡°Then can¡¯t you tell by his bones?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew impatient. ¡°Even with less meat, his skeleton won¡¯t change, ah!¡± Did these people have to be like this? All they have to do is confirm his identity!

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else. This was the first time they¡¯d ever heard of recognizing someone by their bone structure.

    ¡°It¡¯s imperial brother, without a doubt,¡± Prince Xi spoke up. He was about Prince Fu¡¯s age, so he¡¯d seen him when he was still at a normal weight.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, the written agreement,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck out a hand to Lou Zigui, who took the agreement out from his sleeve. It was adorned with Prince Fu¡¯s fingerprint and the stamp from the Imperial Jade Seal.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s seen this already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she waved around the written agreement in her hands. ¡°Starting from now, Prince Fu¡¯snd and all the fields within it belong to me.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Prince Fu cried out. Ning Xiaoyao shed the written agreement in his face.

    ¡°If you¡¯re a man, you have to ept the truth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°You raised the conditions yourself. You¡¯ve even nted your fingerprint on the paper, so why are you saying no?¡±

    Prince Fu looked nkly at the agreement in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. His fief was located at Fenglin City,[1. Fenglin (·ïÁÙ) - feng means ¡°phoenix,¡± lin means ¡°overlook.¡±] which overlooked 90,000 mu[2. mu (Ä¶) - unit of measurement. 1 mu = 0.16 acres, while 90,000 mu = 14,826 acres, or 60 km2, or 60,000,000 m2.] of nonirrigated farnd. He only had 40,000 mu of rice paddies, a little fewer than some, but now he stood to lose all 130,000 mu (21,416 acres or 86,666,667 square meters) with just a single piece of paper?

    ¡°If you¡¯re not talking, then you¡¯re epting the terms tacitly, ah¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she kept waving the agreement before Prince Fu¡¯s eyes.

    Prince Fu wanted to speak. He even wanted to roar with rage and scream, but what was he supposed to say? Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was jubnt. She looked over all the officials present before picking Elder Li in the end again. ¡°Old gramps, I¡¯ll leave this matter to you. You¡¯ll be in charge of dividing up Prince Fu¡¯snd.¡±

    Elder Li was actually feeling quite touched at the moment. But he was still stern as he spoke. ¡°This subject would like to ask Your Majesty, to whom am I dividing thend to? And how should I split it up?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Give it to the refugees, ah. As for the details, you can decide what to do, old gramps. But you can only givend to refugees. For splitting it up--urk--old gramps, you decide on that too. As long as it can help people survive, it¡¯ll be fine. My requirements aren¡¯t that hard, right?¡±

    Dividing up thend was a phrase with only a few words, but the actual task involved hundreds of thousands of refugees. A sizable portion of them existed within the capital city, so the actual job was very difficult. In fact, one could even call it extremely challenging.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought things over before scooting next to Elder Li and whispering in his ear. ¡°First, givend to those who can¡¯t live on no matter what. I¡¯ll find ways to get morend in the future.¡± When she finished, she winked at Elder Li as if to say, ¡®you know what I mean.¡¯

    Elder Li lifted up his robes to kneel on the ground and cried, ¡°This subject epts the decree!¡± He didn¡¯t understand why Ning Xiaoyao had blinked, but he trusted that His Majesty would be able to take thends of the other vassal lords just like how he took Prince Fu¡¯s. (Author: Actually, old gramps, you understood her perfectly.)

    ¡°Wait, wait a minute,¡± Prince Fu finally found his voice and spoke up ¡°If you split up all mynds, then what¡¯s to be of me?¡±

 Chapter 81: Whose brush is this?

    <h4>Chapter 81: Whose brush is this?</h4>

    ¡°How should I know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was all innocence despite the fact that she¡¯d taken all of Prince Fu¡¯snd.

    If you don¡¯t know, who would? Prince Fu and the other nsmen all thought as they stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    A sh of insight flickered in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head before she crouched down before Prince Fu and said, ¡°Hold it. What you¡¯re saying is that you don¡¯t want to live on yournd anymore?¡±

    Prince Fu couldn¡¯t turn the gears in his head fast enough to keep up with Ning Xiaoyao, so he simply shouted, ¡°You¡¯re already splitting up thend, so how is it still mine to live on?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°So in other words, you don¡¯t want your prince¡¯s estate, either?¡±

    Prince Fu was stunned speechless again. Everyone else turned to stare at Ning Xiaoyao. You want to steal Prince Fu¡¯s house right after stealing hisnd?

    Ning Xiaoyao craned her neck to look at Elder Li. ¡°Old gramps, how big is Prince Fu¡¯s estate?¡±

    Before Elder Li could answer, Prince Fu lost his temper. ¡°That¡¯s my estate, my home!¡± he howled. ¡°Even if this prince dies, it¡¯ll be at this prince¡¯s estate!¡±

    Once again, Ning Xiaoyao wiped Prince Fu¡¯s spittle off her face.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Supreme Commander Lou and Elder Li berated him at the same time.

    ¡°Imperial brother!¡± Prince Zhi stomped his foot as well, his voice filled with distress. You might have lost yournd, but you can¡¯t just toss away your life like that! What kind of crime is it to tantly disrespect to the emperor? Aren¡¯t you just delivering yourself to death¡¯s door for Ning Yu?

    Slowly, Prince Fu¡¯s body grew limp as he sank to the ground. Ning Xiaoyao stood up and turned to speak to Supreme Commander Lou, but she met eyes with Grand Preceptor Xie instead. She gave a sudden start. Did I forget something?

    Grand Preceptor Xie took this chance to speak. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject¡¯s set of 24 brushes with painted scenes from Jiangnan...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t hear the rest as she recalled that the Grand Preceptor was the original owner of the brushes. ¡°Those brushes belong to Prince Fu now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she pointed at Prince Fu. ¡°Grand Preceptor, why don¡¯t you talk it over with him?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at Prince Fu. ¡°Prince, those brushes belong to this official.¡±

    Since the brushes belonged to the Grand Preceptor, as long as Prince Fu returned them, his first condition with Ning Xiaoyao would be null and void. Everyone who heard Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words understood the meaning behind his message. They stared at Prince Fu, with the imperial nsmen looking especially enthusiastic. This is the perfect chance for him to recover hisnds!

    Prince Fu touched the set of brushes hidden in his sleeve. The jade handles had been warmed by close proximity to his body. Return these brushes?

    Lou Zigui was about to step forward, but Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand and held him in ce, shaking her head. She even grinned at him to show that he shouldn¡¯t worry. Lou Zigui was a little uncertain. If Prince Fu returned the brushes, wouldn¡¯t our hard work all be for nothing?

    Prince Fu suddenly spoke up to Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°These brushes belong to this prince!¡±

    Boom--

    Everyone felt like their heads had exploded inside. Has Prince Fu lost his wits? He¡¯s giving up 10,000 plots of fertile farnd for a single set of brushes?!

    Ning Xiaoyao could only gloat as she caught sight of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s dumbfounded expression. Then she stuck up her thumb at Prince Fu and dered, ¡°That¡¯s right! You have to protect your own things well! Prince, you¡¯re a real man!¡±

    If Prince Fu hadn¡¯t wanted something that he thought it¡¯d be impossible to get, why would he even bring up the Jiangnan set of 24 brushes? His Majesty Ning was proficient in the art of psychology and reading people¡¯s hearts, so it was easy enough to predict how Prince Fu would think and act.

    This is something Imperial Father wanted to give me. Prince Fu clutched his sleeves tightly. Who cared about farnd? He¡¯d never nted crops in his life, much less seen those plots with his own eyes. All he knew was that having farnd meant he wouldn¡¯t starve to death. But these brushes were once treasured items of his Imperial Father. His Imperial Father had even promised to bestow them to him. They contained memories of a time in the capital city when he was unsurpassed by anyone else and only a step away from the throne. These brushes rightfully belong to me.

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw how staunchly Prince Fu imed ownership of the brushes, she felt she could tear the Grand Preceptor a new one with it as a talking point. ¡°You threw away these set of brushes, so I picked them up and gave them away. Why are you still saying that they¡¯re yours?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Grand Preceptor Xie.

    These words nearly infuriated Grand Preceptor Xie into swooning again. ¡°When did Your Majesty ever see this official throw away these brushes?¡±

    ¡°They were thrown into a trash can,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°The trash can was shaped like a frog, and the brushes were lying right on top of its head.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. That¡¯s the Grand Preceptor¡¯s cdon frog. For the sake of drying out the brushes, he had someone warm it up in a kiln before cing the brushes on top. What do you mean by calling it a ¡®trash can?¡¯ Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you afraid of being struck by lightning after spouting such tant nonsense?

    Ning Xiaoyao was bold and self-assured with her words. Even as a person from the apocalypse, she¡¯d broadened her knowledge enough to know such things. She¡¯d seen trash cans shaped like frogs with her own eyes! (Author: I don¡¯t have enough energy to make fun of you. Forget it, whatever makes you happy, Your Majesty.)

    Grand Preceptor Xie tasted something sweet in his throat. Ning Xiaoyao had angered him into spitting up blood yesterday, but now he was close to vomiting blood again. ¡°That¡¯s not a trash can,¡± he said.

    Ning Xiaoyao arched an eyebrow. ¡°Is it not a trash can just because you said so? Why does everything have to go your way when you start talking? Say, Supreme Commander, was that a trash can or not?¡±

    Although Supreme Commander knew it wasn¡¯t, he still nodded his head.

    ¡°Old gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Elder Li next. ¡°You were at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate yesterday too. Would you say that frog¡¯s a trash can?¡±

    Everyone looked at Elder Li, who was known for being upright and just. How are you going to answer? The corner of Elder Li¡¯s eye twitched visibly in the face of all his spectators. Then he said, ¡°This subject didn¡¯t see that particr frog. However, this subject believes that if it was something used to hold discarded items, it was probably hidden in a secluded spot.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Would somewhere beneath a walkway count as a secluded spot?¡±

    Elder Li cupped his hands before his chest and bowed in front of Ning Xiaoyao, before he said loudly, ¡°The Xie Estate actually allowed His Majesty to set sights on such a dirty item. May Your Majesty pin Xie Wenyuan with the crime of tant disrespect to his sovereign!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth gaped. Can I pin a crime on the Grand Preceptor just for that reason?

    The rest of the people looked on in silence at Elder Li. For the sake of sentencing Xie Wenyuan to death, you¡¯re really giving it your all, Elder Li.

    Grand Preceptor Xie opened his mouth, only for blood to trail out of the corner of his lips. Once again, he¡¯d spat up blood.

    ¡°In the end, he''s still my grandpa,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. She''d even subconsciously reached out to treat him before recalling his identity and drawing back. ¡°Just forget about all that tant disrespect stuff. In the future, don''t toss out your brushes so carelessly. If you don''t want them, you can give them to me.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie lifted his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao. She was even wearing an expression of concern. He suppressed his temper and gave her a bow. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty.¡±

    Well, dang. Ning Xiaoyao stared at Grand Preceptor Xie. You can even endure (ren, ÈÌ)things like this? Are you part of the Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles? (Renzhe Shengui, ÈÌÕßÉñ¹ê)

    (Author: Hey, I told you not to make groundless ims!)

    Grand Preceptor Xie spared another nce at Prince Fu and said, ¡°This official congrattes prince for getting his heart¡¯s desire.¡±

    Prince Fu evaded Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s gaze. The imperial nsmen and officials from Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction all understood that Grand Preceptor Xie and Prince Fu hated each other now. It would be impossible for them to team up in the future.

    ¡°Send the Grand Preceptor out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she looked at Xie Anyi, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eldest son and the Minister of Revenue. ¡°Have him look after his illness at home and reflect upon his mistakes.¡±

    Elder Li spoke up immediately. ¡°Your Majesty ordered the Grand Preceptor to stay at home and reflect, but he actually left his estate without permission today. Your Majesty, please pin...¡±

    ¡°Old gramps, old gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off. ¡°That¡¯s my grandpa. Can¡¯t you be more polite?¡± What¡¯s the use of pinning crimes on him left and right? The Grand Preceptor holds all the military power, so what would be the use of punishing him?

    Elder Li stopped talking. Prince Xi watched Grand Preceptor Xie being led away by his son before he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, could Prince Fu leave as well?¡±

    ¡°Leave the Hall of Punishments?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    All of the imperial nsmen nodded at Ning Xiaoyao. You¡¯ve got yournd, so how could you still have enough face to keep Prince Fu imprisoned?

    Ning Xiaoyao did some mental calctions in her head. ¡°Then are we just going to forget about how he tried to kill me?¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said the imperial nsmen. His Majesty¡¯s simply a shameless hooligan!

    Prince Fu didn¡¯t howl with rage this time, but simply asked calmly, ¡°Is Your Majesty going to give this subject the death penalty?¡±

    Lou Zigui slowly shook his head at Ning Xiaoyao.

    That¡¯s right, this guy still has his private soldiers. Ning Xiaoyao stood with her hands sped behind her back and said, ¡°Who told you to be my uncle? Since we¡¯re family, we shouldn¡¯t dispute over so many details. You can pay me for damages instead.¡±

    Money is the most important thing!

    ¡°Hiss!¡± His Majesty¡¯s brazen behavior caused many of the imperial nsmen to suck in a breath.

    Prince Fu asked, ¡°How much does Your Majesty want?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes before asking, ¡°If I asked you for everything, uncle, would you want to die?¡±

    Prince Fu had somehow mastered a skill of his own without being taught. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao and chuckled. ¡°Heheh.¡±

    ¡°Then wait a bit until I figure out a price,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said pleasantly. ¡°You can live here for now. I¡¯ll feed you meat everyday.¡±

    Elder Li next took his leave from Ning Xiaoyao. On the one hand, he had to figure out how to divide up thend. On the other, he couldn¡¯t stand listening to His Majesty talk anymore. What made a man of virtue? What made...forget it. Elder Li gave up considering the question altogether. The imperial nsmen withdrew as well. As they saw it, there was no way Prince Fu was leaving the prisons until His Majesty sucked him dry. Only Ning Xiaoyao, Lou Zigui, and Prince Fu were left.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand and started counting off with her fingers. ¡°Prince, you didn¡¯t lose out at all. See here, you got the one thing you wanted most in the world and lost weight when none of those doctors could cure you.¡±

    Prince Fu looked at Ning Xiaoyao but remained silent.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°It¡¯s not like you nt crops. You have nock of money, either. What¡¯s the use of you keeping all thatnd for yourself? Isn¡¯t it nice to give other people a way to survive?¡±

    Prince Fu nced at the quiet Lou Zigui before he told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°There are hundreds of thousands of refugees in the world. Could you find a suitable ce for them all with just mynds alone?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed. ¡°Things like this have to be done slowly. You won¡¯t get full just from a single bite, right?¡±

    Prince Fu grew rmed. ¡°Who are you targeting next?¡± This little lunatic, who¡¯s he got his eyes on now?

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to Prince Fu¡¯s side and stroked his head, allowing another stream of pale green light to sink between his hairs. ¡°You used to get headaches all the time, right? That won¡¯t happen in the future anymore.¡±

    Prince Fu¡¯s head snapped up. How does this lunatic know I always get headaches?

    Ning Xiaoyao had already straightened up with a grin. ¡°You¡¯ll get a little more skinny, too.¡± She was afraid of scaring people if she changed Prince Fu to his ideal weight immediately, so she figured she¡¯d do it in stages instead. (Author: You¡¯ve already scared them plenty. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui said quietly as he drew forward.

    Once again, the door to the jail cell shut with a heavy thud. The world before Prince Fu¡¯s eyes dimmed substantially, but he simply sat on the ground in a daze, considering Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    I really haven¡¯t suffered any losses?

 Chapter 82: The rich Prince Zhi

    <h4>Chapter 82: The rich Prince Zhi</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of the prison gates, stroking Big Boss ck who¡¯d scurried up to perch on her shoulder. When she lifted her head, it was to see Grandfather Sparrow fly by with a few of his little sparrows. She suddenly recalled something else and turned to Lou Zigui. ¡°Just what were the things you talked about with Prince Zhi yesterday?¡±

    Lou Zigui gave a start. It¡¯s been a night, and yet you still want to talk about that?

    ¡°Afraid that I¡¯ll abandon you? Supreme Commander, you don¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sincerely. ¡°I¡¯m not a person who tosses someone aside after sleeping with them...¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to muffle Ning Xiaoyao. Just what did her messenger tell herst night?

    Ning Xiaoyao removed Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s hand. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you letting me talk again?¡±

    Since things had gotten to this point, Lou Zigui could only lower his voice and speak. ¡°Your Majesty, those are words I should say.¡± What¡¯s with sleeping with someone and not abandoning them--aren¡¯t those supposed to be the man¡¯s lines? He might have been an unlucky man past 20 who¡¯d yet to marry, but Supreme Commander Lou still understood such things.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Then you can say them too. In any case, I won¡¯t abandon you. So all you have to do is not abandon me, either. Then we can be, whatchamacallit, auldng syne with a love more solid than gold.¡±

    Shadowgale was walking over when he heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words and silently retreated again. He couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was something off with His Majesty¡¯s words. Why the heck does he need a love more solid than gold with Supreme Commander?

    Lou Zigui wanted to ask if her little pals knew of their rtionship, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to open his mouth.

    ¡°Do you feel relieved now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°I,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°I won¡¯t fail Your Majesty.¡±

    Did failure and abandonment mean the same thing? Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t sure.

    Big Boss ck shed a w at Ning Xiaoyao when he finally figured something out. So yesterday, when Grandfather Sparrow spoke of ¡®abandonment,¡¯ he meant the kind of person who abandoned people after sleeping with them? This stupid ninny, she¡¯s beyond hope!

    When Supreme Commander Lou saw that His Majesty was at odds with his cat again, he left ahead of them. Topics like this only left him feeling awkward, especially when Ning Xiaoyao mentioned sleeping with him. His Excellency Supreme Commander still felt warm at the thought, his entire body heating up. Now he needed to find a ce to cool down.

    As Lou Zigui hastily walked out of the Hall of Punishments, he saw Prince Zhi waiting in the distance by the road. Lou Zigui checked back behind him and saw that nobody was there. Then he made his way towards Prince Zhi. Prince Zhi headed towards the forests by the side of the road until he heard the sound of footsteps and turned to face Lou Zigui.

    ¡°This prince will send Song Jin to Anyuan.¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Many thanks to prince.¡±

    ¡°This prince wants an honest word. Is the Grand Preceptor truly ill, or merely feigning his sickness?¡± Prince Zhi asked.

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°This one is not a doctor, so I cannot give the prince a honest answer. But I believe it would be best for prince to leave the capital city as soon as possible. Mortals shouldn¡¯t get involved when the gods begin to fight.¡±

    Prince Zhi shook his sleeves before striding past Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Prince,¡± Lou Zigui called after him in a quiet voice. ¡°The Grand Preceptor will go and look for you. But it¡¯s better for prince to think things over carefully, now that there¡¯s Prince Fu¡¯s example.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Prince Zhi whirled around. Now it was Lou Zigui¡¯s turn to walk past him. This wasn¡¯t the time for Xie Wenyuan to ally himself with the imperial nsmen. Since Prince Zhi was a man who was even afraid of his own shadow, he might as well incite doubts in his heart.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Prince Zhi chased after him, forcing him to stop. ¡°This prince is doing a great favor by taking Song Jin out of the capital city. Can¡¯t Supreme Commander spare this prince a single sentence of truth?¡±

    ¡°Prince,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Why do you think the Grand Preceptor picked yesterday of all times toy out his brushes? Why not earlier orter?¡±

    Prince Zhi¡¯s eyes flickered.

    ¡°If Prince Fu hadn¡¯t gone to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, today¡¯s events would never have happened,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°As to your question about the Grand Preceptor¡¯s illness...remember how I was once sentenced to execution by a thousand cuts?¡±

    Prince Zhi stared at the grass beneath his feet where many little flowers were blooming. They looked like daisies, but their colors were scarlet. In Prince Zhi¡¯s eyes, the red was akin to the shade of blood. He had gone to the execution grounds when Lou Zigui was sentenced to death as well. That¡¯s right, Prince Zhi thought as he stared at the daisies. Compared to the day when they were slicing Lou Zigui¡¯s flesh off piece-by-piece and eating him alive, what do Xie Wenyuan¡¯s few mouthfuls of blood even count for?

    ¡°I ask that prince be sure to take care in all your matters,¡± Lou Zigui bowed towards Prince Zhi before circling around him to disappear into the forest.

    --

    A little more than an hourter, someone stopped Prince Zhi¡¯s pnquin at the head of a city street.

    ¡°Prince, that man¡¯s a steward from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± one of Prince Zhi¡¯s guards reported from the carriage window. ¡°He says that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s invited you over for a chat at his estate.¡±

    Prince Zhi sat in the pnquin with his eyes squeezed shut. Because he hadn¡¯t spoken, his guard could only remain standing by the carriage window with his back bent. Soon enough, Prince Zhi replied, ¡°Tell the Grand Preceptor that this prince is feeling unwell, so I won¡¯t stop by his estate. Perhaps another day.¡±

    The guard passed on the message to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s steward before pushing him aside. Then, Prince Zhi¡¯s pnquin continued its journey forward.

    ¡°Go invite Prince Xi and the rest to my side courtyardter,¡± Prince Zhi spoke up soon afterwards.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the guard obeyed.

    Inside the carriage, Prince Zhi¡¯splexion was ghastly pale. Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t anyone good, but he had made a point. Of all the times toy out his brushes, why did Xie Wenyuan pick yesterday? As soon as Prince Fu took one step into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, Ning Yu was quick to follow. Were there such coincidences in the world?

    ¡°Prince,¡± the guard outside his carriage said again, ¡°The steward from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate is still following us.¡±

    ¡°Have him withdraw,¡± Prince Zhi said coldly. ¡°Does Xie Wenyuan dare to kill off this prince in the capital city?¡±

    The guard didn¡¯t answer, but signaled the carriage driver to move faster.

    --

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen that shortie at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate before,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked as she observed Prince Zhi¡¯s pnquin from a distance. She was pointing at none other than Xie Laifu in the crowd.

    Before Shadowgale could answer, Shadowrain piped up, ¡°That¡¯s the second steward of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s brothers with the head steward Xie Laibao,¡± Shadowbolt added.

    ¡°Laibao, Laifu. Come, treasure. Come, wealth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed with feeling. ¡°What good names.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said the Dragon Guards by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. What was so good about these names?

    ¡°Aroo~¡± a small round head poked out from the front of Ning Xiaoyao''s shirt. The formerly thin and bony little snow wolf pup was now a chubby fur ball.

    Ning Xiaoyao smoothed down the few stray hairs sticking up from the wolf pup¡¯s head. ¡°Why can''t I think up good names like those? I still don''t know what to call you yet.¡±

    The Dragon Guards all stared at the fat white wolf pup with dark blue eyes. Laibao, Laifu? Are those really wolf names?

    Shadowgale gave a dry cough, ¡°Your Majesty, why did we leave the pce?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Since there¡¯s nothing else to do, we might as well follow Prince Zhi for awhile.¡±

    y around with Prince Zhi because they were free? The Dragon Guards exchanged nces. Is it toote to go back to the pce instead?

    ¡°Supreme Commander said that this prince was doing business with the Northern Hu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked carelessly, ¡°I think he has a lot of money. What about you guys?¡±

    Doing business with the Northern Hu?! Shadowgale and the rest were stunned.

    ¡°Hm?¡± As she walked, Ning Xiaoyao suddenly realized that there was no one by her side. She turned around to see Shadowgale and the rest and asked, ¡°Why did you guys stop walking?¡±

    Shadowgale ran in front of Ning Xiaoyao and asked in a low voice, ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s not doing anything about it despite the fact that he knows?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao checked to make sure that Prince Zhi¡¯s pnquin was still within her range of vision before she replied. ¡°It doesn''t seem like Supreme Commander can do anything.¡±

    ¡°........¡± went the Dragon Guards. How could that be?

    ¡°Supreme Commander exined it to me yesterday,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°But it involves things like war and the economy, tooplicated. I don''t know how to exin it.¡± She understood the meaning, but not how to express it with Chinese idioms. Ning Xiaoyao suddenly realized that her eloquence couldn''t even bepared with Big Boss ck¡¯s Supreme Commander, a fact that left her depressed.

    How could it be hard to exin? The Dragon Guards wanted toin out loud, but didn''t dare.

    ¡°Before the Northern Hue charging in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale and the rest, ¡°We have to do our best to settle the domestic conflicts amongst our people.¡±

    Shadowbolt quietly leaned in to ask his third brother, ¡°Do you know what His Majesty¡¯s talking about?¡±

    Shadowrain and the other Dragon Guards all shook their heads. What¡¯s ¡®domestic conflicts amongst our people¡¯ supposed to mean?

    Shadowgale then asked, ¡°Is Your Majesty stalking Prince Zhi so as to gather proof of his dealings with the Northern Hu?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled at him. ¡°If Supreme Commander doesn''t care about it, then why should I?¡±

    Because you''re Your Majesty! Shadowgale felt like exploding.

    ¡°This prince definitely has money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cupped her mouth to whisper at the Dragon Guards. ¡°Let¡¯s follow him home. If there''s a chance, why don''t we grab some wealth for ourselves?¡±

    Because you have nothing else to do, you want to steal some money instead, right? In a sh, Shadowgale and the rest realized Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s true intentions.

    ¡°Hurry and follow after them, they''ve sped up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s nimble form darted into the crowds before quickly emerging from the other end, some distance away.

    --

    ¡°His Majesty left the pce again?¡± Supreme Commander Lou had been nning to call on the Ji grandfather and granddaughter pair before returning to the pce when he heard the news.

    Fang Tang nodded his head.

    Lou Zigui nced over at Shadowthunder, who was standing behind Fang Tang, and asked, ¡°Where did His Majesty go?¡±

    At first, Shadowthunder shook his head to show he didn''t know. Then he added, ¡°His Majesty was chasing after Prince Zhi.¡±

    One of the ck Frost Cavalry generals muttered, ¡°After Prince Fu, His Majesty¡¯s now targeting Prince Zhi?¡±

    Everyone fell silent.

    Is that girl going to get payback for his business dealings with the Northern Hu? Lou Zigui furrowed his brows. He''d just finished setting up Prince Zhi so he and the vassal lords would be at odds with the Grand Preceptor. If Ning Xiaoyao made a move against Prince Zhi, wouldn''t it drive them all to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side?

    ¡°I''ll go find His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui prepared to leave when he saw Song Jin heading his way. He patted the man on the shoulder and said, ¡°I won''t be able to send you off, but be careful no matter what you do.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Song Jin bowed towards Lou Zigui.

    --

    Outside the pce gates, Old General Ji got off his horse and urged Ji Yuerong, ¡°When we see His Majesty again, you cannot be rude.¡±

    Ji Yuerong nodded listlessly.

    At this moment, Lou Zigui rushed out of the pce without sparing either of them a nce. He simply got on his horse and dashed off with a few Dragon Guards in a rush.

    Ji Yuerong had been raising her hand and preparing to greet Lou Zigui at the sight of him. Now that he was whipping his horse and galloping away, her expression turned gloomy.

 Chapter 83: His Majesty says, tear down the wall

    <h4>Chapter 83: His Majesty says, tear down the wall</h4>

    While Supreme Commander Lou was galloping to Prince Zhi¡¯s estate, Grand Preceptor Xie had left his own estate in his sedan chair. A guard had personally let down the door curtains before ordering the four sedan bearers, ¡°Lift.¡±

    The sedan bearers carried their load past the Xie n archway at the end of the street and headed for Prince Zhi¡¯s estate.

    Grand Preceptor Xie was sitting in the sedan chair. Since Prince Zhi refused toe to him, he''d visit the prince himself. As Prince Fu was still confined to the Hall of Punishments, he had to find a way to win over Prince Zhi, no matter what. The imperial nsmen weren¡¯t as unyielding as steel, so he was 80 percent certain that he¡¯d be able to win over Prince Zhi if he highlighted the advantages of their alliance.

    By the time Prince Zhi reached his side courtyard, he didn¡¯t enter the inner rooms, but waited in the receiving hall instead. Soon enough, Prince Xi, Ning Guangzong, arrived with the rest of the nsmen.

    ¡°We¡¯ll speak in the study,¡± Prince Zhi didn¡¯t waste words as he followed along his wall and took a shortcut to bring the dozen or so imperial nsmen to the study of the inner courtyard.

    ¡°Are we discussing Prince Fu again?¡± Prince Xi asked as he followed behind Prince Zhi.

    Prince Zhi waved a dismissive hand. ¡°His case is as in as ck words on white paper. There was even an Imperial Jade Seal to seal the deal. It¡¯s useless to speak of him.¡±

    ¡°How could he have exchanged his 10,000 plots of fertile farnd for a single set of brushes?¡± Some of the imperial nsmen still didn¡¯t understand Prince Fu¡¯s reasoning.

    None of the other nsmen replied. Prince Fu was not only one of their speakers, but their former leader. How could their leader possibly be an idiot? No one understood why he gave up hisnd for some brushes. Only a few even believed that he truly did it out of his own free will.

    Perhaps he came to some sort of agreement with Ning Yu?

    Perhaps Ning Yu gave Prince Fu some advantages in secret?

    ... ...

    The nsmen exchanged nces, all of them wearing dignified expressions. Each of them had their own guesses about the matter, but none of them dared to voice it out loud and im theirs was right.

    ¡°As long as His Majesty doesn¡¯t bring up dismissing the vassal lords, we¡¯ll be alright,¡± Prince Zhi said. ¡°The only fear is whether His Majesty¡¯s found an opening with Prince Fu. One ant hole may cause the copse of a thousand-li dyke. You should all understand the logic.¡±

    How could they not?

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor chose to dry out his brushes just as His Majesty came calling,¡± Prince Zhi added, ¡°And how did His Majesty even know when Prince Fu arrived at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    At his words, the imperial nsmen¡¯s faces all turned green and ghastly. In other words, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s on the same team as His Majesty. They put on a show for us by pretending to be enemies, all the better to dismiss the vassal lords?

    ¡°This is a very important matter,¡± Prince Qi, Ning Guangbei, murmured in a low voice. ¡°We need to verify it first. Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t someone who is easy to deal with. If possible, I think we should avoid making an enemy out of him.¡±

    Once again, all the nsmen fell into a brown study. Who wanted to make enemies out of a powerful minister like Xie Wenyuan? But if he really wanted to dismiss them, how were they supposed to oppose him?

    --

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± on the streets near Prince Zhi¡¯s courtyard, a Dragon Guard who had set off in advance rode his horse to Lou Zigui¡¯s side. Quietly he murmured, ¡°This one saw many imperial nsmen¡¯s carriages parked by the side courtyard.¡±

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Have you seen His Majesty?¡±

    The Dragon Guard shook his head. ¡°This one didn¡¯t see His Majesty. It¡¯s all quiet in the side courtyard as well.¡± His meaning was that anyce with His Majesty would be a rowdy scene. Supreme Commander Lou could read between the lines.

    ¡°Did His Majesty head elsewhere?¡± a Dragon Guard asked.

    ¡°Circle the perimeter walls of the side courtyard,¡± Lou Zigui ordered. Maybe that girl isn¡¯t entering through the front gates?

    --

    Where was Ning Xiaoyao?

    His Majesty Ning was squatting at the foot of the wall surrounding Prince Zhi¡¯s side courtyard.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked her Dragon Guards. Shadowgale and the rest all stared at the wall, their expressions equivalent to one character: ‡å

    Before them was a round and chubby butt, as well a furiously wagging white tail. The snow wolf pup had gotten stuck in a hole beneath the wall. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o) Ning Xiaoyao tried once more to pull her precious pet from the hole, but the wolf pup only howled in pain. She ended up with a handful of white fur while the little pup was still stuck with its head inside and its butt outside.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you can¡¯t pull any more,¡± Shadowgale told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°If this goes on, that little thing will turn bald.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the fur in her hands before cursing, ¡°Why is the hole in this wall so tiny?!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the Dragon Guards. Why don¡¯t you ask why you raised such a fatty instead?

    ¡°Aroo, aroo, arooooo, Xiaoyao, I want to go home,¡± the snow wolf pup said weakly. He had no more strength left. If he knew this was going to happen, he never would have tried to crawl through that doggy hole!

    Ning Xiaoyao nced over at Xie Laifu, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s second steward that she¡¯d captured along the way. ¡°You work in the service industry, do you have any ideas?¡±

    Second Steward Xie was silent. All he wanted to know was why His Majesty had captured him. He didn¡¯t want to consider how to save a mere dog. (Author: That¡¯s a wolf....)

    ¡°Smear on some oil?¡± Shadowrain suggested.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Which one of you brought some oil?¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards shook their heads. Who would carry around oil to wander the streets? Ning Xiaoyao looked back at Xie Laifu again, who quickly shook his head.

    ¡°You¡¯re a waiter of sorts, so why don¡¯t you have a bottle of oil on you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    How was Second Steward Xie supposed to answer that question? He didn¡¯t even know what a waiter was.

    Shadowbolt raised a hand and pped Xie Laifu soundly. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s asking you a question, and you still have the gall to not reply?¡±

    Second Steward Xie covered the back of his neck where he¡¯d been pped before forcing out, ¡°The Grand, the Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t drink oil.¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards felt their mouths twitch.

    ¡°Looks like oil won¡¯t do it. Are there any other ideas?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have time to ponder why the Grand Preceptor didn¡¯t drink oil. Her face was anxious as she sought help from Shadowgale and the rest.

    ¡°There¡¯s an oil shop at the end of the street,¡± Shadowbolt said. ¡°I could go buy some?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she felt her bag. It was half filled with sugar beans but didn¡¯t have a single copper coin.

    Shadowbolt¡¯s fair face stiffened. ¡°This subordinate has money. This subordinate will go buy the oil.¡± Thus, the fourthmander of the Dragon Guards ran towards the end of the street.

    Meanwhile, Shadowgale took out a dagger and tested out the wall before telling Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°No good, there¡¯s brick beneath the outeryer of dirt.¡± If it was a dirt wall, they could dig the animal out, but brick wouldn¡¯t do.

    Ning Xiaoyao sprawled on the ground as she checked the hole holding the snow wolf pup in ce. ¡°Well dang, it¡¯s rocky down here too. I won¡¯t be able to pry him out.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, my tummy hurts,¡± the snow wolf pup whimpered. At this, Ning Xiaoyao grew even more anxious. If the stomach was crushed for long periods of time, the internal organs would get injured.

    ¡°How about I jump over the wall and pull him from the other side?¡± Shadowrain came up with another idea.

    Ning Xiaoyao pressed her ears to the wall for a listen. ¡°No good, there¡¯s peopleing.¡±

    The Dragon Guards held their breath and listened against the wall as well. Indeed, they could catch the indistinct sound of footsteps. Ning Xiaoyao leapt up from the ground. There was no time to wait for Shadowbolt now. Moreover, who knew if using oil would even work?

    His Majesty Ning came to a decision. ¡°Let¡¯s tear down the wall.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Second Steward Xie.

    ¡°.........¡± said the Dragon Guards.

    We¡¯re, we¡¯re going to tear down the wall again?

    Currently, Prince Zhi was leading the imperial nsmen out of the covered walkway. Once they passed through the flower gardens and the full moon gate, they¡¯d reach the courtyard in front of his study. The courtyard walls were bordered by a pleasing bamboo grove, and Prince Zhi stopped here to speak. ¡°Gentlemen, there¡¯s no need to be too troubled. Even if His Majesty has teamed up with Xie Wenyuan, they won¡¯t be able to dismiss the vassal lords unless they killed us.¡±

    Outside the walls, Ning Xiaoyao had taken off her outer robes and tied it around her head.

    Shadowrain asked, ¡°We need to conceal our faces?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°What if we¡¯re caught? Where am I supposed to find the money to pay the prince back for his wall?¡± There were people standing right on the other side.

    The Dragon Guards thought this made sense. Since none of them had brought face masks along, they copied Ning Xiaoyao and tied their outer robes around their heads. Second Steward Xie stood on one side, afraid to even move. He didn¡¯t get it. Was this person really His Majesty? You¡¯re already the emperor. So what if you tear down Prince Zhi¡¯s wall? Even if you dismantle his entire side courtyard, Prince Zhi can¡¯t do anything against you. Do you really need to cover up your entire head?

    Shadowgale took out his saber and prepared to smash the wall.

    ¡°That won¡¯t do,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°If you break it down like that, the little wolf will get hurt.¡±

    Shadowgale asked, ¡°Then what does Your Majesty n to do?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Xie Laifu. That fat furball¡¯s a wolf?!

    Ning Xiaoyao backed up a few steps, took a deep breath, and raised her leg to kick viciously at the wall.

    Inside the walls, the imperial nsmen were still standing in front of the bamboo grove after hearing Prince Zhi¡¯s words.

    ¡°His Majesty wants to kill us?¡± Prince Xi asked Prince Zhi.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s foot made contact with the wall, which shuddered twice. The imperial nsmen felt the ground beneath them quake.

    Ning Xiaoyao next mmed both of her fists against the wall. A few pieces of wall came loose from the top and fell, before the entire surface of the wall began to show cracks like ruptured ice. Inside the courtyard, the imperial nsmen were all staring stupefied at the sight. The courtyard wall stood staunchly for a few more seconds before it utterly copsed inward. The resulting spray of flying rocks knocked two imperial nsmen clear to the ground with bleeding heads.

    ¦²(¡ã¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, went the Dragon Guards. We really didn¡¯t mean it!

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly took the snow wolf pup into her arms and stroked his tummy. He was fine, so she stopped worrying. Then she stuffed the wolf down the front of her robes. By the time she looked up again, it was to see Prince Zhi. They were separated from each other by a single grove of bamboo trees.

    ¡°S-should we run?¡± Shadowrain asked in a trembling voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before touching her face, which was still wrapped up in her clothes. ¡°What are we afraid of?¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the Dragon Guards. ¡°That prince was having a private affair with the Northern Hu. Today¡¯s the perfect chance to beat him up!¡±

    It was ¡®private business deal,¡¯ not ¡®private affair.¡¯ Shadowrain wanted to correct His Majesty¡¯s words, but Shadowgale had already led the other Dragon Guards towards the imperial nsmen with sabers drawn before he could speak up. In the end, Shadowrain unsheathed his own saber and followed them in. Ning Xiaoyao picked up a brick from the ground and prepared to charge forward when Shadowgale ran back to shield her behind him.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you can¡¯t attack,¡± he said in a small voice, ¡°Your figure is too obvious.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stiffened in ce as she weighed the brick in her hands. She was as t as an airport runway and as skinny as a stick. Indeed, her figure was quite unique.

    ¡°Who are you people?!¡± Prince Zhi shouted. Everyone on the streets had heard themotion from the walls. Prince Zhi¡¯s guards, retainers, and the other guards of the imperial nsmen all ran to the scene. Shadowgale waved his saber and joined the fight anew. Ning Xiaoyao nced at the brick in her hands, then at Prince Zhi, who was still shouting for identification from Shadowrain. She aimed for Prince Zhi¡¯s face and threw her brick.

    ¡°Prince!¡± a guard felt something off with the wind currents by Prince Zhi and pulled him aside to duck the blow.

    ¡°AHHH!¡±

    The guard had done his best, but Prince Zhi still let out a wretched scream. He¡¯d managed to preserve his eyes and nose, but not his teeth. Over half of them had been sent flying by the brick.

    ¡°Kill!¡± Shadowgale shouted.

    Second Steward Xie wanted to kneel at His Majesty¡¯s feet. Just what kind of ruckus was this, ahhhhhhhhhhh?!?

 Chapter 84: His Majesty says, itâ€™s a long story

    <h4>Chapter 84: His Majesty says, it''s a long story</h4>

    Shadowbolt held onto his bottle of oil, staring at the wall that used to be perfectly fine a second ago. Now it had beenpletely reced with a scene of a massacre. He¡¯d taken the time it took to brew a cup of tea to run to the store and back. Things changed this much? What happened? Did I end up on the wrong street?!

    While Shadowbolt was doubting his own memory, someone approached him from behind and patted his shoulder. The fourthmander of the Dragon Guards leapt up into the air before turning to punch the other person. Lou Zigui ducked under the blow and avoided Shadowbolt¡¯s fist.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Shadowbolt stopped moving.

    Lou Zigui could tell that Shadowbolt¡¯s stare was probing him. This was one of the Dragon Guard¡¯s fourmanders, so his martial arts skills were umonly good. But Shadowbolt hadn¡¯t noticed him until he patted the man¡¯s shoulder. Just what kind of martial arts was Supreme Commander practicing?

    Shadowbolt pointed behind him and said somewhat awkwardly, ¡°W-wall¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°His Majesty broke it down.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Shadowbolt.

    ¡°I saw it myself,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    ¡°Ah? AH!¡± Shadowbolt looked back at the two groups of fighting people. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s snow wolf pup was stuck in a hole beneath the wall, so His Majesty must have torn down the wall to save the wolf. That¡¯s right, that has to be it!¡± Finally, the fourthmander of the Dragon Guards had arrived at the truth. Behind him, Lou Zigui and his apanying Dragon Guards were all silent. All that fuss came from saving a fat little wolf pup?

    Shadowbolt held his bottle of oil in one hand and his sword handle in the other. ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯m going to help them.¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at a Dragon Guard behind him. This Dragon Guard stepped forward and reced the bottle in Shadowbolt¡¯s hands with a barrel of oil. Shadowbolt nced at the oil barrel in his arms, then at Lou Zigui. He had a bad feeling about this.

    ¡°Go over there and burn that grove of bamboo trees,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Arson?¡± Shadowbolt still looked somewhat dazed. They¡¯d recently set fire to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, but now Supreme Commander wanted to burn Prince Zhi¡¯s side courtyard, too? Does Supreme Commander enjoy setting fires just like how His Majesty enjoys tearing down walls?

    ¡°In a bit, I¡¯ll take some people to save them,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°You have His Majesty and the rest escape into the streets. Grand Preceptor Xie is there. You¡¯ll be protecting the Grand Preceptor as you escape. Do you catch my drift?¡±

    Shadowbolt shook his head. He didn¡¯t get it. Why did they have to escape? And even protect the Grand Preceptor along the way?

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible to exin it clearly in a short time. Just do as I say.¡±

    ¡°But what about His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Tell His Majesty it¡¯s my idea, and that he has to do it that way.¡±

    Shadowbolt looked at Lou Zigui, who didn¡¯t seem like he was joking.

    ¡°Hurry and go,¡± Lou Zigui pped Shadowbolt¡¯s shoulder again. He couldn¡¯t help but feel like this guy was still in a stupor, though he didn¡¯t know why. Shadowbolt sucked in a breath as he turned and prepared to leave with the oil barrel.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Lou Zigui handed over a set of outer robes to Shadowbolt. ¡°Wrap up your head.¡± Afraid that Shadowbolt still didn¡¯t get it, Supreme Commander Lou pointed at Ning Xiaoyao and the rest. Like them, Shadowbolt wrapped up his head to conceal his face.

    ¡°You have to protect His Majesty well,¡± Lou Zigui urged one more time.

    ¡°......¡± said the Dragon Guards by Lou Zigui¡¯s side. His Majesty knocked down a wall with one kick and two punches. Does His Majesty even need guards with his superhuman strength?

    Shadowbolt charged forward with his barrel of oil. Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was throwing bricks left and right. She¡¯d managed to knock down two guards charging her way before bending down to pick up some more. Even though she¡¯d knocked out more than half the teeth in Prince Zhi¡¯s mouth, Ning Xiaoyao still felt that was letting him off lightly. After all, he had private affairs with the Northern Hu! (Author: It¡¯s not an affair...)

    Shadowbolt had excellent lightness techniques, so he arrived at the bamboo grove in a sh. When he saw Xie Laifu standing to one side, he asked, ¡°Do you have any matches?¡± He couldn¡¯t set a fire with oil alone.

    Xie Laifu was shaking with fear as he handed over a match from his pocket. Shadowbolt drenched the perimeter of the bamboo grove in oil before striking the match and tossing it into the liquid. Second Steward Xie only figured out what was up when he saw the mes. Mother and father! They¡¯remitting arson as well?!

    Shadowbolt didn¡¯t dawdle one second when the fires started raging. He ran to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and told her everything that Lou Zigui had said.

    ¡°Howe?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Shadowbolt admitted.

    ¡°Capture the assassins!¡± There was the sound of hoofbeatsing from the end of the street, coupled with loud shouts.

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯sing!¡± Shadowbolt cried.

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the snow wolf pup¡¯s head back into her robes and shouted towards Shadowgale and the rest, ¡°Withdraw!¡±

    The Dragon Guards followed Ning Xiaoyao to the opposite end of the street with a hundred or so estate guards in hot pursuit.

    ¡°Chase them!¡± the wounded Prince Zhi was still next to the bamboo grove, shouting angrily at the top of his lungs. ¡°Capture all those assassins for this prince!¡±

    ¡°Put out the fire!¡± the steward of the side courtyard shouted as he stomped his feet. With oil supporting the mes, they soon rolled up like a cat amidst the bamboo before engulfing the flower beds in the courtyard. Then the wind carried the mes to burn away the covered walkway.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Prince Xi dragged Prince Zhi as he ran for the front gates. ¡°I saw Lou Zigui bringing his men here, we¡¯ll leave this ce to him.¡±

    Even as Prince Zhi was dragged along, he didn¡¯t forget to order his guards. ¡°This prince saw that steward from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate! Capture that damnable thing!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± the guards loudly obeyed.

    Meanwhile, Xie Laifu had just locked gazes with Lou Zigui astride his horse. He felt like peeing his pants. Something about the entire situation felt off.

    ¡°Hurry and send news to the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was currently sitting in his sedan chair and issuing orders to his guards. ¡°Have them send people here to help!¡±

    His guard was about to leave with the orders when Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group ran out into the streets.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowbolt said as he pointed to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s sedan chair. ¡°That¡¯s the Grand Preceptor¡¯s sedan chair.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Thanks, Fourth Lightning.¡±

    The other Dragon Guards all rolled their eyes at Shadowbolt. The streets had long cleared out of people besides the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. Who else could this sedan chair belong to, besides him?

    ¡°There are assas--¡± Before a guard could finish his shout, Ning Xiaoyao bricked him. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s guard fell unconscious to the ground before he could utter a word. The rest of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards quickly unsheathed their weapons, just as the guards chasing after Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group emerged on their other side.

    ¡°Release the arrows!¡± the head of the guards ordered.

    ¡°We¡¯re not part of them, we¡¯re--¡± a Grand Preceptor guard wanted to exin that they weren¡¯t the assassins, but Shadowgale and the rest simply rushed forward, picked up the sedan chair, and ran. A few of the Dragon Guards stayed behind to deflect the iing arrows. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards couldn¡¯t just stand and let themselves be shot, either, so they deflected the arrows as well. In the eyes of their attackers, they looked like they were on one team. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Ning Xiaoyao ran along with the sedan chair. Although she had short legs, she ended up leading the group at the very front. What else could the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards do, now that their master had been kidnapped? Chase after him, of course!

    ¡°Is that the Grand Preceptor?¡± a guard from Prince Xi¡¯s estate asked a man beside him.

    ¡°I heard someone shouting ¡®Grand Preceptor¡¯ up front,¡± a guard from Prince Zhi¡¯s estate replied.

    So it was the Grand Preceptor who¡¯d sent those assassins?

    All of the estate guards were stunned. Is Grand Preceptor Xie nning to revolt?

    ¡°Who are you people?¡± the very Grand Preceptor Xie suspected of rebellion was shouting questions at the men carrying his sedan chair.

    But the Dragon Guards just kept running without saying a word. The sedan chair jolted and tossed its upant back and forth, making Grand Preceptor Xie nauseous. In the end, he opened his mouth and threw up on the floor.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± At the sound of a voice above her head, Ning Xiaoyao looked up and saw Wifey Magpie flying in the sky.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Wifey Magpie, which rtive did you call on today?¡±

    ¡°I went to see my older female cousin, ah¡± Wifey Magpie replied. ¡°Xiaoyao, why are you running along with the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a pained expression. ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡± It really was a long story, because she had no idea what Supreme Commander Lou was nning.

    Wifey Magpie asked, ¡°Are those people behind you chasing you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Turn left at the intersection up ahead,¡± Wifey Magpie said, ¡°There¡¯s a mistress of the Grand Preceptor living in the 10th house on the right. Xiaoyao, you can bring the Grand Preceptor there.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. So the Grand Preceptor has a mistress too, hehe.

    ¡°Are we going back to the pce?¡± Shadowgale asked as he caught up behind Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Follow me. I know where the Grand Preceptor¡¯s mistress lives.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Shadowgale. The Grand Preceptor already has one wife and fifteen concubines, but he¡¯s still raising a mistress outside the estate?

    At the intersection, everyone saw the two groups of people running their way with weapons in hand. Frightened, they scattered and ducked away as Ning Xiaoyao turned left and ran to the 10th house on the right side. The house had a ratherrge door, painted with ckcquer. It was tightly shut. Ning Xiaoyao kicked open the door with her foot and waved at her Dragon Guard pals. ¡°Hurry and go inside!¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest, along with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s own guards, all rushed into the door before the headmander mmed it shut.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± a short, fat mama ran out from the walkway directly facing the gates. Grand Preceptor Xie held onto the carriage doors as he descended the sedan chair with difficulty. What kind of person ate a bear¡¯s heart and leopard¡¯s gall, to have the guts to kidnap his carriage!

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s arrived?¡± the chubby mama suddenly broke into smiles as she ran towards him. Then she shouted back into the walkway, ¡°Lady Xiang,[1. Lady Xiang (Ïæ·òÈË) - Xiang is also short for Ïæ½­, which is a river in Hunan Province.] the Grand Preceptor¡¯s arrived!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on the side as she whispered to Shadowgale at the rest. ¡°Hear that? His mistress¡¯s name is Lady Xiang.¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, what are we nning to do this time?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah. Urk, maybe catch adulterers in the act?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said the Dragon Guards.

    ¡°Alright, looks like none of you want to do that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave up the idea when none of her Dragon Guards spoke up.

    What¡¯s it to us if the Grand Preceptor has a mistress? The Dragon Guards couldn¡¯t figure it out. Why should they catch an adulterer?

    Grand Preceptor Xie pushed aside the chubby mama before him and pointed a finger at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao kept her mouth shut.

    ¡°That figure,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You¡¯re His Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head while feeling extremely sorrowful. Was her figure really that distinctive?

    ¡°Open the doors!¡± the sound of pounding doors sounded from outside. The guards from the prince¡¯s estate had caught up.

    Grand Preceptor Xie pointed his finger a few more times at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty has taken great cares.¡± In order to stop him from forming an alliance with the imperial nsmen, Ning Yu had done a good job framing him for the crime.

    Taken great cares? Ning Xiaoyao thought. What kind of care did I take? Dammnit, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s words sound way too mysterious.

    Original Chapter Teaser:[expand]

    Shadowbolt: Hey guys I''m back with the oi--

    ironically, he ends up setting the fire himself, yah?

    [/expand]

 Chapter 85: Lady Xiangâ€™s secret

    <h4>Chapter 85: Lady Xiang''s secret</h4>

    The guards outside the door began to bash at the gates, while others prepared to scale the walls. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale and the rest. ¡°How about we evacuate?¡± After careful thought, she really couldn¡¯t find any excuse for sticking around.

    Shadowgale and the rest hastily nodded their heads.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she ran inside the covered walkway. Since their pursuers were at the front doors, they should escape via the back. While running, Ning Xiaoyao managed to exchange nces with a lithe and graceful young woman dressed in twill-weave silk robes. When she saw that Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head was wrapped up in her clothes, then caught sight of Shadowgale¡¯s saber, she was so frightened that her face lost all color as she shrieked.

    Ning Xiaoyao observed the beauty, feeling rather jealous of her good figure. ¡°Lady Xiang?¡±

    The woman subconsciously nodded her head. Ning Xiaoyao simply ran past her with Shadowgale and the rest following close behind. Because the Dragon Guards abided scrupulously to maintaining distance between men and women, they didn¡¯t spare Lady Xiang a nce.

    Once Ning Xiaoyao ran through the walkway, she ended up in another courtyard. She looked left and right before asking Shadowgale, ¡°Windy, where¡¯s the back door to this ce?¡±

    Shadowgale could only run in front of Ning Xiaoyao to lead the way.

    While Ning Xiaoyao and her cohorts had ran away, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards were still in the front courtyard. When they heard pounding on the doors, then looked at their master¡¯s expressionless face, the ten or so guards didn¡¯t even dare to breathe.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± someone shouted from outside the gates. ¡°This is the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side courtyard. Whose soldiers are you? You dare to make a ruckus here?!¡±

    The princes¡¯ guards all looked at a middle-aged retainer that had shown up. One of Prince Zhi¡¯s guards pointed at the ckcquer door and asked, ¡°This is the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side courtyard?¡±

    The middle-aged man stuck up his chest and said proudly, ¡°I¡¯m none other than the steward of this very house. Who are you lot? Are you all sick of living?¡±

    Verifying the owner of thepound was enough for them. The princes¡¯ guards all retreated. Even their masters had to take care when dealing with the Grand Preceptor, much less guards like themselves. They¡¯d leave the matter to the various princes instead.

    The middle-aged man watched them leave before spitting disdainfully on the ground with a curse, ¡°Damnable soldiers!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie entered the walkway.

    ¡°Grand, Grand Preceptor,¡± Lady Xiang wanted to smile at Grand Preceptor Xie, but found that she couldn¡¯t.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s side courtyard?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked as he came to a stop before her.

    Lady Xiang hastily fell to her knees. There were rules to being a mistress, too. One of them was to keep a low profile so that nobody would be able to see her face or know of her existence. Now her own steward had announced this ce as the Grand Preceptor¡¯spound, which meant she¡¯dmitted a huge taboo. Lady Xiang was so frightened that she started to cry.

    Meanwhile, the steward knocked on the door outside and shouted, ¡°Old Woman Guo, open the doors! I¡¯ve returned!¡±

    The chubby mama who was surnamed Guo hardly dared to move. She wish she could find that steward and tear his mouth off right now. Still, she neither spoke nor moved. The steward didn¡¯t sense anything amiss inside the courtyard and even added smugly, ¡°I¡¯ve already chased off the soldiers from just then. Those things even dared to act unbridled before the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side courtyard! Who knows what gave them such damned guts.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie turned around and walked to the sedan chair stopped outside the walkway.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± Lady Xiang sobbed as she threw herself at him and hugged his leg.

    There was no sign of anger on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s face, but he told her, ¡°Let go.¡±

    How could Lady Xiang let go now? Once she did, her only way of livelihood would be forfeit.

    A few guards ran over as Grand Preceptor Xie uttered once more, ¡°Let go.¡±

    Lady Xiang cried as she spoke. ¡°Grand Preceptor, this mistress was wrong. I beg you to forgive me this once.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie beckoned to his guards, who came forward to pull Lady Xiang away. But before they could touch her, she let go in fear. Grand Preceptor Xie sat in his sedan chair and said, ¡°Return to the estate.¡±

    The steward outside was about to knock on the doors again when it was opened from inside. One of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards stepped out and kicked him straight down the steps for unting his powerful connections. Only when the Grand Preceptor¡¯s sedan chair leave did the steward crawled up from the ground and stumbled his way into the doors. Guo mama helped Lady Xiang to her feet. When she saw the steward running towards her, she simply raised her hands and boxed his ears. The steward knew he¡¯d made a big mistake, so he didn¡¯t raise a single sound in protest.

    ¡°You deserve to die,¡± Lady Xiang cursed him.

    Guo mama was so panicked that she began to cry. ¡°What do we do now?¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡± Lady Xiang cried as she pped her.

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty violent, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she walked back out of the walkway.

    When Lady Xiang saw her return, she looked stunned. Ning Xiaoyao was holding a piece of brocade in her hand that was embroidered with a wolf¡¯s head. ¡°Howe you¡¯re worshipping a thing like this?¡± In an instant, Lady Xiang¡¯s pitiful expression shifted into one as cold as ice. Shadowgale and the rest flipped their way into the walkway to surround Lady Xiang on all sides.

    ¡°I heard Little Tangerine say that you shut yourself up in a secret room for an hour everyday,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stepped to the side, and a little girl about Erya¡¯s age walked out from behind her. It looked like her face had been branded by something in the past, thus changing it beyond recognition.

    ¡°Little Tangerine, how could--how could you still be alive?!¡± Guo mama cried out in rm.

    The steward, along with all the other servants, recoiled back as if they¡¯d seen a ghost. Because this little servant girl had been careless while serving Lady Xiang, their mistress had scalded her to death in boiling water not more than two hours ago. Her corpse had beenid out by the back door so they could throw away the body outside the city limits once night fell. Why was this girl alive again?!

    ¡°You¡¯re a Northern Hu person,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lady Xiang as her voice turned cold.

    The other residents of thepound grew fearful expressions. Lady Xiang¡¯s from the Northern Hu? The Grand Preceptor¡¯s mistress was a Northern Hu person? How could this be?

    ¡°This is the wolf god that you Northern Hu worship,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved the embroidered cloth in her hands. ¡°I have people who recognize this thing.¡±

    ¡°Take this despicable woman into custody!¡± Shadowgale ordered his brothers in a low voice. He wouldn¡¯t make a mistake with Northern Hu and their wolf god totem pictures. Lady Xiang¡¯s figure shed before she rushed towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Shadowgale and Shadowrain shouted at the same time. But Lady Xiang had already reached Ning Xiaoyao before they finished speaking. Little Tangerine screamed in fright as the five nails on Lady Xiang¡¯s right hand suddenly lengthened and wed towards Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. At that moment, Shadowgale was still a step away from reaching Lady Xiang.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Even Wifey Magpie chirped in rm from her perch on the wall, where she¡¯d settled to watch the show.

    Just as Lady Xiang was about to reach Ning Xiaoyao, thetter lifted her left arm, which had been resting by her side, and viciously smashed Lady Xiang¡¯s face with the brick in her hand. This woman had used boiling water to cause burns on over 90% of that little girl¡¯s body. People like her should be thrown to the zombies as fodder!

    Lady Xiang copsed to the ground. Her movements had been fast, but Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gically enhanced speed was even faster. At the same time, Shadowgale reached them as well, and gave a ferocious kick that sent Lady Xiang¡¯s body flying until shended heavily on the grounds beyond the walkway. Two heavy blows in a row would have made any normal person immobile by now, but Lady Xiang was still able to move. She crawled to her feet and attempted to flee towards the walls so she could flip over them and escape.

    ¡°Well dang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao threw the brick in her hand. She can still run? Her weapon hit Lady Xiang in the crook of her knee. This time, Lady Xiang was unable to get to her feet. Ning Xiaoyao had conserved her strength when fighting against Prince Zhi¡¯s men, but she didn¡¯t hold back a bit this time. The end result was that she broke Lady Xiang¡¯s left knee with her brick from behind.

    Shadowbolt rushed over to tie up Lady Xiang.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted Little Tangerine¡¯s headfortingly. ¡°See there? I¡¯ve knocked down the bad guy.¡±

    Little Tangerine looked at the sprawled Lady Xiang. Ever since she was sold into this courtyard, she didn¡¯t have a single good day under her mistress. Even though Lady Xiang was all tied up with a broken leg and a face covered in blood, she still feared her.

    ¡°If you¡¯re scared, then we just won¡¯t look at her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed Little Tangerine behind her. ¡°I¡¯m here, so no need to fear.¡±

    Little Tangerine only felt safe when she was behind Ning Xiaoyao. She rubbed her eyes and leaned against Ning Xiaoyao to keep standing.

    ¡°Take her back and have Supreme Commander interrogate her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale. ¡°Have the imperial guards watch over thispound. Maybe she¡¯s got cohorts amongst the people here. Interrogate them one by one.¡± By delegating public affairs to Elder Li and military matter to Supreme Commander Lou, Ning Xiaoyao had already divided her up work to them.

    ¡°This servant obeys the decree,¡± Shadowgale epted the orders. At this, even an idiot would realize the true identity of the person before them. The steward felt his body go limp and sank to the floor by Guo mama, who¡¯d long been kneeling on the ground. What kind of day is this? The Grand Preceptor came, and so did His Majesty. My master is actually a Northern Hu person, and even knows martial arts?! The steward was at a loss.

    Ning Xiaoyao handed Shadowrain the embroidered wolf head and said, ¡°We¡¯ll keep guard here first. There¡¯s tons of gold and silver and jewelry in that secret room. If the Grand Preceptor has the face to gift them, then we have the face to take them. Move it all out.¡±

    ¡°This servant obeys the decree,¡± Shadowrain epted the orders. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lady Xiang, who was currently in Shadowbolt¡¯s custody, and began to make some mental calctions. Now she could continue to tear at Grand Preceptor Xie. Hadn¡¯t he framed Supreme Commander for colluding with the enemy and betraying his country? Now you¡¯re the one sleeping with a Northern Hu girl. And you even raised her outside the estate so nobody would know. Who else deserves the bad reputation of a traitor and colluder, if not you?

    --

    ¡°This servant saw it with my own eyes, he gave the match to the assassin who set the fire.¡±

    Outside of Prince Zhi¡¯s side courtyard, one of his guards was currently pointing out Xie Laifu.

    ¡°N-no, it wasn¡¯t this servant,¡± Xie Laifu knelt on the ground as he cried out his grievances.

    ¡°This servant saw it with my own eyes,¡± the guard emphasized his point again.

    ¡°Prince, this servant...¡± Xie Laifu still wanted to cry injustice. Prince Zhi simply stepped forward and kicked Xie Laifu multiple times in session. If I don¡¯t believe my own guards, am I supposed to trust the words of a steward from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate like you?

    ¡°You were following this prince the entire time,¡± After losing half his teeth, Prince Zhi¡¯s face was currently swollen to twice its size. He even lisped when he talked, but that didn¡¯t stop him from giving rein to his temper. ¡°ursed servant, you had evil designs from the start!¡± Prince Zhi flew into a rage at the very sight of Xie Laifu.

    TOT, went Xie Laifu. He¡¯d been captured and dragged along by His Majesty, that was the truth!

 Chapter 86: His Majesty Ningâ€™s empty pockets

    <h4>Chapter 86: His Majesty Ning''s empty pockets</h4>

    Half of Prince Zhi¡¯s side courtyard had been swallowed up by the mes. Prince Zhi himself stood in the streets, looking at Xie Laifu as if he was a dead man. Xie Laifu kowtowed for his life as he spoke of how His Majesty had captured him on the road. Once again, the imperial nsmen were startled by his words. His Majesty came personally to set the fires and kill us?

    ¡°Heh,¡± Xie Laifu¡¯s words halted at Lou Zigui¡¯s coldugh, and he saw Lou Zigui looking at him. While Prince Zhi looked like he wanted to kill the steward and feed him to the dogs, Supreme Commander Lou had a much calmer gaze. ¡°Do you really need to drag His Majesty into everything?¡± he asked.

    Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s speech was short, but it was enough to leave a profound message in the nsmen¡¯s minds. What did it mean to drag His Majesty into everything? Clearly, Lou Zigui was telling them that this was all the Grand Preceptor¡¯s idea. Everything that His Majesty did was ording to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s instructions. Xie Laifu wished he could cut his own head off this instant to show that his words were the truth!

    ¡°Tell me,¡± Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Why did His Majesty want to knock over the courtyard wall?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the imperial nsmen. You still need to ask? Obviously, he was nning to murder us.

    Second Steward Xie wanted to tell the truth, but his words stopped at the tip of his tongue. His Majesty hade for the sake of saving a dog--no, a wolf. That wolf was too fat, so it¡¯d gotten stuck in a hole at the bottom of the wall. If I say this, Second Steward Xie thought as he looked at the princes standing around him. Will anyone believe me?

    ¡°Take action when the other party doesn¡¯t expect it,¡±[1. Take action when the other party doesn¡¯t expect it (³öÆä²»Òâ) - chuqibuyi, Lou Zigui is quoting from Sun Zi¡¯s The Art of War here.] Lou Zigui turned towards Prince Zhi, whose face looked even more swollen than before. If it was twice as swollen in the start, now it was double that size. Anyone who saw him would have to stop and stare.

    Prince Zhi opened his mouth and spat out some bloody saliva before his gaze on Xie Laifu turned even more fierce. His group had just reached the base of the wall when it toppled inwards. What did that mean? It meant that someone had been keeping watch on them! All of the nsmen that Prince Zhi had invited over to talk strategy had good brains of their own. What Prince Zhi realized, they realized as well. Grand Preceptor Xie not only wanted Prince Zhi¡¯s life, but all of theirs as well!

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°This one has reminded Prince Zhi in the past to be careful.¡±

    Prince Zhi stared at Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°This one urges prince to release this servant. It¡¯ll be all for the better,¡± Lou Zigui rmended.

    Prince Zhi¡¯s swollen face twisted into an ugly expression as he growled, ¡°You think this prince is afraid of that Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    Lou Ziguiughed. ¡°That wasn¡¯t what I meant. It¡¯s just that prince has no men on your hands at present, only guards.¡±

    Now the imperial nsmen¡¯s faces were nching as well. A powerful dragon couldn¡¯t crush a snake in its own haunts. If they wanted to fight Xie Wenyuan in the capital city, there was no way that they¡¯d win.

    ¡°Before beating a dog, you have to look at its owner,¡± Supreme Commander Lou said. ¡°Especially since this servant belongs to the Grand Preceptor. Even if prince tore his corpse into 10,000 pieces, what of it?¡± The implied meaning was that there was no point for Prince Zhi to take out his temper on a servant when he couldn¡¯t even presume to touch the Grand Preceptor. If news of that spread, wouldn¡¯t he simply be aughingstock?

    Prince Zhi¡¯s smile was cold. ¡°If this prince doesn¡¯t even dare to kick a dog raised by that Xie Wenyuan, wouldn¡¯t I be even more of aughingstock?¡±

    Lou Zigui readily epted the advice as he admitted his wrongs. ¡°Prince speaks rightly. It was this one who was wrong.¡±

    ¡°Take him out to be beaten,¡± Prince Zhi ordered as he pointed as Xie Laifu. ¡°Leave him alive, then toss him back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate!¡±

    After Prince Zhi¡¯s guards epted the order, they hesitated. They were already standing in the streets, so where else could they drag this man? In the end, their leader decided to have the men bring Xie Laifu to the street entrance. As usual, there weren¡¯t many people there besides a troop of soldiers under the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s and a bunch ofmoners who kept their distance and spoke in hushed tones.

    ¡°Beat him,¡± the leader of the guards said as his men threw Xie Laifu to the ground. The guards moved forward and thoroughly beat him up. Like this, Second Steward Xie Laifu joined Head Steward Xie Laibao to be confined in bed with heavy injuries. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Since prince is safe and sound,¡± Lou Zigui said as he took his leave in the street, ¡°Then this one will now depart.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t be so hasty to leave,¡± Prince Zhi said. ¡°Let¡¯s find a ce to talk.¡±

    On one side, the imperial nsmen all stared at Prince Zhi¡¯s swollen face, which had distorted his features beyond recognition, and privately thought it¡¯d be better for him to find medical help first.

    Lou Zigui thought so as well. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t prince find a doctor first?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Prince Zhi said as he spat another bloody mouthful of saliva onto the ground. Because his gums had been injured, his mouth wouldn¡¯t stop bleeding. But Prince Zhi believed he could hold on because he¡¯d once fought on the battlefields as well!

    Lou Zigui gave him a bow. ¡°Then this one will ept deferentially instead of declining courteously.¡±

    Prince Zhi was different from Prince Fu, who had enjoyedfort and wealth as a nobleman all his life. While Prince Fu only bothered with hisnds, he¡¯d never take action beyond moving his mouth when someone bullied him. Prince Zhi was much more difficult. He was a man who loved wealth and sought vengeance just for an angry look directed his way. As Lou Zigui saw it, he was the one most likely to cause Grand Preceptor Xie headaches.

    --

    The Dragon Guard who¡¯d left Lady Xiang¡¯s estate to search for Lou Zigui first saw Xie Laifu getting beaten up at the entrance to the street, then Supreme Commander Lou riding his horse amongst ten or so imperial nsmen. They were heading towards the west end of thene. The Dragon Guard wanted to chase after Supreme Commander Lou, but he was stopped by Prince Zhi¡¯s jittery guards when they turned their arrows on him. If he hadn¡¯t shed the Dragon Guard medallion by his waist in time, he would¡¯ve earned a beating himself. Once he made his intentions clear to Prince Zhi¡¯s guards and looked back up again, Lou Zigui had already disappeared. The Dragon Guard had no choice but to return and report to Ning Xiaoyao.

    At that moment, Ning Xiaoyao was standing outside a snack stall. The owner of the stall stared at the duo who had been hovering by his stall for about half an incense stick¡¯s length of time before taking out the cooked egg yolk guoba from the pot. The egg yolk came from duck eggs dipped in red chili oil. When they were fried with steamed husked rice covered in wheat flour in a pot of oil, the golden yellow hue and enticing smell were already enough to thoroughly infatuate Ning Xiaoyao. After all, she¡¯d never seen such snack food back in her world.

    ¡°I want to eat that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Shadowgale, who was looking gloomy. It wasn¡¯t because he thought His Majesty was shameful for being such a glutton, but because he hadn¡¯t brought any money with him today!

    ¡°How about we go back and get some money?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowgale lowered his voice and respectfully said, ¡°Wait here awhile, Your Majesty. This servant will take some money from the house we came from before.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily nodded her head.

    At the same time, a few married women carrying baskets on their arms approached the stall to ask for the egg yolk guoba. When Ning Xiaoyao saw the number of egg yolk guoba dwindling before her very eyes, her face turned ck. It was obviously her who¡¯d gotten here first! (Author: Who do you have to me? You didn¡¯t bring any money.) Shadowgale listened to the various matrons list out their orders to the stall owner and did some mental calctions. He realized that if each of the woman bought their share, there would be no meaning even if he went back to get some money, because all the guoba would be sold out by then. It really was a tragic ending.

    Ning Xiaoyao could only look on helplessly. The snow wolf pup in her arms echoed her helpless expression. Shadowgale mused that it¡¯d be too shameful to expose their identity here and force the stall owner to hand over the guoba. Maybe I can steal some instead?

    There were still two more egg yolk guoba left in the bamboo disy basket. The young stall owner looked at Ning Xiaoyao and asked, ¡°You want them?¡± The duo outside his window had been standing around for ages. He¡¯d feel sorry if he didn¡¯t at least ask them.

    ¡°N-no money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao swallowed her drool.

    The matrons who were buying guoba all looked askance at Shadowgale. This full-grown man had taken his little brother out without bringing any money along? Just look at that guy. Seems like he¡¯s the kind of worthless wretch who can¡¯t even afford to raise a wife and kids.

    (Author: Hey!)

    The stall owner was a good man, so he told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Then you can trade some things for it instead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had a pained look on her face. She¡¯d fed the remaining half of her sugar beans to Little Tangerine, so now her bag was even cleaner than her face. ¡°I, I have nothing to trade with, either.¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered, her head hanging.

    ¡°.........¡± said the stall owner. So the two of you were just standing by the store to enjoy the smell?

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at thest two guoba in the basket. Egg yolk guoba too, I¡¯ve never eaten them before, ah. Just what do they taste like? They¡¯ve got to be delicious. Licking her lips, Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°When will the next batche out?¡±

    The stall owner shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve used up all my duck eggs. This is thest pot. If you want them again, you¡¯ll have to wait ¡®til next month.¡±

    C r a c k--

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart shattered into pieces.

    Shadowgale¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t feeling all that great, either. This was their, Yongning¡¯s, emperor. He was the one who gave away huge sums of money andrge piles of rice and flour to the masses everyday. But in the end, His Majesty couldn¡¯t even afford to eat a single piece of guoba. Shadowgale was saddened by that thought. He took off his sword and ced it on the chopping board before telling the stall owner, ¡°I¡¯ll leave my sword here with you first. I¡¯ll get money to trade it backter.¡±

    This was the first time in his life that the stall keeper had met someone willing to trade in a saber for some guoba to eat. He looked at the sword on his chopping board, then at Shadowgale,pletely stunned. Ning Xiaoyao suddenly slipped out and ran to the middle of the streets.

    Shadowgale pointed at the stall owner and said, ¡°I¡¯m reserving those guoba, ah.¡± Then he turned to chase after Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°............¡± went the stall owner and the women who¡¯d came to buy guoba. Those two harbor such deep feelings for guoba?

    --

    ¡°Miss Ji!¡± Ning Xiaoyao blocked the path in front of Ji Yuerong¡¯s horse.

    Ji Yuerong was scared to death upon suddenly running into His Majesty. She pulled on the reins with all her might. Her battle horse, Big White, was only three centimeters away from crashing into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face.

    ¡°It¡¯s me, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao backed up a couple of steps so Ji Yuerong could see her face. No matter how poorly Ji Yuerong thought of Ning Xiaoyao, she was still required by protocol to get off her horse and bow to her. Before she could, Ning Xiaoyao extended her hand and asked, ¡°Can you lend me some money?¡±

    The young Miss of the Ji n was utterly floored.

    ¡°Can you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°How much do you need?¡± Ji Yuerong asked.

    ¡°10 copper coins,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as soon as she sensed that she had a chance.

    His Majesty wants to borrow 10 copper coins from me? Ji Yuerong suddenly felt as if her entire world had turned a little surreal.

    ¡°Urk, if that¡¯s not okay, five will do as well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered the price when she saw that Miss Ji had no reaction.

    Ji Yuerong counted out 10 copper coins from her purse and gave it to Ning Xiaoyao, then watched as Ning Xiaoyao ran to buy two guoba, keeping one for herself while handing the other to Shadowgale. Ji Yuerong was certain that she had to be dreaming and that none of this was real.

    Delicious! After finally eating some egg yolk guoba, Ning Xiaoyao felt like life was perfect. She ran in front of Ji Yuerong again and offered her a little piece with an excited expression. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s on me. You try some.¡±

    Street food. A piece of guoba about half the size of one¡¯s palm.

    This wasn¡¯t food that an eldest young Miss of a general¡¯s family would eat, but when Ji Yuerong saw how Ning Xiaoyao looked like she¡¯d eaten some celestial pill, she picked up the guoba and took a bite. Mm, it really is pretty tasty...

 Chapter 87: Request from a daughter of the Ji Clan

    <h4>Chapter 87: Request from a daughter of the Ji n</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao munched and crunched on her egg yolk guoba as she looked at Ji Yuerong with a self-satisfied expression--despite the fact that it was thetter who¡¯d help to pay for her food. ¡°Tasty?¡± she asked curiously.

    When Miss Ji saw Ning Xiaoyao staring at the half of the guoba in her hands, she simply stuffed the entire thing in her mouth.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Did she think I¡¯d steal her share?

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Ji Yuerong said as she swallowed the guoba. Then she took a look at the stall and made a mental note of its location, so she coulde here next time and buy some more.

    ¡°They were thest ones,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, savoring the taste of egg yolk guoba in her mouth before itsst traces disappeared. ¡°If you want to buy them again, you¡¯ll have to wait ¡®til next month.¡±

    Quietly, Miss Ji erased the memory of the stall location from her mind. Meanwhile, Shadowgale had been standing woodenly behind them. Now he offered the egg yolk guoba in his hands to Ning Xiaoyao. Her eyes grew wide at the sight.

    Still wearing his wooden expression, Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, this servant doesn¡¯t like to eat things like this.¡±

    Ji Yuerong smiled mockingly. This was the first time she¡¯d seen someone wearing an expression like that while acting like a toady. Ning Xiaoyao reached out to take the guoba, because she really did want another one. But at the same time, the snow wolf pup jumped out from her robes and bit into the guoba instead.

    ¡°Well dang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao snatched it back. The guoba was a brittle and crispy snack. As human and wolf fought over the snack with their hand and mouth, it snapped in half in the grown man¡¯s hand. Shadowgale grabbed the wolf pup just in time before the snack-thief tumbled to the ground. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao stuffed her stolen guoba into her mouth and crunched on the remnants before batting the wolf pup on its head.

    ¡°You¡¯re a wolf, and you¡¯re still eating guoba?¡± Don¡¯t all wolves eat meat? Did this wolf pup¡¯s mother abandon him because he was a picky eater? (Author: You¡¯re overthinking it. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o) The little wolf pup chewed on its guoba without sparing Ning Xiaoyao a single look. He allowed her to bat his head as she wished.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ji Yuerong. So that was a wolf.

    ¡°Eldestss.¡± Ji Jiu rushed over just then on his horse, with his troops in tow. Ning Xiaoyao and the rest all lifted their heads to look at him.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Ji Jiu quickly dismounted his horse at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°No need to bow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao held on to Ji Jiu before he started kneeling in the streets. Because she¡¯d used her hands to eat the guoba, her oily fingers managed to stain Old General Ji¡¯s sleeves as well.

    Ji Jiu looked around them until he found that Shadowgale was the only one guarding Ning Xiaoyao. He asked in worry, ¡°Your Majesty only took along the headmander to protect you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    ¡°Where are the rest of the Dragon Guards?¡± Old General Ji asked.

    ¡°The rest, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed towards Lady Xiang¡¯s house. ¡°We caught a Northern Hu...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale¡¯s voice cut off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words before he lowered his head to whisper in her ear. ¡°This servant thinks it¡¯ll be better to tell the details to other people after we¡¯ve interrogated the woman.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded without thinking twice. ¡°Sure, whatever you say.¡±

    ¡°What Northern...¡± Ji Yuerong wanted to ask, but Ji Jiu lightly pulled her behind him. If His Majesty didn¡¯t want to say, then they shouldn¡¯t pry.

    ¡°Did you guyse out to go window shopping?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Ji Jiu.

    Ji Jiu was quick to answer. ¡°To reply Your Majesty, this subject and the rest wished to meet with Supreme Commander, but he wasn¡¯t at the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Oh, you wanted to see Supreme Commander, ah. He went to see Prince Zhi.¡±

    Old General Ji¡¯s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Why did Supreme Commander Lou wish to entangle himself with the likes of Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan?

    Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Then why don¡¯t we go find a ce to chat?¡± She¡¯d promised she¡¯d treat the Ji grandfather and granddaughter to a meal once, so she had to stick to her word. When she recalled how she had no money, she turned to whisper in Shadowgale¡¯s ear. ¡°Windy, go get some money. I want to treat them to a meal.¡± Shadowgale muttered an assent before he quickly disappeared into the crowd.

    With His Majesty offering the invitation, how could mere subjects such as they refuse? Ji Jiu bent over and said, ¡°This subject epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°Which restaurant in the capital city has good food?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the Ji pair seriously.

    ¡°.........¡± said the Ji grandfather and granddaughter duo. Your Majesty, what are you thinking? Why are you asking us when we¡¯re from the bordends?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I heard that the Drunken Immortal ce on this street is pretty good. Shall we go there?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the Ji duo. If you already knew where to go, why ask us in the first ce?

    Without conversation, there was only silence. Ning Xiaoyao felt very please as she lead Ji Jiu and the rest to the Drunken Immortal. She¡¯d inspected all the restaurants and inns on this street before determining that the Drunken Immortal had the cheapest prices! (Author: So, Your Majesty, your standard for treating someone to a meal is finding the cheapest ce to eat? orz)

    Soon enough, everyone was sitting together in an elegant dining room. Ji Jiu felt out of sorts, while Ji Yuerong was ill at ease. Yongning had always valued its civil officials over its military ones, so as warriors, they had few chances to sit with His Majesty at the same table for a meal. All four generations of the Ji n had been soldiers, but this was the first time anyone from their family had eaten with the emperor.

    ¡°Come on, order some dishes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Ji Jiu was too afraid to even speak.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m treating you guys, you know? Old gramps, order whatever you¡¯d like! Windy went to get money, so don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t piss off before I pay the bills.¡±

    Piss off? Even the the waiter in the room found it painful to hear such words. Since there was no way to get the better of Ning Xiaoyao, Ji Jiu picked up the menu and read through it once before carefully selecting a table full of dishes.

    While they were waiting for the food, Ji Yuerong asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Why did Your Majesty invite we subjects out to eat?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Because I want to be friends with you guys, ah.¡±

    Ji Jiu rose to his feet before kneeling in front of Ning Xiaoyao. Was there ever a subject who had befriended his emperor? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression stiffened. Does this mean we can¡¯t be friends?

    Ji Yuerong simply sat there unmoving,pletely stunned again. She didn¡¯t even realize what she should be doing at this moment. Ning Xiaoyao simply hauled Ji Jiu up from the ground and said, in a rather hurt tone, ¡°Old gramps, you don¡¯t want to?¡±

    Ji Jiu was terrified. ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    Doesn¡¯t dare? That means he doesn¡¯t want to, then. Ning Xiaoyao felt awful as she set the old gramps in a chair by her side.

    Old General Ji privately marvelled at His Majesty¡¯s brute strength before he spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, a sovereign differs from his subjects. Your Majesty can simply order your subject if there¡¯s anything to be done. A subject will never begrudge a sovereign who tells him to spill his liver and brains on the ground.¡±[1. spill his live and brains on the ground (¸ÎÄÔÍ¿µØ) - gannao tudi, the actual meaning of this idiom is y down your life.¡±]

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Old gramps, why spill your liver and brains on the ground? Your sons and grandsons have been injured enough.¡± Because Ning Xiaoyao had brought up the subject without any warning, both Ji Jiu and Ji Yuerong were caught off guard. When they recovered from their shock, Ji Yuerong¡¯s eyes had already turned red and teary.

    ¡°When there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯ll pay them a visit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she poured Ji Jiu a cup of water. Without seeing the people first, she didn¡¯t dare promise that she could cure them. After all, they¡¯d been injured for at least four years now and her skills were a far cry from their original strength in the apocalyptic world.

    Ji Jiu rose to kneel again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pressed him down. ¡°If you have any requests, old gramps, just bring them up to me. If I can manage it, I¡¯ll definitely do them for you.¡±

    In the end, Ji Jiu was a military officer. He wouldn¡¯t hide his feelings like the civil officials and simply stared at Ning Xiaoyao in surprise. In his Ji n, the members were either aging or disabled. All they could do was rely on this granddaughter of his to support their family status. Even if they had soldiers under theirmand, they were still stationed at the distant borders. What had His Majesty taken a fancy to from his Ji n? He looked at Ning Xiaoyao, then at Ji Yuerong, before this old gramps seemed to tremble.

    His Majesty fancies Yuerong?

    ¡°Old gramps?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Ji Jiu was still sitting in his chair as he spoke. ¡°This subject¡¯s granddaughter has yed with spears and staves since her youth. She¡¯s not good with poetry or literature, and her looks are ordinary at best.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes before pointing at Miss Ji. ¡°Her looks are still ordinary?¡± Then what about mine? Am I a criminal dragging down the average attractive index for humans?

    ¡°This subject¡¯s granddaughter needs to bring a son-inw home,¡± Old General Ji came clear out to Ning Xiaoyao, who gave Ji Yuerong a sympathetic look. At this rate, there¡¯d be no hope for the girl to be matched with Supreme Commander.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± When Ji Jiu saw Ning Xiaoyao staring at his granddaughter, he couldn¡¯t help but feel jumpy and shout.

    ¡°If Your Majesty really wants to help the military officials with matters,¡± Ji Yuerong spoke up, ¡°Then this soldier has a request.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help you with Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied immediately. Ji Yuerong balled her hands into fists, while Ning Xiaoyao simply sat there unmoving.

    ¡°You cannot be impudent!¡± Ji Jiu told his granddaughter. Currently, Shadowgale was holding onto the snow wolf pup while standing outside their private dining room.

    ¡°Aroo?¡± the wolf pup barked at the door, before Shadowgale heartlessly stuffed him back into his clothes.

    Ji Yuerong bit her lip and looked at Ning Xiaoyao, her expression stubborn. ¡°Can Your Majesty help the wife of the Xie n¡¯s eldest son annul her rtionship with him?¡±

    ¡°Wh-whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand.

    Ji Yuerong rose to her feet forcefully, sending her chair flying backwards before she kneeled in front of Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao jumped out of her chair. Aftering to this world, she found it extremely annoying that people kept bowing to her for no reason whatsoever.

    ¡°Big sister Qin¡¯s[2. Big sister Qin (ÇØ¼Ò½ã½ã) - Qin jia jiejie, there¡¯s no familial rtion here, Ji Yuerong simply considers this girl to be as close as an actual sister.] clearly being tormented by the Xie family, but there¡¯s no way for this lowly soldier to help her,¡± Ji Yuerong said loudly. ¡°Your Majesty, the Qin n had also sacrificed many loyal martyrs for the cause. Big sister Qin is one of thest surviving members of the Qin n. Please take pity on her and help her.¡±

    ¡°Hold on, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao helped Ji Yuerong up as she spoke. ¡°Is this wife of the Xie n¡¯s eldest son from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± No way, right? It¡¯s not like what I think, right?

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ji Yuerong broke apart Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s delusions with one word.

    In that case, this big sister Qin must be the wife of that Xie Anyi. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but think that she had no end of conflicts with the Xie n. Otherwise, why would she keep bumping into their business wherever she went?

    ¡°The Xie n bullies big sister Qin merely because she¡¯s an orphan,¡± Ji Yuerong¡¯s face was red from her anger. ¡°That Xie Anyi dotes on his concubine but wants to destroy his proper wife. He keeps big sister Qin in an empty room without paying her any attention. If the Qin n¡¯s uncles and older brothers were still alive, how would the Xie n dare to treat her like that?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°In other words, after Xie Anyi married your big sister Qin, he changed his mind and fell in love with another woman instead?¡±

    ¡°Heh,¡± Ji Yuerongughed coldly. ¡°When big sister Qin married into the Xie n, that man¡¯s son was already one month old. It¡¯s the child of the girl he likes, his younger female cousin from the Wang family.¡±

    ¡°He already had a woman and a baby, but still went ahead to marry your big sister Qin?¡± Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Isn¡¯t he swindling her with that marriage?¡±

    Ji Yuerong¡¯s expression grew disdainful. ¡°Their Xie n only wanted her so they could take control of the Qin n¡¯s naval forces. With a navy, they can do whatever they like without fear in the southern Jiangnan regions.¡±

    So Yongning even has a navy. Ning Xiaoyao learned another fact about the country.

    Ji Jiu nced at Ning Xiaoyao. A navy was only useful in ces where there was water, such as the rivers and seas. Such forces werepletely unnecessary for the capital city. Would a young emperor like him offend the Xie n yet again just for some tiny, useless navy?

 Chapter 88: As long as youâ€™re happy...

    <h4>Chapter 88: As long as you''re happy...</h4>

    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after sitting there, thinking for awhile. ¡°You say that Xie Anyi only married your big sister Qin for the sake of the Qin n¡¯s navy. Then you say she¡¯s the only member of the Qin n left. So after she married into the Xie n, the navy became the Xie n¡¯s navy as well?¡± She never heard of a woman marrying with an entire army as her dowry.

    Ji Yuerong gnashed her teeth in hatred. ¡°The currentmander of the navy is one of the Qin uncle¡¯s foster sons. With big sister Qin in the Xie n¡¯s hands, he doesn¡¯t dare disobey their words!¡±

    ¡°Scoundrels!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    ¡°Xie Anyi is a bastard!¡± Ji Yuerong swore.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped the table. Old General Ji sat to one side drinking his tea. Right now, he had no desire to say a word.

    Ji Yuerong looked at Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Your Majesty, will your help my big sister Qin?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help,¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided right then and there.

    The pleasant surprise hade so suddenly, and without any warning, that Miss Ji found herself hardly able to believe it. For the sake of her big sister Qin, Chief Commander Qin Xuan[1. Qin Xuan (ÇØÐù) - Qin is a surname (and yes, it¡¯s the same Qin in Duke of Qin from Poison Genius Consort). Xuan means ¡°high, lofty,¡± it also used to refer to a high-fronted, curtained carriage or a window/door.] had submitted a written petition to thete emperor five times. However, Emperor Yuanzong ignored him the first four times before denouncing him for the fifth. Even the qingliu--the clear stream faction of schrs who prided themselves on staying aloof from politics--had said that it was only right for a married woman to look after her husband and his children. How could anyone ask them to annul their rtionship when the husband had done no wrong? A single sentence like that blocked off all exits for the young Miss of the Qin n.

    But now, Ji Yuerong thought as she looked at Ning Xiaoyao with tear-filled eyes, Now this little emperor says he¡¯ll help?

    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re on really good terms with this big sister from the Qin n,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she poured Ji Yuerong a cup of tea.

    ¡°This soldier¡¯s known her since childhood,¡± Ji Yuerong replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Those two must be best friends.

    ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s really going to help that gal from the Qin n?¡± Ji Jiu asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m helping. Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Xie Anyi, that jerk. He didn¡¯t marry that girl, he kidnapped her and held her hostage!¡±

    Because of Lou Zigui, Ji Yuerong had a bad impression of Ning Xiaoyao before she even met her. But with that single sentence, Ji Yuerong found herself willing to defend the borders and open up new frontiers all for his sake, as a subject should do. Ji Jiu found himself anticipating Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s deeds as well. Still, the old general didn¡¯t say much. Actions spoke louder than words, so he wanted to see just how His Majesty would keep his word.

    Their dishes arrived then, so Ning Xiaoyao used the duration of their meal to learn all about the Qin n girl, A¡¯Xin[2. A¡¯Xin (°¢ÐÀ) - a nickname in which Xin means ¡°happiness.¡±] and other information on the Xie n wives. Ning Xiaoyao even found out that Xie Anyi had never stepped foot into Miss Qin¡¯s rooms after they were married. (Author: Imagine how the old general must have felt, listening to those two talk. ‡å)

    ¡°No problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao guaranteed to Ji Yuerong. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Miss Qin finds a good man.¡±

    Ji Yuerong shook her head. ¡°How could big sister Qin marry anyone else now?¡± Even if she left him, her namesake would be ruined. Who would want her then?

    Ning Xiaoyao scooted closer to Ji Yuerong and said, ¡°I¡¯ve got a lot of Dragon Guards under mymand. More importantly, they¡¯re all bachelors.¡±

    Ji Yuerong¡¯s chopsticks slipped out of her hands to tter on the table. She hasn¡¯t even left him yet and he¡¯s already found her a match?

    ¡°Shadowgale won¡¯t do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°He already has Little Peach Blossom. But she¡¯s free to choose amongst the others.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale, who was standing right outside the room.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Little Peach Blossom?¡± Ji Yuerong asked.

    ¡°Little Peach Blossom is--wait a sec,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s brain suddenly clicked into ce. ¡°That Qin Xuan guy, has he gotten married yet?¡±

    Ji Yuerong shook her head. ¡°No. My paternal grandfather¡¯s helped him find some matches, but he wasn¡¯t interested in any of those girls.¡±

    His Majesty Ning arched an eyebrow before she instantly understood. It wasn¡¯t that Qin Xuan didn¡¯t like the girls offered to him, but that the person in his heart was none other than A¡¯Xin. All these years, he¡¯d willingly allowed Xie Anyi and his father to bully him for the sake of Miss Qin. Oh my God. Ning Xiaoyao praised herself for her astute reasoning. Then she mentally lit a candle in honor of her Dragon Guards. Brothers, continue on with your single lives.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Old General Ji suddenly spoke up, ¡°Three dayster, Qin Xuan will return to the capital to report on his work.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°He¡¯sing too, huh. Alright, I understand.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Old General Ji. What did you understand?

    ¡°Eat up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the Ji grandfather and granddaughter. ¡°Money was spent on this food. It¡¯ll be a shame if we don¡¯t finish it all.¡±

    Old General Ji was preupied with his thoughts as he ate his meal. By the time he finished and was on the way back to the post house with his granddaughter, Ji Yuerong actually said that His Majesty was a good person. That gave the old general a start. A single meal had been enough for His Majesty to subdue his stubborn grandchild.

    The little emperor certainly has skills, Old General Ji thought as he regarded Ning Xiaoyao in a new light.

    --

    ¡°That A¡¯Xin,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she left the Drunken Immortal restaurant for the streets. ¡°I was originally nning to pair her up with Second Thunder. Butter on I realized that it was hopeless.¡±

    Shadowgale walked in silence with Ning Xiaoyao for awhile before he suddenly said, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯ll really let we humble servants take wives?¡±

    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. She might be doomed to crossdress in this life, but was she really going to drag 300 or so Dragon Guards to stay single like her as well?

    ¡°The rules of the imperial n...¡± Shadowgale started.

    ¡°Right now, I¡¯m the emperor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off as she patted her chest. ¡°So what I say goes. Another day, I¡¯ll help inspect Little Peach Blossom for you. If she¡¯s a good girl, you shouldn¡¯t miss out on your chance, understood?¡±

    Immediately, Shadowgale turned tense before scratching nervously at his ears and cheeks. Ning Xiaoyao kept her eyes straight ahead. Shadowgale acting like this really was a blow to his image.

    ¡°Send some people to watch over the city gates. Old Gramps Ji said that the Jiangnan navy¡¯s Qin Xuan will be arriving three days from now. We¡¯ll need to whisk him into the pce first thing. I have words to say to him.¡±

    ¡°That person¡¯s part of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction,¡± Shadowgale reminded Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t have any of it. ¡°I¡¯ll just talk to him first. That¡¯s right, what¡¯s it mean to annul a rtionship?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale. After all that, you still don¡¯t know what it means?

    ¡°You don¡¯t know, either?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    And thus, the Head Commander of the Dragon Guards had to exin the concept of annulling a rtionship to Ning Xiaoyao.

    So annulling a rtionship means to have a divorce. Now that Ning Xiaoyao understood, she clicked her tongue and said, ¡°And here I was thinking it was something difficult.¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, n¨¦e Qin is stuck in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate with no way to get out. How are you nning to have her annul her rtionship with the eldest Xie son?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t think twice before she spoke. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just have to go to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate again.¡±

    ¡°Does Your Majesty know where n¨¦e Qin lives?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had thought it all out, because Wifey Magpie¡¯s elder male cousin lived at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Shadowgale thought it over and thought it made sense. His Majesty had grown up at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, so it was possible he knew where n¨¦e Qin lived. Ning Xiaoyao tapped her foot and looked ahead before suddenly darting into the crowd. The next thing she did was stop in front of a red horse with her arms open. By the time Lou Zigui moved to pull on his reins, Little Red had alreadye to a stop. He stuck out his tongue and licked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face.

    Ning Xiaoyao held Little Red¡¯s head and nuzzled against his face. ¡°Hello, Little Red.¡±

    Shadowgale nced at Lou Zigui as he got off his horse. He couldn¡¯t take a name like that. How did His Excellency Supreme Commandere up with it? Meanwhile, Lou Zigui was staring at the snow wolf pup sticking its head out of Shadowgale¡¯s cor. That wolf really is pretty fat...

    ¡°How¡¯s Prince Zhi doing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked after her snuzzle session with Little Red.

    Lou Zigui led Ning Xiaoyao to walk ahead while Shadowgale followed behind them with the horse. ¡°The imperial nsmen think that the Grand Preceptor wants to kill them,¡± Lou Zigui murmured softly.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s foot nearly slipped as she walked. Had something major happened while she was treating someone out to eat?!

    ¡°They think Your Majesty is the head of the assassins,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao considered the name. ¡°Head of the assassins, that sounds pretty powerful.¡±

    ¡°Why did Your Majesty go to Prince Zhi¡¯s estate?¡± Supreme Commander Lou asked.

    ¡°For money, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Isn¡¯t he having a private affair with the Northern Hu? I think he has to have money, so I wanted to get some for myself.¡±

    For money. These words echoed in Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s head for a long time. Compared to naming his horse ¡®Little Red,¡¯ Lou Zigui found it harder to ept this fact. How could she have only gone for money?

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t nning to kill anyone at all. I just wanted to settle things with that money grubbing guy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined seriously.

    Momentarily speechless, Lou Zigui could only lift his hand and pat Ning Xiaoyao on the head. After a long while, he said, ¡°It¡¯s a private business deal, not private affair.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at a meatbun shop they just passed by.

    ¡°You want to eat some?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Shadowgale was quick to interject, ¡°Supreme Commander, His Majesty¡¯s just eaten a meal.¡± He can¡¯t eat any more. What if he hurts his digestive system?

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s ate a meal?¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away from the shop. If that was the case, she really couldn¡¯t eat any more.

    ¡°I ate at the Drunken Immortal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. She was always happy when the topic was about food. ¡°I treated old man Ji and Yuerong to a meal.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s steps faltered.

    ¡°I promised Yuerong too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°That I¡¯d help A¡¯Xin annul her rtionship. Xie Anyi, that jerk. I spit on him!¡±

    There was too much information overload here, so Supreme Commander Lou felt like he needed more time to process everything.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Windy and I and the rest also captured a woman the Grand Preceptor was raising outside his estate. That woman hurt Little Tangerine. She¡¯s a jerk too, I spit on her!¡±

    There was too much information overload there too. Lou Zigui looked at Shadowgale and asked, ¡°What happened?¡± He felt like His Majesty had aplished a lot while he was drinking tea with the imperial nsmen.

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t get to speak before Ning Xiaoyao tugged at Lou Zigui and looked at the left side of the street. ¡°Supreme Commander, the egg yolk guoba from that stall is really tasty!¡±

    ¡°Aroo~¡± the wolf pup howled in agreement.

    Now Lou Zigui was thinking of guoba instead. ¡°Then I¡¯ll buy some more so Your Majesty can take it back to the pce?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no more, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said regretfully. ¡°The boss used up all the duck eggs he had. He¡¯ll have to wait ¡®til next month to make egg yolk guoba again.¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent. You can even find out those things while eating guoba?

    ¡°Yuerong and I are pals now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stared at the food stall, reminiscing over the delicious vor of guoba. ¡°I¡¯m nning to talk with Qin Xuan once he arrives at the capital city. Mm, if he¡¯s a good guy and A¡¯Xin doesn¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll have them be husband and wife. Supreme Commander, you think that¡¯ll work?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Lou Zigui. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m the one who decides that.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a pretty good arrangement,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head bobbed cheerfully.

    There was only one thought in Lou Zigui¡¯s mind at the moment: As long as you¡¯re happy...

 Chapter 89: Lady Xiang says, itâ€™s dog eat dog

    <h4>Chapter 89: Lady Xiang says, it''s dog eat dog</h4>

    After the sun set and Xie Anyi finished speaking with the imperial physician that was looking after his father, he quickly returned to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s bedroom and stood in front of the bed.

    ¡°Father,¡± he called in a low voice.

    ¡°Did the person who went to scout for news return?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even ask for his diagnosis, only for updates from the outside.

    ¡°He¡¯s back,¡± Xie Anyi replied. ¡°Half of Prince Zhi¡¯s side courtyard¡¯s been burnt up. The imperial nsmen apanied Lou Zigui to drink tea at the Tender Fragrance Teahouse.[1. Tender Fragrance Teahouse (ÜøÏãÂ¥) - Ming means tender tea leaves.] It was impossible to find out what they were talking about, but Prince Zhi has since settled down in his side courtyard.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie tugged at his cor, short of breath.

    Xie Anyi timidly added, ¡°In other news, His Majesty took the Ji grandfather and granddaughter pair to the Drunken Immortal. His Majesty also captured a woman--father¡¯s mistress.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes flew open, and Xie Anyi hastily lowered his head. After a long time, the Grand Preceptor murmured, ¡°Both the ck Frost Cavalry and the Ji n soldiers are far away from us. What are you afraid of?¡±

    Xie Anyi quickly shook his head. ¡°Father, your son isn¡¯t afraid.¡±

    ¡°Qin Xuan will arrive at the city in three days¡¯ time,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie suddenly changed the topic. ¡°You¡¯ll pick him up personally outside the city then.¡±

    Xie Anyi immediately turned reluctant as he murmured, ¡°Young n¨¦e Wang is going to the temple in three days¡¯ time to fulfill her vows. She¡¯s still pregnant right now, so son wants to apany her.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Xie Anyi without saying a word. The eldest son of the Xie n couldn¡¯t even hold out for a second before he nodded. ¡°Son understands. I¡¯ll pick up Qin Xuan in three days¡¯ time.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty took away all the things in the storehouse,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°We cannot have any more problems with our businesses in Jiangnan. Don¡¯t offend Qin Xuan during this period.¡±

    Xie Anyi¡¯s voice was very small. ¡°He¡¯s been docile and obedient all these years, he...¡± Xie Anyi swallowed the rest of his words when Grand Preceptor Xie kept staring at him. The Grand Preceptor waved his hand to dismiss his eldest son, then sighed as the door closed behind him. He wore an utterly exhausted expression. The current political situation waspletely out of his grasp, a constant uncertainty that made him ill at ease.

    About an hourter, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s own wife, Lady Wang, came personally to his rooms with medicine.

    ¡°Give some things to my eldest daughter-inw,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said after drinking some medicine. ¡°Make sure they¡¯re good things.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this wife understands,¡± Lady Wang agreed in a low voice. She already knew of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s mistress outside the estate, but she couldn¡¯t show her dissatisfaction in front of him. Her and her Wang n all depended on this man¡¯s protection, so no matter how discontent or ufortable she felt, she couldn¡¯t let him see.

    ¡°You may leave,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie waved his hand as usual. Lady Wang left the bedroom and soon met with her niece from the Wang n. This niece was none other than Xie Anyi¡¯s equal wife[2. equal wife (Æ½ÆÞ) - pingqi, a man¡¯s second wife with the same supposed status as his first and proper one.] younger n¨¦e Wang. Her stomach was round from her pregnancy, and two servant girls supported her on both sides as she walked.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Lady Wang quickly had n¨¦e Wang stop walking and approached her instead.

    Young n¨¦e Wang looked like a fragile, delicate type. Despite this, she nced at Lady Wang before saying, ¡°Just then, Eldest Young Master told me that he can¡¯t apany me to the temple three dayster. I came to tell mother[3. mother in this case refers to Lady Wang, who¡¯s her mother-inw in the Xie n despite being her aunt in the Wang n.] that I won¡¯t be going, either.¡±

    Lady Wang patted n¨¦e Wang¡¯s hand and said lightly, ¡°Endure it for the next few days. That foster son from the Qin n¡¯sing back to the capital city. The Grand Preceptor still has to use him. Do you understand what mother means?¡±

    The Qin n. N¨¦e Wang lowered her head until the loathing in her eyes faded away, before looking up with a smile. ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t I honor and respect big sister Qin everyday? I can¡¯t force elder cousin to like her if he doesn¡¯t want to, ah.¡±

    ¡°What ¡®elder cousin?¡¯¡± Lady Wang rebuked n¨¦e Wang. ¡°You have to call him your husband.¡±

    N¨¦e Wang stuck out her tongue. Even though she was clearly a married woman and pregnant, she still acted like the young Miss of a household. A mama in charge of household affairs came by just then to stand respectfully in front of Lady Wang.

    ¡°Take some rolls of cloth and gift them to eldest young madame,¡± Lady Wang said, ¡°Just say that it looks like summer¡¯s around the corner, so she can make a few summer dresses with them.¡±

    The mama epted themand and withdrew, while n¨¦e Wang lowered her head and refused to speak. Lady Wang lightly stroked young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s cheek. ¡°It¡¯s only a few rolls of cloth. Why the long face?¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang immediately changed her expression into a docile smile. ¡°That¡¯s not it. I was just thinking that big sister Qin dresses inly all year. It¡¯s right to make her a few colorful sets of robes. That way, she¡¯d look more cheerful too, won¡¯t she?¡±

    Lady Wang gave a cold snort. The two servant girls waiting on n¨¦e Wang both understood. Their mistress was nitpicking eldest young madame¡¯s faults in front of Lady Wang again. What kind of mother-inw liked seeing a daughter-inw who was gloomy all the time, like she was keeping vigil over a grave? After she finished getting angry at eldest young madame, Lady Wang looked at little n¨¦e Wang by her side and sighed. If they didn¡¯t have to control the Jiangnan navy, this girl of her Wang n would never be an ¡®equal wife.¡¯ Equal this, wife that--the name sounded well enough, but what difference was one from a concubine?

    ¡°I¡¯ll have someone give you some hair ornamentster. There¡¯s a set made from jadeite in the capital and another set that the empress dowager sent to our home. Only two sets exist in all the capital, so mother will give them both to you.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang replied, ¡°I can¡¯t take those. Mother, you should wear them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give them to you,¡± Lady Wang turned to order her own female servant, ¡°Go to my rooms and take that set of hair ornaments to Cuiyun¡¯s[4. Cuiyun (´äÔÆ) - ¡°jade cloud, emerald green cloud.¡±] rooms.¡± This daughter-inw of hers mightck status, but Lady Wang had always treated her kindly in other matters. Little n¨¦e Wang wore a tranquil smile. She was filled with delight, but she¡¯d never reveal the fact that she was a shallow, snobbish type who loved wealth.

    --

    At the same time, Ning Xiaoyao was in the bedrooms of her own pce, looking over a map. She carefully studied the southern coastline on the map before asking Shadowgale, ¡°So you¡¯re saying that the Xie n¡¯s doing business in Jiangnan?¡±

    Shadowgale nodded.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Then where¡¯s the Jiangnan navy stationed?¡±

    Shadowgale pointed at a few locations on the map. Ning Xiaoyao looked over the ces before she murmured, ¡°What kind of business is the Xie n? How can they afford to raise armed forces numbering in the tens of thousands?¡± After making some inquiries, she¡¯d found out that the total number of soldiers in the capital city and its environs numbered to 40,000 strong. Even if the Xie n got a high sry from the government, they couldn¡¯t raise 40,000 soldiers on that pay alone.

    Shadowgale shook his head. ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t know. Should we ask Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°No need. Have him concentrate on interrogating that Northern Hu woman instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°That¡¯s right, has she said anything yet?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head again. If the woman had spoken, Supreme Commander would¡¯ve left the torture chambers by now. Ning Xiaoyao studied the map some more. Just then, Shadowgale had pointed out seaports for her. Doing business, Ning Xiaoyao thought as she rubbed her chin. The Xie n probably wouldn¡¯t have any partnerships in their business. Maybe they¡¯re actually smugglers?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale saw that Ning Xiaoyao had spaced out while staring at the map, and shouted at her.

    ¡°Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Three dayster we have to grab Qin Xuan and take him into the pce before the Xie n does.¡±

    ¡°This servant understands,¡± Shadowgale obeyed.

    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t want toe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Just ask him, ¡®Do you still want Miss A¡¯Xin to find happiness?¡¯ I think General Qin will definitely be willing to follow you then.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Shadowgale. What kind of subject would dare defy a summons from His Majesty? Why do I have to waste words with Qin Xuan? And also, if I say Miss Qin¡¯s name just like that, won¡¯t Qin Xuan beat me up?

    ¡°Your Majesty, we can¡¯t call ady directly by her name,¡± Shadowgale lectured Ning Xiaoyao quietly.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. What¡¯s the logic in that?

    ¡°Ady¡¯s name can only be used by her family members and husband,¡± Shadowgale added.

    ¡°So I can¡¯t say ¡®Yuerong?¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale nodded.

    The heck. Ning Xiaoyao wore a damn it all expression. Do women even have human rights here?!

    Shadowgale backed up a step, feeling as if he¡¯d hurt His Majesty¡¯s feelings. After thinking it over, he asked, ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s set your heart on Eldest Miss Ji?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to spit up blood. The gender¡¯s all wrong, how am I supposed to have a love affair with her?

    Shadowgale continued, ¡°If Your Majesty takes a fancy to Eldest Miss Ji, you could take her into the pce.¡±

    ¡°Enough, don¡¯t say any more,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to stop Shadowgale. If he kept going, she¡¯d spit up blood for real. ¡°You¡¯re a bachelor yourself, so stop worrying about my love life,¡± she retorted.

    Struck in his weak spot, Shadowgale couldn¡¯t say another word.

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s almost beaten that Northern Hu woman to death, miaow!¡± a cat meowed from outside the window. Ning Xiaoyao turned to see the fat, long furred cat called Little White reporting to Big Boss ck on the situation in the torture chamber. Big Boss ck jumped off the window ledge and ran away. He didn¡¯t want ninny to think that Supreme Commander was a cruel and savage man. Ning Xiaoyao simply turned back to her map. She¡¯d say she¡¯d leave the Northern Hu woman to Supreme Commander for interrogating, so what was there to worry about?

    --

    Inside the torture chambers of the Hall of Punishment, Lady Xiang¡¯s skin was covered in injuries. She¡¯d lost consciousness from the torture until a ssh of cold water woke her up again, making her let out a wretched cry.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Lou Zigui said from his seat on the chair. ¡°Does the Grand Preceptor know you¡¯re Northern Hu?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s dog eat dog,¡±[5. dog eat dog (¹·Ò§¹·) - gouyaogou, literally ¡°dog bites the dog,¡± a saying used to insult two opposing sides by iming they¡¯re both equally vile. In this case, Lady Xiang is equating Grand Preceptor Xie to the likes of Lou Zigui.] Lady Xiang spat at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Mother,¡± Fang Tang cursed from behind Lou Zigui. ¡°You¡¯ve still got a stubborn mouth? Keep beating her.¡±

    ¡°Treat her wounds,¡± Lou Zigui said instead. ¡°We¡¯ll stop today¡¯s interrogation here.¡±

    Fang Tang grew anxious. ¡°Supreme Commander!¡±

    Lou Zigui rose to his feet and pped a hand on Fang Tang¡¯s shoulder, telling him to be quiet. One of the eunuchs in charge of the torture ran out to find a doctor. Lou Zigui walked in front of Lady Xiang and said coldly, ¡°If we let you die, wouldn¡¯t it simply be a release for you?¡±

    Lady Xiang struggled in her bonds, her body already exposed beneath her clothes. She smiled and said, ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s been staring at my body the entire time. What do you think of my looks?¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled back. ¡°Any body that can satisfy the Grand Preceptor¡¯s lower body is naturally a good one. A pity that it¡¯s too dirty.¡±

    Lady Xiang¡¯s smile faded from her face.

    ¡°None of the high-status women from Northern Hu would demean themselves to be a spy, much less one who serves the enemy with her body,¡± Lou Zigui lifted Lady Xiang¡¯s chin and stared into her eyes. ¡°We¡¯ve caught so many spies already, but I never expected a fish to escape our. Do you think the Grand Preceptor can protect you?¡±

    ¡°Then what does Supreme Commander want?¡± Lady Xiang asked. ¡°You want me to testify that Xie Wenyuan¡¯s colluding with the enemy?¡±

    ¡°Would you?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Lady Xiangughed out loud.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you again tomorrow,¡± Lou Zigui released her and told the eunuchs on one side, ¡°From now on, don¡¯t let her get a wink of sleep. Keep her conscious for me the entire time.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the two eunuchs obeyed immediately.

    ¡°Lou Zigui!¡± Lady Xiang shouted.

    Supreme Commander Lou left the torture chambers without turning back.

 Chapter 90: Xie Clanâ€™s eldest young masterâ€™s wife

    <h4>Chapter 90: Xie n¡¯s eldest young master¡¯s wife</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie waited at his estate for two days, but received no retaliation from the imperial nsmen. Though he was still uneasy, a stone hade to settle on his heart. If the victims hadn¡¯te to seek reparations, that only meant two things. One, the victims were too scared to take action, or two, they were still figuring out how to get their revenge. Prince Zhi was a man with guts, so the second possibility had to be the case.

    Grand Preceptor Xie had a firm handle on Prince Zhi. Once he spread news that this prince was doing business with the Northern Hu, people would be drowning Prince Zhi in their spittle with him lifting a finger. But it was difficult to use this information against the man because it¡¯d hurt him more than Prince Zhi. It was impossible for Prince Zhi to keep up the business by himself. He had to be using suppliers, transporters, and middlemen. Throughout the journey, he would¡¯ve spent money to let the officials and soldiers allow them passage, etc. There was a big group of people involved in the enterprise, so stopping Prince Zhi¡¯s business would ruin their livelihoods as well. Once that was gone, he might as well be killing them and their parents. Grand Preceptor Xie had no wish to incur such resentment from them all.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told his three sons. ¡°I¡¯d like to see whether Prince Zhi is going to fight me with all he has.¡±

    His three sons only had the right to listen to his orders.

    ¡°Tomorrow, Qin Xuan will enter the city,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told Xie Anyi again. ¡°Remember to pick him up.¡±

    The eldest son of the Xie n murmured an assent. The second son couldn¡¯t help curling his lip in disdain. ¡°He¡¯s nothing but a military man.¡±

    ¡°Without that military man, could you be enjoying a life of peace and wealth?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at his second son, who was a head at the Ministry of War. ¡°Scram!¡±

    His second son withdrew from the study, too scared to say another word. Grand Preceptor Xie looked at his remaining two sons, who weren¡¯t much better than the one who left. They¡¯d read their share of books, but they weren¡¯t talented at all! With his hands sped behind his back, Grand Preceptor Xie paced around the study before he said, ¡°Qin Xuan holds the reins to our Xie n¡¯s businesses in Jiangnan.¡±

    ¡°How could it be him?¡± the third young master of the Xie n eximed.

    ¡°How are we supposed to do business without someone shipping the goods?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie retorted towards his unperceptive son. His third son fell silent.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care how you feel,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added, ncing at Xie Anyi, ¡°But while Qin Xuan¡¯s in the capital city, you have to put on a show as an affectionate couple with your wife.¡±

    Xie Anyi hung his head and mumbled out a ¡®yes.¡¯

    ¡°Father.¡± Another voice called out from outside the study. The eldest and second young masters felt their expressions change at the voice. This was Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s bastard son, Xie Anwu.[1. Xie Anwu (Ð»°²Îä) - An means ¡°peace, pacify,¡± Wu means ¡°martial, military.¡±]

    ¡°Come in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said at the same time he waved a hand towards his two remaining sons.

    When Xie Anwu entered the room, he identally brushed shoulders with Xie Anyi and Xie Anshi.[2. Xie Anshi (Ð»°²ÊÀ) - An means ¡°peace, pacify,¡± Shi means ¡°world.¡±] Xie Anshi wanted to bow in apology, but Xie Anyi had already dragged his other brother out of the room.

    ¡°What did father find that flunkey sapling for?¡± Xie Anshi asked his older brother only a few steps out of the study. Xie Anwu heard every single word and curled his hands into fists. Then he entered the study.

    Xie Anyi had Xie Anshi look for their middle brother, who¡¯d been chased out of the study, before he went to young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s rooms. His hands lightly stroked her pregnant belly before he murmured, ¡°You have to deliver medicine to n¨¦e Qin today as well. I don¡¯t want her speaking nonsense when Qin Xuan arrives at the estate tomorrow.¡±

    There were gloomy clouds on n¨¦e Wang¡¯s face. ¡°Can¡¯t big sister control her temper once in awhile?¡±

    Xie Anyi¡¯s expression was filled with loathing. ¡°She¡¯s nothing but a vulgar woman, what else could you hope for?¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang sighed.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Xie Anyi said, ¡°We still have to see motherter to arrange for Qin Xuan¡¯s visit tomorrow.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s voice was filled with grief. ¡°It¡¯s a pity that this wife¡¯s father can¡¯t help elder cousin.¡±

    Xie Anyiughed at n¨¦e Wang¡¯s words and gave her a hug. ¡°He¡¯s already done me a favor by bringing you into this world.¡± The two of them spoke tenderly to each other while the various female servants stood woodenly outside. It was quite some time before Xie Anyi came out of the room. The servants bowed at his appearance, finally looking like living people again.

    Young n¨¦e Wang personally brewed a bowl of soup before sprinkling in some powdered medicine from a small porcin bottle. The head servant girl Xiping[3. Xiping (Ï²ÆÁ) - Xi is ¡°fondness, happiness, joy,¡± Ping is ¡°screen.¡±] picked up the bowl and murmured, ¡°The color of today¡¯s powder is different than usual, ah.¡±

    ¡°The usual medicine will only leave a woman weak and unable to move.¡± Because n¨¦e Wang¡¯s trusted servant girl was by her side, she had no need to hide her true face. She was smug as she said, ¡°Tomorrow, that woman¡¯s old sweetheart¡¯sing to the estate. I have to make sure she¡¯s too shameful to see him.¡±

    Xiping¡¯s hand trembled, but she quickly ttered her mistress. ¡°Madame is doing this for her sake. Otherwise, who knows what kind ofints she¡¯ll lodge upon meeting him? It¡¯s fine if she ruins her own reputation, but she¡¯ll drag down eldest young master¡¯s as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± N¨¦e Wang tossed away the empty bottle in her hands and rose to leave the room.

    N¨¦e Qin¡¯s rooms were filled with furniture and ornaments befitting of a proper wife, but it didn¡¯t look like a lived-in ce. There was even a rotting stench pervading the rooms. Yesterday, n¨¦e Qin had just finished drinking a bowl of medicine. Now she was lying listlessly on the bed. Xiping and two elderly female servants had just forced another bowl of medicine down her throat while n¨¦e Qin looked coldly at n¨¦e Wang standing on the side. N¨¦e Wang hated that look in n¨¦e Qin¡¯s eyes most of all.

    This woman, what is she so proud of in front of me? She smiled and said, ¡°Big sister, my elder cousin said that General Qin Xuan is visiting the Grand Preceptor tomorrow.¡±

    N¨¦e Qin¡¯s body stiffened at the name, ¡®Qin Xuan.¡¯

    N¨¦e Wang pursed her lips into another smile and added, ¡°Big sister has to get well soon. Otherwise, won¡¯t General Qin feel terrible at the sight of your sickly body?¡±

    ¡°Scram,¡± n¨¦e Qin spat at n¨¦e Wang.

    ¡°Yah,¡± n¨¦e Wang pointed at n¨¦e Qin¡¯s face. ¡°There¡¯s a mosquito on big sister¡¯s face.¡±

    Xiping raised a hand and soundly pped n¨¦e Qin on the face. N¨¦e Wang looked on in satisfaction at n¨¦e Qin¡¯s swollen cheek before leaving Xiping to look after the woman. She took the rest of the servants with her and left.

    N¨¦e Qiny woodenly on the bed. The Xie n didn¡¯t let her die, so they left her paralyzed in bed instead. She didn¡¯t even have the strength to kill herself. Qin Xuan. When n¨¦e Qin thought of that name, she wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn¡¯t flow. I¡¯m the one that dragged you into this mess.

    Xiping watched n¨¦e Qin¡¯s face swell up until the skin broke open before feigning anxiety and running off to call for a doctor. Inside her heart, she promised herself that she couldn¡¯t let her mistress down!

    N¨¦e Qin broke out in cold sweat from the excruciating pain. She endured as much as she could, but still let out a miserable cry by the end. Xie Anyi stood outside the courtyard and heard her cries before going to the doctor as well. ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble doctor to go take a look.¡±

    The doctor assented and watched as Xie Anyi left without another word. He quietly sighed to himself. As the doctor who¡¯d often been called on to look after the eldest young master¡¯s wife, he couldn¡¯t help but feel that n¨¦e Qin was better off dead than living a life like this.

    A magpie flew up from the cedar tree in the courtyard and headed towards the pce.

    --

    At Supreme Splendor Hall, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting on the ground. Before her were ten or sorge wooden chests that Shadowbolt had taken from Lady Xiang¡¯s estate. All of the chests had been opened, and the insides were filled with gold, silver, and various treasure. Their luster was almost enough to blind her.

    Erya was stunned as well. ¡°Th, there¡¯s so many!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed with feeling. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m not even as rich as some guy¡¯s mistress.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Shadowgale and the rest. Maybe we¡¯ll just pretend we didn¡¯t hear that part. It¡¯s too much on the ears.

    Ning Xiaoyao took out a peach blossom hairpin from the closest chest before ncing at Shadowgale. She decided she¡¯d save that for himter. Wouldn¡¯t it be great if he put this on Little Peach Blossom?

    Meanwhile, Mute Nanny had arrived outside the doors. Because she couldn¡¯t speak, she simply knocked on the doors.

    ¡°It¡¯s Mute Nanny,¡± Ning Xiaoyao could tell by the sound of her footsteps. She told Shadowgale, ¡°Windy, you guys can start counting the stuff here. If there¡¯s anything anyone likes, they can take three things at max. But no more than three.¡±

    Shadowgale epted the decree. The rest of the Dragon Guards thanked Ning Xiaoyao in delight. They¡¯d struck it rich again. When Ning Xiaoyao recalled that Mute Nanny had gone to invite the empress over, Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a cat¡¯s eye peony hairpin from the chest. Then she recalled Mute Nanny herself and rustled in a chest until she found another hairpin made out of sandalwood. She slipped both in her pockets before leaving the room.

    Mute Nanny used signnguage to tell Ning Xiaoyao that the empress had arrived.

    ¡°Alright, I know now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll go see her right away.¡±

    Wifey Magpie¡¯s elder male cousin chose this time tond on the rafters of the covered walkway and chirp at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Haha, it¡¯s the magpie I¡¯m raising,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined to Mute Nanny, whose mouth twitched. I¡¯ve never heard of anyone keeping magpies as pets.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go see the empress. Nanny, you go rest,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stuffed the sandalwood hairpin into Mute Nanny¡¯s hands with a grin. ¡°This is for you.¡±

    Mute Nanny epted the hairpin. When she kneeled to express her thanks, Ning Xiaoyao had already left with a magpie on her shoulder. Mute Nanny stroked the hairpin, noting that it didn¡¯t have any flower carvings. The simple design was perfect for an olddy like her to use. Moreover, this was high-quality sandalwood, making this a precious gift. Mute Nanny carefully put the hairpin away and slowly withdrew from the walkway.

    Ning Xiaoyao headed towards the empress¡¯s pce as she asked the magpie, ¡°Why did you drop by? Are you missing your younger female cousin, or is the Grand Preceptor up to his dirty tricks again?¡±

    Elder cousin magpie chirped as he expounded on everything that had happened in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate tonight. Ning Xiaoyao stood unmoving without a word when he finished,pletely furious. How could such a despicable man and woman exist?!

    ¡°I really wish I could bite that wretch to death, miaow!¡± Big Boss ck had appeared in the midst of their conversation to perch on the walkway rafters.

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fists. That¡¯s right, I won¡¯t stand for this. I have to kill off that man and woman!

    Lou Zigui was walking over from the opposite direction when he spotted Ning Xiaoyao about to run off. He quickly hurried forward and grabbed her before he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, what are you going to do?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was so angry that her face waspletely red. She whirled her fists around before crying out, ¡°I¡¯m going to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate!¡±

    Lou Zigui tightened his grip on her. ¡°What are you going to do there?¡± It looks like she wants to murder Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Ning Xiaoyao half exined, half-cursed her way through the report that elder cousin magpie had given her. ¡°I¡¯m going to find Xie Anyi!¡± Ning Xiaoyao still wanted to leave the walkway, ready to ughter her way to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Because she was so strong, it took effort for Lou Zigui to hold her back. He could only give a sudden tug until she fell into his arms.

    Quietly, he spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, now isn¡¯t the time. Right now, we have to endure it.¡±

 Chapter 91: Cruelty, fulfilling true love

    <h4>Chapter 91: Cruelty, fulfilling true love</h4>

    How could they tolerate something like this? Ning Xiaoyao wanted to fight Lou Zigui, but he simply picked her up until her feet were off the ground.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± he said softly, ¡°If you take n¨¦e Qin out of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, Xie Wenyuan will send assassins after Qin Xuan right afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll kill off that old geezer first!¡±

    Because it was the middle of the night, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shout brought the Dragon Guards and Fang Tang with his men all running.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lou Zigui told the crowd. ¡°You can all withdraw.¡±

    ¡°Rob and plunder his house, mmph--¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips were muffled by Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s hand once again.

    ¡°Be good,¡± Supreme Commander Lou said as he carried off Ning Xiaoyao. Fang Tang stared at his Supreme Commander¡¯s retreating form, then at His Majesty¡¯s legs kicking in the air.

    ¡°Supreme Commander looks like he¡¯s raising a son,¡± young General Fang sighed with feeling. The general standing next to him smacked him upside the head. This guy, he never thinks before he speaks! What kind of subject treats the emperor as their son? Does he want to condemn Supreme Commander to death!?

    ¡°I¡¯m only joking,¡± Fang Tang rubbed at his aching head with a brilliant smile. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s age doesn¡¯t match with His Majesty, right?¡± His Supreme Commander wasn¡¯t old enough to have a child as old as His Majesty yet.

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. This guy is really a dimwit. No wonder he was a ¡°hero¡± bold enough to charge into the pce and cause His Majesty to faint away.

    At the end of the covered walkway, Ning Xiaoyao was making an uproar. ¡°If you don¡¯t let go of me, I¡¯ll bite you!¡±

    Lou Zigui sat with Ning Xiaoyao on a banister and said, ¡°Do you want to force the Xie n to raise their troops and revolt?¡±

    ¡°They can revolt all they like,¡± Ning Xiaoyao snarled, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid!¡± She¡¯d risked her life in fights against zombies before, so what was an old man and his rebellion?

    ¡°Remember, once war starts, many people will die,¡± Lou Zigui held onto Ning Xiaoyao without letting go. ¡°Suppose the Northern Hu take that chance to invade while Yongning¡¯s fighting amongst itself? Xiaoyao, even though you want to help n¨¦e Qin and Qin Xuan, you have to make sure they can live first, right?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. She couldn¡¯t do as she liked anymore!

    ¡°Endure it for one more night,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Once Qin Xuan¡¯s safety is assured, we can bring out n¨¦e Qin.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat huffily on Lou Zigui¡¯s legs before she finally said, ¡°You said it yourself, just one more night. No matter what I do tomorrow, you¡¯re not allowed to stop me.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui agreed. Winning Qin Xuan over to their side would mean breaking off the Xie n¡¯s path to riches in Jiangnan. Why would he stop her for that?

    ¡°First it¡¯s Qin Xuan here, then Qin Xuan there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to look at Lou Zigui. ¡°Why do I feel like you think General Qin¡¯s more important than Miss A¡¯Xin?¡±

    If it was up to Lou Zigui to choose, Qin Xuan would always be more important than Qin Xin. Even if Qin Xin couldn¡¯t survive the night and died in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, themander of the Jiangnan navy would still be Qin Xuan. In terms of importance, was there any other choice? Despite thinking this way, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t voice his thoughts aloud. Neither did his expression reveal anything. He simply whispered in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear, ¡°They¡¯re both important.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her ears because Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s breathing had made her ticklish.

    ¡°If you have n¨¦e Qin annul her rtionship, you¡¯ll be viting thete emperor¡¯s decree,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°Xiaoyao, have you really thought this over?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know what words she could use to describe thete emperor now. Really, was Grand Preceptor Xie your true love all along? You even gave out such a perverse imperial decree? Oh wait, that¡¯s not right. Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled as she recalled that the mistress of the empress dowager¡¯s pce was the real true love of thete emperor.

    ¡°He waspletely blind!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    ¡°Thete emperor was deceived by the Xie father and daughter as well,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really thought it over?¡± Lou Zigui asked again.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and straightened her back. ¡°My Imperial Father sent me a dream tonight saying that Xie Anyi was a no good rascal, and to rescue Miss A¡¯Xin. Anyone who doesn¡¯t believe me can ask my Imperial Father personally. I¡¯ll even send them on their way.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Lou Zigui. He had no way to counter her words.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see the empress,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, you should go rest, Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°What are you seeing the empress for?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Do I need a reason to visit my wife?¡± Ning Xiaoyao arched an eyebrow towards Lou Zigui, who wanted to heheh as well.

    ¡°I¡¯m off,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a sugar bean in Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth before she turned and ran away.

    Sweetness filled his mouth as Lou Zigui touched the ce on his lips where Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s finger had brushed against. He couldn¡¯t describe his feelings at this moment. When Fang Tang hurried over, he gave a start at the grin on Lou Zigui¡¯s face. What was wrong with his Supreme Commander? Why...why does he have such a, urk, gentle-looking smile?

    ¡°What is it?¡± At the sight of Fang Tang, Lou Zigui¡¯s upturned lips returned to its usual line.

    ¡°There¡¯s news from the Hall of Punishment,¡± Fang Tang said in a rush. ¡°That Northern Hu woman wanted to go to sleep and no one can shout her awake.¡±

    ¡°If shouting doesn¡¯t work, use torture,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Can¡¯t the torturers find ways to keep a person awake?¡±

    ¡°Then, then should I make a trip?¡± Fang Tang asked. When Lou Zigui nodded, Fang Tang turned and ran off. Lou Zigui sat on the banisters and stared at the night sky for awhile before rising to trace Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s footsteps.

    In the pce, Ning Xiaoyao took her hand off Empress Zhou¡¯s shoulder after determining that her baby was growing very well. She quietly nodded her head and said, ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    Empress Zhou was feeling too uneasy. She¡¯d been called over to Supreme Splendor Hall in the middle of the night. ¡°Did Your Majesty summon this empress for anything in particr?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could tell that Empress Zhou was nervous, so she patted her shoulder tofort her. When she saw that only made the empress more anxious, she spoke up. ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao awkwardly removed her hands. ¡°Tomorrow, you should summon all the wives of the various subjects into the pce. Have their husbands apany them.¡±

    Empress Zhou felt conflicted. I thought I was going to die, and here you are telling me these kinds of things.

    ¡°You should especially invite those from the Xie n,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°You have to have theme.¡±

    Empress Zhou gave a start at the mention of the Xie n. She lowered her voice and asked, ¡°What Your Majesty means is that all of the Xie n¡¯s young masters and wives should be summoned into the pce?¡±

    ¡°Mm. Doesn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor have three sons?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    We¡¯re only inviting the first wives. Empress Zhou suddenly realized what was going on.

    ¡°As for the other important subjects, you be the judge,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°The more, the better.¡±

    ¡°What is Your Majesty nning to do upon inviting them to the pce?¡± Empress Zhou asked.

    ¡°Screw over a jerk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined tersely.

    ¡°........¡± said Empress Zhou. Though she had no idea what the words meant, they sounded pretty impressive.

    ¡°Oh, right. If we put it that way, none of the Xie n will dare to enter the pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao twirled in ce. ¡°How about we say it¡¯s my birthday?¡±

    The empress¡¯s expression was a little stiff as she spoke. ¡°Your birthday is on the second day of the first month of a Lunar new year. Right now, it¡¯s the fourth month.¡±

    Alright, that excuse won¡¯t work. Ning Xiaoyao looked towards the empress.

    As if reading her mind, Empress Zhou replied, ¡°It¡¯s not my birthday tomorrow either, nor is it Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday.¡±

    ¡°Who wants to celebrate her birthday?¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered under her breath.

    Empress Zhou simply pretended not to hear a thing.

    ¡°Then let''s just say I got something delicious so I¡¯m treating them to a meal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought up another excuse. (Author: Your mind only revolves around topics like these. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o) Empress Zhou epted the excuse. Then again, what could she ever say to oppose the emperor?

    Lou Zigui saw the empress leaving the side pce by the time he went in. The first thing he heard was Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Third Rain, invite Miss Ji into the pce.¡±

    ¡°Right this instant?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Shadowrain wanted to say, Your Majesty, if you invite Miss Ji to the pce in the middle of the night, will anyone still marry her in the future?

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui told the irresolute Shadowrain as he walked in.

    Shadowrain didn¡¯t know why, but he feared Lou Zigui where he didn¡¯t fear Ning Xiaoyao. After hearing those words, he left without saying a thing to summon Ji Yuerong to the pce.

    ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stuffed more sugar beans into her mouth. ¡°What I¡¯m going to do tomorrow.¡±

    Lou Zigui sat down to listen to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s n. In the flower beds outside, elder cousin magpie remarked to Wifey Magpie, ¡°Xiaoyao¡¯s pretty fierce.¡±

    ¡°How could she be an emperor if she wasn¡¯t fierce?¡± Wifey Magpie asked reasonably.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Big Boss ck piped in. ¡°This cat would rather Xiaoyao bully others than to see others bully her, miaow!¡±

    ¡°What is n¨¦e Qin¡¯s location in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯ll have elder cousin magpie bring Yuerong there.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, pointing towards the flower beds.

    ¦ä(£þ¦á£þ)¦ä , went elder cousin magpie.

    Lou Zigui fell silent. ¡°Did Your Majesty raise him?¡± Next to the magpie was that fat ck cat. It was the first time Supreme Commander Lou had ever see a magpie and cat so close together.

    ¡°Urk, yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. ¡°Keep going.¡±

    ¡°Congrattions on bing an imperial bird,¡± all of the little animals in and out of the flowerbeds told elder cousin magpie.

    ¡°.........¡± went elder cousin magpie.

    One hourter, Ji Yuerong entered the pce along with her worried grandfather, Ji Jiu.

    ¡°Come,e,e,¡± Ning Xiaoyao beckoned to the pair. ¡°We¡¯re going to have a meeting.¡±

    The meeting took an entire night, with more members joining in as it progressed. Finally, even a few generals from the imperial guards were called in to participate. By the time Ning Xiaoyao looked towards the brightening skies outside the windows, her tone had turned more solemn.

    ¡°Now I¡¯m announcing the start of our n. Our goals are to screw over that jerk and fulfill true love. Anyone else has anything to add?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the group. What evil-sounding words. What else can we add? It¡¯s impossible to follow up after that.

    ¡°Nothing else,¡± Lou Zigui replied in answer to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s stare.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s move out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a big wave with her hands. The group scattered to busy themselves with their various tasks.

    --

    After receiving Empress Zhou¡¯s orders, the eunuchs carrying invitations to the pce were the first to leave its gates with their deliveries. Ji Yuerong brought a team of Dragon Guards with her to depart Supreme Splendor Hall. On her way to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s estate to save her big sister Qin, she asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, suppose Xie Anyi tries to take my big sister Qin to the pce?¡± If that¡¯s the case, won¡¯t I run there in vain?

    Ning Xiaoyao had no doubts. ¡°He won¡¯t.¡±

    His Majesty Ning could guarantee it on her character and moral integrity. Xie Anyi, that jerk. He. Definitely. Wouldn¡¯t!

 Chapter 92: His Majesty Ning sneaks into rescue at the Grand Preceptorâ€™s estate

    <h4>Chapter 92: His Majesty Ning sneaks into rescue at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate</h4>

    While Ji Yuerong left with her team, Ning Xiaoyao put on a right and proper face mask from Supreme Commander Lou and prepared to head out. In the end, Ji Yuerong¡¯s only job was to cause amotion at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and attract their attention. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao would sneak into thepound and ¡°steal¡± away one Miss A¡¯Xin. Lou Zigui looked at the valiant and dashing Ning Xiaoyao on her way out and thought he could still salvage the situation one more time.

    Thus, Supreme Commander Lou asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, you can have Shadowgale and the rest do things like this. Doesn¡¯t your magpie know the way?¡±

    ¡°But Shadowgale and the rest aren¡¯t doctors, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Then we can have Imperial Physician Gao look after n¨¦e Qin¡¯s injuries,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°What if Imperial Physician Gao doesn¡¯t know what to do?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she tied up her sleeves. ¡°Miss A¡¯Xin¡¯s been tormented by the Xie n to the point that she¡¯s paralyzed and her face is ruined. Supreme Commander, aren¡¯t you afraid that General Qin will fall apart at the sight of Miss A¡¯Xin like that?¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t he hate the Xie n all the more for that?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was about to leave, but Lou Zigui¡¯s words stopped her. She looked at him in disbelief. ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is, you want to use Miss A¡¯Xin¡¯s miserable plight to incite General Qin¡¯s feelings of revenge? Dang it, Supreme Commander. Do you think Miss A¡¯Xin will want General Qin to see how she¡¯s changed beyond recognition?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou hadn¡¯t thought of it that way.

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re a bachelor, so you don¡¯t understand women. I¡¯ll forgive you because of that.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ran off like a streak of smoke with a fat ck cat chasing after her heels. Supreme Commander Lou stood, depressed, in the walkway for a long time. Even if he could understand this Miss Ning, did that mean he understood all women? That didn¡¯t seem possible, right? Nothing about her was normal in the least!

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± a ck Frost Cavalry general ran over just then. ¡°The brothers are prepared.¡±

    Lou Zigui straightened out his clothes and murmured, ¡°We¡¯ll go pick up Qin Xuan, then.¡±

    By the time Supreme Commander Lou had left with his men, Big Boss ck caught up with Ning Xiaoyao outside a meatbun stand. Even though Ning Xiaoyao had an important mission to do, she couldn¡¯t help stopping at the sight of therge, steaming meatbuns. She stared at them while swallowing her saliva and the urge to eat them.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck darted up to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders and smacked her with his paw. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to save someone?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t resist the temptation of meatbuns, and tossed out three copper coins so she could buy one to eat.

    ¡°What time is it already?¡± Big Boss ck cried, ¡°You¡¯re still in the mood to eat meatbuns?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in the mood to eat meatbuns anytime. Meatbun skins, too. You want some?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved the meatbun skin in her hands as she asked Big Boss ck.

    Big Boss ck swiped his paw at Ning Xiaoyao again. If you¡¯re going to offer anything, offer the meat filling, you bastard!

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the skin into her mouth and asked, ¡°Speaking of which, why did you insist on following me, ah?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re too much of a blockhead, so this cat has to tail you,¡± Big Boss ck said, speaking with the particr arrogant air that all cats had.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to toss him aside again.

    Big Boss ck continued, ¡°Forget about meatbuns. You have to remember that you still owe this cat five fish from our 10 fish agreementst time.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Don¡¯t mention the fish, and we¡¯ll still be pals.¡±

    ¡°Five fish,¡± Big Boss ck said, still as haughty as before.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao relented as she started walking.

    Human and cat reached the back wall of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate just as a loud hubbub of voices rose from the front courtyard. Elder cousin magpie flew out of the courtyard and stood on the wall to report, ¡°Xiaoyao, that Miss Ji is really tough. Even thebined forces of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate can¡¯t out argue her.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao started climbing the wall as she replied, ¡°That¡¯s right. When our Miss Ji went into battle, she even fought verbal spars against the coarse men of the Northern Hu.¡±

    Elder cousin magpie nodded his head. No wonder, then.

    Ning Xiaoyao reached the top of the wall and flipped inside, before telling elder cousin magpie, ¡°Let¡¯s go save that girl.¡±

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°Are you wearing a face veil so you can blow your nose?¡± That¡¯s my Supreme Commander¡¯s facemask!

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. How she wanted to kill this cat, minute by minute!

    ¡°Who are you?!¡± After Ning Xiaoyao finishing tying her face veil, one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s elderly female servants saw Ning Xiaoyao and pointed at her with a shout. Since it was daytime, Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t dressed in ck, but her concealed face was an obvious sign that she was up to no good. As soon as the servant finished her question, she prepared to scream for help. The instant before she spoke, Ning Xiaoyao rushed to her side and neatly punched her unconscious.

    ¡°Hurry, bury her!¡± Big Boss ck shouted. Ning Xiaoyao simply carried the servant into a raised flowerbed while telling Big Boss ck to shut up at the same time. For a cat, all he wanted to do was kill humans everyday. Just what was he thinking?

    ¡°You¡¯ll regret it if you don¡¯t pull out the grass by its roots!¡± Big Boss ck mewled.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smacked Big Boss ck¡¯s head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just bury her,¡± elder cousin magpie spoke up.

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Why are you like this too?

    ¡°She¡¯s always hitting the little servant girls in the estate. This is a bad woman, tweet!¡± elder cousin magpie cried. Hearing this, Ning Xiaoyao punched the woman in the flowerbed two more times until her face was swollen like a pig¡¯s. Then His Majesty Ning jumped off the raised flower bed and said to the elder cousin magpie, ¡°If she beats up anyone else in the future, just find me. I¡¯ll beat her up in turn. After a few beatings, she won¡¯t dare to bully the little servant girls anymore.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± elder cousin magpie said as he circled around Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head a few times. ¡°Xiaoyao, you¡¯re a good person.¡±

    ¡°Lead the way,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I think I¡¯m a good person, too.¡±

    The unlikely trio quickly found and entered n¨¦e Qin¡¯s courtyard.

    ¡°There¡¯s two people inside the rooms,¡± Big Boss ck reported as soon as they arrived.

    Elder cousin magpie flew to the window for a look, beforeing back to report, ¡°It¡¯s Xiping looking after eldest young madame. She¡¯s a bad servant girl!¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Did the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate have any good people at all?

    ¡°She¡¯s the head servant girl of little n¨¦e Wang,¡± elder cousin magpie added.

    ¡°Little n¨¦e Wang?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s Xie Anyi¡¯s younger female cousin, the one you call that little tramp, miaow,¡± Big Boss ck exined.

    ¡°Xiping was only under orders to give eldest young madame her medicine. But yesterday she even pped eldest young madame on the face,¡± elder cousin magpie said.

    ¡°She¡¯s a little tramp too!¡± Big Boss ck was convinced. Ning Xiaoyao walked to the door and lightly pushed it open. Once she entered, the first thing she saw was Xiping digging through n¨¦e Qin¡¯s wardrobe. There were already a few sets of robesid out on the table, probably pieces the servant girl was set to take away for herself.

    ¡°She even steals!¡± Big Boss ck meowed in rage.

    The noise startled Xiping, who quickly turned around--just in time to meet Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fist. Before she fell over, Big Boss ck was already leaping onto her face with his ws extended. Ten bloody gashes appeared on her skin. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t feel satisfied with just one punch, so as soon as Xiping fell to the floor, she added two kicks to boot. Xiping could struggle before, but the kicks left her half conscious until she lost all power to fight back.

    Big Boss ck shouted at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You really don¡¯t know how to use your brains. Go look after eldest young madame and leave this to this cat, miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. Who needed brains when it came to beating people up? Just where were her brains inferior to that fat ck furball? (Author: Why do you have topare IQs with a cat? Even if youe out on top, what of it? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    N¨¦e Qin was still awake. When she heard the sounds of punching, kicking, and meowsing from the area of her wardrobe, along with Xiping¡¯s wretched cries, she couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious. She wanted to know what was going on, but her body wouldn¡¯t move. All she could do was lie on the bed impatiently. It was then that Ning Xiaoyao poked her head into n¨¦e Qin¡¯s line of vision. She took off her face veil and gave her a carefree grin.

    ¡°You¡¯re Miss A¡¯Xin, right? Hello, I¡¯m Ning Xiaoyao.¡±

    Frightened, eldest young madame n¨¦e Qin didn¡¯t even know what to say.

    ¡°Yuerong told me toe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°Do you still remember Ji Yuerong?¡±

    ¡°Little sister Yuerong?¡± n¨¦e Qin asked.

    ¡°Right, right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded hastily as she rested her hand on n¨¦e Qin¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯vee to take you away.¡±

    ¡°I--¡± n¨¦e Qin wanted to say. I can¡¯t leave. I can¡¯t hurt you guys as well. You can¡¯t afford to offend the Xie n. But a warmth soon suffused her entire body before she fell asleep. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile faded as soon as n¨¦e Qin fell unconscious. Rage reced it, because the very skin beneath her hands had been thoroughly rotted away! Just how much enmity did they have against this woman?!

    Pale green light shimmered between Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingertips. In the next second, the light engulfed n¨¦e Qin¡¯s face. First, it dried up all the yellow pusing from her sores until they turned into scabs and fell off. Then, new skin began to grow beneath the brokenyers. Slowly, n¨¦e Qin¡¯s face resumed its original state.

    ¡°Xiping?¡± a servant girl called from outside the door. Both Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck turned around. The servant was still standing outside as she spoke. ¡°Mistress is going with eldest young master to the pce. She wants you to stay here and look after n¨¦e Qin. There¡¯s a Ji woman currently making a ruckus at our gates for n¨¦e Qin¡¯s sake. Xiping, why aren¡¯t you answering?¡±

    Xiping¡¯s head had been covered in scratches by Big Boss ck. Currently, she was still unconscious. Because the servant girl didn¡¯t hear a reply, she pushed open the door and walked inside. ¡°Are you digging through n¨¦e Qin¡¯s things again? We had an agreement before, you have to split some of the good stuff with me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck¡¯s nces met. Looks like this one¡¯s no good, either.

    ¡°Xiping?¡± the servant girl raised the curtains leading into the bedroom. Ning Xiaoyao picked up a chair and used it to knock the servant girl to the floor. Big Boss ck crouched on Xiping¡¯s face, licking his bloody ws as he asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, can I bite them to death?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao brought out two bedsheets from the wardrobe and spread them out on the ground. She put everything she could take with her into those sheets as she replied, ¡°Wake up, you. You¡¯re only a cat!¡±

    Big Boss ck asked, ¡°What are you doing now?¡±

    ¡°Moving house,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sinctly. Sure, she was rescuing someone, but she had to bring along the goods as well! Big Boss ck hastened to help Ning Xiaoyao flip over the chests and empty the cabs. Elder cousin magpie flew in from the window after checking out the front gates. When he saw the cat and human busying themselves with work, he felt silent before he spoke up.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, they¡¯re about to start fighting at the front gates. Shouldn¡¯t you and ck Tubby hurry up and take eldest young madame away?¡±

 Chapter 93: Grand Preceptor Xie says,

    <h4>Chapter 93: Grand Preceptor Xie says,</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao carried n¨¦e Qin in her arms and two big bedsheet bundles on her back, while Big Boss ck had a small bundle made from a handkerchief tied around his neck. Human and cat flipped over the courtyard walls as before and ran in the direction of Supreme Splendor Hall. Elder cousin magpie made sure they¡¯d left before flying to the front gates. There, Ji Yuerong had already tied up her sleeves and was preparing to have the Dragon Guards fight. The magpie took that chance to open its mouth and sound out a series of trills.

    When you see the magpie sing, scatter. That was the signal they¡¯d agreed on during the meeting. Ji Yuerong raised her head to spot elder cousin magpie before telling the Dragon Guards behind her, ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the guards of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, who were ready to fight for their lives. They were about to draw blood until this woman led the Dragon Guards away. Did she juste here to fool with us?

    Grand Preceptor Xie had been sitting in the study the entire time. The empress had sent a decree for his three sons to enter the pce with their wives. Grand Preceptor Xie knew that Ning Xiaoyao had designs on the Jiangnan navy now, but with n¨¦e Qin in his hands, he wasn¡¯t worried about Qin Xuan betraying him. Now a steward hade to report that Ji Yuerong had left, making his heart seize up.

    ¡°She suddenly left?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The steward thought it over before he replied, ¡°To reply Grand Preceptor, there was a magpie who showed up and chirped a few times. After that, General Ji left with the Dragon Guards.¡±

    Magpie?

    Grand Preceptor Xie felt somewhat at a loss. A group of people hade to his house to shout and yell; that was called trying to attract attention. But what did it mean that a magpie suddenly showed up?

    The steward continued, ¡°This servant saw that magpie was one of the ones with a nest at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Does it know to protect the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, too?¡±

    ¡°You couldn¡¯t be more stupid,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie never saw eye to eye with idiots. The steward didn¡¯t dare to say another word. General Ji¡¯s sudden departure bothered Grand Preceptor Xie. He turned the news over in his head a few times before he suddenly rose to his feet. ¡°To n¨¦e Qin¡¯s quarters.¡±

    The steward quickly moved to lead the way.

    N¨¦e Qin¡¯s courtyard was hushed, without a sound. When his steward opened the door to her rooms, Grand Preceptor Xie pushed him aside and strode in himself. By now, Lady Wang had arrived with a few stewards and female servants as well. She nced at the servants outside n¨¦e Qin¡¯s door before stepping in herself. These were her daughter-inw¡¯s bedroom chambers. How could an old grandpa like the Grand Preceptor enter them so casually? If news of this got out, wouldn¡¯t it incite gossip? It¡¯s that n¨¦e Qin again, Lady Wang thought hatefully. That woman¡¯s simply a spirit sent to destroy our home. She makes the entire family restless!

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± Lady Wang cried out, before lifting the curtains leading to the inner chambers. She was about to tell him how he could leave n¨¦e Qin¡¯s matters to her own female servants when the sight before her left her utterly speechless. There was a servant girl on the ground with her head badly bruised. All of the wardrobe drawers were open, with clothes and cloth strewed everywhere on the floor. Furniture and ornaments were overturned as well, as if somebody had a vicious argument in the room. Grand Preceptor Xie was standing in front of the bed, a hand clenched around a corner of the bed covers.

    Lady Wang walked to the bed and wanted to scream, but muffled herself instead. The person lying on the bed had a bloody face andpletely unrecognizable features. Judging by the figure, Lady Wang recognized her at a nce as her niece¡¯s servant girl, Xiping!

    Grand Preceptor Xie turned and stalked out of the room. Lady Wang quickly grabbed him and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s n¨¦e Qin?¡±

    Grand Preceptor¡¯splexion looked green. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s men took her away.¡±

    N¨¦e Qin had been paralyzed and bedridden for years. She not only suffered from bedsores, she also had multiple festering areas on her body. Her breathing wasbored as well, so a single unsteady step while walking was capable of taking her life. How could Ning Yu dare....

    No, that¡¯s not right. Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. That girl doesn¡¯t care about n¨¦e Qin¡¯s life at all. Even if n¨¦e Qin dies, Qin Xuan will still be themander of the Jiangnan navy!

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shouted at the doors. ¡°Prepare a horse!¡± He had to go to the capital gates himself to stop Qin Xuan. Before Ning Yu got her hands on him, he had to bring him to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate first!

    Lady Wang was still holding onto Grand Preceptor Xie, her voice anxious. ¡°Grand Preceptor, just what happened here?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at his wife. If my sons could have harmonious rtionships with their wives, would I be in this situation now?

    ¡°Women,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered between gritted teeth. He shook himself free of Lady Wang and strode out of the house. If his wife hadn¡¯t insisted on letting young n¨¦e Wang enter the household, maybe things wouldn¡¯t have gotten to this point?

    Lady Wang staggered back from the force of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s snub until she toppled to the ground. It took her a long time to get to her feet. His Majesty¡¯s men took n¨¦e Qin away? When Lady Wang recalled her daughter-inw¡¯s wretched state, her vision turned ck. If anyone saw n¨¦e Qin and used her Xie family of maltreating their daughter-inw, how was she supposed to defend herself?!

    --

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Big Boss ck was currently perched on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. ¡°How is eldest young madame doing?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Nothing will happen to her with me around.¡±

    ¡°Meow,¡± Big Boss ck mewed loudly as he licked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. It¡¯s really great to have Xiaoyao around, he thought to himself.

    Ning Xiaoyao was actually feeling pretty tired right now. Miss A¡¯Xin wasn¡¯t only suffering from serious bedsores, but pneumonia as well, amon ailment of bedridden patients. She had just about finished treating the bedsores, and all the ces with rotting skin and exposed bones had been reced with new flesh. But she currentlycked energy to treat Miss A¡¯Xin¡¯s pneumonia as well.

    ¡°Will she be able to walk again in the future?¡± Big Boss ck asked after some thought. ¡°Would General Qin still want her if she can¡¯t walk?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said doubtfully. ¡°That¡¯ll depend on whether she¡¯s really Qin Xuan¡¯s true love.¡±

    ¡°But she doesn¡¯t even look pretty anymore,¡± Big Boss ck whispered.

    How attractive could a seriously ill person look? Right now, n¨¦e Qin¡¯s figure was emaciated and withered. The skin on her face had just healed, but herplexion was still a sickly yellow. It was even hard to call her looks normal without exaggerating things, much less beautiful. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t say a word, but privately decided to raise this girl herself, if Qin Xuan wouldn¡¯t take her.

    At the same time, Lou Zigui had already spotted Qin Xuan in the distance by the southern city gates. The man had a troop of bodyguards with him, and everyone in the group looked dusty and travel-worn. Regional Commander Qin Xuan, head of the Jiangnan navy, gave a start at the sight of Lou Zigui before pulling on his reins to stop his horse. Lou Zigui rode his own horse to Qin Xuan and spoke quietly, ¡°His Majesty summons you to the pce.¡±

    Qin Xuan looked at Lou Zigui without saying a word. Shadowgale was on the horse behind Supreme Commander. When he saw that Qin Xuan didn¡¯t budge, he wondered whether he should say His Majesty¡¯s message verbatim.

    Lou Zigui took this chance to tell Qin Xuan a second sentence. ¡°His Majesty has already taken n¨¦e Qin into the pce.¡±

    Qin Xuan¡¯s hands subconsciously tightened their grip on the reins, causing his battle horse to whinny in protest.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui turned his horse around to head towards the city. Qin Xuan didn¡¯t immediately follow. With his back still to Qin Xuan, Lou Zigui remarked, ¡°I see that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s fourth son is waiting for you inside the gates. If Regional Commander doesn¡¯t believe my words, you can go Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and see for yourself. Unfortunately, I fear that Regional Commander¡¯s trip would be fraught with grim possibilities.¡±

    If the Grand Preceptor didn¡¯t have Qin Xin in his hands, what could he use to keep control over the Jiangnan navy? He could only kill Qin Xuan and rece him with someone else. Qin Xuan understood Lou Zigui¡¯s words, but he still stood there unmoving.

    Lou Zigui urged his horse into the city gates. A few ck Frost Cavalry generals spared a nce at Qin Xuan before following suit. Shadowgale was still in the same spot. He was about to quote Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, ¡®Do you still want Miss A¡¯Xin to find happiness?¡¯, when Regional Commander Qin kicked his horse and followed after Lou Zigui¡¯s group. Shadowgale swallowed his words and looked unkindly at Qin Xuan. His Majesty¡¯s summons didn¡¯t even work on him. If it wasn¡¯t for Qin Xin, that guy wouldn¡¯t have entered the pce at all. As an emperor, His Majesty really is... For a second, Head Commander Shadowgale looked extremely worried.

    Xie Anwu was waiting at the city gates. When he saw Qin Xuan riding in with Lou Zigui, his expression grew strained. Despite this, the fourth young master of the Xie n still walked in front of Lou Zigui and Qin Xuan.

    ¡°His Majesty summoned Regional Commander Qin into the pce,¡± Fang Tang spoke up. ¡°What business do you have?¡±

    Xie Anwu bowed towards Lou Zigui and Qin Xuan. ¡°Father ordered me to invite the Regional Commander to the estate for a chat.¡±

    Qin Xuan finally opened his mouth to speak. ¡°You heard it too. His Majesty summoned me to the pce.¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Xie Anwu lifted his head to peer at Lou Zigui. ¡°Can this one meet with His Majesty as well?¡±

    ¡°You want to see His Majesty too?¡± Fang Tang sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t you know, your father...¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui cut off Fang Tang¡¯s words. ¡°I can bring you into the pce.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. Supreme Commander, since when did you get permission to bring people into the pce without consulting His Majesty?

    ¡°Many thanks to Supreme Commander,¡± Xie Anwu bowed towards him once again. The Dragon Guards all fixed their eyes on their headmander. Is this really alright?

    Shadowgale wanted to speak up multiple times, but held himself back. If he offended Supreme Commander Lou now, wouldn¡¯t that just cause more trouble to His Majesty?

    ¡°Fourth young master?¡± When the men from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate saw Xie Anwu get on his horse to follow Lou Zigui, they werepletely floored. Does fourth young master want Grand Preceptor to beat him to death?

    With Lou Zigui¡¯s horse leading the pack, Xie Anwu left without sparing any of the estate¡¯s men a nce. They were forced to stand dumbly in the streets before someone finally realized that they should report what happened back to the Grand Preceptor. By now, Grand Preceptor Xie had already arrived on his own horse before the dozen or so men. His eyes swept over the crowd before he asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Xie Anwu?¡±

    A steward that had apanied Xie Anwu took a step forward and stammered, ¡°Fourth young master, he....he left with Supreme Commander Lou.¡±

    The corner of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eye twitched once. ¡°And Qin Xuan?¡±

    ¡°H-he went with Supreme Commander Lou, too,¡± the steward said in a small voice.

    Grand Preceptor Xie shut his eyes, the rage in his heart dashing to the skies. Still, he didn¡¯t say another word. All of his men stood with their heads hung, afraid to make a peep. Grand Preceptor Xie was already making calctions in his head. If Qin Xin dies in Ning Yu¡¯s hands, I can still pin her death on Ning Yu. However....

    Grand Preceptor Xie turned his horse in the direction of his estate again. However, there¡¯s still that medically-skilled expert by Ning Yu¡¯s side. If they can preserve Qin Xin¡¯s life, then it¡¯ll all be useless. He had no other ideas beyond eliminating Qin Xuan himself.

    ¡°Go to the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered one of his guards. ¡°Tell Commander Tao toe to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

 Chapter 94: His Majesty says, how much face do you have?

    <h4>Chapter 94: His Majesty says, how much face do you have?</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao carried Qin Xin all the way to Supreme Splendor Hall and ced her on the bed. She didn¡¯t even have time to catch her breath before Ji Yuerong rushed into the room and cried out, ¡°Big sister Qin!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped the sweat off her forehead and said, ¡°Your big sister Qin is sleeping.¡±

    When Ji Yuerong saw Qin Xin¡¯s emaciated form, her face filled with tears. Ning Xiaoyao quietly handed over a handkerchief.

    ¡°Xie Anyi.¡± Ji Yuerong clenched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s handkerchief in her hands, her teeth gnashing as she spat out the name. Ning Xiaoyao could hear her grinding her teeth, and couldn¡¯t help but feel that Miss Ji would eat Xie Anyi alive if he was here now.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill him!¡± Ji Yuerong spun on her heel to leave.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°If you kill him, the Grand Preceptor can kill your entire family. Do you believe me?¡±

    Ji Yuerong¡¯s steps faltered.

    ¡°Leave it to me instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao beckoned Ji Yuerong back to the bed. ¡°Miss A¡¯Xin will wake up soon. Keep herpany and chat with her. Don¡¯t mention the past and make her sad though. The two of you should talk about the future instead.¡±

    Ji Yuerong wiped away her tears. ¡°What kind of future can she have at this rate?¡±

    ¡°Listen to what you¡¯re saying,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If she¡¯s sick, she just needs to see a doctor and eat some medicine. How could Miss A¡¯Xin not have a future? Ask her how she feels about Qin Xuan while I probe that guy on my end.¡±

    ¡°I....¡±

    ¡°Do everything ording to the n,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t let Ji Yuerong finish. Her expression was stern. ¡°We already went over everything at yesterday¡¯s meeting. Since the person¡¯s already been rescued, you can¡¯t say you want to back out now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sad,¡± Ji Yuerong said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sad too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°But haven¡¯t we gotten past the worst of it? Let¡¯s look ahead, alright? That there, nanny, ah. Come in for a bit.¡±

    Mute Nanny entered the room.

    ¡°Help Miss Ji change Miss A¡¯Xin¡¯s clothes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Mute Nanny. ¡°And check the state of her body, too. I¡¯ll have Imperial Physician Gao stop byter.¡±

    Mute Nanny bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao, who spared another nce for Qin Xin on the bed before leaving the room with her hands sped behind her back. While treating the woman¡¯s injuries, she¡¯d discovered that Qin Xin was still a virgin. After understanding a bit about the people of this world, Ning Xiaoyao felt that the discovery was good news for Qin Xin and Qin Xuan. But that wasn¡¯t something for her to share. After all, she was supposed to be a man. In the end, Ning Xiaoyao had decided to hand off the task to Mute Nanny.

    Outside the rooms, Ning Xiaoyao patted Big Boss ck, who was nestled around her shoulders, and said, ¡°Stay here and keep watch. If anything happens, have one of your pals find me.¡±

    Big Boss ck grew nervous. ¡°What could happen?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice. ¡°Are you a fool? Mute Nanny¡¯s one of the empress dowager¡¯s people. She might not betray me, but that doesn¡¯t mean she won¡¯t betray Miss A¡¯Xin. It¡¯s uncertain whether she can stand up to the empress dowager¡¯s pressure!¡±

    Big Boss ck swished his tail. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you find another mama instead?¡±

    ¡°Dangit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Which mama can I trust in this pce?¡±

    Big Boss ck sighed. That¡¯s right, any of the people in the pce could be spies for the empress dowager.

    ¡°Go on already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Big Boss ck¡¯s head again. A cat copying a human and sighing, that¡¯s seriously too much. Big Boss ck meowed a few times before jumping off her shoulders and running back into the room.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± one of Empress Zhou¡¯s servants ran over at that moment to kneel at her feet, panting. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager sent two mama to find Empress Zhou and summon her to the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Why does she want her at the empress dowager¡¯s pce?¡±

    The servant said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager said that thete emperor only died recently, yet the Esteemed Empress still invited the various subjects and their first wives into the pce for a feast. It¡¯s, it¡¯s disrespectful.¡±

    What the heck.

    Ning Xiaoyao swore silently. ¡°Lead the way, I¡¯ll deal with those two mama.¡±

    Her words were too roguish, causing the servant to give a start.

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. The servant got to his feet and lead Ning Xiaoyao away. Shadowbolt had been standing outside the courtyard, so when he saw Ning Xiaoyao pass by, he was quick to follow with his troop of Dragon Guards.

    The empress¡¯s pce was rather far from Supreme Splendor Hall. By the time Ning Xiaoyao got there, the entire ce was surrounded by the empress dowager¡¯s eunuchs. They were probably nning to take the empress to the empress dowager¡¯s pce by force if she refused. All of them wore expressions of dread at the appearance of Ning Xiaoyao. Apparently, their master was someone who could skin a man alive. Would they be the next to die by his hands?

    Ignoring the kneeling eunuchs, Ning Xiaoyao stepped over the threshold and entered the empress¡¯s pce, causing a wave of people to fall to their knees inside the courtyard. They were all the wives of the subjects who had epted the invitation into the pce. Each of them were properdies who had honorary titles conferred to them by imperial mandate. These women were quite startled to see Ning Xiaoyao here, because custom dictated that His Majesty shouldn¡¯t be seeing the empress at a time like this. Men and women had to keep their distance, and His Majesty was supposed to avoid doing anything suspicious to his subjects¡¯ wives. All of the females knelt with their heads bowed, afraid that the emperor might glimpse their faces.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand and said, ¡°You can all get up. Where¡¯s the empress?¡±

    The servant pointed at a pair of mama kneeling at the foot of the steps to the building and murmured, ¡°Your Majesty, those are the two mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce. Esteemed Empress refused to see them, so they stood there and started rebuking her outright.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sought out the mama as she asked doubtfully, ¡°They had the gall?¡± Besides the empress--rather, besides the empress dowager, the empress should be the second strongest female in the pce, right? How could these two mama curse her in public? Were they sick of living?

    ¡°They were scolding her on behalf of Esteemed Empress Dowager,¡± the servant said with an aggrieved expression.

    Behind Ning Xiaoyao, the titleddies had all risen to their feet. Still, they kept their heads bowed. Some of the younger ones even half raised their sleeves to obscure their faces. Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled at the sight. Even if she was a man, would these women die just from a nce? (Author: Hey hey, don¡¯t make wild guesses if you don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on!)

    The two mama felt fear in their hearts at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao, but secretly considered that His Majesty had to leave Esteemed Empress Dowager some face in the presence of all these other nobledies. Currently, they were still rather calm. When Ning Xiaoyao approached, the two mama pressed their foreheads to the ground in kowtow. Ning Xiaoyao saw at a nce that they were both middle-aged woman, so even though she lifted her foot, she couldn¡¯t move to kick them for real.

    ¡°Your servant greets Your Majesty,¡± the two mama chorused.

    Ning Xiaoyao shifted to the side to avoid their bow. ¡°Rise.¡±

    The two mama stood up.

    ¡°Go back to the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡± Since Ning Xiaoyao had decided not to get physical, she kept her attitude amiable. The two mama exchanged nces. As expected, His Majesty couldn¡¯t be as outrageous as usual in the presence of these nobledies and disrespect Esteemed Empress Dowager.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a mama spoke up. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager summoned Esteemed Empress to her pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt it was rather strange. The eunuchs at the gates had been terrified of her, but why did these two mama still have the guts to keep on talking? Do they know martial arts like Mute Nanny does, or something? But that can¡¯t be right. Even if they do, it¡¯s not like they could beat me in a fight. (Author: I¡¯ve already said it, don¡¯t make wild guesses!)

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t speak, which only bolstered the spirits of the two mama. The other mama added, ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager said that thete emperor¡¯s recent--¡±

    ¡°I told you two already, go back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed the robes of the talking mama. There was only one rule for survival in the apocalypse, and that was to make your move first when you saw a zombie. Didn¡¯t the same logic apply to enemies as well? Ning Xiaoyao made the first move to gain an advantage.

    The first mama was dragged forward by Ning Xiaoyao before she got punched in the face. Without a word, she lost consciousness, her nosepletely broken as blood streamed from her nostrils.

    Ning Xiaoyao realized her mistake as soon as she finished her punch. This woman wasn¡¯t some martial arts expert at all. She turned to the mama on her left and wondered, could she be the expert instead?

    Under her stare, the mama backed up a few steps before copsing at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s grip rxed as she tossed the unconscious mama in her hands to the ground. There wasn¡¯t a single peep in the courtyard. The entire atmosphere felt repressive. By the time Empress Zhou emerged from the other end of her wing, it was to head straight for Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°No need to pay respects,¡± Ning Xiaoyao seized the chance to speak up first.

    Empress Zhou looked at the two mama on the ground and felt much better, but kept her voice low as always. ¡°Your Majesty, these are Imperial Mother¡¯s people.¡±

    ¡°Just because they¡¯re the empress dowager¡¯s people, they can run over and make a scene at your expense?¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips in contempt. ¡°How much do they think they¡¯re worth? Aren¡¯t they just some mama?¡±

    Empress Zhou looked at the various titleddies in the courtyard and hastened to remind her, ¡°Your Majesty, there are outsiders present now.¡± In front of outsiders, you have to act filial, even if it¡¯s just for show!

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders and told the mama on the ground, ¡°I told you to go, but you brought up the empress dowager instead. What for? Are you saying that the empress dowager¡¯s words are more useful than mine here?¡±

    The mama quickly shook her head. ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare. Your Majesty, this servant doesn¡¯t dare, ah.¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t dare, why did you bring up the empress dowager in the first ce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao jabbed a finger at the front gates. ¡°Take your pal with you and get lost.¡±

    The mama didn¡¯t understand what a ¡°pal¡± was, but she instinctively grabbed her unconscious partner and picked her up.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. Apologize to the empress first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly remembered. ¡°You stood in her courtyard and cursed her on behalf of the empress dowager? Is there a hole in your brain? Who gave you the right? Dammit, do you think we¡¯re Hello Kitties just because the empress and I don¡¯t throw our weight around?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said the people in the courtyard. Why couldn¡¯t they understand a word out of His Majesty¡¯s mouth? What kitty?

    On the wall, Grandpa Ash was speaking to Grandfather Sparrow. ¡°You have to tell Xiaoyao to use Zhen in the future. That way, she¡¯ll still preserve the aura of an emperor even if no one knows what she¡¯s talking about.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow nodded his head, deeply in agreement.

    Grandpa Ash added, ¡°Did His Majesty raise another cat? Surnamed Hell, given name Low?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow was ignorant. If she raises another one, won¡¯t Big Boss ck go crazy from jealousy?

    ¡°This servant deserves death,¡± the mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce kowtowed to Empress Zhou, who suddenly felt that it was worth being cursed at while cooped up inside!

    Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to call for Shadowbolt and instructed, ¡°Take some men and stop up the empress dowager¡¯s gates, too.¡±

    Shadowbolt couldn¡¯t ask too many questions now, so he simply muttered an assent before scurrying off.

    ¡°Go back,¡± Empress Zhou told the mama. ¡°I shall visit the empress dowager¡¯s pce another day to pay respects to Imperial Mother and exin myself.¡±

    ¡°Hurry up and disappear,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was a perfect match as the ¡°husband¡± to ¡°his¡± wife. ¡°You think you¡¯re all that just because you serve Esteemed Empress Dowager? Well, I¡¯m the one she gave birth to!¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. Why are youpeting against a servant over something like that?

 Chapter 95: I want to take this young lady as my wife

    <h4>Chapter 95: I want to take this youngdy as my wife</h4>

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Windward Pavilion,¡± Empress Zhou said after sending off Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°The banquet¡¯s already been prepared. It¡¯s just waiting for all thedies to arrive.¡±

    The variousdies expressed their thanks before following their servants to the empress¡¯s pce. Empress Zhou looked at the retreating form of young n¨¦e Wang amongst the wives in the front. Empress Zhou was a daughter of a general as well, so she instinctively sympathized with Qin Xin. She silently shifted her gaze and secretly started to anticipate what His Majesty would do once he reached the Windward Pavilion.

    Ning Xiaoyao returned to Supreme Splendor Hall first, where Lou Zigui was already waiting with Qin Xuan in one of the side halls.

    ¡°Subject Qin Xuan greets Your Majesty,¡± Qin Xuan gave arge formal bow to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You may rise.¡± Once again, Ning Xiaoyao had stepped to the side to avoid his bow. After Qin Xuan straightened up, Ning Xiaoyao studied the Jiangnan navalmander from head to foot. He was slightly shorter and more robust-looking than Supreme Commander Lou. Hisplexion was the color of wheat, and his features could only be considered ordinary. Despite this, everythingbined to give him a rather dashing air. You could tell at a nce that he was one of those unyielding men of iron. The little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart broke into apuse. Here was a good man!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui furrowed his brows after he noticed Ning Xiaoyao staring at Qin Xuan.

    Ning Xiaoyao shifted her gaze to Supreme Commander Lou. ¡°Supreme Commander, General Qin looks stronger than you.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Qin Xuan. Is His Majesty praising me?

    Lou Zigui''s expression turned ck as his tone grew serious. ¡°We don¡¯tpete in raw strength when fighting on the battlefields.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Qin Xuan. So, Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s angry?

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Lou Zigui¡¯s face before she sucked at her lips. Really, his very existence defied naturalws. Ning Xiaoyao walked in front of the Supreme and Regional Commanders, only to find a great discrepancy between their heights and hers. Again, she suffered another heavy blow. The Grand Preceptor must have maltreated Ning Yu while she was living at his estate! (Author: Whether or not he did, you¡¯ll never grow as tall as these two. Wake up already!)

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s fourth son, Xie Anwu, requested to meet with Your Majesty. This subject has already brought him into the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows in dislike. ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s son? Supreme Commander, don¡¯t you know I don¡¯t make appointments with the Xie n?¡±

    Lou Zigui walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and whispered, ¡°Your Majesty, I think this person¡¯s worth meeting.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had a ¡®I can¡¯t do anything with you¡¯ expression. ¡°If you say so, so be it. It¡¯s not like he can defeat me in a fight anyways.¡±

    Qin Xuan was currently anxious for news of Qin Xin. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui whispered to each other, he turned impatient. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject wants to ask about Qin...¡±

    ¡°Miss A¡¯Xin is currently in the Supreme Splendor Hall,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she settled into the host¡¯s seat. ¡°I wanted to ask your opinion if I had Miss A¡¯Xin divorce Xie Anyi.¡±

    ¡°Divorce?¡± Qin Xuan hadn¡¯t even registered the word when Lou Zigui spoke up.

    ¡°You want n¨¦e Qin to divorce Xie Anyi?¡± How can a wife divorce her husband?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Originally, I was nning to annul their rtionship, but now I¡¯ve changed my mind. I want Miss A¡¯Xin--¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at Qin Xuan before he covered his mouth and coughed, then shook his head at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao only blinked. Did he have another secret to share with her? Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand, so he could only walk up to her and bend down with a murmur, ¡°You can¡¯t say A¡¯Xin.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pped her forehead. That¡¯s right. She¡¯d forgotten about the custom of girls and their given names.

    ¡°I....¡±

    ¡°Zhen,¡± Lou Zigui urged again.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to flip the table. Can¡¯t I even talk? She thought over the words in her head before speaking up again. ¡°If Zhen wants Miss Qin to divorce Xie Anyi, do you have any objections, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°This subject has no objections, but feels that it¡¯s against the proper rites.¡±

    ¡°Proper rites, his sister,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I--Zhen¡¯s speech is from a golden mouth with pearly words. If Zhen says divorce, then we¡¯ll divorce.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t say another word. Girl, as long as you¡¯re happy.

    ¡°General Qin?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next. ¡°What are your thoughts? Why don¡¯t you tell them to Zhen?¡±

    Qin Xuan fell to his knees as if he was toppling gold mountains or felling jade pirs--having heard something inexpressibly precious. Even Ning Xiaoyao, who didn¡¯t understand much about bowing at all, could sense the feelings behind his motion. Regional Commander Qin¡¯s kowtow this time was much more sincere.

    ¡°This subject is willing to take the youngdy as my wife!¡± Qin Xuan spoke loudly, word by word.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Stand up and speak.¡±

    Qin Xuan remained unmoving on the ground. Left without a choice, Ning Xiaoyao let him do as he pleased. ¡°Miss Qin¡¯s current condition is far more wretched than in the past. That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Qin Xuan, suddenly sensing he was about the same age as Miss A¡¯Xin. ¡°You¡¯re younger than Miss Qin, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°This subject is younger than the youngdy by five years,¡± Qin Xuan said truthfully.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Five years isn¡¯t a lot. At most, she could already run around while you were just a newborn.¡±

    ¡°Cough, cough,¡± Lou Zigui coughed again, looking helplessly at Ning Xiaoyao. Can¡¯t you say something useful instead?

    ¡°She¡¯s older than you and her looks are currently terrible,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Qin Xuan. ¡°When Miss Ji saw her, she was so saddened that she burst into tears. Even Zhen¡¯s pet cat thinks she¡¯s unattractive. Do you still want to marry Miss Qin even when she¡¯s like this?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Lou Zigui. That fat ck cat has an aesthetic sense, too?

    ¡°Yes, this subject wants to marry the youngdy,¡± Qin Xuan didn¡¯t have time to wonder about the cat, but simply nodded at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Oh that¡¯s right, Miss Qin is paralyzed as well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    Qin Xuan suddenly leaped to his feet.

    ¡°You still want to?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Wh, where is she?¡± Qin Xuan¡¯s eyes had turned red with unshed tears.

    That means he still wants her. ¡°Third Rain,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at Shadowrain, who was standing outside the hall. ¡°Take General Qin to Miss Qin.¡±

    Qin Xuan vanished from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes like a gust of wind.

    ¡°N¨¦e Qin is physically paralyzed?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s been paralyzed for years now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched at her palms. ¡°But it¡¯s alright, I can cure her.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s good,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from her seat as she tightened her waistband. ¡°Let¡¯s go deal with that jerk, Xie Anyi!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Lou Zigui reached out a hand to re-tie Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s loosened waistband. ¡°What kind of knot did you tie?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t answer. This was how she tied her shoces. Would it sound too stupid if she said that out loud?

    ¡°Xie Anwu is the Grand Preceptor¡¯s son by his concubine,¡± Lou Zigui added as his flying fingers tied a new knot. ¡°He probably requested a meeting with you because he¡¯s nning to break away from the Xie n.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then what about his mom?¡±

    ¡°His birth mother¡¯s already passed away,¡± Lou Zigui released his hands before adjusting the position of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s waistband.

    ¡°Does the Grand Preceptor maltreat him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next.

    ¡°For an old and established family like the Xie n, concubines¡¯ sons won¡¯t amount to much unless they have exceptional looks or literary talents,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°All they can do be stepping stones for sons of the legal wife, or act as their foils or footmen.¡±

    ¡°That tragic?¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°But what if he¡¯s just ying pretend with the Grand Preceptor so he can trick us?¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll take his life,¡± Supreme Commander Lou replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. What was good about using violence everyday?

    ¡°Will you go to Windward Pavilion to meet Xie Anyi, or meet with Xie Anwu first?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he raised his hand to wipe Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see Xie Anyi,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied while pacing around in a circle. ¡°Don¡¯t you think I¡¯m devastatingly handsome enough to emit a halo and crush Xie Anyi right underfoot?¡± Her height might be nothing to scoff at, but Ning Xiaoyao could vouch for her face, which was quite good-looking.

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. He could never understand what this girl was talking about. How would that ever do?

    Ning Xiaoyao next heard the sound of a man weeping. When she paid closer attention, she realized it wasing from that man of iron, Qin Xuan. Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look at the Qin n sister and brother first.¡±

    Lou Zigui''s heart gave a lurch when he heard Ning Xiayao said ¡®sister and brother.¡¯ ¡°That¡¯s right, they¡¯re siblings. How are a sister and brother supposed to get married?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Qin Xuan an adopted son?¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t understand Lou Zigui¡¯s words. ¡°They¡¯re not really rted, so what are you worried about?¡±

    ¡°An adopted son is still a son,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Then fine. That old General Qin sent me a dream,¡± Ning Xiaoyao went on as she rubbed her nose. ¡°He didn¡¯t want Qin Xuan to be his son anymore, but his son-inw.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°Old General Qin showed up together with my Imperial Father,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Supreme Commander, do you have any more objections?¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t have any objections. I wouldn¡¯t object even if they were blood-rted siblings, but Esteemed Empress invited Elder Li this time as well. Your Majesty, you can tell your dream to Elder Li.¡±

    o(> ©n <)o, went Ning Xiaoyao. Why did the empress have to invite Elder Li?! (Author: You¡¯re the one who said to invite the important officials of the court!)

    ¡°Are you still using the dream excuse?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked out of the hall. So what if it¡¯s Elder Li. I¡¯ll figure it out when I¡¯m there. She¡¯ll check on the siblings in the meantime.

    --

    Inside the pce, Qin Xin was hiding her face with the bedcovers so Qin Xuan couldn¡¯t see. Qin Xuan knelt in front of the bed and cried for awhile before he said, ¡°You don¡¯t want to see me?¡±

    ¡°You can leave,¡± Qin Xin said.

    ¡°Just earlier, His Majesty asked me whether or not I wanted to marry you. I said I did,¡± Qin Xuan reached out a hand to pull the covers aside, his voice choked with sobs. ¡°A¡¯Xin, I can finally marry you now.¡±

    Qin Xin had no strength, so the covers were pulled away with ease. She quickly lifted her hands to cover her face instead. Qin Xuan held Qin Xin¡¯s hands with his own. They wererge hands, strong enough to wield a sword, but right now they were trembling.

    ¡°A¡¯Xin,¡± Regional Commander Qin said, ¡°I can take you home now.¡±

    Qin Xin¡¯s body stiffened before she burst into tears. Qin Xuan had half his body sprawled on the bed as he held Qin Xin and her covers alike like the most precious treasure in the world. In a low voice, he murmured, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    I¡¯m sorry that when you were betrothed, I was nothing but a timid, inferior wretch who didn¡¯t tell foster father about my feelings for you.

    I¡¯m sorry that when you were married, I didn¡¯t have the courage to stop your wedding sedan chair.

    I¡¯m sorry that I wasn¡¯t able to save you from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    ... ...

    ¡°I¡¯m a coward and a weakling,¡± Qin Xuan said as he cried. ¡°A¡¯Xin, are you still willing to marry me?¡±

    Outside the bedroom, Ji Yuerong¡¯s face was already streaked with tears.

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her cheeks. That¡¯s right, Qin Xuan. Why didn¡¯t you charge into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate all these years and save her? She suddenly had an urge to go inside and beat him up. The heck was that?!

    ¡°With thete emperor still around,¡± Lou Zigui murmured by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side, ¡°If Qin Xuan had tried anything, both him and the men who helped him would be condemned to death. N¨¦e Qin would have beenbeled as an unfaithful wife and forced to her death by the Xie n as well.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, who had a sudden urge to whip thete emperor¡¯s corpse. The heck was that?!

 Chapter 96: His Majesty thoroughly beats up His Excellency Xie

    <h4>Chapter 96: His Majesty thoroughly beats up His Excellency Xie</h4>

    ¡°Have Qin Xuan go to the Windward Pavilionter,¡± Lou Zigui instructed Ji Yuerong in a low voice before pulling Ning Xiaoyao out to the corridor. Ning Xiaoyao nced back and saw that Ji Yuerong¡¯s eyes were red from crying. Because she¡¯d been wiping at her tears, her cheeks were as red as a monkey¡¯s bottom. Despite this, she could still see the coy expression on her features.

    ¡°You¡¯vemitted a sin,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Lou Zigui.

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand. I shouldn¡¯t have done anything against my conscience today, right?

    ¡°You hurt Miss Ji,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Lou Zigui knitted his eyebrows. ¡°What exactly did I do?¡±

    Once again, Ning Xiaoyao felt sorry for Ji Yuerong. His Excellency Supreme Commander was utterly blind to the faults of a young woman¡¯s heart. ¡°You only said one thing to Miss Ji just then, but she was happy and shy beyond words. Don¡¯t you know?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked back at Ji Yuerong. Which part of her tear-streaked face looked shy at all? He raised his hand and knocked it against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s skull. ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense. You can¡¯t ruin Miss Ji¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about serious matters instead,¡± Lou Zigui added in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t get it. Weren¡¯t her words just then about serious matters?

    ¡°You can use this chance to take away Xie Anyi¡¯s position as the Minister of Revenue,¡± Lou Zigui said as they left the courtyard.

    Ning Xiaoyao was lost. ¡°Just like that? Weren¡¯t we going to talk about him and Miss Qin?¡±

    ¡°Since we¡¯ve done so much already, we might as well do everything else we can,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Maltreating his proper wife shows that Xie Anyicks any virtues. How could a man like that hold a position at court?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Speak slower so I can remember what you said.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Lou Zigui. Why do you need to remember my words?

    --

    Inside the Windward Pavilion, the banquet tables had been set up on a veranda overlooking the flower gardens. Men sat on the left, while women sat on the right. Thus, the officials were all on the left side of the veranda, while their first wives were on the right, obscured behind three beaded curtains. When everyone saw Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui walk through the garden¡¯s full moon door, they all bowed to greet the emperor.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned around.

    ¡°Say ¡®rise,¡¯¡± Lou Zigui taught Ning Xiaoyao. From what he¡¯d seen, the girl didn¡¯t know to speak such things.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned back at the crowd. ¡°Rise, haha. You can all get up.¡±

    Lou Zigui could only sigh. Even if I teach her, there¡¯s no telling if she¡¯ll say it properly.

    After all the subjects rose to their feet, they stared at Lou Zigui standing behind Ning Xiaoyao with different expressions on their faces.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes swept over the crowd before telling Lou Zigui, ¡°Prince Zhi came, too.¡±

    Prince Zhi¡¯s face was still swollen as he stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Go sit in the host¡¯s seat,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Who cares about sitting when we have a job to do? Where¡¯s that Xie Anyi?¡±

    ¡°Sit down, then speak,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Dangit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran forward. ¡°I see him!¡±

    ¡°............¡± said Supreme Commander Lou. Can¡¯t you listen to me once in awhile?

    ¡°Sh, should we follow?¡± Shadowthunder nced at Supreme Commander Lou.

    Lou Zigui was rather irritated. ¡°You¡¯re still afraid that someone will bully His Majesty?¡±

    Shadowthunder was a docile type, so he simply shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not anxious. This servant is more worried that His Majesty will kill off His Excellency Xie instead.¡±

    His words were all too true and easily imagined which left Supreme Commander Lou speechless.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was already standing in front of Xie Anyi. As His Majesty Ning saw it, she didn¡¯t need to waste words on jerks like him. It was better to get physical right away. Because Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t sat down, everyone else was standing, too. When Xie Anyi saw Ning Xiaoyao approach him, he bent his body forward in a bow. Ning Xiaoyao raised her fist and sucked in a breath. She was preparing to beat him up.

    Just then, a mama from Empress Zhou¡¯s side quickly went to Ning Xiaoyao and bent over with a murmur. ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress ordered this servant to tell Your Majesty that the eldest young madame of the Xie n didn¡¯te. It was n¨¦e Wang who came in her ce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. That little white lotus green tea[1. white lotus, green tea (°×É»¨, ¾G²è) - bailianhua, l¨¹ cha. A ¡®white lotus¡¯ is colloquial for an extremely two-faced woman, while ¡®green tea¡¯ refers to a girl who acts pitiful, innocent, and/or sickly/easily hurt/long-suffering in front of others just to toy with their feelings.] came, too?

    The mama whispered, ¡°Your Majesty, although Madame Wang is also a titleddy, she¡¯s nothing more than Eldest Young Master Xie¡¯s equal wife.¡±[2. equal wife (Æ½ÆÞ) ¨C pingqi, any wife after a man¡¯s first (proper) wife that shares the same supposed status as his proper consort.]

    Ning Xiaoyao went off to the side with this mama and said, ¡°I know she¡¯s an equal wife, it¡¯s more or less equal to a concubine. Howe she still got an imperial title?¡± Aren¡¯t imperial titles only given out to the first wife?

    This mama wasn¡¯t used to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s style of speaking, but she understood the gist of what she had meant. ¡°Your Majesty, Madame Wang¡¯s title was given to her by thete emperor.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. It¡¯s that bastard thete emperor again. He really does love the Xie n, ah.

    The mama asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°I don¡¯t know what Your Majesty would like to propose to do?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for the empress to get physical,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Leave her to me.¡± The empress is pregnant, so it¡¯s no good for her to fight. What if something happens to the baby?

    Get physical? His Majesty¡¯s going to beat up young n¨¦e Wang? The mama was stunned. The strongest punishment she¡¯d thought of was forcing n¨¦e Wang to kneel in penance, or have the courtdies lecture her. Why did it turn into His Majesty beating her up?

    ¡°You look pretty happy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had already set her sights on Xie Anyi, who had turned nervous. However, he had no idea where he¡¯d gone wrong for His Majesty to lecture him. By now, Lou Zigui and Shadowthunder had walked over as well. Supreme Commander Lou looked coldest at the eldest young master of the Xie n, while Shadowthunder simply harrumphed.

    Xie Anyi said, ¡°Your Majesty, my father didn¡¯t leave the estate today.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m talking to you, so what are you bringing up your father for?¡±

    Xie Anyi said, ¡°This subject invites Your Majesty to instruct me.¡±

    ¡°Zhen!¡± Lou Zigui emphasized to Ning Xiaoyao one more time.

    ¡°Zhen brought Miss Qin into the pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stared at Xie Anyi.

    ¡°Miss Qin?¡± Elder Li spoke up. He was sitting right next to Xie Anyi.

    Ning Xiaoyao remembered that she couldn¡¯t use a woman¡¯s given name, and rified, ¡°It¡¯s Qin Xin, ah.¡±

    Qin Xin?

    The entire veranda grew so silent that even the sound of breathing stopped.

    N¨¦e Qin is at the pce? Xie Anyi looked thunderstruck as his face paled. By now, the second and third young masters of the Xie n knew that they were screwed as well. Even though they were unclear about their sister-inw¡¯s illness, they knew that n¨¦e Qin had a difficult life at the Xie estate.

    p!

    Ning Xiaoyao soundly smacked Xie Anyi on the face. As a schrly type, Xie Anyi was ill-suited to bear the blow, which knocked him straight to the ground. Ning Xiaoyao stepped forward and started kicking him with her foot. She¡¯d wanted to do this as soon as she firstid eyes on Qin Xin at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Finally, she¡¯d fulfilled her heart¡¯s desire! Xie Anyi rolled around on the ground as Ning Xiaoyao kicked him. Soon enough, blood began pouring from his nose.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, kick him to death!¡± Shadowthunder said gleefully from the side. Lou Zigui rested his forehead in his hands. Just what kind of people are we keeping?

    When Lou Zigui saw that the pool of blood on the ground even had a few teeth, he stepped forward and grabbed Ning Xiaoyao by the waist. ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯s no need for you to personally handle such affairs.¡±

    ¡°I want to beat him to death!¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet were dangling off the ground as her hands threw punches at the air. ¡°This jerk, arrruugghhhhhh! I wanna kill him!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°Think of the soldiers still in the Xie n¡¯s hands, hurry!¡± Supreme Commander was close to begging her to calm down.

    ¡°...........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, who suddenly felt depressed. What the heck, what now?

    Lou Zigui carried Ning Xiaoyao until she was ten steps away from Xie Anyi, but didn¡¯t let go. He was afraid she¡¯d run straight back to continue her ¡°assault.¡± Xie Anyiy on the ground and spat up a few mouthfuls of blood. Though he looked half-dead, he was still conscious.

    Shadowthunder scooted over and said, ¡°Your Majesty, His Excellency Xie¡¯s still conscious.¡±

    ¡°Withdraw!¡± Lou Zigui rebuked him for causing more trouble.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Of course. When I beat people up, I make sure they stay conscious so they can feel the pain. Second Thunder, don¡¯t you worry. He¡¯ll be bedridden for half a year after this.¡± She was very smug.

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t want to understand what was worth being proud of with that.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked around her. ¡°Why aren¡¯t any of you talking?¡±

    Everyone had turned wooden as soon as Ning Xiaoyao started thrashing Xie Anyi. Even now, they were still somewhat stupefied. His Majesty personally beating up his subjects? We¡¯ve never heard of such a thing, alright?

    If he wanted to kill off Xie Anyi, why not just decree his execution instead? Why did he have to give up his dignity and prestige to do the deed himself? They just didn¡¯t get it. It didn¡¯t make sense for His Majesty to beat up Xie Anyi just for n¨¦e Qin¡¯s sake!

    ... ...

    The thoughts of the crowd were wide and scattered like a chaotic windstorm.

    ¡°What¡¯s happened to them all?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Stunned,¡± Supreme Commander Lou said urately.

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. Why did the Northern Hu bully Yongning all the time? All you had to do was look at their government officials. They were already stunned from watching a thrashing, so wouldn¡¯t they be scared to death when they saw an actual fight? (Author: If you don¡¯t get it, don¡¯t make wild guesses...)

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li was always the first one to recover his senses. He walked in front of Ning Xiaoyao and asked, ¡°What crime has His Excellency Xiemitted?¡±

    ¡°Favoring the concubine and doing away with the wife,¡± Lou Zigui helped Ning Xiaoyao exin, because he was sure she didn¡¯t know how to say such words. Elder Li looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who readied herself forbat.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li said, ¡°For the sake of His Excellency Xie¡¯s family affairs, you beat him up like this?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Old gramps, which side are you on?¡±

    Elder Li wore a respectful expression. ¡°This subject only stands on the side of impartiality.¡±

    ¡°Impartiality?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly recalled Miss Ji¡¯s words. When Qin Xuan petitioned thete emperor, these clear stream faction types had said something about wives following their husbands after marriage. They didn¡¯t help out, but even trampled over the Qin siblings.

    Elder Li said, ¡°A married woman with a husband--¡±

    ¡°Drop it already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Old gramps, you¡¯re nning to swindle me the same way you swindled my imperial father in the past?¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s face turned ck. Swindle?

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Immediately, a disciple of Elder Li wanted to speak up.

    ¡°Please shut your mouth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the speaker, then at everyone else to boot. ¡°All of you, shut your mouths. Dammnit, you¡¯re all talk and no action. If something has nothing to do with you, you just treat it as a y, don¡¯t you?¡±

    By now, Qin Xuan had rushed to the full moon gates leading into the flower gardens, but was stopped from going any further by Shadowgale and Shadowrain, who held him back.

 Chapter 97: What a good white lotus in full bloom

    <h4>Chapter 97: What a good white lotus in full bloom</h4>

    Everyone¡¯s eyes were on Ning Xiaoyao, so no one noticed that Qin Xuan had already arrived at the gardens. Ning Xiaoyao stood on the veranda as she stared at Elder Li. ¡°Old gramps, I think you acted like a hypocrite.¡±

    Once again, the entire veranda fell silent. As the head of the clear stream faction, Elder Li naturally had to dispute the im that he was a sham. However, Ning Xiaoyao beat him to it.

    ¡°You mentioned married women with husbands? Sure, then I¡¯ll break your words down right now.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. What¡¯s ¡®break your words down?¡¯

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the half-dead Xie Anyi. ¡°Does this jerk count as a husband?¡±

    Elder Li replied, ¡°Thete emperor decreed the marriage between he and n¨¦e Qin. They finished all six rites of the marriage and have a certificate as well. N¨¦e Qin¡¯s name has been added to the Xie n¡¯s family history as well. This subject dares to ask Your Majesty, how could Xie Anyi not be n¨¦e Qin¡¯s husband?¡±

    ¡°When the Xie n asked my imperial father to grant the marriage, did they mention that jerk had already slept with his little white lotus? Or that she was already with child?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked coldly. ¡°Did they ever mention how he insisted on making that little white blossom of his an equal wife after Miss Qin entered the estate?¡±

    Elder Li was rendered mute. An official from the Ministry of Rites spoke up next. ¡°Your Majesty, at that time, Xie Anyi truly was an unmarried man.¡±

    ¡°Just because he¡¯s unmarried, we can pretend his cousin and childhood sweetheart never existed? That there wasn¡¯t a child between them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Does Xie Anyi get to have all the good things for himself? After marrying Miss Qin, he gained control of the Jiangnan navy. Then he spends his days evesting with his true love, that slutty cousin? Is this the kind of ¡®married woman with a husband¡¯ that you schrs speak of? Fine then, let me express my good wishes to all your daughters. May they find a husband like this in the future as well! Heheh, no need to thank me.¡±

    No one spoke. Which one of them didn¡¯t have daughters of their own? Which one of them wanted their own girls to meet a husband like Xie Anyi?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Second Young Master Xie Anji[1. Xie Anji (Ð»°²¼Ã) - Ji is ¡°cross a river, aid/relieve/help.¡±] knelt on the ground as he kowtowed. He had to say something. ¡°This subject¡¯s eldest brother didn¡¯t marry eldest sister-inw for the Jiangnan navy. The navy was only...¡±

    ¡°You can shut up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before he finished. ¡°Are you Xie n members the only smart ones? Is everyone else blind or an idiot?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Third Young Master Xie Anshi was now kneeling on the ground, too. ¡°This subject¡¯s eldest brother had his marriage with eldest sister-inw decreed by thete emperor.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I haven¡¯t even mentioned how your entire n tricked my imperial father yet. All you want to do is harp on thete emperor¡¯s marriage decree, is that it? Didn¡¯t you hear what I said earlier? Did you guys tell my imperial father that your big brother already had a woman? Or that she already gave birth to his son?!¡±

    Neither of the two Xie sons could speak a word. Back then, even if their father told the truth, thete emperor would still allow the marriage on ount of how much he favored their aunt. But they couldn¡¯t be certain of what the Grand Preceptor had revealed. Ning Xiaoyao stood there expressionlessly. Even if the Grand Preceptor did tell everything, she wasn¡¯t afraid. That muddle-headedte emperor was long dead now. With the sole witness gone, couldn¡¯t she rip into the Xie n as much as she liked?

    ¡°This subject¡¯s father would never dare to deceive the sovereign,¡± Third Young Master Xie said. Compared to the second Xie son, his brains were much morepetent. A single thought was able to bring him back on task. If he admitted that his father didn¡¯t tell thete emperor the truth, wouldn¡¯t that be admitting his father lied to the emperor? The current emperor was really a piece of work. Within a few words, he¡¯d managed to hold a capital offence above their father¡¯s head again. Third Young Master Xie was determined to get rid the usation.

    ¡°In other words, you¡¯re saying your father told the truth, but my imperial father was the idiot?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°¡°Cough--¡± all the subjects started coughing. Even if you¡¯re the emperor, you can¡¯t call thete emperor an idiot!

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°The Qin n were loyal martyrs unto death. Miss Qin¡¯s father and elder brothers all died at sea for the sake of the country. We even recovered their bodies, so would my imperial father really give theirst remaining family member to a scum of the earth in marriage?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else. Yes, theter emperor would still do that.

    Third Young Master Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s normal for a man to have three or four wives.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao strode forward. Everyone was expecting her to say something else, but she simply lifted her leg and kicked the third son to the ground.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you...¡± Second Young Master Xie was about to shout, but Ning Xiaoyao kicked him to the ground, too. ¡°I was talking about favoring the concubine and doing away with the wife, and you bring up ¡®having multiple wives is normal¡¯ instead?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared at the third son.

    ¡°You think I¡¯m easy to bully because I haven¡¯t read many books? Are these two even the same thing? I say east and you say west. In the end, you¡¯re still nning to prove I¡¯m wrong with your shamelessness? Just how much gall do you have?¡±

    Some of the officials who had been swayed by Third Young Master Xie¡¯s words suddenly grew alert. That¡¯s right. His Majesty was talking about Xie Anyi cheating his way into a marriage. Then there was favoring the concubine and doing away with the proper wife. What does that have to do with a man having multiple wives?

    Third Young Master Xie Anshi pressed a hand over his chest, where Ning Xiaoyao had kicked him. His face was pale and greenish, his mouth unable to make a sound.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Second Young Master Xie Anji was still unresigned.

    Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a bench from one side and smashed it on his head. All of the officials took arge step back as Xie Anji fell over in a dead faint, blood pouring from his head.

    Lou Zigui bent down and told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, Xie Anyi iscking in virtue. This subject asks that he be demoted from his official post and title and chased out of the pce as a warning to others.¡± As Supreme Commander Lou saw it, Ning Xiaoyao had already cursed and scolded the man. Now it was time to get down to business.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°It¡¯ll be as Supreme Commander says. I don¡¯t want to see this jerk again in the future!¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else. So Xie Anyi¡¯s be amoner just like that?

    Shadowthunder looked at the dazed crowd and shouted, ¡°Impudence! Why aren¡¯t you all kneeling to acknowledge the sovereign¡¯s decree?¡±

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m not done yet. None of Xie Anyi¡¯s sons or grandsons, no matter who gave birth to them, are never to be employed by me as long as Yongning still exists.¡±

    Everyone fell silent. The little emperor was quite ruthless. If the Xie n admitted defeat this time, then none of the sons or grandsons from their eldest son would ever be officials in court. If that was the case, the Xie n would simply discard their eldest son. Ning Xiaoyao stared at Elder Li, who led the way to say, ¡°This subject epts the decree. Your Majesty is wise and brilliant.¡±

    ¡°We subjects will carefully abide by Your Majesty¡¯s decree. Your Majesty is wise and brilliant,¡± Prince Zhi and a few other vassal lords present at the banquet all spoke up. The short Ning Xiaoyao stood up straight. She too, felt that she was quite wise and brilliant. It was a shame she¡¯de toote. If she was here 10 years ago, the Northern Hu might¡¯ve beenpletely destroyed before now. (Author: Don¡¯t make wild guesses--)

    At the opposite end of the veranda, the assembled wives were all giving cold looks to n¨¦e Wang, who was sitting paralyzed on the ground. She was an ¡®equal wife¡¯ who¡¯d been granted a title and even imed herself an equal with the Xie n¡¯s eldest young madame. Then she had the gall to sit amongst proper wives like themselves. Over the past few years, the Xie n had been too powerful to offend. Moreover, these were domestic matters of their Xie n. Of all the wives present, those whose own ns depended on the Xie fawned and ttered young n¨¦e Wang, while those who didn¡¯t need the Xie still had to endure silently despite their dissatisfaction.

    But when they saw n¨¦e Wang sitting there with an ashen face, looking as if she was about to cry, both the tterers and the silent group were secretly delighted. How had His Majesty put it? Evesting days with a slut? All of the wives dearly wished they could cheer for the emperor and give him a round of apuse. To put it in modern terms, they wanted to give Ning Xiaoyao a ¡®Like!¡¯

    Empress Zhou used a brocade handkerchief to wipe her lips before she murmured, ¡°Chase n¨¦e Wang out of the pce.¡±

    Two mama stepped forward and started dragging n¨¦e Wang away. She was like a puppet with its strings cut when faced with the other wives. Some of them jeered at her, while others wore ridiculing smiles. Many had disdainful looks in their eyes that seemed to cut her into pieces. As a woman who¡¯d been called a slut by the emperor, would she have any way to show her face outside of her home in the future? Would anyone in the Xie n still be willing to shelter her?

    As the two mama hauled n¨¦e Wang out of the veranda, Ning Xiaoyao saw them and waved a hand. ¡°Is that the little white flower[2. little white flower (Ð¡°×»¨) - xiaobaihua, simr meaning to ¡®white lotus,¡¯ aka an extremely two-faced woman.] cousin? Comee, drag her over here so I can see what she looks like.¡±

    The two mama dragged n¨¦e Wang to Ning Xiaoyao. On the right side of the veranda, an older madame asked Empress Zhou, ¡°Empress, what does ¡®little white flower¡¯ mean?¡±

    Many of the other wives were curious, too. His Majesty shouldn¡¯t know n¨¦e Wang¡¯s given name, but even if he did, the Wang n had always used literary names for their children. Would they really called their young Miss ¡°little white flower?¡±

    Empress Zhou pondered the question before she made up some nonsense on the spot, ¡°This n¨¦e Wang is as venomous as a snake or scorpion, but she¡¯s still the Grand Preceptor¡¯s daughter-inw by his eldest son. Because His Majesty respects the Grand Preceptor, he cannot curse her directly. All he can do is say the opposite of what he means.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± the wives came to a deep understanding. From then on, ¡®little white flower¡¯ became a term to curse people in the country of Yongning. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Young n¨¦e Wang felt herself physically paralyzed on the ground before Ning Xiaoyao. She pressed her forehead to the floor, not daring to let her see her face. No matter how many schemes or plots she had in the Xie estate, they were far from enough in the face of the emperor and various important officials.

    The woman before Ning Xiaoyao was dressed in brilliant brocade robes decorated with blossoming flowers. Her hair ornaments were made from precious and rare materials, while her figure was delicate and petite aside from the parts that naturally stuck out. A pair of tender white hands peeked out from beneath her sleeves. Ning Xiaoyao lifted her foot and kicked n¨¦e Wang too--not too hard, just enough to make her roll over and show her face.

    Frightened, n¨¦e Wang did her best to cover her face with her hands, but Ning Xiaoyao caught a glimpse of her with her eyes anyways. She could only say that n¨¦e Wang was certainly a good white lotus in full bloom.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li couldn¡¯t keep on watching anymore. No matter how vicious this woman was, she was still a wife of an official. Oh no, that¡¯s not right--Xie Anyi¡¯s lost his title by now. This woman was still the wife of a citizen. Anyways, it doesn¡¯t matter if she¡¯s the wife of an official or a citizen. The point is that the dignified and upright sovereign¡¯s already losing face by speaking directly with a mere married woman, much less teach her a lesson. Aren¡¯t you afraid of getting your hands dirty?

    ¡°Old gramps, she might look pitiful now, but this little white flower¡¯s plenty formidable.¡± Ning Xiaoyao had no way to understand Elder Li¡¯s inner pains. ¡°Yesterday, she even destroyed Miss Qin¡¯s face.¡±

    ¡°Hisss.....¡± some of the officials sucked in their breaths.

    ¡°But fortunately, there¡¯s me. Miss Qin¡¯s face will be alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°Still, I won¡¯t be able to forgive myself if I let this little white flower off.¡±

    ¡°Cough,¡± that was Lou Zigui. What does Qin Xin¡¯s ruined face have anything to do with you forgiving yourself or not?

    Elder Li asked outright, ¡°What does Your Majesty mean?¡± Privately, Elder Li swore that if His Majesty said he liked n¨¦e Qin, he would ram his head into a pir and die on this very veranda.

    ¡°When I saw n¨¦e Qin¡¯s state, I was so angry my liver hurt,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I even cried. This little white flower¡¯spletely inhuman.¡±

    ¡°...........¡± went everyone else. Those words sound alright. At least people won¡¯t misunderstand what you¡¯re saying.

 Chapter 98: Real and fake suicide

    <h4>Chapter 98: Real and fake suicide</h4>

    WARNING: This chapter contains graphic depictions of attempted suicide.

    Young n¨¦e Wang simply covered her face and sobbed bitterly.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this woman should be quickly chased out of the pce,¡± Elder Li suggested.

    ¡°Then what about me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Chase her out just like that? How could things be so simple? Miss Qin was still paralyzed and bedridden. If Miss Ji hadn¡¯t made a move, it was possible that Miss Qin would be dead by now. No matter what, it seemed only fair to get back at this little white flower, too.

    At that moment, n¨¦e Wang cried for her husband and started crawling to his side. On the ground, Xie Anyi¡¯s voice became choked with sobs at the sight of his wife¡¯s tears.

    ¡°..........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. What are they ying at now? Am I some sort of despot that¡¯s breaking a pair of devoted lovers apart?

    As soon as n¨¦e Wang started crawling towards Xie Anyi, she caught sight of her uncle standing nearby. He was Wang Furong[,1. Wang Furong (Íõ¸¶ÈÙ) - Wang is a surname that means ¡°king,¡± Fu means ¡°to pay,¡± Rong means ¡°glorious, flourishing.¡±] the minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and he was shaking his head slightly in her direction. One of his fingers made a swiping motion at his throat. Little n¨¦e Wang felt her entire body turn cold. This blood-rted uncle of hers was telling her to die.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui in a small voice, ¡°Have you noticed something off about that little white flower?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t understand women in the first ce. How could he ever tell that something was wrong?

    Young n¨¦e Wang pressed her forehead to the ground again. Its cold brick surface was flooded by her tears. That¡¯s right, n¨¦e Wang thought, The emperor hasbeled me as a slut. How will the women of our Wang n be able to marry anyone in the future? Which of the old and established families will have daughters willing to marry into the Wang n?

    She dug her fingers into the crevices of the brick floor until her fine, well-kept nails broke in two ces. When n¨¦e Wang lifted her head again, it was to look at Xie Anyi, who was less than ten steps away from her. If she could kill herself now, there would be two lives lost--hers and her baby¡¯s. As long as she bore the me for everything, she could at least leave behind a reputation for dying for love. Moreover, if she died, that n¨¦e Qin wouldn¡¯t be able to live, either!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± n¨¦e Wang said to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This is all this concubine¡¯s fault for leading Minister Xie astray. This concubine is willing to atone for her crimes with her death. May Your Majesty forgive Minister Xie!¡±

    ¡°Hold her back!¡± Lou Zigui shouted, realizing that things had gone amiss.

    Shadowthunder ran towards n¨¦e Wang, but she steeled her heart and bit through her tongue with all her strength. Shadowthunder was stunned by the time he reached her. Blood trickled out of the corners of n¨¦e Wang¡¯s lips. Most of the officials present were important figures at court, but aside from the military officers, none of them had ever seen someone die. Shock rippled through the crowd. On the right side of the veranda, Empress Zhou and the assembled wives heard shouts from beyond the beaded curtain that said n¨¦e Wang hadmitted suicide by biting her own tongue. Their faces nched at the news.

    Young n¨¦e Wang was pregnant with her second child, but she¡¯d died for Xie Anyi¡¯s sake. If news of this spread, then people would say that His Majesty had forced his subject¡¯s wife to die. Once he shouldered that kind of reputation, he¡¯d bebeled as a fatuous and self-indulgent ruler. Young n¨¦e Wang would be a woman who died for love. The very thought of that was nauseating.

    Lou Zigui strode over to n¨¦e Wang and took a look at her mouth, before ordering Shadowthunder, ¡°Go find an imperial physician.¡± There was no way that n¨¦e Wang could die here. Otherwise, her and her baby¡¯s death would be twisted in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s lips as Qin Xuan tricking His Majesty to hound his subject¡¯s wife to death. If that was the case, neither Qin Xin or Qin Xuan would be able to live. Getting ahold of the Jiangnan navy would bepletely out of the question as well.

    Elder Li was actually thinking along the same vein as Lou Zigui. He quickly urged the stunned Shadowthunder, ¡°What are you still standing around for? Go find an imperial physician!¡±

    Shadowthunder looked at Ning Xiaoyao. He only listened to the emperor, after all.

    ¡°You two,¡± Lou Zigui was now calling the two mama who had been dragging n¨¦e Wang out. ¡°Come over and gag her mouth.¡±

    After biting her tongue off, the pain made n¨¦e Wang want to scream in pain, but copious amounts of blood loss soon left her feeling cold. Slowly, her body began to freeze as death crept closer. N¨¦e Wang was very afraid of such a feeling, but she couldn¡¯t scream or move anymore. Ning Xiaoyao walked over to n¨¦e Wang and told the two mama who were about to gag the woman to calm down. ¡°It¡¯s a sham. No need to panic, this little white flower¡¯s just ying around with us.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. She¡¯s bled so much and looks like she¡¯s on death¡¯s door. Could this be a sham?

    Ning Xiaoyao crouched down and stared at young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s dted pupils. ¡°You sure can act, ah.¡±

    Because n¨¦e Wang had lost so much blood, her body temperature had dropped drastically, causing her to go into spasms.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lou Zigui half crouched as well to shout at Ning Xiaoyao. Save her already. If not, she¡¯ll die for real.

    Ning Xiaoyao pried open n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth and told Elder Li, ¡°I¡¯m not touching her because I want to, ah¡±

    If Ning Xiaoyao was his own son, Elder Li would be whipping him by now. What an annoying child! ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s imperative that we save her,¡± Elder Li restrained his urge to thwack the emperor as he urged Ning Xiaoyao.

    Twenty seconds had passed since n¨¦e Wang bit her tongue, but she still wasn¡¯t dead. Because of that, Ning Xiaoyao knew she wasn¡¯t going to be dying anytime soon. People who bit their tongues didn¡¯t die from blood loss as much as the tongue slipping back to block their throat. The throat contained the esophagus as well as the airway for breathing. If a bitten tongue blocked that airway, the victim would asphyxiate to death within seconds. Ning Xiaoyao reached her hand into n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth and felt around until she found her tongue. The woman had only bitten a little half of it off, notpletely. Her fingertips glowed with green light before the half-bitten tongue reformed itself into a whole once more.

    Ning Xiaoyao withdrew her hand from n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth. Before she could wipe off the blood, Lou Zigui was already doing it for her with a handkerchief. Quietly, he asked, ¡°How is the woman doing?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a wink.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Good. Then this woman faked her suicide. She and her husband should be locked up in the justice courts.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao arched an eyebrow and whispered, ¡°We have to lock them up?¡± It looked like the crimes of that bastard couple were growing.

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°Spilling blood before His Majesty is a breach of etiquette and a very serious offense.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then you might as well say that little white flower tricked me and scared me half to death. Wouldn''t that be an even bigger crime?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao and grinned. ¡°They¡¯re not worthy of dirtying Your Majesty¡¯s hands.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and nced at n¨¦e Wang.

    Because Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui had been speaking in hushed tones, no one else knew what they were saying. But n¨¦e Wang clearly heard every single word between them. She was both angry and in agony, but yet she couldn¡¯t make a sound. Her tongue had just healed, so every little movement still caused her sharp pain.

    ¡°Give me the bag you use to hold your sugar beans,¡± Lou Zigui extended a hand to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached into her bag to grab her sugar beans first.

    ¡°The smaller bag,¡± Lou Zigui rified.

    Ning Xiaoyao took out an empty, smaller bag and gave it to Lou Zigui. ¡°Erya made this for Xiaoqiu.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s mouth twitched. What was so tasty about those cloying sweet sugar beans? This girl even steals snacks from a three-year-old child!?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Supreme Commander, did you want to eat sugar beans?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou sighed, before pressing the little bag against n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her heart ache. ¡°Erya made that.¡± Washing detergent doesn¡¯t exist in this world, so Erya¡¯s bag is probably ruined, right?

    Lou Zigui stood up and showed off the bloodstained bag in his hands to the crowd. His voice was cold. ¡°This married woman faked her suicide.¡±

    There was an uproar. How much gall did that Xie n wife have? She actually dared to fake her suicide in His Majesty¡¯s presence?

    ¡°That despicable whore,¡± the olddy of the Duke of State¡¯s[1. Duke of State (¹ú¹«) - guogong, traditionally a third rank official in the imperial court,] estate spat. The wives of the second and third young masters of the Xie n, who were wiping their tears just a second ago, stopped their sniffling and didn¡¯t make a sound. Empress Zhou simply looked at them and smiled wordlessly.

    None of the other titleddies spoke a word. After all, the Xie n hadn¡¯t fallen, so they couldn¡¯t invite disaster onto their husbands. However, the looks in their eyes made it impossible for the other two wives of the Xie estate to even lift their heads. By now, two imperial physicians had arrived with some Dragon Guards.

    ¡°Come, examine her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at the physicians. The gathered subjects had to marvel at the Dragon Guards for their good work. The two imperial physicians that had arrived were once personally rmended to the pce by Grand Preceptor Xie. What could make Grand Preceptor Xie more dumbfounded than knowing those same two physicians would pronounce n¨¦e Wang¡¯s suicide a sham?

    This was Head Commander Shadowgale¡¯s work. He was still holding onto Qin Xuan so thetter wouldn¡¯t charge onto the scene. He wasn¡¯t afraid of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction, nor was he worried that the two physicians wouldn¡¯t give their all to save n¨¦e Wang!

    A mama pried open n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth so the two physicians could examine her. After a thorough inspection, the two imperial physicians rose and told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this woman¡¯s tongue is uninjured.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s body trembled. H-how is this possible?

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao. If she had a tail, she would definitely be sticking it up right now. Does she have some sort of miracle pill to staunch bleeding in an instant?

    Xie Anyi simply spat out a mouthful of blood. He couldn¡¯t take the shock, and fainted straight away. Meanwhile, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction was at a loss for what to do. Every single one of them stared at Wang Furong. Your Wang n¡¯s daughter is certainly something!

    His Excellency Wang was swaying on his feet. Fake suicide? How could she dare? If possible, he would get rid of n¨¦e Wang with his own hands right then and there. The reputation of their Wang n would be dragged through the mud from hereon after. How was he supposed to fix things now?!

    ¡°What kind of bag could hold so much blood?¡± Finally, one of the officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction spoke up. ¡°N¨¦e Wang bled substantially. How could she fit so much blood in her mouth with no one the wiser?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had a guilty conscience as soon as she heard those words. That¡¯s right. There¡¯s blood all over the ground now. Just how big of a bag would she need to hide all that blood?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face was calm as he replied, ¡°N¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth is uninjured, so where could the blood havee from? Your Excellency Lin, are you saying that His Majesty is making things up? That those two imperial physicians are simply saying irresponsible remarks?¡±

    His Excellency Lin knelt on the ground and said, ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao learned one thing from Supreme Commander Lou then: when you didn¡¯t have a way to argue back, you could intimidate others instead. She silently gave Supreme Commander Lou a ¡®Like¡¯ in her heart.

    ¡°Drag n¨¦e Wang to His Excellency Lin¡¯s side,¡± Lou Zigui ordered the mama. ¡°Since he doesn¡¯t believe it, he can look at her mouth himself.¡±

    The two mama did as they were told, while His Excellency Lin simply backed away. Touch a woman of the Xie n? Grand Preceptor Xie would kill him for that.

    ¡°Pry open her mouth and pull out her tongue so everyone can see,¡± Lou Zigui ordered next.

    The two mama followed his orders and forcefully opened n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth so they could pull out the tongue. There was blood in n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mouth, that was true, but her tongue waspletely unharmed. Nobody could truthfully say that she tried tomit suicide by biting it off.

    ¡°Preposterous!¡± Elder Li roared.

    Young n¨¦e Wang could only sob. Thanks to the mama holding her tongue, it was impossible for her to speak even if she could talk past the pain.

    ¡°Throw Xie Anyi and n¨¦e Wang into the imperial prisons of the justice courts,¡± Lou Zigui whispered by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. ¡°They¡¯ll be dealt withter. Just say what I just said.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked carefully at Supreme Commander Lou. ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re always teaching me how to talk. If you keep doing this, I¡¯m going to think I¡¯m an idiot.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Lou Zigui.

 Chapter 99: His Majesty said, I had dream

    <h4>Chapter 99: His Majesty said, I had dream</h4>

    After Xie Anyi and n¨¦e Wang were taken away by the Dragon Guards, Ning Xiaoyao told Third Young Master Xie, ¡°Take your second brother and get out of my sight. Immediately, this instant, as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li said before the third young master could reply.

    ¡°Old gramps, you still have business?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Elder Li said, ¡°This subject wishes to ask Your Majesty, what are your ns for n¨¦e Qin?¡± The whole fuss had been about that woman in the first ce. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t just chase the Xie n out of the pce and then resolve Qin Xin¡¯s problems, right?

    Ning Xiaoyao smacked her forehead. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. Those two bastards from the Xie n angered my brains silly.¡±

    Everyone could only silently chuckle at the statement. Your Majesty, you¡¯ve forced Xie Anyi and his wife onto a path of no return, and you still call your brains silly?

    ¡°Zhen will be the judge,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was about to determine the happiness of Miss A¡¯Xin for the rest of her life, so she reverted to using ¡®Zhen¡¯ again. ¡°N¨¦e Qin divorces Xie Anyi and marries...¡± Ning Xiaoyao paused. Could she just say ¡®marry?¡¯ Just then, Elder Li had bbed something about the six rites of marriage. The heck was that? Although she didn¡¯t understand it, it sounded pretty awesome.

    When Supreme Commander Lou saw that Ning Xiaoyao had stuttered again, he stepped out and said quietly, ¡°N¨¦e Qin will be given in marriage to Qin Xuan on ount of his meritorious service. May the two of them ever hold the tray level with the brow[1. hold the tray level with the brow (¾Ù°¸ÆëÃ¼) - juan qimei, a saying that means husband and wife will treat each other with courtesy and mutual respect.] and be together for a hundred years.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled, though she didn¡¯t me Supreme Commander Lou for teaching her what to say. All she knew was ¡®marry,¡¯ but look at His Excellency Supreme Commander. There were onpletely different levels when it came to the style and quality of prose!

    ¡°Say it, ah,¡± Lou Zigui urged.

    ¡°Cough, cough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat and recited, ¡°Zhen gives n¨¦e Qin in marriage to Qin Xuan on ount of his meritorious service. May the two of them ever hold the tray level with the brow and be together for a hundred years.¡± What the heck is ¡®hold the tray level with the brow?¡¯ Is the husband supposed to hold his tray up to his eyebrows everyday so the wife can see? Married couples sure have weird interests in this world. (Author: Why do you keep making wild guesses?)

    Lou Zigui looked towards the gardens beyond the veranda, where Qin Xuan was currently standing, and spoke up. ¡°Regional Commander Qin, why haven¡¯t you epted the decree and thanked His Majesty yet?¡±

    Qin Xuan¡¯s throat was choked with sobs. He knelt on the ground and shouted three times to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your subject Qin Xuan epts the decree and expresses gratitude for the favor!¡±

    Everyone was startled by Regional Commander Qin¡¯s sudden outburst. When did he show up? Then they all exchanged nces with each other. Wait, doesn¡¯t something feel off somewhere?

    Elder Li prepared to speak up again, but Ning Xiaoyao had been keeping her eye on him. As soon as he opened his mouth, she cried, ¡°Please, just let it go!¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Elder Li.

    ¡°Qin Xuan is the foster son of the Qin n.¡± Even if Elder Li didn¡¯t speak, others would still talk. While Ning Xiaoyao was shutting up Elder Li, an official of the Ministry of Rites had already spoken.

    Immediately, everyone realized what was the matter. No wonder the whole thing felt odd. N¨¦e Qin and Qin Xuan were technically siblings, so how could they marry each other?

    ¡°No one talk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted before any further objections could be raised. ¡°I have a bad temper. If you don¡¯t want to get beat up, then keep quiet.¡±

    Qin Xuan remained kneeling, his robes buffeted by the asional breeze that swept past the flower gardens. His imposing form seemed unmoving in the face of such winds, but Shadowgale and his crew could tell that there was blood seeping from between Qin Xuan¡¯s fingers. His nails had probably stabbed through the skin of his palms.

    ¡°The Qin n didn¡¯t give birth to him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said from the veranda.

    ¡°A foster son is still a son. They¡¯re sister and brother.¡± There was still at least one official who wasn¡¯t afraid of being beaten, and thus he spoke up.

    Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath. This debacle was forcing her to take drastic measures. She wiped her face and imagined that a zombie had already bitten her. Everyone watched as their emperor suddenly turned expressionless. Is he nning to make another ruckus again? The various officials mused to themselves.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Have none of you ever wondered how I knew about Miss Qin¡¯s plight in the first ce?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. Because you wanted to face off against Grand Preceptor Xie?

    ¡°It¡¯s because I had a dream the day before yesterday,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sternly. ¡°In the dream, my imperial father and old General Qin told me to take care of Miss Qin¡¯s affairs. Otherwise, they¡¯d visit my dreams every single night to chat about life.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. They had no way to counter those words!

    ¡°Old General Qin said he regretted it. He¡¯d thought it through. Why raise Qin Xuan in the first ce? Simply so he could be his son-inw after he grew up. That¡¯s what we call keeping the fertile water in our own fields. Good men should be kept for one¡¯s own daughters to marry. Thus, old General Qin doesn¡¯t want a foster son like Qin Xuan anymore. He wants to have Qin Xuan as a son-inw!¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued narrating her dream.

    Everyone was still speechless. ¡®Keep the fertile water in your own fields¡¯ sounded good, but what in hell was ¡®good men should be kept for one¡¯s own daughters?¡¯

    ¡°That¡¯s the gist of it. Does anyone have anything else to say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the various officials.

    One official asked, ¡°This subject wishes to ask Your Majesty, did thete emperor show up in the dream for n¨¦e Qin¡¯s sake too?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Otherwise, what would he find me for?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. For the sake of n¨¦e Qin, even thete emperor gave it his all?

    ¡°If my imperial father hadn¡¯t told me how Grand Preceptor Xie tricked him, how would I know that Xie Anyi was a jerk?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said reasonably.

    Lou Zigui spoke up next. ¡°I expect that thete emperor was reflecting on his experiences in the human world and saw n¨¦e Qin¡¯s suffering.¡±

    ¡°Urk, that¡¯s right. That¡¯s exactly how it was,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    Everyone was still at a loss for words. That Cuckoo Lou had even said thete emperor was reflecting on his life in the human world. What else could they say in return?

    Prince Zhi stepped forward and proimed, ¡°Xie Wenyuan deceived the sovereign. For this, he deserves to be put to death!¡±

    Lou Zigui coughed slightly and murmured to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°We can¡¯t kill Xie Wenyuan yet.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao red at Supreme Commander Lou. So what then? Am I supposed to say more nonsense to make up for Prince Zhi¡¯s words?

    Prince Zhi kneeled on the ground and cried, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject asks that Xie Wenyuan bebeled with the crime of deceiving the sovereign!¡±

    Various vassal lords followed his example to call for an imperial decree.

    Xie Wenyuan deserves to die, but Ning Yu, you¡¯re no better for yacting with him. The vassal lords didn¡¯t want easy lives for either Grand Preceptor Xie or Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao red at Supreme Commander Lou again. So this is the result of your tea date with the imperial nsmen?

    Lou Zigui looked at the kneeling Prince Zhi and smiled, before whispering to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Keep talking about your dream.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to roll up her sleeves and beat up Supreme Commander Lou as well. So annoying!

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± the vassal lords chorused.

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°My imperial father told me already, Grand Preceptor Xie was doing this all for his son¡¯s sake. My imperial father¡¯s raised sons as well, so he understands Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s intentions. He¡¯s already forgiven Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± went the vassal lords.

    ¡°.........¡± went the various officials and officials¡¯ wives.

    Have you no shame?

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her face. She could feel it stinging from shame, too.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Prince Zhi was someone who sought revenge just for a wrong look. He wouldn¡¯t give up on Ning Xiaoyao and Grand Preceptor Xie so easily. ¡°Your Majesty was just saying how the Xie n asked for n¨¦e Qin¡¯s hand in marriage for the sake of the Jiangnan navy.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao feigned ignorance as she spread out her arms. ¡°Is that so? When did I ever say that? Howe I don¡¯t remember it anymore? Supreme Commander, did I ever say that?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou shook his head decisively. ¡°You never did.¡±

    ¡°Prince, your side courtyard¡¯s been burnt down and you¡¯ve even lost half your teeth from an assassin. Maybe you¡¯re too sad? All that depression just piled up until you started hearing things in ce of your missing teeth?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Prince Zhi.

    Prince Zhi only wanted to jump up and fight 300 rounds with that bastard!

    Some other officials wanted to speak up as well, but Elder Li snorted softly to hint at his disciples to withdraw.

    Ning Xiaoyao witnessed the motion and could only admire him enviously. When will I ever be as dignified as Elder Li? What kind of world was this, where an emperor couldn¡¯tpare to an old official?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui lightly patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand with his own. What is she spacing out about now?

    Ning Xiaoyao had already flown to the Heavens in her daydreams when Lou Zigui brought her back to Earth. She had the vassal lords rise while she walked to the flower gardens until she was standing right in front of Qin Xuan. When she was about to help him up, Supreme Commander Lou stepped forward from behind her and did it in her ce.

    Ning Xiaoyao could only withdraw her hand and say, ¡°From now on, spend your days together with Miss Qin.¡±

    Qin Xuan nodded his head solemnly. ¡°This subject epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°It was my imperial father who was deceived in the past,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took a step back before bowing seriously at Qin Xuan. ¡°You and Miss Qin have suffered these years. I¡¯m sorry. My imperial father and I apologize.¡±

    Her apology plunged the entire veranda and flower gardens into silence once more. Qin Xuan stood there stupidly before he slowly sank to kneel in front of Ning Xiaoyao again. His forehead pressed against the ground as he said, ¡°This subject is only a simple soldier who cannot repay Your Majesty¡¯s great kindness. This subject is willing to guard the peace of the southern seas for Your Majesty¡¯s sake without shrinking from sacrifice!¡±

    Beneath his forehead, the soil that had buried too many fallen petals made his skin damp. The dirt smelled faintly of flowers as Qin Xuan shut his eyes. Still, tears crept past his eyes to sink into the earth below. Perhaps this was what it felt like feel sweet happiness after bitter pain.

    Elder Li slowly nodded his head. His Majesty might have a strange way of speaking and act too impulsively, but he knew how to win people¡¯s hearts. For the sake of that talent alone, people could ignore all of the little emperor¡¯s other shorings. The emperor was someone who sat in the Hall of Golden Chimes deep within the pce itself. How could he be capable of guarding the full extent of his kingdom? Using men well and winning their hearts, these were the more important skills for a sovereign to have. At that moment, Elder Li firmly believed that Ning Xiaoyao would be a brilliant ruler in the future.

    Ning Xiaoyao had no idea that Elder Li was secretly praising her right now. She only looked on in confusion at Qin Xuan, who was still kneeling. He seemed to be crying. It was obviously that stupid former emperor who¡¯d made the big mistake. She was just fixing his blunder for him because it was something that she should do. Why is Qin Xuan thanking me for that?

    When Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s confusion, he thought he could guess what she was thinking. This girl, she must be feeling conflicted for owing Qin Xuan and Qin Xin. Qin Xuan¡¯s thanks probably made her ever more conflicted. Once again, he reached out a hand to help Qin Xuan up before cupping them in obeisance to the man. ¡°Congrattions to Regional Commander Qin for bringing a beauty home.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to nod. His Majesty Ning felt all sorts of guilty after seeing Qin Xuan¡¯s red, teary eyes.

    One of the empress¡¯s mama came over at this moment with a tray in her arms. She bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao first before smiling at Regional Commander Qin. ¡°Esteemed Empress gives well wishes to Regional Commander Qin and Miss Qin. May your branches be ever full. This is a reward bestowed by the empress.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took a peek and saw that there was a pair of greenish-blue jade mandarin duck pendants on the tray. The sight made her heart hurt, because they looked quite valuable. Daughter and son-inws could dissipate the family fortunes too, how worrying!

 Chapter 100: Deep feelings for some, thin feelings for others

    <h4>Chapter 100: Deep feelings for some, thin feelings for others</h4>

    Qin Xuan paid his thanks to the curtain hiding Empress Zhou on the right side of the veranda before rising to look at Ning Xiaoyao with an inscrutable expression. Ning Xiaoyao felt like his expression was rather painful to her eyes.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Qin Xuan said quietly, ¡°A pce mama said that elder sister and Xie Anyi have never, have never...¡± Qin Xuan repeated himself eight to nine times, but still couldn¡¯t spit it out.

    Ning Xiaoyao knew what he was referring to. Basically, his wife-to-be was still a virgin daylily, but despite this, she had to feign ignorance. His Majesty Ning ended up waiting for Regional Commander Qin to finish his words before growing distressed. Shadowthunder had followed Lou Zigui and Ning Xiaoyao over. Being the honest type, his reaction to Qin Xuan¡¯s stuttering words was to speak whatever was on his mind. ¡°Is Miss Qin unwilling to marry?¡±

    Shadowrain had thought a bit deeper than Shadowthunder, and whispered to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Could it be that Miss Qin is pregnant with that bastard Xie Anyi¡¯s child?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. If that was the case, this would be a sad world indeed. Can¡¯t you stop thinking up tragedies like that?

    ¡°Just what is the problem?¡± Supreme Commander Lou said, finally losing his patience. How long does he want Miss Ning to stare at him?!

    Qin Xuan said, ¡°Elder sis is still...¡±

    His Majesty is dying from impatience here! Ning Xiaoyao shook her head before scratching her face. ¡°If you¡¯re a man, then get to the point, all right? What¡¯s wrong with Miss Qin?¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t consummate her marriage with Xie Anyi!¡± Qin Xuan blurted out in a rush.

    Even though Supreme Commander Lou and Shadowgale had good ears, they didn¡¯t understand what Regional Commander Qin meant.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°So it¡¯s like that.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Qin Xuan. When he¡¯d learned the news, he had exploded and wanted to beat up Xie Anyi right then and there. Even if His Majesty wasn¡¯t angry, he couldn¡¯t just leave it at those few words, could he?

    ¡°Mm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly realized something. ¡°Mute Nanny can talk?¡±

    Qin Xuan hastened to rify. ¡°That mute mama summoned two more mama to examine A¡¯Xin.¡± It sounded like His Majesty was concerned withpletely different details.

    ¡°Then your meaning is?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Qin Xuang said, ¡°If this subject may be so bold, may esteemed empress send someone to take a look at elder sister?¡±

    Having the empress¡¯s personal mama dere Miss Qin¡¯s virginity to the assembled officials would make the news spread far and wide. That was no problem, but Ning Xiaoyao weighed the matter in her hand before she asked quietly, ¡°So you care about things like that?¡±

    Qin Xuan hastily shook his head. ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t care, but that was elder sister¡¯s request.¡±

    If that was the case, then Ning Xiaoyao had no objections. She waved a hand to summon the mama who had presented the empress¡¯s rewards, then told her what to do in hushed tones. The mama shot Qin Xuan a nce while silently cursing Xie Anyi in her heart. Then she quickly walked back to Empress Zhou.

    ¡°This subject--¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed Qin Xuan by the wrist. ¡°Enough with the kneeling.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes narrowed at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao holding Qin Xuan¡¯s hand. Ning Xiaoyao waspletely oblivious to his re, but Qin Xuan, Shadowgale and the rest all felt the temperatures plummet three degrees.

    Lou Zigui reached over and quietly took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand into his own. ¡°Your Majesty, we can begin the banquet now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt another pang of pain when she remembered she was treating so many people to a meal. But if she refused now, Elder Li probably wouldn¡¯t let her off. ¡°Then let¡¯s start the banquet,¡± she replied listlessly, before turning to Qin Xuan. ¡°You can go apany your elder sister.¡±

    His Majesty wouldn¡¯t let him kneel anymore, so Qin Xuan simply bent forwards in a bow before retreating.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao quietly before he followed Qin Xuan out of the flower gardens.

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged on her waistband and told Shadowgale, ¡°Let¡¯s go in and eat. This is my money, so we can¡¯t shortchange those rich folks. We¡¯ll just give it our all to eat as much as we can.¡± If she put the food in her own stomach, she¡¯d lose less money overall.

    Shadowgale was put in a difficult position. ¡°Your Majesty, how could your servants sit with the emperor at the same table?¡± Wouldn¡¯t their lives be forfeit?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Dangit, Windy. Are you afraid of me? I¡¯ve never beat up my own people before, ah.¡±

    Though Shadowgale was proud to be one of His Majesty¡¯s people, he didn¡¯t understand what the ¡®beat up¡¯ part was all about. Did His Majesty not understand what I meant?

    Shadowrain said, ¡°Your Majesty, we can¡¯t.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression grew grave before she cursed, ¡°Damned feudal society!¡±

    Shadowgale and the other Dragon Guards all exchanged nces. Why could they never understand what His Majesty was talking about?

    By now, Lou Zigui was standing with Qin Xuan in a corner of the flower gardens. He lowered his voice and said, ¡°Don¡¯t seek out the Xie n and cause trouble.¡±

    Qin Xuan gave a start before he managed to reply with some difficulty, ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re over worrying.¡±

    ¡°How else will you swallow your temper unless you were nning on going? The master of the Xie n isn¡¯t here today, so you don¡¯t need act like you did in front of thete emperor,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Qin Xuan¡¯s expression shifted before he muttered viciously, ¡°Xie Anyi deserves to die.¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed softly. ¡°Even His Majesty needs to think thrice when dealing with the Xie n. He had multiple chances to execute Xie Wenyuan after catching his grievous mistakes, but he still had to let him go. How much better are you,pared to His Majesty?¡±

    Qin Xuan¡¯s knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists.

    ¡°You¡¯ve endured for so many years. You might as well endure a bit longer,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°After all, Miss Qin will be counting on the Regional Commander for the rest of her life. If something happens to him, what will she do?¡±

    ¡°How long must I endure?¡± Qin Xuan asked.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s smile was faint, his tone polite yet distant. ¡°Regional Commander, you should be clear on just how useless the navy is to the capital city.¡±

    Regional Commander Qin¡¯s face turned gloomy at the words.

    ¡°His Majesty knows it too, but he still chose to save Miss Qin and fulfill your wish for marriage,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°His Majesty only hopes that you two can live peacefully until your old age. However, I believe that Regional Commander¡¯s life should belong to His Majesty now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s only natural,¡± Qin Xuan said seriously.

    ¡°Then I ask that Regional Commander take good care of your life,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Do you think Xie Wenyuan will simply leave the matter at that?¡±

    Qin Xuan fell silent. Of course he wouldn¡¯t. He was more clear than anyone how much the Jiangnan navy represented to the Xie n.

    ¡°Stay at Supreme Splendor Hall,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice. ¡°Before Xie Wenyuan takes the chance to find more killers, I¡¯ll arrange for you two to depart the capital for Jiangnan.¡±

    Qin Xuan nodded and gave Lou Zigui a deep bow.

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to indicate the path before them and said, ¡°Regional Commander, please go on.¡±

    Qin Xuan left in the direction of Supreme Splendor Hall. Lou Zigui stood still until his form disappeared, before calling out to a nearbyntern stand. ¡°Come out.¡±

    Thentern stand was located in the direction of the Hall of Punishment. It was as tall as a man, and the figure that slipped out from behind its cover wore a face full of excitement. ¡°Supreme Commander, that Northern Hu woman can¡¯t hold out much longer. She says she wants to see you.¡±

    Lou Zigui took onest nce at the full moon gate. Strains of music were starting to drift out from the entrance. He beckoned over one of the Dragon Guards standing guard there and murmured, ¡°Please tell His Majesty that I¡¯ve gone to the Hall of Punishment.¡±

    The Dragon Guard muttered an assent.

    --

    ¡°Hall of Punishment?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked in the middle of scarfing down as much food as she could to minimize her mary losses.

    By her side, Shadowgale bent down and reminded her, ¡°It should be rted to that Northern Hu woman.¡±

    ¡°I know, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°But Supreme Commander gave up on a feast to go interrogate a criminal? Windy, don¡¯t you think he¡¯s being a fool?¡±

    Shadowgale was silent. He really didn¡¯t know who was the true fool.

    ¡°Ah geez, there¡¯s even giant meat balls,¡± Ning Xiaoyao forgot all about Supreme Commander Lou when she saw the eunuchs carrying tes of huge meatballs. She rested a hand over her heart and murmured, ¡°How much money am I spending on these?!¡±

    The Dragon Guards simply pretended they hadn¡¯t heard a thing.

    At the same time Ning Xiaoyao was giving her all to polish off the meatballs, a single Dragon Guard ran into the room atop the veranda. Shadowgale quickly cut him off and listened to his report, before he hastily returned to Ning Xiaoyao and half-knelt in front of her. ¡°Your Majesty, esteemed empress dowager insists on leaving her pce. Shadowbolt¡¯s already locked up her front and back gates, so now she¡¯s stuck inside and sobbing furiously.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gulped down the meatball in her mouth and cocked her head to one side. ¡°Tell Fourth Lightning that he can let the empress dowager cry as she likes. She has a son to raise, so she wouldn¡¯t really want to die.¡±

    ¡°Just like that?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°Tell Fourth Lightning I¡¯ll leave some food for him too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    Shadowgale rubbed his nose before rising to pass on the message to the other Dragon Guard. Once he left, someone from the imperial guards arrived. Shadowgale intercepted the messenger once more and went back to tell Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, Xie Anji and Xie Anshi have left the pce with their wives.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hummed in response, but kept eating. She wasn¡¯t going to let the Xie n ruin her appetite!

    --

    Xie Anshi and his wife were both sitting in the carriage. The Xie n¡¯s Third Young Madame had been weeping the whole way out. She was still shedding tears even now. As a young Miss of an old and established family and a first wife of the Xie n, she¡¯d never suffered such humiliation before now.

    ¡°Don''t¡¯ cry anymore,¡± Xie Anshi only spoke up after they¡¯d left the long street in front of the pce. ¡°What¡¯s the use of tears?¡±

    Third Young Madame sobbed, ¡°How will this wife have any face to see people in the future?¡±

    ¡°It was elder brother who was at fault and n¨¦e Wang who was called a slut,¡± Xie Anshi was actually smiling now. ¡°What need do we have to be sad?¡±

    Third Young Madame¡¯s sobs stilled.

    ¡°After we return, we¡¯ll see what father thinks first,¡± Third Young Master Xie said softly. ¡°If he abandons elder brother, then the sessor to the Xie n could be anyone in the future.¡±

    ¡°Husband, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve long told elder brother that n¨¦e Wang¡¯s nothing but a source of cmity,¡± Xie Anshi smiled coldly. ¡°But since elder brother insisted on indulging his passions, he can¡¯t me His Majesty for using that against him today. The only way to avoid waves is to have calm and windless water.¡±

    Third Young Madame looked at him in shock, as if her husband had turned into a stranger. Xie Anshi had always been on good terms with the eldest young master, so she¡¯d gotten along with n¨¦e Wang as well. But as things stood, her husband never intended to be a faithful little brother at all, it had all been an act.

    Xie Anshi lifted the window curtains to peer outside at the busy streets. He was the third son of the family, so he would never inherit the family properties. He had a better life than children born out of the stomachs of ves or servants, but he was regarded as unimportant in the family. Things were better, though, and he even felt a little excited.

    It¡¯s over for Xie Anyi now.

 Chapter 101: His Majesty Ning can become a brilliant sovereign

    <h4>Chapter 101: His Majesty Ning can be a brilliant sovereign</h4>

    The empress¡¯s mama went to Supreme Splendor Hall to see Qin Xin, then returned to tell the empress that Qin Xin was still a virgin who¡¯d never consummated her marriage with Xie Anyi. This mama¡¯s voice was very loud, so all the wives sitting on the right side of the veranda heard her words. There was arge uproar. Marrying a wife but not consummating the union? Having two children by his younger cousin instead? The wives all thought that His Majesty had been too kind to Xie Anyi and n¨¦e Wang. It was better to beat a man like that to death.

    Empress Zhou thought of herself at these words. She had been married to His Majesty for more than two years, but they¡¯d yet to consummate their wedding as well. Her heart filled with resentment, but when she recalled the image of a man in armor, dressed in white robes, a smile rose on her face instead. She couldn¡¯t help but express her thoughts. ¡°This is good, too. A man like Xie Anyi doesn¡¯t deserve to be n¨¦e Qin¡¯s husband.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, who was about to stuff roast chicken into her mouth. She felt like her face had been pped by Empress Zhou¡¯s words!

    The officials and wives who¡¯d been summoned into the pce for a banquet at Empress Zhou¡¯s invitation and His Majesty¡¯s decree had first been uncertain of what to feel. But after seeing His Majesty beat up a jerk and the Qin couple¡¯s true love fulfilled, they felt like they hadn¡¯te in vain. After the banquet finished, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction were the first to leave the scene. They had to hurry off to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. As the other officials trickled out, one of them suddenly cried out, ¡°It was n¨¦e Qin who divorced Xie Anyi?¡±

    Everyone near the official halted in their steps. Those did seem to be His Majesty¡¯s words, but they were so upied with the fact that the Qin couple were siblings that they forgot about this other detail...

    ¡°Can His Majesty change an imperial decree that he¡¯s already issued?¡± another man asked in a small voice. Annulling a rtionship was one thing, but outright divorce was another. How could any woman divorce her husband in a world like this?

    ¡°Hmph,¡± the old matron from the Duke of State¡¯s estate, the very same woman who¡¯d called n¨¦e Wang a despicable whore, gave a cold snort as two mama helped her into her carriage. ¡°Why does the imperial decree need to be changed? Even death isn¡¯t enough for men like that eldest son of the Xie n!¡±

    All of the assembled wives nced at their respective husbands. You¡¯d still sympathize with a bastard like that Xie Anyi?

    The first and legal wife was deeply respected and revered. All of the assembled officials remained silent as they scattered to their homes. They couldn¡¯t very well raise domestic strife for the sake of a single heartless, ungrateful Xie Anyi, could they?

    The old matron suddenly broke intoughter as she sat inside her carriage. His Majesty was a clever one, inviting the wives of the officials here to the banquet. After learning of n¨¦e Qin¡¯s plight, they¡¯d naturally sympathize and put themselves in her ce. If not for all the wives, would the officials who harped on wives obeying the husband like their Heaven after marriage have shut up so easily? Would His Majesty have sessfully sanctioned a marriage between n¨¦e Qin and Qin Xuan with so little fuss?

    In the flower gardens of the Windward Pavilion, Ning Xiaoyao was looking at Elder Li, who hadn¡¯t budged. She squirmed a bit in her seat before she spoke. ¡°Old gramps, you still have business?¡± Everyone else had already left, but he was still here. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know why.

    Elder Li¡¯s voice was low. ¡°Does Your Majesty resent this old official for speaking in Xie Anyi¡¯s favor in the past?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Elder Li, who stared respectfully back. Could she say that she wanted to beat him up back then? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head spun before she tossed the idea aside. Being honest wasn¡¯t the way to go, or else this old gramps would never let her off.

    ¡°I don¡¯t resent you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    Elder Li asked, ¡°Then does Your Majesty know why this old subject did that?¡±

    How should I know? Ning Xiaoyao felt another urge to beat him up. Will he ever finish?!

    Shadowgale stood on one side, at a loss for how to help. He had no right to interfere in a talk between His Majesty and Elder Li.

    Elder Li said, ¡°This subject would like to ask Your Majesty to resolve my doubts. Why is Your Majesty not resentful?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms. I was waiting for you to exin yourself to me. ¡°I, I don¡¯t dare,¡± she finally admitted after a while.

    Elder Li¡¯s face was as solemn and respectful as before. ¡°Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t joke with this old subject. This old subject cannot afford to take the jest.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°May Your Majesty exin,¡± Elder Li said.

    Is he interrogating a criminal? Ning Xiaoyao looked at Elder Li, both indignant and grieved. Where was the respect orded to an emperor? ¡°What exnations, what doubts?¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°In any case, I can¡¯t kill Xie Anyi.¡± There¡¯s no point in being an emperor if it¡¯s like this, you know?

    Elder Li rose to his feet and bowed. ¡°This old subject thanks Your Majesty for dispelling my doubts.¡± It was precisely because His Majesty couldn¡¯t kill off the man that Elder Li wished the emperor and the Xie n wouldn¡¯te to irreversible blows. It was supremely idiotic to force your enemy into a life-and-death struggle with no way out. But if death wasn¡¯t an option, enduring would be the only choice left. Elder Li gave Ning Xiaoyao a gratified look. His Majesty has the qualities of a brilliant sovereign.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened and closed her mouth a few times. Did I pass?

    ¡°Your Majesty, you dismissed Xie Anyi from office and threw him into prison. Has Your Majesty considered anyone to take on the position as minister for the Ministry of Revenue?¡± Elder Li asked next.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. She didn¡¯t even know all the officials in the capital, so who else could she pick. ¡°In, in any case, it can¡¯t be anyone from the Xie n,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°As for who should take the post, old gramps, you guys can discuss it.¡±

    ¡°This subject epts the decree,¡± Elder Li obeyed. His Majesty isn¡¯t a tyrant, but listens kindly to his officials¡¯ words. His Majesty indeed possesses the qualities of a brilliant sovereign.

    ¡°Then you go busy yourself,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to chase him off. If they talked any longer, she was going to cry.

    Elder Li retreated feeling fully satisfied. It was only after he left the pce that he realized His Majesty hadn¡¯t asked him how things were going with Prince Fu¡¯snd division. When he turned back to look at the pce gates, Elder Li couldn¡¯t help but think, His Majesty uses his subjects without doubting them. Once again, the old man felt extremely pleased.

    (Author: Old gramps, you¡¯d be crying if you knew the truth. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    After Elder Li departed, there were only Ning Xiaoyao and Empress Zhou left in the gardens of the Windward Pavilion. Empress Zhou¡¯s hands crossed in front of her, looking as if she was shielding her stomach. Ning Xiaoyao pretended to know nothing about the empress¡¯s baby before taking out yesterday¡¯s peony hairpin from her bag. She offered it to Empress Zhou and said, ¡°I¡¯m giving this to you.¡±

    Empress Zhou epted the hairpin with both hands. She bent her knees and prepared to thank Ning Xiaoyao, only to find that thetter had already turned to leave. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s steps were very quick, as if a dog was nipping at her heels. The peony made out of cat¡¯s eye shimmered in the sunlight, an elegant and stately sight. The two mama serving at Empress Zhou¡¯s side both heaved a sigh.

    If only His Majesty was like this earlier, then how could esteemed empress ever have.... They didn¡¯t dare to finish the thought. Today, they had borne witness to a big show. But when they thought of their future with Empress Zhou, both mama could only despair in their hearts.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao ran all the way to Supreme Splendor Hall in one breath before stopping in front of the gates. As she peered down the long flight of stone steps, she couldn¡¯t help but feel stifled. The empress¡¯s situation has to be taken care of soon. Things will be done for once it bes impossible to hide her growing stomach.

    Soon enough, Shadowgale and the rest appeared at the foot of the stairs. Though they all had excellent lightness techniques, their speed paled far inparison to His Majesty Ning. Ning Xiaoyao watched them and fell into thought again. Those cats once said the empress¡¯s lover was someone surnamed Xu or something. And he¡¯s a general to boot. Maybe I should track him down first? By the time Shadowgale was nearly upon her, Ning Xiaoyao asked him quietly, ¡°Windy, ah, is there a General Xu in the court?¡±

    Shadowgale was still heaving for breath after running for his life all the way here. He gave a start at the question and said, ¡°Your Majesty, which General Xu do you mean?¡±

    ¡°If I knew, would I be asking you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Shadowgale felt embarrassed. ¡°Xu is amon surname. You can find plenty of General Xus in Supreme Commander¡¯s ck Frost Cavalry alone!¡±

    ¡°s!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. It looked like finding information indirectly wouldn¡¯t work. She¡¯d have to make a move from the empress¡¯s side instead.

    Shadowgale followed Ning Xiaoyao into Supreme Splendor Hall as he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, did something go wrong with today¡¯s events?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t beat Xie Anyi to death.¡± The various eunuchs stationed at the side of the hall immediately started shaking with fright. Once again, they recalled the rumor of His Majesty skinning a eunuch alive.

    Shadowgale shut up then. He too, felt that it was a pity that Xie Anyi didn¡¯t die. At that moment, Ji Yuerong ran out into the covered corridor. At the sight of Ning Xiaoyao, her face lit up in a smile like a blooming flower.

    Ning Xiaoyao arched an eyebrow and murmured to Shadowgale and his trio of men, ¡°Why is she smiling like that? Did she finally find someone she fancies?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Shadowgale and the rest. Miss Ji looks like she¡¯s fancying Your Majesty, doesn¡¯t she?

    ¡°Let me tell you all something,¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept on whispering. ¡°Once you marry this girl, you¡¯ll be the head of the Ji n in the future. While she¡¯s staying at Supreme Splendor Hall, all of you except for Windy should try your best to win her over. Second Thunder, Third Rain, you have to work hard.¡±

    ¡°......¡± went Shadowgale and the others.

    ¡°She¡¯s such a good woman,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she watched the corners of Ji Yuerong¡¯s skirts flutter in the air from her running. Sighing with feeling, she added, ¡°She¡¯s got the cheeks and the figure. And she¡¯s loyal and faithful too. Off the horse, she¡¯s a beauty; on the horse, she¡¯s a general. You guys will definitely cry if you miss out on a fine girl like that.¡±

    Shadowgale and his trio exchanged nces. His Majesty probably fancies Miss Ji too, right?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Ji Yuerong finally reached Ning Xiaoyao and prepared to kneel.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted, ¡°Speak if you have something to say, but don¡¯t kneel.¡±

    Ji Yuerong remained standing and cried, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re a good person!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao straightened up at the praise andughed out loud. ¡°That¡¯s right, ah. I¡¯ve always been a good person.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty,¡± Ji Yuerong said before her eyes turned red again.

    ¡°No need for thanks,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°If Miss Qin can live her days happily, then you¡¯re happy, I¡¯m happy, and everyone else is happy too. That¡¯s good, ah.¡±

    Ji Yuerong furiously nodded her head.

    ¡°Happy days are stilling,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she led Ji Yuerong along the corridor. ¡°I¡¯ve already locked up that jerk Xie Anyi in the justice court prisons. If you want to work off your temper, you can go beat him up there.¡±

    Ji Yuerong asked, ¡°Your Majesty gives permission for this soldier to go to the justice courts?¡±

    ¡°Permission granted,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Go on. Just make sure you don¡¯t beat him to death, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Without another word, Ji Yuerong turned to run out of Supreme Splendor Hall for the justice courts. Even if she didn¡¯t touch the man, she wanted to see Xie Anyi when he was worth less than a dog! When Ning Xiaoyao saw Shadowthunder and Shadowrain still standing there after Ji Yuerong left, she furrowed her eyebrows. Those two guys are sure fools. Go run after Ji Yuerong, ah. Then you can talk to her along the way and help her beat that guy up. Wouldn¡¯t you form a connection with her then? (Author: Don¡¯t you know that men and women keep their distance in this world?)

    Shadowthunder felt like he¡¯dmitted a big error when he saw the emperor staring at him. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept walking ahead. ¡°Supreme Commander still hasn¡¯t returned? It¡¯s going to get dark, we¡¯ll need to eat dinner soon.¡±

    (£þ¡÷£þ£»), went Shadowgale and the trio. Didn¡¯t His Majesty just finish eating at the banquet?

 Chapter 102: Supreme Commander asks, whereâ€™s my older brother

    <h4>Chapter 102: Supreme Commander asks, where''s my older brother</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao turned back to Shadowgale and the trio. ¡°We¡¯ll start dinner when Supreme Commander returns.¡± She had to treat n¨¦e Qin¡¯s paralysis, but using her healing skills would take up all the energy she got from the banquet food. If she didn¡¯t eat dinner, she would have to go to sleep hungry. How heartbreaking would that be?

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale could only ept the decree, half-hoping that Supreme Commander Lou woulde backte. The Head Commander of the Dragon Guards really feared that His Majesty¡¯s stomach would be ruined if he kept gorging himself at this rate.

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui was sitting in the torture chambers of the Hall of Punishment. The raw stench of blood permeated the air, but there was only him and Lady Xiang in the room. Supreme Commander Lou was sitting, while Lady Xiang was still tied to the torture rack. Lou Zigui rapped his knuckles against the armrest of his chair before he said, ¡°I¡¯ve already sent everyone else away. What is it you want to tell me?¡±

    Lady Xiang was severely injured, but she hadn¡¯t been allowed to sleep at all. Both of her eyes were red and bloodshot. Despite her venomous re, Lou Zigui remained unmoved.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me, what you want to know?¡± Lady Xiang said with effort.

    Lou Zigui stood up and slowly walked to her side. Lady Xiang continued, ¡°Xie Wenyuan never coborated with the Northern Hu through me. It¡¯s the truth.¡±

    The corners of Lou Zigui¡¯s lips drew up into a cold smile.

    Lady Xiang said, ¡°Your Yongning has vassal lords andrge-scale merchants that do business with the Northern Hu.¡±

    ¡°I know that already,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice. ¡°People like them deserve to die.¡±

    ¡°Aside from me, you¡¯ve already captured all the other Northern Hu scouts in the capital,¡± Lady Xiang said next.

    ¡°Liar,¡± Lou Zigui said decisively. Lady Xiang choked before her eyelids drooped. Lou Zigui raised his hand and swiped it against her shoulder, re-opening her old wounds so that they started bleeding again. The semi-conscious Lady Xiang was pained awake once again. She was on the edge of crumbling apart and let out a wretched cry.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask you about other spies,¡± Lou Zigui said as he dropped his hand.

    ¡°Just what do you want to know?¡± Lady Xiang shouted.

    Lou Zigui stepped even closer and murmured, ¡°Anyone who could be sent to Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side must be an important figure to your Wolf King.¡±

    Lady Xiang weakly shook her head. ¡°My mother was a Yongning woman.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re a mixed-blood,¡± Supreme Commander Louughed.

    Lady Xiang¡¯s lips trembled, but she didn¡¯t speak. The Northern Hu had called her a mix as well. Her mother was still in Northern Hu. If it wasn¡¯t for her sake, why would she run all the way to the capital to serve a man older than her own father?

    ¡°The embroidered wolf¡¯s head on that cloth,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Had pupils made from gold thread. You father is one of the imperial kinsmen of the Northern Hu royal court.¡±

    Lady Xiang¡¯s bloodshot eyes widened. When Lou Zigui recalled how the embroidered wolf cloth that the Northern Hu worshipped had been used by Ning Xiaoyao to line the snow wolf cub¡¯s bed, his smile turned somewhat warm. The fat ck cat had scratched and swiped at Ning Xiaoyao after she gifted the brocade cloth to the wolf pup. Perhaps he had been jealous. In any case, Supreme Commander Lou still found the memory hrious.

    Lady Xiang trilled, ¡°What do you want to know?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s smile froze over as he asked, word for word, ¡°Where¡¯s my older brother?¡±

    Lady Xiang was startled at first, before sheughed. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s father and brothers are all dead. Where did this old brothere from?¡±

    ¡°If you won¡¯t tell me, I can keep you like this indefinitely,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Since you¡¯re a woman of the royal n who¡¯s been sent to seduce someone in Yongning, it¡¯s likely your mother¡¯s still alive. Otherwise, how would the Northern Hu made sure you listened to them? I have ways to make sure your mother has a life worse than death. Do you believe me?¡±

    Lady Xiang¡¯s poisonous re turned downright grief-stricken.

    After a long silence, Lou Zigui spoke up again. ¡°I¡¯ll ask you one more time. Where¡¯s my older brother?¡±

    Lady Xiang said coldly, ¡°Eldest Young Master Lou died a long time ago.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded before turning to leave. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Prince Zhi to help me outter. He can send a message to your Wolf King and say that the Northern Hu woman by Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side already fully confessed--my Yongning has vassal lords andrge-scale merchants doing business with the Northern Hu. In addition, it was through this woman¡¯s help that we were able to capture the spies in the capital before.¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui!¡± Lady Xiang shrieked.

    Lou Zigui reached the door and ced his hand on the bolt.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where your older brother is!¡± Lady Xiang screamed.

    The hand on the bolt shook, before Lou Zigui slowly turned around.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only heard that the Wolf King has a ve in his imperial hunting grounds who used to be a general of Yongning,¡± Lady Xiang continued, ¡°The Wolf King disfigured his face by burning his skin, then cut off his tongue. He¡¯s broken the tendons in his right hand and his left foot, but ordered guards to make sure the ve wouldn¡¯t die.¡±

    Lou Zigui walked step by step in front of Lady Xiang and asked, ¡°Which of the Wolf King¡¯s hunting grounds?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lady Xiang shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve only heard that a man like him exists. Lou Zigui, if your older brother really isn¡¯t dead, he might be that ve.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°When are you going to let me go?¡± Lady Xiang asked.

    Lou Zigui seemed to have lowered his head in thought before he looked back and retorted, ¡°Why do I have to let you go?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°When did I ever say I¡¯d let you go?¡±

    Lady Xiang was so angry she cursed him. ¡°Viin!¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to leave.

    ¡°All of you Yongning types are vile, petty men!¡± Lady Xiang shouted, ¡°One of my aunts were brought beyond the pass by your Yongning merchants, but she was hounded to death by her nsmen! My mother asked, what was her crime as a married woman? Men are useless!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s steps faltered.

    ¡°Ha,¡± Lady Xiang seemed to have lost her mind as she broke intoughter. ¡°So what if your Lou n fell for the country¡¯s sake? Do you know how your father and brothers died in that lost battle six years ago?¡±

    Lou Zigui stood in ce, seemingly unaffected. ¡°What¡¯s your brilliant opinion on the situation?¡±

    ¡°While your father and brothers were still fighting in the battlefield, your emperor had already signed a contract with our Wolf King,¡± Lady Xiang cackled, ¡°Our Wolf King required your father and brothers to pay with their lives for killing so many Northern Hu men. For the sake of truce, your emperor agreed. Hahaha, Lou Zigui! So what if youe from a n of martyrs? Your family members were nothing more than sacrificial pieces!¡±

    A sudden gale swept into the room, extinguishing its two oilmps. Lady Xiang¡¯sughter turned sharp and malicious. ¡°The Wolf King sent my father to seal the deal, while your emperor sent Xie Wenyuan. My father treated the deaths of your family as a joke to tell my aunt, and I heard it! I heard everything!¡± Lady Xiang wasughing so hard that tears flowed from her eyes. Indeed, this was a joke worthughing to death about.

    Lou Zigui looked at Lady Xiang.

    When Lady Xiang saw that he was still smiling, herughter screeched to a stop. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± she asked.

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°That ve is in one of your Wolf King¡¯s hunting grounds?¡±

    Lady Xiang nodded with effort.

    ¡°The Wolf King won¡¯t let him die?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lady Xiang answered.

    Lou Zigui approached the torture rack and coaxed softly, ¡°How many other people did you father tell the joke to?¡±

    ¡°You want to find witnesses?¡± Lady Xiang asked. ¡°There¡¯s no one else. If I hadn¡¯t been waiting on my aunt that day, I wouldn¡¯t have found out about it at all. My father never again mentioned that battle in the wilderness six years ago.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the truth,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Do you think my emperor would still let me live, much lessmandeer the frontier soldiers as their general?¡±

    Lady Xiang¡¯s gaze flickered before she burst intoughter again. ¡°It¡¯s your choice whether or not you believe me.¡±

    Her eyelids seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. Lady Xiang shut them once again, feeling simply too sleepy. Lou Zigui lifted his hand and closed it around her throat. Theck of air startled Lady Xiang awake once again, her eyes widening on her beautiful face. There was a sound of snapping bones before Lou Zigui released his grip.

    Death came quickly. After being whipped and kept awake continuously, Lady Xiang¡¯s sufferings finally drew to an end. Lou Zigui¡¯s hand dropped to his sides, looking frighteningly pale in the dim light. In a corner of the cell, the little mouse Oil Jar curled up into a ball, not daring to move a muscle. Lou Zigui stared listlessly at the corpse in front of him. Six years ago, Grand Preceptor Xie had brought men to Night Crow Pass and imed to be ill for a month. He declined all visitors and refused to meet with anyone. However, one month would have been enough time for the Grand Preceptor to leave Night Crow Pass in secret and settle the armistice contract with the Wolf King.

    At that time, all of the reinforcement troops had ran into blockades from the Northern Hu that forced them to retreat. Could it be that Heaven¡¯s will hadn¡¯t decimated his Lou n men, but a man-made disaster instead?

    After the big battle, they discovered the bodies of his father, second eldest brother, and third eldest brother. His oldest brother had been missing from the bodies, so he¡¯d always persisted in thinking the man had survived. He even ordered his men to search for his news all over Northern Hu. Had big brother ended up being Wolf King Modou¡¯s ve? His face burnt away, his tongue cut out, his tendons sliced away in his hand and foot?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s body swayed before he reached out to grab the bloodstained torture rack. He steadied himself, but could taste blood in his own throat. This is the result of being loyal unto the end? This is what happened to my n?

    When Supreme Commander Lou opened his mouth again, it was to vomit blood onto Lady Xiang¡¯s still-warm corpse. The wind had extinguished the oilmps, and their faint glimmer waspletely incapable of dispelling the darkness before Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes. The answer he¡¯d searched so desperately for in the past six years had finally yielded this. Lou Zigui¡¯s heart plummeted once more into ckness. His hatred burned like fire, his anger seethed like poison. Despite this, his heart was cold and knew no pain. He didn¡¯t know how many scars it already bore. Supreme Commander Lou stood next to the dead body, as still as a statue in the darkness, for a long, long time.

    --

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Fang Tang knocked on the door. He¡¯d been waiting outside for awhile before he got anxious after it had been quiet for so long.

    Lou Zigui raised his hand to wipe the blood from his lips, before blinking away the haziness before his eyes. Gradually, he turned around and headed for the tightly shut iron door.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, Supreme Commander?¡± Fang Tang¡¯s voice grew more worried when he didn¡¯t hear a reply.

    Lou Zigui pulled aside the bolt and opened the iron door. Fang Tang¡¯s hand was still half-raised to knock, but he felt relieved at the sight of his Supreme Commander. ¡°Supreme Commander, just why did that woman ask for you?¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled and said, ¡°She had nothing but a mouthful of nonsense. I¡¯ve already taken care of her.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Fang Tang stepped to the side so he could look past Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder, where he saw Lady Xiang¡¯s head nearly dangling to her waist. A woman who¡¯d broken her neck was dead beyond a doubt.

 Chapter 103: What Supreme Commander wonâ€™t throw away and what the Grand Preceptor will

    <h4>Chapter 103: What Supreme Commander won''t throw away and what the Grand Preceptor will</h4>

    ¡°Send the body to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui ordered Fang Tang in a low voice. ¡°There¡¯s no need to take any pains, just dump it there and leave.¡±

    Fang Tang was used to Supreme Commander¡¯s orders and didn¡¯t question him. He summoned two eunuchs of the torture chambers before heading inside the room. Of the eunuchs still left behind, there was an elder head eunuch with a head full of white hair. He secretly snuck a peek at Lou Zigui, his shrewd eyes sensing something off about the Supreme Commander¡¯splexion. But before he could take a closer look, the man had already left the scene. His figure was as straight as a young pine, his steps authoritative and unhurried.

    Lou Zigui walked along the corridor until he turned left to stop before the cell holding Prince Fu. He peeked through the window of the door, where a much thinner Prince Fu was currently sleeping on a wooden bed. The sheets on the bed looked new, while a few bowls rested on a small bedside table. Half of the snacks had been eaten in those bowls, most of them looking like they¡¯d been just made today.

    ¡°You¡¯ve taken cares to serve him well,¡± Lou Zigui smiled as he shook his head.

    The head eunuch who had been following Lou Zigui hastened to say, ¡°These were His Majesty¡¯s orders. We servants dare not slight them.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned back to continue on his original path. When the head eunuch looked at Supreme Commander Lou again, he didn¡¯t see anything amiss. He rubbed his eyes and wondered whether he¡¯d been mistaken in the first ce.

    By the time Lou Zigui left the Hall of Punishment, the skies were already turning towards dusk. It had even started raining, the thin droplets sshing against his face like ice. A little eunuch ran over with an umbre, meaning to shield him from the rain, but Lou Zigui simply waved him off and continued through the downpour. The little eunuch didn¡¯t dare chase after Lou Zigui, but could only shoot the head eunuch a helpless nce.

    Fang Tang had exited the Hall as well by now, followed by two eunuchs with a corpse in tow. ¡°It¡¯s raining again?¡± he asked.

    The head eunuch quickly spoke up. ¡°General Fang, Supreme Commander didn¡¯t let anyone wait upon him with an umbre.¡±

    Fang Tang carelessly waved a hand. ¡°It¡¯s only a bit of rain, what do we need umbres for? It¡¯s not like we¡¯d stop fighting during a battle to put umbres over our heads.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the head eunuch. But nobody¡¯s fighting anyone right now?

    Fang Tang had gone out the gates before he turned back and added, ¡°Your capital city has too many rainy days.¡±

    The head eunuch simply smiled. The skies themselves decided to rain. What does that have to do with me?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in the covered walkway leading to Supreme Splendor Hall, her head raised towards the skies. She furrowed her brows and asked, ¡°Is the sky leaking? Why is it raining again?¡±

    Shadowgale had no words to say either. If he told the skies to stop raining, would they listen to him?

    ¡°He¡¯s only gone to interrogate a prisoner,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned back to talking about Supreme Commander Lou once she ignored the sky. ¡°Why is Supreme Commander taking so long? Just how many questions does he have to ask?¡±

    Shadowgale seized the chance and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, how about you interrogate that Northern Hu woman, too?¡±

    ¡°What am I supposed to ask her?¡± Ning Xiaoyao questioned.

    ¡°This servant thinks that the woman can¡¯t be anyone ordinary, if she can stay by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side.¡±

    ¡°That so?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wrinkled her brows. ¡°I just know she has no human feelings at all. Did you see how she boiled Little Tangerine? She wanted to kill her servant girl just because she lost a few hairs from abing session. Dangit, it¡¯s a perfectly normal part of human metabolism to lose hairs. She¡¯s uncivilized and her heart¡¯s foul to boot. Women like that are hopeless.¡±

    Shadowgale felt that he was pretty hopeless, too. What does metabolism mean? What was he going to do if he could never understand what His Majesty was saying?

    ¡°Huh? Supreme Commander!¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed towards the courtyard. Shadowgale turned and saw Lou Zigui stepping in through the courtyard gates. My hearing¡¯s not as good as His Majesty, either, he thought despondently.

    Lou Zigui strode over with quick steps, shaking the raindrops off his clothes. ¡°The eunuch at the gates said Your Majesty had urgent business to see this subject?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you so we can eat dinner.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go change my clothes. Your Majesty, please wait for me a while longer,¡± Lou Zigui replied with a smile.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to touch Lou Zigui¡¯s face. His body temperature was normal, so it looked like a little rain wouldn¡¯t hurt him. Lou Zigui headed for his rooms, while Ning Xiaoyao said in delight, ¡°Windy, let¡¯s prepare to start the meal.¡± She¡¯d gone to treat n¨¦e Qin once more, so she was starving by now.

    When Lou Zigui reached his rooms, a eunuch brought over hot water, which he poured into arge wooden tub. The steam from the water rose above the screen, turning the entire room foggy. Lou Zigui ducked his head beneath the hot water as well until his entire body was warm again. Only then did he feel a little better. He next sshed his face with water while he soaked, lost in thought. There was no way now to rescue the man who might be his brother. The Wolf King Modou had around 18 separate hunting grounds, some of which existed in the hintends of the great deserts. It would be hard enough to track down the man, much less save him.

    Troops and horses couldn¡¯t leave the pass without an imperial decree, an iron rule that cut off all possibility of rescue. As the water gradually cooled, Lou Zigui was still lost in thought. How much of Lady Xiang¡¯s words were true? Without concrete proof, all he had were her words and a few suspicions on his own side. Could he be certain that thete emperor really had sold them out? With him dead and Xie Wenyuan not speaking, could he find the people who apanied Xie Wenyuan to Night Crow Pass instead? At this, Lou Zigui recalled the head steward of the Xie n once again.

    Meanwhile, Head Steward Xie Laibao was shaking in bed. When he saw the rain outside his window, he shouted at his wife, ¡°Can¡¯t you see it¡¯s raining? Close the window.¡±

    Head Steward Xie¡¯s wife was one of the older female head servants at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. She spent most of her days serving Lady Wang. In her youth, Lady Wang had bestowed with the name of A¡¯Tang, so everyone at the estate called her Sister-in-Law Tang when they saw her.

    She rolled her eyes and told Xie Laibao, ¡°It¡¯s good that neither you nor Second Steward Xie can budge right now because of your injuries. There¡¯s mishaps happening all over the estate nowadays, leaving everyone rmed. The two of you should just stay at home--I think that¡¯s the safest ce of all.¡±

    Head Steward Xie had already learned of Eldest Young Master Xie and n¨¦e Wang¡¯s plight from his wife. He gave amentable sigh and said, ¡°Did master¡¯s family offend something? That¡¯s quite some misfortune.¡±

    Sister-in-Law Tang replied, ¡°The mistress wants to see the Grand Preceptor now, but he¡¯s sitting in his study and refusing to meet with anyone. Even the Old Madame can¡¯t summon him. He keeps saying he¡¯s busy.¡±

    Xie Laibao shook his head. In the end, it was still eldest young master who¡¯d been at fault. Otherwise, how could His Majesty have pinned him for favoring his concubine and neglecting his wife?

    ¡°Sister-in-Law Tang,¡± a servant girl called from outside.

    ¡°Mistress must need someone to wait on her now,¡± Sister-in-Law Tang lowered her voice as she walked outside. ¡°You just stay here. It¡¯s better to lie low now than anything else.¡±

    Xie Laibao smiled bitterly. He wanted to lie low, but there was a knife hanging above his head this very instead. If Supreme Commander Lou came to find him, could he really avoid the man?

    When Sister-in-Law Tang entered Lady Wang¡¯s bedroom and saw her mistress lying on the bed, she had a fright. The woman had been perfectly fine during the day, but now she looked gravely ill and short of breath.

    ¡°Mistress,¡± Sister-in-Law Tang knelt by the bed as tears begin to flow from her eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± Lady Wang replied. ¡°Open my personal storehouse and take 500 taels of silver to the justice courts.¡±

    ¡°This servant understands,¡± Sister-in-Law Tang said in a rush. ¡°Mistress, you don¡¯t need to worry. This servant will make sure to ask the jailer treat eldest young master and the little mistress...¡±

    ¡°You only need to mind after eldest young master,¡± Lady Wang cut her off. ¡°If the money¡¯s not enough,e back and tell me.¡±

    Sister-in-Law Tang assented before leaving the bedroom, mentally shaking her head. In the end, daughters were still worth less than sons. With mistress looking after the son, n¨¦e Wang¡¯s fate could only be left for Heaven to decide.

    As soon as Sister-in-Law Tang left, another head female servant walked in and quietly reported, ¡°Mistress, the doctor¡¯s examined Xiping¡¯s face already. He said it¡¯s possible her injuries will leave scars.¡±

    ¡°Dismiss those two damnable servant girls,¡± Lady Wang pushed aside her bed covers and sat up, her face furious. ¡°If those base servant girls hadn¡¯t incited the issue, would the husband and wife be at this state now? Dismiss all the servants under n¨¦e Wang!¡±

    The head female servant didn¡¯t dare to say much beyond agreeing and withdrawing. The sound of shattering porcin came from the room. The two female servants standing on call in the walkway didn¡¯t show any expression on their faces. If mistress hadn¡¯t doted on n¨¦e Wang and backed her up, how would eldest young master have favored her over his wife in the first ce? People could never recognize their own shorings. The two servants could only silently sympathize with the soon to be dismissed servants. They wouldn¡¯t have much in the way of prospects if they were sold off because of their perceived faults.

    Lady Wang smashed things in her room in anger while Grand Preceptor Xie stayed in his study. The officials who¡¯de to find him for advice had already left for their own homes, leaving only his two sons present.

    ¡°Any news from Anshi?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Both his second and third son shook their heads. Third Young Master Xie said, ¡°Father, could he still be in the pce?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯sing back,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    ¡°What?¡± Second Young Master Xie, who was still sporting a bandage around his head from where Ning Xiaoyao had kicked him, looked stunned.

    ¡°Yesterday, I ordered him to leave for Jiangnan,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie set down his brush to speak slowly. ¡°I wanted him to take over the business there.¡±

    Both of his sons wore stiffened expressions. The four sses of ancient China consisted of schrs, farmers, artisans, and merchants. All businessmen were prohibited from having their sons and grandsons participate in the imperial examinations for the next three generations. If Xie Anwu had taken up the post, he and his descendents would have lost any chance to make a name for themselves in their lifetimes.

    ¡°Unfilial son,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie smiled coldly. ¡°He didn¡¯t even stop to think. His surname is Xie, so how could His Majesty ever think to use him?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go bring that bastard back,¡± Second Young Master Xie prepared to leave, but the Grand Preceptor stopped him.

    ¡°Hold it right there,¡± he said, ¡°Do you think you can enter the pce without a decree?¡±

    Xie Anji stopped moving.

    ¡°Father, what of elder brother?¡± Third Young Master Xie asked. He didn¡¯t care about Xie Anwu, who was only the son of some servant. He was only interested in Xie Anyi¡¯s plight.

    ¡°This is the booklet I wrote admitting my wrongs and asking for punishment,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie tapped the paper on his desk. ¡°The son is unfilial because the father was wrong. I didn¡¯t teach your elder brother well enough.¡±

    ¡°Will His Majesty release elder brother if father admits your wrongs?¡± Second Young Master Xie asked.

    ¡°I asked His Majesty to exile him and n¨¦e Wang to the bordends,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said calmly. ¡°That scoundrel¡¯s neither benevolent nor righteous. He doesn¡¯t deserve to be a scion of our Xie n.¡±

    Second Young Master Xie stood there nkly, while Third Young Master Xie silently exhaled in relief. Father¡¯s thrown elder brother away.

 Chapter 104: How great would it be if you werenâ€™t the late emperorâ€™s daughter?

    <h4>Chapter 104: How great would it be if you weren''t thete emperor''s daughter?</h4>

    ¡°Father,¡± Second Young Master Xie pressed his hands against the table as he raised his voice. ¡°You can¡¯t do this, ah!¡±

    Third Young Master Xie wore a stunned expression as well. ¡°Father, n¨¦e Wang¡¯s still with child. Aside from the fact that it¡¯s bitterly cold at the borders, how is she supposed to travel while she¡¯s pregnant?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie heard the pleas from his two sons, but he knew all too well who meant it, and who was only pretending. His second son was genuinely concerned, but someone so emotional wasn¡¯t suited for power. His third son was faking it, which made him ruthless enough, but his view of things was too superficial and shallow. Was His Majesty simply striking out against Xie Anyi today? No, Ning Yu was cutting them off at the roots and decimating his entire Xie n!

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head and sucked in a long breath. ¡°Both of you, get out.¡±

    ¡°Father, you...¡± Second Young Master Xie still wanted to speak.

    ¡°Scram!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared.

    ¡°Second brother,¡± Third Young Master Xie pulled his brother away.

    Grand Preceptor Xie mmed a fist against his still-drying booklet. If everyone except one man died in his Xie n, would there be any amongst them capable of supporting the household on his own shoulders like that damnable Lou Zigui?

    ¡°Not a single one,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered to himself. His exquisite game of chess that had once ensured his victory had turned into a hopeless game. He hung his head and muttered, ¡°Irreparable.¡±

    Even if they killed Ning Yu, how could they be sure the new sovereign would favor them? That they could still aplish meritorious deeds for him? Anyone who backstabbed their master would be the first to be eliminated when a new master came into power, just to avoid falling into the same snare. But if they didn¡¯t kill Ning Yu, she would only press closer and closer until their n died at her hands.

    They could neither kill her nor leave her be. If this wasn¡¯t a hopeless game, then what was it?

    Grand Preceptor Xie sat up straight and closed his booklet before shaking his head with a smile. Once you started relying on the wrong person, every step after that would be a mistake.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± one of his stewards quickly entered the study and eximed, ¡°Just then, Fang Tang brought some men to dump a woman¡¯s body by our doorstep.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s heart stopped. Ning Yu killed the empress dowager?

    He ran out of the estate and through the front doors, only to see a woman¡¯s body lying on an unfurled straw mat. Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t see her face clearly from his position on top of the steps, but her curvaceous figure was enough for him to recognize her as his mistress. His head throbbed with pain before he fell forward towards the steps.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± the gate guards all chorused in rm. A mistress¡¯s life was utterly worthless, but to dump her naked body here? What beastly bullying! Grand Preceptor Xie would rather kill Ning Yu this instant, but he was currently stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. There was no way he could touch that damned brat!

    --

    ¡°I killed her,¡± a freshly washed and clothed Lou Zigui reported to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Strips of cabbage fell out of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth. ¡°Whaa?¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t get any answers out of that woman¡¯s mouth,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Moreover, she was an extremely venomous female. What was the use of keeping her alive?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up her cabbage from the table and stuffed it back into her mouth. People of the apocalypse treasured human lives, so she wasn¡¯t used to how easily people killed each other in this world. It was as if they were doing nothing more than sipping a cup of water.

    Lou Zigui had killed off one of the emperor¡¯s prisoners in the Hall of Punishment without a prior decree. He didn¡¯t hold the sovereign¡¯s authority in regard at all. Though Shadowgale and the others knew this principle, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t say a word. Because of that, they could only remain silent with her.

    ¡°Eat your meal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao swallowed her cabbage as she looked at Lou Zigui, who hadn¡¯t made any move to pick up his chopsticks.

    Lou Zigui took his chopsticks and nced at the dishes on the table. Ning Xiaoyao pointed at a te in front of Lou Zigui as if it was a treasure. ¡°This is fish-vored shredded pork!¡±

    Lou Zigui picked up a sliver of meat from the dish and took a bite. It had been delicately stir-fried, and the sauces on the meat seemed to have an almost reddish hue.

    ¡°Tasty, huh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Slender strips of meat, vaguely red in hue...Supreme Commander Lou suddenly gagged as he felt like throwing up. Everyone stared at him in surprise. His Excellency Supreme Commander¡¯s gotten sick from eating a strip of meat?

    ¡°Is it poisoned?¡± Shadowthunder made an uproar.

    Shadowrain was quick to add, ¡°But we¡¯ve all eaten the same thing.¡± How could they be all fine while Supreme Commander got poisoned? That seemed impossible.

    ¡°I¡¯m not very hungry,¡± Lou Zigui ced his chopsticks down. ¡°Your Majesty, you should eat your meal. Excuse my absence.¡± Then he stood up and walked away withrge strides. Everyone in the room exchanged nces, wondering what was the matter. Ning Xiaoyao stared at the meat in the dish. Supreme Commander Lou had a healthy body, so if it wasn¡¯t a physical cause for his gagging, the reasons must be psychological. Quickly, she recalled how she¡¯d saw simr strips of meat on the execution tform on the first day she transmigrated to this world.

    Ning Xiaoyao polished off her bowl of rice in a few more bites before telling Shadowgale and the rest, ¡°You guys eat, I¡¯ll go check on Supreme Commander.¡±

    --

    Lou Zigui was holding a column in the corner of the covered walkway. After he threw up a few times, he reached out a hand to cup some rain water before using it to rinse his mouth. Ning Xiaoyao stood behind him and wondered what she could do. Wouldn¡¯t it be a tragedy if he couldn¡¯t eat any meat in the future? Since so many days had passed already, Ning Xiaoyao thought Lou Zigui had already set aside the trauma he¡¯d suffered at the execution tform.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine now,¡± Lou Zigui said after cleaning out his mouth.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Actually, you¡¯ll be fine after you get used to it a few more times.¡± People who saw zombies for the first time either went crazy or wanted to vomit themselves. After seeing them a few more times, they were fine. Could strips of meat be more revolting than a zombie? Ning Xiaoyao was certain that Supreme Commander Lou would be fine after eating more meat, too.

    ¡°I was just reminded of something,¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t deny Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s statement. He had thought of the execution grounds, but now he walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side with a smile and murmured, ¡°I¡¯m okay now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Like hell you¡¯re okay. I don¡¯t believe it.

    When Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao this time, he thought of Emperor Mingzong. This girl was the flesh and blood of that very same emperor who sold out his family. At that, he suddenly didn¡¯t want to look at her anymore. ¡°I want to lie down for a bit,¡± Lou Zigui said as he walked towards his quarters. ¡°Your Majesty, you needn¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood there scratching her head. She didn¡¯t look any bit like a strip of meat, but why did Supreme Commander Lou look like throwing up at the sight of her, too?

    Lou Zigui pushed open the door to his rooms and lied down on his bed. He shut his eyes and breathed rapidly for a bit, seemingly thoroughly exhausted. Even getting air into his lungs felt difficult. The bed beneath him shifted, and Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes flew open to see Ning Xiaoyao sitting by his side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rested her hand over Lou Zigui¡¯s lips. ¡°Just close your eyes. I¡¯ll sit with you for a bit. You¡¯ll stop feeling ufortable very soon.¡±

    Pale green light glimmered at her fingertips below slipping between his parched lips. When Lou Zigui took his next breath, he caught the scent of fresh grass and trees again. His stubborn, wide-open eyes seemed to turn hazy as he rxed his hold over his emotions. ¡°You,¡± there was a slight pause, before Lou Zigui continued, ¡°How great would it be if you weren¡¯t thete emperor¡¯s daughter?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao frowned. Who wants to be that stupid bastard¡¯s daughter? But that wasn¡¯t for her to decide. Lou Zigui rested his hand against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek, his rough skin making Ning Xiaoyao feel itchy. Even when Supreme Commander Lou saw the skin beneath his hand turn red, he didn¡¯t let go.

    Ning Xiaoyao almost couldn¡¯t sit still. This was her face, not some meatbun! She pulled his hand aside and asked, ¡°Did you run into something at the Hall of Punishment?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°A single strip of meat disgusted you this much?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked doubtfully.

    ¡°It won¡¯t in the future,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s lips tugged into a grin.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to smile, then don¡¯t smile,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smoothed out Lou Zigui¡¯s lips back to its original expression. ¡°Just like how you¡¯ve never forced me, I won¡¯t ask you just what happened. If you don¡¯t want to eat, then sleep.¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t fall asleep.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t fall asleep if you see me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    A bit. But when Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face by the candlelight, still carrying traces of baby fat andpletely red, he half-wanted her to stay. Ning Xiaoyao felt like sweating beneath Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s stare.

    A single strip of meat turned himpletely abnormal? ¡°How about I sing you a luby?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What is a luby?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Something to coax people to sleep,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said and prepared to sing, before her mind went ‡å. All the songs in her head were things like ¡°I Kill Zombies, I Earn Glory,¡± to ¡°Brandish Your Broadsword and Hack Those Zombies,¡± to ¡°Zombies Just Can¡¯t See Me.¡± She didn¡¯t know any gentle and soothing lubies.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is waiting to hear you.¡±

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shuffled around a few times as if a needle was poking her butt. ¡°I think things like that don¡¯t suit heroic types like us. Supreme Commander, you can just close your eyes and count sheep.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Lou Zigui. What do you mean, ¡®count sheep?¡¯

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you count,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scooted over and started, ¡°One sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four...¡±

    Lou Zigui rested his hand against his forehead, feeling like he was being surrounded by sheep. Is this how she coaxes me to sleep?

    By the time Ning Xiaoyao got to 500 sheep, she yawned and saw that Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes were still wide open. She decided to stop counting before she fell asleep herself.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui felt much calmer now. ¡°What do you n on doing for the future?¡±

    ¡°n on doing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s still around. It doesn¡¯t matter what I¡¯m nning, does it? I¡¯d like to visit a bunch of ces, though.¡± Here was a world without zombies, so she should explore, y, and eat around a bit more, shouldn¡¯t she?

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Looks like Supreme Commander approves, too. Once she toppled Grand Preceptor Xie, she was going to travel around the world.

    Kill Xie Wenyuan first, Lou Zigui thought as he rested his hands over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s own. Everything else can wait until afterwards.

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palm and wondered what sorts of nice ces existed in this world. I should find a map and look into that.

    Lou Zigui stared at the bed canopy above him and wondered how to kill Xie Wenyuan.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, do you want to team up with me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. It was super boring traveling solo. She might as well have Supreme Commander be her travelpanion.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui said. If they didn¡¯t cooperate, how were they supposed to kill off Xie Wenyuan and the mighty Xie n?

    ¡°Great¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands. ¡°Then it¡¯s a done deal!¡±

    (Author: You two are thinking aboutpletely different things, all right?!)

 Chapter 105: His Majesty Ning wants to take a trip

    <h4>Chapter 105: His Majesty Ning wants to take a trip</h4>

    Lou Zigui inexplicably smelled that fragrance of grasses and trees again as Ning Xiaoyao continued to count Lou sheep. Eventually, the Lou sheep became Loumb chops until Supreme Commander Lou fell asleep. Ning Xiaoyao pinched Lou Zigui¡¯s straight nose to make sure he was really unconscious before wiping her lips. After counting 1,500mb chops, she was almost drooling.

    She gently released her hand from Lou Zigui¡¯s grip and tucked him under the covers, before running to the window. Big Boss ck was perched on the sill, his fur damp all over. He told Ning Xiaoyao, "Oil Jar¡¯s arrived. He says he has something very important to tell you."

    "Is the empress dowager up to no good again?" Ning Xiaoyao asked. Oil Jar lived at the empress dowager¡¯s pce, so anything very important had to be rted to that woman.

    Big Boss ck turned until his butt was facing Ning Xiaoyao. "How should this cat know?"

    Ning Xiaoyao stuck out her tongue and made a face at Big Boss ck¡¯s butt. Then she gave the sleeping Lou Zigui a parting nce before jumping out the window.

    "Hurry," Big Boss ck said as he led the way.

    --

    "Xiaoyao." Inside Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bedroom, Oil Jar cried out as soon as she entered. His eyes were round and wide, his hairs standing on end from his head to his tail. It seemed like he¡¯d been greatly frightened.

    At the sight, Ning Xiaoyao picked up Big Boss ck and smacked his bottom indignantly, "Did you bite Oil Jar?"

    "Miaow!" Big Boss ck twisted in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands, viciously baring his ws at her.

    Oil Jar jumped onto the tea table before the window and cried, "Xiaoyao, it¡¯s possible that Supreme Commander¡¯s older brother is still alive!"

    Plop.

    Ning Xiaoyao loosened her grip, and Big Boss ck tumbled to the ground.

    "It¡¯s true, oh," Oil Jar said as he lifted his front paws. "Oil Jar heard it with my own ears at the Hall of Punishment."

    "Why did you run over there?" the little gyrfalcon asked as he flew onto the windowsill.

    "Shut it!" Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck chorused. That isn¡¯t the point right now!

    Oil Jar said, "Supreme Commander asked that Northern Hu woman and that¡¯s what she said."

    Ning Xiaoyao pulled her chair until it was facing the window and sat down. Quietly, she said, "The volume of this information is pretty massive. Let me think it over first."

    Although Oil Jar didn¡¯t know what ¡®volume of information¡¯ meant, he still nodded his head obediently. Big Boss ck jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders and said, "That¡¯s impossible. Supreme Commander¡¯s father and older brothers are all dead."

    "But the Northern Hu woman said Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother isn¡¯t dead." In order to prove his words, Oil Jar added, "And then Supreme Commander killed that woman. He must have wanted to make sure no one else knew his big brother was still alive. That¡¯s what they call silencing the witness."

    "Makes sense," the little gyrfalcon nodded.

    Big Boss ck was doubtful. "Really? Why doesn¡¯t Supreme Commander want others to know his big brother¡¯s still alive?"

    "How should I understand how humans think?" Oil Jar spread out his front paws helplessly.

    Human thinking. The three animals present all looked as one to the only human in the room. Ning Xiaoyao had her head in her hands. It¡¯s a good thing if this older brother¡¯s still alive. Why silence the witness? I don¡¯t understand how the humans of this world think!

    Grandfather Sparrownded on the sill at this moment and asked Oil Jar, "What else did that Northern Hu woman tell Supreme Commander? You should tell us their entire conversation."

    Oil Jar nodded before he pinched his throat and imitated the Northern Hu woman¡¯s voice to cry out, "Hahaha!"

    "..........." said all the animals and one human watching the scene.

    "You don¡¯t need to copy herugh," Grandfather Sparrow covered his face with his wings. The mice of the empress dowager¡¯s pce really do get worse with each generation. Every single one is stupider than thest.

    "Oh, okay," Oil Jar pinched his throat and continued. "Lou Zigui, so what if youe from a n of martyrs? Your family members were nothing more than sacrificial pieces!"

    Oil Jar alternated between speaking like Lady Xiang and speaking like Supreme Commander Lou as he jumped and pranced about on the tea table. He revealed everything he had heard in the torture chamber over the span of half an hour while Ning Xiaoyao and the little animals listened on in silence.

    As the spring thunder rumbled through the skies, the drizzle outside soon turned into a heavy downpour.

    "My God," Ning Xiaoyao looked nkly outside the window.

    Grandfather Sparrow sighed. "Xiaoyao, a son has to pay the debts of his father."

    Ning Xiaoyao jabbed a finger at her nose, and the little animals all nodded.

    "I¡¯m not a son," she said seriously.

    "The daughter pays the debts of her father, then." Grandfather Sparrow said ruthlessly. "Moreover, you¡¯re the emperor now, Xiaoyao. You¡¯ve inherited the family calling already."

    "........." said Ning Xiaoyao. So I have to bear the burdens from that stupid bastard?

    "Supreme Commander must be heartbroken," Big Boss ck didn¡¯t want to get even at Ning Xiaoyao right now because he was lying listlessly by her feet. "Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander has to hate you to death."

    Ning Xiaoyao grew emotional. Why is it so hard to live a peaceful life in a world without zombies?!

    "Supreme Commander probably killed that Northern Hu woman so no one would know it was thete emperor who sent his family to their deaths," Grandfather Sparrow analyzed calmly. "If people knew, then he¡¯d have to decide whether or not he seeks revenge for their sake."

    "Vengeance must be paid!" the little gyrfalcon cried immediately. A real man would definitely do it.

    "If that¡¯s the case, then he has to kill Xiaoyao," said Yellow Great Immortal, who¡¯d somehow appeared on the windowsill during the course of the narrative.

    The little gyrfalcon stopped talking.

    "Xiaoyao, what are you going to do?" Oil Jar looked sympathetically at Ning Xiaoyao. "Supreme Commander even spat up blood in the torture chamber."

    Ning Xiaoyao could finally understand why Supreme Commander Lou had said he wished she wasn¡¯t thete emperor¡¯s daughter. If she wasn¡¯t that bastard¡¯s child, then the two of them could still be friends. But now... Ning Xiaoyao sat crestfallen in her chair. Now I¡¯ll have to thank the Heavens if Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t kill me.

    "What are you going to do?" Big Boss ck asked as well.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to fight back a bit longer, so she asked Grandfather Sparrow, "Did thete emperor really do such a thing?"

    Grandfather Sparrow said, "I¡¯ll ask old A¡¯Gui, the gecko from the imperial study, toe over."

    Old A¡¯Gui arrived very quickly and crawled up the windowsill before turning his eyes to Ning Xiaoyao. "Doesn¡¯t look much like thete emperor," he observed.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her own face. That was good news. Who wants to look like that old bastard?

    "Old Sparrow told me what was going on," old A¡¯Gui added. "I remember this. It was that old wretch Xie Wenyuan who came up with the idea and proposed it to thete emperor."

    Ning Xiaoyao gritted her teeth. Great. Without exception, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s been involved in every dastardly scheme of thete emperor.

    "Grandfather A¡¯Gui, could you have remembered wrongly?" Oil Jar asked. "It¡¯s already been six years since the incident."

    Old A¡¯Gui pointed at his head with a w. "I keep all of thete emperor¡¯s bad deeds stored up here."

    A little sparrow asked, "All of his bad deeds? Grandfather A¡¯Gui, you¡¯re that impressive?"

    Old A¡¯Gui nced at Ning Xiaoyao and said, "Thete emperor didn¡¯t do many good deeds. Is it a good thing that he died young?"

    "........." said Ning Xiaoyao.

    "I¡¯ve told my grandchildren all about thete emperor¡¯s bad deeds," old A¡¯Gui said a little smugly. "None of my descendents want to be a human."

    Now it was the little animals¡¯ turn to be speechless. He remembered all of thete emperor¡¯s bad deeds just for a reason like that? Grandfather A¡¯Gui¡¯s really given his all for his children¡¯s sake.

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed hollowly as she nodded in eptance. "That¡¯s true. With a stupid bastard like him as the emperor, humans would¡¯ve suffered a lot. Not being human is pretty good, too."

    Old A¡¯Gui said, "Xie Wenyuan originally nned to have Supreme Commander killed off too, but in the end it was His Highness Crown Prince who begged thete emperor to spare his life. That¡¯s why Supreme Commander survived."

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, "Then can I tell Supreme Commander about this to praise the crown prince?" Maybe it¡¯d reduce some of his hatred?

    Big Boss ck¡¯s dark green eyes widened. "Have you forgotten? His Highness Crown Prince was killed by your mother and grandfather."

    Another knife seemed to stab her in the heart. Ning Xiaoyao wore a bitter expression as she mmed her head against the tea table a few times. She was beginning to entertain the idea of slipping away under nightfall instead. This wasn¡¯t a joke anymore, because she couldn¡¯t spend her days happily now!

    Yellow Great Immortal stroked his whiskers and said, "Xiaoyao, you told me to look into Little Peach Blossom, so I did. I have some bad news, do you want to hear it?"

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face wrinkled, but she steeled herself. "Great Immortal, just say it. Whether I die now orter, death is still death. I¡¯ll hear for myself how bad it is."

    Yellow Great Immortal said, "I¡¯ve read that little courtdy¡¯s face and it¡¯s no good. She¡¯s got the face of a widow."

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. She wanted Yellow Great Immortal to investigate Little Peach Blossom¡¯s moral integrity and see if she was a good girl. But he actually knew the art of reading faces, too?

    "Are you serious?" the little gyrfalcon was floored. A woman who was destined to be a widow fancied his master?

    Yellow Great Immortal said, "I¡¯ve never been wrong with human face readings before. When Empress Dowager Xie first entered the pce, I could tell she was a bad woman."

    Grandfather Sparrow and old A¡¯Gui nodded their heads in assent. That¡¯s right, that¡¯s exactly what Great Immortal said back then.

    "More importantly," Yellow Great Immortal said as he observed Ning Xiaoyao, "She¡¯s one of the empress dowager¡¯s people. The reason she¡¯s getting closer to Windy is because the empress dowager¡¯s trying to snare him with a beautiful woman."

    Ning Xiaoyao and the little animals were stunned once again. Oil Jar asked, "Howe I don¡¯t know this even though I live in the empress dowager¡¯s pce?"

    Yellow Great Immortal exined, "A mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce delivers messages to her. Little Peach Blossom never enters the empress dowager¡¯s pce on her own. It¡¯s only natural that you wouldn¡¯t know, Oil Jar."

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like dying.

    "Awoo awoo awoo," the little gyrfalcon chirped angrily, "I want to bite that bad woman to death!"

    "Don¡¯t," Ning Xiaoyao grabbed the little gyrfalcon as he spread his wings.

    "Xiaoyao, my master¡¯s so pitiful," the little gyrfalcon looked like he was about to cry.

    Ning Xiaoyao held onto onest thread of hope as she asked Yellow Great Immortal, "Then aside from issues with her face and status, how is she as a person?" Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t believe in face readings. And as for the girl being the empress dowager¡¯s subordinate, it didn¡¯t mean she had to be bad, right?

    Yellow Great Immortal said, "The empress dowager promised that she¡¯d be your concubine when things were over, Xiaoyao. That Little Peach Blossom only dreams of being an imperial concubine, then giving birth to a son so she can be empress."

    "........" said Ning Xiaoyao.

    "......." said the little animals.

    "I heard she even vowed to the gods," Yellow Great Immortal added.

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent for a long time, feeling bitter all over. "She really believes the empress dowager¡¯s words?"

    Grandfather Sparrow summed it up aptly, "In the end, the empress dowager¡¯s the worse one of the lot."

    Yes, Ning Xiaoyao and the little animals all agreed. If we¡¯re talking about absolute wretches, no one¡¯s worse than Esteemed Empress Dowager.

 Chapter 106: Xiaoyao, youâ€™re very good

    <h4>Chapter 106: Xiaoyao, you''re very good</h4>

    While Ning Xiaoyao was reflecting gloomily over her life, Wifey and Husband Magpie, along with Elder Cousin Magpie, all flew into the room.

    "Xiaoyao, it¡¯s not good!" Wifey Magpie cried.

    Ning Xiaoyao ced a hand over her heart.

    Big Boss ck spoke up for Ning Xiaoyao. "What happened?"

    "The Grand Preceptor and his third son-inw--that is, the Nine Gate Infantry Commander--have made a n to kill General Qin and Miss Qin, chirp chirp!" eximed Wifey Magpie.

    "H, how are they nning to kill them?" Ning Xiaoyao felt unwell all over.

    Elder Cousin Magpie said, "They¡¯re nning to wait ¡®til General Qin takes eldest young madame out of the city, then have men kill them in the dark of night while disguised as bandits, chirp!"

    "It¡¯s ¡®Miss Qin¡¯ now!" Wifey Magpie pecked Elder Cousin Magpie¡¯s head. "Miss Qin has no rtion with that jerk Xie Anyi anymore!"

    "That¡¯s not the point," Oil Jar weakly raised his paw.

    "The point is, how do we save them," Grandfather Sparrow remarked.

    "And also, how can Ning Xiaoyao make sure Supreme Commander isn¡¯t mad," Oil Jar was more concerned about this. "If Supreme Commander gets angry, how is Xiaoyao supposed to be his wife?"

    "........" said Ning Xiaoyao. Wife? Let me figure out how to stay alive first!

    "And my master, too," the little gyrfalcon looked at Ning Xiaoyao with teary eyes. "My master will be depressed to death. All of his brothers are calling Little Peach Blossom his wifey already."Ning Xiaoyao stayed quiet for a long time beneath the stares of the various worried animals. Finally, she said, "I want some peace and quiet."[expand]

    [/expand]

    "Miaow!" Big Boss ck jumped up and brandished his ws to scratch her. "Do you still have time for peace and quiet? You have to take care of Supreme Commander¡¯s matter!"

    Ning Xiaoyao tossed Big Boss ck out the window. "Do I owe him?"

    "Your father killed Supreme Commander¡¯s father and elder brothers!" Big Boss ck meowed as he jumped back onto the window ledge. Ning Xiaoyao was rendered speechless.

    "And also," Big Boss ck held up his bloody ws. "You slept with Supreme Commander, so you have to take responsibility for him! Otherwise, you¡¯re simply seducing and abandoning him!"

    "That¡¯s right!" chorused ten or so cats, all Big Boss ck¡¯s buddies.

    "Otherwise, you¡¯re just Xie Anyi Number Two!" Big Boss ck added, "Ning Xiaoyao, you jerk!"

    "........." said Ning Xiaoyao. What a cruel and brutal reality!

    "Xiaoyao," Yellow Great Immortal spoke up. "I¡¯ve checked already. You and Supreme Commander have the faces of husband and wife. You--"

    "Enough already, Great Immortal," Ning Xiaoyao wanted to kneel at the weasel¡¯s feet. Who would be interested in face reading at a time like this?

    Yellow Great Immortal said, "What I mean is, you don¡¯t need to worry about Supreme Commander hating you. Some things are determined by fate."

    Rather than relying on fate, I might as well count on myself right now. Ning Xiaoyao sat bolt upright, forcing her brain to think things through. Her fingers dug into her palms before she told the little animals, "Supreme Commander¡¯s father and elder brothers are already dead. There¡¯s no way to change that, but his older brother might still be saved. The first thing we need to do is figure out which of the Northern Hu hunting grounds has Elder Brother Lou."

    All of the little animals nodded their heads. That¡¯s right. We can only save him after we find his location first.

    "Right now, there¡¯s no way for me to run off to Northern Hu," Ning Xiaoyao said. "Supreme Commander sent people there for six years and didn¡¯t find any clues. It looks like we can¡¯t depend on him either."

    Big Boss ck asked, "Then what should we do?"

    "Speaking of which, do any of you have brothers or sisters in Northern Hu?" Ning Xiaoyao held her hands in prayer as she looked at her animal friends. "Elder Brother Lou¡¯s description was pretty distinctive. His face is ruined, he¡¯s mute, and he¡¯s got deformities in his right hand and left leg."

    Old A¡¯Gui stuck his tongue out a few times before he said, "But we all live in the capital, ah."

    "Then do you guys know any migrant birds?" Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Oil Jar asked, "Xiaoyao, what kind of a bird is a migrant bird?"

    "The kind that flies south for winter and back north when it gets warm," Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    "Wild geese?" Grandfather Sparrow asked.

    "Yes, wild geese are migrant birds," Ning Xiaoyao hastily nodded.

    "A flock of wild geese lives at the south of the capital in the Comforting Celestial Pond," Grandfather Sparrow said, "But I don¡¯t know if they¡¯re from Northern Hu."

    "It¡¯s fine even if they aren¡¯t," Ning Xiaoyao said. "Just ask them if they have brothers and sisters from Northern Hu."

    "That¡¯s a solution," old A¡¯Gui nodded.

    "I¡¯ll help you ask," Grandfather Sparrow epted the mission. Ning Xiaoyao picked him up and kissed him.

    "........" went Grandfather Sparrow. Does this girl know there¡¯s distance between males and females?!

    Husband Magpie said, "Xiaoyao, I¡¯ll help you ask around amongst the capital city¡¯s birds. We birds fly all over the ce, so maybe we¡¯ll hit on news somewhere?" Ning Xiaoyao picked up Husband Magpie and prepared to kiss him too.

    "Chirp!" Wifey Magpie suddenly cried, and Ning Xiaoyao obediently set Husband Magpie down. This bird¡¯s already taken.

    "Then what about my master?" the little gyrfalcon asked anxiously once Ning Xiaoyao had settled big brother Supreme Commander¡¯s affairs. "What¡¯s to be done about my master?"

    "I was thinking this way for Windy¡¯s situation," Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. "We have to avoid hurting him as much as possible."

    "So then?" Big Boss ck asked.

    "So I¡¯ll apany Windy to witness that Little Peach Blossom¡¯s true face," Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand. "I¡¯m experienced with matters like these." Jilted love, was it? She¡¯d studied psychology before, so it shouldn¡¯t be a problem tofort a heartbroken man.

    ".........." said the little animals. This is how you avoid hurting him as much as possible?

    "As for the Grand Preceptor and his son-inw," Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin, "If it¡¯s anyone making the killing blow, it¡¯d probably be Tao Chen, the Nine Gate Infantry Commander. Thus, I¡¯ll make a move against him first."

    "You¡¯ll bite him to death?" the little gyrfalcon asked.

    "We, we haven¡¯t reached that point quite yet," Ning Xiaoyao said. "First, I need to figure out what kind of people Tao Chen prepared as his assassins. Once I know, we can move before these assassins and finish them off first. Wouldn¡¯t everything be all right then? Which one of you guys has siblings at the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate? And at Tao Chen¡¯s own home?"

    "This cat."

    "Oil Jar!"

    "Me, chirp~"

    "We have some too, tweet tweet~"

    ... ...

    All of the animals expressed their contacts.

    "Then that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do," Ning Xiaoyao pped the tea table soundly.

    Oh! All of the little animals felt that it had all been a very simple affair. Xiaoyao¡¯s so amazing!

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her chest. Just earlier, she¡¯d felt that life was iparably tragic. She even wanted to run away and go die. But now she had revived to her hot-blooded self. She wasn¡¯t even afraid of zombies, so why should she be afraid of human affairs? When there were difficulties in your way, you had to face them head on.

    "Then let¡¯s set out," Big Boss ck said. He was the first to lead the way with his fellow cats. The rest of the animals all scattered to their respective tasks, braving the night in spite of its rain.

    "Great Immortal," Ning Xiaoyao called the weasel back. "When do the people from the empress dowager¡¯s pce make contact with Little Peach Blossom?"

    "Make contact?" Yellow Big Immortal echoed.

    "As in, when do they meet up?"

    "Two days from now."

    "Alright," Ning Xiaoyao nodded. "Two days from now, I¡¯ll take Windy to see Little Peach Blossom¡¯s true face."

    Yellow Great Immortal looked at Ning Xiaoyao again. "Xiaoyao, you have to believe me. Even if Supreme Commander¡¯s angry now, he won¡¯t stay mad at you for long."

    "Is it because I have gorgeous looks, an ethereal bearing, celestial fragrance, and am kind and cute?" Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    "......" said Yellow Great Immortal.

    "Alright, I know what you mean, Great Immortal," Ning Xiaoyao hung her head. As expected, she didn¡¯t fit any of those descriptions at all.

    Yellow Great Immortal suddenly broke into a smile as he perched on the window sill. His eyes narrowed before he told her, "Xiaoyao, you¡¯re very good."

    "Hm?" Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head whipped up.

    But Yellow Great Immortal had already jumped off the ledge and ran into the rain. Soon enough, he disappeared.

    "Xiaoyao, I¡¯m going to keep my masterpany," the little gyrfalcon flew over to nuzzle Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face.

    "Go on," Ning Xiaoyao said as she promised, "I¡¯ll take responsibility for finding Windy a good girl. If Little Peach Blossom won¡¯t cut it, I¡¯ll find him another flower."

    "Mm," the little gyrfalcon trusted Ning Xiaoyao 100 percent.

    After he flew away, Ning Xiaoyao ran to Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s room for a look. The man was still sleeping soundly, though his eyebrows were furrowed into a thick crease. Ning Xiaoyao rested her hand against his forehead and spent some time smoothing out his brows.

    "I will save Elder Brother Lou," Ning Xiaoyao murmured into his ear. Then she touched him with her fingertips as a pale green light sank into the skin of his forehead.

    Lou Zigui had been dreaming of war and warriors, his family¡¯s corpses scattered into pieces across a wild and bloodsoaked wastnd. Then there were the white streamers flying above the mourning hall and the pained, hopeless sobs of his various sister-inws. As the world became bathed in blood, a sudden scent of fresh grass and trees filtered into the dream. Lou Zigui lifted his head from his kneeling position in a blood-soaked puddle of the mourning hall and saw a young girl standing before him with sparkling eyes. Their surroundings shifted to the execution tform and the hordes of angry, screaming people about them, but he only had eyes for her. She smiled at him as the world shifted. Rain fell in a fine drizzle against the light of the setting sun, leaving nothing but him and this girl in the entire world.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to nt a kiss against Lou Zigui¡¯s forehead. "Have a good dream," she said.

    In his dream, Lou Zigui suddenly tasted the sweetness of osmanthus honey on his lips.

    After leaving Lou Zigui¡¯s room, Ning Xiaoyao ran to the windows of Qin Xin¡¯s bedroom to have a peek. Qin Xin was already sleeping with the snow wolf pup by her side. Qin Xuan sat by her bedside, staring intently at her dreaming form. Ning Xiaoyao quietly slipped away to standing in the covered walkway. Her sharp ears heard noises from the front courtyard--snatches of conversation from the Dragon Guards. They were talking about how Little Peach Blossom had made walnut cake for Shadowgale today, and how lucky theirmander was. Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled after hearing that, so she covered her ears with her hands.

    This just won¡¯t do, Ning Xiaoyao thought. She couldn¡¯t let the empress dowager off just like that. Anyways, since it was impossible for her to sleep, His Majesty Ning decided to visit the empress dowager¡¯s pce instead. If she wasn¡¯t happy, then the empress dowager couldn¡¯t be happy, either!

    --

    Empress Dowager Xie had just thrown a temper tantrum at her pce. None of the mama in her hall dared to speak a word, but could only hope that their mistress would calm down soon.

    A head steward ran into the pce and murmured, "Esteemed Empress Dowager, the Grand Preceptor ordered someone to deliver a letter to you."

    "Speak," Empress Dowager Xie adjusted her hair as she held back her rage to listen. A pce mama entered the hall and knelt down to pay obeisance to the empress dowager. Empress Dowager Xie had never seen this mama before, but when she recalled all the people her father had arranged in the pce, she didn¡¯t bother to ask after this mama¡¯s origins. "Where is the message?" she asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao had flipped over the empress dowager¡¯s pce walls by now. When her ears caught wind of the empress dowager¡¯s voice, she quickly ran towards her hall.

 Chapter 107: A large house on Fragrant Gauze Alley

    <h4>Chapter 107: Arge house on Fragrant Gauze Alley</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s letter was only a few lines at most. It told Empress Dowager Xie to keep enduring, while thest line read: It is impossible for your oldest younger brother to recover from his blow. If you insist on protecting him, it¡¯ll harm the image of our Xie n. This subject has already written to admit his wrongs. In addition, Xie Anwu has betrayed the n and is currently inside the pce.

    Empress Dowager Xie held the letter in her right hand while her left pressed against the armrest of her chair. Waves cascaded in her heart, but she knew that there was nothing else she could do. The mama who delivered the letter remained standing with her head bowed. She seemed much calmer than the other mama in the empress dowager¡¯s pce, who didn¡¯t even dare to breathe.

    ¡°It was n¨¦e Qin who was ipetent,¡± Empress Dowager Xie snarled, ¡°She¡¯s the one who couldn¡¯t earn her husband¡¯s favor, but in the end it was my little brother who was in the wrong? She deserves to die! And that son of a servant, Xie Anwu, he deserves to die too!¡±

    Nobody replied to her words. N¨¦e Qin was currently under the protection of His Majesty, so what could the mama say?

    ¡°Go take out 5,000 taels worth of silver drafts,¡± Empress Dowager Xie ordered a mama by her side. The mama hastily went to the inner rooms before returning with a few silver drafts.

    ¡°Take these out of the pce,¡± Empress Dowager Xie instructed the mama who delivered the letter. ¡°I want to give this to my brother. You must be sure to give them into his hands. Also, pass on this message: Even if I can¡¯t live in this empress dowager¡¯s pce, I¡¯m still going to protect him.¡±

    Compared to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s resolution to break off rtions, Empress Dowager Xie wasn¡¯t quite so ruthless towards the Xie n¡¯s eldest son by the first wife. She had known Xie Anyi for years and had grown up with him as siblings. For the sake of those feelings, Empress Dowager Xie refused to see his future prospects ruined into a life of despair.

    The mama who delivered the letter epted the silver drafts, knelt down to kowtow to Empress Dowager Xie, and retreated from the pce. Empress Dowager Xie waved a hand and sent the covers of her bed tumbling to the ground. Then her tea set and fruit bowl were smashed into pieces against the floor. The various mama still left in the pce still didn¡¯t dare to make a peep. The empress dowager had been left in dire straits after fighting a few rounds with His Majesty without gaining a single advantage. They couldn¡¯t figure out how she was nning to protect her brother in her current state.

    Ning Xiaoyao ground her teeth as she spied on the scene from the roof. 5,000 taels of silver in silver drafts! She was poor as death, but the empress dowager could take out 5,000 taels on a whim! Oil Jar was perched on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder, and both of them were thoroughly drenched by the rain. When he heard Ning Xiaoyao grind her teeth, he rolled his eyes in thought before speaking.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, it¡¯s okay if the empress dowager doesn¡¯t like you. Supreme Commander likes you fine, ah. Just think, she¡¯ll definitely die before you, so it¡¯ll be Supreme Commander who¡¯ll always stay by your side.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips twitched. In the eyes of this little mouse, were she and Supreme Commander Lou already married? ¡°That there,¡± she said as she stroked his head. ¡°Right now Supreme Commander and I are hated enemies. My old dad killed his father and brothers, oh.¡±

    Oil Jar said, ¡°Will it work if you apologize to Supreme Commander?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on the roof, her eyes following after the mama who had delivered the letter to the empress dowager. When she heard Oil Jar¡¯s question, she suddenly remembered a well-known saying in her world. If apologies worked, would zombies still bite you? She heaved a long sigh before taking Oil Jar to jump off the roof, leaving a hole via exposed roof tile behind her.

    Because Ning Xiaoyao had been blocking the hole with her body, no rain had fallen through. But now that she was gone, raindrops fell through the hole to drip onto the boxes below. The sound of the rain outsidepletely muffled the noise for Empress Dowager Xie and her mama. A fine drizzle began to fall within the pce...

    --

    ¡°Xiaoyao, where are we going?¡± Oil Jar asked in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao had randomly plucked a luxuriant, leafy vine from a flower bed as she walked by. As she braided the vine, she said, ¡°Supreme Commander told me that no one¡¯s able to enter the empress dowager¡¯s pce. So how did that subordinate of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s get in?¡±

    Oil Jar said, ¡°She flew inside.¡± He¡¯d seen how that mama had flew right over the pce walls.

    ¡°That¡¯s flipping over the wall, thanks,¡± Ning Xiaoyao finished weaving her hat of vines and ces it on Oil Jar¡¯s head. ¡°Judging by that mama, I can tell that the Grand Preceptor has an informationwork in the pce.¡±

    Oil Jar didn¡¯t know what an informationwork was, but it sounded serious.

    ¡°If I follow her, I might be able to find out the other members of the informationwork,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were bright and piercing in the rain. She¡¯d track down the members of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s informationwork within the pce, then take the silver drafts from their very hands!

    Ning Xiaoyao followed the mama to theundry department, then a head eunuch who came in contact with her from the Department of Rites. A younger eunuch from the same department met with the head eunuch, so Ning Xiaoyao followed him next to the imperial kitchens, where he talked to a middle-aged mama. She took a break with Oil Jar in the kitchens by splitting a mantou between them before following the mama to the clothing department. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know much about the pce, but she ended up trailing the members of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s informationwork until she went through all 24 offices and departments within the pce itself.

    ¡°So, so many people, ah!¡± Oil Jar had already turned dizzy from all the stalking, and sighed.

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently tailing a vegetable delivery cart outside the pce. She ground her teeth and said to Oil Jar, ¡°See how ruthless our enemies are!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie even had subordinates housed in unupied residences within the pce. Was this the imperial pce, or a second Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Ning Xiaoyao felt thoroughly stifled. One of the gate guards opened the door to allow the horse cart to pass before closing it immediately. He felt something pass by over his head during the process, but when he looked up, all he saw was rain and a dark night sky.

    Was I imagining things? The imperial guard blinked before returning to his post.

    Oil Jar pped once they were out of the pce. ¡°Xiaoyao, so you can fly, too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was quite modest. ¡°That was just a jump.¡±

    Jumping like flying? Oil Jar expressed his admiration of Ning Xiaoyao once more. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Oil Jar with an expression that invited him to praise her some more, even as she said, ¡°Let¡¯s not create a personality cult around me, ah.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you¡¯re so amazing,¡± Oil Jar sighed.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes crinkled into a smile. It feels great to be praised~

    The horse cart headed towards the north of the city, crisscrossing through streets and alleys and even over six separate bridges. Finally, it entered into a long, narrowne. Oil Jar nced at thene and said, ¡°This is Fragrant Gauze Alley. Xiaoyao, Oil Lamp lives around here.¡±

    The horse cart stopped before the third house on the left. Ning Xiaoyao recalled that Oil Lamp had told her this was where the head steward of the Xie n, Xie Laibao, kept his lover. The middle-aged driver walked up to the door and softly knocked against its surface. It opened just wide enough to fit five fingers in the crack. The horse cart driver only spoke a few words with the person inside, before handing over his oil-paper package containing the empress dowager¡¯s silver drafts. Then he returned to his cart, whipped the horse, and kept going.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to the newly shut door and lifted her head to look at the two meter tall gates. So Grand Preceptor Xie knows that Xie Laibao has a lover as well as a wife? One of them keeps a mistress, while the other keeps a lover. They¡¯re a pair of scoundrels! (Author: Why are you worrying about those kind of details at a time like this?)

    ¡°Should we go in?¡± Oil Jar asked nervously.

    Ning Xiaoyao pressed her ear against the door to listen for sounds inside. Once she was sure there was nobody near, she patted Oil Jar¡¯s backfortingly and scaled the wall on the right side of the door to get inside.

    ¡°Should I go find Oil Lamp?¡± Oil Jar asked in a small voice.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If you can¡¯t find me, we¡¯ll arrange to reconvene here.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Oil Jar jumped off of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and disappeared like a streak of smoke. Ning Xiaoyao ran ahead until she caught up with the gatekeeper. He was dressed like a retainer of the house, and she followed him all the way through the covered corridor and two separate courtyards before they reached a little flower garden. Ning Xiaoyao saw the retainer enter a hazy, candlelit room and give the silver drafts to the middle-aged person within. He also repeated Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s message word by word before withdrawing to leave.

    The middle-aged person sat staring at the oilpaper package in the room for a long time before rising to their feet. They pressed a switch located at the top of a treasure cab to reveal a secretpartment hidden in the wall, then slipped the silver drafts inside. Next, the middle-aged person closed the hiddenpartment and blew out the candle before leaving the room that resembled a study. Ning Xiaoyao stood, waiting outside the window until she was sure the person wasn¡¯t returning, before running inside the room and pressing the switch herself. The entire process took less than two seconds for her.

    The hiddenpartment was quiterge, and insidey two copper boxes as well as a stack of letters. In addition, Ning Xiaoyao noticed as she grinned from ear to ear, there were 24 sheafs of silver drafts! She didn¡¯t have time to count all the money, but stuffed the letters and silver drafts into the oilpaper package from the empress dowager. Then she took off her outer robes and wrapped them around the package as well as the two copper boxes. Once she ced everything on her back, she left the room in high spirits. She¡¯d struck it rich again, so she hadn¡¯te in vain.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Oil Lamp cried. He¡¯d followed Oil Jar to track her down by her scent.

    ¡°Shh!¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed the banisters of the covered walkway and crouched down. Two guards on night watch were standing at the other end of the walkway.

    One of them shone thentern in the walkway and said, ¡°What was that?¡±

    ¡°Squeak, squeak~¡± Oil Jar made some noise.

    The two guards left when they heard the mouse squeak. They had no obligation to catch mice for their master. Ning Xiaoyao sat on the floor of the corridor as she felt Oil Lamp¡¯s recovered tail. ¡°Have you been doing welltely, Oil Lamp?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m doing very well,¡± Oil Lamp said. ¡°Xiaoyao, Oil Jar said you came to catch some bad guys. Did you get them?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted the giant bundle on her back with a grin. ¡°I struck it rich.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Oil Lamp and Oil Jar. What about the bad guys?

    ¡°Ahhh!¡±

    In the midst of her happiness, she heard a distant scream.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Oil Jar scrambled up to perch on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder again.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to point in the direction of the scream. ¡°It sounds like someone¡¯s being hurt over there.¡±

    Oil Lamp looked in the direction she was pointing and ran up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder as well, sitting right next to Oil Jar. He lowered his voice and said, ¡°That¡¯s the back gardens of the estate. Rumors say there¡¯s a big treasure deposit there!¡±

    A depository of treasures, or a treasure depot? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes shone.

    Oil Jar said, ¡°But Xiaoyao said someone was being hurt over there. Elder cousin, have you never gone to the back gardens before?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a big green snake who lives there called King Flower. We can¡¯t go to a ce like that,¡± Oil Lamp said seriously.

    Ning Xiaoyao and Oil Jar both fell silent.

    ¡®So did King Flower just bite someone?¡¯ thought Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡®Elder cousin Oil Lamp¡¯s house even has a giant snake, how terrifying!¡¯ thought Oil Jar.

 Chapter 108: Basement reeking of blood

    <h4>Chapter 108: Basement reeking of blood</h4>

    Please note that this chapter contains graphic descriptions of gore.

    The back gardens of the estate had a pond and rockery formations, as well as a little copse of forest. It didn¡¯t look particrly special.

    Oil Lamp said, ¡°These are the back gardens!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Do I need to dig?¡± Judging from what she saw, the only possible ce to hide any treasures would be underground. Also, it smelled pretty bad, so Ning Xiaoyao could sense that it was a foul ce. The paved cobblestone floor was submerged in deep water. Arge, long ck shadow swam close to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet before standing upright.

    ¡°Squeak!¡± Oil Jar and Oil Lamp cried in rm. What a big snake!

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to mp the snake''s mouth shut before she said sternly, ¡°If you don¡¯t bite us, then I won¡¯t beat you up.¡±

    King Flower attempted to struggle free a few times. The girl before him now looked small and skinny, but her strength went well beyond his imagination. He was unable to open his mouth at all.

    ¡°Are you biting us or not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    King Flower waved his tail back and forth.

    ¡°Does that mean you won¡¯t bite us?¡± Oil Lamp asked.

    King Flower pped the surface of the water with his tail. Ning Xiaoyao let him go. Shaking his tail meant shaking his head, while pping the water meant a nod. This she could understand.

    ¡°You¡¯re Ning Xiaoyao?¡± King Flower backed up a step to loom over her.

    ¡°Yeah, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    King Flower¡¯s tongue flickered in and out. ¡°So the rumors were true after all.¡±

    ¡°Were they about how brave and wise I am?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°.........¡± said King Flower. Where does this girl get her self-confidence from?

    Oil Lamp asked, ¡°King Flower, do you know where the treasure deposit is hidden?¡±

    King Flower said, ¡°There¡¯s no treasure deposit here.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± the two mice and one human chorused in disappointment.

    ¡°There really isn¡¯t any,¡± King Flower said, ¡°Money is useless to me anyways.¡±

    If there wasn¡¯t any treasure, then why should she bother standing around in the rain? Ning Xiaoyao wanted to leave. A nce at King Flower told her that the snake had just eaten a meal, because its stomach looked bloated. She asked dully, ¡°Just what did you eat to grow so big?¡± His stomach looked big enough to fit half a calf inside. Did the people at this estate buy meat just to feed this snake?

    King Flower opened his mouth. Oil Lamp and Oil Jar were so terrified that they ducked behind Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cor to hide. Was King Flower nning to eat them too? Ning Xiaoyao stared wide-eyed as King Flower spat out his food--the lower body of a young man, covered in fresh blood and digestive fluids from the snake¡¯s stomach as it soaked in the rain.

    ¡°Y-you ate a human?¡± Ning Xiaoyao backed away as she grew guarded.

    King Flower¡¯s tongue flickered as he spoke with the characteristically chilly tone of all snakes, ¡°A dead human. Every few days, they throw me human corpses to eat.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    Oil Lamp and Oil Jar stared at the body before ducking their heads again. King Flowerughed hoarsely. ¡°Mice eat dead organisms too. Why are you two so squeamish?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve never seen this before because they¡¯re inexperienced. Please excuse them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before mentally pping herself. This isn¡¯t the point! ¡°Where did the dead peoplee from?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s in it for me if I tell you?¡± King Flower asked in reply. He couldn¡¯t give up the chance to make a deal with the humans¡¯ emperor.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say money is useless for you?¡±

    King Flower replied, ¡°Can¡¯t you think of anything else besides money?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over carefully. ¡°What about a basket full of meatbuns?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± went Oil Lamp and Oil Jar. You want to win over a giant snake with a single basket of meatbuns? Xiaoyao, you¡¯re too naive.

    King Flower looked at Ning Xiaoyao without saying a word.

    ¡°Two baskets.¡±

    King Flower still didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°Three baskets, and no more,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I can have the justice courts investigate where these people died, too. Moreover, meatbuns taste much better than human corpses.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± King Flower had his doubts.

    ¡°Yes, I swear it on my character and moral integrity,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped herself on the chest.

    ¡°Alright, you said three baskets,¡± King Flower nodded. This girl was the emperor. From what he knew, emperors spoke pearly words from golden mouths, so their utterances carried great weight. She shouldn¡¯t be lying to him.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers formed into a V for victory sign. When she returned, she¡¯d have the head chef in the kitchens make some mini-sized meatbuns. That way, she could cut down on costs, too. (Author: You¡¯re betraying King Flower¡¯s faith in you so soon? ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q )

    ¡°..........¡± said Oil Lamp and Oil Jar. She actually seeded. Xiaoyao¡¯s so amazing!

    ¡°Just like how your whole family lives in the pce, my whole family lives in this pond,¡± King Flower said as he led Ning Xiaoyao towards the rock formations.

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched her hands into fists. She felt like she¡¯d gotten a tongueshing when the snake mentioned her ¡®family.¡¯ Now she felt like she wanted to fight him, what to do?

    ¡°Do you see that cave in the decorative rock formation?¡± King Flower said as he crawled up the rocks with Ning Xiaoyao while tilting his head to the left. ¡°Go inside. There¡¯s a stone door there. That¡¯s where they send up the dead bodies.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked around her before she whispered, ¡°Howe there¡¯s no one standing guard?¡±

    ¡°Nobody dares toe over here,¡± King Flower said in a gloomy tone.

    That makes sense. Even Oil Lamp didn¡¯t have the guts, much less humans. Ning Xiaoyao felt like she¡¯d uncovered the truth of the matter and nodded at King Flower. Then she adjusted the parcel on her back and brought the two mice with her to enter the cave. The stone door was located on the left side of the cave and covered with moss. Ning Xiaoyao pushed against it once with her hands, but it didn¡¯t budge.

    Oil Jar said, ¡°Do we need a key?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t see any locks on the door, nor a keyhole. She pressed her ear against its surface to listen for sounds inside, but heard nothing. Backing up a few steps, she rubbed her fists and dug her fingers into her palms. ¡°It looks like we¡¯ll have to tear it down by force,¡± she told Oil Lamp and Oil Jar.

    Both mice widened their eyes.

    Smashing the door would only attract attention, so Ning Xiaoyao simply pushed against it with all her might. Get out of the way, you!

    The stone door rumbled. Oil Lamp and Oil Jar felt their hair stand on end when they saw Ning Xiaoyao push open the door. Outside the cave, King Flower¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor. Is that girl even human?!

    As soon as the door gave way, a thick stench of blood poured through the entrance. Ning Xiaoyao knitted her eyebrows as she took a step forward and peered down the stone steps on the other side.

    ¡°It¡¯s the scent of human blood,¡± Oil Jar said quietly.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured in assent. She couldn¡¯t even see her fingers before her in such darkness. Despite this, she flew down the steps, her gically enhanced senses allowing her to discern objects in the dark. The stench of blood grew heavier the farther they descended, and Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart leapt to her throat. Did a cemetery of corpses await them below? Was Grand Preceptor Xie some sort of deviant that loved murder as much as he adored power?

    About 20 meters down, they saw a hint of light. Oil Lamp said, ¡°Be careful, Xiaoyao. There are people over there.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded as she clenched her fists.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± a guard by the entrance to the stone steps caught sight of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shadow and shouted in rm.

    Ning Xiaoyao swung her fist at his face. The man fell to the ground with blood pouring out of his nose. Before he could shout again, Ning Xiaoyao kicked him unconscious. Themotion drew ten more guards to the steps, each of them strong men wielding swords.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, be careful!¡± Oil Lamp and Oil Jar cried out at the same time.

    When the men saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face, their first reaction was shock. Ning Xiaoyao picked up a chair from the side and charged towards the stunned men. Ever sinceing to this world, she¡¯d yet to meet anyone who was her match. This time she was as brave as ever as she fought. It didn¡¯t matter whether she used bricks or chairs, because she still ground her opponents to dust. The men didn¡¯t even have time to flee and pass on a warning before Ning Xiaoyao knocked them all out in a bloody heap on the ground.

    In the aftermath, she brought the chair along with her to travel deeper into the stone rooms. After walking through a brief hallway, she suddenly came upon a room flooded with light. The scene before her made her hands go ck, and her chair ttered to the ground. There were five men standing in this room. Around them were 20 iron frame beds, and all along the walls were a dozen or so cages about half the height of a full-grown man. A person was locked in one such cage. The floor was covered in water, as if someone had just washed its surface.

    The five standing men were both rmed and astounded by the sight of Ning Xiaoyao. Some of them even wore incredulous expressions.

    ¡°W-who are you?¡± an old man with sunken cheeks and a sharp knife in his hand asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran towards the five men and the bed they had surrounded, closing the distance so quickly that it looked like she had leapt through time. There was a young man chained to the bed, covered in blood. His body was uninjured, but his face had been reduced to a badly mangled mess. The skin on his nose and lips had been cut apart and turned inside out, revealing the nasal bone and gums within. Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to touch his chest. Though his body was still warm, his heart had stopped beating, which meant that he¡¯d only died recently.

    ¡°You are...¡± the old man was still asking questions.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her fist and swung it around in a circle, effectively knocking all five men to the ground. Before they could cry out, Ning Xiaoyao knocked out all their teeth with her kicks. Two of the men lost consciousness just from choking on all the blood in their mouth, while the other three were left half-conscious with pain, red liquid flowing from between their lips.

    ¡°What were you nning to change about his face?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked coldly. Judging by the cuts on the youth¡¯s face, they had forced him to undergo a surgical facelift.

    The old man covered his mouth to stare at Ning Xiaoyao, who raised her foot to kick him. He let out a cry of agony as Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s foot broke all the bones in his fingers, before cking out from pure pain.

    ¡°Speak!¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the two men who were still conscious.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let them off!¡± the young man still stuck in the cage fumed.

    ¡°It, it has nothing to do with us...¡±

    Bang! Ning Xiaoyao kicked the stammering middle-aged man into one of the metal cages. Chaining someone to a bed and forcing surgery on them until they died has nothing to do with you?!

    ¡°Let me out, hurry!¡± the only upant of the cages shouted as he banged against the bars. There was a giant lock on his cage, but Ning Xiaoyao simply snapped it in half before opening the door. The young man crawled out of the cage and nced at Ning Xiaoyao beneath the light. Immediately after that, both him and Ning Xiaoyao were stunned.

    ¡°.......¡± said the young man. Heavens, why does this person look so much like me?

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. The hell, why does this person have a 70% resemnce to me?

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao and the young man asked at the same time.

    ¡°I...I¡¯m Ning Xiaoluo[1. Ning Xiaoluo (ÄþÏþÂä) - Ning is the same character as Ning Xiaoyao, and means ¡°peaceful, tranquil,¡± Xiaoluo is ¡°descent of dawn/daybreak.¡±] from the Duke of Yue¡¯s[2. Duke of Yue (Ô½¹ú¹«) - yue guogong, simr to the Duke of State--a third-rank official of the imperial government--only attached to a specific location. In this case, the state of Yue in the country of Yongning. Yue means ¡°exceed, overstep, superior, plunder.¡±] estate.¡± the youth exined in surprise.

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. His name makes it sound like we¡¯re rted.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Are you part of the imperial nsmen?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°No,¡± the young Ning shook his head. ¡°Our Duke of Yue¡¯s estate was bestowed the surname of ¡®Ning¡¯ by His Majesty. Who are you, ah?¡± This guy, he can¡¯t be one of my father¡¯s bastard sons, right? The third young master of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate quaked with shock. Otherwise, father¡¯s going to be in big trouble.

 Chapter 109: Thereâ€™s no need to use knives on my face

    <h4>Chapter 109: There''s no need to use knives on my face</h4>

    The Duke of Liang was one of the thirteen dukes who¡¯d fought with the Ning n¡¯s ancestors in the past to establish the current reigning dynasty. They¡¯d been conferred with the surname of Ning, hadmander-in-chiefs who took captive prisoners-of-war, and guarded the nine sectors of Yongning¡¯s southwest region up to the present day.

    ¡°My father is the Duke of Yue, Ning Heng.[1. Ning Heng (Äþºã) - Heng means ¡°perseverance.¡±] My eldest brother is a cavalry general, his name¡¯s Ning Xiaomu,[2. Ning Xiaomu (ÄþÏþÄº) - Xiao means ¡°dawn, daybreak,¡± Mu means ¡°dusk, evening, sunset.¡±] and my second eldest brother is General Ning Xiaoxi¨¡o,[3. Ning Xiaoxi¨¡o (ÄþÏþÏô) - Xiao means ¡°dawn, daybreak,¡± Xi¨¡o means ¡°deste, dreary.¡± Please note that the two xiaos are pronounced with different tones in Chinese.] whomands one of the garrison posts.¡± Ning Xiaoluo said proudly to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Then what kind of general are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked in curiosity.

    Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s face stiffened.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re not one at all,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly understood.

    Ning Xiaoluo was quick to exin himself. ¡°My body¡¯s not very good, so I can¡¯t practice martial arts.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao observed the boy, who was taller than her by half a head, and patted his shoulder sympathetically. ¡°Try a bit harder. Maybe you¡¯ll still have a chance to grow taller.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo looked at Ning Xiaoyao, unsatisfied. ¡°You¡¯re not even as tall as me. My mother said I was born as a boy who looked like a girl, but you¡¯re a boy who looks even more girly than me!¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. You really want topare yourself with a female to see who¡¯s more girly?

    Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s head turned to look at the youth on the metal bed before his mood turned somber. ¡°He was still alive a moment ago,¡± he said.

    ¡°How did you get captured?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was looking around for something to cover up the body, but she couldn¡¯t find anything.

    ¡°I was captured as soon as I entered the city gates,¡± Ning Xiaoluo took off his outer robes and draped them over the dead body on the bed.

    ¡°What did youe to the capital for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next.

    ¡°It was almost the Grand Preceptor¡¯s birthday, so I came to give him a present,¡± Ning Xiaoluo said, before he angrily waved his arms. ¡°Just wait ¡®til I tell the Grand Preceptor about this. He¡¯ll definitely kill these bastards.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. After all that effort, I ended up saving a young member of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction!

    ¡°Benefactor, why are youughing like that?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently thinking over the course of events. Something about this felt off. This boy was part of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction, so why would Grand Preceptor Xie want him dead? ¡°You,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she prepared to beat him up, ¡°These are part of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s grounds, ah. You went to give him a present, but why did he have you captured? Did he not like your gift?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo was bbergasted.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know you¡¯re on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s property?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s gaze changed as he stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You must be on the same side as those guys. You¡¯re acting out a y to win my trust. Speak, what do you want?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to spit up blood. ¡°Are you a doofus?¡± His Majesty Ning asked the Third Young Master Ning.

    ¡°I won¡¯t believe you,¡± Ning Xiaoluo backed away.

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to talk to that idiot anymore. She looked at the five men sprawled on the ground. All of their fingers had been broken by her attacks. How could someone who studied medicine try to hurt people? I¡¯ll make it impossible for you to practice medicine for the rest of your life!

    Ning Xiaoluo kept backing away. Despite being born in a general¡¯s family, he was the type who pondered over minute details and feared the sight of blood.

    ¡°You take care,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shot a nce at the blockhead before picking up the dead patient¡¯s corpse and turning to leave. Ning Xiaoluo hesitated for a few seconds before running after her.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you think I was a bad guy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Even if you are, I still want to get out of here,¡± Ning Xiaoluo replied.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s Grand Preceptor Xie who¡¯s the real viin here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it,¡± the third young master Ning replied. ¡°My paternal grandmother was handkerchief friends[4. handkerchief friends (ÊÖÅÁ½») - shoupa jiao, a colloquial term that means ¡®childhood friends,¡¯ especially when ites to female friendships.] with the Old Madame of the Xie n.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a handkerchief friend?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°It means they¡¯re good sisters,¡± Third Young Master Ning replied.

    ¡°Biological sisters?¡±

    ¡°Sworn sisters.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao smiled coldly upon hearing his exnation. Grand Preceptor Xie was even capable of hurting his own granddaughter, much less sworn rtives. What were they worth in that old man¡¯s eyes?

    ¡°You,¡± Ning Xiaoluo noticed Oil Lamp and Oil Jar on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You have mice on your shoulders.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m raising them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered.

    ¡°.......¡± said Third Young Master Ning. There are people who keep mice as pets? These capital city people sure know how to fool around!

    The stone room beyond the first one was still strewn with the unconscious forms of the various men. At the foot of the stone steps was King Flower, who stuck out its tongue at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Hisssss.....¡±

    ¡°Snake!¡± Ning Xiaoluo cried out in rm.

    Ning Xiaoyao simply pretended that Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t exist.

    ¡°Hurry and get out of here,¡± King Flower said. ¡°The Grand Preceptor sent men over, they¡¯re nning to burn this ce down.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao grew rmed. ¡°I¡¯ve been exposed?¡±

    King Flower shook his head. ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be it. They didn¡¯t mention you at all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo was wondering whether he was going crazy. Why does it look like Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s talking to the snake?

    ¡°Get on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bent down to offer King Flower a perch. ¡°I run really fast, so I can get you out of here.¡±

    King Flower crept forward and wrapped himself around Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s waist. Ning Xiaoluo was so scared he wanted to scream, but Ning Xiaoyao simply grabbed his cor and threatened, ¡°I¡¯ll leave you behind if you dare to shout!¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo pped a hand over his mouth, and Ning Xiaoyao pulled him along as she ran up to the surface. Third Young Master Ning felt the wind whistling past his ears as he was dragged along, his feet not even touching the ground. The gales were so fierce that he couldn¡¯t even keep his eyes open. By the time he finally managed to open them, he discovered that he was standing outside of the basement chamber.

    ¡°This, this is a rock formation?¡± Ning Xiaoluo said as he observed the cave and decorative rocks about them. Ning Xiaoyao pulled Ning Xiaoluo with her as she leapt off the formation. As soon as shended, she heard quick footstepsing towards the rocks.

    Ning Xiaoluo opened his mouth. ¡°Where is this--¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Once again, Ning Xiaoyao dragged Ning Xiaoluo behind her as she scaled the wall by the flower gardens. Fortunately, a Chinese schr tree was growing right by the wall, its luxuriant spread of leaves a perfect cover that hid Ning Xiaoyao and Ning Xiaoluo. Stooping on the wall, Ning Xiaoyaopletely ignored her humanpanion to ask King Flower, ¡°What about the rest of your family?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve already left,¡± King Flower said carelessly.

    ¡°They left?¡± His whole family scattered just like that, but he¡¯s still so calm? Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t get it.

    ¡°Is it just me, or are you talking to that snake?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fumed at Ning Xiaoluo. Speaking of which, why did I bring along a jerk who believes in Grand Preceptor Xie in the first ce? (Author: Don¡¯t you have to ask yourself for that? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Ning Xiaoluo unhappily stayed put by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. He looked at the ground beneath the wall, but it was too high for him to jump off...

    ¡°Then where will you go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still fretting for King Flower¡¯s sake.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find a new home,¡± King Flower was still calm and unperturbed. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine as long as I don¡¯t starve to death.¡±

    ¡°True, that¡¯s one of my life goals too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Twenty or so retainers dressed in the servant robes of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s estate ran into the gardens at this moment with lit torches in their hands.

    ¡°These are...¡± Ning Xiaoluo narrowed his eyes for a closer look. ¡°These are the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t say a word. She¡¯d already told him these were the Grand Preceptor¡¯s grounds, but the idiot hadn¡¯t believed her.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor sent people to rescue me!¡± Ning Xiaoluo was moved.

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips in contempt. He¡¯s so stupid, he¡¯s reached a whole new world altogether.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked Ning Xiaoyao next. ¡°Who are you? Who¡¯s your mother?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°There¡¯s no need for us to see each other in the future. You can just call me Anonymous.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever gone to the southwest?¡± Ning Xiaoluo probed.

    ¡°Nope. I haven¡¯t even explored the entire capital city yet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°What about your mother?¡±

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Empress Dowager Xie hadn¡¯t left the pce ever since she went in, except for the time she gave birth to Ning Yu.

    Now Third Young Master Ning could put his worries to rest. This boy couldn¡¯t possibly be one of his father¡¯s sons. Aside from a single trip with his wife to the capital 15 years ago, his father had lived in the southwest for his entire life. If the boy¡¯s mother had never gone to the southwest, then she never would have met his father.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. ¡°I think your questions are a little weird. Isn¡¯t there something off about them?¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± Ning Xiaoluo hastily shook his head. Anyone would be mad if you assumed who their father was, right? Especially a guy like this, who he could never hope to beat in a fight.

    The retainers carried their torches as they scaled the rock formation, pressed on the hidden switch, and re-opened the stone door that Ning Xiaoyao had carefully shut behind her. Then they simply started pouring oil onto the steps of the tunnel below.

    ¡°That smell,¡± Ning Xiaoluo sniffed the air furiously before his face paled. ¡°It¡¯s kerosene.¡± In the military, kerosene was used to burn down cities and cause widescale destruction. Third Young Master Ning had been familiar with its smell since he was young, so there was no way he¡¯d be mistaken.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked sarcastically. ¡°They¡¯re preparing to light a fire before they go and save you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo wiped the rainwater off his face and said, ¡°That¡¯s not right. Those people must be fakes. They just can¡¯t be the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to look at Ning Xiaoluo. Did the Grand Preceptor feed this kid a bewitching potion or something? Why is he so convinced that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s a good guy?

    ¡°They¡¯ve lit the oil on fire!¡± Oil Lamp squeaked. Ning Xiaoyao turned back to see ck smoke pouring out from the inside of the stone tunnel. All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s retainers had retreated to the base of the rockery.

    Shoot! Ning Xiaoyao suddenly recalled that there were still people in the basement! When she had ran out, it was under the assumption that the Grand Preceptor would never kill his own men. Now reality proved that she¡¯d thought too kindly of the man and his subordinates!

    ¡°Someone else¡¯s arrived,¡± Oil Jar squeaked.

    A gentleman wearing brocade robes walked into the courtyard while holding an umbre above his head. Two guards apanied him on each side withnterns in their hands. Ning Xiaoyao recognized the neer at a nce as one of the Xie sons she¡¯d punished earlier that day, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s third son Xie Anshi.

    ¡°I¡¯ve, I¡¯ve seen him before,¡± Ning Xiaoluo mumbled to himself.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen him before too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°He¡¯s Xie Anshi.¡±

    The ck smoke rolling out from the rockery had now changed to red, looking almost devilishly alluring beneath the rainy night.

    ¡°Poison smoke,¡± Ning Xiaoluo said.

    Ning Xiaoyao spat out a mouthful of rainwater that had trickled into her mouth. Then it¡¯s all over. There¡¯s no saving the people inside the basement now.

    Xie Anshi stood at the foot of the rockery and asked, ¡°The man you¡¯ve brought in today is inside there as well?¡±

    A retainer hastily replied with an affirmative. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Xie Anshi stared at the rock formations, which were now shrouded in a cloud of red smoke. ¡°Once the fire goes out, seal the basement.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to Ning Xiaoluo and murmured, ¡°Do you still think the Grand Preceptor¡¯s a good guy now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°W-why is it like this?¡±

    ¡°Think back carefully. When you were in the cage, what did those other people say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke as she guided Ning Xiaoluo along. ¡°They couldn¡¯t have stayed silent the whole time, right?¡±

    ¡°Those people were doctors,¡± Ning Xiaoluo replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao was beginning to wonder whether she should even try and continue the conversation with this idiot. If they weren¡¯t doctors, would they have known how to do face lift surgery on that boy?

    ¡°Those doctors said, that my face,¡± Ning Xiaoluo felt his own face, somewhat at a loss, ¡°They said that there was no need to use knives on my face.¡±

 Chapter 110: If youâ€™re not a lunatic, then youâ€™re a snake demon

    <h4>Chapter 110: If you''re not a lunatic, then you''re a snake demon</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s face. No need to use knives? Then that means those doctors were looking for a face like Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s. What does Grand Preceptor Xie need a face like that for? When she recalled the 70% simrity between both of their faces, she realized the answer for herself.

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled to herself. When she¡¯d patted Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s shoulder just then, she¡¯d ascertained that he was male. Grand Preceptor Xie must be searching for a recement to take my ce.

    ¡°W-what¡¯s up with my face?¡± Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s hairs stood on end from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s stare.

    ¡°Do you still believe that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s a good guy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Ning Xiaoluo shook his head. Even Xie Anshi had shown up at the scene. If he still insisted that this had nothing to do with Grand Preceptor Xie, then he¡¯d really be an idiot.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°You haven¡¯t gotten stupid to the point that you think Xie Anshi¡¯s doing this behind his father¡¯s back.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo gave a start at those words. ¡°That sounds pretty logical too.¡±

    If Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t worried about exposing themselves to the enemy, she would have thoroughly beat him up. Why are you soooo stupid?!

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you might as well let him die,¡± King Flower piped up. ¡°Even if he keeps living, his idiocy will kill him sooner orter.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo watched King Flower as he hissed continuously and leaned against Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Does he want to bite me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. A normal person like her couldn¡¯tmunicate with someone so mentally deficient. ¡°Think back on what happened. What else did those people say to you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoluo replied.

    ¡°Think again!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her fist at him.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoluo spent a long time thinking it over. ¡°They also said stuff like how something was perfect, and that it¡¯d gone to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. I, I didn¡¯t really hear them clearly.¡± He had been scared to death, so he was in no mind to listen to those bastards talk.

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. He¡¯s from a general¡¯s family, too? Compared to Supreme Commander, he¡¯s nothing.

    ¡°I, I want to leave,¡± Ning Xiaoluo said.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Xie Anshi. Perfect, gone to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. These words, whenbined together, held significant meaning. Had those heartless doctors actually seeded in creating her doppelganger and sent him to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Is that even possible? Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her eyebrows. She¡¯d paid a visit to the Imperial Physician Courtyard once, but discovered that this world didn¡¯t even have basic antibiotics. But stic surgery? Are you kidding me?

    Because Ning Xiaoyao had wrinkled her brows in deep thought, she looked rather expressionless and distant. Third Young Master Ning suddenly felt afraid to say another word. Instinct told him that his life might be in danger if he spoke up now. Eventually, Ning Xiaoyao hid her thoughts. I¡¯ll take it slowly. If the Xie n wants to fight, then we¡¯ll fight. There¡¯s nothing scary about that. She rubbed the glistening scales on King Flower¡¯s rain-drenched form and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    King Flower nodded his head.

    ¡°.........¡± said Third Young Master Ning. I wasn¡¯t mistaken, he¡¯s really talking to that snake!

    Ning Xiaoyao dragged Ning Xiaoluo with her and left thepound in the blink of an eye. There wasn¡¯t a single soul around thiste at night as she shivered from the cold.

    ¡°Where are the people who came with you to the capital?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Since this guy was the son of a duke, he wouldn¡¯t havee alone.

    Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s head drooped. ¡°They definitely went to ask the Grand Preceptor for help.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao spread her hands open. ¡°Then it¡¯s over, we¡¯ve got no luck. Grand Preceptor Xie must have killed them to silence any witnesses.¡±

    ¡°I, I want to see for myself,¡± Ning Xiaoluo stammered.

    ¡°Oh, then take care of yourself. Goodbye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she prepared to leave. If he wants to seek death, then there¡¯s no reason for me to stop him.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ning Xiaoluo saw that Ning Xiaoyao was leaving and panicked. He chased after her and cried, ¡°Can youe with me?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°I¡¯m from the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoluo emphasized.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have time even if you were part of the imperial n.¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoluo grit his teeth. ¡°If youe with me, I¡¯ll give you the Duke of Yue¡¯s present for Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    A profit! Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s steps stilled. Ning Xiaoluo shot her a hopeful look. ¡°Will that do?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right,¡± Oil Jar whispered in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. ¡°Xiaoyao, he was even captured by other people. Wouldn¡¯t they have snatched Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s present from him as well?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Oil Lamp chimed in, ¡°Xiaoyao, he must be trying to trick you!¡±

    Motherf***ing-- Ning Xiaoyao raised her fists. She¡¯d almost been cheated by this doofus! Fortunately, Oil Jar and Oil Lamp were both sharp. (Author: Your IQ can¡¯t evenpare to two little mice. Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you even a little ashamed? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Let¡¯s never see each other again,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told him.

    Just then it was ¡®goodbye,¡¯ but now it¡¯s ¡®never see each other again?!¡¯ Third Young Master Ning was shocked and reached out to grab her sleeve. In a loud voice, he demanded, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°You were captured and your men all killed,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at him coldly. ¡°Where do you think your family¡¯s present is now?¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Let go, or else I¡¯ll beat you up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s fingers, which were still clutching her sleeves.

    ¡°But I, but I can¡¯t go home,¡± Ning Xiaoluo had a death grip. He was very straightforward, with a straight face and a calm heart. ¡°I don¡¯t have any money.¡± He didn¡¯t even have a single copper coin, so was he supposed to beg his way back to the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate in Fengzhou?[1. Fengzhou (·îÖÝ) - Literally ¡°State of Feng,¡± or ¡°Feng State.¡± Feng means ¡°esteem, revere.¡±]

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t believe him. ¡°So now you even want to borrow money from me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo said, ¡°You¡¯re a denizen of the jianghu that steals chickens and dogs to live everyday. What kind of prospects could your future hold? If youe back to Fengzhou with me, my father and elder brothers will give you a good future.¡± This guy came into the basement with a big bundle on his back, but didn¡¯t want Xie Anshi to know he was there. If he¡¯s not a thief, what else could he be? Third Young Master Ning felt he was rather insightful when it came to judging others.

    ¡°He¡¯s so dumb,¡± Oil Jar said.

    ¡°Yeah, really stupid,¡± Oil Lamp seconded.

    King Flower¡¯s tongue flickered silently. He never spoke to humans who were idiots. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to talk to him either, because it was an insult to her intelligence. Instead, she raised her fist and gave the third young master of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate a thorough thrashing in the empty, rainy streets of night.

    Ning Xiaoluo rolled around on the ground while clutching his head. He decided to forget any lifesaving debts he owed to this guy. As long as he could make it to Fengzhou in one piece, he¡¯d make sure his father, mother, and brothers took revenge for him, ah!

    ¡°If you have any guts, then tell me your name!¡± Ning Xiaoluo shouted at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Name? I¡¯ll let you talk about names!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, before she struck his face. I can¡¯t believe this doofus looks like me! What if people say I look like that idiot in the future? I¡¯ll never ept it!

    In the end, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s thrashing left Ning Xiaoluo in tears. He¡¯d always been nurtured and protected by his family. Now as he rolled about in the rain, he wiped away his tears and cried, ¡°Sobsobsob, don¡¯t hit me.¡±

    Is he still a man? Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t stand watching him whimper anymore, so she continued to punch him.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to leave first,¡± King Flower had enough of watching the show. He slipped into a nearby water-logged depression and bid his farewells.

    ¡°Where are you nning to go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll meet again, Xiaoyao,¡± King Flower replied.

    ¡°Alright. King Flower, you have to take care,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t the kind of person who forcibly kept her pals by her side. King Flower was strong enough to survive on his own, so she respected his choice. The giant snake twisted his body before disappearing into the gutter by the side of the road.

    Ning Xiaoluo witnessed the entire exchange. He was sure the person before him now wasn¡¯t crazy, so he must be a snake demon instead! Because of that, he asked Ning Xiaoyao outright.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped beating him up in surprise.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re a lunatic,¡± Ning Xiaoluo said. ¡°So are you a snake demon?¡±

    Oil Jar and Oil Lamp covered their faces from their perch on the side of the street. Even mice like them were embarrassed by humans like him.

    ¡°Snake demon?! I¡¯ll snake demon you!¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to beat him up while Third Young Master Ning endured her blows.

    By now, Supreme Commander Lou had brought along Shadowgale and about 20 other men on horseback to follow the little gyrfalcon here. Third Young Master Ning¡¯s face was now so swollen that even his own parents wouldn¡¯t be able to recognize him.

    ¡°Save, save me!¡± Ning Xiaoluo shouted towards Supreme Commander Lou, who¡¯d gotten off his horse. That man doesn¡¯t look like a monster.

    ¡°He called me a demon!¡± Ning Xiaoyao tattled.

    Supreme Commander Lou looked at the pig-headed youth by his feet. Without a second thought, he lifted his leg and kicked him aside. His Majesty Ning felt greatly assuaged by the sight. ¡°Supreme Commander, ah, why did you guys...¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to ask why they came here, before a set of outer robes hit her in the face, then wrapped around her body.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold?¡± Lou Zigui asked. He had taken off his own robes.

    If His Majesty Ning had snuggled into Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s embrace at this moment like a little bird seeking warmth and murmured in a soft tone, ¡®Not anymore,¡¯ the scenery against the night spring rain would bepletely warm and romantic. Unfortunately, Ning Xiaoyao was a wet nket who spoiled the mood with her reply.

    ¡°Ah? I¡¯m not cold.¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°Why did you leave the pce on your own? What¡¯s that on your back?¡±

    ¡°You guys,¡± Behind them, Ning Xiaoluo propped himself up as he shouted.

    ng nk ng. There was the sounds of swords unsheathing before the Dragon Guards rested their des against Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s neck. Third Young Master Ning immediately shut up, his lips pressed into a fine line.

    ¡°This jerk¡¯s the third young master of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told them unhappily. ¡°He entered the city to give Grand Preceptor Xie a birthday gift, but the Grand Preceptor had him captured and nearly took his life. I saved him, but he came right back and cursed me as a demon!¡±

    How could Shadowgale and the rest allow that kind of thing? Cursing His Majesty was already a death sentence, but this little brat had even repaid kindness with enmity?

    ¡°Beat him up!¡±

    It was unknown which Dragon Guard raised the cry, but soon enough they were all punching and kicking Ning Xiaoluo. Lou Zigui rested his hand against his forehead. Was he the only one who heard Ning Xiaoyao say this was the third young master of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate?

    ¡°Alright already,¡± Supreme Commander Lou spoke up when it seemed like Ning Xiaoluo was about to expire.

    Supreme Commander Lou hadn¡¯t been very loud, but all of the Dragon Guards stopped. Third Young Master Ning remained sprawled on the ground, crying. Just who had he offended? The capital city was too frightening. He wanted to go home!

    Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Is he really the third young master of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°He said so himself,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°........¡± said Lou Zigui. So you believed him?

    Ning Xiaoyao smoothed out her sleeves. ¡°Dangit, so that jerk was lying to me about that too?¡±

    So, just how many times were you tricked? Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao back before she went to beat up Ning Xiaoluo again. ¡°I¡¯ll go ask him.¡± They couldn¡¯t beat up the guy anymore, or else he¡¯d die.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hit me,¡± Ning Xiaoluo sobbed as Lou Zigui drew near.

    ¡°This one is named Lou Zigui,¡± Supreme Commander Lou said as he looked at the boy. ¡°You said you were from the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. Do you have any proof?¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui?¡± Ning Xiaoluo rubbed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re that Cuckoo Lou who doomed his entire family to death and curses anyone who meets you to die?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°.........¡± said the Dragon Guards.

    Oil Jar heaved a sigh at his elder cousin Oil Lamp. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a human who seeks death as much as he does, squeak~¡±

 Chapter 111: Corpses, an addled youth

    <h4>Chapter 111: Corpses, an addled youth</h4>

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoluo before breaking into a smile. The curve of his lips made his smile look very warm and gentle. This was the first good impression Ning Xiaoluo had felt ever since being released from that cage. He was so moved that he started weeping openly, snot and all. ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re such a good guy.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head as she faced the Dragon Guards and pointed at her temples with a finger. All of the Dragon Guards understood: that boy had mental problems.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoluo had taken out a jade pendant from his robes and handed it over to Lou Zigui. ¡°This is a token of authentication from my Duke of Yue¡¯s estate.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao walked over to Lou Zigui¡¯s side with her fists clenched. ¡°Is this jerk seriously one of the Duke of Yue¡¯s men?¡±

    Lou Zigui examined both sides of the jade pendant, which was fashioned into the shape of a pixiu, before returning it to its owner. In a low voice, he asked, ¡°How could the Grand Preceptor have captured Third Young Master Ning in the first ce?¡±

    Third Young Master Ning couldn¡¯t figure out why or how his face had provoked Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s ire! He shook his head and murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered. ¡°That¡¯s because--mmph.¡± Supreme Commander Lou muffled His Majesty Ning¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s always dreamed of capturing forces from the military,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoluo. ¡°Perhaps you were but his first move against the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. The Duke of Yue¡¯s estate had even sent Grand Preceptor Xie a birthday present. They were on excellent terms, so why would that idiotic Ning boy believe Lou Zigui¡¯s words?

    Ning Xiaoluo only gaped at Lou Zigui, who lifted his hand to pluck a stray bristlegrass off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Quietly, he added, ¡°It¡¯s best if you leave the capital quickly. You¡¯ll be safe once you reach Fengzhou.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°Hurry and run away. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s pretty ferocious.¡±

    ¡°Their, their family doesn¡¯t have anyone who¡¯s ever been a general. Why would Xie Wenyuan dream of holding our military forces captive?¡± Ning Xiaoluo suddenly lost his temper as he raised his voice. ¡°When did our Duke of Yue¡¯s estate ever did anything unworthy to that Xie Wenyuan?!¡±

    Because Ning Xiaoluo had already been beaten up multiple times, blood flew from his mouth as he yelled. Lou Zigui raised a hand in front of Ning Xiaoyao to block her from the blood.

    ¡°Why is there blood?¡± Ning Xiaoluo wiped his mouth and ended up with a handful of the red stuff.

    ¡°Some of your teeth fell out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    Ning Xiaoluo glowered at Ning Xiaoyao, who simply pursed her lips. ¡°Little doofus, you might as well find a ce to hide. Then flee tomorrow as fast as you can, got it?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo said, ¡°I want to go to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°To seek death?¡± Shadowgale interrupted.

    Ning Xiaoyao supplied, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. His subordinates might have gone there to look for help ording to him.¡±

    Immediately, Lou Zigui said, ¡°If they went to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, then there¡¯s no way they made it back out alive.¡±

    ¡°Those are still my guards,¡± Ning Xiaoluo insisted stubbornly. ¡°I want to see them. If they¡¯re dead, then I want to see their bodies.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of dying?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Th, that¡¯s why I wanted you toe with me!¡± Ning Xiaoluo shouted at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Do I owe you anything after saving you?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao roared back.

    ¡°I¡¯ll bring you there,¡± Lou Zigui said as he pulled Ning Xiaoyao back before she got into yet another fight.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°How else will he believe our words unless he sees his guards¡¯ bodies?¡± Lou Zigui bent down to whisper in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Is it really okay for us to trick an idiot like that?¡±

    ¡°Capturing military targets is a matter that concerns military strength,¡± Lou Zigui poked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face with a finger. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about tonight¡¯s events after we get back.¡±

    Military strength was an excuse that Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t deny. She cast her conscience aside and told Ning Xiaoluo, ¡°It¡¯s not that you can¡¯t go to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, but that you can¡¯t be impulsive. You can¡¯t implicate our Supreme Commander!¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo stood in the rain with his swollen face, looking rather helpless.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui shot a nce to a Dragon Guard to give up his horse, then gestured for Ning Xiaoluo to follow him.

    ¡°You¡¯re someone from the ck Frost Cavalry?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked Ning Xiaoyao after he got on the horse. If he didn¡¯t get a name now, how was he supposed to take his revenge in the future?

    ¡°Let¡¯s never meet again,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a wave of her hand. ¡°We can just forget about each other forever.¡±

    Shadowgale struck Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s horse with the t end of his de, causing it to gallop ahead. Lou Zigui brought five Dragon Guards with him to chase after Ning Xiaoluo. Once they were gone, Shadowgale asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, are you nning to go back to the pce?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. She pointed at the body of the young man she¡¯d left by the side of the road. ¡°I have to bury him first.¡±

    Because of theck of light, none of the Dragon Guards had noticed the corpse lying beneath the eaves. Ning Xiaoyao ran to the body and pulled down the robes covering the youth¡¯s face so Shadowgale and the others could see.

    One of the Dragon Guards struck a match before immediately blowing it out. The youth¡¯s bloody, mangled features had made them all suck in a breath. Killing someone like this was pure abuse.

    ¡°This person was--that is, this servant means to say--Your Majesty, where did you find him?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°At the third house on the right in Fragrant Gauze Alley,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°It¡¯s one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s properties. Head Steward Xie Laibao¡¯s lover lives there.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor again?¡± another Dragon Guard eximed in rm.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s him again,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reced the robes neatly over the youth¡¯s head. She lowered her voice and added, ¡°I don¡¯t know whose child he is, either. By the time I got there, he was already dead.¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, you can leave this to us servants.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. In her world, the dead were always cremated. She had no idea how humans in this world buried their peers. Two Dragon Guards lifted up the youth¡¯s body and started walking to the end of the street.

    ¡°What are they doing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s a coffin shop down the street,¡± Shadowgale exined, ¡°They¡¯re going there to clean him up and get him a coffin so he can rest in peace.¡± While they were cleaning him up, they could take the chance to check his identity, too. Shadowgale shook his head with a sigh. Yet another life lost at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hands.

    Ning Xiaoyao took off therge bundle on her back and handed it to Shadowgale before she whispered, ¡°Windy, you guys go back first. I¡¯m taking a trip to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, too.¡±

    The heavy contents of her bundle made Shadowgale stagger in ce. As soon as he regained his bnce, he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re worried about Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. She wanted to see whether the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate really did hold a person who looked exactly like her.

    ¡°Then this servant shall apany you,¡± Shadowgale prepared to hand off the bundle to one of his brothers.

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily waved a hand. ¡°I have little pals at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Windy, you guys can go on ahead first. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± As soon as she finished speaking, she left like a streak of smoke, Oil Lamp and Oil Jar safely tucked in her sleeves.

    ¡°...........¡± said Shadowgale and the rest. It always feels like His Majesty doesn¡¯t need us at all. How vexing!

    --

    Currently, Grand Preceptor Xie was in his secret room within his estate, staring at a youth sitting before him. The boy¡¯s face had been wrapped in ayer of white bandages. Sobs and whimpers came from his mouth, even as his arms and legs hung limply at his sides.

    ¡°Let me see his face,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered the two middle-aged men standing on each side of the boy.

    The two men muttered an assent before they began to remove the bandages. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s fingers curled slightly as he strove to calm himself. Despite this, his expression remainedpletely unruffled. Around them, the candlelight flickered constantly, casting the secret room into an unsteady haze. Gradually, pale white skin was exposed beneath the bandages. Grand Preceptor Xie held his breath as the two men used scissors to cut off thestyer of cloth.

    A face that exactly resembled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s own appeared before the Grand Preceptor¡¯s very eyes. It had the samerge, almond-shaped eyes, cheeks with hints of baby fat, and perky nose. Even the lips had the same slight pout as that damned girl.

    ¡°It actually seeded,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered to himself. He never expected this to work. After all, trying to recreate Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face on a living human being was something unimaginably queer and fantastic. His Excellency Grand Preceptor never thought that the doctors he¡¯d hired for the job would manage to give him apleted product right in the midst of all of his troubles.

    The two men retreated a few steps to stand at attention before they quietly chorused, ¡°Congrattions, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie reached out a hand to pinch the boy¡¯s cheeks. The smooth, glossy skin held no sign of cuts or incisions. The youth stared at the Grand Preceptor before he said, ¡°Ahh~.¡± A bit of drool leaked out of the corner of his mouth.

    ¡°He¡¯s lost his wits?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the man on the left replied.

    ¡°He can¡¯t move, either?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked at the boy¡¯s weak arms.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be able to move once the drugs wear off,¡± the man on the right replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that he¡¯s a fool,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie took out a handkerchief and wiped off the boy¡¯s drool. Quietly, he muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll have you live in luxury, but I don¡¯t need your intelligence. I only need you to be obedient and listen to me.¡±

    The youth ahh¡¯d a few more times as his drool increased. Grand Preceptor Xie threw away his dirty handkerchief. ¡°I¡¯ve already ordered men to seal off that basement. In the future, you two will stay at the estate and take care of him.¡±

    The two men didn¡¯t ask after the fate of theirpanions. After working by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side for so long, they¡¯d gotten used to keeping their questions sparse.

    Ning Yu, Grand Preceptor Xie thought as he stared at the boy before him, his fingers clenching into fists until the nails dug painfully into his skin. His expression was serene as he lost himself in thought. It¡¯s about time I make that disobedient girl disappear.

    --

    A spacious covered carriage exited from a small door at the east end of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. The driver urged the horses on as he headed for the east gates of the city. Lou Zigui and his men stopped him before he reached the gates. Two Dragon Guards leapt onto the carriage and took the driver into custody. Meanwhile, another one ran to the back and lifted the felt cloth covering the entrance inside.

    There were 15 corpses stacked on top of each other. Ning Xiaoluo wanted to cry out, but he had no voice.

    ¡°Death from poison,¡± said the Dragon Guard after turning a body upright. He pointed at the man. Blood had leaked out of all seven orifices of his head. Although the rain had washed off most of the dried blood, what remained was clearly ck, instead of red. Ning Xiaoluo rushed forward and turned each of the bodies over, one by one.

    ¡°Are these your guards?¡± Lou Zigui asked after the boy had finished with thest body.

    Ning Xiaoluo backed away a few steps before he stumbled and copsed on the ground. He covered his face and burst into tears.

    ¡°The custom in the capital,¡± Lou Zigui said without helping him up, ¡°Forbids keeping bodies in the house overnight. People will always send them away after dark. The carriages wait at the city gates until the next day, where they can quickly bury the bodies outside--or else dispose of them.¡±

    ¡°Why is that?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked between his tears.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you the reasons,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°What, you don¡¯t believe me?¡±

 Chapter 112: A bastard is an egg, not a human

    <h4>Chapter 112: A bastard is an egg, not a human</h4>

    ¡°They were talking about my face,¡± Ning Xiaoluo said as he pointed to his face. ¡°Supreme Commander, look. Is there anything special about my face?¡±

    Supreme Commander and the Dragon Guards all stared at Third Young Master Ning¡¯s face. It was so swollen that it resembled the head of a pig. Even his own parents wouldn¡¯t be able to recognize him, much less men like them.

    Ning Xiaoluo jabbed his face with his finger before he said, ¡°My face hurts.¡±

    A few Dragon Guards felt their mouths twitch. If your face doesn¡¯t hurt after it¡¯s swelled up like this, then it¡¯d be absurd.

    Lou Zigui raised his head to peer into the distance. He could see the hazy figure of tall towers in the rain, and the blurry silhouette of the city¡¯s gate towers. He waved at Ning Xiaoluo to follow him beneath the eaves at the side of the road. ¡°How about this?¡± he spoke quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t let Xie Wenyuan know that you¡¯re still alive.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s face seized in fear. He clutched his neck and wanted to run away. ¡°You want to kill me?¡± he asked.

    Lou Zigui now believed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. This brat really has mental problems. Ning Xiaoluo wanted to run away, but the sight of five Dragon Guards on horseback behind him made him think it was impossible. Tears gathered at the edges of his eyes. The capital city was really too scary. He wanted to go home!

    ¡°Conceal your identity and change your name,¡± Lou Zigui said as he pulled him back beneath the eaves. ¡°After you get back to Fengzhou, don¡¯t let the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate spread any news that you¡¯re alive. See how Grand Preceptor Xie will try to exin your death.¡±

    ¡°What!?¡± Ning Xiaoluo eximed in his shock. ¡°That damnable man, he has the guts to announce my death to my family!?¡±

    ¡°You died while giving him a birthday present. Of course he has to give your family an exnation,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°...........¡± Ning Xiaoluo said. Can¡¯t you make it sound less like I¡¯m already dead?

    ¡°Most likely, Xie Wenyuan will pin the me for your death on His Majesty¡¯s head,¡± Lou Zigui murmured.

    Again, Ning Xiaoluo was stunned. What did all this have to do with His Majesty?

    ¡°Take care,¡± Lou Zigui took out his money bag and ced it in Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Why?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you penniless?¡± Lou Zigui asked tly.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Third Young Master Ning said hastily, ¡°Why does Xie Wenyuan want to sow discord between my Duke of Yue¡¯s estate and His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Because he doesn¡¯t get along well with His Majesty,¡± Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s answer was still expressionless.

    Ning Xiaoluo fell silent. Our sovereign and his official are at odds? Can¡¯t you make it sound less casual? It¡¯s like you¡¯re saying how the soup was saltier than usual today, or something.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost daylight,¡± Lou Zigui said after ncing at the skies. ¡°Find a ce to hide yourself. Remember my words. You have to stay incognito. As to the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate¡¯s next actions, that¡¯ll be up to your father and brothers to decide.¡± Supreme Commander Lou had once heard that the Duke of Yue and his wife treated their youngest son as their most precious treasure.

    ¡°Then what about my guards?¡± Ning Xiaoluo said. Thinking about them made him want to cry again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure they rest in peace,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice seemed to sound a bit gentler. ¡°You have to be careful on the road back to Fengzhou.¡±

    ¡°But I want to bring them back with me,¡± Ning Xiaoluo said as his tears spilled over onto his swollen face. Fengzhou was the true home of his guards. The capital city was a foreignnd. People should always return to their roots.

    ¡°There¡¯ll be chances in the future to bring them home,¡± Lou Zigui waved a hand at the Dragon Guard still inside the carriage. This Dragon Guard came over with a set of outer robes. Lou Zigui draped the robes over Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s shoulders and said, ¡°You have to be on guard. Go on now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo stood in front of the horse carriage, wiping his tears as he stared at the bodies of his guards. Then he turned to bow at Lou Zigui before running off.

    ¡°You two, follow him,¡± Lou Zigui instructed two Dragon Guards. ¡°Don¡¯t let him discover you. Only show yourselves if his life is at risk. Return once you¡¯ve seen him out of the capital city.¡±

    The two Dragon Guards obeyed and ran after Ning Xiaoluo.

    Next, Lou Zigui pointed to the carriage driver and said, ¡°Kill him.¡±

    The Dragon Guards holding the driver in ce twisted the driver¡¯s head and snapped his neck. He died without a murmur.

    ¡°Take this carriage with us. We¡¯ll going back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui said as he strode away with broad strides. The three remaining Dragon Guards exchanged nces. Including their Supreme Commander, they were only four men strong. Isn¡¯t that too few people to kill our way into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lou Zigui said as he mounted his horse. ¡°We¡¯re not going to make a move this time.¡±

    --

    By now, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting on the roof of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s study. Elder Cousin Magpie was perched by her side, his feathers thoroughly drenched.

    ¡°Secret room?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. ¡°That old geezer even has one of those?¡±

    Oil Jar was squatting on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders as he spoke. ¡°All bad guys like having secret rooms. That¡¯s because they can¡¯t afford to expose any of their dastardly deeds!¡±

    Oil Lamp was lying prostrate on the other shoulder. ¡°Oil Jar, you even know things like that?¡±

    ¡°Ancestral Grandfather taught me,¡± Oil Jar dered proudly.

    Elder Cousin Magpie asked, ¡°Then did Grandpa Ash teach you how to sneak into one?¡±

    Oil Jar fell silent. He was familiar with theyout of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. A little figure shifted before Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes from the chinks between the roof tiles. Ning Xiaoyao pinched her fingers and picked up a tiny ant.

    ¡°D-don¡¯t kill me!¡± the ant pled shrilly.

    ¡°Little brother, what¡¯s your honorable surname?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned at the ant.

    ¡°My name¡¯s A¡¯Mo,¡±[2. A¡¯Mo (°¢Ä«) - A is a moniker for nicknames, Mo is ¡°ink.¡±] the ant said sheepishly.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Ning Xiaoyao. Hello, A¡¯Mo,¡± Ning Xiaoyao greeted him.

    ¡°Ahhhhh----!¡± the little ant shrieked again, in surprise this time. ¡°So you¡¯re Ning Xiaoyao!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was certain that she was famous in the animal kingdom!

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s Xiaoyao,¡± Oil Jar said as he stared at the ant in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm. His tone took on a disdainful air, ¡°Would any other human bother to talk to you?¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, are you going to tear down the Grand Preceptor¡¯s house again?¡± A¡¯Mo ignored Oil Jar¡¯s snub and asked Ning Xiaoyao happily.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Not today. It¡¯s inconvenient to set fires when it¡¯s raining.¡± She¡¯d have to spend money and buy oil to make a fire work in this weather.

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± A¡¯Mo said understandingly. It really is inconvenient to light fires during a rainstorm.

    ¡°A¡¯Mo, I want to ask you something. Have you ever entered the secret chamber in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s study?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°The one he built underground.¡±

    A¡¯Mo tilted his head to the side. ¡°I have, ah.¡±

    Oil Jar, Oil Lamp, and Elder Cousin Magpie all looked with worshipful eyes at Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s right. We have no way to get inside that chamber, but little ants like A¡¯Mo can go anywhere!

    ¡°Did you go in there today?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Not today,¡± A¡¯Mo said. ¡°But my big brother did. I went to look for food in the gardens.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt a little disappointed. She hadn¡¯t found the answer she was looking for, so she gently poked A¡¯Mo and said, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to sugar beans when I visit next time.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± A¡¯Mo was so happy that his feelers started dancing. ¡°Xiaoyao, thank you.¡±

    ¡°No need to thank me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Let¡¯s meet on the roof next time as well.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± A¡¯Mo raised his head up high to look at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Xiaoyao, my big brother said they brought a little idiot into the secret chamber today.¡±

    ¡°Little idiot?¡±

    ¡°Mm. His face isn¡¯t ugly at all, but they covered it up with white cloth,¡± A¡¯Mo¡¯s feelers moved constantly as he talked.

    That should be her doppelganger--but an idiot? Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. Is it because idiots are more obedient?

    ¡°What did that person look like?¡± Oil Jar asked.

    ¡°He looked like a human,¡± A¡¯Mo responded seriously.

    Oil Jar and Oil Lamp both clutched at their whiskers, while Elder Cousin Magpie shook his head. Didn¡¯t that count as telling them nothing at all?

    ¡°...........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Ahh, right, ant vision can only cover 10% of what humans see, so it¡¯ll be too difficult to ask A¡¯Mo¡¯s big brother what that person looked like.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, are we going to secret chamber to see for ourselves?¡± Oil Lamp asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°No need. I just needed to confirm that such a person exists.¡±

    ¡°What kind of bad things is the Grand Preceptor nning now?¡± Elder Cousin Magpie asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°He found a boy and changed his face so it¡¯d look like mine. Then he¡¯s nning to kill me off and make that boy the emperor in my ce.¡±

    ¦²(¡ã¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, went the four animals. How can humans be so cruel?

    ¡°Then,¡± Oil Jar¡¯s fur was all standing on end from shock and fear. ¡°Then when we saw that body with the mutted face...were they trying to change his face to look like yours too, Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°So, so scary,¡± Oil Lamp breathed.

    Elder Cousin Magpie said, ¡°He¡¯s a bastard!¡±

    The other three all nodded in agreement. A bastard was an egg, not a human!

    ¡°Oh!¡± Oil Lamp suddenly remembered as his fur stood on end as well. ¡°Then, Xiaoyao, aren¡¯t you in danger?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her arm and swung it a few times. ¡°Nothing to fear, he can¡¯t beat me in a fight.¡±

    ¡°Then what do we do about that idiot?¡± A¡¯Mo asked worriedly.

    ¡°If he wasn¡¯t an idiot to begin with, then I can heal him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said confidently.

    ¡°Xiaoyao¡¯s so tough,¡± Oil Jar pped.

    ¡°Haha, it¡¯s nothing, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt a little smug after Oil Jar praised her again. Defeating me with a doppelganger? In their dreams.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, there really won¡¯t be any problems?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted herself on the chest.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on the Grand Preceptor for you,¡± Elder Cousin Magpie promised. ¡°If anything happens, I¡¯lle to the pce and tell you.¡±

    ¡°A¡¯Mo will help too,¡± A¡¯Mo said as he raised his two front legs.

    ¡°Thank you all,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was truly touched. She hugged Elder Cousin Magpie and gave him a kiss along with A¡¯Mo. ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll definitely treat you guys to sugar beans!¡±

    Elder Cousin Magpie looked nervously around him. Hopefully, his wife hadn¡¯t caught Miss Xiaoyao kissing him. A¡¯Mo was so thrilled that he rolled around in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm. He hadn¡¯t found a wife yet! (Author: Wake up, you. It¡¯s impossible for an ant and a human to get hitched! ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    At that moment, a middle-aged man that resembled a steward ran into the courtyard, headed in the direction of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s study. Ning Xiaoyao quickly removed one of the roof tiles beneath her to listen in on the conversation below.

    The man told Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Grand Preceptor, Lou Zigui and three imperial guards came over with the carriage that had the bodies.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie shut the book in his hands and stared at the steward, who stood half-bent, afraid to meet his master¡¯s eyes.

    Hm? Ning Xiaoyao gave a start from the rooftop. If Supreme Commander only returned with the Dragon Guards, then where did that Ning guy go?

 Chapter 113: His Majesty injures the Grand Preceptor again

    <h4>Chapter 113: His Majesty injures the Grand Preceptor again</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie walked out of the main gates of his estate with some difficulty. At the foot of the stairs outside his gates, Lou Zigui was sitting on his battle horse. Compared to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s aged form, he looked especially upright and filled with vitality even in the rain.

    ¡°Is the Grand Preceptor close to dying from sickness?¡± Oil Jar asked as he hid with Ning Xiaoyao at the corner of the wall.

    ¡°He¡¯s pretending,¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips disdainfully. That old man is too good at acting.

    Inside the gates, Grand Preceptor Xie nced at the carriage full of bodies and looked with confusion at Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, what is the meaning of this?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°This carriage belongs to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. What, does the Grand Preceptor not recognize it?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie turned to one of the stewards at his side. ¡°This is one of our carriages?¡±

    This steward was neither Xie Laibao or Xie Laifu. He had no experience reading his master, so the question left him in a cold sweat as his mouth gaped in silence.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°There¡¯s the insignia of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate on the carriage. Could it be that someone¡¯s passing themselves off as one of your carriages to make a business out of murder?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie ordered the steward, ¡°You, go take a look.¡±

    The steward ran down the stairs, while Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head at Lou Zigui. ¡°This old man suspects those type of thievesck the guts to even try.¡±

    The steward got an idea of what his master wanted with those words. He reached the carriage and stared at the insignia on the front. Then he ran back up the steps and reported, ¡°To reply Grand Preceptor¡¯s words, this really is one of our carriages.¡±

    ¡°How does the Grand Preceptor n to exin away the corpses in the carriage?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The four animals by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side murmured, ¡°It looks like Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s guards all died.¡±

    ¡°That old bastard!¡± Oil Jar cursed.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t look at the carriage. She was used to dead bodies, but that didn¡¯t mean she wanted to see their corpses when she didn¡¯t have to.

    ¡°This old man heard my servants report that a pestilence spread amongst the guards,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, staring straight at Lou Zigui. ¡°This old man never expected the disease to be incurable and kill them.¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said the Dragon Guards. What kind of balderdash was that? Grand Preceptor, why isn¡¯t your face turning red from shame yet?

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Lou Zigui asked coldly. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you¡¯ve already ascertained that these bodies are from your estate without having to take a closer look?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, what are you saying?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°The carriage is my property, so naturally those men must be mine as well. If I think back, they must belong to the guard courtyard that fell ill in the past few days.¡±

    ¡°Well dang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fumed from the wall. ¡°Howe this old geezer¡¯s so good at making things up?!¡±

    Oil Jar was angry as well. ¡°It¡¯s a shame little gyrfalcon isn¡¯t here. He could poop on his head!¡±

    Elder Cousin Magpie pped his wings. ¡°Dangit, I can poop too!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before shaking her head. ¡°Poop alone won¡¯t finish him off.¡±

    A¡¯Mo was perched on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cor as he raised his voice. ¡°Then can we bite him to death?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and the other three animals all stared at the ant. Relying on him and his tiny incisors to bite Grand Preceptor Xie to death seemed like an arduous task.

    Grand Preceptor Xie next asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, do you have any other business with my estate?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was still cold. ¡°This one believes they don¡¯t look much like the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xieughed. ¡°Then Supreme Commander means to say that I killed these men?¡±

    Lou Ziguiughed back. ¡°Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t misunderstand. That¡¯s not what I meant at all. I simply feel that their identities are suspect.¡±

    ¡°Why is Supreme Commander saying all those things to the Grand Preceptor?¡± Oil Jar asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°They¡¯re having a catfight while being fully aware of what the other¡¯s doing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she dug out a brick from the wall.

    ¡°The flesh from their shoulders were all scraped away,¡± Lou Zigui said as he pointed at his own left shoulder. ¡°Conscripted military men all have seals branded into their shoulders. Grand Preceptor, doesn¡¯t that seem too convenient for you?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t understand. ¡°There¡¯s such a thing?¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor isn¡¯t even aware of suchmon knowledge?¡± Lou Zigui asked,

    ¡°Then perhaps Supreme Commander isn¡¯t aware,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied with a grin, ¡°That the people of my Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate are also branded on their left shoulders.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Elder Cousin Magpie.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Elder Cousin Magpie replied. ¡°Is that really the case?¡±

    ¡°Then could the Grand Preceptor summon two guards here for an inspection?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head with a smile. ¡°Supreme Commander, are you treating me like one of your captives? You mustn¡¯t act too outrageous, Supreme Commander Lou.¡±

    ¡°Suppose I insist tonight?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like those two were about to get rowdy. But right at this moment, the sound of hoofbeats heralded the arrival of a group of cavalrymen.

    ¡°Tao Chen,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said once she saw the man at the head.

    ¡°Did he bring men to seize Supreme Commander?¡± Oil Jar grew nervous.

    Tao Chen didn¡¯t get off his horse, but looked coldly at Lou Zigui and said, ¡°What business does Supreme Commander Lou have with Grand Preceptor Xie in the middle of the night?¡±

    ¡°Are you blind?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°..............¡± said Tao Chen. A man like Lou Zigui is really better off dead!

    ¡°Have a good departure, Supreme Commander. This old man won¡¯t see you off,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie flicked his sleeves and turned to enter the estate. So what if Lou Zigui knew I killed those soldiers? Even if people med him for killing Ning Xiaoluo in the future, he had nothing to worry about. After all, it¡¯d be impossible for the Duke of Yue, Ning Heng,[1. Ning Heng (Äþºã) - Heng means ¡°perseverance.¡±] to believe Lou Zigui¡¯s words.

    Tao Chen rode his horse in front of Lou Zigui to block him and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, if you please.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently scrabbling for an appropriate purchase on the wall. Oil Lamp asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you looking for?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°That¡¯s the jerk in charge of killing off Qin Xuan and Miss. A¡¯Xin. Since I ran into him today, I can¡¯t give him a chance toplete his bad deeds.¡±

    ¡°Then, then Xiaoyao, are you going to kill him?¡± Oil Jar asked immediately.

    Ning Xiaoyao creased her brows in thought. ¡°I don¡¯t usually kill people.¡±

    By now, Grand Preceptor Xie had already entered his courtyard. Lou Zigui spoke up after him. ¡°Even if these men are from your estate, are you simply going to toss them aside in the barren hills outside the city?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll be buried with full honors,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said with his back facing the man as he issued orders to a subordinate on his right. Lou Zigui pulled on his reins and turned his horse around, before whipping the animal and galloping off. Tao Chen wore a ridiculing smile on his lips. So what if His Majesty favored Lou Zigui? Wasn¡¯t he helpless all the same before the Grand Preceptor?

    By now, Ning Xiaoyao had already broke off less than half the wall in her hands. She waited until Lou Zigui and his men were far off before throwing the chunk of wall. It whistled through the air as it flew towards Tao Chen, who half turned to find the source of the noise before the wall smashed him into the ground.

    ¡°.........¡± said Oil Jar. This is what Xiaoyao means by ¡®not killing¡¯ anyone?

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men froze for a few seconds, before someone cried out. Immediately, chaos descended upon the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate once again.

    Lou Zigui had stopped his horse to look at the chunk of wall that had buried Tao Chen. For some reason, he was sure that his Miss Ning was behind it all!

    Ning Xiaoyao was in for the penny and the pound. She swung her arm in a circle before lobbing a brick at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s head.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± a guard shouted as he rushed to pull aside his master.

    Grand Preceptor Xie might have a formidable brain and scheming heart, but he was still a schrly type in the end. Faced with the sudden assault, his mind turned nk. He couldn¡¯t even react to the iing threat. The guard wasn¡¯t as fast as the flying projectile, so a corner of the brick ended up clipping the Grand Preceptor¡¯s forehead. Blood covered his face before he fainted.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s been hurt!¡±

    ¡°Capture the assassin!¡±

    ¡°Ahhhhhhhh! There¡¯s an assassin--!¡±

    --

    The chaotic scene in front of the gates had descended into utter pandemonium. Shouts of rm mixed with sounds of running footsteps all throughout the estate. Soon enough, the rain-soaked Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate was boiling over with excitement and agitation.

    ¡°Pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat at the Grand Preceptor from her perch atop the half-demolished wall. Then she brought two mice and one ant with her as she jumped off the wall and fled into the night. Meanwhile, Elder Cousin Magpie had flew back home to call out his whole family so they could watch the unlucky Grand Preceptor again.

    Guards carrying torches ran to the broken wall, but saw no one there. Instead, the sight of the demolished structure left them mystified. Who took it apart so silently? What kind of human has such skills? No, wait--were they even human to begin with?

    ¡°Doctor! Someone call a doctor, quick!¡± shouted the guard who was using a cloth to try and stem the blood flowing from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s head. His other hand held another cloth, but both pieces of fabric were dyed red with blood.

    The old madame had been helped to the front gates by two elderly female servants. She hadn¡¯t even seen the unconscious, bloody Grand Preceptor Xie or her squashed grandson-inw yet before the jittery, noisy crowds caused her to faint away. The servants and attendants of the old madame broke out into cries of rm, adding to the fearful atmosphere enveloping the estate.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran all the way to the archway of the Xie n that spanned over the streets. She jumped on top of it and started tearing it apart. Last time she came by, she¡¯d promised to take it down. Now wasn¡¯t the time to go back on her words. It even took her a monumental effort to take the thing apart. Ning Xiaoyao stomped and kicked at the archway a few times before dislodging a portion of the roof.

    By now, Lou Zigui had ridden his horse to the vicinity of the archway. One of the Dragon Guards behind him lifted his head and caught sight of the busy figure atop the structure. Uncertainly, he asked, ¡°Is, is that His Majesty?¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed. I knew she was behind everything!

    ¡°Supreme Commander!¡± Oil Jar cried in the middle of his cheering. He quickly reported the news to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander¡¯s staring at you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped moving, and a colored section of the archway fell to the ground with a boom, shattering into pieces even as it created a mini crater.

    ¡°Get down,¡± Lou Zigui gestured at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked A¡¯Mo. ¡°A¡¯Mo, do you want to stay as a guest at my pce?¡±

    A¡¯Mo happily shook his head. ¡°Xiaoyao, I want to see all the fuss with the Grand Preceptor!¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped off the archway. The three Dragon Guards watched as their emperornded soundlessly on the ground from such an impressive height and once more felt ashamed of their skills. They would never be able tond so quietly.

    Ning Xiaoyao bent down to put A¡¯Mo on a t patch ofnd that wasn¡¯t waterlogged before she murmured, ¡°Then let¡¯s meet again next time, A¡¯Mo.¡±

    A¡¯Mo said, ¡°Xiaoyao, you have toe back and visit!¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded solemnly. She¡¯d definitely return. She couldn¡¯t let that Grand Preceptor feel any happiness! Lou Zigui rode his horse to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and leaned over to offer her a hand.

    ¡°Get on,¡± he said.

    Ning Xiaoyao grasped Lou Zigui¡¯s hand. She was short and lightweight, so Supreme Commander Lou easily pulled her astride Little Red.

    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to dismantle that thing,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoined as she pointed at the now roofless archway.

    Lou Zigui urged his horse forward as he murmured, ¡°If you tear down the archway now, the Grand Preceptor will petition to the emperor tomorrow and say that someone destroyed the archway. Xiaoyao, if you can¡¯t capture the viin, you¡¯ll have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket.¡±

    (#¨F¡ä)Í¹, said Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯spletely unreasonable!

 Chapter 114: Supreme Commander says, you have to return them

    <h4>Chapter 114: Supreme Commander says, you have to return them</h4>

    ¡°Then...then what should I do now? I¡¯ve already taken it apart,¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked anxiously. Make me pay Grand Preceptor Xie for repairs? I¡¯d rather go back to my world of zombies!

    Lou Zigui leaned forward slightly to cover Ning Xiaoyao as much as he possibly could from the rain. ¡°Over time, it¡¯s likely that archway would¡¯ve broken down after constant rainstorms any way.¡±

    Broken down? Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. That¡¯s right, why didn¡¯t I think of a reason like that?

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not very effective if you take it down by night,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Then should I take it down during the day?¡±

    ¡°Find a chance to issue an imperial decree. Denounce the Grand Preceptor for being unworthy of an imperial archway and make the Xie n dismantle it themselves,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Then, have them send the timber, brick, and tiles back, untouched, to the imperial family. That¡¯s a sure way to make them miserable.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath as three words appeared in her head: You¡¯re. So. Venomous!

    ¡°Have youmitted my words to your memory?¡± Lou Zigui lowered his head to rest his chin on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head.

    ¡°I have,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded docilely. It looked like Supreme Commander Lou was even better at face-pping than she was. When she recalled the huge debt of blood between them, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder how Supreme Commander would p her face in the future.

    ¡°Why did you smash Tao Chen?¡± Lou Zigui asked. He hadn¡¯t noticed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s inner grief.

    ¡°He¡¯s already made ns with the Grand Preceptor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rallied her spirits to speak again. ¡°The Grand Preceptor came up with the idea, while Tao Chen¡¯s going to put it into action. They want to murder Qin Xuan and Miss A¡¯Xin.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lou Zigui said quietly before he fell silent. Wracked with a guilty conscience for her father¡¯s misdeeds, Ning Xiaoyao kept quiet, as well.

    ¡°Human lives are worthless,¡± Lou Zigui muttered to himself when he saw the imperial pce before them. Even in the rain, it was well-lit withnterns.

    ¡°They¡¯re not worthless,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head to look at him, her face serious. ¡°They¡¯re worth a lot.¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his head and saw the same set of eyes he¡¯d seen in his dream: round, innocent, andpletely ignorant.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you can¡¯t say things like that in the future,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. When she thought of Supreme Commander¡¯s deformed, possibly still-living older brother currently suffering in Northern Hu, her heart throbbed with difort again. She hung her head and murmured, ¡°In, in any case, humans have to find a way to keep living. They can only find hope when they¡¯re alive. They¡¯ll have nothing if they die.¡±

    ¡°Even if they¡¯re living a life like pigs or dogs?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°If pigs and dogs can live, why not humans?¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fists. Her words were meant for herself as much as Supreme Commander. People had to keep on living and fight for the life they wanted to have. This way, they¡¯d be able to die without any regrets. Everyone in the apocalypse followed such beliefs. Ning Xiaoyao emerged from her difficulties ready to do battle again. Being sad was useless; it was more respectable to fight monsters and save people.

    Lou Zigui gave a soundless sigh. He lowered his head and rubbed his chin against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wet hair, feeling helpless against the girl in his arms. Perhaps this was enough for now. He brought her on horseback into the pce gates and headed directly for Supreme Splendor Hall.

    There was a mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce waiting in front of the gates. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao approach, she quickly kneeled on the ground. After two mama had suffered at the empress¡¯s pce that day, this mama was trembling with fright. She was worried that one little mistake would end up triggering Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew exasperated as soon as she found out the mama hade from the empress dowager.

    ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s pce had a leak in the roof,¡± the mama replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes spun. She remembered how she¡¯d forgotten to rece the roof tile over the empress dowager¡¯s quarters after spying on her. Lou Zigui said coldly, ¡°Does Esteemed Empress Dowager want His Majesty to fix her roof overnight?¡±

    ¡°Th-that¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Does she want me to climb on the roof and fix her house? I¡¯m the emperor, alright? Can an emperor hold two jobs as a sovereign and a tiler?¡±

    ¡°............¡± said everyone at the Supreme Splendor Hall. There¡¯s no such thing.

    The mama kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Your Majesty, the rainwater ruined three chests of Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s dance clothes. They were given to her by thete emperor. Because of this, Esteemed Empress Dowager was so saddened that she fainted away. The Imperial Physician Courtyard¡¯s already sent people over to look.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was beginning to suspect she¡¯d heard the wrong thing. Dance clothes? She fainted for three chests¡¯ worth of dance clothes? Is this a joke?

    The mama was already wiping away her tears by now. ¡°Your Majesty, thete emperor personally bought those clothes for Esteemed Empress Dowager. It¡¯s one of the memories he left behind for the empress dowager. Esteemed Empress Dowager...¡±

    ¡°Enough already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips contemptuously. ¡°He¡¯s long dead and she¡¯s still feeling lovesick? What was she doing while he was alive?¡±

    Everyone else stood silently on the sides, pretending they hadn¡¯t heard a word.

    ¡°What exactly did you find me for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the somewhat stunned looking mama. She wasn¡¯t a tiler or a tailor, so what could she even do to help?

    The mama said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager fainted, so we servants must report it to Your Majesty.¡± Your own mother lost consciousness. We¡¯re only servants, so are we supposed to hide that it ever happened? The mama not only felt wronged, but angry as well. Why is it so hard to serve one¡¯s master?!

    ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled the mama to her feet. ¡°Then go back and tell the empress dowager that it¡¯s toote to express her love now. Have her wash up and go to bed first. That there, my imperial father has the empress and the crown prince to keep himpany on the other side. He¡¯s perfectly fine.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the mama.

    ¡°.............¡± said everyone else. Are you condemning that mama to death, or the empress dowager?

    ¡°Dance clothes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression fell as she stalked into the Supreme Splendor Hall, muttering to herself. ¡°Can¡¯t you dance in any clothes you like? She really has a peculiar way of thinking.¡±

    Everyone else followed His Majesty inside, leaving the mama to stand alone by the gates, dazed. Esteemed Empress Dowager hadn¡¯t fainted away just because her dance clothes had been ruined! When she recalled the empress dowager¡¯s instructions, then looked back at the retreating Ning Xiaoyao, she braced herself and chased after the emperor.

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to lose her patience when she saw her. ¡°You still have business with me?¡±

    The mama fell to her knees in the rain. ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager suspects that someone lifted a tile off the roof on purpose.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. So that¡¯s the main point.

    ¡°Who would have the gall?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The mama remained kneeling and simply shook her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°And it¡¯s been raining constantly, right? The roof simply broke, that¡¯s all. If there¡¯s nothing suspicious, why is the empress dowager scaring herself over nothing?¡±

    Lou Zigui rubbed his nose after hearing Ning Xiaoyao paraphrasing his words. The mama hastened to speak, ¡°Your Majesty, an eunuch went up to the roof to check. Only one tile on the roof was missing. It, it doesn¡¯t look like it broke.¡±

    In the future, I¡¯ll have to remember to remove a few more tiles, Ning Xiaoyao mentally reminded herself. ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to ask the roof about that. I haven¡¯t been to the empress dowager¡¯s pce before, so how am I supposed to know why the roof was only missing one tile?¡±

    The mama was floored once again. No matter how reasonably she spoke, it was useless against someone who was a rascal. Moreover, this rascal was none other than the emperor, so she couldn¡¯t say anything else.

    ¡°Have the empress dowager wash up and sleep first. Does she still think she¡¯s some sort of 18-year old blossom? Are people still crying and shouting just for a peek at her?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at the mama. ¡°Don¡¯t treat a broken roof tile like the apocalypse. See youter.¡±

    Everyone cast sidelong nces at Ning Xiaoyao, who still had Supreme Commander¡¯s outer robes draped over her shoulders. Are you cursing the empress dowager to death again?

    As everyone else followed Ning Xiaoyao into the covered walkway and vanished, the mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce was left standing nkly in the rain. What ¡®apocalypse?¡¯ Ah no, that¡¯s not right. How am I supposed to ry this message to Esteemed Empress Dowager?!

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao soundly kicked the door open and entered the main hall of her pce. She gave a sneeze before she called for Shadowgale. ¡°Windy, where¡¯s the giant bundle I told you to bring back?¡±

    Shadowgale ran behind a folding screen before he dragged out the big package. Erya and Xiaoqiu diligently trailed after him.

    ¡°There¡¯s so many beads, Your Majesty! So many beads!¡± Erya waved her hands in delight.

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran forward and undid the knot on the bundle. Then she lifted the lid off a chest and saw a chest full of cat¡¯s eye stones that nearly blinded her with their radiance. She straightened her back and calmed down before her trembling hand opened the second chest. This one was filled to the brim with jades and agates, which left her vision blind once more. ¡°We¡¯ve, we¡¯ve struck it rich,¡± she stuttered.

    Lou Zigui strode forward and picked up the oil-paper package before dumping out its contents. First came the silver drafts, which Supreme Commander Lou set in a thick stack on a tea table. Then came the letters, which Supreme Commander Lou looked through meticulously, one by one. Ning Xiaoyao scampered over to the tea table and began counting the silver drafts, trying to see how much money she had picked up this time.

    The Dragon Guards joined Erya and her brother to stare at the two chests filled with treasure. They wouldn¡¯t be able to earn this much even if they worked for their entire lives.

    Ning Xiaoyao finished tallying the money and returned to the chests, her back straight and her face smug. ¡°There¡¯s 30,000 taels¡¯ worth of silver drafts there. We¡¯re rich again!¡±

    Everyone mentally prostrated themselves before His Majesty. Ning Xiaoyao was even glowing in their eyes by now, her halo evesting!

    Ning Xiaoyao casually picked up a cat¡¯s eye and asked Shadowgale, ¡°Windy, how much would these sell for?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head. He really had no idea.

    ¡°We¡¯ll save some to use for Erya¡¯s dowry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stroked Erya¡¯s hair, which was still an unhealthy, yellowish hue. ¡°The rest we can sell off for money.¡±

    The Dragon Guards all looked at Erya and her yellowing hair. His Majesty really has foresight. He¡¯s already thinking of Erya¡¯s marriage affairs.

    ¡°Erya, you choose,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with all the airs of a nouveau riche. ¡°Take anything you like.¡±

    Erya looked timidly at the two chests full of treasures. She thought that every one of them looked nice, so it was hard to pick any one of them. Ning Xiaoyao pointed out a few pieces. ¡°Choose the big ones. They¡¯re worth more money.¡±

    Shadowthunder shook his head. ¡°Your Majesty, these cat¡¯s eye stones all look about the same size.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao then asked Shadowgale, ¡°Which one¡¯s worth more, the cat¡¯s eye stones or the jade and agate?¡±

    Immediately, the people in the room split into two factions. There were those who supported the cat¡¯s eyes, and those who supported the jade and agate. Neither side could win over the other as their arguments grew louder and more contentious. Ning Xiaoyao saw that the two factions of Dragon Guards were about toe to blows and couldn¡¯t help but feel vexed. That¡¯s the fate of the poor. We can¡¯t tell what¡¯s valuable and what¡¯s not. If we could, our nouveau riche wouldn¡¯t have so many troubles.

    Lou Zigui put down the letter in his hand and spoke one line: ¡°We can¡¯t ept these things. We need to return them.¡±

    All the talking ceased in the room. Ning Xiaoyao stiffened as she turned around, the cat¡¯s eye in her hand ttering back into the chest. ¡°Whaa?¡± His Majesty Ning asked.

 Chapter 115: Ning Xiaoyao, donâ€™t cry

    <h4>Chapter 115: Ning Xiaoyao, don''t cry</h4>

    Lou Zigui pointed at the stack of letters he¡¯d put on the tea table. ¡°These are letters from various local officials. They talk about money they¡¯ve given, or officials they¡¯re backing up, or subsidy fees paid for a courtesy call.¡±

    ¡°What are subsidy fees paid for a courtesy call?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Fees paid so they can meet with certain people,¡± Lou Zigui exined.

    In other words, an interview fee, Ning Xiaoyao expressed her understanding. Yet still, she protested, ¡°These are my things!¡± She pointed at the chests by her feet.

    ¡°Is Supreme Commander worried that the Grand Preceptor will get angry?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of him. Just earlier, I even cracked his brains. That old geezer fell over with a face covered in blood.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Shadowgale and the rest. So His Majesty ran over to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to beat him up.

    Lou Zigui rested his forehead in his hand before he stood up and grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s talk in private.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no use no matter what you say,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remained standing stubbornly in ce. ¡°The money and jewels are mine!¡±

    ¡°Be good and listen to me,¡± Lou Zigui murmured in a small voice. When the Dragon Guards saw Supreme Commander Lou coaxing their emperor into another room like a child, they all swiveled to look at Shadowgale. Is Supreme Commander really treating His Majesty as his son?

    --

    ¡°I had Third Young Master Ning return to Fengzhou,¡± Lou Zigui exined his entire process with Ning Xiaoluo inside the room, as well as his arrangements and ns for the boy.

    Ning Xiaoyao was still stubborn in the beginning, but she slowly grew more shocked as the narrative went on. The Grand Preceptor wanted to kill Ning Xiaoluo just to worsen rtions between her and the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate? ¡°Wasn¡¯t it because our faces?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked doubtfully as she pointed at herself.

    ¡°You¡¯re talking about faces, too?¡± Lou Zigui asked, mystified. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s face?¡±

    ¡°He looks a lot like me, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s already found someone who looks exactly like me, and Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s the backup. Isn¡¯t that what¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°The Grand Preceptor found someone who looks exactly like you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered. ¡°He even turned him into an idiot. After he kills me off, he¡¯ll probably make that idiot the emperor in my ce. Then the Grand Preceptor will revive.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression had sunk so low that he might as well be underwater. His chest felt stifled and unable to breathe. ¡°This, this is massive news. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± he questioned sternly.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t I telling you now?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou wondered whether Shadowgale would kill him now if he decided to beat up Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You...¡± Ning Xiaoyao backed away as she sensed the dangerous aura emanating from him. ¡°Is this all that important?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want to talk to her anymore.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scooted closer again andughed. ¡°I can restore that boy¡¯s original face, so what¡¯s there to worry about?¡±

    ¡°You can restore his face?¡±

    ¡°It was only a face lift,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she gestured to her own face. ¡°Since they used knives, it¡¯ll leave incision marks. As long as I restore the incisions to their original state, that guy won¡¯t look like me anymore.¡±

    Her words sounded reasonable, but was that really possible? Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t sure.

    ¡°I¡¯m a doctor--a very, very good doctor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest with a promise. ¡°As long as the patient¡¯s not dead, I can cure any kind of illness!¡± Since there weren¡¯t any zombies in this world, she wasn¡¯t really boasting at all.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s heart lurched before he asked, ¡°Then what about blindness and broken limbs?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed resolutely. If she couldn¡¯t, then she would this time! She had to!

    Perhaps this was hope for his older brother? Lou Zigui stared nkly at Ning Xiaoyao, who dug her nails into her palms and tried to sound him out. ¡°Has anyone been injured?¡±

    What happened to Lou Zigui¡¯s older brother was part of his private affairs. It was still something painful, so she could only pretend that she knew nothing until Lou Zigui told her outright. You had to respect other people. After stressing the fact to herself once more, Ning Xiaoyao fixed an ignorant expression on Lou Zigui.

    Supreme Commander Lou felt his throat get choked up before he murmured in a low voice, ¡°I was just curious.¡±

    ¡°Oh, haha. You were curious,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still wearing her simple, scatterbrained smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take the imperial guards back to Fragrant Gauze Alley,¡± Lou Zigui drew Ning Xiaoyao close and helped wipe off her still-damp face. ¡°Rece those things where you¡¯ve found them, alright?¡±

    ¡°Do I have to?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    Ning Xiaoyao pouted so much that someone could hang a jug of oil off her lips.

    ¡°We¡¯re only returning them temporarily,¡± Lou Zigui coaxed His Majesty Ning.

    ¡°If the money¡¯s not in our bags, then it doesn¡¯t count as our money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still unhappy. She¡¯d busied herself for half the night for nothing. (Author: Hey hey, is money the only thing you can remember?)

    What to do when a girl was unhappy? Lou Zigui raised a hand and smoothed out Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pout. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll get the jewels and silver drafts back for you.¡±

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Ning Xiaoyao humphed.

    ¡°As soon as next month arrives, we¡¯ll go eat egg yolk guoba,¡± Lou Zigui said next.

    A vision of glistening gold yellow, fragrant, crispy egg yolk guoba suddenly appeared in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. She slurped back her drool and said, ¡°Alright.¡±

    And thus, egg yolk guoba cured His Majesty Ning of all of her ills.

    ¡°No matter what happens after this, don¡¯t expose yourself,¡± Lou Zigui urged Ning Xiaoyao again.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Lou Zigui hugged Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao grew serious. ¡°We made a deal. Egg yolk guoba.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou felt crushed. Could it be that his hug was nothingpared to some egg yolk guoba? (Author: How should I say this....)

    After the two differing minds came to the same agreement, Lou Zigui and Ning Xiaoyao emerged from the room. Ning Xiaoyao was staring at her toes, refusing to stare at the chests of treasure and stacks of silver drafts. If she saw them now, she¡¯d physically ache.

    Lou Zigui called in Fang Tang, who was standing guard outside, and said, ¡°Go find some imperial guards and prepare to leave the pce.¡±

    Fang Tang answered in assent and ran off.

    Lou Zigui then told Shadowgale, ¡°Bring some men to guard His Majesty as you travel to Fragrant Gauze Alley.¡±

    Shadowgale nodded. They were going to cause trouble for the Grand Preceptor again.

    Ning Xiaoyao crouched down and told Erya, ¡°Erya, I¡¯ll hoard a dowry for you another time. Right now, we have to return all these things.¡±

    ¡°Howe?¡± Erya asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the two chests with some distress. ¡°Because we have to defeat the bad guys first. Erya, ah, grow up a bit slower. If you grow up too fast, I won¡¯t have any money to give you for your dowry. Right now, Your Majesty¡¯s very poor.¡±

    It really was a tragic reason. Erya was a very good child, and replied, ¡°Your Majesty, Erya won¡¯t marry anybody. Let¡¯s save up money to find a wife for Xiaoqiu instead. Xiaoqiu grows even slower than me.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. This little girl has foresight, too.

    That¡¯s right, Xiaoqiu needs money as well to start a family. Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her eyes. She told herself, Ning Xiaoyao, don¡¯t cry. You have to make sure you¡¯re rich before Erya and Xiaoqiu grow up!

    Everyone else watching the scene couldn¡¯t help but feel that His Majesty seemed heroically tragic, for some odd reason. Lou Zigui simply turned and walked out of the room, unable to take any more.

    After getting news that trouble hade to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, third son Xie Anshi forced himself to wait until the smoke and fires dissipated from the rockery formation before hastening back with his men on horseback. But it was then that a troop of imperial guards suddenly kicked their way in. They not only blocked off the back door, but the entire back alley. Some of the residents heard themotion and opened their doors to have a look, only to be fiendishly shouted back into their homes by the guards.

    ¡°Lou Zigui.¡± Xie Anshi spat as his face twisted upon recognized the man blocking the street. He gritted his teeth and said coldly, ¡°Lou Zigui, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Fang Tang pointed a finger at Xie Anshi. ¡°You¡¯re only the vice-head of the Ministry of War, yet you dare to hail our Supreme Commander by name?¡±

    Xie Anshi turned to Fang Tang. ¡°And just what kind of thing are you?¡±

    ¡°Go in and search,¡± Lou Zigui ordered the imperial guards while raising a hand to tell Fang Tang to keep quiet. The imperial guards dismounted their horses and swarmed through the doors of the estate. It was impossible for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men to keep them out.

    ¡°Lou Zigui, just what are you doing?¡± Xie Anshi asked, furious.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even look at Xie Anshi, but instead dismounted his horse and walked towards the doors. Fang Tang and the rest clustered around him like human shields. Xie Anshi had no choice but to dismount himself and chase after Lou Zigui. Privately, he wagered that news of the underground chamber had already leaked out somehow. Fortunately, everyone down there was already dead, so Lou Zigui waste by a step.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao carried her giant bundle into thempless study, pressed the switch, and opened the secretpartment. Then she reced all the chests, letters, and silver drafts into their original ces.

    ¡°What a shame,¡± remarked Oil Jar, who had tagged along with Oil Lamp.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°Yeah, what a shame. My body¡¯s aching right this moment.¡±

    Oil Lamp said, ¡°Oil Lamp didn¡¯t understand Supreme Commander¡¯s words.¡±

    Oil Jar quickly nodded in turned, ¡°Did you understand, Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°What Supreme Commander meant was that we have to let the Grand Preceptor think that Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s already dead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shut the secretpartment and reluctantly restored the area hiding the switch. Her conscience was quivering even as she ached.

    ¡°Howe?¡± Oil Jar still didn¡¯t get it.

    ¡°Because Supreme Commander wants to see the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate have a fallout with the Grand Preceptor over Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s fake death,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head as she walked out. ¡°Supreme Commander says it¡¯s called ¡®meeting a plot with a plot,¡¯¡±[1. meeting a plot with a plot (½«¼Æ¾Í¼Æ) - jiangji jiuji, or ¡®to turn someone¡¯s trick against them,¡¯ ¡®to beat someone at his own game.]

    ¡°But,¡± Oil Lamp raised a paw, ¡°But doesn¡¯t the Duke of Yue take orders from the Grand Preceptor to start with? Supreme Commander said the Grand Preceptor wanted to shift the me of Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s death to you, Xiaoyao. Did a bad cat gnaw out the Grand Preceptor¡¯s brains?¡±

    A bad cat gnaws out the brains. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. She¡¯d learned a new turn of phrase from mice.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Oil Jar felt the whole thing was odd as well. ¡°Xiaoyao, there¡¯s no need for the Grand Preceptor to go to such lengths just to sow discord.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I told Supreme Commander the whole fuss was because of my face, but he didn¡¯t believe me.¡±

    Oil Jar said, ¡°But doesn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor already have somebody who looks like you? Why did he need Ning Xiaoluo in the first ce?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Maybe he was worried that other guy would die halfway, so he had a backup just in case?¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Oil Lamp said, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor be worried that the Duke of Yue will recognize his son if he¡¯s used as a recement for you instead?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao squatted on the floor of the covered walkway as she scratched her head in thought. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± No matter how loyal the Duke of Yue was to the Grand Preceptor, he¡¯d still be able to recognize Ning Xiaoluo if he was made to be a stand-in for Ning Xiaoyao. Faces weren¡¯t so easily forgotten.

    Oil Jar said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor must have another plot on hand!¡±

    ¡°What could it be?¡± Ning Xiaoyao solicited the two mice for advice.

    Oil Jar and Oil Lamp didn¡¯t have any answers for that. Oil Jar said, ¡°Xiaoyao, you humans are soplicated.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right, those humans are way tooplicated. Even I can¡¯t understand them.¡± (Author: You¡¯re a human too, ah! Wake up already!)

    --

    Currently, Lou Zigui was standing at the foot of the fake rock formation that Ning Xiaoyao had mentioned. As Lou Zigui stood in the heavy downpour, he saw that the formation was made up of stacks of Jiangnanke rocks. But there were no visible traces of the fire that had supposedly swept through the rockery tunnels.

    By now, Xie Anshi had followed them here as well. He watched Fang Tang enter through the stone door in the rock formation¡¯s cave and said to Lou Zigui, ¡°There was a fire in the basement just a while ago. If Supreme Commander came to put out the mes, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re a little toote.¡±

 Chapter 116: Yan Hong, a girl wearing a flowery dress

    <h4>Chapter 116: Yan Hong, a girl wearing a flowery dress</h4>

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even look at Xie Anshi as he ordered, ¡°Take him away.¡±

    A few imperial guards stepped forward to grab Xie Anshi, who fumed, ¡°Lou Zigui, don¡¯t act too outrageously!¡±

    A general of the ck Frost Cavalry stepped forward, shoved aside the two guards shielding Xie Anshi, and punched the man. When the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards saw their third young master get hit, they had no choice but to charge forward in retaliation. The imperial guards had His Majesty as their backing, so they wouldn¡¯t fear the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. The two factions broke out into a full-on fight.

    Ning Xiaoyao found the spot on the wall where she¡¯d hid with Ning Xiaoluo and perched there once more with Shadowgale by her side. The other Dragon Guards perched directly in the trees as there was no more room on the wall itself. Ning Xiaoyao was quite excited to see a fight break out, but when she recalled how Supreme Commander Lou had told her to stay hidden, she held back her urge to join the fray.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as they fought. He saw Fang Tang run out and down from the rock formation and asked him in a low voice, ¡°How is it?¡±

    Fang Tang replied, ¡°The stone door¡¯s beenpletely scorched ck. It¡¯s not hot anymore, though, so the fire¡¯s probably burnt itself out inside.¡±

    ¡°Open it,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Fang Tang murmured an assent as he nodded, before taking men back with him to the rockery. Ning Xiaoyao had said that there was red smoke after the fire. Lou Zigui and the rest were all familiar with the description. Such poisonous smoke was usually used to rot away the skins of its victims. But once kerosene containing the poison burnt itself out with mes, the toxin would disperse as well leaving the area safe to enter. Fang Tang and his men opened the stone door at the same time the imperial guards beat Xie Anshi and his men out of the courtyard.

    ¡°No fire or smoke,¡± Fang Tang shouted as he stood at the entrance to the basement.

    ¡°Go in,¡± Lou Zigui ordered. Fang Tang covered his face with a damp towel before bringing his men inside.

    ¡°Bring back a message,¡± Xie Anshi instructed one of his guards from outside the courtyard gates. ¡°If my father¡¯s still unconscious, find whoever¡¯s in charge of affairs at the estate.¡±

    The guard epted the orders, pushed aside the people blocking his way, and ran off. One of the courtyard¡¯s other guards noticed Xie Anshi sending off a man and wanted to remind him that it was impossible for anyone to leave the courtyard since the back alley was filled with imperial guards. After seeing Xie Anshi¡¯s unsightlyplexion, he decided to stay quiet for now.

    Meanwhile, the men inside the basement were bringing up the bodies one by one. Ning Xiaoyao saw two imperial guards carry another person to the pile of corpses and add it to the growing stack. Thanks to her gically enhanced vision, she could tell this new body was a corpse as well.

    ¡°That should be the driver of the carriage that had the bodies of Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s guards,¡± Shadowgale exined in a low voice. ¡°He¡¯s from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    Fang Tang was thest man out of the basement. He stood at the entrance and shouted, ¡°Supreme Commander, there are no more bodies inside.¡± In response, Lou Zigui waved a hand at the entrance to the courtyard.

    ¡°Go in!¡± an imperial guard shoved Xie Anshi roughly. Once again, Xie Anshi entered the courtyard. When he saw the stack of bodies before him, he quickly counted the pile of corpses. It matched his recorded number from before, so he set his worries at rest. Originally, the n was to open the stone doors tomorrow and have his father count the bodies. However, Lou Zigui¡¯s arrival had disrupted their ns. Despite all that, he smiled coldly in his heart. So what if Lou Zigui saw these bodies? They¡¯d been distorted beyond recognition, thanks to the poison smoke. The corpses would bepletely useless to him.

    Lou Zigui approached the bodies and nced at a few of them that were lying face-up. All of them had gaping mouths, a signature of death from asphyxiation. Their bodies and faces alike were covered in abscesses.

    ¡°What did you use the basement for?¡± Fang Tang shouted at Xie Anshi.

    ¡°Storage,¡± Xie Anshi replied.

    Fang Tang raised a hand, fighting the urge to strike him. Storage? Is this bastard whelp treating me as a monkey?

    ¡°Take the corpses away,¡± Lou Zigui ordered coldly. ¡°Find someone to do an autopsy on the bodies.¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui, these are my Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s men,¡± Xie Anshi raised his voice.

    Lou Zigui turned to walk towards Xie Anshi. He was much taller than the other man, and lowered his head to whisper into Xie Anshi¡¯s ear, ¡°Just then, you asked Fang Tang just what kind of thing he was. Now I¡¯m asking you--what kind of thing do you think you are?¡±

    Xie Anshi¡¯s expression wavered between anger and fear.

    ¡°A good-for-nothing,¡± Lou Zigui answered his own question as he strode past him.

    Pairs of imperial guards came to carry away the bodies one by one. Perched on the wall, Shadowgale asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, shall we leave as well?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Windy, do you think that bloke Xie Anshi will cry after Supreme Commander¡¯s bullied him?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Shadowgale. What does that have to do with me?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s group left as quickly as they came. In the blink of an eye, they had all retreated. Ning Xiaoyao and Shadowgale didn¡¯t have a show to watch anymore. They were about to leave as well when a young woman clothed a flowery dress entered the courtyard. She burst into tears upon seeing Xie Anshi.

    ¡°Third young master, those soldiers scared me to death!¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s she?¡± Ning Xiaoyao squatted back down on the wall.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t look like a good woman,¡± Shadowgale remarked.

    ¡°Yan Hong,¡± Xie Anshi spoke.

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyao heard this name, she grew enlightened and told Shadowgale, ¡°Yan Hong, that¡¯s Xie Laibao¡¯s lover.¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Even a steward like Xie Laibao has a kept woman of his own?¡±

    ¡°He has money, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sourly. ¡°Not like me!¡± I even had to return what I had!

    Head Commander Shadowgale had no way tofort His Majesty this time.

    Yan Hong stood in front of Xie Anshi as she wiped her tears, quietly telling him how frightened she¡¯d been. Xie Anshi even had the patience to stand under his umbre and listen to her chatter.

    ¡°Pah,¡± one of the Dragon Guards spat. ¡°Shameless.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°It really is shameless. That bastard even wants to steal away Xie Laibao¡¯s woman!¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards joined Ning Xiaoyao is cursing Xie Anshi¡¯s shamelessness, but Shadowgale was an insightful type. After wiping rainwater off his face, he said, ¡°Your Majesty, Xie Anshi should know about the rtionship between that woman and Xie Laibao. The very fact that the Grand Preceptor trusts Xie Laibao is enough for Xie Anshi to set aside his airs before that woman.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin, lost in thought. The more she watched Yan Hong and Xie Anshi, the more unsightly they seemed. Xie Anshi hadn¡¯t moved his eyes from Yan Hong¡¯s chest the entire time. As for Yan Hong herself...Ning Xiaoyao spat again. It¡¯s a crime to have a figure that good! (Author: If you¡¯re jealous, just say it outright, o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°His eyes arepletely fixated on that woman¡¯s chest,¡± one of the Dragon Guards observed. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant feels that the Xie young master¡¯s just shy of copping a feel for himself.¡±

    ¡°Reputation¡¯s very important,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself. Everyone looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Why bring reputation up now?

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were dancing. ¡°Say guys, if anything happens between Xie Anshi and Xie Laibao¡¯s lover, would that jerk drown in all his saliva?¡±

    ¡°............¡± said the Dragon Guards. His Majesty had ruined the Xie n¡¯s eldest son during the day, but now he was aiming for their third son as well?

    Shadowgale asked, ¡°Your Majesty, are you going to drug them?¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said the Dragon Guards. Is it alright for you to be so blunt, Head Commander?

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any drugs on me, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Windy, do you carry those ¡®heheheh¡¯ drugs on you all the time?¡±

    It was the first time the Dragon Guards had heard of anything called a ¡®heheheh¡¯ drug. Dammit, and they knew instantly what it meant!

    Shadowgale¡¯s face immediately flushed as he violently shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t. I don¡¯t have drugs like that.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°Even if you did, I wouldn¡¯t give it to Xie Anshi. Why should we help him achieve his aims?¡±

    Is that really his aim? All of the Dragon Guards fell silent at that.

    Ning Xiaoyao dug out a brick from the wall and broke it in half, before telling the Dragon Guards, ¡°Watch this.¡±

    Shadowgale thought it over. Supreme Commander Lou had never told him that His Majesty couldn¡¯t crack Xie Anshi¡¯s head open, too. Thus, all he did was stare at the piece of brick in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands and asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t it a little too small?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head as she threw the chunk of brick in her hands. It whizzed through the air beforeing in contact with its target. Yan Hong felt a sudden pain behind her left knee before her leg involuntarily bent forwards.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we call a conditioned reflex,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    As soon as Yan Hong¡¯s leg bent, she toppled forwards as well. Xie Anshi subconsciously reached out to catch her as she fell until the two of them looked like they were locked in an embrace.

    ¡°Shameless!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed from her perch on the wall.

    ¡°Someone¡¯sing!¡± Shadowgale cautiously pulled Ning Xiaoyao back. ¡°Your Majesty, be careful.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had long heard the sound of footstepsing towards the garden thanks to her enhanced hearing, but she didn¡¯t care. The more people who saw them the better. Soon enough, two generals wearing helmets and armor led the way into the courtyard. Shadowgale recognized the pair and told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°It¡¯s the Luo brothers from the left barracks in the capital.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had no idea who they were, but nodded her head anyways. Shadowgale¡¯s expression, however, shifted into an odd look.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Xie Anshi¡¯s wife n¨¦e Luo is their little sister.¡±

    Little sister? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth gaped. She felt like she¡¯d done something unthinkable again.

    ¡°Xie Anshi?!¡± one of the generals lost his temper as soon as they entered the courtyard and saw Xie Anshi hugging Yan Hong. After shouting Xie Anshi¡¯s name, he started charging towards the pair.

    Xie Anshi quickly shoved Yan Hong aside. Ning Xiaoyao jumped off the wall and ran forward despite Shadowgale¡¯s attempts to stop her. Xie Anshi had shoved Yan Hong so hard that she fell straight to the ground. Ning Xiaoyao squatted by Yan Hong¡¯s side and rubbed some muddy water on her face before she shouted, ¡°Lady? Lady?!¡±

    ¡°Lady?¡± Xie Anshi¡¯s two brother-inws turned to re at Xie Anshi.

    Ning Xiaoyao cried, ¡°Third young master, how could you treat herdyship like this?¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men were caught off guard by the sudden turn of events. Where did this muddy-faced brate from? No wait--when did Yan Hong be a woman with the official status of dy?¡¯

    Yan Hong recovered her wits and wanted to shout, but Ning Xiaoyao pinched the side of her waist so hard that she fainted away from the pain.

    ¡°W, who are you supposed to be?¡± Xie Anshi asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Third young master, you sent me to wait on herdyship, ah.¡±

    He even sent someone to specially wait on his kept woman? The two Luo brothers raised their hands to thrash Xie Anshi¡¯s face. Our Luo n would never allow our daughters to have the same fate as n¨¦e Qin!

    When Lou Zigui had heard news of the capital¡¯s barracks sending their soldiers to the house, he¡¯d returned with his men on ount of his worry. As soon as he reached the courtyard, it was to see Luo Rui[1. Luo Rui (ÂæÈð) - Luo is a surname that means ¡°white horse with a ck mane¡± in archaic Chinese, Rui means ¡°token made of jade, auspicious sign, good omen/good luck.] beating up Xie Anshi. Supreme Commander Lou gave a start before he noticed a certain Miss Ning squatting on the side.

    This is your doing, isn¡¯t it? You must have done something again!

 Chapter 117: His Majesty says, Yan Hong is a character

    <h4>Chapter 117: His Majesty says, Yan Hong is a character</h4>

    Xie Anshi had already been beaten during the day, and now he was being thrashed yet again. Unable to bear the blows, he simply lost consciousness on the ground. When the Second Young Master Luo saw that only a few punches had knocked out his younger brother-inw, he was left dumbfounded. Eldest Young Master Luo Wei[2 Luo Wei (Âæçâ) - Luo is a surname that means ¡°white horse with a ck mane¡± in archaic Chinese, Wei means ¡°a kind of jade, valuable/precious.¡±] was still in the throes of his anger, but he¡¯d finallye to his senses. How could Xie Anshi ever arrange for a little pageboy to attend to his mistress?

    ¡°Speak, just who are you?¡± Luo Wei pointed at Ning Xiaoyao angrily.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that this young master of the Luo n was pretty smart. She¡¯d done so well with her acting, but he¡¯d still seen through her. (Author: This has nothing to do with your acting skills, arite...) Luo Wei stepped forward to grab Ning Xiaoyao, but Lou Zigui beat him to it.

    He shielded Ning Xiaoyao behind his back and said, ¡°Look to the master before you beat his dog. You should consider how to exin yourself to your master first.¡±

    The Luo brothers¡¯ faces turned a sickly green at his words.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao along with him.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to bid the Luo brothers farewell. ¡°I¡¯m an enemy agent, haha.¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said Shadowgale and the rest, who¡¯d resumed their ces on the wall.

    ¡°Don¡¯t re at me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Would those two hug each other if they didn¡¯t harbor mutual feelings? How could third young madame¡¯s figurepare to Lady Yan Hong¡¯s? You¡¯re all men, so you should understand, heheh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao had only caught a glimpse of the Xie n¡¯s third young madame. She had no idea what she looked like, but she¡¯d remembered the woman had been as t as a board.

    The Luo brothers¡¯ faces changed from sickly green to a furious ck. Like hell they should ¡®understand!¡¯

    Shadowgale told his fellow guards, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    You could be enemies with anyone as long as it wasn¡¯t His Majesty. Otherwise, His Majesty would definitely leave you in a state worse than death. When the Dragon Guards heard Ning Xiaoyao fling figurative mud at Xie Anshi, their understanding of His Majesty deepened to yet another level.

    Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t even brought Ning Xiaoyao out of the courtyard yet before Third Young Master Xie regained consciousness beneath the rain. He remained prone on the ground as he shouted, ¡°Luo Rui, you dared to raise a hand against me? Are you seeking death?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. ¡°See that? Lackeys get no respect at all!¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Xie Anshi shouted before he even spotted Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I¡¯m not your father, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted in return.

    Xie Anshi was so furious that he leapt up from the ground and ordered, ¡°Capture that bastard!¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men wanted to cry. Lou Zigui was here. Would we even survive a fight against that star of disaster?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui said again as he pulled Ning Xiaoyao out of the courtyard.

    Ning Xiaoyao harrumphed. ¡°Yan Hong¡¯s a bad guy.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Her scent was in that basement,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she pointed at her nose. ¡°When I was squatting next to her, I smelled the same thing.¡±

    ¡°Maybe she delivered meals to the people there,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°She didn¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Someone who delivered meals wouldn¡¯t stop to sit on the chairs in the basement. This woman¡¯s probably a character worth noting on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side. Oh, let me exin a bit further. I caught a whiff of her face powder on one of the chairs in the basement. There were even flowers engraved on the back of that chair.¡±

    Just what kind of nose do you have? Lou Zigui thought as he rested his forehead against his palm.

    Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°But if she¡¯s really a character, then why is she Xie Laibao¡¯s lover?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s hand dropped from his forehead.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I never mentioned it? Yan Hong¡¯s involved in an illicit love affair with Xie Laibao.¡±

    Lou Zigui stopped walking. Ning Xiaoyao was still caught up in her thoughts and muttering to herself. ¡°Could it be that Xie Laibao has a big whachamacallit and does a good job as a man?¡±

    ¡°Go and capture that woman,¡± Lou Zigui instructed the guards behind him. A few imperial guards ran off to apprehend Yan Hong. Meanwhile, Lou Zigui turned back to Ning Xiaoyao and asked, ¡°A big what?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to peer at Lou Zigui, before suddenly shifting her gaze downwards.

    ¡°.........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou, who suddenly understood what she meant.

    ¡°What I think,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began, wanting to discuss this further with Supreme Commander Lou.

    But Lou Zigui simply mped her mouth and muttered wearily, ¡°Let¡¯s just go.¡± By the time he pulled her out out the front door, an imperial guard ran out with an unconscious Yan Hong over his shoulders.

    ¡°She¡¯s still unconscious?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked from her perch atop Little Red, the battle horse. Xie Anshi could wake up from a thrashing, but that beauty was still unconscious just from a little pinch? (Author: So, exactly just how much strength did you use?)

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s heels dug into the nk of the horse, propelling them towards the end of the street.

    Shadowgale and the rest were waiting for Ning Xiaoyao at the exit. He led his horse to meet them as they arrived.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Windy, can I ride on your horse?¡± Shadowgale¡¯s horse was a white stallion called Little White Dragon. There wasn¡¯t a stray hair on his body, and he¡¯d caught Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s girlish heart as soon as she left the pce. A white horse! It¡¯d be so romantic riding a white horse through the city streets!

    Before Shadowgale could answer, Lou Zigui whipped Little Red, who whinnied and sprinted away.

    ¡°Dangit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao twisted her body to look back, nearly falling off the horse.

    Lou Zigui pulled her towards him and said, ¡°You don¡¯t want to ride on my horse?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shot a nce at the galloping Little Red. In order to spare the horse¡¯s feelings, she lied and said, ¡°I¡¯m willing.¡± Everyone¡¯s heard of a prince on a white horse, but never a prince on a red one! She was unhappy. (Author: Enough already...)

    ¡°Come in a bit closer,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao leaned in closer to Lou Zigui.

    ¡°When you go out in the rain next time, remember to use an umbre,¡± Lou Zigui urged.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Even when riding a horse?¡±

    ¡°Then wear a rain cape.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°When we return to the pce, I¡¯ll go interrogate Yan Hong at the Hall of Punishment. You should go back and rest early.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Lou Zigui nced down at the person in his arms. ¡°Did you forget that we have a great assembly tomorrow?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stiffened. Another great assembly?!

    ¡°Tomorrow morning at court, remember to--¡±

    ¡°Coughcoughcough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hacked. ¡°I¡¯m sick, can I skip the assembly tomorrow?¡± She had to make sure Qin Xuan and Miss A¡¯Xin left the capital city quickly. Moreover, there were other things to take care of too, like Little Peach Blossom and news of Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother. She was really busy, so who had time to sit in that hall and listen to Elder Li andpany¡¯s verbal spars? More than that was the fact that she didn¡¯t want to see him at all!

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to feel Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s forehead, which was cool to the touch.

    ¡°Cough, cough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept coughing.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Then issue an imperial decree dismissing the assembly.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped coughing immediately.

    She¡¯s just a girl, so how can she really be emperor? Lou Zigui told himself. A day without assembly should be fine, since the previous emperor had missed his sessions for years. He didn¡¯t lose his kingdom anymore for it.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you think Xie Anshi will fight another round with those Luo brothers?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stroked Oil Jar in her sleeve, now that she was out of danger.

    ¡°The Luo brothers wouldn¡¯t dare to a second time,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dragged out a sigh. It looks like my skills at sowing discord still suck too much. She had to practice more!

    Meanwhile, the steward of the estate they just left pressed the switch to check on the contents of the secret chamber. Then he withdrew the 5,000 taels from the empress dowager and reported to the Grand Preceptor, ¡°Grand Preceptor, there wasn¡¯t anything missing from the secret storage area. Here¡¯s the silver that Esteemed Empress Dowager prepared for eldest young master.¡±

    ¡°Leave it here,¡± the Grand Preceptor tapped the desk. The steward did as he was told and left the room. Grand Preceptor shot a nce at his sorry-looking son, Xie Anshi, before rising to his feet and walking to the Luo brothers. ¡°Lou Zigui is a cunning and crafty man. Nephews-inw, you¡¯ll need to take great care when facing him in the future.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Luo brothers hastened to answer. Grand Preceptor Xie next called up Xie Anshi before pping him soundly across his bruised and swollen face. Xie Anshi had lost his temper at the Luo brothers, but he didn¡¯t utter a word at his father¡¯s p.

    ¡°Yan Hong?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie questioned.

    Xie Anshi knelt down. ¡°Father, your son has been wronged.¡±

    ¡°Then all the eyes in the courtyard saw the wrong thing?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked coldly.

    Xie Anshi said, ¡°Yan Hong suddenly fell over, so your son only moved to hold her up.¡±

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie raged. ¡°Yan Hong is part of the poison sect. Her martial arts skills are top-notch, so how could she simply topple over?¡±

    Xie Anshi was left gaping at the revtion. Wasn¡¯t Yan Hong simply a toy of Xie Laibao¡¯s? She was even part of the poison sect and armed with formidable fighting prowess?

    The elder Luo brother bowed towards Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Grand Preceptor, if there¡¯s nothing else, this one and Luo Rui will withdraw.¡±

    ¡°You two can return to the barracks,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression warmed at the sight of Luo Wei. Politely, he said, ¡°I¡¯ve troubled you brothers to make a trip tonight. You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±

    --

    When Luo Rui left Fragrant Gauze Alley with his older brother, he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What did the Grand Preceptor¡¯s words mean?¡±

    Luo Wei replied, ¡°The Grand Preceptor is telling us that woman isn¡¯t someone ordinary. Even if she has something going on with Xie Anshi, it¡¯s only because of lust and won¡¯t affect his status.¡±

    Luo Rui wanted to curse, but held back his temper at the sight of the soldiers and horses following behind them. His elder brother suddenly smiled and murmured, ¡°But Lou Zigui was able to capture such a formidable woman. There should be a show to see very soon.¡±

    ¡°Big brother?¡± Second Young Master Luo didn¡¯t understand. Just whose side is big brother on anyways?

    ¡°There¡¯s definitely a ceremonial hall in that estate,¡± Eldest Young Master Luo said, ¡°But it has nothing to do with us.¡±

    Luo Rui shook his head. He couldn¡¯t help but feel that his brother had a falling out with the Grand Preceptor. The rain had turned Luo Wei¡¯splexion ghastly pale. A good bird chooses the branch on which it perches. If the Xie n ever falls, our Luo n cannot die with them. A single little sister is too insignificant whenpared to the fate of our n.

    --

    ¡°Useless!¡± In the study, Grand Preceptor Xie kicked the kneeling Xie Anshi in the chest, knocking him to the ground.

    Xie Anshi clutched his heart and cried in an aggrieved tone, ¡°Father, Lou Zigui suddenly brought imperial guards to charge into the courtyard. How could your son stop him with just a few men?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie rested his hand against his bandaged head. Right now, he was still feeling woozy and nauseous enough to throw up. If Ning Xiaoyao was here, she¡¯d be able to tell him that these were aftereffects of a concussion. Xie Anshi crawled to his knees and knelt before Grand Preceptor Xie anew.

    ¡°Father, all the people in the basement are dead. Your son¡¯s already counted the bodies. Their faces are all ruined now, so even if Lou Zigui takes them away, I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll matter much.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie backed up a few steps until he was sitting in his chair. ¡°You didn¡¯t miscount?¡±

    ¡°Your son wouldn¡¯t miscount,¡± Xie Anshi shuffled forward on his knees. ¡°Your son doesn¡¯t dare to miscount. I even looked at every one of the bodies, there can be no mistake.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie hammered the armrest. So that means Lou Zigui¡¯s trip tonight was in vain?

 Chapter 118: A large rat hiding by the old man

    <h4>Chapter 118: Arge rat hiding by the old man</h4>

    ¡°Father, just what kind of people were locked in that basement?¡± Xie Anshi asked. His father had taken great pains to kill and disfigure the people with poison smoke, while Lou Zigui had made a grand fuss of searching the courtyard. Even if Xie Anshi was an idiot, he could tell something was up.

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand as he leaned back into his chair with eyes closed.

    ¡°Who was it that injured you, father?¡± Xie Anshi asked next.

    Grand Preceptor Xie had only witnessed strength enough to tear apart a wall in His Majesty¡¯s hands. But it didn¡¯t matter whether the culprit was Ning Yu or not. Why should he care about the fate of a person soon marked for death?

    ¡°There are spies in the estate,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke with his eyes shut. ¡°I still haven¡¯t found out who they are.¡± If that was the case, Third Young Master Xie would have even less luck.

    ¡°Will we have to change all the people in the estate?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie murmured to himself. Xie Anshi was a cold-blooded man, but his hairs stood on end at his father¡¯s words. By exchanging the old for the new, his father could only mean killing off their current staff, which numbered in the thousands. Were they all supposed to die?

    And yet, Grand Preceptor Xie soon shook his head at the words. That was an impossible idea. Over half of the Xie n servants had been born in the estate. They counted as members of the Xie n too, so how was he supposed to kill and rece them?

    ¡°Father,¡± Xie Anshi stood nkly for a while before he asked timidly, ¡°Now that Yan Hong¡¯s fallen into Lou Zigui¡¯s hands, will she...¡± He trailed off as the Grand Preceptor¡¯s eyes flew open to fix him with a cold stare, his words dying in his throat.

    ¡°Yan Hong,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie repeated the name to himself. Xie Anshi prepared to exin himself once more that he didn¡¯t fancy the woman, but his father simply shut his eyes again and fell silent.

    In the dark and stormy streets, the imperial guard who had ced Yan Hong across the saddle of his horse suddenly let out a wretched cry. Lou Zigui stopped his horse. Ning Xiaoyao looked back in time to see Yan Hong bending back at an impossible angle, like a snake, to entwine herself around the imperial guard¡¯s waist.

    ¡°A femme fatale?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, utterly floored.

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Shadowgale shouted. Lou Zigui unsheathed his sword, and Ning Xiaoyao heard the tter of metal against metal as his de blocked a few dark blue needles flying their way. They fell to the ground.

    ¡°Damn her,¡± Fang Tang cursed as he spurred his horse towards Yan Hong. But before young General Fang could pull out his weapon, Yan Hong released a cloud of thick, disorienting smoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s poison!¡± one of the guards shouted. Fang Tang immediately covered his mouth and nose. Yan Hong took the chance to slip away from her guard hostage. Once shended on the ground, she fled in the direction of Fragrant Gauze Alley. Lou Zigui was about to shout out orders when he felt something empty in front of him. By the time he nced down, Ning Xiaoyao was already running to the imperial guard who had tumbled off his horse.

    ¡°There¡¯s poison!¡± Shadowgale nearly went crazy when he saw His Majesty rush into the poison smoke.

    ¡°No problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted as he grabbed the imperial guard by the hand. ¡°I¡¯m immune to hundreds of them.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else.

    In the midst of escaping, Yan Hong felt a sudden pain prate through her body before an arrow buried itself in a wooden peg before her. She staggered before falling into a waterlogged depression by the side of the road.

    Lou Zigui lowered the bow in his hands.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give chase,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. ¡°She knows how to use poisons. What if you all get poisoned on the way?¡±

    The imperial guard that Yan Hong had bitten on the left shoulder was now sporting ckish purple skin around her teeth marks. Despite this, Ning Xiaoyao had to take care of his swollen throat first. Yan Hong¡¯s second round of poison had swelled his throat up rmingly. If she hade a secondter, the young man would have died from asphyxiation.

    ¡°Bastard woman, you think you¡¯re so great just because you use poisons?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed at Yan Hong. ¡°See if your Xie Laibao wants you anymore after Xie Anshi hugged you! You¡¯re still trying to run away? So you can run back and eat your medicine? Blockhead!¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else. She¡¯d be a fool if she didn¡¯t run away, right?

    Yan Hong crawled up from the ground, a hand pressed over her wound as she kept running.

    ¡°Just you wait,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. ¡°I¡¯m going toe over and beat you to death!¡± Someone who could poison others with a single bite must be full of poison inside her body. How could a person like that be allowed to exist?!

    Yan Hong¡¯s figure disappeared at the end of the street. The guard with the swollen throat regained his ability to breathe and gulped down lungfuls of air with his mouth. Ning Xiaoyao pressed her hand against his arm. Slowly, the ckish purple skin receded to a normal hue. Lou Zigui walked to Ning Xiaoyao and the guard.

    ¡°He¡¯s all right now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand. Reality proved once again that she was a miraculous existence in this world. Feeling much better, Ning Xiaoyao patted the imperial guard¡¯s face in front of Lou Zigui and asked, ¡°Do you need me to pull you up?¡±

    Before the imperial guard could answer, Lou Zigui picked up Ning Xiaoyao by the cor. She looked up at him and asked, ¡°What happened?¡± Just then, she¡¯d sensed some acute killing intent from this man. What was going on?

    Everyone else averted their gazes. Since His Majesty hadn¡¯t lost his temper from being picked up like a kid, they¡¯d just pretend they didn¡¯t see a thing. Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t want to talk to this girl anymore. Patting a man on the face? He really felt weary of it all. Meanwhile, Fang Tang had started coughing as he suddenly found breathing difficult. Ning Xiaoyao ran to his side and patted his chest. It seemed like he wasn¡¯t seriously poisoned, so she sent a tiny ball of pale green light into his body.

    Fang Tang rubbed his throat as it stopped hurting and his breathing turned normal once again. He was beginning to doubt whether his recent difort only came from his imagination. Ning Xiaoyao then patted the shoulders of all the imperial guards who¡¯d been near Yan Hong just then. After using her powers, she felt hungry once more.

    ¡°Are they alright now?¡± Lou Zigui waited until Ning Xiaoyao stopped moving to ask.

    Ning Xiaoyao returned to his side and said, ¡°They¡¯re all fine. Are we going back to capture Yan Hong? And beat her up again?¡±

    Lou Zigui took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and led her towards Little Red, his voice low. ¡°That woman won¡¯t live much longer. We don¡¯t need to worry about her.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s poisoned herself too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t she have an antidote for her own poisons?¡± Lou Zigui helped Ning Xiaoyao onto the horse before climbing on himself to reply.

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. ¡°Then Supreme Commander, did your arrow just then contain poison?¡±

    ¡°Drunken Flower Fragrance,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°That woman¡¯s part of the poison sect.¡±

    ¡°What sect?¡±

    ¡°A faction of the jianghu not worth mentioning,¡± Lou Zigui said tly.

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. If it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning, then she didn¡¯t need to worry about it. Everyone else was speechless. The poison sect! Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s efforts in the jianghu had nearly seeded in uniting all the factions until his rule. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t speak of it as something as harmless as your Lou n¡¯s front door!

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao leaned against Lou Zigui as she suddenly recalled something else. ¡°What¡¯s Drunken Flower Fragrance?¡±

    ¡°The scent from just then,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Oh, that fragrance made from chemistry? It makes flowers drunk too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao ridiculed. Never trust in man made perfumes. Even a shower in perfume wouldn¡¯t rid the stench of a single zombie fight! (Author: Wake up already, you. That was poison, not perfume, ah geez!)

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°What¡¯s chemistry?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°It¡¯s a branch of science, it...¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t say anymore,¡± Supreme Commander Lou said. He didn¡¯t know what science was, either.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go home,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t that great of a teacher herself, and quickly changed the subject. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Fang Tang and quite a few Dragon Guards nearly fell off their horses. His Majesty is hungry again!

    --

    When Yan Hong got home, she didn¡¯t use the front doors, but climbed over the walls to enter a courtyard and went straight to the study. Xie Anshi¡¯s eyeballs nearly popped out of his sockets at the sight of her by the door. ¡°You,¡± Third Young Master Xie pointed at her and stammered, ¡°How did you escape?¡±

    ¡°Let her in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said from behind the study desk.

    Yan Hong entered the room.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been injured,¡± Xie Anshi noted the blood on her when she drew closer.

    Yan Hong shook her head with a smile. ¡°This servant thanks Third Young Master Xie for your concern. An injury like this won¡¯t cost this servant¡¯s life.¡±

    Xie Anshi¡¯s mouth twitched. He wanted to say that he didn¡¯t care about her at all, but he ultimately decided to keep quiet. His rtionship with this woman was already muddled beyond belief.

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at Yan Hong before gesturing to the empty chair on his right. ¡°Lou Zigui was that careless?¡±

    Yan Hong sat down before expelling a long breath. ¡°Did Grand Preceptor forget about this servant¡¯s poison skills? Not only is Supreme Commander Lou and his man incapable of capturing this servant, they¡¯ll soone begging me to save them instead.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded and told Xie Anshi, ¡°Go call the doctor.¡±

    A person like Yan Hong needed a young master of the Xie n to summon her doctor? Filled with resentment, Xie Anshi went to do as he was told. In the end, he still didn¡¯t dare to defy his father¡¯s words.

    ¡°Did you see the bodies that Lou Zigui took away?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked her after Xie Anshi had left.

    ¡°Yes, and this servant¡¯s counted them too. There were 21 bodies in total,¡± Yan Hong said.

    ¡°21 bodies?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie raised his eyebrows. ¡°Aren¡¯t there supposed to be 23 bodies?¡±

    Yan Hong curved her lips into a grin. ¡°The two youths who died were eaten by that big snake in the pond.¡± (Author: Hey, your subordinates only managed to throw one body away, you know. ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    Grand Preceptor Xie asked, ¡°You saw it with your own eyes?¡±

    Yan Hong¡¯s smile froze on her face, before she chuckled again. ¡°There¡¯s still a half-eaten corpse in the flower gardens now. If Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t believe me, you can see for yourself.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t this old man believe you? However, now that there are rats hiding by this old man¡¯s side, I can¡¯t help but be cautious.¡±

    ¡°This servant understands,¡± Yan Hong replied hastily.

    ¡°When will Lou Zigui and his men arrive?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°Very soon,¡± Yan Hong said confidently. ¡°This servant used Drunken Flower Fragrance. Lou Zigui might not care for the lives of the Dragon Guards and imperial guards, but he¡¯d definitely mind the lives of his own generals, right?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded and smiled. ¡°You did well.¡±

    Yan Hong kept her hand pressed against her wound. Whoever hurt me will have to pay the price, but it isn¡¯t certain whether that Cuckoo Lou could afford to pay it.

 Chapter 119: His Majesty says, you humans are too complicated

    <h4>Chapter 119: His Majesty says, you humans are tooplicated</h4>

    Yan Hong watched as the rain outside the windows stopped and daylight crept into the room. Still, the people who were supposed to beg her for antidote never came. Her expression grew bewildered--how could this be?

    Grand Preceptor Xie had been leaning against his chair the entire time with his eyes closed. When he heard the rainfall lessen, he opened his eyes and looked out the window. ¡°It looks like your Drunken Flower Fragrance was useless against Lou Zigui and his men.¡±

    Yan Hong leapt to her feet in rm. She stood there nkly for a moment before kneeling at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s feet. ¡°Grand Preceptor, this servant didn¡¯t betray you.¡±

    --

    ¡°If I go to Fragrant Gauze Alley now, will I be able to grab Yan Hong¡¯s corpse?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was currently sitting on the edge of Lou Zigui¡¯s bed. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking it over all night. It¡¯s too terrible for humankind if we leave such a disaster such as her in this world.¡±

    Lou Zigui pinched his brows after he¡¯d been pped awake by Ning Xiaoyao. He still felt weary after falling asleep. ¡°You can¡¯t just barge into a man¡¯s room as you please. Forget it, what did you find me for?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he gave up on talking about rtionships between men and woman.

    ¡°I was asking you about Yan Hong,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°If I sent someone to beg for the antidotest night, that woman would¡¯ve died for sure,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao paused in the middle of stuffing sugar beans into her mouth. ¡°But you didn¡¯t send anyonest night, did you?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over. That woman can¡¯t die yet.¡±

    ¡°Why not!?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed.

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand to hint that she shouldn¡¯t shout. His voice was still hoarse from sleepiness as he spoke. ¡°Judging by that woman¡¯s skills, she was probably in charge of locking up Ning Xiaoluo and the rest. If Xie Wenyuan suspects her of being a spy, then he¡¯ll definitely figure out that Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s still alive. Then it¡¯ll be nearly impossible for Third Young Master Ning to return safely to Fengzhou.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a few beans in her mouth and munched on them until they entered her stomach, but she still didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°Did you not understand?¡±

    ¡°If you sent people over, then Yan Hong¡¯s a spy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered. ¡°If you don¡¯t, then she¡¯s not a spy. Aren¡¯t you humans a little tooplicated? What¡¯s the logic behind all this?¡±

    Lou Ziguiughed out loud. The way this girl put it, it was as if she wasn¡¯t a human at all. Ning Xiaoyao crossed her legs to sit in front of him. ¡°Exin it to me,¡± she said.

    ¡°It¡¯s notplicated at all,¡± Lou Zigui half rose to a sitting position. ¡°Xie Wenyuan knows you have some sort of miracle doctor by your side. Wouldn¡¯t it only be natural that the doctor could treat Drunken Flower Fragrance?¡±

    ¡°Suppose the miracle doctor couldn¡¯t?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°If the doctor couldn¡¯t, then Xie Wenyuan wouldn¡¯t offer the antidote, either. That means Fang Tang and the rest would die without fail,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°If I sent men over to Fragrant Gauze Alley and didn¡¯t get the antidote, but Fang Tang and the rest survived all the same, then he¡¯d only conclude that Yan Hong was actually on my side. Would you have any other exnations?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked, then asked, ¡°How did you grow a brain like that?¡±

    Lou Zigui tousled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair andughed. ¡°You still don¡¯t get it?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao always felt like she had an insufficient IQ to interact with the humans of this world. What to do? She decided to eat a few more sugar beans to get over the shock.

    ¡°You really still don¡¯t understand?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he watched her eat.

    ¡°It¡¯s a crime to let people like that Yan Hong loose, you know, Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said unhappily. ¡°Moreover, you¡¯re treating Ning Xiaoluo as someone way too useless, alright? You¡¯re that certain he won¡¯t make it home if the Grand Preceptor sends men after him?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Lou Zigui. What kind of skills could a guy like Ning Xiaoluo have?

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Let me take care of Yan Hong.¡±

    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± Lou Zigui tried to grab Ning Xiaoyao, but missed.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she jumped off the bed. ¡°You should hurry up and get up. We need to send off Qin Xuan and Miss A¡¯Xin before Grand Preceptor finds a recement for Tao Chen. Quickly.¡± Lou Zigui sat in his bed and watched Ning Xiaoyao run off like the wind.

    ¡°Miaow~¡± Big Boss ck leapt onto the bed, his eyes opened wide as he meowed at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui stroked his head and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t see you allst night. Where did you go?¡±

    ¡°This cat went looking for news about your big brother, ah!¡± Big Boss ck meowed at Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t you worry. Xiaoyao will definitely save your brother, miaow~¡± He meowed at Lou Zigui for quite a while, but it was a pity the man didn¡¯t understand him.

    ¡°Are you trying to talk to me?¡± Lou Zigui smiled at Big Boss ck, but the smile didn¡¯t reach his eyes.

    ¡°Meow,¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s head hung as his tail drooped.

    Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie was leaving the estate while being supported by Xie Anshi. Yan Hong followed behind as he ordered, ¡°Seal off the stone door to the basement. In the future, never open it again.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Yan Hong obeyed.

    ¡°Three days from now, I¡¯ll go find a suitable new courtyard. You should all prepare as well,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added. Yan Hong understood his words. Now that this courtyard had been exposed as the Grand Preceptor¡¯s property, it was useless. They needed to move to a new ce.

    Yan Hong watched Grand Preceptor Xie entered his sedan chair before she said charmingly, ¡°Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t worry. This servant understands.¡±

    ¡°Hurry and find out who detoxified the Drunken Flower Fragrance,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice came from inside the sedan chair.

    Yan Hong immediately made a noise of assent.

    ¡°Or perhaps,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice grew cold, ¡°You should see which member of the poison sect betrayed this old man.¡± He didn¡¯t stop to wait for a reply, but kicked at the floor of the sedan chair to indicate they should leave.

    ¡°Rise,¡± the steward outside shouted in a hurry. The sedan chair bearers lifted the ride and headed towards the entrance of the alleyway. By the time he disappeared, Yan Hong was still standing by the door. She touched her throat and felt a thread of fear at how close she¡¯de to death today.

    --

    ¡°To the pce gates,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered once they left Fragrant Gauze Alley. The sedan chair bearers quickly changed directions to head towards the imperial pce. At the same time, Ning Xiaoyao stood pounding the doors outside Qin Xin¡¯s room.

    ¡°Miss Qin, Miss Qin, it¡¯s time to get up!¡±

    The mama in charge of serving Qin Xin quickly came to open the doors. Qin Xuan rushed out from his resting quarters next door and saw Ning Xiaoyao with one foot poised to enter the room.

    ¡°Is Your Majesty nning on going inside?¡± Regional Commander Qin asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Qin Xuan, then lowered her head to look at her foot, before withdrawing her leg. She almost forgot that she was supposed to be a man right now. Qin Xuan rushed before Ning Xiaoyao and knelt down, preparing to offer his respects.

    ¡°You still have time to worry about that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao hauled him upright. ¡°The fire¡¯s already burning your butts!¡±

    Qin Xuan¡¯s face changed as he grew serious. ¡°What did the Grand Preceptor do this time?¡±

    ¡°He and Tao Chen are nning to kill you and Miss Qin on the road,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted her chest. ¡°But I took care of both of themst night.¡±

    Qin Xuan was shocked. ¡°Your Majesty killed them?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I knocked them down with bricks.¡±

    Qin Xuan had difficulty imagining how His Majesty had vanquished that father and son-inw pair with bricks.

    ¡°Pack your bags,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed at the stupefied Regional Commander Qin a few times. ¡°Take Miss Qin and hurry back to Jiangnan. Supreme Commander said before, you guys will be safe as long as you reach the Jiangnan navy.¡±

    Qin Xuan nced at the mama standing before the door. Ning Xiaoyao told the mama, ¡°Mama, don¡¯t you just stand there. Go help pack the bags. Bring along anything that¡¯s worth money. And don¡¯t forget about food, either. That¡¯s the most important thing.¡±

    The mama didn¡¯t understand herst words. If travelers had money, they could buy food along the way. Did someone with Qin Xuan¡¯s status need to pack their own food? It wasn¡¯t as if they were heading off to war! Still, the mama went to do as she was ordered. By now, Lou Zigui had reached the courtyard. After paying respects to Qin Xuan, he nced at Ning Xiaoyao before smoothing out the stray locks of hair on her head.

    Qin Xuan said, ¡°Your Majesty, could we change to a different ce? This subject has words to tell Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao arched a brow. ¡°No way, right? You¡¯re already getting ready to leave. It can¡¯t be that you have another sweetheart back in Jiangnan as well?¡±

    Qin Xuan quickly shook his head. ¡°This subject has no one!¡± He¡¯s not going to cancel the union between Elder Sister A¡¯Xin and me just after bestowing our wedding yesterday, is he?

    ¡°Oh, then that¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked forward. ¡°Then speak up, what is it? Haha, even if you tell me the Earth will explode tomorrow and turn humans into zombies, I¡¯ll still be able to take it, ah.¡±

    Regional Commander Qin looked towards Supreme Commander Lou. Do you understand any of His Majesty¡¯s words? Supreme Commander Lou simply pretended he hadn¡¯t seen Regional Commander Qin at all.

    Soon enough, the three of them were sitting in Qin Xuan¡¯s temporary quarters, where Qin Xuan unfurled a map on the table. Ning Xiaoyao nced at the map and said, ¡°General Qin, are you going to discuss travel routes with me? I suggest you guys take the direct route.¡±

    Qin Xuan coughed and said, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject knows the way back.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied as she dug her fingers into her palms. Once again, she stuffed a sugar bean into her mouth. If he wanted her to study military tactics with him on this map, she¡¯d have nothing to say. Qin Xuan took a brush and drew two circles on the map.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Big Carp Ind and Little Carp Ind? General Qin, are you going to feed me some carp?¡±

    Qin Xuan wanted to sigh. Why didn¡¯t His Majesty think of anything else besides eating carp when he circled those two ind names? Could it be that His Majesty couldn¡¯t eat carp at the pce?

    As Qin Xuan stared at Ning Xiaoyao, Lou Zigui spoke up. ¡°You say your piece.¡±

    Qin Xuan said, ¡°Your Majesty, there are silver mines on these two inds.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s not carp, but silver mines. Silver--wha, what did you say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from her stool and cried out in excitement. ¡°Silver mines, so silver?!¡±

    Her shouts made Qin Xuan nod his head in a hurry. He knew that His Majestycked money, but he never expected him to be so moved.

    Pah! Ning Xiaoyao pped the map on the table. ¡°You can¡¯t lie to me. If you try to cheat a pauper into thinking you have money, it¡¯s immoral!¡±

    Qin Xuan said, ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare to trick the sovereign.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like the sun was shining and the skies were clear, that hundreds of flowers had burst into bloom and all the zombies were dead. Qin Xuan¡¯s lips twitched at the sight of the overexcited emperor. Is His Majesty so happy that he¡¯s starting to dance?

    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell Xie Wenyuan about them?¡± Lou Zigui asked coolly as he grabbed the foolishly happy Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao felt her heart and stomach tremble at the sound of ¡®Xie Wenyuan.¡¯ Her eyes grew wide as she turned on Qin Xuan.

    If he says he¡¯s told him, I¡¯ll bite him to death!

 Chapter 120: Trust in Your Majesty and find happiness

    <h4>Chapter 120: Trust in Your Majesty and find happiness</h4>

    ¡°I haven¡¯t,¡± Qin Xuan shook his head empathetically.

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped ring.

    Lou Zigui nced at the map. ¡°The silver mines you¡¯re talking about, can we extract the ores right now?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll need manpower and money,¡± Qin Xuan replied. ¡°Moreover, moving the silver itself will be an issue after extraction.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded and lowered his voice. ¡°You¡¯ll still need to be on guard against the official circles in Jiangnan.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat therepletely ignorant. Why was there so much fuss involved with digging through a silver mine?

    ¡°How much money do you need?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    ¡°There¡¯s refugees in Jiangnan, so I can solve the manpower issue, but I can¡¯t do anything about the money,¡± Qin Xuan said honestly. ¡°After going against Xie Wenyuan, I have no hopes of getting any money from him to raise the Jiangnan navy.¡±

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°How much did Xie Wenyuan used to give you?¡±

    Qin Xuan held up five fingers.

    ¡°Fifth....fifty thousand?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked weakly.

    Qin Xuan said, ¡°Your Majesty, it wasn¡¯t just to support the men, but the battleships as well.¡±

    ¡°Then 500,000?¡± Ning Xiaoyao added an extra zero.

    ¡°5,000,000 taels,¡± Lou Zigui remarked. ¡°Xie Wenyuan was certainly liberal with his money.¡±

    After all, the Xie n wasn¡¯t only raising the Jiangnan naval officers, but the entire navy. The annual cost was already 5,000,000 taels, a testament to the Xie n¡¯s extreme wealth. Ning Xiaoyao almost couldn¡¯t take the facts. Still, she was good at consoling herself and said, ¡°Then General Qin, you won¡¯t need the government to issue sries, right?¡±

    ¡°Government?¡± Qin Xuan echoed.

    ¡°Urk, I mean the imperial court.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject hasn¡¯t seen silver from the imperial court in a long time.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that this was pretty nice. Grand Preceptor Xie had to raise the navy out of money from his own pockets. She had to give the old man a ¡®Like¡¯ for that, and then maybe a banner or two as a gift. But upon further reflection, Ning Xiaoyao felt that something was off.

    She turned to Supreme Commander Lou and asked, ¡°Then where¡¯s the silver from the imperial court?¡±

    The pce didn¡¯t even need to worry about feeding its navy and still allowed its refugees to die despite seeing them suffer. How could it be so poor? Where did the silver go?!

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Xie Anyi¡¯s the one in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, which overlooks all silver in the imperial court. Naturally, the Xie n took all of the money for themselves.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. So in the end, the navy¡¯s silver still came from the government after all? ¡°5,000,000 taels?¡± she asked Qin Xuan again.

    Qin Xuan nodded.

    (¥Î¡ã§¥¡ã£©¥Î¦à ©ß©¥©ß , went Ning Xiaoyao.

    As Regional Commander Qin watched Ning Xiaoyao leave after flipping the table, he didn¡¯t know whether he shouldugh or cry. Lou Zigui rested his forehead in his hands before he bent down to straighten up the table again.

    He told Qin Xuan, ¡°His Majesty wants some peace and quiet. You can give me a rough estimate of how much money you need to excavate those mines, aside from the 5,000,000 taels to support the navy.¡±

    ¡°And let His Majesty just leave like that?¡± Qin Xuan asked.

    Lou Zigui was about to smooth out the wrinkled map when Qin Xuan¡¯s words made him look up. ¡°You want to persuade His Majesty yourself?¡±

    Qin Xuan thought it over before looking down at the map again. It was hard enough talking to His Majesty, so how would he ever persuade him?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao went to the flower gardens and raised her foot to kick the pear tree in front of her. But when she recalled how that must have cost money too, she used all her strength to kick a pebble near her foot instead. 5,000,000 taels? Even if I sell myself, I can¡¯t raise that much money!

    Meanwhile, the mama at the empress dowager¡¯s pce had hung up her dance clothes to dry in the gardens. These silk dresses had been buried at the very bottom of the chest, so their water damage was slight at most. The mama figured that some time in the sun would restore them to their former state.

    Empress Dowager Xie held Ning Xin as she sat on the veranda, staring at the clothes hung up to dry. Her eyes were filled with nostalgia as she spoke to her child. ¡°Those were given to imperial mother by Xin¡¯er¡¯s imperial father. Aren¡¯t they pretty?¡±

    The innocent and naive Ning Xin simply sucked on his thumb and babbled a few times.

    ¡°But imperial father¡¯s not here anymore,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said as she grew saddened. She kissed Ning Xin on the cheek and said, ¡°So Xin¡¯er has to grow up quick. Only then can imperial mother and your grandfather stay alive.¡±

    At this very moment, a dusty pebble fell down from the air and crashed into the clothesline pole. There was a loud crack before the pole split into two. A wind blew in from outside the gardens, whistling through the leaves like the crashing of ocean waves. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s resplendent dance clothes were caught up by the breeze and sent flying into the garden pond, where they soaked up the water before sinking to its depths.

    ¡°.........¡± said the mama. Empress Dowager Xie slowly rose to her feet before she gave a shrill cry.

    ¡°Wahhhhh---!¡± Scared by the exmation, Ning Xin started bawling.

    ¡°Who threw that rock?!¡± Empress Dowager Xie screeched, on the edge of falling apart, again.

    The mama raised her head to look at the skies. They were a bright, clear blue and speckled with fluffy white clouds. She didn¡¯t understand why a rock would suddenly fall out of the air. The eunuchs on duty ran out the courtyard to look around, but there was nobody there. They exchanged looks with each other before a cold chill ran down their backs. What a terribly fantastical event.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager!¡± Cries of rm came from within the courtyard. The eunuchs hurried back in, only to see that the empress dowager had fainted again.

    How are we supposed to live our lives from now on? Worry and anxiety pervaded the mood at the empress dowager¡¯s pce.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in the gardens of Supreme Splendor Hall and rubbed her nose. She nced at the building where Supreme Commander Lou and Regional Commander Qin were sitting. There was no way she could stand hearing about 5,000,000 taels again, so His Majesty Ning went to findfort from her fellow womenfolk.

    Ji Yuerong blocked Ning Xiaoyao at the entrance to Qin Xin¡¯s quarters and rolled her eyes. ¡°Your Majesty, elder sister Qin is a married woman. She can¡¯t see outsider males.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuck her head past her to peek into the room, only to see that someone had set up a screen in front of Qin Xin¡¯s bed. ¡°Do we have to be like this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered. Ji Yuerong noticed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s look and silently told her that yes, it had to be this way.

    Mute Nanny came from the room and paid respects to Ning Xiaoyao, before signing to say that Qin Xin¡¯s luggage was all packed and done. Ning Xiaoyao thanked her before turning to Ji Yuerong. ¡°You¡¯re only paying attention to the fact that I¡¯m a man? I¡¯m also a doctor. If I don¡¯t go in, how am I supposed to know how much Miss Qin¡¯s recovered? I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll see her again after today¡¯s farewell. Are you going to take responsibility for your elder sister Qin¡¯s health?¡±

    Now Ji Yuerong had no reason to hold Ning Xiaoyao back. Ning Xiaoyao strutted in with her chest held high. See who¡¯d stop her from seeing Miss A¡¯Xin now! (Author: Why do you insist onpeting for such things....) Qin Xin was half reclining on the bed, all dressed for traveling. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao, her expression grew grateful as she attempted to rise and pay her respects.

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao strode to her bedside with a grin. ¡°Miss Qin, yourplexion looks much better today.¡±

    Qin Xin said, ¡°Thismoner thanks Your Majesty for saving my life. Thismoner...¡±

    ¡°What moner¡¯ business?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she sat on the stool by her bed. ¡°You¡¯re going to be Lady Qin soon, ah. The wife of the Regional Commander, how trendy.¡±

    Qin Xin didn¡¯t understand what ¡®trendy¡¯ meant, but she still smiled thankfully at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao brushed her finger against Qin Xin¡¯s right wrist, sending in a ball of pale green light as she remarked, ¡°You¡¯ve recovered quite well. After you get home, rest and recuperate well.¡±

    Ji Yuerong said, ¡°Your Majesty, will elder sister Qin be able to walk again?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Not only that, she¡¯ll be able to have babies as well. Miss Qin, live a good life with Qin Xuan and let that jerk Xie Anyi go die.¡±

    Qin Xin nodded. ¡°Your Majesty, thismoner will forget about the Xie n.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, forget them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°They¡¯re a bunch of bastards not worth remembering.¡± Ji Yuerong couldn¡¯t approve more of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. In terms of Xie Anyi, they were onmon grounds.

    ¡°But don¡¯t hate him too much,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added when she was done. ¡°Because he and that little white flower definitely won¡¯t live as well as you. He can¡¯t bepared to General Qin, and that little white flower¡¯s nothingpared to you. So Miss Qin, you just go on and be happy.¡±

    Qin Xin smiled. ¡°Thismoner will remember Your Majesty¡¯s words.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Trust in Your Majesty and find happiness, hahaha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed.

    No matter what Qin Xin¡¯s worries were, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s teasing made her feel much better. Ji Yuerong was even more delighted. More and more, she found His Majesty quite congenial. No matter what he said or how foolishly he smiled, she was still fond of him. Next door, Qin Xuan paused in the middle of his hushed words with Lou Zigui. Just earlier, His Majesty had looked like the world was ending, but now he wasughing like this? More stifling was the fact that His Majesty had sought peace and quiet through a chat with his elder sister?

    ¡°His Majesty has superb medical skills,¡± Lou Zigui exined on behalf of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°He must have felt that Miss Qin recovered greatly and congratted her as a result.¡±

    Qin Xuan felt a bit better upon hearing that.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Qin Xin¡¯s face was red, but she still kept her eyes on Ning Xiaoyao for her question. ¡°Can thismoner¡¯s body still get pregnant?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded hastily. ¡°You just need to nurture your body for it to recover. There¡¯s no need to fear. You¡¯ll have your share of babies and plenty of money--ah, geez.¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly recalled something at the mention of cash and leapt up from her stool. She ran out of the room as she cried, ¡°I still have to tell General Qin something, talk to youter!¡±

    Qin Xin quietly asked Ji Yuerong, ¡°Is His Majesty always like that? So hustling and bustling?¡±

    Ji Yuerong hemmed and hawed but didn¡¯t reply. She wanted to say that His Majesty had always been a little insane, but it seemed greatly disrespectful to voice those words out loud.

    Ning Xiaoyao dashed all the way to Qin Xuan and blurted, ¡°General Qin, can you let me take over the Grand Preceptor¡¯s smuggling business in Jiangnan?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Qin Xuan.

    ¡°I¡¯m really short of money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously.

    ¡°Half of it, maybe,¡± Lou Zigui spoke up. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible to take over the entire venture.¡±

    Qin Xuan felt his head swell as he looked at the pair before him. He wasn¡¯t the final say when it came to the seaports and official circles of Jiangnan. They shouldn¡¯t pretend the Grand Preceptor had passed away already, right?

    ¡°Let me borrow as much money as I need from you first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°When I have money of my own, I¡¯ll definitely pay you back.¡±

    Qin Xuan was stunned. His Majesty wants to borrow money from me?

    ¡°I¡¯ve got all of Prince Fu¡¯snds. There¡¯s so many other vassal lords that I¡¯ll definitely be able to scrounge up the case,¡± Ning Xiaoyao did her best to prove to Qin Xuan that she could pay back her loans.

 Chapter 121: Whoâ€™s guilty of throwing the rock?

    <h4>Chapter 121: Who''s guilty of throwing the rock?</h4>

    Qin Xuan shook his head, trying to clear his mind after being led in confusing circles by Ning Xiaoyao. Then he knelt in front of her and said, ¡°This subject epts the decree.¡± Forget about money, I¡¯ll even give him my life right now if he wants it.

    Ning Xiaoyao helped him up and said, ¡°epts the decree? You¡¯re agreeing to lend me money?¡±

    Qin Xuan replied, ¡°It¡¯s not lending, Your Majesty. Even this subject¡¯s life belongs to Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t say things like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily shook her head. ¡°It can¡¯t all go to me. You still have to live a good life with Miss Qin. Don¡¯t you need money to raise a wife and kids? General Qin, you need to learn how to save money, understand?¡±

    Qin Xuan was deeply moved by such words, but he didn¡¯t want to talk any more. Just who brought up the topic of money in the first ce? Here I am expressing my loyalty while the emperor is telling me how to save up. Regional Commander Qin felt that he was getting a figurative face p.

    Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao and pulled her over to his side. ¡°Enough already,¡± he murmured to her. ¡°You did very well with your first words, but did you have to mention the second half?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought back. What did I say in the second half?

    Qin Xuan told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, if everything goes well, this subject guarantees that I¡¯ll be able to get silver out of those mines within six months.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°So you¡¯ll need half a year before producing silver?¡±

    Qin Xuan felt awkward. ¡°What is Your Majesty¡¯s meaning?¡±

    ¡°Then half a year it¡¯ll be. You have to pay attention to safety when opening up a mine. Don¡¯t throw your lives away just for the sake of the silver,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Though she wished they could get silver the very next day, she¡¯d be a fool to expect the impossible.

    ¡°Yes, this subject epts the decree,¡± Qin Xuan said again.

    ¡°Then leave the capital city soon,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Are the guards you¡¯ve brought with you reliable?¡±

    Qin Xuan nodded. ¡°They¡¯ve served my family for generations. I wouldn¡¯t pick anyone unreliable to be my personal bodyguards.¡±

    ¡°Then please go,¡± Lou Zigui half turned towards the door. In the time it took to burn two sticks of incense, Qin Xuan took Qin Xin and left by the side gates of the pce.

    ¡°You both have to take care, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If there¡¯s a chance in the future, I¡¯ll go visit you in Jiangnan. Otherwise, you guys cane to the capital. In any case, we¡¯ll definitely meet again. Goodbye!¡±

    Qin Xin said, ¡°Thismoner wishes Your Majesty to take care.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely take care, ah.¡± Finally, she was living in a world without zombies. If she didn¡¯t live well, she¡¯d be unworthy to herself.

    ¡°Hyaa!¡± Qin Xuan urged his horse forward.

    ¡°Be careful on the road!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at their retreating forms. While on his horse, Qin Xuan turned around to cup his fist at Ning Xiaoyao. Qin Xin perched against the carriage window and looked at her as well, wearing a teary smile.

    Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui and Ji Yuerong, ¡°Who said Miss Qin was ugly? Did you see her smile? That was peerless elegance and intellectual brilliance!¡±

    Ji Yuerong said, ¡°That¡¯s right, Xie Anyi waspletely blind.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and he was an idiot, too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    ¡°Bastard!¡± Ji Yuerong added.

    ¡°Jerk!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Supreme Commander Lou watched the pair as they cursed, feeling helpless amidst it all.

    They¡¯re like a pair of sisters~ Shadowthunder thought, before he suddenly shivered and smacked himself on the forehead. Am I sick of living? What kind of thought was that?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui took Ning Xiaoyao and pulled her towards the pce.

    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely go see them in Jiangnan,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Lou Zigui replied absently. ¡°There¡¯ll be chances.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head at him. ¡°I can tell you¡¯re humoring me just by looking at your face.¡±

    Lou Zigui tried to raise his lips into a smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote to smile now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips.

    ¡°........¡± said Lou Zigui, who was beginning to feel weary again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely visit Jiangnan,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Nobody will be able to stop me.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. None of us are stopping you. Meanwhile, Ji Yuerong stepped forward and gave Ning Xiaoyao a few silver drafts. Ning Xiaoyao nced at them. Each silver draft was worth 100 taels, with a total of five for 500 taels.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Ji Yuerong, deeply moved. ¡°Yuerong, are you giving me money?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not mine,¡± At that moment, Ji Yuerong didn¡¯t even think it was wrong for Ning Xiaoyao to call her by name. ¡°Yesterday I went to the justice courts and saw one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s elderly female servants trying to bribe the jailer. I caught her and took the silver drafts. Your Majesty, you should use them instead.¡±

    ¡°Yuerong, thank you!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spread open her arms.

    Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao by the cor and murmured next to her ear, ¡°If you hug her, you¡¯ll have to make her into one of your concubines.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dropped her arms. She couldn¡¯t afford to make jokes like that. Though she didn¡¯t mind either way, Miss Ji might not be able to take it.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I treat Your Majesty to egg yolk guoba next month?¡± Ji Yuerong asked. ¡°I¡¯ll buy all the egg yolk guoba from that stall.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was extremely moved. She sniffled a few times. ¡°Yuerong, you¡¯re such a good person.¡±

    Ji Yuerong lowered her head to nce at Shadowgale. ¡°Your Majesty, I won¡¯t forget to bring money with me.¡±

    p--! Shadowgale hadn¡¯t said a word today, but he felt the figurative p on his face loud and clear.

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s great! ¡°Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head like a chicken pecking at grain, her eyes curved into grinning crescents.

    Lou Zigui suddenly found the presence of Ji Yuerong unsightly. Why is she so unpleasant to look at? She¡¯s evenpeting with me to take her out for egg yolk guoba? (Author: Supreme Commander, you have to be logical sometimes too, seriously--)

    ¡°How¡¯s that couple in the jail doing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked curiously.

    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Ji Yuerong said, having worked off all her anger. ¡°When I went, that little white flower was crying.¡±

    ¡°In front of His Majesty, you should refer to yourself by--¡± Lou Zigui wanted to tell Ji Yuerong to use ¡®this subject!¡¯ But both Ning Xiaoyao and Ji Yuerong had huddled together at that moment, chatting as they walked on ahead. Judging by their footsteps, they were in an extremely good mood, enough to jump for joy.

    They still look like sisters~ Second Commander Shadowthunder thought again before pping his forehead once more.

    ¡°Perhaps the pce will have another imperial concubine soon,¡± a Dragon Guard whispered to hispanion. Lou Zigui shot a re at him, his eyes as cold as ice. The Dragon Guard nearly peed his pants in his fear.

    These Dragon Guards have been spoiled to the point of indecency by that Miss Ning, Lou Zigui silently cursed. He¡¯d need to settle the score with themter.

    Shadowrain ran over at this time with a folded booklet in his hands. ¡°Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor has sent over a booklet admitting his wrongs.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao epted the booklet and opened it to read the contents. She had to admit that Grand Preceptor Xie had very fine calligraphy skills. His words were like miniature paintings. In any case, it wasn¡¯t anything she could write herself. (Author: You don¡¯t need topare yourself to the Grand Preceptor for that!)

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowrain said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor is asking for an audience outside.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tried her best to read the traditional Chinese characters on the paper while trying to figure out what the Grand Preceptor was saying between his numerous literary jargon, ssical quotes, and pedantic prose. Ji Yuerong didn¡¯t dare to try taking the booklet from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands, but backed away until she was following five steps behind. Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face was quickly approximating that of a meatbun and quickly rushed forward.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± he asked in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao pped the booklet into Lou Zigui¡¯s hands. ¡°Just what did he write? I don¡¯t understand it at all!¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°The Grand Preceptor had the nerve to fool around with His Majesty?¡±

    Between admitting that the Grand Preceptor was fooling around or confessing that she was illiterate, Ning Xiaoyao would naturally pick the former. ¡°That¡¯s right, that old geezer¡¯s trying to provoke me!¡±

    Ji Yuerong and the Dragon Guards instantly looked to Lou Zigui to see if that was the case. Grand Preceptor Xie had written a very heartfelt letter admitting his wrongs, even ming himself for epting imperial favor and showing grief over Xie Anyi¡¯s actions. Lou Zigui read the entire thing from beginning to end without finding any faults in it.

    ¡°Just say that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s trying to provoke me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowrain. ¡°And that their Xie n doesn¡¯t deserve to have that archway. Have the Xie n dismantle the thing and return it to me in pieces, I¡¯ll--¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°I¡¯m not done yet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook herself free.

    Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with the contents of this booklet. You can¡¯t use an excuse like that to take back the Xie n¡¯s archway.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then just what did he write?¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao. He wanted to make sure that this girl was just joking with him.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. ¡°I felt nauseous as soon as I saw his handwriting.¡± His Majesty Ning had found an excuse for herck of letters.

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. So His Majesty already loathes Grand Preceptor Xie that much!

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan admitted his wrongs to Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao along as they walked ahead. ¡°He¡¯s asked Your Majesty to exile Xie Anyi and n¨¦e Wang to the bordends and forbid them from ever setting foot in the capital again.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s that ruthless?¡±

    Lou Zigui closed the booklet with a coldugh. ¡°He has no need for a useless son.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t utter a sound. The Supreme Commander and Grand Preceptor Xie had a grudge as deep as a sea of blood!

    Shadowrain said, ¡°Your Majesty, will you meet with the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Tell him that Your Majesty is busy. Have him go home and keep meditating upon his mistakes.¡±

    Shadowrain epted the decree and ran off. At that moment, a mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce arrive and knelt by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet to tell her how the empress dowager had fainted again.

    ¡°What was the reason this time?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The mama exined how a rock had fallen out of the skies and broke the clothes hanger to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ve told her already, my imperial father isn¡¯t willing to see her right now, but she still insists on being so sentimental!¡±

    How am I supposed to report these words back to Esteemed Empress Dowager? The mama was thinking to herself. If I tell her verbatim, will Esteemed Empress Dowager die from sheer rage?

    ¡°If she¡¯s sick, she should see a doctor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she detoured around the mama. ¡°Have her take medicine.¡± That Esteemed Empress Dowager should take lots and lots of pills. She¡¯s too good at acting!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the mama said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager wants to uncover the culprit who threw the rock.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°When did it happen?¡±

    ¡°A little less than an hour ago,¡± the mama answered truthfully.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin in thought. It seemed like she¡¯d kicked a pebble about that time. Where had it flown again? Thinking back to that moment, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression suddenly twisted. It looks like I was the culprit.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you guys investigate around the empress dowager¡¯s pce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The mama shook her head. ¡°We¡¯ve looked all around the empress dowager¡¯s pce, but we didn¡¯t find any outsiders.¡±

    Shadowgale crept forward and whispered, ¡°Your Majesty, none of the Dragon Guards would¡¯ve dared to do such a thing.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°Then it must¡¯ve been me who did it. I kicked a pebble from the Supreme Splendor Hall, oh.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. Although Supreme Splendor Hall was far too far away from the empress dowager¡¯s pce, they all had the inexplicable feeling that His Majesty was indeed the guilty party.

 Chapter 122: Sacrificial ceremony or fierce fight?

    <h4>Chapter 122: Sacrificial ceremony or fierce fight?</h4>

    ¡°Go back and tell her I don¡¯t know a thing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the mama. ¡°You can¡¯t sow discord between this mother and son. Just lie to her with goodwill.¡±

    The mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce felt like dying. If you don¡¯t want Esteemed Empress Dowager to know, why did you admit it in the first ce? Lie to Esteemed Empress Dowager? Then I might as well go die.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t wait for the mama to answer, but kept moving forward. When she recalled how a single pebble kicked with her foot had caused so much unhappiness for Empress Dowager Xie, then felt the five silver drafts hidden in her sleeve, Ning Xiaoyao felt happy enough to croon a song. Today¡¯s a good day!

    Lou Zigui listened to Miss Ning sing on about zombies on one side and sabers on the other. Supreme Commander Lou knew what sabers were, but what the heck are zombies? He checked to see that everyone else was keeping a good distance from them before asking in a small voice, ¡°What¡¯s a zombie?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was in the middle of singing about sabers hacking at zombies while kicking aside stray pebbles. She stopped at the question and furrowed her eyebrows, before giving Lou Zigui a troubled look. ¡°They don¡¯t exist in this world.¡±

    How would you know about them if they don¡¯t exist in this world? Does that even make sense? Lou Zigui wanted to say something else, but he wasn¡¯t sure what.

    ¡°Urk, they¡¯re a type of brain dead monster with still living bodies that want to eat human flesh. You can call them the living dead if you want,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined as they walked along.

    Lou Zigui could only agree that such things really didn¡¯t seem to exist in this world.

    ¡°Under no means should those kind of monsters exist,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui seriously. ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    Lou Zigui silently walked ahead for a while before he patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head. ¡°In the future, don¡¯t listen to such strange and fantastical stories.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged. She knew nobody would believe her if she told them. (Author: How do you expect Supreme Commander to believe you when he¡¯s never seen them for himself?)

    --

    At the same time, Shadowrain was speaking to Grand Preceptor Xie in front of the pce gates.

    ¡°His Majesty says he¡¯s very busy, and that Grand Preceptor should continue his reflections back home.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie put on a pained smile as he knelt to receive the decree. Then he asked, ¡°Then how is His Majesty nning to deal with my son?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Shadowrain. Darn it, His Majesty didn¡¯t say.

    ¡°What orders does His Majesty have?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked again when Shadowrain didn¡¯t answer.

    Shadowrain cleared his throat. ¡°His Majesty will naturally issue a decree regarding the matter. Grand Preceptor, why don¡¯t you go on home first.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded before turning to climb into his ptial sedan chair. Shadowrain nced over to see Third Young Master Xie and hispletely unrecognizable face. His Majesty wasn¡¯t present right now, so the Third Commander of the Dragon Guards wasn¡¯t brazen enough tough at Xie Anshi. However, his eyes, full of amusement, had already provoked the other man.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie turned back to call his son back before he lost his temper. Xie Anshi red at Shadowrain, who lowered his head in response. I can¡¯t wait and see how His Majesty kills off the Xie n once and for all!

    After settling in his sedan chair, Grand Preceptor Xie lifted the curtains to peer at the pce gates. In the past, he coulde and leave as he wished, but now that was impossible. When the pce sedan chair went past Elder Li, its upant stamped his foot against the floor. The four sedan chair bearers immediately stopped moving. Elder Li looked at Grand Preceptor Xie without saying a word or even uttering a single greeting. His expression didn¡¯t change either, but he stimply stood there waiting for Grand Preceptor Xie to speak.

    Grand Preceptor Xie cupped his hands from inside the carriage in order to greet Elder Li. ¡°His Majesty can dismiss the assembly, but he¡¯ll still have to show himself at the grand ceremony in honor of the Heavens in two days. His Majesty is currently cross with this old man, so I ask that Elder Li remind His Majesty in his stead.¡±

    Elder Li replied coldly, ¡°His Majesty is wise and brilliant. How could he possibly forget about the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony? If you¡¯ve thought over your mistakes, you should set your mind at rest instead.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t get mad at Elder Li¡¯s words, but simply smiled and cupped his hands again before lowering the curtain and stamping his feet anew. The sedan bearers carried him away before Elder Li finally approached Shadowrain. ¡°Has His Majesty already prepared sufficiently for the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony in two days¡¯ time?¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Shadowrain. He¡¯d never heard His Majesty mention the event.

    ¡°If His Majesty isn¡¯t busy, please ask him to summon the astrologers the to the pce for an audience,¡± Elder Li said.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowrain said with a bow. Elder Li nced at one of the astrologers waiting to one side before turning to leave with a sigh. Shadowrain exchanged nces with the members of the astronomy department for a bit before scratching his head and deciding to go and ask His Majesty first.

    ¡°His Majesty couldn¡¯t have forgotten, could he?¡± one of Elder Li¡¯s disciples murmured in a small voice. Over the past few days, they¡¯d only heard news of the desperate struggles between His Majesty and Grand Preceptor Xie, and nothing about meeting with the astrologers.

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have,¡± Elder Li chose to believe in Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°His Majesty is wise and brilliant, so how could he ever forget?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a Grand Sacrificial Ceremony?¡± asked the Ning Xiaoyao who was so trusted by Elder Li from her seat in Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Shadowrain fell silent. As he had expected, His Majesty had forgotten about it entirely. Sitting by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side was Lou Zigui, who knitted his brows. Because he¡¯d been too busy with the current matters at hand, he¡¯dpletely forgotten about the ceremony.

    ¡°It¡¯s when Your Majesty goes to the ancestral hall to make offerings to Heaven on its altar after ascending the throne. There¡¯s also offerings to all the previous emperors, too,¡± Shadowrain summarized.

    ¡°Do we burn incense?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowrain hastily shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not it, ah. Your Majesty, it¡¯s...¡± Shadowrain was at a loss for words. He was only a Dragon Guard who knew martial arts, so how should he know about the sacrificial rites to the Heavens?

    ¡°How about summoning the astrologers into the pce?¡± Lou Zigui suggested. There were some things that had to be done regardless, such as sacrifices to the Heavens. Soon enough, Shadowrain had led the astrologers to wait outside one of the wings in Supreme Splendor Hall. Lou Zigui spoke a few words with Shadowgale in the walkway before entering the wing and telling Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°The Dragon Guards who followed Ning Xiaoluo have returned. I¡¯m going to meet with them, so will you be fine on your own here?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked before ncing at the astrologers gathered outside the doors. Astonished, she asked, ¡°What could happen to me? Would those astrologers try to beat me up?¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed and said, ¡°You can¡¯t hit them.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I fight back if they hit me?¡±

    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t dare, and they won¡¯t try to hit you in the first ce,¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t bear it anymore and rapped his knuckles against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. This girl really tires me out. ¡°You can¡¯t raise your hands against other people. Definitely not.¡± Lou Zigui stressed. After some thought, he still felt worried and so he added, ¡°Everything in this room is worth money. If you break anything, you¡¯ll have to pay money to buy their recements.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t hit anyone,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Anything that involved spending money was a heartbreaking business. Moreover, why would she hit anyone who didn¡¯t attack her first? ¡°I¡¯m not someone that unreasonable,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°No matter what, you mustn¡¯t fight,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. If this keeps on, I won¡¯t be able to hold back. Is it so hard to trust me?

    When Lou Zigui left the wing, all of the astrologers bowed before his presence without looking at him. ording to modern conventions, these types of officials were all a bit mysterious and strange. It was impossible for a man like Lou Zigui, who¡¯d been decreed as a star of disaster, to see on the same ne as those mystic types.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called from inside the wing. The astrologers entered the room and prepared to bow again when Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand. ¡°No need to waste time with kowtows, let¡¯s talk business.¡±

    Her first words were enough to stupefy the astrologers. The rites of greeting between sovereign and subject were a waste of time?

    ¡°People like you hurt Windy and the rest,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she scanned the astrologers in front, finding them all to be familiar faces. That night at the Hall of Punishment, they¡¯d been present at the scene. Meanwhile, the astrologers were all staring in astonishment at Ning Xiaoyao. Who¡¯s Windy?

    Shadowgale coughed softly from his position by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. The astrologers looked at him before realizing who he was. The head astrologer hastened to exin, ¡°Your Majesty, we subjects were only following the empress dowager¡¯s decree that night at the Hall of Punishment. We subjects--¡±

    ¡°Enough, enough, enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°So you¡¯ve all sided with the empress dowager, I get it.¡±

    None of the astrologers got it. Just what did he understand?

    ¡°Speak up, what¡¯s the deal with the offerings to Heaven?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The head astrologer never expected a question like that, and blurted out, ¡°Your Majesty doesn¡¯t know anything about the heavenly offerings?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at him. ¡°Did I break thew just because I don¡¯t know?¡±

    You didn¡¯t, but how can you not know what the offering to Heaven is? All of the astrologers shared the same thought at they looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You can¡¯t say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the head astrologer. A total of seven people hade in, but only this one had spoken up. Without a doubt, he had to be the biggest boss of them all. (Author: So that¡¯s how you judge for leaders.)

    The head astrologer spent an entire hour exining the particrs of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, then another hour defining how to sacrifice to one¡¯s ancestors. At the end of it all, Ning Xiaoyao nodded and told Shadowrain, ¡°What I said before wasn¡¯t wrong. It¡¯s just burning incense.¡± Lighting incense and saying prayers was basically burning incense all rolled into one.

    The dry-mouthed head astrologer suddenly felt an urge to go die. It¡¯d be better if he could bring His Majesty with him on the journey. Shadowrain lowered his head. I didn¡¯t hear anything!

    ¡°Your Excellency, ah, tell me how the whole thing flows,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°What time do I have to get out of bed? When I can eat? And when do I get toe back to sleep?¡±

    The head astrologer sucked in a breath and kneeled before Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, making offerings to Heaven and paying respects to your ancestors requires a genuine, sincere heart. That¡¯s the only way to make sure the Heavens andte emperors will protect and shield Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. If there were so many gods and ancestors keeping watch, would Yongning be in such dire states now? You¡¯re fooling me.

    The head astrologer didn¡¯t know why Ning Xiaoyao wasughing, but he could sense the dark mood behind her chuckle.

    ¡°Will the empress dowager and Grand Preceptor be present then as well?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly asked.

    The head astrologer replied, ¡°The Grand Preceptor isn¡¯t required to attend, but the empress dowager is Your Majesty¡¯s imperial mother and will need to stay by Your Majesty¡¯s side.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Fine, I know how things stand now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. The astrologers were left with an irascible mood. Just what do you understand now?

    Ning Xiaoyao nced over at Shadowrain. Grand Preceptor Xie had been the first one to worry about the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony. What did that mean? That Grand Preceptor Xie was very likely to rece her with her doppelganger on the day of the ceremony.

    The Grand Sacrificial Ceremony. Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. Rather than burning incense, it¡¯s going to be another fierce fight. How are Grand Preceptor Xie and Empress Dowager Xie nning to rece me?

    By now, the head astrologer had moved on to say, ¡°Your Majesty will have to enter the main room of the ancestral hall and approach the altar by yourself.¡±

    By myself? Ning Xiaoyao stopped scratching her palms. If the viin hadn¡¯t escaped, he¡¯d wait until the victim was alone before making his move. The moment she entered that ancestral hall alone would be the chance that father and daughter pair needed to act against her.

 Chapter 123: When His Majesty meets with swindlers

    <h4>Chapter 123: When His Majesty meets with swindlers</h4>

    Currently, Qin Xuan was standing by the road outside the southern gates of the capital. He nced at Qin Xin perched by the carriage¡¯s window and said, ¡°We¡¯ve left the capital city.¡±

    Qin Xin didn¡¯t turn back to reply him, her thoughts on that city were that it had been her cage. She only said in a small voice, ¡°Take me away.¡±

    Qin Xuan nodded slightly. He wanted to smile, but he suddenly felt too stifled to do it sessfully. Qin Xin smiled instead. She had always felt like everything was a dream, but now that she was out of the city, she was sure that she¡¯d be able to go home again. When Qin Xuan saw her smile then, he believed that His Majesty¡¯s words were right. His sister¡¯s smile was truly peerlessly elegant and full of intellectual brilliance.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Qin Xuan patted the carriage window before he said loudly, ¡°We¡¯re going home.¡±

    The leader of the bodyguards raised his voice. ¡°Alright, hyaa!¡±

    The group continued their journey on the road. About an hourter, apany of ordinary citizens dressed in merchants¡¯ clothing passed by Qin Xuan¡¯s group. After they left, Qin Xuan halted his horse, causing Qin Xin to lift the curtains and look outside to see why.

    ¡°Those were soldiers,¡± Qin Xuan murmured as he watched the retreating merchant party.

    Qin Xin quickly looked back. As a daughter of a military family, she could tell the merchants were military men just by looking at their gait. ¡°How could that be?¡± she asked in rm. ¡°Why would there be soldiers inmoner clothing moving about outside the capital?¡± Within the city, soldiers were soldiers and civilians were civilians. What were those soldiers thinking by disguising themselves as thetter?

    Aside from Qin Xuan and Qin Xin, their bodyguards had grown anxious as well. ¡°They had a southern ent,¡± one of the bodyguards said as he approached Qin Xuan. ¡°Regional Commander, I heard them talk as they passed by. They have southern ents, but I¡¯m not sure which specific region they¡¯re from.¡±

    So they aren¡¯t soldiers from the capital city?

    Qin Xuan and Qin Xin exchanged nces before the former grit his teeth. ¡°Big sis, I¡¯ll get Little Lu and the rest to escort you to the courier station ahead. I¡¯m going to take a trip back to the capital.¡±

    Qin Xin knew it¡¯d be dangerous for Qin Xuan to go back alone, but she nodded her head all the same. ¡°You have to be careful.¡±

    ¡°There are people from our Qin n stationed at the courier post up ahead, so you don¡¯t need to fear big sis,¡± Qin Xuan patted Qin Xin¡¯s hand, which was resting against the carriage window.

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. I¡¯ll wait for you at the courier station. Nothing can happen to His Majesty,¡± Qin Xin said softly.

    Qin Xuan only brought a single guard with him as he rushed back towards the capital. Qin Xin slowly sat back in the carriage. Good people should meet with good ends. If Heaven had eyes, it would protect her brother and His Majesty so that both would be unharmed.

    --

    Inside the pce, Ning Xiaoyao and the astrologers had ended up at odds with each other. Their conversation was like a donkey trying to talk to a horse,pletely ipatible. Finally, both His Majesty Ning and those so-called swindlers ended up feeling extremely stifled. Both parties thought the other side waspletely abnormal.

    I have to abstain from meat and wine and take a bath just to burn some incense? Ning Xiaoyao ridiculed in her heart. And I can¡¯t even eat! Isn¡¯t this just a form of punishment? What¡¯s it all for? Dead people don¡¯t need to eat, so the living have to keep thempany?!

    Why doesn¡¯t His Majesty understand a thing? The so-called swindling astrologers ridiculed in their hearts. He¡¯s not only ignorant, but impossible to understand. What¡¯s going on here? Did the Grand Preceptor only raise His Majesty¡¯s body instead of his brain? Doesn¡¯t he even know how to use human speech?

    Both the sitting party and standing parties were staring at each other before they each quickly averted their eyes, unable to bear the sight any longer.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys afraid that I, Your Majesty, will starve to death?¡± Ning Xiaoyao still couldn¡¯t ept it after thinking it over.

    The seven so-called swindlers stood there, all wooden-faced. They¡¯d never heard of someone dying due to fasting a single day.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Are you guys trying the silent treatment against me? Look at me, hey! I¡¯m the emperor--the emperor, don¡¯t you know?¡±

    The head astrologer opened his mouth with effort. ¡°Your Majesty chides aptly.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, I chide aptly?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m the emperor, so I can do whatever I want. Do you know why?¡±

    The seven so-called swindlers remained staring at Ning Xiaoyao still wearing their wooden expressions.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her voice for a rousing speech, ¡°Because I¡¯m the emperor!¡±

    How they wanted to die and bring His Majesty with them! The seven so-called swindlers all shared the same thought at this exact moment. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Shadowgale and a few other Dragon Guards had been acting as wallflowers the entire time. When he saw His Majesty about to lose it against the astrologers, Shadowgale felt extremely stifled. If His Majesty beats them up until they¡¯re bedridden, how will we take care of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony in two days¡¯ time? (Author: Is that the only thing you¡¯re worried about...)

    ¡°And also, what if someone tries to hurt me in the Grand Sacrificial Hall that day?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The head astrologer replied, ¡°Your Majesty jests. What kind of scoundrel would have the gall to harm Your Majesty in the Grand Sacrificial Hall?¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor, for example. My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Just then, you cursed him as a scoundrel!¡±

    The head astrologer wanted to go home. If I stay here any longer, I¡¯ll go insane.

    ¡°What kind of expression are you making?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked him with a constipated look herself. Doesn¡¯t he know I¡¯m the emperor here?

    The head astrologer lowered his head. ¡°Your Majesty, these traditions were passed down from the ancestors.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I was talking about the Grand Preceptor, but now you¡¯re bringing up ancestral traditions. Your Excellency, ah, why is it so tiring to talk to you?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said the seven astrologers. They were tired and confused, too.

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ll switch up my words, use somemon terms that you can all understand.¡±

    The head astrologer replied, ¡°May Your Majesty instruct us.¡±

    ¡°Just earlier, you said you seven would keep an eye on me the entire time,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°So how are your martial arts skills?¡±

    The head astrologer replied, ¡°Your Majesty, we subjects are part of the astronomy department.¡±

    ¡°I know that. So what?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°We are civil officials, not military men,¡± the head astrologer exined bluntly.

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Then what do I need you seven for?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the head astrologer continued, ¡°When offering sacrifices to Heaven and one¡¯s ancestors, we must abstain from weapons or war. This is...¡±

    ¡°Enough, you.¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off. ¡°You guys insist oning that day?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the head astrologer answered.

    ¡°Then fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said helplessly. ¡°Remember to carry a cooking pot lid on your backs that day.¡± When a fight breaks out, the lids will shield them so they don¡¯t lose their lives needlessly.

    The seven astrologers had to keep up a mental chant in their heads. Injuring the sovereign is a capital offense, regicide is a capital offense, we mustn¡¯t be disrespectful to His Majesty, or else our entire families will be executed...

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to talk with you guys anymore,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dug her nails into her palms. ¡°Can you guys leave now?¡±

    ¡°We subjects shall take our leave,¡± the seven astrologers chorused before withdrawing. They didn¡¯t want to talk to a jerk like His Majesty any longer, either! And thus, the meeting between His Majesty and the astrologers came to an unhappy conclusion. When Lou Zigui returned to see the wing still in one piece, with bright windows and clean tables, he silently exhaled in relief. It was good that nothing had happened. Shadowgale and the rest all noticed Lou Zigui¡¯s actions. A few of the Dragon Guard took onplicated looks. Certainly, His Majesty hadn¡¯t fought with anyone this time, but he¡¯d abused them plenty.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Is that young Ning alright?¡±

    ¡°He slipped into a crowd of refugees headed for the southwest,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°As long as everything goes well, he should reach Fengzhou safely.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then I¡¯ll stop worrying about him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand before speaking to Shadowgale. ¡°Windy, call everyone over. We¡¯re going to have a meeting.¡±

    Shadowgale ran off to call the other Dragon Guards for a meeting. Lou Zigui waved a hand to dismiss Shadowrain and his men before walking to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked her quietly.

    ¡°The Grand Sacrificial Hall, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I suspect the Grand Preceptor will make his move that day to rece me with my doppelganger.¡±

    Lou Zigui immediately grew alert and mentally reviewed the rites and rituals of the ceremony. ¡°Then he¡¯ll take advantage of the time when Your Majesty is alone in the ancestral hall to make his move?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao snapped her fingers. ¡°Bingo, you¡¯re right.¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. What in the world is ¡®bingo?¡¯

    ¡°We have a ce and time,¡± Ning Xiaoyao counted off with her fingers. ¡°But we don¡¯t know the method. How are they going to bring in the doppelganger? If nobody¡¯s allowed to enter the ancestral hall, then how are they nning to kill me?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense,¡± Lou Zigui raised a hand to cover Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth when she started talking about dying. Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her cheeks in protest. Since when did I say any nonsense?

    Lou Zigui paced back and forth in front of Ning Xiaoyao a few times before he said, ¡°If he¡¯s nning to make a move at the ancestral hall, that means he has his people nted there.¡±

    ¡°Then suppose we capture all the people stationed at the ancestral hall?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested.

    ¡°Even if we do, Xiaoyao, you¡¯ll still need to rece them with other men,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°How can you be sure that none of the recements are questionable as well?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. ¡°Then what if we sent Windy and Little Fang in their ce?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Weapons and war are forbidden when making offerings to Heaven and one¡¯s ancestors. They¡¯re all military men, so they won¡¯t be allowed to enter the hall.¡±

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re saying those things too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cried out.

    Lou Zigui smiled before he sneered. ¡°Military men carry the aura of blood on their bodies. They¡¯ll offend the spirits andte emperors with their presence.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat out.

    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time for things like that,¡± Lou Zigui stroked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s drooping head. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony first.¡±

    At this moment, one of the guards by the door ran inside and announced, ¡°Your Majesty, Qin Xuan begs for an audience.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped out of her seat. Why is heing back again right after he left? Did they suffer at the hands of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men?

    ¡°Don¡¯t panic,¡± Lou Zigui pushed Ning Xiaoyao back into her seat and murmured, ¡°Let Qin Xuan in.¡±

    Could Qin Xuan run any faster than me? Ning Xiaoyao thought, before springing back up to her feet again. If something really had happened, she could still run out of the pce and save them. What if Qin Xin had gotten injured again? She could heal her if she had to. ¡°Supreme Commander, wait here for me. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t give Lou Zigui another chance to stop her, but sped out of the room. By the time Lou Zigui had chased her outside, she had already vanished from sight. Meanwhile, the seven astrologers were still on their way out of the pce. They were currently fretting over the fact that they had such an unpleasant emperor to deal with for the ceremony in two days when a burst of wind rushed past them.

    The head astrologer stopped and said uncertainly, ¡°Was that, was that His Majesty?¡± He couldn¡¯t see the figure clearly, but it was dressed in those familiar bright robes.

    ¡°It is His Majesty,¡± the head astrologer said again. All of the seven astrologers fell silent. They couldn¡¯t win against the emperor in words, fights, or rules. At this moment, they keenly understand the same suffering that Grand Preceptor Xie had experienced.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran frantically out of the pce in one long breath. She hadn¡¯t even faced Qin Xuan yet before she was tugging at his sleeve.

    ¡°What is it, ah? Did something happen to Miss Qin?!¡±

 Chapter 124: On the verge of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 124: On the verge of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony</h4>

    Qin Xuan¡¯s first reaction was to re up at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question. Can¡¯t you think of something more positive about my elder sister? But his heart soon gave way to warmth. If His Majesty didn¡¯t genuinely care about them, why would he run out here personally?

    ¡°Speak, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand in front of Qin Xuan¡¯s face. ¡°Are you so sad that you¡¯ve lost your wits?¡±

    Qin Xuan said, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject¡¯s elder sister is fine.¡±

    ¡°Then is there something wrong with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Qin Xuan from head to foot before resting her hand on his shoulder. ¡°Huh? You¡¯re perfectly fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stated. ¡°Did you guys forget something here?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, let this subject speak,¡± Qin Xuan said. Why is he so eager to see us run into trouble?

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Qin Xuan, who said, ¡°This subject discovered troops and horses outside the city.¡±

    ¡°Troops and horses?¡± Ning Xiaoyao exhaled. ¡°My God, I thought that something serious had happened. Troops and horses are just troops and horses, they have nothing to do with me. Heheh, all the troops and horses in the city listen to the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said Qin Xuan. He suddenly discovered that His Majesty really had an extremely generous heart!

    ¡°Fine, I know now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Qin Xuan. ¡°Goodbye, General Qin.¡±

    What do you mean, you know now? Qin Xuan stamped his foot in his worry. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject wants to enter the pce and discuss details with you.¡±

    ¡°Details on the troops and horses?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qin Xuan¡¯s face was all persistence. At the very least, he could tell Lou Zigui everything if he entered the pce.

    ¡°Then alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao brought Qin Xuan into the pce with her. ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and have a talk.¡± It was nothing but a singlepany of troops and horses. Plenty of them filled the streets of the capital, so what was so strange about that? (Author: When have you ever seen troops and horses filling the streets of the capital? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    By now, the seven astrologers had appeared at the entrance.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao humphed at them before holding up her head, throwing out her chest, and striding right past them. The seven astrologers were rendered speechless. Does he have a grudge against us now?

    Qin Xuan nced at the court robes of the seven men before he asked, ¡°These are officials from the astronomy department?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered. ¡°Seven fortune tellers.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Qin Xuan and the seven astrologers.

    By now, Lou Zigui had arrived with quick steps from the Supreme Splendor Hall. When he saw that Qin Xuan was unharmed, his minutely furrowed eyebrows didn¡¯t rx. There was no sign of tears on the other man¡¯s face, which meant that Qin Xin had to be alright. So what had made Qin Xuan return?

    As soon as Qin Xuan saw Lou Zigui, he wanted to speak up, but Lou Zigui silenced him with a wave. ¡°Let¡¯s go in to talk.¡±

    The seven astrologers nced at Lou Zigui and couldn¡¯t help but feel like the Supreme Splendor Hall was his home instead. Lou Zigui nced at the group and asked, ¡°Do you seven still have business here?¡±

    The seven astrologers hastily resumed their trek towards the pce gates.

    ¡°Remember to bring cooking pot lids on the day of the ceremony!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted after the astrologers, who began to jog away.

    ¡°Cooking pot lids?¡± Lou Zigui echoed.

    ¡°They don¡¯t know how to fight, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Lou Zigui understood. Since those astrologers couldn¡¯t fight, they¡¯d need something to defend themselves when a fight broke out.

    ¡°Armor exists,¡± he said as he rested his hand against his forehead.

    ¡°Armor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know whether they have armor at home or not. I can only be sure that they¡¯ll definitely have cooking pot lids.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Qin Xuan nodded.

    What was Supreme Commander Lou to say against such logical words? He sighed and said, ¡°As long as Your Majesty¡¯s happy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not happy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pouted. They were going to fight both politically and physically soon, so how could she be pleased?

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Qin Xuan asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice. ¡°Something big.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Qin Xuan. Why is this subject not getting that vibe from you at all?

    Soon enough, the three of them retreated to a wing in Supreme Splendor Hall, where Qin Xuan exined the troops and horses he¡¯d seen disguised as a merchant party outside the capital, along with their southern ents. Ning Xiaoyao was still clueless as to what was going on, but Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes were gloomy as he sat in his seat.

    ¡°How many of them were there?¡± he asked.

    ¡°About 100 people,¡± Qin Xuan replied.

    ¡°Is 100 people really serious?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. 100 humans wasn¡¯t much to her.

    Lou Zigui dropped his voice. ¡°Of course 100 people isn¡¯t enough to constitute a threat. The troublees if they¡¯ve split up the entire force into sections.¡±

    ¡°Is it the Grand Preceptor?¡± Qin Xuan asked.

    Lou Zigui smiled coldly. ¡°No one but the Grand Preceptor has the skills to bring troops and horses from the south into the capital city.¡±

    ¡°What is he nning to do?¡± Qin Xuan asked hastily.

    ¡°Perhaps we¡¯ll resort to arms at the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony in two days,¡± Lou Zigui told Qin Xuan, before adding, ¡°Hurry and take Miss Qin away from here, the farther away the better.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Qin Xuan sprang to his feet. Resorting to arms on the day of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony?

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor wants to kill me, oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°Of course, I want to kill him off too.¡±

    So you decided to make your move on the day of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony? Regional Commander Qin was astonished. But that¡¯s the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony! Are you going to ignore all the gods, Buddhas, and Ning ancestors present in the Heavens?

    ¡°Leave as quick as you can,¡± Lou Zigui urged Qin Xuan.

    ¡°Then, then since Xie Wenyuan¡¯s already moved his troops into the capital, have you done the same with your men, Supreme Commander?¡± Qin Xuan asked. Judging by the dates, it was impossible for the rest of the ck Frost Cavalry to reach the capital so soon.

    Lou Zigui grinned. ¡°Regional Commander, you don¡¯t need to worry. I can promise that His Majesty will be unharmed.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao flexed her arm to show Qin Xuan her muscles, only to find that you couldn¡¯t see any muscles on her arm at all. Qin Xuan asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, what can this subject do?¡±

    ¡°Go to Jiangnan and live well with Miss Qin,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said without thinking. ¡°And have some kids with her too. You can do that.¡±

    Qin Xuan grew anxious. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is worried about you!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ran in front of him and split her lips in a grin. ¡°General Qin, thank you foring back to tell me about the southern soldiers. Aren¡¯t you afraid that something will happen to you?¡±

    Qin Xuan¡¯s countenance turned stern. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject wouldn¡¯t even hesitate to scale a mountain of swords and plunge into a sea of mes for your sake.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was moved. She lowered her head and prepared to hug Qin Xuan, but Lou Zigui stepped forward and dragged her back by the cor. Qin Xuan gave a start as he looked at them, not knowing what was the matter.

    ¡°You two should make haste and depart. Don¡¯t let the Grand Preceptor stop you,¡± Lou Zigui said after pulling Ning Xiaoyao behind him. ¡°That would be the biggest help to us. You have to be careful.¡±

    Qin Xuan nodded. He didn¡¯t have many men with him, so even if he did stay, they could only act as a few extra fighters, too insignificant to affect the whole. He stood up and fell to his knees to give Ning Xiaoyao a grand bow. ¡°Your Majesty, you must take care. Even if this subject and my elder sister falls into Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hands, you mustn¡¯t attend to us.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to speak when Lou Zigui squeezed her hand to hold her back. Qin Xuan bid his farewell as soon as he rose to his feet, and left. When Lou Zigui was sending him off, he murmured, ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯spletely focused on the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony right now. As long as you two are careful, you won¡¯t fall into danger.¡±

    Qin Xuan nodded.

    ¡°May Regional Commander do your best regarding the silver mines as well,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°As for the Xie n¡¯s businesses, His Majesty will send a few men to find you in Jiangnan soon.¡±

    Lou Zigui had already mentioned these things to Qin Xuan before, so repeating them now deepened the impression in his mind. ¡°I understand. Supreme Commander needn¡¯t worry. I, Qin Xuan, am not a man who forgets my debts of gratitude.¡±

    Lou Zigui stopped by the door and cupped his hands before his chest. ¡°Smooth journeys.¡±

    Qin Xuan hurried out of the pce before getting on his horse and whipping it into a gallop out of the southern city gates. Ning Xiaoyao held onto the doorframe as she watched him leave. She was about to turn and speak to Lou Zigui when she heard a sparrow chirping by the window. Her head swiveled until she saw Grandfather Sparrow.

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, go talk about the ceremony with Windy and the rest.¡±

    Lou Zigui grabbed onto Ning Xiaoyao before she could run off. ¡°What are you off to now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes spun before she replied, ¡°I want to go take a nap.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow covered his face with his wings. Of all the excuses...

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth twitched. She¡¯s still in the mood to nap at a time like this?

    ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep allst night,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pretended to yawn a few times. Actually, she was perfectly capable of fighting zombies even without sleeping for three days, but if she had to feign weakness now, so be it.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui softened when he saw her yawning. His fingers brushed against her face before privately musing that she¡¯d gotten thinner. At his words, Ning Xiaoyao flipped out the window and dashed off.

    ¡°Everyone,e in,¡± Lou Zigui settled himself into an empty chair in the wing as he called to Shadowgale and the rest, who were waiting outside.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao ran all the way to the flower gardens outside her bedroom beforeing to stand beneath the Wutong tree. She asked Grandfather Sparrow, ¡°How is it? Any news of Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother?¡±

    Big Boss ck scampered out from the bushes and zipped up to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. Grandfather Sparrow replied, ¡°The flock of geese I found weren¡¯t from beyond the pass.¡±

    ¡°Meow,¡± Big Boss ck was disappointed.

    ¡°However, Xiaoyao,¡± Grandfather Sparrow continued, ¡°I said you¡¯d thank them plenty, so the flock outside the city¡¯s agreed to help us scope out information.¡±

    ¡°Great, great,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded quickly. ¡°I could give them mountains of gold and silver if they wanted, as long as they can tell me about Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow grew silent before he said, ¡°Xiaoyao, all you have to do is give them some fish and shrimp.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao broke into a smile instantly. ¡°That¡¯s fine, ah. No problem.¡±

    ¡°You still owe Big Boss ck five fish,¡± Grandfather Sparrow reminded Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°But you can¡¯t owe the geese any fish or shrimp, cheep!¡±

    ¡°...........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Was there no animal who didn¡¯t know I owe ck Tubby five fish? Big Boss ck scratched her with his ws. As soon as he remembered those fish, he¡¯d get angry!

    ¡°Enough already, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If you scratch me again, I¡¯ll fight back.¡±

    Big Boss ck scratched her again, so Ning Xiaoyao picked him up by the scruff of his neck and flung him into the Wutong tree. Big Boss ck perched on its branches and shouted, ¡°If you can¡¯t bear to part with the fish and shrimp, the geese flock won¡¯t tell us about Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother!¡±

    ¡°As if I need you to tell me that!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat at the ground. What kind of impression did that ck Tubby have of her?

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Grandfather Sparrow said. ¡°I heard my grandchild at the justice courts mention that that little n¨¦e Wang had a miscarriage.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°She got into an argument with Xie Anshi and he shoved her to the ground. Then she lost her baby,¡± Big Boss ck said as he licked his fur. ¡°And here this cat thought that Xie Anshi actually liked that little white flower.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. How could such an irresponsible, dishonest man love anyone else? That was just talking nonsense.

 Chapter 125: The villainous Ning Clan forefather

    <h4>Chapter 125: The viinous Ning n forefather</h4>

    If Ning Xiaoyao could figure out that the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony was a good opportunity to get rid of her, then so could Grand Preceptor Xie. He hadn¡¯t paid much attention to the event until he found a suitable doppelganger. This was a chance he couldn¡¯t miss to get rid of me. One of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s messengers had been stopped in the imperial pce, but he eventually was able to get his message delivered to Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands. After reading the missive, Empress Dowager Xie lifted her head to look at the eunuch who had delivered the paper. It was currently noon, but the bright and beautiful sunlight outside did nothing to dispel the sudden chill she¡¯d felt at those words she¡¯d read. It was the kind of cold that came from an icy, snow-filled world.

    The eunuch messenger muttered, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s still waiting for your reply.¡±

    ¡°If he¡¯s certain he¡¯ll seed, then we¡¯ll do it,¡± Empress Dowager Xie crumpled the message into a ball in her hand. ¡°But tell the Grand Preceptor that this Dowager won¡¯t be able to protect him should something amiss ur.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the eunuch bowed before leaving the pce.

    Empress Dowager Xie tossed the crumpled piece of paper into her censer and muttered to herself, ¡°Don¡¯t me me. Since you weren¡¯t filial, Ning Yu, don¡¯t fault your mother for being unkind.¡± (Author: Hey hey, you were never kind in the first ce, alright?!)

    Oil Jar ran past the roof tiles over Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s head, determined to report the news to Xiaoyao. Currently, Ning Xiaoyao had taken Big Boss ck with her to check out the ancestral hall located in the southeast corner of the imperial pce grounds. Since a fight was on the horizon, she had to familiarize herself with theyout of the battlegrounds first.

    ¡°This is the main hall,¡± Big Boss ck raised a paw to point at the building before them.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her neck for a look to see a pce-like structure covered with colored ze and golden tiles. It had upturned eaves and corbel brackets, carved dragons and painted phoenixes, a shimmering sight beneath the sunlight that was bright enough to blind onlookers.

    ¡°It¡¯s only a mourning hall,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ridiculed to Big Boss ck. ¡°Did they need to dress it up so much?¡±

    This was the first time Big Boss ck had heard anyone call a proper ancestral hall a ¡®mourning hall¡¯ instead. He swished his tail and asked her, ¡°Mourning hall?¡±

    ¡°Where you enshrine memorial tablets,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°What else would you call it, if not a mourning hall?¡±

    Big Boss ck thought that this made sense. ¡°Your ancestors sure were wealthy.¡± What else could they be, if they could afford to deck out their mourning hall sovishly?

    Ning Xiaoyao only chuckled. If the Ning n¡¯s ancestors really were keeping their eyes on their kingdom, they¡¯d probably be spitting up blood by now! They had to be regretting the fact that they didn¡¯t leave all the money invested in this building to her instead! (Author: The Ning n ancestors had no idea that you¡¯d show up, either. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    The roof eaves overhung a very narrow porch that cut off the flow of sunlight into the hall. When Ning Xiaoyao pushed open the doors and walked inside, the wind whistled in her wake, sending thenterns in the hall flickering.

    ¡°Great Immortal was right,¡± Big Boss ck said as he stared at the ceiling. ¡°There¡¯s no ceiling rafters in this building.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up as well and saw that was the case. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with that?¡±

    ¡°Dead people¡¯s tombs have no ceiling rafters,¡± Big Boss ck exined. ¡°Great Immortal said so. Houses like this are called Yin dwellings[1. Yin dwellings (ÒõÕ¬) - yinzhai, in which the ¡®yin¡¯es from Yin Yang and represents the dark, cold, negative forces in the universe. Its opposite would be a Yang dwelling (ÑôÕ¬), where presumably the living stay.], miaow.¡±

    Yin dwelling or not, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t care. She looked at the rows of memorial tablets arranged before her in a pyramid with golden characters carved onto their surfaces. After finding the memorial tablet of thete emperor, Ning Xiaoyao gave it a scolding. ¡°Stupid bastard, do you regret it now? You feel like dying again, even though you¡¯re a ghost now?¡±

    The ckcquer memorial tablet simply faced Ning Xiaoyao wordlessly.

    ¡°A emperor like you is better off dead, though,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, suddenly seized with an impulse to pour out her thoughts. How many people had this idiot killed?

    Big Boss ck grew impatient. ¡°Aren¡¯t you here to examine the ce?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao finally went to circle around the entire hall before going back outside to look over the tall flights of stairs leading to the building. ¡°Everyone outside will be able to hear me if I so much as shout in a ce like this. How is that jerk of a Grand Preceptor nning to finish me off?¡±

    ¡°This cat doesn¡¯t know,¡± Big Boss ck replied.

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Do you have to be so blunt?

    ¡°Look around some more?¡± Big Boss ck suggested.

    Ning Xiaoyao returned to the shrine for thete emperors and stared at Emperor Yuanzong¡¯s memorial tablet again. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you help me out? Can¡¯t you show some fatherly love here?¡±

    The hall was quiet aside from the pair, its air filled with tendrils of incense smoke. There were no hint of spirits here at all. A sudden gust of strong wind blew into the area and noisily blew out all the candles. Ning Xiaoyao hugged Big Boss ck, who had jumped into her arms. ¡°I guess that was an evil wind. Looks like that stupid bastard has a temper, too.¡±

    Big Boss ck¡¯s fur was all standing on end. ¡°Don¡¯t scare this cat. Did you see a ghost?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a faint sigh. She actually wanted to see one for real.

    ¡°W-who¡¯s there?¡± a trembling voice called from outside. One human and one cat turned to meet the sound. In the darkness of the hall, Big Boss ck¡¯s round green eyes were as bright as ss spheres. The wind had sent Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dragon robes fluttering in its wake, and together they painted a ghostly picture against the backdrop of thete emperors¡¯ memorial tablets. The eunuch in charge of overseeing the ancestral hall clutched his chest and fell to the ground in a dead faint out of fear.

    ¡°Meow?¡± Big Boss ck ran over to take a look. Why had that human fainted? Ning Xiaoyao went to examine the jade beads that had scattered around the eunuch¡¯s body when he fell. They seemed to be part of a bracelet, but the string had snapped and sent the jade beads rolling all over the ce. Jade was money too, so Ning Xiaoyao crouched down and began to pick them up. Even if she couldn¡¯t figure out how the Grand Preceptor was nning to kill her, bringing back a few dozen jade beads would still make this trip worthwhile. When her fingertips suddenly scraped against a chink in the ground, Ning Xiaoyao felt a light breeze wafting up from its cracks.

    Hm?

    Ning Xiaoyao ced her hand against the crack and felt the breeze again. She felt around herself but didn¡¯t find anything that could pry it open. Then her gaze shifted to the unconscious eunuch. Since he was a guard here, he carried a sword. Ning Xiaoyao ran over and grabbed his sword before shutting the door to the hall.

    Big Boss ck squatted by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side to watch her prying at the floor. ¡°Xiaoyao, are you sure about this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°There¡¯s winding from below, so there has to be basement or something down there.¡±

    ¡°Then should we call someone to help?¡± Big Boss ck asked. A single floor tile in this hall was equal to the size of an Eight Immortals table.[2. Eight Immortals table (°ËÏÉ×À) - baxianzhuo, a traditional square table said to seat eight people via benches on each side. The ¡°Eight Immortals¡± is also a reference to a group of famous Daoist cultivators often found in ancient Chinese folklore.] How is the ninny supposed to pry it open by herself?

    ¡°If there really is a basement underground, then there has to be a switch for the door,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°But it¡¯s fine even if we don¡¯t find the switch. I don¡¯t care!¡± As she ced emphasis on thest word, she sessfully pried open the floor tile as wide as two Eight Immortals table with her bare hands.

    ( ¡Ñ o ¡Ñ ) , went Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Hah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said said smugly as a square-shaped tunnel about five meters squared appeared before her eyes. ¡°See that? A basement!¡±

    Big Boss ck perched on the edge and peered down. ¡°So deep.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao leapt into the hole.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood on end in fear again. They weren¡¯t even sure how deep it went, so how could that ninny simply jump in?

    Ning Xiaoyao stood at the bottom of the basement and patted the four walls around her. She realized that this was nothing more than an isted space with no interlocking tunnels. Instead of a basement, she should call this a dungeon instead. Undaunted, Ning Xiaoyaoid prone on her stomach to feel around the floor, but there was no passage underfoot, either.

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Big Boss ck called from above.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and stared at the stone walls around her. Then she kicked off a few times from the glossy rock surfaces until she climbed back out into the hall again.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± called Grandpa Ash, who was standing next to Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Grandpa Ash, why did youe here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao crouched by their side.

    ¡°The forefather of your Ning n made this,¡± Grandpa Ash said solemnly to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Grandpa Ash, you¡¯ve seen the Ning n ancestors before?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Just how old is this mouse? Had he turned into a spirit already?

    ¡°I heard it from my grandfather,¡± Grandpa Ash said as he red at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Listen to me without interrupting.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dropped her head. Big Boss ck disdained the fact that Ning Xiaoyao had been lectured by a mere mouse. A ninny like that would never have prospects for a bright future. (Author: Then why can¡¯t you close your jaws around that mouse? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Back then, your Ning n forefather had a brother born from the same parents,¡± Grandpa Ash told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Both of them conquered thends together, but there was only one ce on the throne. Thus, the Ning n forefather constructed this dungeon in the ancestral hall. He put his younger brother--that is, your ancestral uncle, Xiaoyao--into this ce and starved him to death.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. The very first generation of this imperial Ning n was a viin!

    ¡°Aside from the emperors of the Ning n, no one else knows of this dungeon¡¯s existence,¡± Grandpa Ash said. ¡°Xiaoyao, you haven¡¯t seen your imperial father before. That¡¯s why you don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. It was a good thing they hadn¡¯t met, or else she would¡¯ve killed her father for sure.

    ¡°No ¡®heheh¡¯ing,¡± Grandpa Ash said as he brandished a w. ¡°However, the Grand Preceptor knows of this ce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin as she thought. She could believe that thete emperor really had loved the Xie n.

    ¡°You have to be careful,¡± Grandpa Ash said as he jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Does the Grand Preceptor want to learn from the old forefather and lock me in there to starve to death?¡± asked Ning Xiaoyao. Why is that old geezer so venomous?

    ¡°If he¡¯s nning to kill you on the day of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony,¡± Grandpa Ash said with a nod, ¡°Then that¡¯s exactly what he¡¯d do.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao plopped onto the ground. ¡°A dungeon like that can¡¯t keep me trapped.¡±

    Grandpa Ash had seen Ning Xiaoyao jump down and back up with his own eyes, so he knew it wasn¡¯t an empty boast. He simply reminded her, ¡°Then you have to be extra careful. That Grand Preceptor is a very wicked man.¡±

    ¡°Right, that old geezer¡¯spletely rotten!¡± Big Boss ck said.

    Ning Xiaoyao carefully nodded. ¡°Right, I need to be careful.¡± Even if she knew how he¡¯d kill her, she still had to take caution. When dealing with zombies---ah, no, when dealing with viins--a single moment of negligence could still spell death even for herself. After restoring the dungeon to its original state, Ning Xiaoyao woke up the unconscious eunuch before ducking to hide beneath the shrine altar. She wanted to see what he¡¯de to do here in the first ce.

    The eunuch sat upright as he blinked and stared at the great hall before him. Everything seemed normal, and there were no ck figures in his line of sight. Neither was there that pair of demonic looking eyes. At most, the lights in the ancestral hall had just gone out.

    Did my guilty conscience make me see things?

    ¡°I want to bite him to death!¡± Big Boss ck bared his fangs as he watched the eunuch staring sneakily around him.

    ¡°Shh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muffled Big Boss ck and murmured, ¡°Let¡¯s see what he¡¯s nning first.¡±

 Chapter 126: His Majesty wants to fight, Supreme Commander wants to retreat

    <h4>Chapter 126: His Majesty wants to fight, Supreme Commander wants to retreat</h4>

    The eunuch re-lit the altarmps in the hall before looking all around him. When he found nothing strange, he felt for the sword that Ning Xiaoyao had reced at his waist before calming down. Then he walked to the left hand corner of the shrine and kicked against the table leg. There was a ck, before the floor tile covering the dungeon split in half down the middle and opened up to reveal the hole hidden beneath. The eunuch stood at the edge of the hole and peered down into the pitch-ck darkness before sucking in a cold breath.

    Ning Xiaoyao was lying beneath the altar table as she realized the secret switch was the table leg. She even began to imagine how the old Ning n forefather had killed off his little brother all those hundreds of years ago. As soon as he kicked the table leg, the floor would¡¯ve opened up it¡¯s gaping maw and sent the brother falling into the dungeon cell. Then a second kick would seal up the door and muffle all of the man¡¯s cries and curses. She shivered at the thought. The emperor¡¯s throne really was a precarious position!

    While Ning Xiaoyao was sighing over an emperor¡¯s lot in life, Shadowgale was already too impatient to sit down back at the Supreme Splendor Hall. He stood in front of Lou Zigui, shocked at the revtion. The Grand Preceptor was simply trying to revolt!

    ¡°Then, then what do we do?¡± Shadowgale anxiously asked Lou Zigui. When he heard that the Grand Preceptor had already snuck in troops to the capital, he was utterly difited.

    ¡°He just finished making a recement emperor,¡± Lou Zigui waved his hand to indicate the Dragon Guards to sit. ¡°I don¡¯t think the Grand Preceptor¡¯s nning to use these soldiers at the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony.¡±

    ¡°Then what are they for?¡± Fang Tang asked. He and the rest of the ck Frost Cavalry generals were more objective about the situation, but anxious all the same.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan feels ill at ease as a result of all the recent events,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly, ¡°So he transferred his external troops into the capital. They came at just the right time to help him out.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we give them a show of force first?¡± a ck Frost Cavalry general asked. ¡°Before the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, even?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t we give the Grand Preceptor a legitimate reason to stage an uprising?¡±

    The roompsed into silence.

    ¡°Prepare a set of civilian clothes,¡± Lou Zigui ordered, before telling Shadowgale, ¡°If we can¡¯t defeat them, then we¡¯ll escape with His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Fang Tang leapt out of his chair. ¡°We can take His Majesty to Anyuan, ah. Who the hell¡¯s afraid of Xie Wenyuan there?¡±

    The four headmanders of the Dragon Guards exchanged furtive nces. If they went to Anyuan, then His Majesty would have to listen to this Supreme Commander Lou for everything again.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± one of the ck Frost Cavalry generals on his left said. ¡°Taking His Majesty to Anyuan is one solution, but how will we get everyone out of the pce? And after that, how do we get out of the city? Even if we manage all that peacefully, how are we supposed to escape Xie Wenyuan¡¯s assassins the entire way back?¡± His sessive questions plunged the room into silence again. All of the capital¡¯s troops were under Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯smand. How could it be a simple matter to take His Majesty out of the city?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s finger lightly tapped against the tea table by his side as he muttered, ¡°It¡¯ll be very difficult, no doubt, but that¡¯s the path to survival. If Xie Wenyuan insists on calling a stag a horse then, we¡¯ll have no choice but to take His Majesty away.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else in the room. It¡¯s fine if you use the stag analogy for the doppelganger, but should you reallypare His Majesty to a horse? Isn¡¯t that a little too outrageous?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Everyone shook their heads. Now wasn¡¯t the time to argue semantics with Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you 500 imperial guards,¡± Lou Zigui told Fang Tang. ¡°Dress them up like how Xie Wenyuan disguised the foreign troops he brought into the city. If anything goes wrong in the pce, I¡¯ll order someone to shoot a whistling arrow as a signal. When that happens, you have to take possession of the north city gates.¡±

    Fang Tang cupped his fist to ept the order. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I can only spare you 500 men,¡± Lou Zigui emphasized. ¡°Fang Tang, can you handle it?¡±

    Fang Tang¡¯s youthful face took on a faint trace of arrogance. ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t worry. This soldier understands what he has to do. As long as we keep the city gates open, it¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded, before reminding him, ¡°To catch brigands, first catch their king. When the timees, kill off all the generals in charge of guarding the capital first.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Fang Tang shouted.

    Lou Zigui next began handing out assignments to the other troops and Shadowgale¡¯s crew. On the day of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, they had to figure out how to protect Ning Xiaoyao and how to attack or retreat. Unlike Ning Xiaoyao, who¡¯d imagined a desperate fight of fists against the Grand Preceptor himself, on that day, Supreme Commander Lou was trying tomandeer a full retreat of all friendly troops from the capital that day. Although Ning Xiaoyao said she¡¯d be able to restore the doppelganger¡¯s face to its original looks, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t have the resolution to bet all his chances on something he¡¯d never heard of happening before. Arranging an escape route from here to Anyuan was the one thing that could soothe his nerves.

    All the while, an ignorant Ning Xiaoyao was watching the sword-wielding eunuch leave the ancestral hall. Once he was gone, she waited a while longer before climbing out from beneath the altar to speak with Big Boss ck and Grandpa Ash.

    ¡°On the day of the ceremony, I¡¯ll bring along some food with me--lots of it. Otherwise, how am I supposed to spend my days down in that hole?¡±

    Big Boss ck and Grandpa Ash both found this logical. Big Boss ck said, ¡°I¡¯ll go outside the pce and catch a few fat mice for you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao unconsciously nced at Grandpa Ash, who didn¡¯t make a single squeak of protest. Big Boss ck might not eat him, but that didn¡¯t mean he had the right to bar him from all micekind.

    ¡°Will ten be enough?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°Thanks, but I want to take along meatbuns instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Mice meat wasn¡¯t inedible, but she just wasn¡¯t interested! Big Boss ck swished his tail in silence. This ninny, she can¡¯t tell good from bad.

    ¡°If you can bring over some egg yolk guoba...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible for this cat, thanks,¡± Big Boss ck coldly shattered Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wild fantasy. One human and one cat engaged in a staring contest.

    Grandpa Ash sighed and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, can you really fix that doppelganger¡¯s face?¡±

    ¡°I can,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Grandpa Ash still looked worried.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, ck Tubby, scratch me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Big Boss ck. ¡°Aim for the face.¡±

    Big Boss ck scratched Ning Xiaoyao, his sharp ws buried so deep into his paw jellies that it was more like a thwap. Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her uninjured face and said in disdain, ¡°ck Tubby, is that all you¡¯ve got? Did you forget? I slept with your Supreme Commander, oh.¡±

    This was the sole regret in Big Boss ck¡¯s life. The fat cat wed Ning Xiaoyao without the slightest hesitation, but grew anxious when he saw her face bleeding. ¡°Blood!¡± he shrieked with his fur standing on end. Grandpa Ash was shocked as well, never expecting Big Boss ck to truly harm his owner.

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her wound for Grandpa Asha¡¯s sake. ¡°Grandpa Ash, see this?¡±

    ¡°Imperial physicians!¡± Big Boss ck wailed for help.

    Ning Xiaoyao threw Big Boss ck onto the ground before tapping her face with a finger. A few streams of pale green light glimmered before they vanished into her wound. Grandpa Ash and Big Boss ck stared, dumbstruck, as Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face returned to normal.

    ¡°Divine arts,¡± Grandpa Ash said.

    ¡°Demon magic!¡± Big Boss ck shouted.

    Ning Xiaoyao smacked Big Boss ck again.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m not worried now,¡± Grandpa Ash nodded. Although his expression didn¡¯t change, Ning Xiaoyao felt like he was smiling.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to sic that old geezer to death on the day of the grand ceremony!¡± Ning Xiaoyao vowed as she waved her fists.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about that,¡± Big Boss ck said, ¡°Just put more thought into Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother. That¡¯s the most important thing!¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. See that? This bastard only cares about his Supreme Commander.

    ¡°Have you lost your wits?¡± Big Boss ck yelled at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This cat is talking about my Supreme Commander! Give me a reaction ah, miaow!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a reaction!¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced Big Boss ck across her legs and started to spank him!

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck shined his ws in front of Ning Xiaoyao. Once again, human and cat devolved into a fight before Grandpa Ash¡¯s eyes.

    At the same time this was happening, Xie Anshi saw his own mother appear in the justice court¡¯s imperial prisons.

    ¡°Mother?¡± Eldest Young Master Xie couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. He threw himself against the bars and called out for Lady Wang.

    When Lady Wang saw her eldest son dressed in prison garb, with his dishevelled hair and dirty face, she immediately began to cry. Her child had always lived in luxury, eating jade-like meals while wearing brocade clothings. When had he ever suffered this much?

    ¡°Mother, why are you here?¡± Xie Anshi asked anxiously.

    ¡°Son, ah,¡± Lady Wang wiped away her tears and dropped her voice. ¡°Mother came here in secret without telling your father. I was only able to get out because Old Madame gave the word.¡±

    Xie Anshi¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Father¡¯s really nning to disown me?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Lady Wang said hurriedly. ¡°I can see that your father¡¯s started to busy himself again these days. Mother heard him say something about troops.¡±

    ¡°Troops?¡± Xie Anshi was surprised.

    Lady Wang said, ¡°I don¡¯t know the details, nor do I have ways to find out. But son, just bear with it here for a few more days. Mother feels that you¡¯ll be fine once your father seeds. Hold out a bit longer.¡±

    ¡°Mother,¡± Xie Anshi asked anxiously, ¡°What is father nning to do?¡±

    ¡°Why would your father ever tell me about imperial court matters?¡± Lady Wang shook her head. ¡°This is just mother¡¯s intuition. Your father¡¯s probably nning to fight against His Majesty again.¡±

    Xie Anshi¡¯s lips quivered twice as he found himself unable to speak.

    ¡°Mother came to set your mind at ease,¡± Lady Wang took out a handkerchief to wipe Xie Anshi¡¯s face. ¡°Your father invited a personal tutor for your little son today. If he was really nning to disown you, why would he get a tutor in the first ce?¡±

    Xie Anshi felt somewhat relieved at Lady Wang¡¯s words. His Majesty had denied any of his sons and grandsons from ever bing officials at the imperial court again, but father had actually found a personal tutor to instruct his son, which meant he hadn¡¯t been abandoned.

    ¡°Mother can¡¯t protect you any more than this,¡± Lady Wang said after she finished cleaning off Xie Anshi¡¯s face. She rubbed at her tears again and said, ¡°Mother will be leaving now, so you have to take care of yourself.¡±

    Xie Anshi kneeled on the grow to kowtow towards his mother, who shut her eyes at the sight. It was as if a knife had pierced her heart, she felt so pained. On the way out of the prison cells, she turned left and was met with n¨¦e Wang throwing herself at the bars.

    ¡°Aunt!¡±[1. Aunt (¹ÃÄ¸) - gumu, though Lady Wang is technically n¨¦e Wang¡¯s mother-inw, she was her aunt first and foremost because they both hail from the Wang n.] she cried.

    Lady Wang stopped.

    N¨¦e Wang had just lost her baby, so her body was weak and her face devoid of color. In the past, she¡¯d take cares to dress herself up everyday, but now she had unkempt hair and no makeup for her features. Lady Wang suddenly felt that this niece of hers had ordinary looks at most.

 Chapter 127: A demon with eminent good looks

    <h4>Chapter 127: A demon with eminent good looks</h4>

    ¡°Aunt, please save me,¡± n¨¦e Wang sobbed at Lady Wang, whose reply was cold.

    ¡°If I save you, who will save my son?¡±

    N¨¦e Wang¡¯s sobs came to an abrupt stop. Lady Wang continued, ¡°I¡¯ve asked around and found out what happened. If you hadn¡¯t cried and made a fuss, Anshi wouldn¡¯t have taken you to the pce in the first ce. Esteemed Empress¡¯s decree only invited the first wives. Let me ask you, what kind of wife do you count for?¡±

    Lady Wang¡¯s temper rose as she spoke. If her son hadn¡¯t taken this woman with him to court that day, would things have turned out so wretched? ¡°Damned girl,¡± Lady Wang spat, ¡°It¡¯s fine if I spoil you at home, but that was the imperial pce. Did you really think a few tears and a spoiled little act there would be enough for everyone to forgive you?!¡±

    N¨¦e Wang looked at Lady Wang with a stunned face, her cheeks stained with tears. In her memory, this aunt and mother-inw of hers had never exchanged fierce words with her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve not only hurt Anshi, but all the womenfolk of the Wang n,¡± Lady Wang said. ¡°A single ¡®slut¡¯ from His Majesty¡¯s lips ruined the future marriage prospects of all the Wang n¡¯s girls.¡±

    ¡°A, aunt?¡± n¨¦e Wang felt that this wasn¡¯t right. Why was it all my fault in the end? Where had I gone wrong? Xie Anshi had been betrothed to her first from the very start, but she ended up as his equal wife instead of a proper consort and was brought into the estate via one of its side doors like amon concubine. She had borne Xie Anshi a son and stayed by his side, so what were her mistakes?

    Lady Wang flicked her sleeves and left. Even the sight of n¨¦e Wang made her cross now. She¡¯d doted on this girl for nothing. If she had known things would end up like this, she never would¡¯ve let her join the estate! N¨¦e Wang¡¯s lip trembled as Lady Wang¡¯s figure grew smaller in the distance, before she shouted, ¡°Your Xie n will meet karmic retribution! You¡¯ll definitely get your just desserts!¡±

    Lady Wang¡¯s form disappeared into the darkness at the end of the hall without ever turning back. When Xie Anshi was alright in the future, she¡¯d ask for another good wife for her son. How could a woman like n¨¦e Wang, who¡¯d beenbeled a slut by His Majesty, ever share a bed with the eldest son of the first wife in the Xie n ever again?

    Young n¨¦e Wang leaned against the bars and slid down to sit on the ground. The husband¡¯s family wanted to disown her, while her own was nning to forsake her as well. Why were they all treating me this way? She broke into loud sobs at the thought, unwilling to ept the situation. But how could she change her fate now?

    A little whileter, someone knocked against the bars of her cell. Young n¨¦e Wang assumed that Lady Wang hade back to take her revenge, and hastily lifted her head. Her visitor¡¯s lips rose up into a slight smile despite the cold set of his brows. It was none other than the man she¡¯d seen in the pce, Lou Zigui.

    ¡°How does it feel to be an abandoned wife?¡± Lou Zigui asked n¨¦e Wang softly.

    N¨¦e Wang opened and closed her mouth a few times before she started backing away. ¡°What are you nning to do me?¡±

    ¡°Today n¨¦e Qin left with Regional Commander Qin Xuan of the naval forces back to Jiangnan,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°They¡¯ll be married at the Qin n¡¯s estate in Jiangnan. After n¨¦e Qin married into the Xie n, she spent everyday crushed beneath your heel. But as things stand now, you have no one to rely on, while she¡¯s ended up with someone who had always adored her.¡±

    N¨¦e Wang stared nkly at Lou Zigui before she suddenly snarled, ¡°That whore!¡±

    ¡°Whore?¡± Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°Everyone in the world knows that the whore is you, the daughter of the Wang n. Didn¡¯t your aunt tell you just then? The old and prominent families are already rejecting marriage contracts with your n.¡±

    N¨¦e Wang began to argue and shout. ¡°I¡¯ve already married, I¡¯m n¨¦e Wang of the Xie n now!¡±

    ¡°If the Wang n knew the proper way to instruct their daughters,¡± Lou Zigui said impassively, ¡°Why would you have beenbeled a slut by His Majesty?¡± When he finished, he peered at n¨¦e Wang¡¯s now t stomach. N¨¦e Wang unconsciously held her stomach with both of her hands before grief overtook her and drowned her in sobs.

    ¡°You¡¯re inferior next to n¨¦e Qin,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly.

    Young n¨¦e Wang seemed like a woman possessed as she flung herself against the bars and screamed, ¡°She¡¯s nothing but an abandoned wife!¡±

    ¡°Abandoned wife?¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Did nobody tell you that it was n¨¦e Qin who officially divorced Xie Anshi? Your husband is the real abandoned one.¡±

    N¨¦e Wang¡¯s eyes widened as she muttered, ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    ¡°With His Majesty supporting n¨¦e Qin, nothing¡¯s impossible,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    N¨¦e Wang stared at Lou Zigui, her eyes gradually growing bloodshot. How could that woman n¨¦e Qin be better than me?

    ¡°Stopparing yourself to her,¡± Lou Zigui said, his voice as cold as always. ¡°You can¡¯t beat her. No matter how wealthy or splendid, petty or unfortunate she might be, she has one person who will never abandon her. Meanwhile, you¡¯re stuck here defending nothing but a useless piece of trash. Moreover, he¡¯s not even good enough to share your trials and tribtions with you.¡±

    N¨¦e Wang stuffed her ears, unwilling to listen any further, but she knew that Lou Zigui¡¯s words were still right.

    ¡°You¡¯re still of use to me,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°N¨¦e Wang, I can help you.¡±

    N¨¦e Wang dropped the hands muffling her ears to stare suspiciously at Lou Zigui. Her eyes shed with disbelief and resentment, but also held the slightest glimmer of hope. Now that she was trapped in quicksand, she couldn¡¯t help but wish for someone to give her a hand and pull her out.

    ¡°You still have two sons and one daughter,¡± Lou Zigui was like a demon with eminent good looks, poisoning and bewitching the human he¡¯d snared in his hands. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve beenbeled a slut and forsaken by your families on both sides, what will be of your children?¡±

    This time, young n¨¦e Wang didn¡¯t shout or scream, but only looked at Lou Zigui with tears streaming down her face like a waterfall.

    ¡°N¨¦e Qin became the Regional Commander¡¯s wife while you were cast aside,¡± Lou Zigui continued. ¡°Xie Anshi will definitely remarry. When he has children with his new wife, your children, n¨¦e Wang--you should be clearer than I am on the fate of concubines¡¯ children in the Xie n.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say any more,¡± n¨¦e Wang said in a low voice.

    ¡°Will you work for me?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    N¨¦e Wang clung to the bars of her cell and wept bitterly. Time seem to slow as Lou Zigui stared at her patiently from outside the bars.

    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡± Finally, Lou Zigui heard the words he¡¯d been waiting for. Young n¨¦e Wang wiped away her tears and spoke up in a hoarse voice.

    ¡°Two dayster, I¡¯ll send an order to free you,¡± Lou Zigui said quietly. ¡°After you get back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, someone will give you an item. I don¡¯t care how you do it, but you¡¯ll need to make sure the Old Madame of the Xie n eats that item.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s face paled. ¡°W-what you do want me to give the Old Madame?¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°You still have the mind to care about that Old Madame? N¨¦e Wang, Heaven and Earth will destroy the person who doesn¡¯t look out for herself. Now isn¡¯t the time for you to waste time on morals.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang remained silent before shaking her head. ¡°There are people specially assigned to wait upon the Old Madame. I don¡¯t have any way to do it.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s it,¡± Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°Then you can just pretend I never dropped by at all.¡±

    When n¨¦e Wang saw that Lou Zigui was about to leave, she anxiously cried out, ¡°What can you give me?¡±

    Lou Zigui stilled his steps. ¡°With the exception of calling back n¨¦e Qin, I can restore your days to their former state and have His Majesty withdraw his words, thus making you Xie Anshi¡¯s proper consort.¡±

    ¡°Impossible,¡± n¨¦e Wang shook her head. His Majesty¡¯s words were utterances that carried great weight. How could he simply take them back?

    ¡°It was His Majesty who decreed you be imprisoned,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Naturally, I didn¡¯te of my own ord today, either.¡±

    So this is all His Majesty¡¯s idea? Young n¨¦e Wang looked at Lou Zigui with a heart full of guesses.

    ¡°If you can leave this cell in two days, you¡¯ll naturally see whether my words are trustworthy,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°But remember, if you only focus on your freedom and not what you have to do, you¡¯ll return to this prison cell all the same. By then, there¡¯ll be no one else to help you.¡±

    ¡°Old Madame, will the Old Madame die?¡± n¨¦e Wang asked with great difficulty.

    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°She¡¯s old and ailing like a candle guttering in the wind. Who would be cruel enough to take her life?¡±

    ¡°Then you...¡±

    ¡°Are you doing it or not?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t give her time to ask any more questions. Before n¨¦e Wang could react, she was already nodding her head in agreement.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t belittle yourself so much,¡± Lou Zigui smiled at n¨¦e Wang, his tone light. ¡°After all, you did bear Xie Anshi¡¯s children and raised them up. It wouldn¡¯t be good for the Xie n¡¯s face if they cast you all aside just like that.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s fingers tightened around the bars, her knuckles turning white from the strength of her grip.

    ¡°You can tell my words to the Xie n as well,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°However, while the Xie n might thank you, you¡¯ll always be a slut unless His Majesty revokes his decree. You and Xie Anshi¡¯s children will never have a chance to improve yourselves, either.¡±

    ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± n¨¦e Wang retorted.

    ¡°Because you have no other choice,¡± Lou Zigui said before he turned and left. The dim, flickeringntern light cast a long shadow behind his retreating form. Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s strength had left her body as she sank to the ground again. She wanted to cover her face with her hands, only to discover her fingers were shaking uncontrobly.

    When Lou Zigui left the imperial prisons, an ordinary-looking middle-aged gaoler approached him and murmured, ¡°Supreme Commander, Lady Wang¡¯s already returned to the estate. Before leaving, she gave 1,000 taels¡¯ worth of silver drafts to be split up between the prison guards.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, what about the officials of the justice courts?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better to bother with current affairs regarding the present officials,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Moreover, Xie Anshi andpany are imperially decreed criminals. Even if the justice court had guts, they still wouldn¡¯t dare to release them.¡±

    The gaoler bowed. ¡°This humble one understands.¡±

    Lou Zigui took quick strides out of the justice courts before mounting his horse to head for the pce. Whenever one¡¯s parents or senior rtives passed away, their son was required to observe three years of mourning as a sign of filial piety. Astride his horse, Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze lingered on an olddy by the side of the road.

    Once Old Madame Xie dies, even a man as powerful and influential as Grand Preceptor Xie will be forced to retire from public life to show his filial piety. That way, he won¡¯t be able to make much use of his doppelganger even if he sessfully wrests away the throne.

    ¡°Hyaa,¡± Lou Zigui urged his horse past the white-haired olddy. The Xie n¡¯s Old Madame must die. Only then can I take advantage of the chaos at the Xie n to take Ning Xiaoyao out of the capital.

    Lady Wang rode her carriage back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. As soon as she descended, she asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Sister-inw Tang hade to receive Lady Wang and quickly said, ¡°To reply yourdyship¡¯s words, the Grand Preceptor hasn¡¯t left his study since going in.¡±

    Lady Wang felt relieved as she strolled into the estate gates. One of the Old Madame¡¯s servant girls was waiting by the door, and quickly spoke up at the sight of Lady Wang. ¡°Yourdyship, Old Madame wants you to see her.¡±

    Lady Wang wiped at her teary eyes before bringing Sister-in-Law Tang with her to head or the Old Madame¡¯s courtyard.

 Chapter 128: Gaining at the cost of oneâ€™s conscience

    <h4>Chapter 128: Gaining at the cost of one''s conscience</h4>

    It had been ages since Old Madame¡¯s quarters were filled with the sounds of her grandchildren and the womenfolk of the estate talking andughing together. When Lady Wang entered the room, she saw Old Madame sitting by herself with a string of Buddhist prayer beads made from old wingceltis wood. She seemed depressed and mncholy.

    Lady Wang forced a smile to her face and walked to her side with a bow. ¡°Old Madame, daughter-inw has arrived.¡±

    Old Madame opened her eyes, her formerly clear pupils now cloudy and turbid. She peered at Lady Wang before she asked, ¡°How is my grandson doing?¡±

    Lady Wang said, ¡°Old Madame needn¡¯t worry, your grandson still looks well.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to console an old grandmother like me,¡± Old Madame shook her head. ¡°Anshi¡¯s never suffered like this in his entire life. How could he be doing well?¡±

    Lady Wang finally withdrew the smile on her face.

    ¡°What about young n¨¦e Wang?¡± Old Madame asked next.

    ¡°Daughter-inw felt that her body looked rather well,¡± Lady Wang replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Old Madame asked.

    Lady Wang¡¯s hands clenched into fists inside her sleeves.

    ¡°That niece of yours still isn¡¯t dead, so are we to leave her to harm more people?¡± Despite the Buddhist prayer beads in her hands, Old Madame¡¯s words werepletely devoid of mercy. ¡°If you can¡¯t bear to finish her off yourself, you should ask one of the prison guards to do it instead.¡±

    Lady Wang¡¯s voice grew small. ¡°Daughter-inw¡¯s never done that sort of thing before.¡±

    The Old Madame choked. ¡°Then were my previous words to you in vain?¡± If not for the sake of killing n¨¦e Wang, why would she have let this daughter-inw visit the imperial prisons in the first ce?

    Lady Wang tried to defend herself. ¡°Young n¨¦e Wang is a pampered, tender type as well. Old Madame, she won¡¯tst much longer in those prison cells.¡±

    Old Madame pped her armrest as she raged, ¡°If she had killed herself, she might have shown herself to be an honorable woman. How could that bepared to simply dying away in a cell?¡±

    Lady Wang lowered her head at Old Madame¡¯s words. She understood the logic, but she couldn¡¯t make herself do something so vicious. Old Madame only shook her head. Wang n. Why did I set my eyes on the Wang n back then?!

    While Old Madame was losing her temper at Lady Wang, Grand Preceptor Xie was sitting in his study, staring at the old man that one of his stewards had brought in. The man was dressed in ragged clothes, with a sallowplexion and skinny frame. He had tied up his hair with grass and was an unmistakable refugee on first sight.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you kneeling yet?¡± the steward interjected at the dumbfounded old man.

    The old man quickly fell to his knees.

    ¡°Just rise,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said before the man could start kowtowing. ¡°You and I are about the same age, so let¡¯s not stress such formalities.¡±

    The old man shakily rose to his feet. Grand Preceptor Xie had said not to bother with formalities, but how could he dare? Here was none other than His Excellency Grand Preceptor, a man who stood under one authority and over tens of thousands of others. He was nothing but a refugee, whose life was as cheap as a dog¡¯s. How could he consider himself equals of the same generation before this man?

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand at the steward, who quickly withdrew from the room. Then he told the old man, ¡°Has my man already told you the particrs?¡±

    The old man nodded. ¡°H-he, he did.¡±

    ¡°Afraid?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The old man raised his head to look at Grand Preceptor Xie, who simply smiled gently and said, ¡°You can tell me the truth.¡±

    The old man hesitated for a while before admitting, ¡°Afraid.¡± He had brought his family down from the north, begging all the way until they reached the capital city. Now they were living in the southern part of the city on alms alone. Last night, one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men had found him and settled him down in a real home while registering him in the city. His son had been assigned to manual work while his young grandchildren were enrolled in the academy to study the ssics. None of these terms were things the old man could refuse. But now that he was looking at Grand Preceptor Xie himself, he couldn¡¯t help but feel unease and fear mixing together with his remorse. Aren¡¯t I throwing away my conscience if I say His Majesty poisoned the porridge to kill off the refugees in the capital city?

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°You¡¯re not only afraid, but conscience-stricken for His Majesty¡¯s sake. You¡¯re feeling guilty for all the gods watching above as well.¡±

    The old man stuttered, ¡°Your, Your Excellency Grand Preceptor, His Majesty is a good man.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°But you still came to my Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate in the end.¡±

    The old man hunched his back in shame. That¡¯s right. I know His Majesty¡¯s a good man, I know I¡¯m going against my conscience, but I still came. He would probably never stand tall again in his lifetime.

    ¡°There¡¯s no free gifts without toil in this world,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°If you want to gain benefits, you have to pay a price, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The old man rubbed his already-washed hands before seeing the filth still stuck to his skin. Quietly, he murmured, ¡°Your Excellency Grand Preceptor, there really, there really won¡¯t be any deaths?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled. ¡°There won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Then that drug?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only something to make people unconscious,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie promised the old man. ¡°If I lied to you today, you cane back and take my life.¡±

    ¡°I, I don¡¯t dare, this humble man doesn¡¯t dare,¡± the old man hastily shook his head again.

    ¡°I, Xie Wenyuan, have no reason to lie to an old gentleman like you,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie grinned. ¡°Now tell me, are you still afraid?¡±

    When the old man thought of his family¡¯s bright future prospects, he steeled his heart and said, ¡°Not anymore.¡±

    ¡°The house that you¡¯ll be gifted has already been decided upon,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie handed over a few papers on the desk to the old man. ¡°This is thepleted deed, along with your family¡¯s registration forms for the city.¡±

    The old man quickly epted the papers. He¡¯d never read books before, but he could recognize his own name on the paper. The sight of those characters covered with the seal of the local officials caused his originally fearful face to break out into a smile.

    Grand Preceptor Xie murmured, ¡°After everything¡¯s done, all the things here will immediately go into effect. Let me offer you my congrattions in advance.¡± So speaking, he cupped his hands before his chest and smiled amiably without a trace of the airs of a senior official. The old man knelt on the ground and kowtowed to the Grand Preceptor.

    ¡°The people who take the drug will bleed from their seven orifices and scream painfully. You mustn¡¯t be afraid, because they definitely won¡¯t die.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the old man agreed.

    ¡°Go on now,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie smiled.

    The old man staggered out of the room. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s smile vanished abruptly once he was gone. If there was no way to eliminate Ning Yu at the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, he would incite the refugees to riot. That was his final move. Once the refugees invaded the pce, he could take advantage of the chaos to have Ning Yu murdered before getting him reced. It didn¡¯t even matter whether the empress dowager could protect him now, because he couldn¡¯t fail again.

    The little ant A¡¯Mo hastily crawled out of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s study in rm. He had to tell Xiaoyao that the man was plotting to hurt him again!

    One hourter, the steward brought another visitor to the study.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked the neer.

    ¡°To reply Grand Preceptor¡¯s words, someone¡¯s already gone to check the main hall of the ancestral temple. There is an underground chamber there, about five meters deep. The cover is about a thousand jin.[1. jin (½ï) - Chinese unit of measurement. One jin is equal to 0.5kg or about 1lb.] Anyone who falls in has no way of getting back out.¡±

    ¡°Has His Majesty gone to the main hall?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The person shook his head. ¡°His Majesty has not, nor has he sent anyone there in his ce.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie handed over two white bottles to the visitor. ¡°They¡¯ll clean up the main hall before the ceremony itself. Tell the person at the ancestral hall to sprinkle the powders in these two bottles into that chamber. Be sure to remember that these powders can¡¯t be mixed together before they¡¯re sprinkled down there.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the visitor epted the bottles without answering any questions. As far as he knew, it had to be poison.

    ¡°Watch them do it with your own eyes,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°They have to be very careful so that His Majesty and Lou Zigui don¡¯t get suspicious.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s any mistakes, I won¡¯t let you off lightly,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie warned. This time, the visitor knelt down to show his assent.

    ¡°Withdraw,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie waved him away. Now that all the appropriate arrangements had been made, all he had to do was to wait for the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony in two days¡¯ time. He walked to the window and peered at the tree outside with its magpie nest. The nest was silent, its upants having flown off somewhere to hunt for food. Grand Preceptor Xie dug his fingers into the windowsill as he silently recited a mantra to himself. The affairs of men are determined by Heaven. He had done all he can, so now it was up to fate.

    --

    By the time Lou Zigui returned to the pce, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in her bedroom gnawing on sticky rice balls. The snow wolf pup was sprawled against her chest, snoring as he slept.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re back?¡± Ning Xiaoyao still had her face stuffed full of sticky rice ball when Lou Zigui entered the room. She smiled and waved at him. Lou Zigui walked in front of her and reached out a hand to pick up the snow wolf pup and ce him on a nearby table.

    ¡°What kind of impression are you giving off? Putting a wolf pup whelp on top of your chest?¡±

    The snow wolf pup opened its eyes to see who had picked him up. When he saw that it was Lou Zigui, he simply went back to sleep. Lou Zigui stared at the animal until his eye twitched. Is this a wolf or a dog?

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a rice ball in her hands as she asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, want to eat some?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth and devoured half of the rice ball with one bite. Lou Zigui sat by her side and poured her a cup of water. ¡°Drink some water before you eat more. Are those things really that tasty?¡±

    ¡°Tasty,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. It¡¯s a hundred times tastier than hardtack!

    Lou Zigui watched helplessly as the girl by her side buried her head in munching on a rice ball before putting the cup of water before her lips. ¡°Drink some water.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Lou Zigui¡¯s hand as she drank a mouthful of warm water and swallowed the riceball remnants in her throat. Then she asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, I heard Second Thunder say that you went to the imperial prisons to see the show with Xie Anshi and young n¨¦e Wang?¡±

    What does ¡®see the show¡¯ mean? Lou Zigui raised a hand and rapped Ning Xiaoyao upside the head. ¡°What kind of show could they put on?¡±

    ¡°When I have time, I¡¯ll go see too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao touched the ce where she¡¯d been thwapped, still smiling. ¡°I love seeing jerks and little white flowers being miserable, hahaha.¡±

    Lou Zigui was at a loss. What kind of hobby is that?

    ¡°Supreme Commander, is that Xie jerk and the little white flower crying right now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked curiously.

    ¡°Young n¨¦e Wang is crying,¡± Lou Zigui said. As for Xie Anshi, he hadn¡¯t gone to see him at all.

    ¡°Serves her right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat at the ground.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to face him.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at him, her wide almond eyes blinking.

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao for awhile before suddenly reaching out to brush her eyes. Ning Xiaoyao sat there unmoving as she stuffed the remaining half of the rice ball into her mouth and muttered, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my eyes? Is there eye poop?¡± That can¡¯t be it, I¡¯ve already finished self-cleaning myself. Right now she was clean from head to toe.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand shook before he rapped Ning Xiaoyao upside the head again. Was there ever a girl who carelessly mentioned eye poop in a conversation?!

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t take it lying down this time, but clutched her head and cried, ¡°What are you doing, ah?¡± Is Supreme Commander Lou taking revenge for his older brother now?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand shook again. That¡¯s right, what am I doing? Just then, I thought her eyes were pretty, so I went to touch them because I thought they were precious things...

 Chapter 129: His Majesty falls into the underground chamber

    <h4>Chapter 129: His Majesty falls into the underground chamber</h4>

    ¡°Just what¡¯s going on?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her eyes. There¡¯s no eye poop here, ah.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lou Zigui withdrew his hand and resumed his t tone. Ning Xiaoyao chewed noisily on the rice ball in her mouth. She really didn¡¯t understand the humans of this world.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right at the foot of the stairs leading to the ancestral hall during the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony two dayster,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao quietly. ¡°I won¡¯t be very far.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. At the same time she reached for a rice ball, she shed him a broad smile. ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t worry. Nothing will happen to us with me here.¡±

    Lou Zigui softly murmured an ¡®alright¡¯ before he asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, do you want toe to Anyuan with me?¡±

    The sudden question made her start. ¡°Anyuan?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°Is that where your home is, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not as prosperous as the capital city, but I¡¯ll definitely take good care of you. I....¡±

    ¡°I want to,¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted before he finished. ¡°I want to go.¡± If she wanted to save Elder Brother Lou, then she¡¯d have to go to the Anyuan Six Provinces and the Night Crow Pass at some point. She tore off a chunk of riceball and silently offered encouragement to the possibly living elder brother of Lou Zigui. He had to survive until the day he could go home!

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui lifted his hand to touch Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head again. Perhaps he¡¯d be able to forget that this girl was a scion of the imperial n and Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s daughter after they went to Anyuan.

    The two days passed while Lou Zigui and Grand Preceptor Xie were nning their schemes and calctions, while Ning Xiaoyao was stuffing herself with food, and while everyone else was worrying about what would happen. On the morning of the third day, the rosy clouds dyed the skies pink. Ning Xiaoyao put on her dragon robes and semi-circr jade pendant by her waist. As she stood at the head of the stairs with the breeze fluttering through past her clothes, she looking rather steady and grounded despite her youth. The vast skies above the ancestral hall, its surrounding square, and thending atop the steps seemed to solidify around their new monarch, making it a little hard to breathe.

    You have to be serious and fearsome. You can¡¯t blink, and you have to show the impressive might of a true dragon son without falling into wrath.

    Standing atop thending, Ning Xiaoyao reviewed Lou Zigui¡¯s words in her head. She silently took in the various civil officials and imperial guards both before and below her, imagining them all as zombies. As a result, her expression turned even more stern, her gaze now positively frigid. The killing intent that emanated from her figuremanded an aura of respect and veneration.

    But the onlookers didn¡¯t quite understand His Majesty. Here was the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, an asion to make sacrifices to the gods and one¡¯s ancestors while praying for peace, good weather, and abundant harvests for the popce. It was a ce to be humble and ask for help, so why did His Majesty look ready for an all-out brawl with the gods and ancestors alike? (Author: That¡¯s why, Supreme Commander, you taught the wrong thing. Your Majesty, you¡¯re wearing the wrong expression as well. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    The head astrologer looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s creased brows and asked timidly, ¡°Your Majesty, shouldn¡¯t you go into the main hall now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Did you guys bring your pot lids?¡±

    His Majesty¡¯s words were an imperial decree, so how could they dare disobey? ¡°To reply Your Majesty, we subjects brought them,¡± the head astrologer answered.

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao curved her fingers to rap against the head astrologer¡¯s old, wizened chest. ¡°I¡¯m touching human skin right now. Where are your pot lids?¡±

    The head astrologer¡¯s expression was wooden ¡°Your Majesty wanted us subjects to carry the pot lids on our bodies?¡±

    ¡°What else could I have meant?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Humiliation revealed itself on the head astrologer¡¯s face. Your Majesty, even if you loathe us subjects, you can¡¯t disgrace us this way! When Ning Xiaoyao saw that the head astrologer looked on the verge of tears, her mouth twitch. Could it be he doesn¡¯t fear death and wants his share of the action, too?

    ¡°Your Majesty, are you going to enter the main hall?¡± the head astrologer said in a respectful and professional tone. Please don¡¯t bring up the pot lids again.

    ¡°You guys will regret it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed her finger at each of the seven astrologers. ¡°You definitely will.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said the seven astrologers. We subjects definitely won¡¯t!

    Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath and felt her pockets to make sure her sugar beans, sunflower seeds, and peanuts were still there. Then she lifted a hand and pushed open the doors to the ancestral hall.

    ¡°Kneeeeeel~¡± one of the officials of the astronomy department shouted.

    Everyone fell to their knees. Ning Xiaoyao stepped over the threshold of the door and cast one more nce at the altar with its imperial memorial tablets. Already, she could see that the setup was different from herst visit here. There was an extra piece of green cloth spread over the altar that reached to the ground. With one foot in and one foot out, Ning Xiaoyao paused over the threshold. Most likely, the viin in charge of trapping her was hiding behind that cloth with her doppelganger.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± the head astrologer asked from behind her.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned back to nce at him. ¡°Are you hurrying me to my death?¡±

    The head astrologer quickly fell to his knees. It looks like he doesn¡¯t just want to humiliate me, but take my life as well!

    Ning Xiaoyao harrumphed and continued inside. Two more members of the astronomy department quickly closed the doors behind her before looking sympathetically at their head astrologer. They couldn¡¯t help by feel that something big would happen at today¡¯s Grand Sacrificial Ceremony.

    One of the windows on the left side of the hall was slightly open, allowing Big Boss ck to squeeze himself inside. Hended on the floor and met gazes with Ning Xiaoyao, before both of them nodded in unison.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck cried. ¡°It¡¯s begun!¡±

    The eunuch hiding beneath the altar only found it strange. Why is there a cat meowing in the ancestral hall?

    Big Boss ck dove beneath the altar. Ning Xiaoyao followed the sounds of his meowing to stick her head inside as well. There were two people sitting beneath the altar. One of them was the eunuch from the other day, while the other was someone with his face swathed in a ck cloth. His body proportions were extremely simr to Ning Xiaoyao. Without another word, she reached out a hand and pressed it against his face.

    The eunuch had a fright, but recovered quickly enough to aim a hit at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Afraid that Ning Xiaoyao needed more time to fix the doppelganger¡¯s face, Big Boss ck jumped onto the eunuch¡¯s head and started wing him furiously. Wracked with pain, the eunuch still kept quiet, not daring to make a sound. He grabbed Big Boss ck by the tail and flung him out from under of the altar.

    Ning Xiaoyao took her hand off the youth¡¯s face and pretended to be stunned. ¡°Y-you, just who are you?!¡±

    The eunuch had no choice but to resort to desperate measures. He lifted a leg and viciously kicked Ning Xiaoyao at the same time he threw his body towards the left table leg. Ning Xiaoyao was a lightweight, so the eunuch¡¯s kick send her careening out of the altar. At the same time, a hole opened up in the ground, catching the free-falling Ning Xiaoyao as she plummeted down into its depths. When the eunuch saw that, he quickly moved the left table leg again to re-seal the opening in the floor.

    Big Boss ck ran to the windowsill and jumped onto the ledge, then fled from the ancestral hall. The eunuch wiped away the cold sweat on his brow before dragging the other youth out of the altar. He brought out a brocade cushion and ced the boy upon it in a kneeling position, then ripped off the ck cloth swaddled around his head.

    The youth stared nkly at the eunuch before him, who peered back. Something about the boy¡¯s face looked different, but after closer scrutiny, the eunuch decided it was only his imagination. This had to be His Majesty¡¯s face.

    Once again, the eunuch returned to hide beneath the altar. The youth kneeled dully on the cushion. Because he¡¯d lost his wits, he didn¡¯t feel worried or nervous at all. Instead, he started to rock and sway, his mouth opening to make indistinct noises that sounded like singing and speech all at once.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting inplete darkness to munch on her sugar beans and sunflower seeds. Her fingers pinched a bit of the powder covering the ground at her side before rubbing it between her fingerpads. This hadn¡¯t been here two days ago, either. When she brought it up to her nose for a whiff, she didn¡¯t catch any scent.

    ¡°The heck is this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered as she took out a dagger she¡¯d brought along. She wanted to get more samples with the de so she could study it closer. But as soon as the powder touched the weapon, it started to bubble and froth. Within seconds, ayer of foam formed on the surface of the metal de before burning a hole through to the other side. If the powder could do this to metal, what about human flesh?

    Ning Xiaoyao tossed a peanut into her mouth. Grand Preceptor Xie, you vilehearted old geezer. He wanted to turn me into a pile of meat pulp, ah! She spat on the ground and cursed, ¡°Damned old geezer, you¡¯re just asking to be bitten by zombies!¡±

    Outside the ancestral hall, Grand Preceptor Xie had brought men with him to the square below the flight of steps leading to the temple. All of the officials and ministers were stunned at his arrival. Did His Majesty summon the Grand Preceptor here?

    Grand Preceptor Xie confidently strode past the neat rows of subjects to head for the steps leading up to the ancestral hall.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, why have you entered the pce?¡± Lou Zigui stepped forward to block his way.

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice was gentle and mild. ¡°This old man is naturally acting on the orders of the emperor.¡±

    ¡°Emperor¡¯s orders?¡± Lou Zigui said coldly. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at Lou Zigui and smiled. ¡°It was His Majesty¡¯s verbal instructions. How does Supreme Commander expect this old man to produce an imperial edict?¡±

    Lou Zigui simply fixed Grand Preceptor Xie with a cold stare.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°If Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t believe me, we can simply ask His Majesty when we see himter.¡±

    Two teams of rank-and-file soldiers now ran into the square and lined themselves up on opposite sides to stand behind the imperial guards protecting the area. Immediately, the air grew tense.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked with a grin.

    ¡°Who are these men?¡± Lou Zigui pointed at one of the soldiers standing nearby.

    ¡°They should be part of the troops His Majesty transferred to the capital city,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie seemed a little uncertain as well. Lou Zigui stared at a soldier in question, who felt his legs go soft beneath the scrutiny. He ended up lowering his head.

    ¡°Could Supreme Commander make way?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Lou Zigui creased his brows even further. One of the ck Frost Cavalry generals suddenly ran out and yelled, ¡°Who knows if you speak the truth?¡±

    The two rows of soldiers immediately raised their spears. At this, the imperial guards took out their weapons as well. The various ministers and officials felt their throats choke up at the sight, making it difficult to breathe. Lou Zigui half-raised his hand, and the imperial guards retreated to one side with weapons in tow.

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled. ¡°Supreme Commander Lou, this old man has already told you everything. If you don¡¯t believe my words, you can certainly ask His Majesty about itter. If this old man truly didn¡¯t enter the pce on the emperor¡¯s orders, then I¡¯ll atone for the crime with my life.¡±

 Chapter 130: Grand Preceptor, are you sure thatâ€™s His Majesty?

    <h4>Chapter 130: Grand Preceptor, are you sure that''s His Majesty?</h4>

    One of the generals standing at the corner of the square now walked up to Lou Zigui to whisper a report in his ear. ¡°3,000 men are here. The capital¡¯s military forces have surrounded the front gates of the pce with their troops and horses,they¡¯re about 5,000 strong.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded his understanding.

    ¡°It¡¯s highly possible that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s blockaded the side gates as well,¡± the general¡¯s voice grew urgent. ¡°Supreme Commander, how are our paltry forces supposed to protect His Majesty and kill our way out?¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to smile at his subordinate, his tone utterly normal. ¡°We¡¯re not attacking a city or piging anynds. Why do we need that many men? All we need to worry about is carving out an escape route when the timees.¡±

    The general grit his teeth at Lou Zigui¡¯s words. That¡¯s right. This is a smaller battlefield than the ones we¡¯ve faced against the Northern Hu. Isn¡¯t it just a charge from an isted force?

    ¡°Release the whistling signal arrows,¡± Lou Zigui said as he patted the general¡¯s shoulder. The general nodded and turned to leave with quick steps. Grand Preceptor Xie watched it all coldly. He knew that Ning Yu and Lou Zigui wouldn¡¯t sit by idly and wait for death. But any ns they made were now all useless. As long as Ning Yu falls into that pit, there¡¯s no chance that she¡¯ll survive. Even corpses can¡¯t exist in a death trap like that. Anything that touched the poisonous powder would simply melt away, bones, flesh, and all. No matter if you¡¯re an Arhat or some divine being, you¡¯ll find yourself hard-pressed to avoid being dissolved into liquid. Ning Yu, you might be formidable, but can you be tougher than those supernormal beings?

    Lou Zigui got out of the way. Grand Preceptor Xie resumed his trek up the steps, with Lou Zigui following close behind him.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Military men aren¡¯t allowed to ascend these steps. Don¡¯t you know the rules?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was frosty. ¡°I¡¯m only going to ask His Majesty one question--whether he ordered the Grand Preceptor to enter the pce.¡±

    ¡°This old man is afraid you won¡¯t be able to exin yourself if you offend the gods and ancestors,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie pretended he had Lou Zigui¡¯s interests at heart. ¡°It¡¯s not as if this old man will run away. It won¡¯t be toote if you ask His Majesty after the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony.¡±

    ¡°If this one offends the gods, then this one is willing to die to atone for his crimes,¡± Lou Zigui said, frigid and steadfast as ever. ¡°There¡¯s no need for Grand Preceptor to trouble himself with these matters.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded with a smile and an ¡®alright,¡¯ and didn¡¯t speak to Lou Zigui again.

    Empress Dowager Xie was standing atop the flight of stairs. Ning Xiaoyao hadpletely ignored her existence. Now that she saw her father ascending the steps, her heart sank back in her chest. Elder Li moved to stand in front of Grand Preceptor Xie, his expression stern as he barred thetter¡¯s path.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± he asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie repeated the conversation he had with Lou Zigui. At this, Elder Li¡¯s head whipped over to look at Lou Zigui. How can you directly question the emperor on his orders? And how can Grand Preceptor Xie be so fearless?

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at Empress Dowager Xie, who shook her head. Her meaning was that she hadn¡¯t heard anymotion from the ancestral hall at all.

    Whizzz!

    A few whistling arrows shot through the air, their shrill cries piercing everyone¡¯s ears. The assembled crowd grew restless at the sound. Was a fight about to break out?! Large masses of clouds came to cover up the sun, plunging the day into a gloomy gray. The storm clouds seem to carry ominous foreboding for Yongning¡¯s capital city.

    At the north gates, Fang Tang heard the signal and smashed his teacup to the ground. A few steps brought him to the city gates, where he raised his crossbow and aimed at the general in charge of guarding the entrance. The 500 imperial guards under hismand had all hidden themselves in an alleyway to the right side of the gate. Now they swarmed up the steps to the watchtower like an overturned anthill. The capital¡¯s soldiers had been forewarned that there¡¯d be unrest at the city gates today, so they unsheathed their sabers at the first sign of attack and fought back. In an instant, fights broke out in the city as battle cries filled the air.

    When the denizens near the north gate saw this scene, they could only run away in confusion. The chaos spread like an infectious gue from the north gate to the entirety of the capital. At the same time all this was uring, n¨¦e Wang was epting a small porcin bottle from Old Huo, who then proceeded to retreat into a dimly lit corner, his eyes boring into young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s.

    Young n¨¦e Wang ced the bottle into her sleeve with shaking fingers before staggering up the flight of steps and knocking on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s estate side doors. The same time she knocked, Empress Dowager Xie questioned Lou Zigui in a stern voice.

    ¡°Lou Zigui, what are you doing?!¡±

    Lou Zigui was full of disrespect. ¡°This subject would like to ask Esteemed Empress Dowager the very same thing. What are you doing?¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest wanted to approach them, but were obstructed by a few strong, unfamiliar men.

    ¡°You¡¯ve brought those military men to the steps of the ancestral hall,¡± Empress Dowager Xie pointed at the few general standing behind Lou Zigui as she raised her voice. ¡°Lou Zigui, what gall you have! This Dowager sees that you¡¯re nning to rebel!¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at the Xie father and daughter pair standing side by side and gave a coldugh. ¡°What now? Esteemed Empress Dowager wants to punish this subject with a capital offence as well?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie gave orders to the eunuchs lined up on both sides of the steps. ¡°What are you all doing standing around? Apprehend Lou Zigui for This Dowager!¡±

    There was the sound of des unsheathing as the ck Frost Cavalry generals all brought their sabers to bear. At the sight of those weapons, the eunuchs in charge of guarding the steps also took out their swords in turn. The two sides ended up in a faceoff on the steps. By now, the seven astrologers had huddled into a group by the temple door. Finally, they understood why His Majesty had told them they¡¯d regret it. If those two groups started fighting now...

    Save us! We really need those pot lids!

    Elder Li shielded his disciples behind him as he stepped forward and pressed his hand against Lou Zigui¡¯s saber-wielding one. His tone was low and serious. ¡°Why don¡¯t we invite His Majesty out first.¡±

    Everyone stared at the head astrologer, who gulped. He had managed to regain his calm with difficulty and said, ¡°It¡¯s not time yet. His Majesty cannot leave the ancestral hall.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯re just going to wait like this?¡± one of the ck Frost Calvary asked stormily.

    The head astrologer quickly shook his head. ¡°His Majesty cannote out until the proper hour.¡± There were already weapons bared outside the ancestral hall. If His Majesty really wanted toe out, wouldn¡¯t he have done so already? The head astrologer only felt that he knew the truth--and that was that His Majesty didn¡¯t have the courage to reveal himself!

    ¡°This subject respectfully requests Your Majesty toe out of the ancestral hall,¡± Elder Li raised his voice at the closed doors.

    The various ministers and officials on top of the steps all exchanged nces, before chorusing in unison, ¡°We subjects respectfully request Your Highness toe out of the ancestral hall.¡±

    There was nothing but silence in response. It was as if nobody was in the ancestral hall at all!

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li shouted again. Why has Grand Preceptor Xie shown up at the pce? Did the Xie father and daughter pair cheat and coax His Majesty again? The possibility grew more probable as Elder Li thought further. Otherwise, where would Xie Wenyuan get such daring? Such self-confidence?

    ¡°What do we do?¡± one of the generals asked Lou Zigui in a low voice. ¡°Should we charge inside?¡±

    ¡°We can hold Xie Wenyuan and the empress dowager hostage,¡± another general suggested. ¡°With them in our hands, it¡¯ll be easy enough to kill our way out of the capital.¡±

    ¡°As I see it, we should just kill them both,¡± the general on Lou Zigui¡¯s right muttered, ¡°Stick them with a white de and leave with a bloodied one. We¡¯ll kill our fill with them.¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to call for silence from his subordinates, before speaking to Elder Li. The old man was still gripping his hand. ¡°His Majesty might be in trouble. If the situation turns perilous, I¡¯ll take His Majesty away.¡±

    Elder Li nced at Lou Zigui, his heart heaving in terrifying waves. Despite this, his expression was as calm as a still pond. ¡°Back to Anyuan?¡± he asked.

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Is Xie Wenyuan still the cause of it all?¡±

    Again, Supreme Commander Lou nodded.

    Elder Li withdrew his hand and murmured, ¡°Are you certain that you can thoroughly assist His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Uncertain,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°But I won¡¯t let anyone harm His Majesty before I die.¡±

    Elder Li hesitated before minutely nodding his head.

    ¡°No matter what I sayter on, I ask that Elder Li doesn¡¯t suspect me,¡± Lou Zigui said next. If there were suddenly two Ning Xiaoyaoster, which group were Elder Li and his faction supposed to trust?

    ¡°Father, are you absolutely confident this time?¡± Empress Dowager Xie was questioning Grand Preceptor Xie at the same time Elder Li was sounding out Lou Zigui.

    ¡°May Empress Dowager set your cares at rest,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°If anything goes wrong, Esteemed Empress Dowager need only think of yourself.¡±

    ¡°What does father mean by this?¡± Empress Dowager Xie hastened to ask. Does father want to draw a clear line between us? She began to grow guarded.

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled. ¡°This subject simply does not wish for anything to happen to Empress Dowager.¡± If that witless fool really bes the emperor, would there be any need to make Ning Xin ascend the throne? Grand Preceptor Xie had long made ns in his heart, but for now, he had to calm the heart of his ruthless, venomous daughter.

    Empress Dowager Xie only felt that her father was hiding the truth behind his words. Have I missed something somewhere? She began to make mental calctions of her own.

    Grand Preceptor Xie observed Lou Zigui as he drew closer to the doors of the ancestral hall, before raising his hand to muffle a light cough. The eunuch hiding beneath the altar heard this cough and took it as a signal. He ran out of the altar and began knocking down all the enshrined memorial tablets and incense burners on the table, throwing them onto the ground without exception. The sh of porcin, bronze, and various other wares against the floor startled the addled youth on the cushion, who began to clutch his head with shrill cries.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand stilled before the ancestral hall¡¯s doors at the shrieks. That isn¡¯t Miss Ning¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Your Majesty?!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ran forward a few steps, shoving aside the officials from the astronomy department hovering next to the door. He pushed open the red sandstone doors engraved with auspicious clouds and entered the ancestral hall. Meanwhile, the eunuch had returned to his hiding ce beneath the altar. The addled youth was huddled up in a ball on the ground, trembling nonstop.

    The ancestral hall wasn¡¯t a ce where just anyone could enter. But nobody cared about the rules now. Everyone followed Grand Preceptor Xie inside, only to find him half kneeling on the ground, cradling a fearful youth in his arms. In an urgent tone, he asked, ¡°Your Majesty. Your Majesty? Just what has happened to you, Your Majesty?¡±

    The youth was still clutching his head, his arms currently concealing his face from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Lou Zigui!¡± After looking at the mess on the floor, Empress Dowager Xie turned to point at Lou Zigui in rage. ¡°You must have offended the gods and ancestors by bringing military men here! Now you¡¯ve caused His Majesty a fright!¡±

    Lou Zigui ignored Empress Dowager Xie and approached Grand Preceptor Xie and the youth. He half crouched on the floor before pulling aside the hands clutching that head. A cold smile formed on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s lips. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao finished herst sunflower seed and stood up, warming up her limbs as she prepared to return to the surface. She wasn¡¯t sure how they¡¯d built this underground chamber, but it allowed air to pass through. Moreover, she could even hear the conversations happening aboveground. Before leaping to the surface, Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. It really was a pain to deal with that father and daughter day after day. When will I be able to take back the military power in his hands?

    On the surface, Lou Zigui asked Grand Preceptor Xie in a cold voice, ¡°Grand Preceptor, are you sure that¡¯s His Majesty?¡±

 Chapter 131: The recriminating Grand Preceptor

    <h4>Chapter 131: The recriminating Grand Preceptor</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie and the officials on the scene all heard Lou Zigui¡¯s words before looking down at the youth¡¯s face. Now that Lou Zigui had gotten his hands out of the way, he used two fingers to tilt up the boy¡¯s face by the chin, making it impossible for the youth to look away. Elder Li immediately grew rmed and angry.

    ¡°Who is he?!¡± Elder Li demanded.

    The youth had a pair of elegant eyebrows and a passing resemnce to Ning Xiaoyao, but they were clearly twopletely different people. Anyone who thought this was Ning Xiaoyao herself had to be blind. Grand Preceptor Xie brushed the youth¡¯s face before he started rubbing the skin like mad. His forceful actions turned the boy¡¯s skin red, causing him to start crying from the pain. He struggled and tried to break free from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s grasp.

    The crowd noticed something off about his movements, and one minister remarked, ¡°His arms and legs are disabled?¡±

    Lou Zigui pinched the boy¡¯s arm and said coldly, ¡°His bones are intact.¡±

    If his bones are intact, then why can¡¯t he move properly? All of the people in the hall fixed their questioning gazes on Grand Preceptor Xie. It was hard to describe what the old Grand Preceptor was feeling at this moment, but he couldn¡¯t believe this was happening. Despite this, the voice inside his head was telling him that everything had gonepletely different from his ns. How is this possible? Grand Preceptor Xie questioned himself. Did Ning Yu¡¯s men switch the doppelganger after he was delivered into the ancestral hall? No, that¡¯s impossible. This boy, the Grand Preceptor stared at the youth again. This boy¡¯s clothing and body proportions are exactly identical to the person I saw in the secret chamber!

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Lou Zigui spoke, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you give us an exnation?¡±

    Elder Li was still furious. ¡°Xie Wenyuan, where is His Majesty?!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie found himself speechless.

    ¡°Lou Zigui,¡± Elder Li next turned to Supreme Commander Lou and posed the exact same question. ¡°Where is His Majesty?¡±

    At this moment, all of the officials and ministers felt the ground beneath their feet shake. They hurriedly scattered to the fringes, looking dumbfounded at the glossy floor. By now, Ning Xiaoyao had failed to break out of the underground chamber for the second time in a row. She was currently catching her breath. The b of stone above her was way too heavy to move aside, causing her no end of distress. She had shouted for Supreme Commander at the top of her lungs, only to get no reply. So much for always staying by my side!

    Alright, they want Miss Ning, ah, in truth Supreme Commander Lou was standing right above her, so he was quite nearby. He just couldn¡¯t hear her shouts. Lou Zigui started walking towards the altar instead. Miss Ning had told him that the secret switch was located in the left leg of the altar table.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao gathered all her strength and prepared for a final leap. If I can¡¯t get out this time, I¡¯ll just bash my head against the wall and die instead!

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand grasped the left table leg. The eunuch hiding beneath the altar held a knife in his hand and aimed it at Lou Zigui¡¯s fingers. The n had fallen to pieces by now, but if he killed Lou Zigui for Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s sake, perhaps thetter would spare his life. At the same time Lou Zigui turned the table leg clockwise, the eunuch raised his poison-tipped dagger and Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fist smashed against the floor tile above her head.

    BANG!

    There was a explosion before minute cracks spread across the surface of the floor tile like a spiderweb. As the crackling noises intensified, the floor broke apart and sent pieces of stray rock tumbling into the underground chamber.

    Everyone in the ancestral hall was left gaping at the sight.

    ¡°Pfft, pah, pah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood on the edge of the hole, spitting out the rock dust that had gotten into her mouth as she dusted herself off.

    ¡°You--¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked like he¡¯d seen a ghost. How could she still be alive?!

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao long enough to make sure she was alright before lifting up the green cloth over the altar table. Beneath itid the eunuch,pletely unconscious and sporting a giant bump on his head. One of the rocks from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s impactful punch had knocked him out cold. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o) By his side was a sharp knife, its edges a dark moss green beneath the candlelight. Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze grew cold as he realized the man had been trying to take his life.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li ran to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Elder Li. ¡°Oh, old gramps. You came too?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Elder Li.

    ¡°............¡± said the rest of the officials and ministers.

    There were people in the world whose sole reason for existence was ruining the mood--for example, His Majesty Ning. Right now, everyone was in a state of anxiety,plete with sweaty palms and shortness of breath. But what did this emperor say to Elder Li? ¡®You came too?¡¯ Elder Li had long been standing at the head of the stairs. Didn¡¯t you even notice him as you walked in?

    Grand Preceptor Xie quickly turned around and gave a significant look to one of his subordinates standing by the door. The man in question silently ran off. Meanwhile, Shadowgale and his men poured into the ancestral hall, with the headmander personally wresting the doppelganger from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hands.

    Empress Dowager Xie was left at a loss. In fact, she had trouble understanding what had just happened. Father only used someone with a passing resemnce to Ning Yu to rece her? Has he gone mad?!

    ¡°Your Majesty, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Elder Li asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed to the unconscious eunuch beneath the altar. ¡°Don¡¯t you guys see him?¡± A living, breathing human had fainted away, but why didn¡¯t anyone care about him? Elder Li wanted to beat Ning Xiaoyao up. Who cares about an unconscious eunuch at a time like this?! Ning Xiaoyao observed Elder Li¡¯s face, which looked like it¡¯d been drenched in ink, his expression was so ck. She silently backed up a few steps. If he really puts up his fists at me, I can¡¯t fight back. But I¡¯m not stupid enough to just let him beat me up!

    ¡°Speak!¡± Elder Li roared at Ning Xiaoyao. One of the ministers behind Elder Li tugged on his sleeve. Elder Li, your disciples are sweating. That¡¯s His Majesty, not your own grandson!

    ¡°Wha, what¡¯s going on?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Grand Preceptor Xie. She¡¯d like to see what the old geezer would say this time.

    Grand Preceptor Xie crawled up from the ground and appear to rejoice at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Thank the Heavens, Your Majesty is alright!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao went (#¨F¡ä)Í¹. Old geezer, you¡¯repletely shameless!

    Lou Zigui walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and noticed she had dust on the back of her head. He couldn¡¯t resist lifting a hand to gently pat it away, thus dusting her off. Now much of the other officials and ministers were just as angry as Elder Li. Isn¡¯t it time to offer exnations now? Supreme Commander, now¡¯s not the time to dust off His Majesty¡¯s head!

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Speak up, how are you going to exin all this?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie apologized instead. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject deserves death. This subject saw this criminal dressed in the dragon robes with simr proportions to Your Majesty, and so my old eyes mistook him for Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was now thoroughly convinced that the old Xie geezer had no sense of shame at all!

    ¡°Who¡¯s a criminal? Who did you say was a criminal?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled up her sleeves. There was no need for any further conversation; she¡¯d just murder this old geezer instead.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, just what happened here? Why is there an underground chamber in the ancestral hall, and why was Your Majesty in it, and why was this criminal kneeling in the hall in your ce while dressed in dragon robes?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed.

    Grand Preceptor Xie was all innocence. ¡°This subject deserves death, but this subject begs Your Majesty to dispel all doubts.¡±

    Dispel doubts your sister! Ning Xiaoyao rushed forward to ughter Grand Preceptor Xie, but Lou Zigui held her back.

    ¡°What!?¡± Ning Xiaoyao hissed as she turned back, filled with killing intent.

    ¡°Does Your Majesty want a war to break out instantly by killing him now?¡± Lou Zigui murmured softly.

    Ning Xiaoyao was furious. ¡°If it¡¯s war, so be it!¡± She couldn¡¯t live like this anymore. If that old Xie geezer didn¡¯t die today, she¡¯d die instead.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°We only have the imperial guards on our side and 500 Dragon Guards. Xiaoyao, have you forgotten? Xie Wenyuan¡¯s already transferred more troops into the capital.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Unless it¡¯s a matter of life and death, Xiaoyao, you have to endure it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head and squatted on the ground. The fact that she couldn¡¯t do as she liked was already horrible enough! Meanwhile, everyone else stared at Ning Xiaoyao and wondered what was the matter.

    ¡°You--just what did you tell His Majesty?¡± Elder Li demanded.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t get to speak before Grand Preceptor Xie beat him to it. ¡°Could it be, could it be that His Majesty is ying a prank on we ministers?¡±

    ¡°Enough already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Do you think you¡¯re the only smart one here, and the rest of us all idiots, Grand Preceptor Xie?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie knew that Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want to fight to the death with him the moment the man held back Ning Xiaoyao. Since his life wasn¡¯t in danger anymore, he quickly struck against Ning Xiaoyao by dering, ¡°Your Majesty, this is the Grand Sacrificial Hall. How could you...how could you--aye!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sighed and looked the part of someone anxious for His Majesty to grow up and mature.

    Elder Li walked in front of Ning Xiaoyao and red coldly at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Xie Wenyuan, what do you want to say? This can¡¯t be a joke from His Majesty. I¡¯m sure you know exactly what you did!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuck her head out from behind Elder Li to nod in agreement. That¡¯s right!

    Grand Preceptor Xie sighed again. ¡°Elder, I know you¡¯re guarding His Majesty, but how are we supposed to proceed with the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony with His Majesty like this?¡±

    ¡°The floor is damaged,¡± one of the ministers from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction reminded them.

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked pained. ¡°Your Majesty, this is the resting grounds of the previous emperors. You...¡± He trailed off into yet another sigh and didn¡¯t continue, but everyone knew what he meant to say. Your Majesty, how could you cause such trouble with your mischief?

    Ning Xiaoyao twisted her head to look at Lou Zigui. ¡°Even if I can¡¯t kill him, can¡¯t I at least rough him up a bit?¡±

    Long Zigui grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Investigate. Look into the young man¡¯s origins and see who brought him into the ancestral hall. And see where the dragon robes on his body came from.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, investigate him!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Since we conveniently have a criminal here anyways.¡±

    Everyone quickly turned to see the unconscious eunuch beneath the altar, who chose this time to wake up. Lou Zigui issued orders, ¡°Someonee, apprehend that knave!¡±

    Dragon Guards rushed towards the altar. The eunuch wanted to flee on instinct, but tripped over a rock underfoot and tumbled into the underground chamber instead. There was a wretched scream before everything turned silent. Shadowgale came forward and peered down into the shaft, before tossing a burning booklet down the hole. The space inside waspletely empty, with no sign of the eunuch to be seen.

    ¡°Is there another secret switch inside that chamber?¡± one of the ministers asked in astonishment.

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Shoot, I forgot that old geezer sprinkled that melting poison into the underground chamber.

    ¡°Those are sunflower seeds. And also, peanut shells?¡± another minister said doubtfully after staring into the opening for awhile.

    ¡°And a puddle of water,¡± yet another minister remarked. Ning Xiaoyao sniffed a few times. That puddle was none other than the eunuch. What a strange and miraculous poison that was. It was capable of melting through metal and human flesh, but left the sunflower seeds and peanut shells untouched.

    Grand Preceptor Xie approached the opening and nced inside at the mixture of red and yellow liquids pooling at the bottom, before looking at Ning Xiaoyao like he¡¯d seen a monster. Indeed, the bottom of the shaft had been lined with poison powder strong enough to melt away skin, flesh, and bones. But how could this wretched girl still be unharmed?!

 Chapter 132: A mighty flood of refugees

    <h4>Chapter 132: A mighty flood of refugees</h4>

    ¡°All of you be careful,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the gathered crowd. ¡°There¡¯s obviously some kind of poison powder down there, capable of dissolving you all into liquid in no time.¡±

    All of the officials and ministers backed away. Quite a few of the civil officials began to gag when they recalled the curious mix of red and yellow fluids at the bottom of the shaft.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to throw up, hurry up and go do it outside,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said hastily. A ce as big as this one would be super expensive to clean up. (Author: You¡¯re still worrying about cleanup expenses at a time like this? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o) Following her shout, 20 or so figures made a dash for the doors.

    ¡°Did Your Majesty scatter that poison powder?¡± one of the military officials asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, how should I exin it this time?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie borrowed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words and said, ¡°There¡¯s poison powder in the underground chamber, but why is Your Majesty unharmed?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say that she was immune to hundreds of poisons, but Lou Zigui tightened his grip on her hand, causing her to swallow her words.

    ¡°Was Grand Preceptor hoping for His Majesty to get hurt?¡± Lou Zigui retorted.

    There has to be a hidden traitor amongst the ranks of the Poison Sect! Grand Preceptor Xie thought to himself. How could Ning Yu have escaped unscathed if she didn¡¯t have the antidote in the first ce? How many hands did this poison powder pass through before it came to me? Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s brain flew into action with his mental calctions.

    Elder Li looked at Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui, then at Grand Preceptor Xie, where his gaze lingered before he spoke up. ¡°No matter what, we need to get to the bottom of what happened today.¡±

    ¡°We do have to look into this,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie agreed, ¡°Elder Li, what do you think we should investigate first?¡±

    Elder Li stared at the addled youth dressed in dragon robes.

    ¡°That boy¡¯s already lost his wits,¡± a minister said, ¡°How are we supposed to interrogate him?¡±

    I can heal him, Ning Xiaoyao thought to herself, but now wasn¡¯t the time to incriminate Grand Preceptor Xie and kill him for his crimes. Besides, what would be the point if I healed the boy right here, right now? If the boy couldn¡¯t out argue Grand Preceptor Xie, he might be used as the criminal instead. Mhm, I can¡¯t heal him just yet. Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. I¡¯ll treat himter tonight instead.

    Meanwhile, the rest of the officials and ministers had all broken out into arguments over how the investigation should proceed. Ning Xiaoyao listened to them fight and realized it was the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction against Elder Li¡¯s faction again. She dug out another sugar bean from her pocket and popped it into her mouth, before slowly making her way towards Grand Preceptor Xie. While everyone else was debating, she would take the chance to thrash that old geezer a few times.

    Meanwhile, the huddle of officials of the astronomy department were holding back the urge to tell all these people to pipe down while inside the hallowed ancestral hall. None of them dared to speak up, because they couldn''t afford to offend a single member of the personages inside!

    ¡°Don¡¯t they know where they are arguing right now!?¡± one of the astrologers whispered. The head astrologer kept his mouth shut, because he didn¡¯t want to speak up!

    By now, Ning Xiaoyao had made it to over in front of Grand Preceptor Xie. Thetter was still seriously considering the problem of a traitor in his ranks when Ning Xiaoyao raised a fist. Only then did he notice and look up. ¡°What are you nning to do me?¡± he asked in a rush.

    Everyone else turned back to look their way as well and saw Ning Xiaoyao about to thrash Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°..........¡± went Ning Xiaoyao. So do I hit him now, or not?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowrain suddenly rushed inside, only to see the hall full of people and a gaping hole in front of the altar. He couldn¡¯t spot His Majesty from there.

    ¡°Over here!¡± Ning Xiaoyao started waving her arms. Being short really was a tragic affair.

    Shadowrain ran over in front of Ning Xiaoyao and fell to his knees to report, ¡°Your Majesty, chaos has broken out in the capital. There are people looting and burning, targeting the citizens of the city.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced over at Grand Preceptor Xie. Did you do this too?

    Elder Li had reached Lou Zigui by now, and murmured, ¡°Are you still nning to take His Majesty away from here?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°It looks like there¡¯s no need for that now.¡± Since the doppelganger n had failed, why should I whisk Ning Xiaoyao away?

    Elder Li released a breath. ¡°Then, this is the end?¡± He hadn¡¯t been able to make heads or tails of everything from beginning to end.

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to call for one of his generals. He was about to tell the man to have Fang Tang stop attacking the gates when one of the leaders of the capital¡¯s militia quickly ran into the hall to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side. Lou Zigui paused to see what was the situation was.

    Currently, a few dozen refugees were lying on the ground in front of the free porridge station located by the northern gates of the city. Blood flowed from each of their seven orifices, and their faces were swollen as they clutched at their stomachs while screaming and rolling around on the ground.

    ¡°His, His Majesty wants to poison us to death,¡± the old man who had made a deal with the Grand Preceptor yesterday yelled in a loud voice. ¡°I¡¯ve said so before, there¡¯s poison in the porridge!¡±

    ¡°People have been dying all over the past few days,¡± another voice called out from the crowd to support the old man. ¡°His Majesty just wants to poison us to death!¡±

    More and more voices joined in to support the old man¡¯s ims, making the refugees increasingly furious. The old man¡¯s legs shook as he looked on with an increasing unease at the thrashing, bleeding, screaming forms on the ground. At this moment, someone pushed him from behind, knocking him to the ground. Blood stained a patch of his hand, dying it red.

    ¡°What do we do now?!¡± one of the married women sobbed. The baby in her arms had already stopped moving.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, go!¡± the old man crawled to his feet with a rousing shout. ¡°We¡¯ll head for the pce. We¡¯ll...we¡¯ll ask His Majesty ourselves, ask him--¡±

    ¡°Ask him why we¡¯re not allowed to live!¡± someone finished off his sentence. The old man turned to the sound of the voice and found someone dressed in refugee clothes. But his eyes were surly and arrogant, and his calloused hands were that of a soldier¡¯s, not a civilian.

    ¡°What are you staring at?¡± the man asked the old man, who hastily turned back and stopped looking.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± that surly man led the way down the streets.

    ¡°We¡¯ll carry these brothers with us!¡± someone else shouted from the crowd. ¡°We¡¯ll make His Majesty see their pitiful plight!¡±

    The pained cries of the poisoned refugees,bined with the artfulments designed to fan the mes into a roaring inferno, created a mob mentality that sent the refugees picking up their suffering brethren and following the leader to the pce. The people in charge of the porridge had long hidden themselves away once they saw refugees falling prey to a poison. Now they could only watch the crowd head towards the pce, helpless to do anything.

    The events of the north gates soon spread by word-of-mouth to all the refugees in the city. Some said His Majesty couldn¡¯t chase them out of the capital, so he was poisoning them instead. Others said the meat found in the porridge bowls came from the dead bodies of other refugees. There were even rumors that the imperial physicians wanted refugees¡¯ bodies as reagents, that the military used them as target practice to train their troops to kill, or that His Majesty and Esteemed Empress drank the blood of refugee children to nurture their bodies. All sorts of sayings ran rampant, increasing the size of the horde heading for the pce. In the end, they became a mighty torrent that poured towards its gates.

    ¡°The refugees have made their move,¡± the young leader of the capital militia murmured to Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at the addled youth in Shadowthunder¡¯s arms before he said coldly, ¡°Let them in.¡±

    The soldier gave a start at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s words.

    Grand Preceptor Xie leveled him with a look. ¡°Well?¡±

    The soldier bowed his head and said, ¡°This soldier understands.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was standing a bit farther away from Grand Preceptor Xie by now, but she still heard each and every word. Refugees? Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose as she thought. What does this have to do with the refugees? What to do when she didn¡¯t understand? Naturally, run to Lou Zigui and ask him.

    ¡°Refugees?¡± Lou Zigui creased his brows at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Lou Zigui nced at Grand Preceptor Xie, who had already shut his eyes. We can¡¯t use Ning Yu anymore, but I still have a chance to help Ning Xin onto the throne. Since the imperial Ning n also had a tradition of eliminating the mothers of young emperors, he would have to be sure to get rid of his daughter when the time came.

    Empress Dowager Xie had no idea that Grand Preceptor Xie was already preparing to forsake her. She ordered the mama at her side, ¡°Go ask the Grand Preceptor what we should do next.¡±

    The mama ran with small steps to Grand Preceptor Xie, who simply nced at the empress dowager after listening. He smiled towards his daughter, before telling the mama in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s impossible to continue with today¡¯s Grand Sacrificial Ceremony. Have the empress dowager return to her pce. Tell her that I¡¯ll be alright.¡±

    The mama ran back to Empress Dowager Xie with the message. Lou Zigui watched the mama run back and forth between the Xie father and mother pair before he suddenly ordered Shadowrain, ¡°Bring as many men as you can and head for the empress dowager¡¯s pce. Take Prince Cheng to the Supreme Splendor Hall and forbid all visitors.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth gaped. What is he nning now?

    ¡°Why are you lot still standing around?!¡± Lou Zigui reprimanded Shadowrain, who felt a cold chill crawl down his spine before he nodded and ran off.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged at Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°The refugees are nning to revolt,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s jaw dropped. Grand Preceptor Xie hadn¡¯t even revolted yet, but the refugees were? What kind of logic was that?!

    ¡°Elder!¡± Lou Zigui shouted for Elder Li.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± a tiny voice reached Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ears. She looked down.

    ¡°It¡¯s me, A¡¯Mo!¡± A¡¯Mo had finally crawled his way into the pce and tracked down Ning Xiaoyao. Now he was panting for breath. The entire trip had nearly exhausted the poor ant to death!

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly crouched down and extended a finger, allowing A¡¯Mo to crawl onto her hand.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, it¡¯s bad! There¡¯s trouble brewing!¡± A¡¯Mo shouted at Ning Xiaoyao, who brought them outside the hall to find somewhere more quiet..

    ¡°Everyday¡¯s been bad for me recently. A¡¯Mo, what¡¯s going to happen to me next?¡±

    A¡¯Mo brandished his feelers and told Ning Xiaoyao all about how Grand Preceptor Xie had bribed an old man to his side. When he was finished, he asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao as she sat at the top of the steps. Was there any fun left in this world? Using poison to harm your own people? Idiots like that still existed? He even trusted Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s word!? Ning Xiaoyao wanted to die as much as she wanted Grand Preceptor Xie to die. In any case, she was sick of staying in this world. Why was everything so annoying?!

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± A¡¯Mo carefully bumped against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers.

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed another sugar bean into her mouth and handed A¡¯Mo some of the crumbs. She needed some peace and quiet. Meanwhile, everyone else watched Ning Xiaoyao feeding and making conversation with an ant, afraid to even breathe too loudly. Has His Majesty lost his wits from rage? He seems strange all over!

 Chapter 133: The mobs invade the palace

    <h4>Chapter 133: The mobs invade the pce</h4>

    Warning: Please note that this chapter contains graphic descriptions of gore.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what do we do?¡± A¡¯Mo grew anxious when he saw Ning Xiaoyao sitting there doing nothing.

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed the sugar bean in her mouth and said, ¡°Poisons aren¡¯t all that scary. I just need to cure the refugees right?¡±

    A¡¯Mo said, ¡°But the Grand Preceptor said that poison wouldn¡¯t kill anyone.¡±

    ¡°Could that old geezer¡¯s words be counted on to be trustworthy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips in contempt. ¡°Then A¡¯Mo, I say that you¡¯ll knock out an elephant with one punch tomorrow!¡±

    A¡¯Mo peered at his own hands and feet and figured that Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words weren¡¯t trustworthy, after all. Ning Xiaoyao stood up from the ground and patted the dust off her butt, then set A¡¯Mo down on her cor. ¡°We¡¯ll go over to the pce gates and check things out.¡±

    As soon as she had finished speaking, the sounds of shouting and fighting came from the direction of the front gates. There were even the dull thuds of something heavy striking against the doors.

    A¡¯Mo said, ¡°We¡¯re doomed. Those refugees are killing their way in.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed more sugar beans into her mouth. She needed some peace and quiet! When the people inside the ancestral hall finally heard themotion from outside, all of them stopped arguing. The sudden silence made them all feel a chill in the air as they realized they¡¯d been arguing inside the ancestral hall! They nced at the memorial tablets on the altar, then at the gaping hole in the ground. Many of them began to soundlessly withdraw from the temple. Elder Li went to search for Lou Zigui so he could ask about what was going on, but suddenly discovered that Supreme Commander Lou was no longer inside.

    ¡°We¡¯ll head to the pce gates,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao while they stood at the head of the steps. ¡°Have Shadowgale and the rest guard you as you leave the ancestral hall, then head for the north of the city. Fang Tang will be there. Xiaoyao, wait for me outside the city.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. If I leave now, who would treat those poison victims? No need for pointless deaths, refugee or citizen...

    ¡°Right now, we have no idea what¡¯s going on,¡± Lou Zigui tried to coax her away.

    ¡°I know what¡¯s going on, though,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand, before she realized this wasn¡¯t a ssroom. Her arm dropped, and she told Lou Zigui the news she¡¯d got from A¡¯Mo right there and there.

    Afterwards, Lou Zigui wore an emotionless expression as he cursed. ¡°Shameless.¡±

    ¡°Even though we know that old geezer¡¯s shameless, we still can¡¯t kill him, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯m going to ask you a serious question. We really can¡¯t kill the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Instead of answering, Lou Zigui asked back, ¡°Can you treat those refugees¡¯ poison?¡±

    ¡°Sure, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Then fine,¡± Lou Zigui pulled her up by the hand. ¡°Find that old man and treat those refugees. Leave the rest to me.¡±

    As Ning Xiaoyao was led down the steps by Lou Zigui, she turned back to see Grand Preceptor Xie just emerging from the hall. Immediately, she raised her fist and waved it in his direction.

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at his men on both sides and said, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you all hurrying to protect His Majesty yet?¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. ¡°I don¡¯t need you lot to guard me. Just look after the Grand Preceptor instead. When he incurs Heaven¡¯s wrath one day, you guys can take some of the lightning bolts in his ce.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s men. Are we sure His Majesty isn¡¯t insane? Why does everything he say sound so crazy?

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t reply. Why should I bother speaking with a dead girl?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± a ck Frost Calvary general ran over when Lou Zigui and Ning Xiaoyao were halfway down the steps. ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander, the refugees have broken through the pce gates!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes in disbelief. ¡°Where are the gate guards?¡±

    ¡°There weren¡¯t guarding the gates at all!¡± the general spat hatefully.

    Lou Zigui acted at once and ordered a few of his subordinates, ¡°You lot, take His Majesty out of the pce via one of the side doors.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pulled on Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve. ¡°There¡¯s no time, I can hear their footsteps already.¡±

    Every path in the pce was meticulously swept and attended to by specific servants, so it was impossible to raise up a dust cloud when anyone walked on them, arge crowd. However, the sound of shouting and multiple quickly approaching footsteps gave off an equally oppressive air.

    ¡°Imperial guards,¡± Lou Zigui shouted loudly from the steps. ¡°Hold back the refugees for this Supreme Commander. Anyone who refuses to stop will be killed without mercy!¡±

    The thousand strong imperial guards stationed on both sides of the steps charged towards the iing refugees.

    ¡°You¡¯re not stopping Lou Zigui?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked Elder Li from the top of the steps. Elder Li¡¯s face was looking green, but he also didn¡¯t answer Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s question.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°There are tens of thousands of refugees in the capital city. It¡¯s unlikely that the imperial guards will be able to hold them back.¡±

    Elder Li nced at Grand Preceptor Xie, then said, ¡°Then you and I should guard His Majesty with our own lives.¡±

    ¡°Naturally,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. His sanctimonious attitude only enraged Elder Li all the more until his stomach ached. But if Lou Zigui knew that they couldn¡¯t kill the Grand Preceptor without wresting military power from his hands, why wouldn¡¯t Elder Li understand, too? All he could do now was endure. Everyone knew that the character for endure (ÈÌ) was written with the character for knife (µ¶) on top the heart (ÐÄ). It was a de capable of hurting one body and soul!

    The imperial guards crashed against the flood of refugees. Even if Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t ordered them to kill these people, they still wouldn¡¯t spare their lives. Even schr-officials had to die after charging into the pce unbidden, much less these lowly, cheap refugees. As row after row of refugees fell to the ground as bleeding corpses, the rest of the hotheaded mob finally sobered up slightly. If they kept pressing forward, wouldn¡¯t the next in line to die be themselves?

    The stench of blood rose in the air, making Ning Xiaoyao feel both pained and restless. Zombies didn¡¯t exist here, so why couldn¡¯t the humans in this world just live a peaceful life? As if sensing her difort, Lou Zigui grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and murmured, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to look, then close your eyes.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. How am I supposed to close my eyes at a time like this?! I¡¯m the Emperor after all!

    Now that most of the refugees were recoiling back in fear, someone shouted from the crowd, ¡°If we don¡¯t charge forward, then we¡¯ll all die! The imperial guards will ughter us all!¡± His voice was quickly followed in session by multiple others.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already broke into the pce, so we¡¯re doomed to die anyways!¡± a hoarse yell rang out. ¡°Retreating is death as well. If we keep charging, we might be able to get some justice on our side!¡±

    When the refugees heard this voice and looked around, they saw nothing but lofty pces and royal halls. This was Yongning¡¯s imperial pce! They¡¯d broken their way into the Son of Heaven¡¯s domain. Would we still have a chance to live after this?

    ¡°Go already!¡± one of the refugees took the lead and rushed forward, fighting against the imperial guards with a cudgel in his hand.

    ¡°Shoot and kill the people who shouted just then,¡± Lou Zigui ordered from his perch on the steps. One of the imperial guard¡¯s generals epted his orders and prepared to leave with his regiment. Grand Preceptor Xie stood at the top with perfectposure. When more and more refugees flood into the pce and add to the mob, how will you protect Ning Yu then, Lou Zigui? Much less the safety of this pce?

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook aside Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and shouted at the general, ¡°Don¡¯t y around with human lives. Let theme over.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± ten voices--including Lou Zigui¡¯s own--chorused back in immediate protest.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I know how to fight.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else. Now isn¡¯t the time for you to fight!

    ¡°Supreme Commander, are youing with me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Faced with the girl¡¯s wide, blinking eyes, Lou Zigui swallowed his words before he could say hurry and leave with me. When he recalled how valiantly she¡¯d fought against her enemies, Supreme Commander Lou suddenly felt that they might be able to kill their way out together.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was thinking of somethingpletely different. The heck, why do I have to take the me for poisoning the refugees? I¡¯m not doing that even if I die. I¡¯m going to expose your true face, Grand Preceptor Xie! (Author: Again, you two are onpletely different wavelengths. Ah, ptooey! ¨r(¨s©n¨t£©¨q)

    When Grand Preceptor Xie saw Lou Zigui and Ning Xiaoyao walking down the steps, he nced quickly at his men on both sides. The weapons-wielding men hastened to follow after His Majesty Ning and Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Husband Magpie flew on top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°You have to be careful. Another group¡¯s broken through the left side doors of the pce!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest for Husband Magpie to see. She wasn¡¯t afraid of more numbers. She could fight them all the same! Meanwhile, the other officials and ministers stared at the magpie flying in circles around His Majesty¡¯s head while chirping incessantly. Was this supposed to be news of good tidings? But, what good could possiblye from mobs of refugees charging into the pce?

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you have to take care. Do you want me to fly over Grand Preceptor Xie and poop on his head?¡± Husband Magpie asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. There was no need for that when she¡¯d smear poop on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face before long!

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll go check on the north gates again!¡± Husband Magpie flew off.

    ¡°Magpie,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the bird while exining to Lou Zigui. ¡°We¡¯ll have good luck.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t help but think that this girl was always talking to the animals that dropped by around her. (Author: Supreme Commander, that¡¯s the truth!)

    Currently, the imperial guards were both blocking and retreating in face of the advancing hordes. The two parties struggled all the way until they reached foot of the steps leading to the ancestral hall. Because His Majesty was always dressed in dragon-embroidered robes, the refugees recognized him at once with no introduction. A¡¯Mo saw the crowded sea of human faces before them and remarked, ¡°Xiaoyao, I can¡¯t tell which one¡¯s that old man.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out a finger to stroke A¡¯Mo. That was okay, because it was highly likely that old man¡¯s family had already all been poisoned. Based on that clue alone, she¡¯d be able to find him eventually.

    While she hunted for possible suspects in the crowd, a ck Frost Calvary general ran over and reported to Lou Zigui, ¡°There were a total of five speakers. We¡¯ve ced marks upon them all. Supreme Commander, shall we shoot them immediately?¡±

    Lou Zigui faintly shook his head. ¡°Keep an eye on them for now.¡±

    With a murmur of assent, the general ran back down the steps. Meanwhile, the refugees had carried out all the poison victims and ced them on the ground in front of the crowds. Ning Xiaoyao looked down at the victims, all of whom were spewing outrge mouthfuls of blood. Mixed in with the blood were red chunks, and the skin on their faces was starting to turn ck.

    ¡°Can you cure a poison like that?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯ll know if I give it a try.¡± As soon as she saw the bloodied chunks on the ground, she knew that the poison had already wrecked havoc with the victims¡¯ insides. They weren¡¯t only spitting up blood, but bits and pieces of their internal organs as well.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you all kneeling in the presence of His Majesty?!¡± one of the imperial guards shouted at the refugees.

    ¡°He won¡¯t even let us live anymore, why should we--¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand and shot an arrow from the miniature crossbow hidden inside his sleeve. It was a very short arrow, but it struck the victim clear through the throat like sparks from a flint striking a stone.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt a cold chill creep down her back at the sight. The man clutched at the gaping hole in his throat. Blood streamed from the wound, then through the gaps in his fingertips as he fell towards the ground. He struggled and gasped for air, his throat making gurgling sounds that made one¡¯s skin crawl. A few secondster, he died from asphyxiation.

 Chapter 134: His Majesty gets injured...

    <h4>Chapter 134: His Majesty gets injured...</h4>

    After Lou Zigui killed the man with his crossbow, hundreds of imperial guards notched their own bows with cold, gleaming arrows aimed at the crowd of refugees amassed below the steps.

    ¡°You...¡± someone wanted to shout again.

    ¡°You should just stop talking!¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned and said before Supreme Commander had another excuse to kill a man. ¡°If you speak, you¡¯ll die, so what¡¯s your rush? Let me ask you, how much are you getting paid to y the part of a refugee this time? Is your master your father? Or your true love? For the sake of an old geezer who¡¯s almost old enough to die, you¡¯re risking your own life? Your life is a precious thing, you should cherish it more! I seriously feel sorry for your mom. If she knew you were going to be such a shallow creature, why did she bother to give birth to you in the first ce?!¡±

    The man was left at a loss by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s harsh words. Many of the officials and ministers who listened in all shot nces towards Grand Preceptor Xie. Though His Majesty hadn¡¯t mentioned any names, everyone knew who he¡¯d been cursing in that tirade.

    Grand Preceptor Xie remained unmoved. He couldn¡¯t show any expression now, because he¡¯d only lose if he let Ning Xiaoyao actually make him mad.

    ¡°I say, why can¡¯t you lot actually think things through for yourselves?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the refugees. ¡°If I wanted to poison you all, why didn¡¯t I do it all at the beginning? Do I have brain damage? Why would I suddenly decide to kill you all off today when I¡¯ve already given you so much grain?¡±

    ¡°Y, you have long had ns to kill us, bit by bit!¡± one of the fearless ones shouted back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t shoot!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at the archers first, before turning in the direction of the voice. ¡°I could kill you all just by putting rat poison in the porridge. Why would I bother to take my time with this slow-acting poison?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± the voice hesitated, before finally shouting out, ¡°You¡¯re afraid that everyone will know of your misdeeds!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted tough. ¡°In any case, it¡¯s all killing in the end. Whether I kill you slowly or quickly, it¡¯s still murder. Why would I bother, then, to waste all that grain, kindling, water, and money used to hire workers to cook you all porridge? Just who has brain damage here, you guys, or me?!¡±

    The person couldn¡¯t answer. Ning Xiaoyao thought it over, before she added, ¡°Do you know what it means to have brain damage? It means your brain has rotted away, or a donkey kicked you in the head, or your noggin got crushed by a door. Basically, when your mom gave birth, she forgot to birth out your brains to go with your body! You--¡±

    ¡°Cough,¡± Lou Zigui gave a squeeze to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. Don¡¯t say anymore. Though it was satisfying to hear her rant, the reigning emperor still needed to preserve their appearance. She couldn¡¯t simply shout abuse at the crowd like somemon shrew.

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a long breath. And I had so many more curses left, too!

    Elder Li chose that time to raise his voice. ¡°You lot are nothing but refugees. If not for His Majesty¡¯s benevolence, would anyone actually care whether you lived or died?¡±

    Nothing but refugees. Elder Li¡¯s words made many of the people lower their heads. Refugee lives had been cheap since ancient times. What was there for us to fight over?

    ¡°If His Majesty hadn¡¯t provided free porridge, many of you would have starved to death already and be the corpses used as food for everyone else,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°I¡¯d like to ask you all something. If His Majesty could watch you die off simply by doing nothing, why would he go to the trouble of using poison on you lot instead?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to agree.

    ¡°Then what about the people amongst us that went missing?¡± someone else shouted from within the crowd. ¡°And what about the ones here, who have been poisoned? Why was there poison in the porridge?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao retorted, ¡°I¡¯d have to say you guys poisoned the porridge yourselves!¡±

    ¡°That,¡± the person stammered, ¡°How could that be possible?¡±

    ¡°Then why are you insisting that I did it? Did you see me put the poison in? Which one of you saw me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed her finger at the crowd before her.

    None of the refugees were able to answer her question. His Majesty lives in the pce, so when would he have time to visit the porridge stations?

    ¡°What good woulde from you lot running in here and killing me off?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Can you be the emperor after I¡¯m dead? Do good things like that ever happen? I say, you lot, can¡¯t you be less naive and easy to cheat? If I really had intentions of killing you all off, may the Heavens strike me with lightning and cast me out to be bitten by zomb--no, I mean, by lunatics!¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mix of logic and heartfelt vows really did end up silencing the crowd of refugees.

    Grand Preceptor Xie hadn¡¯t expected his royal granddaughter to be willing to speak to the refugee curs, much less to speak so much. He suddenly realized that it¡¯d been a grave mistake to give Ning Xiaoyao the chance to talk. Lou Zigui had noticed the same thing, and whispered to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Keep talking.¡±

    After all, what else was more trustworthy than the words of the nation¡¯s sovereign with royal might? Ning Xiaoyao sniffed a few times before walking down the steps. What else is there to say? I should save the poisoned people first, or else they¡¯ll die.

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui, who¡¯d grabbed Ning Xiaoyao by the arm. Letting you speak isn¡¯t the same as letting you walk down the steps!

    ¡°We, we have an eyewitness!¡± a short man squeezed his way out of the crowd with a shout. ¡°Someone who saw Your Majesty send men to nt the poison!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the man, who was pointing his finger at her, and wondered why her title as emperor received no respect?!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled by His Majesty!¡± the man pped his chest and yelled at the people on the steps, ¡°If you¡¯re worried about being exposed, just shoot me dead! In any case, I wasn¡¯t nning on going back alive after making it this far!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao mentally chuckled. Here is a martyr, of all things.

    ¡°What kind of proof do you have?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked the man. Elder Li immediately shot Grand Preceptor Xie a re. You bastard, are you nning to throw aside all considerations of face and fight in the open?

    The man pulled out a hunchbacked old man from the crowd of refugees. The old man stood, faltering before the crowd, his teeth chattering as he managed with to speak with great effort, ¡°I, I saw it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the old man and knew that she¡¯d found her culprit. Here was the blockheaded gramps who¡¯d trusted Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words and gotten his own kinsfolk poisoned. It was apparent that his words held weight in themunity, which was likely why Grand Preceptor Xie had picked him out in the first ce. All of the refugees began discussing amongst themselves at the old man¡¯s revtion as their stares towards Ning Xiaoyao turned ever more agitated. Ning Xiaoyao walked over to the old man, intending to talk to him one-on-one. But the short man took this chance to shoot a nce at the steps until his eyes met Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Old gramps, let me tell you ah, your family...¡± Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the sh of a weapon and hauled the old man aside. You want to silence the witness right in front of my eyes? Keep dreaming!

    The old man tottered into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms after she pulled him aside, only to see a dagger shining in the short man¡¯s hands. He had wanted to shout out a warning, but the dagger was already heading towards his waist. Ning Xiaoyao picked up the old man and moved him behind her body.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowgale shouted, his hand moving to shield Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. He was standing very close to Ning Xiaoyao at less than a full step away, but, so too was the short man. As Shadowgale guarded Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and prepared to drag her to safety, the short man switched his grip on the dagger and aimed for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s stomach instead. Ning Xiaoyao was already lightning quick with dodging, but still felt a sharp pain enter her abdomen anyway.

    Since the short man had achieved his goal, he quickly turned and flickered away into the crowds, his dishevelled hair and dirty facebining with his ragged clothes served to make him indistinguishable amongst the others.

    ¡°Blood!¡± shouted the old man who¡¯d been pushed back behind Ning Xiaoyao and then was lightly thrown to the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down. Ah geez, that¡¯s why I felt pain earlier. The shortie had managed to sh her with his dagger! Hold on a sec. Ning Xiaoyao pressed her hand against the wound before inspecting her fingers. Her blood was turning ck, which meant the de had contained poison!

    Shadowgale and the rest also saw the red liquid staining Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dragon robes, then the blood gradually turning ck. The Dragon Guards¡¯ faces all paled at the sight of their injured emperor. Shadowgale shouted at the top of his lungs for an imperial physician as he attempted to ce a hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wound.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao consoled the wan-faced Shadowgale. Your Majesty¡¯s not afraid of being poisoned!

    Lou Zigui ran over to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side, his head exploding at the sight of her bloodstained robes and ckening blood. After swaying in ce for a bit, he finally regained his bearings. All of the refugees were sent into a panic from the attempted assassination of His Majesty. To Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes, it looked like zombies had infiltrated a crowd of humans, to send them shrieking and fleeing like a swarm of headless flies.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao held onto Lou Zigui and said, ¡°Don¡¯t kill anyone!¡±

    Lou Zigui touched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wound and pulled back with a palm covered with her ck blood. His expression turned somber as he roared, ¡°How are you doing?!¡±

    Standing atop the steps, Grand Preceptor Xie saw Lou Zigui half kneeling as he held onto Ning Xiaoyao. The blood that had first stained the dragon robes was red, but the blood currently flowing from the wound was ck, setting his worries at ease. The end was in sight. There¡¯s no way Ning Yu can survive this. The short man just earlier was none other than the head of the Poison Sect, a man he¡¯d quietly fostered for many years. Anyone that had been poisoned by him was sure to die.

    Elder Li didn¡¯t approach Ning Xiaoyao, but he almost went down the steps at the sight of the blood on her clothes. However, he stopped himself in time. He was no doctor nor fighter. Even if he had went to His Majesty¡¯s side, what use could he be? Instead, he set his re on Grand Preceptor Xie. If anything happens to His Majesty, I¡¯ll make sure the two of us die together!

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Lou Zigui murmured. The had he had pressed against her wound was shaking uncontrobly.

    Ning Xiaoyao gently said, ¡°Supreme Commander, move your hand. Let me see how deep the wound is.¡±

    Lou Zigui finally let go, his palmspletely stained with her ck blood. Ning Xiaoyao pressed on her injury. Though the blood flow looked severe, it was only a flesh wound at most. All she had to do was treat the poison itself. Lou Zigui waited only as long as one second before he anxiously asked, ¡°Can you treat yourself?¡±

    ¡°Not a problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao removed her hands as if nothing extraordinary had happened, and said, ¡°ording to my diagnosis, the poison didn¡¯t go in very deep. All I have to do is press it out. See?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pressed against her wound, increasing the blood flowing out of the injury. It did look less ck than before to Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes.

    Lou Zigui lowered his head and pressed his lips to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s stomach before sucking up a mouthful of blood and spitting it out on the ground. Then he repeated the motion once more. Ning Xiaoyao was utterly bbergasted. Just then, she¡¯d been telling him nothing but nonsense about the poison!

    ¡°You, you¡¯ll get poisoned like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tried to twist out of the way.

    ¡°Stop moving!¡± Lou Zigui shouted at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t dare to budge another muscle.

 Chapter 135: Supreme Commander says, alright, enough already

    <h4>Chapter 135: Supreme Commander says, alright, enough already</h4>

    Lou Zigui helped Ning Xiaoyao by sucking out poison until he saw that the blood he was spitting out had resumed its red hue. Only then did his pounding heart stopped feeling like it¡¯d burst. Ning Xiaoyao watched Lou Zigui as he held onto her with his trembling hands and swallowed her deration that she was immune to all sorts of poisons. At the the same time, she was trying to figure out why the heck Supreme Commander was so agitated. He seemed to be terrified at the thought of her dying. So does that mean Supreme Commander is, whatchamacallit, treating me with those you-know-what feelings?

    (Author: Why are you thinking about things like that when you¡¯re stuck in these life and death situations?)

    Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was debating whether she should feign weakness when all of a sudden, cat shrieks came from the crowd of refugees. As the humans were reduced to confused, chaotic shouts, the shrill cries of the cats reached fever pitch, it was a sound that made one¡¯s skin crawl.

    ¡°Ah geez, ck Tubby!¡± Ning Xiaoyao leapt out of Lou Zigui¡¯s arms like bounding off a loosed spring, before diving into the crowd of refugees.

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else.

    So, does this mean everything¡¯s alright?

    Currently, the head of the Poison Sect was surrounded on all sides by a swarm of cats. He had never been in such dire straits in all his life. Though he wanted to sprinkle poison powder at the animals, there were four to five cats biting on his hands alone. It was impossible to shake them off, much less for him to move ahead. He had always been vain of his hands, but now they were covered in blood from the cat bites. Big Boss ck was perched valiantly on his head, his jaws and all four of his paws, ws out, mped tightly around the man¡¯s cranium until the blood stained his face red and muddled his line of sight.

    There were also cats biting his butt, thighs, and trousers. Others had climbed their way to his chest and were now baring their ws at his heart. All of the cats were exerting more strength against this man than in their daily exercise of catching mice.

    ¡°You dared to stab my Xiaoyao with a knife?!¡± Big Boss ck gnawed on the man¡¯s head again as he shed at the noggin with his ws. ¡°You had the audacity to hurt my Xiaoyao? Miaow! This cat will kill you!¡±

    With Big Boss ck¡¯s shriek, his fellow brothers all joined in with the biting and wing. Even the refugees that were around the sect head were terrified by the sight. The cats in the pce eat humans?!

    The sect head screamed a couple of times before finally flinging off the cats gnawing on his right hand. Then he went to grab Big Boss ck off the perch on his head.

    ¡°Release my cat!¡± Ning Xiaoyao rushed in front of him. When the sect head saw Ning Xiaoyao reappear, he was stunned. Why isn¡¯t--why isn¡¯t this person dead yet?!

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t waste any words with the shortie but started punching instead, and even managed to wrest Big Boss ck back into her arms. Lou Zigui was about to chase after Ning Xiaoyao when the man who had poisoned her came flying out of the crowd tond by his feet. Without a word, Lou Zigui kicked him in the chest and broke his ribs. The Poison Sect head spat up a mouthful of blood before he lost consciousness.

    ¡°Go find His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui ordered Shadowgale and his men. It looks like she¡¯s really alright if she can toss a man about like that. He nced back at the steps to Grand Preceptor Xie, his expression sinister. Peaceful days will nevere to Yongning as long as that man remains alive!

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s resplendent yellow robes stood out vibrantly in the shabbily dressed crowd. Grand Preceptor Xie could pick her out easily from his position. He clearly saw her jumping and prancing around and felt like falling apart. Why is she perfectly unharmed?! Elder Li forgot about dying together with Grand Preceptor Xie after seeing that Ning Xiaoyao was alright. He still wanted to support His Majesty to re-establish his reign.

    ¡°I¡¯ll treat you all to dinner tonight!¡± Ning Xiaoyao promised the cats as she stood in the crowd.

    The long-hair, Little White asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned. All of the kitties felt relieved at that and moved forward to rub themselves against her legs. Afterward, the cat army dispersed. Ning Xiaoyao turned to nce at Big Boss ck, who was resting across her shoulders again. ¡°ck Tubby, you nearly died back there, you know?¡±

    Big Boss ck nuzzled against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face and meowed a few times.

    ¡°Aiya, how could I have died?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Did you forget? I know--¡±

    ¡°Demon magic!¡± Big Boss ck eximed. Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt that she shouldn¡¯t have rescued this fat ck furball!

    Shadowgale led his Dragon Guards to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side before he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, are you alright?¡±

    ¡°Fine, even better than fine, actually,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°That shortie needs to cultivate a few more years before he can kill the likes of me, hehe. I¡¯m okay.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had just finished speaking when someone shouted from the steps, ¡°Release the arrows!¡±

    Like a swarm of locusts, the arrows flew from the skies, sending the crowds of refugees toppling to the ground. Lou Zigui turned around in shock, his sword pointing at the steps like a finger.

    ¡°Release the arrows!¡± one of the leaders of the imperial guards cried out. Immediately, arrows flew from the base of the steps towards the people above. Two ck Frost Cavalry generals led the way ahead of a pack of imperial guards and Dragon Guards to fight their way up the stairs. As weapons shed and armor crashed, the fresh stench of blood filled the air. Now that the soldiers were fighting, the refugees were even more chaotic. All of them wanted to escape, but they couldn¡¯t do that unless they knocked away the guards surrounding them on all sides. As a result, the imperial guards were attacked from the interior.

    Ning Xiaoyao shouted at them to stop fighting, but who could hear her at a time like this? Even Shadowgale and the rest were too busy pushing away the refugees surrounding them to heed her words. Elder Li was pulled aside by his own guards to avoid the scuffle. When he thought to look for Grand Preceptor Xie, he found that the other man had already descended the steps to head for the southern end of the za with guards in tow.

    A sweat-soaked Dragon Guard ran in front of Lou Zigui and reported quietly, ¡°Supreme Commander, Third Commander¡¯s already taken Prince Cheng from the empress dowager¡¯s pce, but with people blocking the paths, he has no way to return to Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to face another one of his generals. ¡°You, go bring Shadowrain and his men out of the pce and head for Old Huo¡¯s ce. Don¡¯te back to the pce unless I send men to find you.¡±

    The general nodded his head in assent before leaving with the Dragon Guard who hade with his report. As soon as they were gone, Ning Xiaoyao ran over from the crowd with a ghastly expression. Anxious and impatient, she cried, ¡°Why did a fight break out like this?!¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao in front of him and bent down to check on her wound.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Ning Xiaoyao huffed impatiently.

    Blood had stopped flowing, that was true, but one could still see the exposed muscles flexing beneath her skin. The loose skin flopped back and forth like a baby opening and closing its mouth.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the imperial physician!?¡± Lou Zigui roared. Someone pushed Imperial Physician Gao out of the crowds.

    ¡°Treat His Majesty¡¯s wound,¡± Lou Zigui ordered him. Imperial Physician Gao nced at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injury and gave a start. Here was a deep knife wound straight to His Majesty¡¯s stomach. How could she still be lively enough to bounce and jump around?

    Lou Zigui wanted to lose his temper when he saw Imperial Physician Gao just standing there and staring at the injury. But after a second nce at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wound, he suddenly realized she was a girl. He took off his outer robes and used them to wrap her up, before telling the physician, ¡°Hand me the gauze.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao was still standing there, stunned. Lou Zigui gave up on talking to him and took the medicine chest directly from Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s hands. He brought out a roll of gauze and personally bandaged Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injury. Currently, Ning Xiaoyao herself was still jumping up and down in her excitement.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, make them stop fighting!¡± she cried.

    Lou Zigui pressed down on Ning Xiaoyao to stop her from moving about, his voice cold. ¡°Xie Wenyuan was the one who made the first move. He wants to kill us all off. If we don¡¯t fight back, aren¡¯t we just waiting around to die? Stand still and stop moving.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look towards the steps. ¡°Well, dang. Where did Grand Preceptor Xie go?¡±

    A Dragon Guard piped up, ¡°To reply Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor headed to the south.¡±

    South? Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. The empress dowager¡¯s pce was located in the south, so was that old Xie geezer going to find her to cook up more dastardly plots? Lou Zigui speedily bound Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wound and asked, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    ¡°Why would I be in pain?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the poison victims still sprawled on the ground, then told Shadowgale, ¡°Windy, we have to carry them aside. I¡¯m going to treat their poison.¡±

    By now, the victims had stopped rolling around in pain and were heaving for breath on the ground. They looked like they were at death¡¯s door. The old man that everyone had forgotten about had already, ran over to the side of his youngest grandson during the ruckus. When he heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, he carried his grandson in his arms and ran to kowtow to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I beg Your Majesty, please save his life. May Your Majesty have mercy...¡±

    ¡°Finefinefine, alright already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed the little boy and took him into his arms. She rested a hand against his stomach as she said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you show me any mercy? Now, do you know how untrustworthy the Grand Preceptor is?¡±

    The old man had already seen his familyying on death¡¯s door. Of course he knew by now that Grand Preceptor Xie had tricked him.

    ¡°Let me tell you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she handed the child in her arms to a Dragon Guard. ¡°Right now, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men are far too busy fighting to bother with you. Otherwise, someone would definitely kill you now to silence you. Do you believe me?¡±

    Would the old man even think to doubt Ning Xiaoyao at a time like this?

    Lou Zigui looked coldly at the man. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you hurry up and tell the truth to the people you¡¯ve tricked?¡±

    The old man watched as Ning Xiaoyao picked up another one of his grandsons before turning to kneel towards the crowd. He burst into tears as he sobbed, ¡°Stop it, stop fighting! It¡¯s all my fault! I was the one who lied to you all!¡±

    His loud cries and shouts caused the refugees around them to still. The old man exined through his snot and tears how Grand Preceptor Xie had found him and instructed him on what to do. He even revealed the benefits andpensation he¡¯d get forpleting the deed. The refugees couldn¡¯t believe their own ears. Meanwhile, Elder Li was beyond furious. That base wretch, Xie Wenyuan! He should be made into mincemeat!

    ¡°W-why would you ruin us like that?!¡± one of the refugees recovered enough to snarl back. The old man knelt on the ground with his forehead pressed against the dirt, crying too hard to even speak. Ning Xiaoyao treated another poisoned refugee and saw her vision waver momentarily. She couldn¡¯t keep this up for long.

    Lou Zigui had been keeping an eye on her the entire time. Though he didn¡¯t know exactly how Miss Ning was treating her patients, he bent down and pulled her into his arms after seeing her sway while standing in ce.

    ¡°Alright, enough already,¡± he murmured in a low voice. ¡°Leave the rest of the detoxification job to the Poison Sect head.¡±

 Chapter 136: Grand Preceptor and the empress dowager have a falling-out

    <h4>Chapter 136: Grand Preceptor and the empress dowager have a falling-out</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie hadn¡¯t even reached the empress dowager¡¯s pce before he¡¯d received news that Shadowrain had stolen Ning Xin away. Moreover, it was his men who had blocked Shadowrain off on his way to Supreme Splendor Hall. No matter what kinds of floods or fires were raging in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s heart, he would always at least make sure no one could tell what he was thinking. This time was the same, because all he did was stop walking at the news to say, ¡°What of Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager chased after him,¡± came the small-voiced reply. ¡°But Shadowrain refused to heed her orders.¡±

    Of course Shadowrain would ignore them. After standing still in thought for awhile, Grand Preceptor Xie immediately issued his orders. ¡°Watch all the gates of the pce. Don¡¯t let Shadowrain or any of his men slip away!¡±

    If they couldn¡¯t get into Supreme Splendor Hall, then Lou Zigui would definitely order Shadowrain to take Ning Xin out of the pce grounds instead. There were plenty of hidden houses under Supreme Commander¡¯s rule in the capital city. As long as Shadowrain hid in one of them with the baby, it¡¯d be hard for Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side to track them down within a short time. A few strongmen scattered to pass on the orders.

    Currently, Shadowrain had followed the ck Frost Calvary general sent by Lou Zigui to the western gates of the pce. A group of capital soldiers were guarding the entrance, and its head general looked up at their approach. ¡°Who goes there? Hold and identify yourself!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop walking,¡± the ck Frost Calvary general named Zheng Tong[1. Zheng Tong (Ö£Í©) - Zheng is a surname, Tong means ¡°paulownia (tree).¡±] murmured to Shadowrain. ¡°Charge your way out!¡±

    When the capital soldiers saw that the group approaching them had no intentions of stopping, they raised their swords and spears.

    ¡°You take the prince and go first,¡± Zheng Tong said before he rushed forward for the kill. ¡°I¡¯ll find youter.¡±

    Shadowrain nodded.

    As the two groups shed in battle and began to ughter each other, Ning Xin was still sleeping sweetly in Shadowrain¡¯s arms. The thirdmander of the Dragon Guards tightened his grip on the baby before warding off a blow from a military officer with his sword held in his other hand. Then he quickly darted into the crowd of fighting men. Lou Zigui had picked him for this task precisely because his speed and lightness techniques were the best of all the Dragon Guards. Once Zheng Tong was certain Shadowrain had disappeared, he raised a cry and struck down with his saber, knocking his opponent straight off his horse. When the capital soldiers saw their leader fall to the ground, they were left momentarily stunned.

    ¡°Kill!¡± Zheng Tong shouted. Twenty Dragon Guards rose to his cry and butchered their way out of the pce gates. A short whileter, Shadowrain had sprang up from the crowd with Ning Xin in his arms andnded on an unupied battle horse. He pulled on the reins before ncing back in Zheng Tong¡¯s direction.

    ¡°Go!¡± Zheng Tong shouted.

    The horse whinnied, but no matter how Shadowrain urged or whipped, he refused to budge.

    ¡°Release the arrows!¡± one of the capital city¡¯s military officersmanded.

    Grandfather Sparrownded on the yellow horse¡¯s head and whispered in its ear, ¡°You¡¯re helping out Xiaoyao like this. Your master¡¯s doing bad things with that Xie Wenyuan. Do you want to help these viins instead?¡±

    The yellow horse whinnied as he replied. ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say. If I abandon my master, who will raise me in the future?¡± He wanted to eat grass and soy-bean cakes! Without his master, how was he supposed to survive in the capital city?

    Grandfather Sparrow pecked the horse. ¡°If you help Xiaoyao, she¡¯ll naturally be your master and raise you, cheep.¡±

    ¡°You better not be lying to this horse!¡± the horse replied.

    Grandfather Sparrow replied, ¡°If I am, then you cane kill me yourself.¡±

    The yellow horse found this to be reasonable. (Author: But you¡¯re a horse that runs onnd, so how are you supposed to kill off a sparrow that flies in the air and lives in the pce to boot? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o ) Shadowrain raised his sword to block an iing arrow, just as a woman¡¯s shrill cry came from nearby.

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± the voice sounded hysterical. ¡°Don¡¯t shoot!¡±

    The archers¡¯ hands shook at the woman¡¯s voice, and the yellow horse neighed before galloping out into the streets. Empress Dowager Xie sat back in her soft sedan chair, her hair inplete disarray. She¡¯d had her eunuchs carry her all this way to the gates, but didn¡¯t pause to catch her breath before she started cursing at the military officers.

    ¡°All of, all of you, why aren¡¯t you hurrying to get Prince Cheng back for This Dowager? Go already!¡±

    The gate guards felt their heads spin at the revtion. Just then, that baby in the Dragon Guard¡¯s arms was Prince Cheng, Ning Xin?!

    ¡°Hurry up and go!¡± Empress Dowager Xie screamed. ¡°If anything happens to Prince Cheng, This Dowager will curse you with the nine familial exterminations!¡±

    By now, Zheng Tong had brought his men out through the pce gates. Hisst nce back saw the crazed empress dowager raving from her seat. He was filled with loathing at the sight, and dearly wished he could stab that poisonous shrew to death right now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± After suppressing his killing intent with great difficulty, Zheng Tong led away the other Dragon Guards.

    By the time Grand Preceptor Xie arrived at the western gates, nobody was there except for Empress Dowager Xie. He stood in front of his bitterly sobbing daughter and asked her urgently, ¡°Did Shadowrain take the prince out of the pce?¡±

    When Empress Dowager Xie heard her father¡¯s voice, she quickly lifted her head and sobbed, ¡°Father, you have to find him and get him back for me!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie signaled the two mama by Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s side to support her in her chair as he offered words offort. ¡°Naturally so. This subject will definitely make sure the prince is returned unharmed.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was crying so hard that she had trouble breathing, but still found the strength to curse, ¡°Ning Yu deserves to die!¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager must mind your speech,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke hurriedly. Although there was no one else around, cursing the emperor to die was simply asking for trouble.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor said the right thing for once,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said coldly from not far away. Both Empress Dowager Xie shoved Grand Preceptor Xie aside as she glowered at Ning Xiaoyao, ready to curse her again. But Ning Xiaoyao beat her to the punch. ¡°You really believe your father¡¯s words? Will he actually protect Ning Xin? Don¡¯t you think he would just find another infant for you to raise if Ning Xin dies?!¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie abruptly stopped sobbing.

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scoffed. ¡°Grand Preceptor, I¡¯m not wrong, am I?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injured stomach, so she patted her abdomen and said, ¡°You think I¡¯d die so easily?¡±

    ¡°Who is your master?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°Well it¡¯s not you, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao retorted. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, ah, it¡¯s not that easy to kill me, but your son¡¯s a different matter. If the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men can¡¯t recover him, they¡¯ll definitely kill him off instead.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s your little brother!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shrieked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°You--you want your little brother¡¯s death too?!¡± If not for the two mama holding her back, Empress Dowager Xie would have long fallen limp in her seat.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled again. Her ominous reaction made Empress Dowager Xie helpless and distraught.

    She clutched at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s sleeves and asked him in a nervous tone, ¡°Do, do you want to hurt my child, too?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie eximed.

    ¡°It won¡¯t work even if you call her your mother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added as she sowed discord from the side.

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t, you just can¡¯t do that,¡± Empress Dowager Xie shook her head. Her son couldn¡¯t die. If she lost Ning Xin, then she wouldn¡¯t have anything left. Empress Dowager Xie ordered the eunuchs by her sedan chair to take her out of the pce so she could search for Ning Xin herself.

    ¡°Empress Dowager!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie rebuked sternly. Empress Dowager Xie turned a deaf ear to his cries and shook herself free from the two mama that held her. Her eyes were fixated on the pce gates.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you taking Esteemed Empress Dowager back to her pce yet?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie demanded of the two eunuchs. They braced themselves and turned the sedan chair in the direction of the empress dowager¡¯s pce instead.

    ¡°Damnable servants!¡± Empress Dowager Xie howled. When Ning Xiaoyao saw her behaving like an insane woman, she could only click her tongue. Just which part of her had thete emperor loved? He¡¯d been utterly besotted with that wretch of a woman.

    ¡°You can¡¯t hurt Prince Cheng!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted at Grand Preceptor Xie after ordering the eunuchs to stop. ¡°Otherwise, I won¡¯t forgive you! Grand Preceptor, I forbid you from hurting my son!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes brightened at the sight of Empress Dowager Xie shouting at Grand Preceptor Xie. Looks like they¡¯re about to have a fight!

    Grand Preceptor Xie knew that his eldest daughter had taken Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s taunts to heart and heaved a low sigh. Then he murmured softly, ¡°Empress Dowager, you trust His Majesty¡¯s words?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie gave a start.

    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®trust my words?¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled back. ¡°Did I say anything wrong? I just heard that your men shot arrows at Ning Xin!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°They were aiming for that guard, Shadowrain.¡±

    ¡°You string sentences along like you¡¯re singing a song,¡± Ning Xiaoyao retorted. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention how Shadowrain was holding that whelp Ning Xin in his arms?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted.

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of you losing your temper at me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waspletely unaffected by Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s outburst. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m just standing around to watch you two act all sentimental with each other?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said everyone else. What part of the Grand Preceptor and Esteemed Empress Dowager look like they¡¯re being sentimental right now?!

    ¡°See this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed down at her dragon robes. ¡°Blood! I was stabbed by a knife!¡±

    Therge bloodstains on the dragon robes made Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s eyes dart about in their sockets.

    ¡°Empress Dowager,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie wanted to coax her away.

    ¡°Dowager your sister,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut in. ¡°I say, Empress Dowager, why do you think the Grand Preceptor sent men over to your pce? If I died, he was going to make Ning Xin the emperor. I¡¯ve heard Supreme Commander say that you¡¯d have to die if Ning Xin ascends the throne, right?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie stared at her father, who remained unmoved as he looked towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s better for you to mind your speech when ites to certain topics.¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°We should both show discretion in our speech, so we can stand around when it¡¯s your time to rule?¡±

    ¡°Escort Esteemed Empress Dowager back to the pce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie knew that Empress Dowager Xie couldn¡¯t stay here any longer.

    ¡°Stop,¡± Empress Dowager Xie had finally grown sober as shemanded her eunuchs. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, you better halt for This Dowager!¡±

    The two eunuchs were Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s men, but they didn¡¯t dare to move again after her words. Empress Dowager Xie red icily at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°This Dowager wants to know as well. If anything had happened to His Majesty, what was Grand Preceptor nning to do?¡± He¡¯d found a wholly uneptable doppelganger to take Ning Yu¡¯s ce. Perhaps her father hadn¡¯t put any thought in the recement n at all, but was nning to make Ning Xin emperor from the start.

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s heart filled withints as he lowered his voice. ¡°Empress Dowager, you mustn¡¯t believe in His Majesty¡¯s goadings.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie had no mind to listen to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s exnations right now, and said coldly, ¡°If This Dowager can¡¯t see Ning Xin, Grand Preceptor, then neither of us will spend our days very well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. If the two of them could just finish each other off, she¡¯d be free to spend her days touring the world.

    ¡°........¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie. He¡¯d been speaking so softly with his daughter, but Ning Yu had still overheard them. What kind of ears does she have?!

 Chapter 137: He who is unrighteous is doomed to destruction

    <h4>Chapter 137: He who is unrighteous is doomed to destruction</h4>

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and turned to Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°The old man you tricked has already told everyone about your bad deeds. Now the refugees don¡¯t want to kill me anymore.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie knitted his brows upon hearing that.

    ¡°What other nefarious ns do you have in mind?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Is Your Majesty joking with this lowly subject?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    Why¡¯s he putting on the same useless act again?! Ning Xiaoyao glowered at Grand Preceptor Xie, who looked cooly back at Ning Xiaoyao before breaking into a smile. Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled by the sight of him. Just who had won between us this time? Why didn¡¯t she feel even slightly triumphant? Oh right, she thought as she felt her stomach, I even got stabbed!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie called.

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly lost all interest in watching the show. Head hanging, she made to turn and leave. ¡°Do as you like. In any case, I can¡¯t kill you just yet, so let¡¯s face off another day.¡±

    That really was true. Ning Yu couldn¡¯t kill him off just yet, but Grand Preceptor Xie still felt sick to his heart. Once again, he¡¯d suffered another crushing defeat at her hands. All of his ns against Ning Yu had failed utterly, but he couldn¡¯t figure out why. Is one of Ning Yu¡¯s spies hidden amongst my ranks? Could only one person make such a big difference? Just who is that spy?! Ten thousand different questions gued Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s brain, making him feel unwell all over.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s spirits were all withered up like a raisin as she headed back to Supreme Splendor Hall. Military power. Control over that trivial military power. When am I going to wrest it back into my hands? Empress Dowager Xie looked at the pair--one leaving in dejected spirits, the other tantly indifferent to the plight of her son--and lost her temper upon the pair once again.

    ¡°Both of you!¡± Empress Dowager Xie raised her voice, ¡°What of Prince Cheng?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao simply pretended that Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t exist. I am still trying to figure out what to do about myself! Grand Preceptor Xie recovered his attention with difficulty and consoled Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Empress Dowager needn¡¯t panic. The justice court¡¯s yamen officers are outside the pce, as well as the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s troops and all of the capital city¡¯s soldiers. Nothing will happen to the prince.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie stared at Ning Xiaoyao until she disappeared into the distance before turning to look at the deserted pce gates. A sneer rose to her face as she said softly, ¡°Is there anyone that father won¡¯t cast aside?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager, you...¡± Grand Preceptor Xie hastened to answer.

    ¡°This Dowager doesn¡¯t care what kind of methods father uses,¡± Empress Dowager Xie cut him off. ¡°Before the end of today, This Dowager wants to see Prince Cheng back safe and unharmed. Otherwise, Grand Preceptor--you know my methods.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie brought along her mama back to her pce. While she¡¯d been in a frenzy when she arrived, now she was back to her usual self. Grand Preceptor Xie stood frozen in ce. When he heard someone report that over half their forces had been lost at the ancestral hall, his expression didn¡¯t waver. He would¡¯ve counted this as a loss even if he didn¡¯t lose a single man since Ning Yu was still alive. It wasn¡¯t worthnguishing over the men lost now.

    ¡°Where is Lou Zigui?¡± he asked the messenger.

    ¡°Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s still at the ancestral hall,¡± the messenger replied hastily. Grand Preceptor Xie headed out to the ancestral hall himself, after deciding to ask Lou Zigui about Ning Yu.

    Currently, Lou Zigui was talking to Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan, as well as the other imperial nsmen. The za and stairs were still littered with bodies and blood. Besides Prince Zhi, who was a veteran of the battlefield, all of the other imperial nsmen were all looking decidedly ufortable.

    ¡°This is the ancestral hall of our Ning n imperial family! Now, not only does the central hall have a gaping hole, there¡¯s so many dead people lying outside as well,¡± Prince Zhi had been calm before, but his words drove him to fury. ¡°Just what is His Majesty doing?!¡± Even if you¡¯re the emperor, you can¡¯t disrespect your ancestors!

    Two imperial guards passed by at that moment carrying a corpse between them. Long after they left, the imperial nsmen were still holding their noses while wearing a disgusted expression.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was ice cold. ¡°To all the princes present, that was an imperial guard.¡±

    The various princes stared at Lou Zigui, notprehending what he meant. They could tell the identity of the dead man just by looking at his clothes, so there was no need for Lou Zigui to tell them himself.

    ¡°If not for him, it might have been your corpses littering the ground here today,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°You!¡± one of the princes immediately wanted to retort.

    But Prince Zhi waved him down, his tone severe. ¡°Speak no more!¡±

    ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t want things to devolve to this extent,¡± Lou Zigui continued. ¡°The Grand Preceptor wants to arrogate all authority to himself. I¡¯ve mentioned this to you princes before.¡±

    All of the imperial nsmen had ghastly expressions on their faces.

    ¡°If the refugees were allowed to raise a riot here,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Nobody would have been able to predict the oue.¡±

    Prince Zhi¡¯s voice took on a hateful tone. ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s a man who rests content with nothing--he¡¯s like a snake trying to swallow an elephant!¡± Prince Zhi wasn¡¯t someone who especially adored the Ning n or its kingdom, nor was he even the most upright of men. But in the end, the kingdom still belonged to the Ning n and that was his bottom line. Anyone who tried to topple it was his enemy! If the kingdom slipped from the Ning n¡¯s grasp, what else could he do as Ning Guangyuan?

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°What¡¯s the use of cursing him now? Princes, it¡¯s better to think of how to take away the Xie n¡¯s means for survival.¡±

    What was there to preserve the Xie n¡¯s life? Naturally, all the imperial nsmen knew that it was their military power.

    ¡°The Xie n certainly has its share of men in the military,¡± Lou Zigui murmured as he spotted Grand Preceptor Xie heading their way. ¡°Even if we can¡¯t pull them out by the roots, we can at least prune some of the leaves.¡±

    ¡°How many men could he have?¡± Prince Qi, Ning Guangbei asked. ¡°The Xie n is merely a family of schrs. From what this prince remembers, only five of their nsmen at most had joined as part of the military.¡±

    ¡°There are also faithful retainers, lest you forget,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    ¡°The extremely loyal types?¡± Prince Zhi asked.

    ¡°Whether or not they¡¯re loyal isn¡¯t actually all that important,¡± Lou Zigui exined, ¡°The main point is that they have no way to betray the Xie n, such as those with family members under the Xie n¡¯s control.¡±

    ¡°This one greets the princes,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie arrived in the wake of Lou Zigui¡¯s words to cup his hands and bow. All of the princes except Prince Zhi backed away.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, let¡¯s talk again when we have some time in the future,¡± Prince Zhi acknowledged Lou Zigui, before leading the other princes away.

    Despite knowing that all the princes were against him now, Grand Preceptor Xie maintained a slight smile on his face. ¡°So the princes were chatting with Supreme Commander?¡±

    Prince Zhi replied coldly, ¡°We have no way to vent our anger, so why can¡¯t we exchange a few words with Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Prince,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied, still smiling, ¡°Everyone¡¯s to me for what happened today.¡±

    Prince Zhiughed coldly. ¡°We haven¡¯t even interrogated the suspects yet, so there¡¯s no telling what¡¯s right or wrong. But I¡¯ll be waiting for an exnation from you, Grand Preceptor, in regards to the refugees.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie only shook his head helplessly. ¡°That old man was raving with his words. The meless are naturally free from fault. This one believes that His Majesty will restore my innocence.¡±

    Everyone here was shameless, so bringing them all together meant that the victor had to be the superior speaker. Prince Zhi shook his sleeves and told Lou Zigui, ¡°Tomorrow, this prince shall find Supreme Commander to chat again.¡± Then he descended the steps without another word.

    ¡°........¡± said the officials from the astronomy department, who were still standing at the head of the steps. The imperial nsmen are gone and His Majesty¡¯s vanished to who knows where. Isn¡¯t anyone going to ask about the ancestral hall? And the gaping hole inside it, right in front of the altar for worshipping the imperial ancestors?!

    Grand Preceptor Xie and Lou Zigui stood side by side, while everyone else gave them a wide berth.

    ¡°Where did Supreme Commander order your men to take Prince Cheng?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie wasted no time and came straight to the point.

    Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t in a mood to y around either, and replied, ¡°When things have settled down in the pce, I¡¯ll naturally send men to bring Prince Cheng back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for the best,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie nodded.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor has taken much pains,¡± Lou Zigui said with a cold tone.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at the bloodstains by his feet before looking up again. ¡°How is His Majesty nning to deal with the refugees?¡±

    Before Lou Zigui could answer, a high-ranking officer from the eastern battalion hurried over to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side and whispered in his ear. Lou Zigui watched as Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s body swayed to the side until the officer caught him. He was still unsteady on his feet, and Supreme Commander Lou realized at that moment that young n¨¦e Wang had seeded in her task.

    The officer supported Grand Preceptor Xie, too afraid to meet his master¡¯s eyes. Old Madame Xie had suddenly passed away today, a most suspicious urrence indeed. Grand Preceptor Xie prepared to turn around and leave, but suddenly stopped to face Lou Zigui again.

    Lou Zigui sped his hands behind his back as he stood on the blood-soaked steps, his eyebrows chilly as he remained aloof from the world. ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie wants to ask why an upstanding man like me dared to make a move against an old woman?¡±

    ¡°You--¡± that was all Grand Preceptor Xie managed to get out before the rest of the words became stuck in his throat. All of the Lou n¡¯s fathers and sons had died by his hands. If Lou Zigui chose to decimate his entire Xie n, he¡¯d have no right to retort, either. Lou Zigui descended a few steps until he was on even footing with Grand Preceptor Xie. The officer supporting Grand Preceptor Xie began to grow nervous, worried that Lou Zigui would suddenly attack his master. He had no way to fight him off and defend Grand Preceptor Xie at the same time.

    ¡°The refugees were only pleading for a way to survive,¡± Lou Zigui told Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°And yet the high and mighty Grand Preceptor even calcted the lives of ants into his schemes. How admirable.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie managed to speak with difficulty. ¡°This old man doesn¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying.¡±

    ¡°Of course you don¡¯t understand,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Even so, I¡¯ll still say it. He who is unrighteous is doomed to destruction.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xieughed out loud upon hearing his words. ¡°It¡¯s better if you remember those words yourself, Supreme Commander.¡± I, Xie Wenyuan, am not a good man. But you¡¯re no man of integrity either, Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui kept walking and passed by Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie called from behind him. ¡°You haven¡¯t necessarily met the right master yet.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to give him a cold re. This man still thinks I don¡¯t know Miss Ning is female.

    It was only after Lou Zigui departed that Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s legs went weak.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± the officer from the eastern battalion hastened to help him back up with renewed strength.

    ¡°Let us depart from the pce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie chirped, ¡°We go back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    Now that his old mother was dead, he¡¯ll need to observe a period of mourning for the next three years. That meant that he couldn¡¯t do very many of his tasks in person. Moreover, the two sons he had left weren¡¯t very useful at all. Lou Zigui had certainly taken drastic measures--like stealing the firewood out from under the cauldron.

    If the officer supporting Grand Preceptor Xie knew what he was thinking of now, he¡¯d probably turn cold with horror. The Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s mother had died--not from natural causes, but willful murder. But rather than thinking of revenge or funeral rites, the Grand Preceptor was only calcting the losses in his head and how to deceive others! Xie Wenyuan was truly the epitome of the cold-blooded type...

 Chapter 138: Supreme Commander chose to hide it

    <h4>Chapter 138: Supreme Commander chose to hide it</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in the bedrooms bordering the main audience hall, eating the bone broth noodles that Mute Nanny had made her. There were chunks of meat attached to therge bones, and rich marrow within them. The broth itself was very white, while the noodles were firm and chewy. With a little sesame oil and some coriander scattered in, the entire meal cured Ning Xiaoyao of her disappointment at failing to kill off Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Big Boss Block paced in circles on the table. ¡°Lots of people died!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao drank her soup in Supreme Splendor Hall. Despite the distance from the ancestral hall, the stench of blood still hung heavy in the air. Heaven only knows how many people had died today. But what could we do? Ning Xiaoyao thought to herself. I shouted myself hoarse and told them to stop, but nobody paid any attention to me. What other ways can I find to prevent another tragedy like this?

    Big Boss ck perched on the tabletop and said, ¡°Fortunately, you¡¯re alright, Xiaoyao.¡±

    ¡°I got stabbed too, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°But the Grand Preceptor got off scot-free, so annoying!¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s eyes spun in their sockets. ¡°Shall we go beat him up?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°If I can¡¯t beat him all the way to death, what¡¯s the use of wasting all that energy in the first ce?¡±

    Big Boss ck fell silent. Meanwhile, Shadowbolt arrived outside the rooms and asked for an audience. Since the door was standing open, Ning Xiaoyao simply waved him in. As soon as he entered, the fourthmander of the Dragon Guards announced, ¡°Your Majesty, the old madame from the Xie n¡¯s passed away from illness.¡±

    The empty bowl fell out of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands as she stared at him, dumbfounded. ¡°Whaa? Old Madame Xie died? How is that even possible?¡± Not long ago, she had a chance to see the old madame up and about, and she looked perfectly healthy. But only a few dayster, she¡¯d sickened and died?

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ah, Your Majesty,¡± Shadowbolt replied. ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s already left the pce for his estate. I¡¯ve heard that they¡¯ve hung up white streamers for mourning there, too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°For real?¡±

    Ever sinceing to this world, His Majesty Ning had been at odds with Grand Preceptor Xie. Now her suspicions against the old man only grew. She couldn¡¯t ept that Old Madame Xie had died of natural causes. Was this yet another part of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s schemes?

    Shadowbolt was jolted into suspicions as well. ¡°Would the Grand Preceptor even curse his own mother?¡± Old Madame Xie was well advanced in years. If Grand Preceptor Xie had tried to fake his death, wouldn¡¯t that be cursing years from her life in the first ce?

    ¡°I think he would,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Family means nothing to that old Xie geezer!

    At this moment, Lou Zigui knocked on the open door as he stood outside. Ning Xiaoyao waved him in as she said, ¡°Supreme Commander, did you hear about Old Madame Xie?¡±

    Lou Zigui had Shadowbolt withdraw before moving to sit by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°I have. I heard Old Madame Xie died.¡±

    ¡°For real?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°For real,¡± Lou Zigui bent down, wanting to check Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injury again.

    ¡°Did she really die from illness?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand shook in the middle of moving towards Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injury. ¡°Only the Xie n knows for sure.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pped the table. ¡°Then there¡¯s no need to ask, that old madame¡¯s definitely not dead.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°I only saw that old woman a few days ago,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°There¡¯s no way she¡¯d be able to hide any signs of illness from my eyes. Supreme Commander, did you forget? That day, she even wanted me to marry that little beauty.¡±

    Supreme Commander would never forget that.

    ¡°Aiya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed with feeling. ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie, that heartless jerk. What¡¯s the use of forcing the old woman to y dead?¡±

    ¡°Does your injury still hurt?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Who cares about that now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hands. ¡°Supreme Commander, let¡¯s talk about more pressing matters first, alright?¡±

    ¡°The old madame¡¯s death doesn¡¯t benefit Xie Wenyuan whatsoever,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao intoned.

    ¡°With Old Madame Xie dead, Xie Wenyuan must observe mourning rites for three years as the eldest son,¡± Lou Zigui exined.

    ¡°What are mourning rites?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s when an official quits his post to keep watch over the old madame¡¯s memorial tablet until three years pass,¡± Lou Zigui believed that Miss Ning would definitely understand if he exined it like that.

    As expected, Ning Xiaoyao got it immediately and grew delighted. ¡°In other words, I don¡¯t have to see Grand Preceptor Xie for three years?¡± Although she knew this wasn¡¯t being fair to Old Madame Xie, she couldn¡¯t help breaking into a smile.

    Lou Zigui shook his head. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile stiffened before she stared at him.

    ¡°The Xie n is a public entity in the capital city,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Xie Wenyuan doesn¡¯t need to leave the capital. Moreover, even if he¡¯s not at court, his nsmen and various disciples can act as his eyes and ears to do his bidding.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao deted like a balloon, clutching her head after a simple ¡®oh.¡¯

    ¡°But tasks done by his henchmen will naturally differ from Xie Wenyuan personally doing the job,¡± Lou Zigui lifted Ning Xiaoyao by the chin. ¡°Moreover, he¡¯s required to decline all visitors, making his job more difficult.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked a few times before suddenly blurting out, ¡°Then Supreme Commander, when your father and elder brother were killed on the battlefield before, did you--did you mourn for three years at home, too?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Military officers only need to observe a 100-day mourning period. I didn¡¯t even spend 10 days at home before thete emperor deprived me of my right to mourn and reinstated me on pretense of military duties.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms, privately wondering if she¡¯d sound like an idiot if she always told Lou Zigui she didn¡¯t understand what he was talking about.

    ¡°Back then, the battles hadn¡¯t stopped. After my father and brothers died, the ck Frost Cavalry was like a host of dragons without a head,¡± Lou Zigui said as he lowered his voice. ¡°So I couldn¡¯t stay at home to pay my respects in mourning. It¡¯s natural and normal to mourn, so depriving me of my right to do so means steal away the natural course of human grieving.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded in understanding. All of it sounded very sad.

    ¡°Does your wound still hurt?¡± Lou Zigui changed the topic back to her again.

    ¡°Not anymore,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m a doctor, ah.¡±

    ¡°The Xie n¡¯s old madame,¡± Lou Zigui began, and Ning Xiaoyao saw how dark his pupils had be. ¡°No matter how she died, it still benefits us in the end.¡±

    In the end, he didn¡¯t tell Ning Xiaoyao the truth.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exhaled. ¡°In any case, it¡¯s always a sad affair when a human dies.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Lou Zigui stroked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair. ¡°Xiaoyao, why don¡¯t you let n¨¦e Wang off?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was stunned once more. Did she hear the wrong thing? Supreme Commander wanted to release that little white flower?

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Have her be Xie Anyi¡¯s official consort.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt Lou Zigui¡¯s forehead with her hand. Had a fever burned his brains away? But the temperature beneath her fingertips was normal, so she muttered to herself, ¡°There¡¯s no fever, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled aside Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and murmured, ¡°Do you want to let go of the chance to wreck havoc for Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°How is Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s preparations for the funeral rted to me releasing that little white flower?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already ordered men to let young n¨¦e Wang out of the imperial prisons,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped to her feet and raised her voice. ¡°When was this?!¡±

    ¡°Today,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Hold on, you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao held up her hand to make Lou Zigui stop talking. This is wrong. There¡¯s definitely a missing link here that I¡¯m not aware of.

    ¡°I only want the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to descend into chaotic unrest from this day on,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to sit back in her chair as he exined, ¡°In case we were helpless against that doppelganger, I was going to take you out of the capital and have her cause chaos in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. That way, if Xie Wenyuan was distracted, we¡¯d have more chances to escape the city, wouldn¡¯t we?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mind was in tangled a mess.

    ¡°I promised n¨¦e Wang her freedom and the status of Xie Anyi¡¯s official consort,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°And the terms were that she¡¯d go back and cause trouble for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked him.

    Lou Zigui nodded once.

    ¡°So she ended up causing so much chaos that she killed off the old madame?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next. She could easily guess how Old Madame Xie had really died by now.

    ¡°Perhaps, perhaps not,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I really don¡¯t think young n¨¦e Wang has that much gall.¡±

    ¡°I wonder,¡± Ning Xiaoyao knitted her brows as she lost herself in thought. ¡°Do you not remember how she hurt Miss A¡¯Xin? That little white flower¡¯s savage enough to have killed off the old madame.¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°There are so many people in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, so how could a simple married woman like her be able to kill off the old madame?¡±

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied easily, ¡°She doesn¡¯t have to get physical if she just uses poison.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s heart gave a start at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin and continued, ¡°Supreme Commander, let me tell you, that¡¯s probably what really happened. The old madame died by young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s hands using poison.¡±

    ¡°Then the things I¡¯ve promised n¨¦e Wang?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with difficulty, ¡°I really think the old madame was too wronged by all this.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s still Xie Wenyuan¡¯s mother,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze turned frosty.

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Well, I¡¯m Xie Wenyuan¡¯s granddaughter. There¡¯s no need to sound so cold.

    ¡°Young n¨¦e Wang won¡¯t have an easy time of things even if she lives,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes quickly resumed their usual gaze as he spoke. ¡°Letting her die in the prisons would be helping to free her from her suffering instead.¡±

    ¡°Do we really have to do it this way?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders and scratched her. ¡°Why can¡¯t you give Supreme Commander what he wants? Did you forget you took his virginity? You still have to take responsibility for my Supreme Commander, miaow!¡±

    Lou Zigui grabbed Big Boss ck by the scruff of his chubby neck to dangle him in mid-air.

    ¡°Miaow,¡± Big Boss ck withdrew his ws back into his paw pads to meow at his Supreme Commander. Ning Xiaoyao shut her eyes. It¡¯s too beautiful of a sight, I can¡¯t stand looking at this anymore.

    ¡°You can¡¯t scratch your master,¡± Lou Zigui told Big Boss ck seriously.

    Huh? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes flew open. Supreme Commander¡¯s standing up for me!

    ¡°Do you hear me?¡± Lou Zigui asked Big Boss ck. Ning Xiaoyao pulled at her eyelids as she stuck out her tongue at Big Boss ck, who felt like dying. My Supreme Commander, how could you stand on the ninny¡¯s side?

    ¡°You¡¯re ignoring me?¡± Lou Zigui stared at Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Meow~¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur was all standing on end.

    ¡°Did he understand me just then?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Nah, he¡¯s thinking of all sorts of ways to die right now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck snarled at Ning Xiaoyao, but soon after that, Lou Zigui¡¯s two fingers turned his head around again, and he meowed in Lou Zigui¡¯s direction instead. ¡°Miaow~¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. He couldn¡¯t help but feel that this cat looked at him differently than Miss Ning. Am I just imagining things? (Author: It¡¯s not your imagination. Supreme Commander, you¡¯re just the male god of that fat cat, ah!)

    ¡°Young n¨¦e Wang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hit the table as she spoke. ¡°Supreme Commander, if I agree to young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s terms, how are you nning to thank me?¡± Though she regretted the words as soon as she said them, she still wanted to know.

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao before suddenly pulling her to his side and sitting her on hisp. He kissed her on the cheek before murmuring, ¡°Then Xiaoyao, what do you want?¡±

 Chapter 139: Supreme Commanderâ€™s male beauty trap

    <h4>Chapter 139: Supreme Commander''s male beauty trap</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed the ce where she¡¯d been kissed before asking, ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re using a male-version beauty trap on me?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. Big Boss ck swished his tail in agitation before running for the window and escaping outside. A cat like him couldn¡¯t stand to listen to that kind of conversation anymore.

    Ning Xiaoyao held Lou Zigui by his chin and observed his handsome face, before she whispered, ¡°You do have the qualities for a male beauty trap.¡±

    Lou Zigui felt helpless at her statement and managed a joke with some difficulty. ¡°Does Xiaoyao find my looks pleasing?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re pleasing, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°If I still wasn¡¯t satisfied by looks like yours, I¡¯d probably incur divine wrath, right?¡±

    How am I supposed to follow up to that?

    ¡°Alright, then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°For the sake of your face, I¡¯ll allow young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s requests.¡±

    Lou Zigui was indeed left speechless.

    ¡°Hahaha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, amused. ¡°I just realized that I have the potential to be a tyrant. That there, ¡®beloved consort, you are just too beautiful. This emperor will never go to the morning court sessions again,¡¯ hahaha~¡± She burst intoughter.

    (#¨F¡ä), went Supreme Commander Lou. What kind of balderdash is she spouting?!

    Outside the room, Elder Li asked Shadowbolt, ¡°Is His Majesty alone with Supreme Commander inside those chambers?¡±

    Shadowbolt nodded.

    Elder Li was unconvinced. Lou Zigui seemed like a scrupulous and methodical man, yet His Majesty could be so happy just by speaking to him? ¡°But Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t dead yet,¡± Elder Li muttered quietly to himself.

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowbolt. Are you saying His Majesty can¡¯tugh until Grand Preceptor Xie dies? What kind of twisted logic is that?

    ¡°Announce my arrival,¡± Elder Li pressed Shadowbolt, who was secretly ridiculing the man in his heart. He¡¯s only remembering to have me announce his arrival now. You brought so many people with you to Supreme Splendor Hall, so why didn¡¯t you remember that then?

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to announce my arrival?¡± Elder Li asked when he saw that Shadowbolt hadn¡¯t budged.

    Shadowbolt revved up his spirits and stood in the courtyard to shout at the open door, ¡°Your Majesty, Elder Li is waiting and requests an audience!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on Lou Zigui¡¯s leg, her body stiffening at the words. ¡°I did hear someonee, but why is it that old geezer Elder Li?!¡±

    ¡°Afraid of him?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffled a few times. ¡°A-a bit.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand. Why would an emperor be afraid of a subject with no military power, who only had stern words on his side? She wasn¡¯t even afraid of Xie Wenyuan, but she had a healthy fear of Elder Li.

    ¡°I respect the elderly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined in an effort to salvage her fearless reputation. ¡°Not only that, I love children too.¡±

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s not that young, either.¡±

    ¡°But Xie Wenyuan¡¯s nothing but a viinous old man!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said staunchly.

    If they continued with this topic, there¡¯d be no end of it. Lou Zigui only finished by saying, ¡°Sometimes, I get tired of Elder Li too.¡±

    ¡°Right?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui in understanding, before she murmured, ¡°There¡¯s been plenty of times when I¡¯ve had no idea what that old gramps was talking about.¡± (Author: How many times have you seen Elder Li in total? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Have Elder Li and the reste in,¡± Lou Zigui stood up. They should stop this topic for now. In any case, he could understand Elder Li¡¯s words even when he didn¡¯t understand Miss Ning most of the time. After Elder Li and his men were summoned into the room and had paid their respects, he asked about Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injury first.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright now, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Perfectly fine.¡±

    Elder Li inquired, ¡°Which imperial physician examined Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Me myself, ah. I¡¯m a doctor.¡±

    Elder Li knitted his brows and gave Ning Xiaoyao a stern look. ¡°Doctors shouldn¡¯t treat themselves. It¡¯s highly important for Your Majesty to take care of your dragon body. As the saying goes, a body worth a thousand pieces of gold...¡± Once again, Elder Li attempted to instruct Ning Xiaoyao with wisdom from sages of the past.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s forehead broke out in cold sweat as she shot Lou Zigui a pleading look. What in the heck is that old gramps talking about now?

    Lou Zigui had no choice but to steer the topic away. ¡°What has Eldere to find His Majesty for?¡± His question earned an unhappy re from Elder Li, who¡¯d been interrupted in the middle of his tirade.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to add. ¡°Old gramps, what do you need me for?¡±

    ¡°This subject makes to ask Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li said, ¡°How should the issue of the damage to the ancestral hall be dealt with?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exhaled in relief. She¡¯d long ago thought of the solution. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just that the floor caved in? I¡¯ll have someone mend the hole in the floor.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Elder Li and the rest. After something so catastrophic, do you think just filling in the hole will fix everything?

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added with a cheery grin. ¡°You guys should all go home and eat.¡±

    Elder Li replied, ¡°This subject isn¡¯t hungry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start before she tried again, ¡°Then, sleep?¡±

    ¡°This subject isn¡¯t sleepy, either!¡± Elder Li was now shouting.

    Ning Xiaoyao began to dig her nails into her palms again. She¡¯d purposely chosen safe topics like eating and sleeping, but it¡¯d still earned that old gramp¡¯s ire. Is it impossible for us to coexist peacefully? ¡°Old gramps, just what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt a headacheing on.

    ¡°Your Majesty is still asking this subject?¡± Elder Li replied.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Who else am I supposed to ask when you¡¯re the one that¡¯s angry?¡±

    ¡°This subject isn¡¯t angry!¡± Elder Li roared.

    ¡°Fine, fine, you¡¯re not angry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had no choice but to say. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be the one who¡¯s angry, alright? Elder Li, can you leave now?¡±

    Elder Li became even more furious. ¡°Your Majesty is chasing this subject away?¡±

    Save me! Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head. Can¡¯t we just talk like sensible people? All of the subjects who¡¯d came with Elder Li backed up a step. They¡¯d never expected to hear such a pointless conversation after entering this room, much less see Elder Li so mad or His Majesty so ready to die.

    ¡°Elder,¡± Lou Zigui had to step out in interference once again. ¡°Just what matters do you bring us? Give His Majesty a simple rundown.¡±

    Everyone now fixated their stares on Lou Zigui. Supreme Commander, why does it sound like you¡¯re saying His Excellency Elder¡¯s previous words were iprehensible to His Majesty?

    ¡°His Majesty is tired after today¡¯s events,¡± Lou Zigui added after realizing his previous statement was a little fishy. Ning Xiaoyao immediately affected looking weak, all the best to make Elder Li go home faster. Elder Li couldn¡¯t help but to be amused and chuckled a few times despite his anger. Ning Xiaoyao immediately straightened her posture in her chair, having never seen an old manugh so unkindly.

    ¡°How is Your Majesty nning to deal with Xie Wenyuan?¡± Elder Li asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°It¡¯s not like I can kill him, so what else can I do?¡±

    This was an irrefutable truth, even to Elder Li.

    ¡°Then, what about the refugees who broke into the pce? What will Your Majesty do with them?¡± another official asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t give it a second thought. ¡°Let them go.¡±

    ¡°Let them go?¡± many officials chorused at the reply. Those refugees were conspiring against the state, and we¡¯re just letting them go?!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li said, ¡°They say thew excuses the masses, but it¡¯s unsuitable to apply that logic to those refugees.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Lou Zigui and murmured, ¡°What does ¡®thew excuses the masses¡¯ mean?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied sinctly, ¡°Elder means to say that those refugees can¡¯t be forgiven.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her head hurt again, and asked Elder Li, ¡°Then old gramps, what do you mean to do? Kill them all? Plenty of refugees died at the ancestral hall grounds already, right?¡±

    Elder Li replied, ¡°Your Majesty, they were part of a mob--traitors with a plot!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at Elder Li. ¡°What traitors, ah? They were obviously all tricked into rioting by the Grand Preceptor. If we can¡¯t kill the Grand Preceptor, we¡¯ll vent our temper on them instead? We can¡¯t do something that disgraceful.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Elder Li.

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else. His Majesty was probably the first person to ever curse Elder Li as disgraceful.

    ¡°Moreover, they ran into my house,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Cursed me, and wanted to kill me. I¡¯m not even mad about that, so why are you so angry, gramps? There¡¯s no need for that. Don¡¯t lose your temper. Go back and eat something tasty, then go to sleep. When you wake up tomorrow and see the sunshine, you¡¯ll definitely be in a better mood.¡±

    Elder Li stared woodenly at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao had plenty of otherforting things to say, but she lost her courage to say them in the face of his stare.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± an official asked Lou Zigui. ¡°Do you think they should be released as well?¡±

    ¡°I listen to His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui answered.

    ¡°Your Majesty is certainly wise and brilliant,¡± Elder Li then bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. Recently, His Majesty had taken care of all the refugees. But they¡¯d still believed in hearsay and charged the pce to revolt. Those refugees were nothing more than ungrateful types who¡¯d bit the hand that fed them, and people who thoroughly deserved death. Yet the current emperor was still willing to forgive them. Such breadth of mind made Elder Li himself feel inferior.

    Ning Xiaoyao was so shocked that she nearly fell out of her chair. What did I end up saying this time?!

    ¡°The sovereign possesses a bosom as vast as the four seas,¡± Elder Li said, still bent over in a bow.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to nce at her chest. How am I supposed to fit four seas in that? Even without binding her chest, there was no sign of her bosom there! (Author: That old gramps isn¡¯t literally talking about that!)

    When Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao tantly examining her chest, he knew immediately what she was thinking about. His face inexplicably reddened before he patted her on the shoulder so she could stop staring and raise her head. It¡¯s not like they¡¯ll grow just from your staring.

    Elder Li said, ¡°Your Majesty is wise and brilliant, moving this subject to tears of gratitude.¡± His eyes really had turned red. He had waited two sessive dynasties for a worthy sovereign. Old Elder Li had it rough, too!

    Ning Xiaoyao silently chuckled to herself. How did I end up wise and brilliant again? She couldn¡¯t figure it out, but she felt like Elder Li was a very profound and subtle person.

    ¡°Then how is Your Majesty nning to deal with the people who raised des against you?¡± another official asked.

    Lou Zigui rested his hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and squeezed it slightly.

    ¡°Anyone who raised arms can be directed to Supreme Commander to deal with,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered immediately.

    ¡°This subject epts the decree,¡± Lou Zigui said with a bow.

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Elder Li and the rest.

    ¡°That doppelganger?¡± Elder Li asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll treat his illness first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°When he recovers, I¡¯ll see if I can find his family.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is going to search for his family?¡± Elder Li said uncertainly.

    ¡°He¡¯s not a bad person,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Every injustice has its perpetrator. If he¡¯s really so capable, we¡¯ll go hunt out the real mastermind.¡±

    Elder Li lowered his head. ¡°Your Majesty instructs rightly.¡±

    ¡°Nonono,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly shook her head. ¡°How could I dare to instruct you?¡±

    Elder Li shook his head with a smile. When Ning Xiaoyao saw that the smile looked more kindly this time, she grew happy. ¡°Feeling better now? If so, everyone can go.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li withdrew his smile to add in one final reminder. ¡°Old Madame Xie has passed away, but she¡¯s still Your Majesty¡¯s great-grandmother. ording to principle, Your Majesty should pay a visit to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

 Chapter 140: Supreme Commander Lou helps His Majesty change clothes

    <h4>Chapter 140: Supreme Commander Lou helps His Majesty change clothes</h4>

    Everyone else in the room woreplicated expressions after hearing Elder Li tell His Majesty to offer his condolences over at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Can you make His Majesty guarantee that nothing will happen when he visits the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Your Excellency Elder Li, you don¡¯t care just how big of a ruckus you end up causing, do you?

    Ning Xiaoyao sat there thinking about funeral rites from her old world. You could forget about the ones who lost their bodies after death--like those who buried themselves with the zombies after detonating an antitank grenade--but anyone with a corpse left intact was lit on fire and cremated. Does Elder Li mean that I have to go to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and make sure they burn up the old madame¡¯s corpse? (Author: Do you believe me when I say that the Xie n would kill you for doing that? ¨r(¨s©n¨t£©¨q )

    ¡°Do I have to go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Elder Li intively.

    ¡°No one will say anything if Your Majesty is unwilling to go,¡± Elder Li said, ¡°But still, the old madame was your senior. No matter what kind of rtionship Your Majesty and the Grand Preceptor have, Your Majesty is simply expressing filial piety if you go to send off old madame on her final journey.¡±

    Then, that means I have to go, Ning Xiaoyao thought as she pursed her lips. First, I¡¯ll ask around to make sure I¡¯m familiar with funeral rites in this world. Even though both worlds had humans, the ones on this side were more unreasonable and particr with details. ¡°That there, I...¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to ask.

    ¡°Your Majesty should refer to yourself with ¡®Zhen,¡¯¡± Elder Li cut her off. ¡°Using ¡®guaren¡¯[1. guaren (¹ÑÈË) - literally means ¡®your unworthy king,¡¯ another personal pronoun reserved for emperors. You can see it in action in certain drama series, such as with King Ying Zheng in The King¡¯s Woman.] works as well.¡± The old man had put up with Ning Xiaoyao using ¡°I¡± here and ¡°I¡± there from day to night for a long time now.

    ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li¡¯s voice turned stern.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a form of address?¡± Ning Xiaoyao still wouldn¡¯t give in. I¡¯ve used ¡®I¡¯ for 18 years already, so why do I have to call myself ¡®Zhen¡¯ now? Don¡¯t I have any freedom as the emperor? Where¡¯s my respect and dignity from them? Dangit!

    ¡°Your Majesty, you cannot discard the simple courtesies,¡± Elder Li said severely.

    ¡°Speaking of that, what¡¯s a guaren (¹ÑÈË)?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after silently repeating Zhen and guaren to herself. ¡°Are you saying that emperors can gua ren (¹ÐÈË)--cut people to pieces--as they like after taking the throne?¡± She nced over at Supreme Commander Lou, recalling the first time she¡¯d seen him on the execution tform, cut and bloody.

    ¡°Your Majesty, guaren, in this instance, refers to dujia guaren (¶À¼Ò¹ÑÈË)--a person isted from the people, a king that rules above them--not the gua (¹Ð) you find in guaxing (¹ÐÐÌ), or execution by dismemberment,¡± one of the officials exined for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s benefit.

    ¡°Dujia guaren (¶À¼Ò¹ÑÈË), like the gua in guafu (¹Ñ¸¾)--a widow?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared at Elder Li as she added. ¡°I¡¯m an emperor, but I still have to refer to myself as a widow?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said everyone else. How they wanted to cry andugh at the same time. What to do? Elder Li watched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wide-eyed stare and puffy cheeks. It didn¡¯t look like His Majesty was pretending to be a fool, but how there could there someone who didn¡¯t know what a guaren (¹ÑÈË) was?! Has His Majesty never read any books? Elder Li suddenly came to a frightening conclusion.

    ¡°Has Your Majesty not read the Four Books?¡± Elder Li asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. Though the name sounded familiar to her, she had no idea what they were about. Elder Li stood, waiting for her answer, determined to get to the bottom of things! Ning Xiaoyao twisted her head to look at Lou Zigui. Did she really have to admit that she hadn¡¯t read many books and was aplete ignoramus?

    ¡°Someonee,¡± Lou Zigui called towards the door. Shadowbolt answered an affirmative from the outside.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Prepare the emperor¡¯s carriage straightaway. His Majesty is going to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to offer condolences.¡±

    ¡°This servant obeys,¡± Shadowbolt replied loudly.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please go and change your clothes,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao. Elder Li and the other officials could all see the dark blood still staining Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dragon robes. Changing clothes was only natural, so none of them could tell her to stop.

    ¡°Come along,¡± Lou Zigui urged Ning Xiaoyao to get up, before adding in a low tone, ¡°Unless you want to stay and discuss the Four Books and Five ssics with Elder Li?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped out of her seat and fled. She was already fuzzy enough on the Four Books, but now there was a Five ssics too?! Lou Zigui followed after Ning Xiaoyao, pausing by Elder Li¡¯s side to said, ¡°Elder and the rest should make some preparations as well to visit the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate via carriage.¡±

    Elder Li asked, ¡°Is that His Majesty¡¯s wishes?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°It was Elder who proposed that His Majesty pay his respects. What now? Elder Li won¡¯t apany him?¡±

    Elder Li was impervious to his persuasions. ¡°It should be His Majesty saying these things. Isn¡¯t Supreme Commander exceeding your position by speaking like this?¡±

    Lou Zigui simply walked past Elder Li without a word, feeling highly annoyed! After the Supreme Commander had left the room, Elder Li finally saw the error of his ways. He turned to ask one of the officials, ¡°The old man asked His Majesty about his knowledge, so what did Lou Zigui mean by having His Majesty change clothes?¡±

    The various officials could only pretend they didn¡¯t exist to avoid getting tangled up in that mess.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood gaping at the open wardrobes in her room. You¡¯re supposed to wear ck for funerals, right? But I don¡¯t have a single piece of ck clothing. What to do now? Was she supposed to borrow some night-duty robes from Windy and rest instead?

    Lou Zigui walked in to see the wide open wardrobes and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°There aren¡¯t any ck clothes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered frankly.

    ck clothes? When Lou Zigui had finally figured out what Ning Xiaoyao meant, heughed loudly. ¡°Xiaoyao, you¡¯re the emperor. You don¡¯t need to change into mourning clothes for Old Madame Xie¡¯s sake.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s like that, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Then will I get hurt if I go to the Xie Estate wearing bright red robes[2. Bright red robes - the color red is usually reserved for celebrations and denotes good fortune and wealth, amongst other things.] instead?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll forget about wearing the bright red clothes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. When she looked at the full closets again, she was still stuck on deciding what to wear.

    ¡°What about the robes you usually wear?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Oh, Mute Nanny took them away to wash,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled out a white shirt and asked, ¡°How about this one?¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at the article of clothing before he answered awkwardly, ¡°That¡¯s an inner robe. Later you should--you should change into that as well.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed before draping the robe over her shoulders and looking for some outer robes. In the end, Lou Zigui helped her pick out a set of reddish purple spring robes embroidered with auspicious clouds and suggested, ¡°How about this one?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao only said ¡®oh,¡¯ before turning her back to Lou Zigui and stripping off her clothes. Lou Zigui was quick to speak, ¡°You¡¯re going to change right here, right now?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked back at him while wearing a strange expression. ¡°No way, right? Is that what you thought of as soon as you saw my back?¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Lou Zigui wanted to remind Ning Xiaoyao about the distances between men and women again, but his eyes caught sight of her blood stained gauze as they trailed down. He knitted his eyebrows and strode closer. ¡°Why is there still blood seeping out? Does your injury hurt?¡±

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked down at the gauze. The skin had already healed over, so why would it still be bleeding?

    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Lou Zigui reached out for the gauze covering the site. Ning Xiaoyao tossed a sugar bean into her mouth and obediently stood still. When Lou Zigui removed the gauze to see the smooth, slightly plump flesh beneath marred with a faint red scar about one finger wide and two finger-lengths long, he found it almost unbelievable after such a short time. After pressing on the spot to make sure the ce had fully healed, Supreme Commander Lou whipped his head up to stare at Ning Xiaoyao, who waved back.

    ¡°I told you before that I¡¯m a doctor, ah. My medical skills are pretty good, haha.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes darted to the faint red mark and murmured, ¡°Will this leave a scar?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander, do you like it with or without a scar?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a girl, so why would you bother purposefully leaving scars on your body?¡± Lou Zigui blurted out.

    ¡°Oh, then I won¡¯t leave a scar,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her stomach twice. Originally, she wanted to keep the scar as a visible proof of her heroics after fighting against evil, but if Supreme Commander didn¡¯t like it, then she¡¯d let it go. Better to have skin like a freshly-peeled egg instead.

    Lou Zigui gently stroked the mark beneath his fingertips before he added, ¡°You have to be more careful in the future. Don¡¯t get hurt again.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao munched on the sugar beans in her mouth. She wouldn¡¯t have gotten stabbed in the first ce if she hadn¡¯t been protecting that old man.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale¡¯s voice called from outside.

    ¡°Here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered absentmindedly.

    Lou Zigui came to his senses when he heard Shadowgale¡¯s voice and quickly withdrew his hand before his eyes drifted upwards. Immediately, his face flushed as he shouted at the door, ¡°Don¡¯te in!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Head Commander Shadowgale, who was just about to enter.

    Ning Xiaoyao crunched on her sugar beans and tilted her head to the side as she asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui wanted to say, but only ended up sighing in defeat. He resigned himself to helping Ning Xiaoyao get dressed--first with her inner robes, then her outer robes.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, do I need to change my pants too?¡± (Author: Girl, if you take off your pants, do you think Supreme Commander Lou will be able to hold back anymore?)

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face seemed to turn even redder. Ning Xiaoyao looked at his burning cheeks, then at herself, and finally understood. ¡°That there, I won¡¯t change my pants then, haha. It¡¯s not like my butt¡¯s been injured, so why would I need to change my pants, right?¡±

    ¡°Stop talking, please.¡± Lou Zigui covered Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth. She dutifully shut up. Truthfully speaking, he¡¯s the one that walked in front of me, isn¡¯t it?

    Lou Zigui released his hand and watched Ning Xiaoyaob through her hair with her hands, leaving the strands messed up this way and that. Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t help but wonder why this girl was so cool and collected around him. Am I not a man in her eyes?

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you don¡¯t have to be so embarrassed,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after she finished finger brushing her hair. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll lose a few pieces of flesh if you peek at a me a few times.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. This has nothing to do with missing meat, alright?

    ¡°How is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao spread out her arms and let Lou Zigui survey her looks. He was still left mute. Why does it feel like we¡¯re best friends together in a house?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale shouted, having gotten anxious while waiting.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called loudly.

    Shadowgale pushed open the door and walked inside. He saw the discarded dragon robes on a chair and His Majesty dressed in a new set of robes. Everything about Ning Xiaoyao looked normal and hale, so Head Commander Shadowgale stopped worrying. ¡°Your Majesty, the carriage has already been prepared.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll set off immediately,¡± Ning Xiaoyao prepared to march out.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Lou Zigui called her back. He walked in front of the tabletop mirror and took out a jade headpiece used for binding the hair from a small casket on the table. ¡°Come here and put this on.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had seen this jade headpiece before and was even nning to sell it off, but it was very finely made, so the insignia was difficult to scrape off. That¡¯s why it had survived for so long in the pce. She sat in front of the bronze mirror as Lou Zigui helped her reb her hair.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, you even have skills like this?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied softly, ¡°I¡¯ve helped my nephewb his hair before.¡±

    That¡¯s right. Ning Xiaoyao stared at Lou Zigui¡¯s reflection in the mirror. Supreme Commander still has a sickly young nephew left. ¡°Supreme Commander, what¡¯s your nephew¡¯s name?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Lou Nan,[3. Lou Nan (Â¥éª) - the Nan character shares a name with the Phoebe zhannan tree.]¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Lou Nan,¡± Ning Xiaoyao repeated to herself. ¡°When I see him in the future--or when you bring him to see me--I¡¯ll help him treat his illness.¡±

    Lou Zigui ced the jade hairpiece squarely over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s topknot, his cool fingers brushing past her face before pausing briefly at her sugar-coated lips. Finally, he said in a low voice, ¡°Alright.¡±

 Chapter 141: Elder Liâ€™s secret

    <h4>Chapter 141: Elder Li''s secret</h4>

    Head Commander Shadowgale stood in the doorway staring at the pair in front of the bronze mirror and felt there was something off about the entire scene. Still, he couldn¡¯t ce his finger on the specifics. Supreme Commander¡¯s brushed his nephew¡¯s hair before? Is he really treating His Majesty as his son to raise now?

    ¡°It¡¯s finished,¡± Lou Zigui backed away as he told Ning Xiaoyao, who looked at her reflection in the mirror before her face split into a grin.

    ¡°Am I as handsome enough to rend the Heavens now?¡± she asked them.

    Lou Zigui turned to Shadowgale, who instantly dropped his head. I didn¡¯t hear a thing!

    ¡°Handsome!¡± Ning Xiaoyao mentally gave her reflection a ¡®like¡¯ as she headed for the doors. On the way out, she told Lou Zigui and Shadowgale, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s head over to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and watch them cremate the old madame.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. What did I just hear her say? Cremation? That wasn¡¯t my imagination, right?! Right??!!!

    Shadowgale hadpletely disregarded Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, since he didn¡¯t understand half of what she said anyways. He¡¯d long learned to simply follow along His Majesty¡¯s whims instead. By the time Lou Zigui had recovered his senses, Ning Xiaoyao had already left the rooms like a gust of wind.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be taking you home soon,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stood in the courtyard with A¡¯Mo the ant on her cor. ¡°I was originally nning for ck Tubby and the rest to take you back, but now there¡¯s no need.¡±

    A¡¯Mo used his feelers to poke at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. ¡°Xiaoyao, is everything okay now?¡± He was still feeling lightheaded since he couldn¡¯t clearly see what all the humans were doing.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her sleeves and added, ¡°I¡¯ve brought along an entire bag of sugar beans. When I bring you home, A¡¯Mo, you and your family can all have a taste.¡±

    Hearing that there¡¯d be an entire bag of sugar beans for him and his family thrilled A¡¯Mo to no end. He hastened to say, ¡°Okay, okay. Thank you, Xiaoyao.¡±

    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re wee,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed happily.

    Big Boss ck jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders and stared at A¡¯Mo, before speaking in an affected voice, ¡°You should¡¯ve reported the news earlier. You only came after things had started happening; weren¡¯t you afraid of seeing Xiaoyao¡¯s corpse instead?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rapped her knuckles on Big Boss ck¡¯s head. ¡°Do you really have to curse me like that?!¡±

    A¡¯Mo said, ¡°I was already going very, very fast!¡±

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have found a cat to pass on the message in your ce? This cat knew it! All you wanted was sugar beans from Xiaoyao!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± A¡¯Mo wailed, his feelers moving wildly. ¡°It¡¯s not like I know any of you cats!¡±

    ¡°A¡¯Mo¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood on A¡¯Mo¡¯s side to look down on Big Boss ck. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s easy to find a cat?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± A¡¯Mo humphed.

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui, who¡¯d finally caught up with the trio. He could see a tiny ant on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cor. So much for talking to cats, but now she¡¯s chatting up ants, too?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale asked. He¡¯d followed Lou Zigui out of the pce rooms.

    Ning Xiaoyao only said two words: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Shadowthunder and Shadowbolt will stay behind at the pce,¡± Lou Zigui told the Dragon Guards. ¡°No more disturbances will be allowed.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then Second Thunder and Fourth Lightning can go ahead and stay home,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand, readily epting the good advice without thinking twice about it. Although Shadowthunder and Shadowbolt knew that this wasn¡¯t His Majesty¡¯s original idea, they had no choice but to obey. Orders were orders, after all.

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to depart the pce when another mama arrived from the empress dowager¡¯s pce with a timid air. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager ordered this servant to see Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°That I already know. If the empress dowager hadn¡¯t shouted for you toe, you wouldn¡¯t want to see me, either.¡±

    Upon hearing that, the mama started crying for His Majesty to spare her life.

    ¡°Enough already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Why would I kill people for no reason? Speak, what¡¯s gone wrong with Esteemed Empress Dowager now?¡±

    The mama replied, ¡°Your Majesty, after hearing of Old Madame Xie¡¯s death, Esteemed Empress Dowager was so grieved that she fainted away. The Imperial Physician Courtyard has already been sent...¡±

    ¡°She fainted again, huh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut her off. ¡°All day and night, she¡¯s nothing if not sad and fainting all over the ce. Does Esteemed Empress Dowager have that many emotions to spare?¡±

    The mama looked back at Ning Xiaoyao, not knowing what to say. Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead before he softly murmured to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Just ask her what business she has.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao faced the mama. ¡°Just what does the empress dowager want now?¡±

    The mama said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager wishes to offer her condolences at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    It looked like Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ns to sow discord hadn¡¯t worked well at all. Is the empress dowager nning to discuss more devious schemes with Grand Preceptor Xie again so soon? ¡°She doesn¡¯t care about her son anymore?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The mama kept her head bowed and didn¡¯t say a word in argument.

    ¡°Her body¡¯s long been unwell to begin with. What if she goes to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and gets sad again, wouldn¡¯t her health just get worse?¡± Ning Xiaoyao attempted to look sincere as she could as she spoke. ¡°Go on back and tell the empress dowager that I said I¡¯m distressed for her sake, and that I want her to rest plenty at the empress dowager¡¯s pce. As for offering condolences, I can do it in her ce.¡±

    ¡°Y-Your Majesty?¡± The mama was flustered at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°If the empress dowager asks you anything, just say it¡¯s because I care about her deeply,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Of course, I¡¯ll give Esteemed Empress Dowager no end of cares to grieve about~

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. It seemed like Esteemed Empress Dowager was due for another bout of fainting again after this.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you withdrawing yet?¡± Lou Zigui asked with a cold face when he saw the mama standing stubbornly by. ¡°Just how many times does His Majesty have to repeat himself?¡±

    The timid mama grew even more terrified at Lou Zigui¡¯s words. In the middle of her farewell, she half turned and lost her footing, falling into a heap on the ground. Ning Xiaoyao bent down to help her up, patting her shoulder to check on her status.

    Mm, this mama¡¯s health has no major problems, either. ¡°Go on back and have a good talk with Esteemed Empress Dowager. An upright person can¡¯t be unreasonable, isn¡¯t that right?¡±

    The mama wanted to cry herself to death. Nobody in this family has any form of reason!

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t even bother with considering Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s eventual reaction to her words. After leaving the pce and discovering that Elder Li would apany her to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, her mood had been somewhat soured. She wanted to tell him that it¡¯d be best if he went home, but her courage wilted in the face of his serious, dignified look. It looked like he¡¯d never smiled in his life.

    ¡°Go on, get in the carriage,¡± Lou Zigui lightly pushed Ning Xiaoyao forward. Ning Xiaoyao settled into the emperor¡¯s exclusive carriage and waited until she heard the wheels rolling along the street before she clenched her fists. ¡°Forget it,¡± she said to Big Boss ck and A¡¯Mo. ¡°If I die, then I die!¡±

    Big Boss ck asked, ¡°Why would you die when you¡¯re off to see Old Madame Xie¡¯s corpse?¡±

    A¡¯Mo must have been a cultured ant, because he asked her, ¡°Xiaoyao, are you talking about the custom of being buried alive with the dead?¡±

    ¡°What? Why would I be buried alive?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she clutched her head. ¡°I¡¯m talking about that old geezer Elder Li.¡±

    Big Boss ck swished his tail. Why does an emperor need to fear one of her subjects? This ninny, she¡¯s beyond help.

    A¡¯Mo moved his feelers as he thought and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ve heard my elder cousin say that Elder Li is a henpecked husband.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a henpecked husband?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Someone who¡¯s afraid of their wife,¡± Big Boss ck exined rather unhappily.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± A¡¯Mo said. ¡°All of my older cousins say that Elder Li¡¯s scared of his wife. If his wife tells him to sleep on the floor, he wouldn¡¯t dare to sleep in bed!¡±¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. It seems like I¡¯ve heard something I wasn¡¯t supposed to know again.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you don¡¯t have to be scared of Elder Li,¡± A¡¯Mo encouraged her. ¡°He¡¯s afraid of females. Aren¡¯t you one of them?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked on her lips. Fearing one¡¯s wife and fearing women were twopletely different things. But she figured it¡¯d be hard to make A¡¯Mo understand the differences. That¡¯d be like trying to turn the little ant into a human himself. Still, Ning Xiaoyao thought as she rubbed her chin, Now I have one more goal in this world. I have to get on the good side of Elder Li¡¯s wife. I have to hug her thigh and be her close friend!

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in her carriage and began to sketch out her ns to get on Elder Li¡¯s wife¡¯s good side. She wanted to aplish her goal in the shortest time possible so that the wife would make sure Elder Li never appeared in front of her again. (Author: Wake up, you. No matter how much Lady Li dotes on you, she¡¯ll never let her husband lose his job!)

    The emperor¡¯s carriage passed through the streets, which were still a mess from the recent disorder. However, all of the frightened, panicked people stilled when they saw His Majesty¡¯s carriage. If His Majesty¡¯s still alright, then the sky hasn¡¯t fallen on Yongning yet! The masses kneeled on the ground and wished Ning Xiaoyao 10,000 years of blessings from their positions on the ground. Lou Zigui nced back from his horse to look at Elder Li, who was also riding on his own steed. This was the real reason you called Ning Xiaoyao out of the pce, isn¡¯t it?

    Elder Li silently nodded his head as he viewed the scene. It looks like the people¡¯s hearts are still with His Majesty.

    When the carriage and horses had just about reached their destination, Lou Zigui rode up to the carriage window and asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, we¡¯re almost at the Xie n¡¯s archway. Will the various officials need to dismount and pay their respects?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t dismount,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said immediately. ¡°Why bother getting off the horses? Sooner orter, I¡¯ll take that archway back!¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°This subject obeys the decree.¡±

    The archway in front of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate had witnessed the entire reign of Emperor Yuanzong¡¯s rule in glory. Now, for the first time ever, it finally saw people pass beneath its archway on horseback instead of on foot.

    When Grand Preceptor Xie caught news of His Majestying to pay his condolences, he was left stunned for the amount of time it took to brew a cup of tea. Ning Yu¡¯sing to offer condolences? This girl¡¯s simply here to cause trouble and difficulties instead, isn¡¯t she?!

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s nearly at the gates,¡± the Dragon Guard sent to report the news said respectfully. ¡°It¡¯s better for Grand Preceptor to wee His Majesty quickly.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded. The Dragon Guard turned to leave with an easy conscience, He hadn¡¯t epted the bag of cash that the Xie estate steward had tried to stuff in his hands. Why would I be afraid of going poor when I am following His Majesty. This particr Dragon Guard was full of aspirations of his own!

    --

    ¡°Father?¡± in the hall for receiving guests, Xie Anshi called out to Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Call your second brother,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°All the adult males of the estate are required toe with me to wee the emperor.¡±

    While the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate was hastily preparing its wee, an imperial guard caught up to Lou Zigui and reported quietly, ¡°Supreme Commander, Xie Anyi¡¯s already been brought out of the imperial prisons.¡±

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°How did you exin the situation to him?¡±

    The imperial guard hastened to reply, ¡°Exactly as Supreme Commander had instructed. This one told him that he was to be escorted home to send off the old madame on her final journey.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°I know now. You¡¯ve all done extremely well.¡±

    The imperial guard cupped his fist astride his horse in polite thanks, before turning to gallop off.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck her head out the carriage window.

    ¡°When we reach the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estateter,¡± Lou Zigui answered in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t forget to remit young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s punishment and make her Xie Anyi¡¯s official consort.¡±

 Chapter 142: The ruined incense burner

    <h4>Chapter 142: The ruined incense burner</h4>

    ¡°Do we really have to do it today?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Isn¡¯t that disrespectful towards the old madame?¡±

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°The old madame will be all too happy to know that Your Majesty is sending her off, so how are we disrespecting her?¡±

    ¡°This and that are two different things, aren¡¯t they?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°It might even be that little white flower who had finished her off.¡±

    ¡°The Xie n didn¡¯t deliver her to the authorities,¡± Lou Zigui pointed out. ¡°So the culprit can¡¯t possibly be young n¨¦e Wang.¡±

    ¡°True enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head in agreement inside the carriage.

    Big Boss ck took advantage of the fact that Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t see him to scratch Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Since you¡¯re stupid, you should listen to what others say. Whatever Supreme Commander says, goes!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up Big Boss ck and threw him outside the window. ¡°Supreme Commander, you need to look after your cat!¡±

    Lou Zigui met eyes with Big Boss ck, who had ended upnding on his horse. ¡°Miaow~¡± Big Boss ck meowed at him. Lou Zigui found the entire situation unintelligible. Since when has this cat been mine?

    ¡°This subject Xie Wenyuan respectfully greets Your Majesty!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice sounded from outside the carriage. Ning Xiaoyao straightened out her clothes before she stuck her head out the window and saw a crowd of people gathered outside. She immediately had an urge to slip back into the carriage again. Dammnit, why are there so many people again?! Humans from the apocalypse all fearedrge groups of people. Being part of arge crowd when zombies attacked only made escaping that much more difficult. Every survivor in the apocalypse was experienced enough to know such things. Although Ning Xiaoyao knew that zombies didn¡¯t exist in this world, old habits die hard.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Lou Zigui extended his hand towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    Swallowing a gulp, Ning Xiaoyao ced her hand in Lou Zigui¡¯s. He half carried her short, skinny frame off the carriage, where Big Boss ck resumed his perch across her shoulders.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Tell them to rise.¡±

    ¡°Rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the members of the Xie n. Grand Preceptor Xie got up without help from his two sons only to stare at Big Boss ck, who was perched on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. His face fell at the sight. If a corpse sees a ck cat, it¡¯ll rise from the grave. What kind of person brings one along to offer condolences? As expected, thisss surely came with ill intentions.

    Ning Xiaoyao had no idea about the taboo of ck cats, but looked sincerely at Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t feel too sad.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie lowered his head. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty.¡± Do you really think a single cat will raise Old Madame from the dead or lose face for our Xie n? Grand Preceptor Xie invited Ning Xiaoyao into the estate, all the while smiling coldly inside his heart. This only shows that Ning Yu is still childish at heart. How could one take such superstitions as the truth?

    Ning Xiaoyao strode through the Xie n doors and looked left and right. ¡°Aiya, looks like the door and walls have been rebuilt.¡±

    Immediately, all of the Xie n¡¯s residents felt their hearts leap to their throats. Does he want to tear it down again?!

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Grand Preceptor Xie. Respecting the dead was more important, so she wouldn¡¯t cause trouble for him today.

    ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty for the praise,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie hastened to reply.

    ¡°It really isn¡¯t bad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said again.

    ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty for the praise,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. The two of them stared at each other before His Majesty turned away and Grand Preceptor Xie looked down, as if weary of the whole business. Standing side-by-side like that, they looked the very image of a heartbroken pair.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Lou Zigui spoke up. ¡°Perhaps you can lead the way to the mourning hall.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression resumed its visage of deep grief as he turned slightly to gesture at a path. ¡°Your Majesty, pleasee this way.¡±

    The various sons and nephews of Grand Preceptor Xie all shot hateful res at Lou Zigui. Who do you think you are, Lou Zigui? Ordering our father (our elder uncle, our younger uncle) about like some sort ofckey? All you did was earn His Majesty¡¯s favoritism. You¡¯re just a small man intoxicated by sess!

    ¡°What kind of looks are you giving?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she looked at Xie Anji and Xie Anshi, then the rest of the gathered men. ¡°Why do I feel like none of you are sad at all that Old Madame Xie¡¯s died?¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s sons and nephews hastily lowered their heads.

    ¡°Your Majesty, they¡¯ve simply been ovee with grief,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie lied through his teeth.

    ¡°Enough already, let¡¯s go to the mourning hall,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Once I send off Old Madame, I¡¯ll return to the pce.¡± She didn¡¯t want to hang around an awful ce like this for a second longer than necessary. Grand Preceptor Xie led the way, mentally wishing that a bastard like her could disappear faster as well.

    Elder Li brought up the rear, puzzling over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. What does he mean by ¡®sending off the Old Madame?¡¯ The funeral procession isn¡¯t scheduled for today...

    White streamers hung inside the mourning hall, where the Xie n¡¯s womenfolk were all sobbing bitterly. Old Madame Xie¡¯s mahogany casket rested behind the altar, covered by a white sheet that fluttered with the intermittent breeze.

    Ning Xiaoyao listened to the sounds of crying for a while before muttering to herself, ¡°There¡¯s no sound of that little white flower.¡±

    A¡¯Mo immediately volunteered himself, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ll help you look for her.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°Thank you, A¡¯Mo.¡± The ant crawled to the floor from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s body and scurried outside.

    Big Boss ck gave arge meow. ¡°You have to be faster this time, miaow!¡±

    At the sound of a cat, all of the sobbing within the hall ceased. Even if Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t believe in old superstitions, it was no guarantee that his womenfolk felt the same way.

    ¡°Why is there a cat!?¡± Lady Wang said frantically. ¡°Who sent in a cat?!¡±

    A servant girl peeked out from the inner rooms and saw Big Boss ck sitting on His Majesty¡¯s shoulders, before stammering back, ¡°My Lady, there¡¯s---there¡¯s a person who brought along a ck cat.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lady Wang was about to lose her temper.

    The servant girl quickly added, ¡°This servant thinks that person looks like, like His Majesty.¡±

    Lady Wang froze. His Majesty brought along a ck cat to offer condolences? Has he lost all faith in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? She felt her legs go weak right before she copsed to the ground.

    Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie gave three sticks of incense to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, if you please.¡±

    ¡°Put the incense sticks in the incense burner,¡± Lou Zigui instructed her quietly. Ning Xiaoyao took the incense and stood awhile in front of the Old Madame¡¯s casket, which was bordered by the altar table. The coffin itself was the size of a double bed, so the old woman most likely found it too wide to sleep in. (Author: Why are you worrying about those kind of details?)

    ¡°There¡¯s fish,¡± Big Boss ck said in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced over at the altar table. There was not only braised fish, but also various snacks, fruits, and white rice. ¡°The person¡¯s already dead, but she still has to eat?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Big Boss ck.

    Big Boss ck simply looked at the fish as he drooled. ¡°It smells delicious.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we can eat this one, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t move to take the fish.

    ¡°You still owe me five big fish!¡± Big Boss ck started bringing up old debts again.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Grand Preceptor Xie, wanting to ask him if they could eat the red braised fish, but the killing intent emanating from the old man gave her a start. I haven¡¯t even done anything yet, but I¡¯ve already provoked him?

    ¡°The coffin looks pretty good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao attempted to salvage the atmosphere. Elder Li and his disciples stood calmly waiting for Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s reply. His Majesty praised the coffin. Do you have the will to thank him for that? No one couldpare to His Majesty when it came to striking people¡¯s sore spots.

    Lou Zigui walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and murmured, ¡°Put the incense sticks in the incense burner. What if they burn your hands?¡± (Author: So that¡¯s what you were worried about, Supreme Commander...)

    Ning Xiaoyao stuck the three incense sticks into the incense burner.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Big Boss ck said, ¡°This incense burner looks expensive. If you wreck it, you¡¯ll have to pay them back a ton of money.¡± Ning Xiaoyao trembled upon hearing such words. A dratty incense burner¡¯s worth that much money too? She opened her eyes wide to study the burner, but found nothing noteworthy about it.

    She looked askance at Lou Zigui and asked, ¡°Are things like this worth any money?¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at the incense burner and said, ¡°No, this is just an incense burner.¡±

    Now Ning Xiaoyao could stop worrying. She lifted a finger and flicked the incense burner, before rolling her eyes at Big Boss ck. How could this piece of pottery be worth any money?

    One of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s stewards took this chance to arrive at the mourning hall, but was quickly stopped by a Dragon Guard before he could announce himself. ¡°What¡¯s your business?¡± the guard asked.

    The shout attracted the attention of everyone inside, who looked back at the entrance. Meanwhile, the incense burner immediately developed seven to eight cracks after making contact with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s finger flick.

    ¡°It¡¯s over, you¡¯ve ruined it,¡± Big Boss ck said. The guilty Ning Xiaoyao quickly withdrew her hand and stole a few peeks at the crowd. Fortunately, nobody was paying attention to her right now.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Big Boss ck meowed.

    ¡°Just pretend nothing happened,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Big Boss ck¡¯s head. Thetter immediately decided to drop the subject.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked his steward.

    Kneeling at the entrance, the steward replied, ¡°Grand Preceptor, the eldest young master¡¯s returned.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie gave a start.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke up. ¡°Isn¡¯t he...¡±

    ¡°This is by His Majesty¡¯s grace,¡± Lou Zigui tugged on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand as he spoke up. ¡°To allow Xie Anyi to return home and send off Old Madame for the final time.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty.¡±

    Now that he was even thanking her, what could Ning Xiaoyao do? She simply nodded and said, ¡°Have Xie Anyie in and offer some incense to the old madame.¡± The steward obeyed and ran off to fetch Xie Anyi.

    ¡°Father?¡± Xie Anshi felt that something was fishy, and quietly called for Grand Preceptor Xie, who simply waved a hand at his third son. It was better if Xie Anshi kept quiet for now. Soon enough, the steward brought over Xie Anyi, who was still dressed in convict¡¯s robes. He fell to his knees outside the mourning hall and started crying.

    Grand Preceptor Xie heaved a long sigh and said, ¡°This is by His Majesty¡¯s grace. Why aren¡¯t you giving thanks yet?¡±

    Xie Anyi saw Ning Xiaoyao standing in front of his grandmother¡¯s coffin and quickly lowered his head to cover up the wrath in his eyes. Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Stop kneeling ande offer some incense.¡±

    Xie Anyi kowtowed three times before the mourning hall, but it was already enough to give bruises to his forehead. He then took three sticks of incense from Xie Anji and prepared to put them in the incense burner. Lady Wang stood in the hall as tears flowed down her face, feeling distressed for her son¡¯s sake.

    ¡°But you broke the incense burner,¡± Big Boss ck whispered by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. ¡°Is it alright to put in more incense sticks?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s right, the burner¡¯s ruined.

    Xie Anyi¡¯s hands had hardly reached the incense burner when it suddenly cracked and broke into pieces. The incense sticks fell off the table, while the ashes from the pot scattered all over the floor. Xie Anyi was stunned by the sight.

    Grandmother didn¡¯t want my incense offerings, so she even broke the incense burner?!

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffled a few times. This has nothing to do with me. I didn¡¯t do a thing!

 Chapter 143: The abrupt death of Old Madame Xie

    <h4>Chapter 143: The abrupt death of Old Madame Xie</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Xie Anyi shook his head as he stood in front of the altar.

    Struck by a guilty conscience, Ning Xiaoyao attempted to patch things up. ¡°Then let¡¯s just change it for another incense burner. The quality of this one must have beencking.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else. How could the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate dare to use inferior goods for Old Madame¡¯s mourning hall incense burner?

    Elder Li gave a coldugh. ¡°It looks like Old Madame is a very perceptive soul.¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand his words. Old Madame¡¯s already dead, so what¡¯s there for me to perceive?

    ¡°Someonee,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Change this to another incense burner.¡±

    ¡°Chirp~¡± Cousin Magpie¡¯s call could be hearding from outside the mourning hall. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ears perked up at the sound.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Cousin Magpie spoke, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s locked up that little white flower in the woodhouse of the East Courtyard!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged on her cor. Looks like Old Madame died by young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s hands, after all! Meanwhile, the other residents of the mourning hall were all bewildered at the sound of Cousin Magpie. There was funeral at the home, and yet magpies were chirping. They were usually harbingers of good tidings, so what did this really mean? It doesn¡¯t make sense for Old Madame Xie¡¯s death to be good tidings.

    ¡°Old Madame had her people prepare a vial of poison for the little white flower,¡± Cousin Magpie continued to chirp from the roof. ¡°The little white flower refused to drink it, so Old Madame called for people to force feed it to her. In the end, little white flower pushed Old Madame aside and the old woman hit her head on the table edge and died!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao whirled back to stare at the wide mahogany casket. What a savage old woman!

    ¡°And also,¡± Cousin Magpie continued, ¡°Little white flower had other people put something in Old Madame¡¯s tea too. That cup of tea is still on Old Madame¡¯s roof, chirpchirp~ I even saw it myself!¡±

    What eyes. Ning Xiaoyao mentally gave Cousin Magpie a ¡®Like¡¯. They¡¯re almost as good as radar by now.

    Elder Li stroked his beard and looked at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°The incense burner was ruined and magpies are singing good tidings over the mourning hall. Grand Preceptor, such unusual urrences certainly would point to evil spirits about, you should take extra care.¡±

    Aside from Ning Xiaoyao, everyone else understood the implications of Elder Li¡¯s words. He was saying the Xie n¡¯s days were numbered.

    ¡°Chase off that bird,¡± Grand Preceptor Xiemanded. Hearing that, Cousin Magpie flew off by himself. Ning Xiaoyao sighed. How to describe Old Madame Xie¡¯s death? None of the people involved were any good, so it was a matter of who had the worse luck. What kind of family is this? She suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for the real Ning Yu. She must have had a very unhappy girlhood, living here for years.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui pointed at the kneeling Xie Anyi. ¡°This man must be exiled.¡±

    ¡°The whole family¡¯s a bad lot,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said hatefully. ¡°It¡¯d be better if they were all exiled!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to stay here any longer.

    ¡°Then young n¨¦e Wang?¡± Lou Zigui asked her.

    ¡°Take Xie Anyi away,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the eldest young master of the Xie n. Two Dragon Guards ran forward and hauled Xie Anyi to his feet.

    ¡°Son!¡± Lady Wang sobbed from where she stood within the hall.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving,¡± Xie Anyi found strength from who-knows-where and threw himself across the altar table. The two Dragon Guards were caught by surprise and chased after him, trying to drag him away. Ning Xiaoyao shouted at them to take the man away before turning to look around. Uncertainly, she asked, ¡°Ah geez, what¡¯s that smell?¡±

    After the incense burner had broke, the incense sticksnded on the floor, straight onto the white shroud that was draping down while covering the coffin. The ember at the tip had slowly turned the fabric yellow, then ck, until thick mes had finally enveloped the fabric. Ning Xiaoyao saw smoke rising from behind the altar table and cried, ¡°This is bad, it¡¯s caught on fire!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Xie Anyi broke free of the two Dragon Guards and nted himself across the altar table. This action of his caused two thick white candles to fall off the altar. Big Boss ck took the chance to jump onto the table as well, his ws reaching for the lopsided te of red braised fish. Ning Xiaoyao had no strength to ridicule him. Which was more important, fish or a cat¡¯s life?

    The mes had reached even greater heights by now. By the time everyone else noticed the smell and saw the smoke, fire had overtaken the entire coffin.

    ¡°Save the people!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shouted. He wasn¡¯t talking about Ning Xiaoyao, but his own womenfolk who were still in the inner rooms! By now, the long white streamers hanging over the table had caught fire as well. The wind fanned the mes until all the streamers were lit aze, turning Old Madame Xie¡¯s mourning hall into a sea of mes in an instant.

    In the chaos, everyone ran outside, and it was every man for themselves. Lou Zigui grabbed the person closest to him and escaped the hall gasping for breath before going tofort his charge. But instead of Ning Xiaoyao, he saw someone else in his hands!

    ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked in angry rm, before shoving the girl aside.

    Xie Duoying fell to the ground, speechless from the sudden forceful push. As soon as she had run out of the inner rooms, she¡¯d noticed His Majesty standing next to a pir in the burning room. She had wanted to use the chance to make him give her a second nce and see her good side. Thus, the Fifth Young Miss of the Xie n had given her all to run to his side. But before she even had a chance to speak, Supreme Commander Lou had grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the hall. Fifth Young Miss Xie felt extremely aggrieved by the action. Why did you pull me away? (Author: Girl, what are the chances of His Majesty falling in love with you in the middle of a fire?)

    Lou Zigui had no time to consider who this girl was. ¡°Your Majesty!?¡± Supreme Commander Lou shouted from the courtyard. Shadowgale and his fellow headmanders all looked around in panic. His Majesty wasn¡¯t amongst them!

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw Lou Zigui grab the little beauty¡¯s hand and run away through the smoke and mes, she¡¯d silently withdrawn her own hand to rub her nose. She felt a little saddened by the sight. Of all the times for him to run away with another girl, why did he have to pick now?

    Big Boss ck jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and shouted, ¡°Ninny, why aren¡¯t you escaping yet?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at him. ¡°So you¡¯ve finished eating your fish?¡±

    Big Boss ck fell silent before he boldly replied, ¡°You can¡¯t keep a cat from his fish!¡±

    ¡°Mother, mother¡¯s still inside!¡± Lady Wang¡¯s sobs came from outside the hall. Next to Ning Xiaoyao, a ceiling rafter crashed to the ground with a loud thud.

    ¡°Run already!¡± Big Boss ck meowed at his ninny.

    Ning Xiaoyao held her breath and prepared to dash away until she heard the sound of a girl crying from the direction of the Old Madame¡¯s coffin.

    Lou Zigui started to run back into the mes. Even two generals from the ck Frost Cavalry couldn¡¯t hold him back. Right now, their Supreme Commander looked like a man who¡¯d gone mad. Grand Preceptor Xie stared at the raging inferno and silently wished it¡¯d burn faster. It¡¯d be best if Ning Yu was buried in the mes. It was a strange fire to begin with. Perhaps this is Old Madame¡¯s way of protecting our Xie n. By inciting arge fire, she¡¯s sending Ning Yu off to the Yellow Springs.

    The left side of the mourning hall copsed under the growing mes, raising a giant cloud of dust that momentarily blinded Lou Zigui as he charged in. Elder Li pointed a finger at Grand Preceptor Xie and shouted with red eyes, ¡°Xie Wenyuan!¡±

    Instead of calling for help to put out the fire, this man was watching the mes engulf everything. Xie Wenyuan wants to see His Majesty die. Elder Li was so frantic that he fainted dead away. Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie stood there as if he¡¯d heard nothing at all. When the other members of the Xie n saw their head behaving thus, their sounds of crying ceased. The other officials present wanted to put out the fire, but none of them knew where to find water in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. They could only search the surrounding courtyards for liquid.

    ¡°Your Majesty? Xiaoyao?¡±

    Lou Zigui was too choked for words. Inside the mourning hall, he couldn¡¯t see a thing besides the thick smoke and mes. In the midst of the suffocating atmosphere, a hand reached out to grab his own. Then Lou Zigui heard Miss Ning speak.

    ¡°Why did youe back?¡±

    --

    Shadowgale and the other Dragon Guards wanted to enter the mes as well, but the sheer temperatures roasted their skin as they drew near. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao shouted from the mes, ¡°Windy, what are you lot ying at? There¡¯s a fire and you¡¯re still not running away?!¡±

    Shadowgale nearly wept with joy at the sound of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice. His Majesty¡¯s alright!

    The newly revived Elder Li kneeled on the ground and thanked Heaven. Grand Preceptor Xie shut his eyes tightly. This damned girl still isn¡¯t dead yet!

    Ning Xiaoyao took a step out of the congration at the same time the right side of the mourning hall copsed. ¡°My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. Wooden houses can¡¯t touch fire at all. This building burned down just way too fast!

    The courtyard was utterly silently as its upants stared at His Majesty striding out of the mes. That¡¯s right, His Majesty really was simply taking a walk, his steps easy and carefree. Ning Xiaoyao let go of Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and stared at them all. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with all you guys?¡±

    Elder Li staggered over in front of her and pointed at her shoulder in silence. Ning Xiaoyao casually put down the coffin resting there, striking the ground with a loud thump. The little servant girl still clutching to its surface was currently crying up a storm.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, ah. Didn¡¯t we make it out? It¡¯s alright now.¡±

    The little servant girl rolled off Old Madame¡¯s coffin and knelt in front of Ning Xiaoyao to thank her for saving her life.

    ¡°That coffin is so heavy. How---how in the world did you manage to move it?¡± Elder Li was beginning to wonder whether he was still dreaming. It wasn¡¯t just him, because everyone else had the same thought as well. A single coffin was already around a hundred pounds without including the extra cat and human. Just how strong is His Majesty?

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her half-ckened face and said, ¡°Old gramps, is now really the time to worry about that?¡±

    Elder Li gave a start before he suddenly cried, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re still injured!¡±

    Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t get to speak before the mahogany coffin split open and coughed out Old Madame Xie¡¯s body. Everyone sucked in a breath at her corpse. The Old Madame had been neatly covered up before being ced in the coffin, but all the jostling had disced the mourning shroud atop her face, revealing the gaping wound on the side of her temples. Old Madame Xie hadn¡¯t died of natural causes at all!

    Everyone looked towards Grand Preceptor Xie. She clearly died a violent death, and yet you hid that fact and went straight to funeral preparations. Xie Wenyuan, do you want the world to curse you for being unfilial?

 Chapter 144: High-ranking military officers from the south

    <h4>Chapter 144: High-ranking military officers from the south</h4>

    Xie Anji, Xie Anshi and the rest were all shocked by the battered state of Old Madame Xie¡¯s corpse. It was obvious that they hadn¡¯t know how she¡¯d died, either. Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t find an excuse this time. Could I say that Ning Xiaoyao faked the wound on Old Madame¡¯s body? But no, any coroner would be able to determine when the injury had urred. Even if his power could keep all the coroners in the capital from spreading the news, experienced officers in the army had the same skills to deduce the wound. The same went for people who were doctors. There was no way for him to shut them all up.

    ¡°It was the cat!¡± Lady Wang shouted between her sobs.

    Ning Xiaoyao was surprised to see the woman pointing at her own ck Tubby. ¡°You¡¯re saying that my cat took a bite out of your old madame¡¯s head?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck meowed pitifully. All I did was gnaw on some fish!

    ¡°Raising the dead,¡± Lady Wang went on, ¡°ck cats raise the dead!¡±

    ¡°The heck is that all about?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand her words, but they sounded pretty awesome.

    ¡°Married women shouldn¡¯t be speaking nonsense!¡± Elder Li rebuked her angrily.

    ¡°She¡¯s saying that ck cat---that is, ones like Your Majesty is raising---made the Old Madame¡¯s corpsee to life,¡± a Dragon Guard murmured in response to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s questioning look.

    Ning Xiaoyao could¡¯ve fallen at Lady Wang¡¯s feet right then. No wonder. She¡¯s from the same n as that little white flower. A nobledy like her cane up with drivel like this too? ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying how Old Madame died full of discontent and so came back to seek her revenge?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lady Wang. Left speechless, Lady Wang shrank back. It was true that His Majesty had grown up in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, but she¡¯d never met him then. Even after a decade living side by side, she was still strangers with him.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li approached Ning Xiaoyao and spoke next with a low voice. ¡°She is still your maternal grandmother. Your Majesty must show discretion in your speech.¡±

    ¡°What discretion?¡± Ning Xiaoyao had lost too much of her temper to fear Elder Li now. She pointed at Lady Wang and said, ¡°Is she the only one who¡¯s allowed to speak nonsense? What about me?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. So you know you were speaking nonsense too?

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao caught sight of the two Dragon Guards who had taken Xie Anyi into custody again. She pointed at the eldest young master of the Xie n and said, ¡°Maybe the Old Madame¡¯s spirit rose from the dead because she was unbearably furious with this bastard!¡±

    Lady Wang¡¯s lip trembled as she watched her dazed, stunned son. She burst into wails and shouted to the coffin, ¡°Mother, mother open your eyes and look at this! Mother, ah!¡± As soon as she started crying, all the other Xie n womenfolk joined in. Ning Xiaoyao was caught off-guard. What¡¯s going on now? Since they can¡¯t beat me in a verbal spar, they¡¯re resorting to tears instead?

    ¡°This...! Whatever next?!¡± Elder Li pointed at the Xie n women as he admonished Grand Preceptor Xie.

    While Elder Li and Grand Preceptor Xie were having their face-off, Shadowgale took the chance to point out various men in the crowd as he whispered in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. ¡°Your Majesty, those are the ones who were spotted outside the pce with troops in tow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao swept her eyes over the culprits and counted seven of them in total.

    ¡°They¡¯re not part of the capital¡¯s soldier barracks, or the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s men,¡± Shadowgale added. ¡°They should be the Grand Preceptor¡¯s high-ranking military officers he called in from other regions beyond the capital.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao remembered that Grand Preceptor Xie had been slowly gathering troops in the city, and murmured back, ¡°General Qin said that these were southerners. Do you think so?¡±

    Shadowgale watched the men, who were whispering amongst themselves, and replied, ¡°This servant will go over and listen to them talk.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. As Shadowgale vanished into the crowd, Lou Zigui lowered his head and asked, ¡°What were you two talking about?¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao harumphed before turning her attention back to Elder Li and Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s verbal spat.

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui. Is she mad at me?

    After listening to Elder Li and Grand Preceptor Xie prattle on without any idea of what they were saying, a lightheaded Ning Xiaoyao began to grow weary. She rubbed at her sleeves and wanted to eat some sugar beans when she suddenly remembered she was going to give them to A¡¯Mo as a prize. Dropping her hand, she continued to feel weary. If I¡¯d known paying respects with incense sticks was so troublesome, I wouldn¡¯t havee in the first ce.

    Shadowgale eavesdropped on the men for a while beforeing back to report. ¡°They aren¡¯t speaking the official dialect. This servant believes their speech carries a southern ent.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had onlye to understood what ¡®official dialect¡¯ meant a few days ago. It was equivalent to modern day Mandarin, or the standard Chinese officialized by the country. ¡°Southern ents,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched at her palms. ¡°So what do we do next?¡±

    Before Shadowgale could speak up, Lou Zigui said, ¡°Catch them.¡±

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°They¡¯re not in uniform. If they refuse to admit that they brought in those troops, how are we supposed to take them into custody?¡±

    ¡°Right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°Suppose those seven men im that they¡¯re the Grand Preceptor¡¯s distant rtives or something?¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to Shadowgale. ¡°Bring someone with you who understands the southern dialect over there to verify your findings.¡±

    Shadowgale found a Dragon Guard fluent in the southern dialect and slipped into the crowds again.

    ¡°Do you want to eat this?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he held out his palm. Ning Xiaoyao took a nce at it. Hnn! A sugar bean!

    ¡°I have half a bag here,¡± Lou Zigui said softly. ¡°Want some?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched.

    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± Lou Zigui asked, confused.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheeks puffed up. Supreme Commander Lou might be inexperienced in the ways of love, but he was a sharp man. Miss Ning¡¯s harumph had already enlightened him as to what was going on.

    ¡°It was too chaotic back then and that girl was about your height,¡± Lou Zigui exined. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to bring her with me, I just grabbed the wrong hand.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced over at Fifth Young Miss Xie, who was still sitting on the floor, and whispered, ¡°How are we in any way simr? Obviously there¡¯s a big difference! She¡¯s got a huge rack!¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. Why would I be interested in staring at girls¡¯ chests when there was a fire raging?

    Ning Xiaoyao plucked the bean from Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and tossed it into her mouth. ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing else to say about it, do you?¡±

    Lou Zigui had no other choice. ¡°She¡¯s not my type.¡±

    (£þ¡÷£þ£») , went Ning Xiaoyao. Supreme Commander likes t chests?!

    ¡°Why did that woman try to approach you?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°To beg for my help?¡± Ning Xiaoyao randomly guessed.

    Lou Zigui had guessed the girl¡¯s motives as soon as he recognized her as Xie Duoying. She must have had designs to make herself the emperor¡¯s woman. But when he saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s round, wide eyes, he decided to leave her in the dark.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t like her type?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Lou Zigui shook his head adamantly. How could I ever like a woman from the Xie n?

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you really have weird aesthetic sensibilities,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shot another nce at Xie Duoying. She¡¯s such a pretty girl, too. It¡¯s a pity that Supreme Commander likes them t! (Author: You and Supreme Commander are never on the same wavelength, you know?!)

    By now Shadowgale had returned with a nod to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°They¡¯re southerners,¡± he confirmed.

    Ning Xiaoyao formed her small hands into fists and smacked them against each other. ¡°What now?¡± she asked Lou Zigui. ¡°Shall we sic ¡®em to death right here?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. Ning Xiaoyao wanted to defy him. Again? We can¡¯t kill them? Geez, how am I supposed to have any fun at this rate?!

    ¡°Fire!¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men suddenly shouted.

    Whaa? Ning Xiaoyao turned and looked back doubtfully. Hasn¡¯t the fire been burning this entire time?

    Aiya, my God!

    Only after turning back did Ning Xiaoyao realized that the rows of houses behind the mourning hall had caught on fire as well.

    ¡°The mes caught onto the tree branches in the backyard, then move onto the houses,¡± Lou Zigui replied seriously, the very picture of professionalism.

    ¡°You canugh if you want,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°There¡¯s no need to hold back.¡±

    Lou Zigui really did chuckle in response. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but think back to the origins of the fire. If she hadn¡¯t broken that incense burner, the mes might not have started in the first ce. How vexing, it looked like this was all her fault.

    ¡°What are you lot standing around for?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shouted at his men. ¡°Hurry and put out the mes!¡±

    The servants of the estate ran off to fight the fire. Ning Xiaoyao turned back and snagged a pageboy from the estate. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you a sugar bean for some intel. Why is the Grand Preceptor panicking like this at a time like this?¡±

    The pageboy looked nkly at the emperor. More and more houses are being consumed by the mes. Who wouldn¡¯t be panicking?

    ¡°Alright, maybe you don¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after observing the boy¡¯s nk look. ¡°Let me put it this way. What¡¯s the purpose of those houses back there?¡±

    The pageboy snuck a peek at his flustered master before babbling out in a rush, ¡°I heard they¡¯re there to store grain.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao smirked, and the pageboy stammered, ¡°Y-Your Majesty, may I go now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently digging out a sugar bean from Lou Zigui¡¯s pouch. ¡°Hey, this is something you, me, and Heaven alone knows.[1. You, me, and Heaven alone knows (ÌìÖªµØÖªÄãÖªÎÒÖª) - tianzhi dizhi nizhi wozhi, a famous saying that originated from an ancient Chinese story about an honest, upright man.] If you don¡¯t say anything, I won¡¯t either, alright?¡±

    The little page boy nodded his head like a pestle pounding the mortar. If the Grand Preceptor finds out about this, I¡¯ll be dead for sure! Meanwhile, Shadowgale and the rest could only look on, speechless. We heard everything. Is this still something you, he, and Heaven alone knows?

    ¡°Alright! If you get into trouble in the future,e find me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. She was about to pat the pageboy on the back, but Lou Zigui quickly barred her way. In the end, all she could do was wave at the servant. ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    The pageboy scampered off like he¡¯d been bitten by a dog.

    ¡°Windy, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said affectedly, ¡°Quick now, hurry and call in the imperial guards that are stationed outside to help with the fire.¡±

    ¡°Are we going to steal the grain?¡± Shadowgale asked as he knelt with one knee on the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded and split her lips into a grin. She was thrilled to gain such a big advantage again. ¡°At least we didn¡¯te in vain!¡±

    Shadowgale rubbed his nose before sending one of hisrades to alert the guards outside.

    ¡°Those seven men are trying to leave,¡± a Dragon Guard by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side murmured.

    ¡°We can¡¯t let them get away,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. We can¡¯t fight them or kill them, so what¡¯s the use of telling me things like this? Am I supposed to run over there and stop them myself?

    ¡°Nobody¡¯s allowed to leave from this courtyard,¡± Lou Zigui raised his voice. ¡°The facts about Old Madame Xie¡¯s death are still unclear. Seal off the Xie Estate until we capture the culprit!¡±

    Shadowgale was quick to ept his Supreme Commander¡¯smand. ¡°Yes!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked between them both. Since when have Supreme Commander and Windy worked together so well?

 Chapter 145: Who killed Old Madame?

    <h4>Chapter 145: Who killed Old Madame?</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s re towards Lou Zigui turned venomous. Though he was quick to hide his distaste, both Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui noticed the stare.

    ¡°Good grief,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to Lou Zigiui, ¡°The Grand Preceptor looks ready to bite you to death.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t care about such things and replied, ¡°You should be thinking about what we should do next.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her nose. ¡°What could I do?¡±

    Lou Zigui felt that he was posing a tough question as well, so he handed her more sugar beans and started to think up ideas himself. Big Boss ck jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders and asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, are we just going to leave that old grandma¡¯s corpse to dry in the sun?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao crunched on her sugar beans as she shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t know. The Xie n isn¡¯t fussing over her, so what¡¯s the use if I get anxious about it?¡±

    Big Boss ck gave her a suggestion. ¡°If nothing else, we can have the crows eat her up.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pouted. Have the crows gobble up Old Madame Xie in front of her family? That seems impossible. (Author: It¡¯s not ¡®seem impossible,¡¯ but absolutely impossible, alright?!)

    ¡°It was that cat,¡± Lady Wang told everyone around her. ¡°It was all because of that cat! Hear that? It¡¯s still meowing!¡±

    The womenfolk by her side dearly wished Lady Wang would shut her mouth. That¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s cat. Are you trying to go against His Majesty and condemn us all to death?! Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck were currently staring at Old Madame Xie¡¯s body, so neither of them paid Lady Wang any mind. When Ning Xiaoyao saw the golden hair ornaments on Old Madame Xie¡¯s head, she said, ¡°Dang, you can tell they¡¯re expensive at a nce.¡±

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°Then should we snatch them away?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t. I have to be a civilized person, so you need to be a civilized cat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Stealing is wrong.¡±

    Big Boss ck checked to make sure his Supreme Commander wasn¡¯t looking before wing at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Who was the one who told the gyrfalcon¡¯s master and his men to steal the grain?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao spoke with justice on her side. ¡°Bullsh**! That¡¯s to fight the fire! That grain would¡¯ve been burned away by the mes anyways. It only exists still because we¡¯re putting it out, so how could you call this stealing?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Big Boss ck. So shameless. How am I supposed to counter that?

    ¡°What fine quality gold,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cast covetous eyes on the Old Madame¡¯s ornaments, then at the hole by the side of her head. The edges of the bloody wound even showed traces of white from her brains. Just how hard did that little white flower shove the old woman aside?!

    By now, Grand Preceptor Xie had finally arrived in front of Lady Wang with a cold voice. ¡°Are you going to leave mother¡¯s corpse lying on the ground indefinitely?¡±

    Custom decreed that males were forbidden to touch the corpses of their female kin. Even if Grand Preceptor Xie wanted to ce Old Madame Xie¡¯s body back in her coffin, he couldn¡¯t do it himself. Lady Wang was still so fixated on her son that she had no thought for Old Madame right now. She turned to Grand Preceptor Xie and sobbed, ¡°What about Anyi!?¡±

    ¡°Stop making trouble!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared. Stunned by the shout, Lady Wang soon became fearful at the sight of his cold stare. ¡°Do well the things you¡¯re supposed to do,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Do you really think you can save Anyi?¡±

    Lady Wang shook her head at his question. She had no way to save her son even if she cried herself blind. Ning Xiaoyao approached the coffin and prepared to straighten out Old Madame Xie¡¯s corpse when Shadowgale stopped her.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you can¡¯t touch this corpse,¡± Shadowgale said. Ning Xiaoyao looked around at the various Xie n womenfolk before waving towards Xie Duoying, who was sitting off by herself.

    ¡°Miss,e over here.¡±

    Xie Duoying pulled herself from the ground and slowly walked over to Ning Xiaoyao, feeling like her soul had left her body.

    ¡°She was still your paternal grandmother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured. ¡°How about you give her a hand and straighten the Old Madame out?¡±

    Xie Duoying knelt down and straightened out Old Madame Xie¡¯s corpse. When all was said and done, the Fifth Young Miss of the Xie n suddenly realized what had happened and looked down at the body once more. Then she let out a shrill cry and fell backwards onto the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced over at Xie Duoying¡¯s sitting position with her legs crossed askance. ¡°Did you pee your pants from fright? Don¡¯t be afraid. When I saw my first zombie---urk, when I saw my first dead person, I peed my pants too. But after awhile I got used to them, hehe.¡±

    Neither the Fifth Young Miss nor the Dragon Guards could bear to hear such details. Despite the fact that this was the Xie n, speaking of such things to a girl waspletely inappropriate.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Xie Duoying looked at Ning Xiaoyao as she cried.

    Ning Xiaoyao circled around Old Madame Xie¡¯s body and arrived in front of Xie Duoying. ¡°All of my Dragon Guards here are great chaps. Do you want to give them some consideration?¡±

    Xie Duoying stopped crying only to stare at Ning Xiaoyao in confusion. His Majesty wants to marry me off to one of his Dragon Guard servants?! All of the Dragon Guards backed away at the proposal. No matter how beautiful the Xie n women might be, do we dare take them?!

    Ning Xiaoyao took in the reactions of both parties. Alright, guess that was a fail.

    Lou Zigui sighed as he approached Ning Xiaoyao. Girl, you don¡¯t have any skills as a matchmaker, do you know that?

    Xie Duoying ended up sitting on the ground and sobbing her heart out. Ning Xiaoyao pointed at each of her Dragon Guards in turn. You guys won¡¯t even take a girl as beautiful as this? Aren¡¯t you setting your sights too high? Or do all the men in this world prefer t chests? (Author: Can you stop making wild guesses...)

    Big Boss ck nuzzled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face with his head. ¡°Xiaoyao, you have to deal with the main issue here, remember!?¡±

    The main issue? Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, did youe up with any ideas yet?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Those seven men were the culprits who killed Old Madame.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°We can capture them using that excuse,¡± Lou Zigui exined softly. ¡°To catch brigands, first catch their king. Once we have them in our custody, the soldiers under theirmand might very well be in our hands instead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t resist a temptation like that. The one thing shecked besides money was military might! Shadowgale knitted his brows and asked, ¡°Do we need to nt false charges on them? The Grand Preceptor will definitely protect them to the death. Moreover, they¡¯ve yet to reveal any tangible motives, so how are we supposed to snatch them?¡± In Head Commander Shadowgale¡¯s eyes, the idea was impossible.

    ¡°They won¡¯t admit that they¡¯re military officers, correct?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she rubbed her chin in thought. Lou Zigui nodded. Military men who entered the capital without express permission faced the death sentence. How could those seven men ever admit to their crime?

    ¡°Then it was because of the money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao concluded. ¡°Murder has three motives: money, passion, or revenge. Now, Old Madame Xie¡¯s too old for passion to be a good motive, so no one will believe us if we cite that as the reason.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said everyone else. True, nobody would believe that.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°In terms of vengeance, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s been guarding her very closely. How could we weave a tale of revenge out of thin air when no one¡¯s had a chance to approach her? So, it can only be money.¡±

    A Dragon Guard murmured, ¡°They came to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to rob the Old Madame? But there are many retainers guarding the courtyards, ah.¡± We can¡¯t pretend all their guards were dead in this situation.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gears turned quickly before she focused on the wound on Old Madame Xie¡¯s temple again. Her eyes brightened as she dered, ¡°It was attempted kidnapping, of course! They wanted to poison Old Madame Xie and use the antidote as a way to get ransom from Grand Preceptor Xie. But Old Madame caught them in the act. Since their crimes were about to be exposed, they simply went through it in spite of the consequences and---¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a pushing motion with her hands. ¡°---killed the Old Madame just like that.¡±

    ¡°Then why did Old Madame Xie agree to meet with them in the first ce?¡± another Dragon Guard asked her.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just make something up for that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the group. ¡°They lied to Old Madame Xie, saying that they had some precious treasure in their hands. Old Madame Xie wanted to buy it, so of course they arranged to meet.¡±

    Shadowgale chimed in. ¡°Your Majesty, a married woman of the inner chambers like Old Madame isn¡¯t allowed to meet male outsiders.¡±

    Now Ning Xiaoyao was stuck at that. She red at Shadowgale and said, ¡°Where do you guys get all these questions from?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the Dragon Guards. You¡¯re ming us for asking too many questions?

    ¡°The poison is still sitting in the Old Madame¡¯s room, all ready-made,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We weren¡¯t present when those two groups decided to meet, so how would we know why Old Madame Xie wanted to see those inted resellers?¡±

    The Dragon Guards dearly wanted to ask Ning Xiaoyao what an ¡®inted reseller¡¯ was, but her face was so covered in wrinkles from thinking too hard that none of them dared to speak up. Lou Zigui just ignored the foreign term entirely and asked, ¡°What kind of poison?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cast a nce over at Fifth Young Miss, who had already walked away, before whispering to Lou Zigui, ¡°The poison that the little white flower was to use to kill Old Madame, ah. It¡¯s still in Old Madame Xie¡¯s quarters.¡±

    ¡°Who told you that?¡± Lou Zigui asked, curious.

    Supreme Commander, you¡¯ll never believe me if I said it was Cousin Magpie. Ning Xiaoyao sniffed a few times before admitting, ¡°I bought the intel with some sugar beans. J-just like how I did just then.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? Then, fine, a magpie told me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao admitted openly. ¡°The one that was chirping earlier.¡±

    Lou Zigui rested his hand against his forehead. ¡°Are you sure the intel you bought with that sugar bean is reliable?¡±

    (#¨F¡ä)Í¹, went Ning Xiaoyao. So you¡¯d rather believe that sugar beans are valuable than to believe the fact that magpies can speak! (Author: Haven¡¯t you realized that the Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t believe in either of those?!)

    RrrrRRRRUMMMMMBLE---

    Another house was swallowed up by the mes. Lou Zigui walked over to Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Old Madame passed away in her own quarters.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded. He¡¯d told that tale to everyone who had came by to offer their condolences, so it was impossible to deny that now.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll go inspect her rooms,¡± Lou Zigui continued. ¡°I believe that Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t wish for the origins of her death to remain unclear, either.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°There are specialists for that,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice sounded a little hoarse as he replied. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject wishes to invite the justice courts to investigate this matter.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was cold as ice. ¡°This is His Majesty¡¯s expression of filial piety towards the Old Madame as well. Grand Preceptor, are you nning to refuse him?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°This subject was already moved beyond tears of gratitude when His Majesty rescued Old Madame¡¯s body from the mes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°It¡¯s what I should have done. Helping you again isn¡¯t much for me either. Just because you can¡¯t find the culprit doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t, right?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t help feeling wan every time he heard Ning Xiaoyao speak. This person doesn¡¯t listen to anyone at all!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at everyone in the courtyard. ¡°We¡¯ll head over to Old Madame¡¯s quarters for a look. See if the culprit possibly left any clues behind.¡±

    None of the officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction heeded Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s summons, but Elder Li and his disciples all followed after their emperor. Because of that, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men were left with no choice but to follow suit. At the very least, Grand Preceptor Xie wouldn¡¯t have to fight by himself if they were still around.

    (Author: You guys....

    Have you guys alreadybeled His Majesty as an irrefutable enemy of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? ¨r(¨s©n¨t£©¨q )

 Chapter 146: His Majesty says, Supreme Commander is a thoroughly wicked man

    <h4>Chapter 146: His Majesty says, Supreme Commander is a thoroughly wicked man</h4>

    Old Madame Xie¡¯s rooms were still in the same state as it was that morning right after the struggle. The chairs and table were all overturned, and the floor was littered with broken porcin. Despite all that, the luxury of the room made the strongest impression on its visitors. A cursory nce around the residence revealed gold, silver, pearl and jade objects. Treasures that other families would hide away were disyed openly here as simple ornaments.

    Dazzled by the sight, Ning Xiaoyao stopped walking. How could such a provoking room exist?! Lou Zigui nced at the undisturbed tea table in the room and muttered, ¡°Is that where the poison is?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wrenched her head away to focus on the suspicious teacup, only to see multiple cups of tea and bowls of liquid scattered around the room. How was she supposed to find the right one? She scratched her head before dipping her finger in the nearest cup for a taste. Lou Zigui immediately grabbed her hand and said with a trace of panic in his voice, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be able to tell which cup is poisoned after I taste their teas,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    Lou Zigui rejected the idea. ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Is that the way you speak to your emperor?!

    Big Boss ck jumped off of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and scurried to the left of the crowds, heading for a tea table closest to the main chair of honor. He meowed back, ¡°The magpie said it¡¯s this one.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao approached the tea table and nced at the blue and white porcin bowl with doubt. ¡°When did you two get talking?¡±

    Big Boss ck swished his tail arrogantly. ¡°While you were busy watching the show.¡± This ninny never knows to focus on the important bits! What¡¯s the use of watching two old geezers duke it out?

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at him and turned back to Lou Zigui and Shadowgale, who¡¯d followed her over. ¡°It¡¯s this one.¡±

    Lou Zigui poured a bit of the clear liquid in the cup onto the table. Underneath the scrutiny of three humans and one car, four pairs of eyes watched the surface of the table froth intermittently with white foam as if it¡¯d been burnt with acid.

    ¡°Old Madame Xie would definitely die if she drank this cup,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed with feeling. ¡°It looks like she was fated to die today no matter what.¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a drink,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°But ginseng chicken soup.¡±

    Ginseng chicken soup? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes brightened. Then I might as well drink it if it¡¯s good stuff like that. Wouldn¡¯t it be a shame if we just poured it out?

    ¡°Now that we have the evidence,¡± Shadowgale said, ¡°How do we pin the crime on those military officers?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao silently withdrew the hand that had been reaching out for the bowl, estimating that Supreme Commander would beat her up if she finished off their evidence. Lou Zigui¡¯s knuckles rapped against the tea table. There¡¯s a conundrum.

    At the moment, Grand Preceptor Xie in the room with them as well, but kept a healthy distance from Ning Xiaoyao since he knew he wasn¡¯t wee. He allowed everyone else to observe Old Madame¡¯s rooms as he tried to fathom what Ning Yu and Lou Zigui were nning. They wouldn¡¯t have sealed off the estate just to capture Old Madame¡¯s killer. That¡¯d be nothing more than a joke.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± a guard ran in with a hushed report. ¡°The front, back and side gates have all been stationed with imperial guards.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved to dismiss him, his brain spinning furiously. Sealing off the exits means that they don¡¯t want people to run away. But who does Ning Yu want to capture right now?...the soldiers. The soldiers from the south. The seven military officials who came on my orders with their troops!

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s gaze turned fierce before he summoned for Xie Anshi. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Is there no more ideas? If nothing else works, we can just get physical. We¡¯ll beat up those seven men and then lock them up. How¡¯s that, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, you still need a reason to fight, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t like the looks of them, then. As the emperor, can¡¯t I beat up who I like?¡±

    Shadowgale was still trying to figure out ¡®didn¡¯t like the looks of them¡¯ when Lou Zigui cut in. ¡°Definitely not. That will ruin your reputation.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately rebutted, ¡°I don¡¯t want any reputation, I just want military power!¡±

    Lou Zigui still shook his head. ¡°Forbidden. Wantonly punishing others is the conduct of a fatuous, self-indulgent ruler.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Whether or not she was a fatuous ruler, Grand Preceptor Xie would curse her all the same. (Author: Just who¡¯s bullying whom between the two of you....)

    ¡°I care,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head furiously as sheined, ¡°There¡¯s no point in me being the emperor!¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s head drooped as he pretended to hear nothing. Ning Xiaoyao twisted her head to looked around, finally spotting Grand Preceptor Xie talking with Xie Anshi by the door. She tugged on Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°My intuition tells me that old geezer Grand Preceptor¡¯s up to no good with his son!¡±

    Big Boss ck soundlessly jumped off the tea table and pressed his form against the wall as he headed in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s direction. Shadowgale was surprised. ¡°Is he going to eavesdrop on them?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. It¡¯s not the first time ck Tubby¡¯s eavesdropped on humans.

    Shadowgale¡¯s thoughts were awhirl. Even if the cat hears what those two are saying, how is he supposed to tell the rest of us.

    Lou Zigui took this moment to take out a small bottle from his sleeve. He told Shadowgale, ¡°Find a way to nt this on one of the seven men. Any one of them will do.¡±

    Afraid that others would notice, Shadowgale quickly took the bottle with one hand instead of the more polite two. ¡°What is this?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Poison,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao was shocked. ¡°Supreme Commander, you carry around things like that so casually?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Just in case.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could think up any situations where Supreme Commander Lou would need poison ¡®just in case.¡¯

    Shadowgale said, ¡°What do I do after nting the poison on them?¡±

    ¡°Leave that up to me,¡± Lou Zigui nced at the Xie father and son pair by doors. ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°Just go, Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°Actually, Supreme Commander¡¯s a thoroughly wicked man, too. You can¡¯t go wrong if you follow his lead in trapping others.¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t dare to look at Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s current expression, but turn and fled. In any case, Supreme Commander Lou wouldn¡¯t be able to beat up His Majesty.

    ¡°I¡¯m thoroughly wicked?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao. The Dragon Guards around the pair all backed away, knowing that interfering now would be useless.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked before realizing she¡¯d used an unkind term. Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to stand in front of her, and she quickly blurted out, ¡°I¡¯m saying that you¡¯re smart. It¡¯s apliment.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor should have figured out what we want by now,¡± the smart Supreme Commander said as he shifted the subject. He had Ning Xiaoyao look back at Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then should we just go home and give up?¡± If the victim of their plot already knew what they were up to, what was the point in seeing it through? They might as well go home and go to bed.

    ¡°Wait for Shadowgale toe back,¡± Lou Zigui stood there unmoving.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Will he nt the poison sessfully? Why do I feel like the odds are really low?¡±

    Lou Zigui squeezed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°If it fails, we won¡¯t lose anything by it. There¡¯s nothing to worry about, so consider it a trial run.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the Dragon Guards. So all of us ran over here just to see if we could get away with our schemes? Oh wait, that¡¯s not right. Ning Xiaoyao immediately consoled herself. I still got to carry away Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s grain, so it wasn¡¯t aplete waste of time.

    Xie Anshi took this moment to walk out of the room. Big Boss ck ran back like a streak of smoke. Thanks to all the vegetation growing around Old Madame¡¯s rooms, the lighting in the premises was quite poor. Big Boss ck and his body of ck fur blended easily into the shadows. Ning Xiaoyao asked for half a bag¡¯s worth of sugar beans from Lou Zigui and sat on a chair to snack on them. She didn¡¯t want to bother with any of this anymore.

    Big Boss cknded on her shoulder and said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor told his son to say those seven men are distant rtives of the Xie n. Now that his son¡¯s gone on to spread the message, everyone else in the Xie n will be fed the same story pretty soon.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips in disbelief. ¡°Tch, that¡¯s identical to the excuse I thought up. The Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t have any creativity.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s creativity?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°Creativity is...¡±

    ¡°Forget it, you don¡¯t have to tell me. This cat doesn¡¯t want to know,¡± Big Boss ck cut her off. ¡°Will Supreme Commander¡¯s side be alright?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed more sugar beans in her mouth. She didn¡¯t want to talk to this fat ck furball anymore!

    Elder Li had only lingered briefly in the room before stepping out again. He too, didn¡¯t think Lou Zigui had sealed off the estate just to investigate Old Madame Xie¡¯s death. The man had to be aiming for something else, so he decided to watch from the sidelines. Once he grew still, his cohorts joined him in their silence. None of them were as loud orbative as before in the mourning hall.

    By the time Xie Anshi finished his rounds around the estate, the courtyard surrounding the Old Madame¡¯s quarters had turned utterly silent, the kind of quiet that made your heart pound.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked his son when he returned as if it was an ordinary request.

    Xie Anshi shook his head. ¡°A few of the military officers tried but couldn¡¯t get out. Father, should we leave them in a random room instead?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sighed. ¡°His Majesty and Lou Zigui are targeting them. Wouldn¡¯t they lead a search if those seven disappear from sight?¡± The imperial guards and Dragon Guards already had experience from searching through the Xie Estate in the paste.

    Xie Anshi cast a nce at Ning Xiaoyao, who was still sitting in her chair and munching on sugar beans, before he lowered his voice. ¡°What if His Majesty trumps up charges against them?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be enough as long as I¡¯m still here.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Xie Anshi. Even if His Majesty¡¯s methods are limited, you haven¡¯t gained any advantage from him either, father!

    Ning Xiaoyao had held her breath to concentrate on the noisesing from the door to the room. Add that to the fact that it was silent to begin with and she heard the Xie father and son¡¯s conversation loud and clear. Spitting at the floor, Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt like it¡¯d be better to end it all with a brawl. Setting up shadowy plots and sinister ns was way too annoying!

    Shadowgale ran into the room at this time. He didn¡¯t say a word, but simply inclined his head slightly towards Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself, ¡°Heavens, he actually seeded.¡±

    Lou Zigui made sure to remind Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°When the timees, don¡¯t say a word. No matter what Xie Wenyuan says, you¡¯re not to speak up.¡±

    Not allowed to speak again? Ning Xiaoyao said unhappily, ¡°Then what if he curses me?¡±

    Lou Zigui pinched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s puffed-up cheeks and murmured, ¡°Cursing the emperor is a serious form of disrespect. You can just hit him then.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked in the direction of Grand Preceptor Xie. Grand Preceptor, you better curse me when the timees, ah!

 Chapter 147: His Majesty thinks, old geezer Xieâ€™s son is too ruthless

    <h4>Chapter 147: His Majesty thinks, old geezer Xie''s son is too ruthless</h4>

    Lou Zigui pointed at the blue and white porcin bowl on the tea table while raising his voice just loud enough to catch the attention of those outside. ¡°There¡¯s poison in this ginseng chicken soup,¡± he told Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes spun to rest on the tea table. Ning Xiaoyao subconsciously felt an urge to sit up straight, only to realize she was already sitting straight out of habit. Elder Li brought his men inside the rooms to stand in front of Grand Preceptor Xie. Their respective factions made a clear divide in the room.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Supreme Commander took this long to figure out the soup was poisoned?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied coldly, ¡°This subject isn¡¯t a doctor, but chanced to spill a bit of the soup before finding out it was toxic.¡± As he finished, he did a demonstration for the crowd by pointing out the burnt-out section of the table.

    Second Young Master Xie piped up from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side, ¡°My grandmother¡¯s body had a head injury. What does that have to do with this poison?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very possible that the culprit failed to poison her and thus resorted to violence,¡± Lou Zigui answered as he stared at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Grand Preceptor, all the exits out of the estate have been sealed. The killer should still be amongst us.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°Is Supreme Commander nning to search the estate?¡±

    Elder Li spoke up. ¡°What do you mean by those words, Grand Preceptor? Don¡¯t you want to capture the killer? Or perhaps, do you know who it is already?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t give Grand Preceptor Xie time to reply. ¡°Someonee, start searching.¡±

    Second Young Master Xie said, ¡°Lou Zigui, who are you nning to search? Do you know who used the poison?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°I don¡¯t, but I¡¯ll check them one by one until I find something.¡±

    ¡°You make it sound so easy,¡± Xie Anji said next. ¡°Our Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate has around 1,000 members. How long will it take to search them one by one?¡±

    Lou Zigui simplyughed in ridicule. He looked at Grand Preceptor Xie and said mercilessly, ¡°Does Second Young Master Xie have no brains at all?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Xie Anji wanted to rage at those words.

    ¡°Cough, cough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao coughed as she waved a fist in Xie Anji¡¯s direction. What kind of tone is that?

    Xie Anji had experienced the fury of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fists first hand, so the sight of them made him choke back his words.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie turned his attention to Ning Xiaoyao. Lou Zigui took the chance to bump lightly against the tea table. Taking the hint, Ning Xiaoyao simply shook her head at Grand Preceptor Xie. Isn¡¯t it just keeping my mouth shut? I can do that!

    ¡°Naturally, there¡¯s no need to investigate members of the family,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t believe that the Xie n would produce such scum. Neither do we need to look into people who¡¯ve never made contact with Old Madame before, because those types wouldn¡¯t have had to chance to poison her even if they wanted.¡±

    ¡°Someonee,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said coldly. ¡°Take all of Old Madame¡¯s servants into custody and interrogate them!¡±

    The scene outside the courtyard quickly devolved into a crying mess. All of the Old Madame¡¯s servant girls and mama were dragged into the courtyard until all 30 were crying and pleading injustice. Ning Xiaoyao listened to the hubbub outside. All of these people were Old Madame¡¯s servants. Most likely, some of them witnessed the little white flower have a falling out with Old Madame firsthand. Some of them should know the truth, right? But after listening for awhile, she didn¡¯t hear anyone speak the truth. All of them were pleading and iming innocence instead. Ning Xiaoyao red at Grand Preceptor Xie and began to suspect whether the man had already killed off all his witnesses.

    ¡°Bring in those outsiders as well,¡± Lou Zigui told Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°We don¡¯t know their origins, so it¡¯s better to capture the innocent rather than let the culprit off.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded. You were waiting to say that line, weren¡¯t you?

    Elder Li said, ¡°What are you waiting for? Hurry and investigate.¡±

    Lou Zigui ordered Shadowgale, ¡°This matter concerns His Majesty¡¯s great-grandmother; you have to take care in your investigations.¡±

    Shadowgale assented and brought his Dragon Guards away before Grand Preceptor Xie spoke a word. After they passed him, he told Xie Anji, ¡°Have Xie Anshi do as I instructed.¡±

    Xie Anji had no idea what his father had ordered, but assented as well before scurrying off. Ning Xiaoyao heard Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words clearly, but she had no idea what kind of schemes he¡¯d gotten up to with Xie Anshi. She patted Big Boss ck¡¯s head and murmured, ¡°ck Tubby, help me out with a favor, will you? How about you follow after that Xie Anji?¡±

    Big Boss ck licked his whiskers before jumping off the tea table and silently tailing his target. While the results of the investigation were pending, the people in the room found themselves with nothing to talk about. Once again, the scene fell into silence. Ning Xiaoyao crunched a sugar bean as she began to stared at the various treasures scattered around the room. The more she looked, the more she was convinced that Grand Preceptor Xie was a covetous, corrupt official. Supreme Commander was a major official too, but he still had to ask her for money. Meanwhile, the Xie n¡¯s rooms were filled with gold and silver. She had to find a way to kill off that old geezer. Ning Xiaoyao grit her teeth. Once he¡¯s dead, I¡¯ll have money!

    Xie Anji found his younger brother in a smallteral court located at the north of the estate. He nced at the seven other man with Xie Anshi in the rooms before telling his brother, ¡°Father said for you to do as he instructed.¡±

    Xie Anshi hastily asked, ¡°That Cuckoo Lou¡¯s started searching our estate?¡±

    Xie Anji nodded. ¡°Lou Zigui wants to investigate everyone close to the Old Madame, as well as any and all outsiders.¡±

    Xie Anshi grew hateful. ¡°Isn¡¯t he an outsider himself?¡±

    Xie Anji shook his head. ¡°He only arrived with His Majesty after Old Madame Xie passed away. What¡¯s the use of arguing with him over technicalities now? Just what did father tell you to do?¡±

    Big Boss ck leaped onto a window ledge and peered into the room. His eyes narrowed at the sight, estimating that the men inside were the very ones Supreme Commander was hunting!

    Third Young Master Xie looked at the seven military officers before cupping his hands and bowing. In an apologetic tone, he said, ¡°Gentlemen, forgive me.¡±

    The seven officers had no idea what Grand Preceptor Xie had nned, and only looked uncertainly at Xie Anshi. Meanwhile,Xie Anji grew rmed. He was familiar with his father¡¯s methods. Is the n to silence them by killing them all?!

    Xie Anshi shouted at the door, ¡°Men,e!¡±

    A dozen or so of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s personal guards entered the room. Xie Anshi backed up a few steps until he was standing right in front of Big Boss ck¡¯s window. The guards that came in raised their sabers without a word and hacked at the men instead. In response, the seven military officers instinctively made to avoid the blows.

    Xie Anshi¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°If none of you get hurt, Lou Zigui will capture you all. Falling into his hands is a fate worse than death!¡±

    The seven men froze with their fists and legs in the air.

    ¡°Leading troops into the capital without a permit is a capital offense,¡± Xie Anshi continued. ¡°Father is doing this so you can preserve your lives. I ask that you gentlemen make allowances for the situation.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the seven officers. It was Grand Preceptor Xie who summoned us to the capital, ah. Why does it sound like Third Young Master Xie¡¯s ming us for our own bad luck?

    ¡°What are you all spacing out for?¡± Xie Anshi urged the guards. ¡°Hurry and attack them!¡±

    A few shes from the guardster, and the seven military officers were left on the floor in a bleeding pile. Xie Anji felt himself choke as he beat a hasty retreat until his back was pressed against the wall. The bloody scene before him made him want to throw up. Xie Anshi disliked blood as well, but he bore it much better than his brother. His expression betrayed nothing as he stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back.

    Big Boss ck saw the tallest of the seven men left with his legs cut to the bone. He swished his tail before jumping off the window ledge and running back to Old Madame¡¯s. Neither the Xie brothers nor the other humans inside the room ever noticed he was there. Even if they did, they wouldn¡¯t have paid him much mind. The floor inside the room was quickly stained with blood. All of the seven men either sported broken legs or or twisted fingers. Luckily, their experience as military men gave them enough fortitude to maintain consciousness despite their heavy injuries.

    Three doctors were soon ushered into the room, all of whom quailed internally at the sight. Xie Anshi told the doctors, ¡°Treat their wounds.¡±

    Xie Anji paced a circle in the room before he approached Xie Anshi in a small voice. ¡°What does father mean by this?¡±

    Xie Anshi replied equally quietly, ¡°What he means? Lou Zigui wants to capture them. If we hadn¡¯t broken their hands and legs just then, father wouldn¡¯t have any way to deny that they weren¡¯t Old Madame¡¯s killers.¡±

    Xie Anji processed the information before he finally understand. He sucked in a breath and paled as the implications hit him, then turned red with indignation. ¡°That¡¯s going too far!¡± he hissed.

    Xie Anshi said, ¡°Second brother, do you think His Majesty only came to pay condolences?¡±

    Xie Anji stared at him nkly before he eximed, ¡°Just what happened?!¡± Old Madame Xie had passed her days peacefully in the estate. How could she die just like that?

    Xie Anshi shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Neither of us were home at the time. Father wasn¡¯t here, either. If there¡¯s anyone to ask, it¡¯d have to be mother.¡±

    ¡°W-was it His Majesty?¡± Xie Anji guessed haphazardly.

    Xie Anshi didn¡¯t reply. It would have been impossible for mother to hide the culprit behind Old Madame¡¯s death. Despite this, father was only concerned with arranging her funeral as soon as possible instead of investigating her head wound. None of them had even been allowed to see her body onest time. Could it be....could it be that the killer really was Ning Yu? Xie Anshi thought. Did Ning Yu send someone to kill Old Madame?

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in Old Madame¡¯s room, listening to Big Boss ck make his report.

    ¡°The room was full of blood, ah, miaow~¡± Big Boss ck murmured.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms. That old geezer Xie¡¯s son is too ruthless! How are we supposed to counter this?

    Sensing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s agitation, Lou Zigui lowered his head to look at her. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked in a low voice.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Those seven men are in a room in the northern part of the estate.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t bother asking Ning Xiaoyao how she knew, but simply replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Shadowgale and the rest will search there as well.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuck up a finger. ¡°There¡¯s one more piece of bad news.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor had his men break their legs and fingers,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Now they¡¯re practically paralyzed, so how are we supposed to use them of poisoning and beating the Old Madame to death?¡±

    Lou Zigui knit his brow.

    ¡°It¡¯s true, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her eyes. ¡°Supreme Commander, look at these honest eyes of mine.¡±

    ¡°You---" Lou Zigui said, ¡°How did you find that out?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s not the point, is it? The point is that we can¡¯t beat the Grand Preceptor now. We should just go home and take a nap!

 Chapter 148: His Majesty gets tricked

    <h4>Chapter 148: His Majesty gets tricked</h4>

    ¡°I....I have little pals here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao could only mumble out after some thought. However, Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t seen any person speak to Ning Xiaoyao. Where are your so-called little pals?

    ¡°Is it over now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°How about we go home instead? Let them bury Old Madame first, maybe?¡±

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head before whispering a few things at a Dragon Guard behind him. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sharp ears picked up Supreme Commander telling him that the men were in the northern courtyard, and to carry them over here.

    The Dragon Guard obeyed before running out of the room. Ning Xiaoyao nced at Lou Zigui. Those people already have broken bones galore. Isn¡¯t it impossible to pin the crime on a bunch of crippled soldiers? The silence in the room remained unbroken until the sound of quick footsteps came their way.

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped breathing. It¡¯s time!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale¡¯s voice sounded from outside. ¡°We subordinates have captured seven men in the northern court of the estate.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯ve already said, those are Xie n members!¡±Xie Anji said loudly from behind. When Ning Xiaoyao saw Lou Zigui and Grand Preceptor Xie both standing there without moving, Ning Xiaoyao leaped out of her chair and covered the distance to the door in just a few strides. She was far less patient than those two. Outside in the grassy courtyard, seven bloody men were lined up side by side. A doctor had already binded up their injuries underyers of thick bandages.

    Ning Xiaoyao sized them up and ascertained that these were all of the seven men they¡¯d wanted to capture. Not one of them had escaped.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale bowed, awaiting orders. Ning Xiaoyao was about to walk down the steps when Lou Zigui pulled her back.

    ¡°Who are they?¡± Lou Zigui turned his head to ask Grand Preceptor Xie, who was justing out himself.

    ¡°They¡¯re distance rtives of my Xie n,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    ¡°Are they recorded in the genealogy books?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Bring the book,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered Xie Anshi.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Holy crap, old geezer Xie even created fake records for them on short notice?!

    Soon enough, Xie Anshi arrived with the genealogy book and handed them over to Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyu stuck her head in to look, but didn¡¯t understand the contents. She lowered her voice and murmured, ¡°Are there any problems with it?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Lou Zigui said as he closed the book again.

    Well, then. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Grand Preceptor Xie, thoroughly convinced that they¡¯d lost. Even if we can¡¯t hold onto those guys, we can still keep hold on our dignity. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you sure have a lot of rtives.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s tone was full of respect. ¡°Your Majesty, the Xie n has only grown in the past few centuries. Our sons and grandsons have prospered thanks to thete emperor and Your Majesty¡¯s grace.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. What does your Xie n birth rate have to do with the likes of me?

    ¡°Why were they injured?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Lou Zigui,¡± Xie Anshi said bluntly, ¡°Are you interrogating my father?¡±

    ¡°What impudence!¡± Elder Li cried. ¡°Xie Anshi, you¡¯re only a minister at the Ministry of Civil Personnel. What right do you have to call Supreme Commander Lou by his full name¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only protecting father, since when did I---¡±

    ¡°That there, his upbringing wascking,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut in. ¡°Old gramps, don¡¯t get mad. Even Supreme Commander¡¯s ignoring him, see?¡±

    Everyone in the courtyard looked towards Xie Anshi. After His Majesty had called the eldest young master a bastard, now Third Young Master Xie was someone brought up with a poor education. If Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t endure past this trial, then it¡¯d be a pipe dream for this generation of Xie n men to hold government posts andmand the courts like their forefathers.

    Xie Anshi looked at Ning Xiaoyao, dearly wanting to flip out. But he held his temper in check and felt miserable instead.

    ¡°They met with the mobs in the capital,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie exined. ¡°And were attacked by them in turn.¡±

    ¡°I see calluses on their hands,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°The kind you get from frequent use of bows or other weapons. They¡¯re familiar with those, but they couldn¡¯t fight off a mob of civilians?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°There wasn¡¯t enough time to retaliate, so these serious injuries are excusable.¡±

    ¡°True enough,¡± Lou Zigui nodded, before looking suspiciously at the seven men. ¡°What¡¯s the rtionship between you seven? Friends?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao listened ignorantly,pletely unaware of the trap set in Lou Zigui¡¯s words. Grand Preceptor Xie furtively shook his head at the men. There was no way they could im to being friends, because they were already ¡°rtives¡± of the Xie n. How could family members say they were friends stead?

    The seven military officials had all taken painkillers, but the side effects of such drugs was to making them slow and sluggish. An alert and focused mind would have no way to ignore the pain from such injuries. Because of that, the seven men were feeling a little slow in their heads as well, and unconsciously nodded to Lou Zigui¡¯s words.

    Elder Li barked out a coldugh. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression remained unchanged. ¡°They¡¯ve grown up together since childhood, so they¡¯re family as well as friends.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gaped at Grand Preceptor Xie. You can even turn the tides at a time like this?!

    ¡°Search them,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly. A few Dragon Guards stepped forward and started frisking the seven men. Xie Anshi made a cating motion to Grand Preceptor Xie, indicating that it¡¯d be alright. All seven men had been changed into new clothes already, and the poison in the nted bottle had long been reced with a copy. At this moment, Cousin Magpie flew into the courtyard with a tiny white bottle between his beak. Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife was resting in her nest, and nced at the bottle her husband tossed by her feet.

    ¡°What is this? Can we eat it?¡±

    Cousin Magpie replied, ¡°The men that Xiaoyao want to capture changed their clothes. This bottle was hidden in one of their robes.¡±

    ¡°Is it useful to Xiaoyao?¡± Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife asked in a rush.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah,¡± Cousin Magpie shook his head. ¡°There were men guarding the pile of discarded clothes. When I flew in the window to take this bottle, they almost discovered me!¡±

    How heroic was it to steal things from human ws right under their noses? Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife looked at her husband with admiring eyes. (Author: Hey, humans ws are called hands!)

    ¡°What should I do?¡± Cousin Magpie asked.

    ¡°Deliver it to Xiaoyao, ah,¡± his wife replied. ¡°Suppose she needs it? But if she doesn¡¯t and it¡¯s edible, you can bring it back to us.¡± She had always been a magpie good at nning.

    ¡°That courtyard¡¯s full of humans. Should I toss the bottle at Xiaoyao¡¯s head?¡± Cousin Magpie asked uneasily.

    Now his wife thought he was foolish. ¡°Can¡¯t you call Xiaoyao out of the courtyard? It¡¯s not like the other humans can understand you, pah!¡±

    Suddenly seeing the light, Cousin Magpie picked up the bottle in his mouth and flew off again. Currently, one of the Dragon Guards in Old Madame¡¯s courtyard had found a bottle in the folds of one man¡¯s clothing.

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie called out before the Dragon Guard gave the bottle to Lou Zigui. ¡°Let this old man have a look.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded towards the guard, who handed the bottle over. Grand Preceptor Xie examined the object before asking, ¡°Supreme Commander, what do you think is in this bottle?¡±

    If Xie Wenyuan could order these men to be beaten, wouldn¡¯t he order their clothes to be searched as well? Lou Zigui was now very clear that the white bottle in his hands wasn¡¯t the poison at all. Perhaps it was wine or even clear water. However, he still had two bottles of the same poison hidden in his sleeve. His next goal was to somehow find a link between his poisons and those seven men. It would be easy to fabricate something when his targets were lying right there.

    Although Supreme Commander Lou knew exactly how things stood, Ning Xiaoyao waspletely clueless. When she heard Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s question and saw the bottle, she assumed it was the one that Supreme Commander had handed off to Shadowgale. In that case, she proimed, ¡°It might even be poison!¡±

    Because she spoke too quickly, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t have time to stop her. Grand Preceptor Xie looked at her and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, they¡¯re members of the Xie n as well. What motive would they have to hurt Old Madame?¡±

    Under Xie Anshi¡¯s prodding, the seven men all starting crying out for injustice. Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°I¡¯m not the one who wanted to kill her. I don¡¯t know these men either, so how am I supposed to guess their motives?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Then what if there isn¡¯t poison in this bottle?¡±

    Then I¡¯ll admit that you¡¯re the stronger one and go home to eat, wash up, and sleep! Ning Xiaoyao thought privately, but said out loud, ¡°Then we¡¯ll keep searching for the culprit.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui spoke up, since it was useless to pull her back now.

    ¡°Supreme Commander Lou,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Don¡¯t stand in for Your Majesty for every little thing. You¡¯re only a subject, so you should act the part.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°What are you wasting words for? Hurry up and test it for poison.¡±

    Lou Zigui rested his forehead against his hand. Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject believes that they had no intention to hurt the Old Madame.¡±

    ¡°Then I firmly believe that they¡¯re guilty,¡± Ning Xiaoyao refused to ept his im. ¡°How do you know what¡¯s in that bottle unless you test it first?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sucked in a breath. Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°There¡¯s no need to find a test subject. Just pour some on the ground and see what happens. If the poison¡¯s corrosive enough to burn the tea table, it¡¯ll probably react against dirt, too.¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s no poison in the bottle, can Your Majesty restore their innocence?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked with the bottle in his hands.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao sensed that something was amiss. Why is this old man feeling so confident?

    Grand Preceptor Xie opened the bottle and poured some of its contents on the ground. No reaction came from the dirt. Next, he took a sip of the liquid and told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this bottle contains nothing but hard liquor.¡±

    Even the smell of white wine was filling the air now as Ning Xiaoyao realized she¡¯d been tricked. Grand Preceptor Xie walked back to the walkway and stood there to show that he was unharmed, before saying respectfully, ¡°Your Majesty, can you restore these men¡¯s innocence now?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. What should I do now?

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Although they¡¯re onlymoners, they have filial piety as well. This subject asks that Your Majesty restore their innocence.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could only mutter awkwardly, ¡°The way you¡¯re saying things makes me sound like a bad guy.¡±

    ¡°This subject wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie hastened to say.

    Big Boss ck, who was squatting by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side, couldn¡¯t be bothered with keeping up appearances in front of his Supreme Commander anymore. He wed Ning Xiaoyao and meowed, ¡°You ninny, miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao only looked helplessly at Lou Zigui. Can we still salvage the situation? Lou Zigui¡¯s expression hadn¡¯t changed much. He went to order the Dragon Guards, ¡°Keep searching, but be more detailed this time.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the Dragon Guards. They¡¯ve already changed the bottles, so what are we supposed to find?

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Cousin Magpie¡¯s call came from outside the courtyard. ¡°Xiaoyao, hurry ande out, I have something for you~¡±

 Chapter 149: On how to properly fabricate charges

    <h4>Chapter 149: On how to properly fabricate charges</h4>

    ¡°I need some peace and quiet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao actually wanted to say she needed to pee, but she didn¡¯t know where the restroom was and wanted to prevent Grand Preceptor Xie from arranging an attendant at her side to spy on her. (Author: Your Majesty, you¡¯re really a prudent person. Would the Grand Preceptor need any excuses to nt agents on you?)

    Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°Is the magpie one of your little pals?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, how did you know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, hurry ande out!¡± Cousin Magpie shouted from outside.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± After saying he¡¯de, Big Boss ck ran off.

    ¡°My cat!¡± Ning Xiaoyao chased after Big Boss ck.

    ¡°.......¡± said everyone else. While everyone else was struggling to catch their breath, His Majesty had enough time to worry about his pet?

    Lou Zigui pointed out two Dragon Guards and told them, ¡°Protect His Majesty well.¡±

    The two guards hastened out of the courtyard, but Ning Xiaoyao had long vanished from sight by then.

    ¡°Where¡¯s His Majesty?¡± one of the guards asked the stewards of the Xie Estate.

    The steward looked like he was dreaming, but another one replied, ¡°I, I just blinked and His Majesty was gone.¡±

    The two Dragon Guards wanted to beat the guy up. His Majesty disappeared with a blink? What, is he a ghost or something?!

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was crouched in one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s flower beds, hidden behind ten pots of bonsai that were half-a-man tall. Both she and Big Boss ck werepletely concealed by the nts. Cousin Magpie stood beneath a miniature pine tree as he tossed the bottle in his beak to Ning Xiaoya¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, this was taken off those seven men. See if you can make use of it,¡± he said.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the bottle and rubbed her eyes. Why does this bottle look identical to the other one?

    Big Boss ck urged, ¡°Hurry and have a look, is something wrong with your eyes?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°This is an exact copy of Supreme Commander¡¯s bottle!¡±

    Cousin Magpie tilted his head. ¡°This is a verymon bottle, ah. Lots of families have them at home.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck told Cousin Magpie. ¡°Now do you believe that she¡¯s a ninny?¡± She doesn¡¯t even know that all kinds of households have bottles like these. If she¡¯s not a ninny, then what is she?

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself. ¡°stics don¡¯t exist in this world yet.¡±

    ¡°What stick?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s not talk about that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao unscrewed the cap and poured a bit of the liquid inside onto the mud. Soon enough, the liquid began to froth and bubble.

    Cousin Magpie was disappointed. ¡°This isn¡¯t food, chirp.¡±

    ¡°This is poison,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°It looks very simr to the one found in the Old Madame¡¯s ginseng chicken soup. Say, why do you guys think Supreme Commander carries around poisons when he goes outside? Is he preparing to kill himself, or kill other people?¡±

    Big Boss ck scratched Ning Xiaoyao again. ¡°This cat really has to admire you for puzzling over Supreme Commander at a time like this. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s about to win! Maybe Supreme Commander had the foresight to know that trouble woulde today?¡±

    Cousin Magpie nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right, I heard Grand Preceptor Xie said that a general needs to experience hundreds of battles before bing a good leader, but a true God of War requires natural talent.¡±

    Big Boss ck meowed, ¡°Supreme Commander is a God of War~¡±

    ¡°.......¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Things like that exist? Do all Gods of War possess the ability to see the future?

    ¡°What kind of expression are you making?¡± Big Boss ck stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You don¡¯t believe that Supreme Commander is a God of War?¡±

    ¡°Not that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether he is or not, as long as he doesn¡¯t hit me.¡±

    Cousin Magpie nodded. That makes sense. Big Boss ck really couldn¡¯t figure it out. Does Supreme Commander look like the type of human who hits his wife?

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop chatting and get to work,¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped off the flower beds with Big Boss ck padding at her heels.

    ¡°Just what are you nning to do?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I---¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped talking when she saw Fifth Young Miss Xieing towards them from a distance.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Xie Duoying stopped to look at Ning Xiaoyao, then at the flowerbed behind her.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I relieved myself back there.¡±

    ¡°Relieved?¡±

    ¡°That means to pee, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said while staning stock-straight.

    Pee? Xie Duoying narrowly fainted away. Is this something the sovereign of an entire nation should say? How am I supposed to spend my days if I really ended up marrying a man like him? He¡¯s worse than a country bumpkin! In a sh, Fifth Young Miss Xie didn¡¯t feel like being His Majesty¡¯s woman anymore. (Author: His Majesty really doesn¡¯t want to be your man either, Fifth Young Miss! o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Ning Xiaoyao turned tail and ran. Grand Preceptor Xie was still waiting to be taught a lesson! Xie Duoying looked dazedly after Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s retreating form. But if I don¡¯t be His Majesty¡¯s woman, what else do I do? The Old Madame had once told her that she was a girl who had already been presented to the emperor. She would have no more chances to marry outside the pce into other families.

    Meanwhile, Lady Wang walked by with two mama supporting her on both sides and a cluster of servant girls. When she saw Xie Duoying spacing out on the paths, she stopped and asked, ¡°Fifth girl, what are you doing here?¡±

    Xie Duoying turned with a bow at Lady Wang¡¯s voice before she murmured, ¡°Just then, His Majesty was here.¡±

    Lady Wang felt her head hurt as soon as she heard ¡®His Majesty.¡¯ Xie Duoying hastened to exin, ¡°I, I didn¡¯t expect His Majesty to show up here.¡±

    Lady Wangughed coldly. ¡°Judging from what I saw just then, His Majesty didn¡¯t show you a shred of interest, right?¡±

    Xie Duoying silently hung her head.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you returning to your rooms yet?¡± Lady Wang shouted. ¡°It¡¯s chaotic in the estate now, so don¡¯t you cause me more worries, too. You¡¯re still a daughter of a noble house, but we have soldiers and military men running around right now. Why are you wandering about?¡±

    Xie Duoying¡¯s face paled as she left.

    ¡°My Lady, please calm your anger,¡± one of the elderly female servants said after seeing her mistress¡¯s stormy expression.

    But Lady Wang only shot back, ¡°The Old Madame spoiled that girl rotten! She thinks she can fly up the branches and turn into a phoenix just like that?¡±

    None of the servants dared to answer Lady Wang¡¯s question. Xie Duoying had been the Old Madame¡¯s treasure, but wasn¡¯t favored with Lady Wang. Now that the Old Madame was dead and His Majesty uninterested in Fifth Young Miss, her days in the estate could only grow more difficult.

    As soon as Xie Duoying was beyond the sights of Lady Wang and her servants, she picked up her skirts and fled. Meanwhile, Shadowgale turned a corner while searching for Ning Xiaoyao and happened to see the girl as she ran towards him. Her fluttering skirts in the wind made her seem like a flower in bloom, but tears were streaming down her face.

    Shadowgale flickered to the side the the path to hide himself. Even if His Majesty allowed his Dragon Guards to marry, he still had Little Peach Blossom in the pce. How could he set his eyes on another woman? Still, Xie Duoying happened to trip at the same time Shadowgale flickered away. There were quite a few sharp rocks scattered on the cobblestone path, so Shadowgale hastened to grab Fifth Young Miss Xie before she could fall. She ended up crashing into a wide and unfamiliar chest. Her hair ornament scratched Shadowgale¡¯s chin; fortunately, it didn¡¯t draw blood.

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was walking in the middle of Old Madame¡¯s courtyard when she stumbled as well. ¡°Ah--!¡± she eximed, until Lou Zigui spread open his arms and firmly caught her. Surprisingly, Ning Xiaoyao was still trying to reach the ground.

    ¡°Put me down, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured to him. ¡°I brought over the poison!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s brain was still processing her words as he instinctively released her. Ning Xiaoyao crashed spectacrly to the ground and met gazes with one of the military officers lying on the ground.

    ¡°......¡± said everyone else. It wasn¡¯t strange for His Majesty to trip since he was only human, but his hands were in the wrong ce. While His Majesty Ning¡¯s right hand was resting on the military officer¡¯s trousers, his left had alreadynded on the man¡¯s crotch. It really was a boorish position.

    Before anyone could react, Supreme Commander Lou plucked His Majesty up like a rabbit. This too, was another scene they¡¯d never seen before!

    ¡°Sess,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to sh Lou Zigui a V sign. ¡°I stuffed the bottle into his underwear!¡±

    Lou Zigui set Ning Xiaoyao on the ground and replied, ¡°After we get back to the pce, have Imperial Physician Gao write you a prescription so you can wash your hands.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked. Why do I need medicine to wash my hands?

    Lou Zigui stared at the officer lying on the ground. Very good, I¡¯ll remember your face from now on.

    ¡°Is anything wrong?¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged at Lou Zigui¡¯s hand.

    ¡°How could you--¡± Lou Zigui wanted to hold back, but couldn¡¯t. ¡°How could you touch him there?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°My hand didn¡¯t go into his underwear, ah. All I did was toss it in--¡± she demonstrated with a movement of her fingers. ¡°--and the bottle went inside. How could I touch another guy in that ce?¡± Still, Ning Xiaoyao mused to herself as she recalled the ce she bumped against just then, He¡¯s got a sizable girth.

    ¡°What are you thinking of now?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°N-nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sniffed a few times. ¡°Nothing at all.¡±

    It¡¯d be strange if Supreme Commander believed a word she said!

    Grand Preceptor Xie approached the pair and asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, do you want to keep searching?¡±

    ¡°Hm? Is the search already finished?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed away the hand that Lou Zigui was nning to mute her with, then pointed at the officer by her feet. ¡°I think he¡¯s hiding something there!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie followed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s finger to see the man¡¯s crotch...

    ¡°Search him again,¡± Lou Zigui told one of the Dragon Guards by his side. The Dragon Guard in question felt dejected by the news. I have to touch a man¡¯s crotch!

    ¡°Is there any need to search?¡± Ning Xiaoyao bent down and undid the man¡¯s waist band, before preparing to taking off his pants. Lou Zigui picked Ning Xiaoyao up again. Isn¡¯t she aware that she¡¯s a girl at all? Supreme Commander Lou was about to explode with rage!

    The Dragon Guard took off the officer¡¯s pants and everyone stared at the white bottle that rolled out of the trousers and onto the ground. The officer was covered in cold sweat. Just then, His Majesty had pinched his waist so hard that he nearly passed out. Even now, he found himself unable to speak from the pain.

    Ning Xiaoyao harumphed inwardly. If I had let you yell, how would I have gotten away with nting the evidence?

 Chapter 150: Young ne Wang gets her wish fulfilled

    <h4>Chapter 150: Young ne Wang gets her wish fulfilled</h4>

    ¡°How about you try another sip, Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested to Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°If it¡¯s wine again, I¡¯ll apologize to this warrior and find another way to uncover the culprits.¡±

    The quick-witted Dragon Guard quickly picked up the bottle from the ground and offered it to Grand Preceptor Xie. Ning Xiaoyao was quite anticipating the old man¡¯s reaction. If he dies this time, it won¡¯t be on me, right?

    Grand Preceptor Xie wasn¡¯t that stupid. He unscrewed the lip and dripped a bit of the liquid on the ground, only to see it fizz and frothter. The crowd broke into an uproar at the sight.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Xie Anshi muttered in shock. He had personally put that bottle away and ordered his men to guard it, but why was there still poison here?

    Next to him,Xie Anji muttered, ¡°Did His Majesty slip in the bottle just then?¡±

    Although Ning Xiaoyao had ended up sprawled across the officer in an undignified manner, it¡¯d only taken seconds before Lou Zigui pulled her back up. That was hardly enough time for His Majesty to stick out a hand, much less slip in the evidence. Could they use His Majesty of framing the other man? Could His Majesty even move that fast? Unless he knew how to do sleight of hand?

    There were people who suspected Ning Xiaoyao in the courtyard, but they quickly dismissed the idea. Moreover, all of them had watched the entire incident unfold. How could anyone miss a person slipping a bottle into the man¡¯s pants?

    ¡°I¡¯ve, I¡¯ve been framed,¡± the officer finally found enough breath to shout out.

    ¡°Bastard,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie cursed, before pouring the contents of the poison on his face.

    ¡°AH!¡± Both the officer and Ning Xiaoyao cried out at the same time.

    ¡°H-how could you do such a thing?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Grand Preceptor Xie in rage.

    Grand Preceptor Xie was shaking all over, furious beyond belief. ¡°The crime of my mother¡¯s death must be avenged!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. When ites to acting, I really can¡¯tpare to his skills.

    At this moment, the military officer let out a horrible shriek. Ayer of blood-soaked bubbles formed on his skin. Because his mouth was open, the liquid trickled between his lips and suddenly silenced him. Before long, bloody froth began to emerge from his lips as well. An acidic liquid capable of dissolving wood and dirt was more than capable of eating through skin and flesh.

    ¡°Take them all into custody!¡± Grand Preceptor Xiemanded as he pointed at the military officers. Lou Zigui swept his eyes over the men who moved forward and froze them with one nce. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao knelt down and rested her hand against the bleeding officer¡¯s face. She was full of internal curses as the bloody froth bubbled beneath her. She never expected Grand Preceptor Xie to be so eager to kill.

    ¡°Take them away,¡± Lou Zigui told the Dragon Guards.

    ¡°Lou Zigui, what do you mean by this?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was now simply using Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s full name.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s reply was cold. ¡°This subject understands the Grand Preceptor¡¯s pain for losing a mother. However, Grand Preceptor cannot resort to using torture methods in front of His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Killing someone without interrogating them first?¡± Elder Li stepped forward. ¡°Grand Preceptor, aren¡¯t you afraid that the Old Madame will be discontent in death? Until we figure out who¡¯s right or wrong, aren¡¯t you concerned with uncovering the truth?¡±

    Lou Zigui waved a hand at the Dragon Guards, who ran forward, raised up the officers, and carried them away. Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a handkerchief and used it to cover the face of the officer she¡¯d helped. It¡¯d be better if no one saw his fully recovered face and used her of using dark magic.

    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t any of you find the bottle before?¡± Xie Anshi ran over and said loudly. No matter who did it, that¡¯s just nting evidence to fabricate charges!

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Who¡¯s going to touch a ce like for no reason?¡±

    Xie Anshi was rendered mute. That¡¯s right, what kind of man would touch another man in that ce? The bottle isn¡¯t big to begin with, and it¡¯s the long and narrow type, so even if someone touched it identally, they might not realize what it is.

    ¡°Look at what you¡¯re saying,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Third Young Master Xie. ¡°nting stolen evidence on him? If that¡¯s the case, why didn¡¯t he say anything? Wouldn¡¯t he have felt it if someone stuffed something down his pants?¡±

    Once again, Xie Anshi didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s matter,¡± Lou Zigui murmured by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear.

    Ning Xiaoyao knitted her brows. Things are already haywire, so why don¡¯t we forget about the little white flower instead?

    Elder Li then said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, you must interrogate these seven men thoroughly. Ask them why they made a move against an olddy.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Lou Zigui nudged her hand again, forcing Ning Xiaoyao to say, ¡°I released young n¨¦e Wang. In the past, Old Madame Xie told me that she really liked that little white flower. In light of her tragic death, and to express my own filial piety, I¡¯m---I¡¯m going to let young n¨¦e Wang be the official consort of Xie Anyi.¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt her teeth ache when she finished speaking. After all that fuss, I let that little white flower get what she wanted in the end!

    Lady Wang was standing right outside the courtyard. At Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, her eyes rolled to the back of her head before she lost consciousness.

    ¡°My Lady?¡±

    ¡°Someonee, quick, My Lady¡¯s fainted away!¡±

    Outside the courtyard, the servant girls and women were whipped into a frenzy. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao spread out her arms towards Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Looks like Lady Wang¡¯s very happy. See that? She was so thrilled that she fainted.¡±

    ¡°..........¡± said everyone else.

    Grand Preceptor Xie could taste blood in his throat from his rage. Not only did you ruin Old Madame¡¯s wake, you stole those seven officers from my very hands and sent young n¨¦e Wang, that vicious wife, to disgust us all.

    ¡°Where is Young Madame Wang?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°The woodhouse in the eastern courtyard,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told two other Dragon Guards. ¡°Take a trip and bring her over.¡±

    The two Dragon Guards did as they were told. Grand Preceptor Xie felt his body grow cold. Ning Yu even knows what¡¯s going on around the estate. There has to be spies in the house. More than that, they¡¯re even spies who can walk freely about the estate!

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± By now, Lady Wang had been revived by her servants and was kneeling outside the courtyard to shout out.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t left here in, only replied, ¡°Yourdyship doesn¡¯t need to thank me. Go busy yourself with Old Madame¡¯s funeral arrangements instead.¡± If I let that woman in, she¡¯d definitely bite me to death.

    Lady Wang shouted out, ¡°Your Majesty, young n¨¦e Wang was neither a virtuous wife nor a principled woman. How could such a person be my son¡¯s official wife? I beg Your Majesty to reconsider, ah!¡±

    There were a few male members of the Wang n present in the courtyard as well. When they heard Lady Wang¡¯s words, their expressions turned ugly. This is a chance for our Wang n women to revive instead of worrying whether they¡¯d be able to marry. What does Lady Wang mean by this? His Majesty¡¯s making a concession in the face of Old Madame, but this woman still wants to force our n¡¯s females to a dead end?!

    Grand Preceptor Xie silently cursed his wife for being stupid, before turning to order Xie Anshi. ¡°Your mother is so stricken with grief that she¡¯s lost all sense of reason. Take her back to her rooms!¡± Antagonizing her own n for the sake of a single girl we could easily get rid of ourselves? Just what is she thinking?

    Xie Anshi didn¡¯t dare to speak, but only muttered an assent and walked out of the courtyard.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lady Wang was still crying and wailing outside as she rebuked each and every one of young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s wrongs.

    One of her elderly servants suddenly murmured under her breath, ¡°My Lady!¡±

    Lady Wang turned back at the voice, only to see young n¨¦e Wang standing nearby, staring at her expressionlessly. She adjusted theb in her hair before striding straight past her without a nce,pletely disregarding her aunt and mother-inw.

    ¡°Despicable chatan,¡± Lady Wang grew angry at the attitude and rose to grab at her. ¡°You base wretch!¡±

    The Dragon Guard behind young n¨¦e Wang promptly pushed Lady Wang back with the sheath of his sword. His orders were to being young n¨¦e Wang to His Majesty¡¯s side, so he had toplete it without fail. Two elderly servants rushed forward to catch Lady Wang as she toppled so she wouldn¡¯t fall down.

    Young n¨¦e Wang stared at Lady Wang and murmured, ¡°Aunt and mother-inw, wee from the same house. I do ask that you refrain from saying things like ¡®base wretch¡¯ in the future. If you get carried away with cursing me, how will the rest of the Wang n daughters fare in the future?¡± She left as soon as she finished speaking, paying no mind to Xie Anshi as he rushed out of the courtyard.

    Ever since the Xie and Wang ns forsook her, young n¨¦e Wang was already clear that she could only rely on His Majesty to live a stable life. As long as His Majesty made her Xie Anyi¡¯s official wife, as long as she raised Xie Anyi¡¯s son to adulthood, then she could live a live of wealth and splendor all the same. As for Xie Anyi, young n¨¦e Wang smiled coldly in her heart, What¡¯s there to mourn over a man who only cares about himself?

    Xie Anshi had two of the servants help Lady Wang back to her rooms, but she lunged forward and grabbed her third son with tears streaming down her face. ¡°We cannot, the Xie n cannot keep such a wretched good-for-nothing!¡±

    Xie Anshi only knew that his mother despised young n¨¦e Wang for harming his older brother. He lowered his voice and murmured, ¡°Mother, His Majesty¡¯s already decreed it. How could we defy imperial will?¡±

    Lady Wang felt herself grow lightheaded at the word ¡®decree.¡¯ Short of breath, she fainted away yet again.

    Inside the courtyard, young n¨¦e Wang knelt down to pay her respects to Ning Xiaoyao, who waved her hand with difficulty to dismiss the bow. Xie Anji suddenly spoke up to say, ¡°How is Your Majesty nning to deal with this subject¡¯s brother?¡±

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could speak, Lou Zigui siad, ¡°Xie Anyi shall be exiled into the winter wastes as requested by the Grand Preceptor. Xie Anji, didn¡¯t you know?¡±

    Xie Anji pointed a finger at young n¨¦e Wang. Your Majesty, you spared young n¨¦e Wang, so why not my older brother as well?

    Ning Xiaoyao only clicked her tongue in disapproval. ¡°You can¡¯t let go of a grudge with a woman? Some man you are.¡±

    Xie Anji was currently entertaining thoughts of killing his sovereign. Who was the first to hold grudges against a woman?!

    ¡°Speaking of which, what¡¯s that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the north courtyard walls as she asked Grand Preceptor Xie. The crowd turned to see a dozen or small pots lined up against the wall.

    ¡°Those are pickled vegetables that the Old Madame salted for winter,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°Is Your Majesty worried that those contain poison as well?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was only asking out of curiosity because she¡¯d noticed the pots as soon as she came into the courtyard. Now that they were preparing to leave, she¡¯d simply tossed out the question. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s tone carried a sneer as he added, ¡°If Your Majesty is still concerned, you may take these pots to the pce for inspection.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°This official is worried that Your Majesty won¡¯t be at ease otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at the Dragon Guards. ¡°Every person to a pot, we¡¯ll take them all with us.¡± Pickled vegetables were still food and she had no reason to reject free munchies.

    At this moment, Shadowgale finally walked into the courtyard. As soon as he came in, Ning Xiaoyao realized that there was a situation. Why does Windy smell like rouge and powder?

 Chapter 151: Bad guys, good guys

    <h4>Chapter 151: Bad guys, good guys</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao examined Shadowgale from head to toe until his hairs stood on end. When he recalled how he¡¯d been hugging a young Miss of the Xie n recently, he was struck with a guilty conscience and went running off to the pickle jars.

    ¡°There¡¯s been a situation,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered under her breath.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. There was no need to involve Supreme Commander Lou into the personal affairs of the Dragon Guards. He¡¯s a bachelor himself. If he gets involved, Shadowgale and the rest might have to stay bachelors with him instead. (Author: Hey, don¡¯t be like that!)

    The Dragon Guards in charge of putting out the fires had now arrived with an updated report. The imperial guards were still working at fighting the mes.

    ¡°And the grain?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked in a low voice.

    ¡°They¡¯ve all been moved to the carts,¡± the guard replied. ¡°But we haven¡¯t put out the fires yet.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Makes sense. If they were busy moving the grain, who had time to extinguish the fire?

    Lou Zigui called the same guard to his side and murmured, ¡°Forget about moving the grain for a sec. Have your troops move out to East Lane and guard the five residences there under the Xie n¡¯s name.¡±

    ¡°Which five are those?¡± the guard asked.

    ¡°There¡¯ll be someone to guide you there after you leave thepound,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Make sure the people inside can¡¯t leave. Identify yourselves as imperial guards and say that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s already abandoned them.¡±

    The guard replied an assent and hurried off. Ning Xiaoyao was currently looking at young n¨¦e Wang as her eyes spun in her sockets. Finally, she said, ¡°Grand Preceptor already said himself, Lady Wang¡¯s not in her right mind at the moment so she¡¯s more or less a lunatic. You have to take care of yourself. Insane people can¡¯t be convicted for murder.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang weakly bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao and murmured, ¡°This concubine epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said next, ¡°I¡¯ll leave her life in your hands. You can¡¯t leave the house and make a ruckus anyways, so just protect your daughter-inw well, ah.¡±

    The taste of blood grew more pronounced in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s throat. This damned girl¡¯s convinced that I want young n¨¦e Wang dead.

    ¡°Goodbye, old gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bid Elder Li politely farewell. He bowed towards her in turn. Today, the mourning hall had caught fire, then the Old Madame¡¯s body had rolled out of her coffin, then they¡¯d ended up catching some murderers. Elder Li had seen a grand show. Though none of the manipting was visible from the surface before a few disagreements, Elder Li could pinpoint everything happening from the shadows. Ning Xiaoyao had thoroughly stomped Grand Preceptor Xie into the mud, but the man still had to bring the males of his estate out to respectfully see him off.

    When Lou Zigui mounted his horse, he gave onest nce to young n¨¦e Wang, who was standing by the gates. She gently bowed to him in returned. Supreme Commander will probablye to find me again, she mused. After His Majesty left, arge crash came from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate as more of their buildings copsed.

    Cousin Magpie carried a bag of sugar beans to one of the fake mountains in the courtyard and chirped twice. A¡¯Mo crawled out of his anthole with a troop of hispanions behind him.

    ¡°Xiaoyao doesn¡¯t have time to stop by personally, so she told me to give you this bag,¡± Cousin Magpie told A¡¯Mo. ¡°Xiaoyao says thank you. And A¡¯Mo, ah, if you have any news, find me like you did today. I¡¯ll get Xiaoyao since I fly fast.¡±

    ¡°Okay~¡± A¡¯Mo agreed, before asking, ¡°Why does the Grand Preceptor want to harm Xiaoyao?¡±

    Cousin Magpie thought it over before he replied seriously, ¡°That¡¯s how humans are. When bad guys see good guys alive, they get unhappy.¡±

    A¡¯Mo thought that Cousin Magpie¡¯s words made a lot of sense!

    Grand Preceptor Xie went back to his courtyard and told the various officials who came to offer condolences, ¡°The cause of my mother¡¯s death is still uncertain, so her funeral will be dyed. Everyone, please go home for now.¡±

    Filled with his share of watching the hubbub, Elder Li took his people and left. The few officials who lingered behind were both uneasy and afraid, though they didn¡¯t show it on their face. Aware of their doubts, Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. His Majesty still considers my mother his maternal grandmother, while this old man is still the Grand Preceptor. The sky won¡¯t fall on us.¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction muttered their assent. But the only reason the sky hasn¡¯t fallen is because of the military power in the Xie n¡¯s hands. Suppose His Majesty wrests that away in the days toe? Can you guarantee that the sky won¡¯t fall then? In spite of their doubts, no one voiced the words aloud.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°All of you, go home. Come back when my mother has her funeral.¡±

    His faction members had no choice but to bid farewell. Once all the outsiders were gone, Grand Preceptor Xie took a few sips of water from a cup from one of his servant boys. A few Dragon Guards emerged from the courtyard with Xie Anyi in custody. Young n¨¦e Wang was standing right in front of the gates. When husband and wife met gazes, he was ovee with emotion, but young n¨¦e Wang remained expressionless.

    ¡°You,¡± Xie Anyi eximed, ¡°Why did His Majesty release you?!¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang replied, ¡°His Majesty won¡¯t lower himself to this concubine¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Xie Anyi shook his head. ¡°Did you agree to something for His Majesty?¡± Wouldn¡¯t Ning Yu rather our entire n died? How could he released n¨¦e Wang without reason? Even if you beat me to death, I refuse to believe that.

    Young n¨¦e Wang only smiled mockingly with no trace of her gentle, dainty tenderness. ¡°Does my husband hope for me to apany him into the bitter winter wastes? Then who will take care of our children?¡±

    Xie Anyi realized at this moment that he had never truly known the woman before him right now.

    ¡°N¨¦e Wang,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up. ¡°Why don¡¯t you return to your rooms?¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang gave Grand Preceptor Xie arge bow before moving to the gates. Xie Anyi cried out, ¡°Father!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stepped in front of Xie Anyi but didn¡¯t lose his temper. Instead, he said calmly, ¡°You¡¯ll have to rely on yourself for the future. Not even a de of grass grows in the winter wastes. When fighting breaks out, human lives there are as worthless as trash. Anyi, do your best.¡±

    Xie Anyi struggled free from the Dragon Guards to kneel in front of Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°This isn¡¯t right, father! This isn¡¯t what mother told me!¡±

    Xie Anshi stood silently to the side. Unable to bear the sight, Xie Anqi said, ¡°Father, why don¡¯t you think of some other way?¡±

    ¡°When,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie bent down to look Xie Anyi in the eyes. ¡°When father wins, you¡¯ll be able to return to the capital.¡±

    Win? Wait until father beats His Majesty? Xie Anyi¡¯s expression turned hopeless. How long will I have to wait?

    ¡°If you can¡¯t wait that long,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added, ¡°Father will leave you with some words of wisdom. Death will free you.¡±

    Xie Anyi slumped. Completely listless, he said, ¡°All because of one woman...¡± I¡¯ve been reduced to this all because of a single Qin Xin?

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t all because of a woman,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie patted his eldest son¡¯s shoulders as his expression shifted. ¡°It¡¯s because His Majesty can¡¯t abide the existence of our Xie n.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie straightened up and began to walk inside. Xie Anqi and Xie Anshi watched as the Dragon Guards took their brother away. When they recalled how the Xie n had been glorious and unchallenged only recently, but now unable to protect its own eldest heir, both of them turned gloomy and silent.

    ¡°If we knew this day woulde,¡± Xie Anqi murmured hatefully as Xie Anyi faded from sight, ¡°If we knew this day woulde, father would never have racked his brains to put that boy on the throne.¡±

    Xie Anshi thought back, but couldn¡¯t even recall Ning Yu¡¯s features during his time at the Xie Estate. ¡°Father was tricked.¡± So speaking, the Third Young Master of the Xie n turned to enter thepound. Ning Yu¡¯s nothing but ostentatious these days. For a person like him to exist silently over a decade in the Xie n meant that he was holding back the entire time. It¡¯s not surprising that father thought he could control that little emperor after the boy took the throne.

    Grand Preceptor Xie headed to Lady Wang¡¯s courtyard, where the woman was with her nsmen brothers in a side courtyard. All of them were glowering at each other, making the various servants wishing they could dearly leave the scene.

    ¡°Just what grudge do you hold against me?¡± Lady Wang demanded from her brothers. ¡°How did you raise such a thing to ruin me?¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s father didn¡¯t even lift his eyes as he replied, ¡°Elder sister, it was your side that insisted on the marriage. What now? Is my daughter the only one at fault for Xie Anyi¡¯s misfortunes?¡±

    ¡°Do you know what she did?!¡± Lady Wang shrieked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie entered the courtyard at this time and remarked, ¡°It was nothing but a petty rivalry between women. I¡¯m not even ming the bystanders for n¨¦e Qin¡¯s incident, so why are you losing your temper, my wife?¡±

    The various Wang n males rose to their feet to pay respects. Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t wait for Lady Wang¡¯s retort, but told the various uncles, ¡°Recently, the Xie Estate¡¯s been having no end of troubles. Lady Wang herself isn¡¯t strong enough to take it all, so I ask you not to me her for any transgressions in etiquette.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s soft words finally cated the various Wang brothers a bit. Next, Grand Preceptor Xie called for servants to summon Xie Anqi and Xie Anshi to bring the Wang uncles out of the estate. When husband and wife were the only ones in the courtyard, Lady Wang finally burst into tears. Grand Preceptor Xie slowly took a seat and picked up a cup of tea. He opened his mouth to take a sip---only to cough up blood into the cup.

    Lady Wang wailed, ¡°Old Master, His Majesty had the gall to make that wretch Anyi¡¯s official consort. How could that be eptable? That cheap ve---¡±

    ¡°Stop talking,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie poured the bloodstained tea on the ground, his tone nonchnt. ¡°His Majesty only wants to makes me ill and ufortable. You acting like this aligns with his wishes exactly.¡±

    Lady Wang¡¯s sobs abruptly ceased.

    Grand Preceptor Xie continued, ¡°Make some preparations. Close the estate to all visitors for the next few days, this old man¡¯s nning to thoroughly investigate each and every one of the servants.¡±

    Lady Wang stood up in fright. ¡°H-how many people is that?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to ask that question,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Just do a good job keeping vigil over Old Madame. I¡¯ll find the answer to her cause of death.¡±

    Lady Wang walked to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side, her handkerchief soaked by her tears. ¡°But His Majesty said that you have to protect that wretched girl¡¯s life,¡± she murmured.

    Grand Preceptor Xieughed. ¡°Could His Majesty kill me if I really took n¨¦e Wang¡¯s life?¡±

    Lady Wang¡¯s hands shook as her handkerchief fell to the ground.

    --

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was leaning against the carriage window as she spoke to Lou Zigui outside. ¡°Supreme Commander, what do you think will happen to that little white flower in the future?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯ll be up to her,¡± Lou Zigui replied calmly. In his heart, Supreme Commander Lou knew that young n¨¦e Wang wasn¡¯t destined to live long. But he didn¡¯t feel it was necessary to tell this to Ning Xiaoyao. Now that Old Madame Xie was dead and their goal achieved, young n¨¦e Wang waspletely insignificant to the current political situation. There was no need to make mention of her again.

 Chapter 152: Secret of the pickled vegetable jars

    <h4>Chapter 152: Secret of the pickled vegetable jars</h4>

    ¡°What are you nning to do with those seven men?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui now that they¡¯d shifted topics.

    ¡°What do you want to do with them?¡± Lou Zigui asked back.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes out of habit.

    ¡°No ideas?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I want the military power that¡¯s in their hands, ah. Can¡¯t I just invite them out to eat?¡±

    Will those soldiers throw down their lives for you just because you treated them to a meal? Lou Zigui wanted to lecture her, but the sight of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s blinking face made him swallow his words. ¡°I¡¯ll have a gander at them,¡± he said instead. ¡°But there¡¯s no guarantee that I¡¯ll seed.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t.¡± As long as it didn¡¯t involve killing any zombies, Ning Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t add any pressure. She stopped blinking and broke into another foolish smile. ¡°If they don¡¯t want to mix with the likes of me, they can just go home.¡±

    She¡¯s still affable even with the prospects of failure? Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even rest his hand against his forehead this time, but simply replied, ¡°Alright, I understand.¡±

    I understand and I promise were twopletely different things, but Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t tell the difference. She cheerfully stuck her head back in the carriage and began thinking about what was for dinner.

    After reaching the next intersection, their entourage turned left. Lou Zigui heard a long, drawn-out whistle and followed the sound to see Old Huo standing unobtrusively beneath the eaves of a random house.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Lou Zigui told the person inside the carriage as he rode off.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale called out when he heard no reply from Ning Xiaoyao after Lou Zigui had rode off.

    ¡°Windy, what do you think we¡¯ll eat for dinner tonight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale. Aren¡¯t you the least bit concerned with what Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s up to?

    Lou Zigui reached Old Huo, who took his horse by the reins and murmured, ¡°Supreme Commander.¡±

    Lou Zigui got off the horse and nced around them, then replied, ¡°Did you bring the imperial guards to East Lane?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Old Huo replied, ¡°There has been no movements from the men inside those residences yet. However, this subordinate believes that they won¡¯t stay still for long.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°There¡¯ll be a verdict on how to deal with them by tonight. In the meantime, prepare the wood and oil first.¡±

    Does he mean to burn those smuggled soldiers to death? Old Huo nced at Lou Zigui before he lowered his head. ¡°This subordinate will prepare them right away.¡±

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui turned to mount his horse again, but Old Huo hastily spoke up.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, what of young n¨¦e Wang?¡±

    ¡°No need to worry about her,¡± Lou Zigui said from atop his horse. ¡°Remember, you¡¯ve never seen that woman before in your life.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Old Huo assented.

    Lou Zigui dug into Little Red¡¯s nk with his heels and galloped off after Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s carriage. Old Huo looked after him silently before disappearing into the crowds. Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t ridden far when he noticed the Wang n brothers¡¯ sedan chairs. Four of them filled the street traveling in a line with their retainers making a path for them. It was quite the impressive sight. One of them spotted Lou Zigui and quickly reported to the head of the Wang n, the vice-head of the Ministry of Civil Personnel. ¡°Old Master, Lou Zigui¡¯s behind us.¡±

    ¡°Stop the carriage,¡± Wang Furong[1. Wang Furong (Íõ¸¶ÈÙ) - Wang is a surname that also means ¡°king,¡± Fu is ¡°hand over,mit to,¡± Rong is ¡°glorify, luxuriate, flouris.¡± Furong also sounds the same as ¡°furong¡± (¸£ÈÙ), which means wealth.] ordered after a pause.

    All four of the Wang n carriages came to a halt. Behind the old master¡¯s carriage were his three brothers, all of whom dismounted the carriages in time to see Lou Zigui ride his horse up to their eldest brother¡¯s carriage window.

    ¡°What does eldest brother have to say to that star of disaster?¡± young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s father, the third-eldest brother of the Wang n, asked angrily.

    His fourth brother pulled him aside and murmured, ¡°Listen to him first. Don¡¯t lose your temper so early.¡±

    Their second brother shot his third brother a look. Right now, their Wang n was gued by misfortune, but little third was still muddleheaded. If they offended His Majesty¡¯s current favorite, Lou Zigui, it wouldn¡¯t help their n at all.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Wang Furong remained in his carriage. ¡°About today¡¯s events...¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor has told His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui cut him off, ¡°That Old Madame was killed by young n¨¦e Wang.¡±

    All of the Wang n brothers¡¯ breath caught at the words. That girl killed Old Madame Xie? Is Xie Wenyuan trying to doom all of our Wang n daughters to die of spinsterhood in the family?!

    ¡°But His Majesty didn¡¯t believe it,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°You may determine the rest yourselves.¡±

    ¡°Does the Grand Preceptor n to shield those seven ¡®distant rtives¡¯?¡± Wang Furong asked.

    ¡°Those seven are military officers,¡± Lou Zigui coldly smiled. ¡°As to whether or not they¡¯re really rted, we¡¯ll know true after the interrogation.¡±

    The Wang brothers thought over Lou Zigui¡¯s words a while before Wang Furong suddenly asked, ¡°From what Supreme Commander is saying, those seven aren¡¯t the true culprits?¡± No matter how petty Xie Wenyuan might be, or how much he lusted after power, it would still be impossible for the man to protect his mother¡¯s killers, right?

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I don¡¯t care who killed Old Madame Xie. What do the Xie n¡¯s affairs have to do with me?¡± He rode away, leaving Wang Furong to steep in his thoughts alone. Finally, one of his brothers couldn¡¯t take it anymore and shouted for him.

    The eldest Wang brother replied, ¡°No wonder Lady Wang was against us.¡±

    Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s father hastened to say, ¡°Elder brother, you believe Lou Zigui¡¯s words?¡±

    ¡°Think about what Lady Wang said to you,¡± Wang Furong replied. ¡°She used a servant girl, Cui Yun,[2. Cui Yun (´äÔÆ) - ¡°emerald/jade clouds.¡±] of being the one responsible harming the Old Madame.¡±

    ¡°You mean to say that the Grand Preceptor fed her those words?¡± the fourth Wang brother seemed unconvinced. ¡°What reasons could that Cui Yunss possibly have for hurting Old Madame Xie?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Wang Furong said in a voiceced with exhaustion. ¡°We¡¯ll wait and see what happens after two more days.¡± Without a clear handle on things, it was better to wait and see. That was the Wang head¡¯s philosophy when it came to dealing with things.

    --

    ¡°You can¡¯t drive the Wang n to a dead end,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was currently sitting in Lady Wang¡¯s quarters. ¡°If you go and expose n¨¦e Wang¡¯s misdeeds in front of everyone, how will any of the Wang n daughters be able to marry in the future? Any n who raised a daughter capable of hurting her elders would be uneptable to the other old and established families.¡±

    Lady Wang looked hateful. ¡°This wife understands, but what should we do about that wretch¡¯s deeds? Aren¡¯t we going to avenge Old Madame?¡±

    ¡°N¨¦e Wang could end up dead from illness, from drowning, from all sorts of methods. Are you afraid that she can¡¯t die at all?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spat coldly. ¡°What use is it to you if the Wang n¡¯s name is ruined? Don¡¯t forget, Lady Wang, they¡¯re Anyi¡¯s maternal n, too.¡±

    Lady Wang¡¯s heart calmed down at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words. It would have been normal for the man to even divorce her after young n¨¦e Wang hadmitted such a crime. That was why she had wanted n¨¦e Wang dead---to clear up any connections between them.

    ¡°Take a trip over to the Wang n in a few days,¡± Grand Preceptor said. The Xie n wasn¡¯t enjoying the height of glory anymore, but the members of the Wang n still were all part of the Six Ministries, which oversaw rewards and punishments at court. Grand Preceptor Xie had no wish to make them his enemies.

    Lady Wang assented, and Grand Preceptor Xie rose to his feet. ¡°Go pay a visit to the mourning hall,¡± he suggested next. When he recalled how his mother¡¯s murderer was young n¨¦e Wang, he didn¡¯t hold much sentiment for his wife, either. But with the path before him unclear, there was no reason to raise a row and cause domestic strife, too.

    One of the Old Madame¡¯s servants was called into Lady Wang¡¯s courtyard by a steward. Grand Preceptor Xie looked at the servant and said, ¡°Clean up all of the things in Old Madame Xie¡¯s rooms. Have the ountant assess their worth before bringing them all to me.¡±

    The servant muttered an assent before she said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, the Old Madame had made arrangements so that Grand Preceptor could oversee all her affairs after she passed away.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie nodded.

    The servant then continued, ¡°The Old Madame¡¯s dowry and a few of the most precious gifts that Grand Preceptor gave her as a filial son were all stored by the Old Madame in her pickled vegetable jars.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie heard a roaring in his ears. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    --

    In the resplendent pce, a mystified Shadowgale was currently bringing Ning Xiaoyao over to look at the pickle jars they¡¯d brought back from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Ning Xiaoyao was rubbing her hands, eager for a taste of some salted vegetables.

    Instead, Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯s only two jars of actual pickled vegetables.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was surprised. ¡°Then what about the rest? Is it salted meat instead?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head.

    ¡°Oh, then maybe fish?¡± Ning Xiaoyao guessed next. But Shadowgale shook his head again.

    Aside from vegetables, meat, and fish, Ning Xiaoyao had no idea what else one could pickle. Her mouth drooped as she asked, ¡°Could it be that the rest were all empty?¡±

    Well, at least I can sell the empty jars for some money, sheforted herself.

    Shadowgale hunched down and opened one of the lids. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant doesn¡¯t know how to exin it. Maybe you should just see for yourself.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down and saw her vision fill with precious jade. Her jaw dropped, while Shadowgale passed a hand over his face. ¡°Your Majesty, Old Madame Xie liked to store her treasures in pickle jars?¡±

    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao seemed lost in a dream as she opened up all the other jars too. Before long, the entire room had turned into a treasure trove. She pinched herself, then Shadowgale, before she asked, ¡°I¡¯m not dreaming, right?¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, this servant sensed something wrong with the weight when I picked up a jar, but I didn¡¯t dare to mention it back then.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped onto Shadowgale¡¯s back and shouted, ¡°Windy, why are you so smart? I love you to death!¡±

    Shadowgale hastily put his hands behind Ning Xiaoyao to keep her in ce as she hugged him. She was about to lower her face and kiss him out of sheer excitement. Who wouldn¡¯t kiss in a situation like this?

    At that very moment, Lou Zigui walked into the room. The ce was filled with dazzling jewels and treasures, while a certain Miss Ning was clinging to Shadowgale¡¯s back as he held onto her butt. In two strides, Lou Zigui reached the pair and plucked Ning Xiaoyao off him. He hadn¡¯t seen any of the treasure at all, his mind being filled with nothing but the sight of her on his back.

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui started furiously.

    Chu¡«

    An overjoyed Ning Xiaoyao pecked Lou Zigui¡¯s cheek as sheughed. ¡°Hahaha, Supreme Commander, look! We¡¯ve struck it rich again!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s temper evaporated instantly. Shadowgale stood on one side, a little apprehensive. Why did His Majesty kiss Supreme Commander?

    ¡°Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was now dancing in front of the pickle jars. Rich, I¡¯m really rich again!

    Lou Zigui touched the ce where Ning Xiaoyao had kissed him before turning to Shadowgale. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Head Commander Shadowgale shook his head in bewilderment. I don¡¯t know a thing...

 Chapter 153: Everyone yields to him while he yields to no one

    <h4>Chapter 153: Everyone yields to him while he yields to no one</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao was so preupied with dancing amongst the pickle jars that she¡¯d long forgotten to wonder why they were filled with treasure in the first ce.

    --

    ¡°The estate has been searched twice in a row,¡± Old Madame Xie¡¯s servant said with a pale face, still kneeling on the ground, ¡°Old Madame was worried that the n would meet with disaster one day. She already had the habit of hiding things in her pickle jars, so this time she had used them to hide all her valuables, property titles, and deeds.¡±

    The Old Madame¡¯s ancestors had earned military merit from suppressing rebellions in the past. She¡¯d grown up desperately poor with a schrly father until he gave up the brush in favor of the sword and earned his own fief and peerage. During her days of poverty, she had be an expert in pickling all sorts of vegetables. It was a habit she kept up even after her n grew prosperous and she married into the rich and powerful Xie n. Anyone in the n who was lucky enough to try some of Old Madame Xie¡¯s personally pickled vegetables would be honored by the favor.

    ¡°Old Madame¡¯s thoughts were that even if soldiers took over the estate, none of them would care about her pickled vegetables,¡± the servant said. Old Madame Xie¡¯s exact words were that ¡®if the family falls, the soldiers will dig through the ground and search through the houses for anything of note, but they won¡¯t give a second nce to my old vegetable jars.¡¯

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t look at the servant woman, but stood in the hall staring at his courtyard. In truth, nobody in the family liked eating Old Madame¡¯s pickled vegetables. They only did it to please their elderly rtive. In fact, he himself absolutely loathed the things, but now they had be the most valuable thing in their estate. And yet, Ning Yu had taken them away after he freely offered them all...

    Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t hold back the mouthful of blood that welled up and trickled out past his lips. His vision finally grew dark as he lost consciousness. Lady Wang shrieked in rm once again as the Xie Estate plunged into a new wave of chaos.

    The servant woman in question had been under investigation when Grand Preceptor Xie sent off the pickle jars. When she learned the truth from a random pageboy, she found herself physically paralyzed on the ground. How could there be such a coincidence?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on the ground in Supreme Splendor Hall as she personally took the various treasures out of the pickle jars. Smiling faces surrounded her on all sides at their good fortune. Originally, they were even nning to flee to Anyuan, yet now there was no need. Moreover, their emperor had even struck it rich and brought back 20 carts¡¯ worth of rice and flour. Lou Zigui sat next to Ning Xiaoyao, finding the entire scene inconceivable. Today had passed too much like a dream, so he needed time to adjust to reality.

    ¡°The grain should all be taken to the relief centers,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale. ¡°We can raise the refugees for a bit longer.¡±

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°Your Majesty, you still want to make porridge for them, after all that happened?¡± When he recalled all the refugees hadwlessly barged into the pce and made their demands, he could only see them as a pack of wolves!

    ¡°Angry?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale with a simple smile. ¡°They were all tricked, you know. Since everything is over, don¡¯t dwell on it anymore, Windy. Now that they¡¯ve gained experience from all this, they won¡¯t be tricked so easily in the future. And what¡¯s more, do you think any of them thinks the Grand Preceptor¡¯s a good guy anymore?¡±

    Shadowgale thought His Majesty¡¯s words made sense after all.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t suffer any losses,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wagged a finger as she summed things up.

    Head Commander Shadowgale blurted out, ¡°Your Majesty is wise and brilliant.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed out loud. Lou Zigui rapped his knuckles against the tabletop and said, ¡°Have Shadowgale¡¯s men count the rest. Your Majesty, shouldn¡¯t you go pay a visit to those seven military officers?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her cheeks. Anyone who didn¡¯t let her count her treasure now was her enemy!

    Lou Zigui added, ¡°If Your Majesty doesn¡¯t want to go, then I¡¯ll go instead. But I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll believe my words unless Your Majesty shows your face.¡±

    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll take a trip over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao carefully set down the jade ornament in her hands and stood up. ¡°I still want their soldiers.¡± Money and men were both important, ah.

    After following Ning Xiaoyao out of the room, Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s already threatened them, so don¡¯t think much of it if they refuse to pledge allegiance to you, Xiaoyao. It¡¯s not because of you; they¡¯re just afraid of Xie Wenyuan retaliating against them.¡±

    ¡°What kind of retaliation?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, curious.

    ¡°There has to be some of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men amongst their soldiers,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°If they turn disloyal, I doubt their families will survive.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was in another pickle again. She scratched her head and said, ¡°When did the Grand Preceptor threaten them? Howe I didn¡¯t know of it?¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed softly. ¡°Didn¡¯t he pour poison all over an officer¡¯s face?¡±

    ¡°That was the threat?¡±

    ¡°¡®I can even kill you, to say nothing of your useless families,¡¯¡± Lou Zigui exined. ¡°That¡¯s what Xie Wenyuan was trying to tell those seven officers.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was silent. Why hadn¡¯t I been able to decipher Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s sinister intentions?

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Howe I couldn¡¯t tell?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wore a sour face. What could Supreme Commander Lou say to that? If he said she was foolish or stupid, the girl would only feel hurt.

    After they reached the doorway of the room holding the seven southern officers, Lou Zigui purposely asked Ning Xiaoyao a question. ¡°Do you know what to say?¡± If not, I can teach her.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She¡¯d thought it all out. ¡°I know. I¡¯m an expert at negotiating.¡± As a girl who knew how to charm others, she was the token mascot of the army in her previous world. Nobody had disliked her there.

    The seven military officers were still under the influence of their drugs, so they were drowsy and only half-alert. Still, the fact that their lives were at stake made it impossible for them to sleep. When they heard someone enter the room, all seven men grew as alert as possible. Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of the man who¡¯d been sshed with poison by Grand Preceptor Xie and took off the cloth covering his face. Then she told Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, look. His face is fine now.¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at the man¡¯s face. It was already surprising to him that the man was still alive, but now that his face was fully recovered, he was nothing short of stupefied. ¡°You had the antidote?¡± he asked Ning Xiaoyao. Even he only had the poison on hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± All she had to do was use a bit of her powers. Who needed antidotes? Still, how was she supposed to exin that?

    ¡°Did you force out the poison with your inner energy?¡± Lou Zigui had thought up an answer in her ce. He recalled how Ning Xiaoyao had ced her hand against the man¡¯s face back at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    ¡°Ah? Ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao randomly nodded her head. Inner energy works. As long as he doesn¡¯t use me of using demon magic.

    Lou Zigui wanted to ask more questions, but Ning Xiaoyao was already speaking again. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you ran into me this time. Otherwise, Grand Preceptor Xie would¡¯ve killed you.¡±

    The officer in question only looked at Ning Xiaoyao with dead eyes, but there was a hint of life in them. In any case, it was a gaze that told a tale in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s view.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly.

    The officer said, ¡°Just kill us all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao arched a brow. ¡°You clearly don¡¯t want to die, so why do you want me and Supreme Commander to kill you?¡± In the apocalypse, everyone wanted to live as long as they hadn¡¯t been bitten by zombies. Only zombie victims pleaded for death, so she was quite clear regarding the difference between the two. Whether or not a person truly wanted to die couldn¡¯t escape her eyes.

    The officer shook his head and shouted, ¡°I don¡¯t want to live!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Lou Zigui, who wasn¡¯t talking, and simply said, ¡°If you die, what about your family?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Aren¡¯t you pushing them closer to death by bringing up their families now? As expected, the officer¡¯s will to live extinguished with those words. He certainly understood Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s intentions in poisoning him. If he didn¡¯t die, his family certainly would. The other six officers were in the same state. They¡¯d brought soldiers to the capital for the sake of promotions, but now they couldn¡¯t even keep their lives.

    ¡°Then have you considered working for me instead?¡± Ning Xiaoyao surveyed the group before asking directly. ¡°Although I can¡¯t give you sries as high as the Grand Preceptor, but don¡¯t you think your prospects are better on my side?¡±

    The seven officers all thought the very same thing at those words: His Majesty is fooling around with us!

    Lou Zigui suddenly felt that bringing Miss Ning here had been a mistake. How could anyone talk like this to bring people to their side? Ning Xiaoyao, on the other hand, was very earnest as she spoke.

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen it in action too. Grand Preceptor Xie, that fellow, he¡¯s cold and heartless. As soon as something happens, he abandoned you all. Instead of trying to save you, he¡¯s forcing you to die instead. How could a guy like him be a goodmanding officer---ah no, a good leader?¡±

    Although His Majesty¡¯s words had some strange phrasing, the officers could understand what he meant.

    ¡°Moreover,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Even though you guys brought soldiers with you, the Grand Preceptor didn¡¯t even think of hiding you away when I showed up. See how little he thinks of you? But I understand types like him. He¡¯s the kind of jerk that only cares about himself and never thinks of others, so it¡¯s normal for him to act that way.¡±

    Lou Zigui covered his mouth and cleared his throat. At that point in time, the mourning hall had just caught on fire and Old Madame Xie had rolled out of her coffin. How could Grand Preceptor Xie have been bothered to think about those seven officers? Ning Xiaoyao looked over at the noise, so Lou Zigui simply said, ¡°Your Majesty, you should continue.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao went on. ¡°You seven, this is what I think. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s a guy with such shoddy morals. How can you be so sure that old geezer Xie will release your families if you remaining faithful to the death to prove your honor and loyalty to him? He¡¯s the nasty sort.¡±

    Although some of his terms seem excessive, His Majesty¡¯s words do make a little sense, the seven officers thought.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t he release our families?¡± one of the officers finally spoke up. ¡°They aren¡¯t any threat to the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°Will he spare them just because they aren¡¯t a threat?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rambled. ¡°I was raised by Grand Preceptor Xie growing up. The number of people he¡¯s killed is more than enough to make a mountain!¡±

    Lou Zigui added, ¡°If your families knew the truth behind your deaths, wouldn¡¯t your sons and grandsons seek revenge? Why would the Grand Preceptor wait for his enemies to grow up?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°The Grand Preceptor taught me this, it¡¯s called pulling up the grass by its roots!¡±

    When the officers discovered that even their deaths would be meaningless, they were stuck. They could neither seek life nor aim for death, but were caught in a ce worse than hopelessness.

    ¡°Enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured to Lou Zigui. ¡°You¡¯ve scared them. What do we do next? Treat them to a meal?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. Girl, is inviting people to meals all you know to do?

 Chapter 154: His Majesty Ning wants to claim houses and properties

    <h4>Chapter 154: His Majesty Ning wants to im houses and properties</h4>

    ¡°His Majesty has the heart to let you go,¡± Lou Zigui told the officers. ¡°What do you all n to do?¡±

    The seven officers remained silent. If Xie Wenyuan¡¯s untrustworthy, what makes us think His Majesty is?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you guys to a meal.¡±

    The seven officers gave her incredulous looks. Treat us to a meal? You mean, like ast meal?

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw that the seven didn¡¯t respond, she thought it over and tried again, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you guy raise some terms. Supreme Commander and I will see if we can ept them; otherwise, we can keep negotiating, ah.¡±

    The seven officers wanted many things, such as glory, splendor, wealth, wives, and children. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have listened to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s orders and brought their troops here. But now they found themselves at a loss to ask for anything. That was because Grand Preceptor Xie had their families¡¯ lives at stake, trapping them in a hopeless game without hope of escape.

    Ning Xiaoyao waited a while with no response. She spread out her hands at Lou Zigui and said quietly, ¡°They don¡¯t want anything, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui said coldly, ¡°We¡¯ll give you onest chance. Tell us what you want.¡±

    The officers weren¡¯t familiar with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s personality, but they¡¯d long heard of Lou Zigui¡¯s ominous reputation. They understood that if they insisted on keeping quiet, the man would take their lives. Finally, the officer that Ning Xiaoyao had saved spoke up. ¡°If Your Majesty can promise that this subject¡¯s family doesn¡¯te to harm, this subject is willing to be Your Majesty¡¯s cow or horse.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that these were difficult terms. She couldn¡¯t very well run to the south and be a bodyguard. Lou Zigui smiled coldly. ¡°A cow or horse? You¡¯ve definitely said the same things to the Grand Preceptor as well in the past.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted Lou Zigui to indicate that he should shut up, and said in high spirits, ¡°So, you¡¯ve said these things to the Grand Preceptor too, ah. Then it should be easy to say them to me as well. Pledging loyalty, right? If you can do it once, why not twice?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the seven officers. ¡®If you can do it once, why not twice?¡¯ Your Majesty, you¡¯re not cursing us as disloyal, are you?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°We can discuss the stuff about your familiester.¡±

    The officer that she rescued replied, ¡°How is Your Majesty nning to discuss it with us subjects?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°No matter how brutal Grand Preceptor Xie may be, his men are still in the capital. News from the city will still take time to spread to your troops, right? If the Grand Preceptor¡¯s orders are on its way to your homes, can¡¯t you guys follow the messenger yourselves?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is nning on letting us go?¡± an officer spoke up.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t let you go, am I supposed to raise you myself?¡± Please no, I¡¯m already wracking my brains to death trying to feed all those refugees!

    ¡°Then what does Your Majesty want us subjects to do?¡± another officer asked in return. If His Majesty wants us to kill Xie Wenyuan, we don¡¯t have the skills. Even if we charged in and kill him, how would we shoulder the revenge from the Xie n?

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and murmured, ¡°Can I ask them for their soldiers now?¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to the side and replied, ¡°You really believe their words?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Are they lying to me, do you think?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that they¡¯ll turn back and work for Xie Wenyuan again?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked doubtfully. ¡°Would they?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou felt weary at heart. Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms. Zombies only knew to eat human flesh, but didn¡¯t have any other thoughts. But the people lying on the ground over there were all living humans, so it was hard to guess their hearts.

    ¡°Is there any kind of medicine we could use to control them?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Controlling medicine?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°You mean, like poisons?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°The kind that needs regr doses of antidote to keep the poison from killing its host.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. If I had poison powers, that¡¯d be easy, but I¡¯m the healer type.

    ¡°None?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°N-none,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    It looks like this girl¡¯s master isn¡¯t proficient in poisons. Lou Zigui had understood a bit more about His Majesty Ning. (Author: What can I say about that, o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a gamble,¡± Ning Xiaoyao came to a choice after scratching her palms incessantly. ¡°My drillmaster told...¡±

    ¡°Drillmaster?¡±

    ¡°Oh, my master told me once, the more you fear something, the more you¡¯ll have to face it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao corrected. ¡°The more we¡¯re afraid they¡¯ll betray us, the more they¡¯ll betray us for real.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t reply. What kind of unlucky master did she have? Just because you don¡¯t fear something, you won¡¯t run into it? Is this master trying to teach disciples or coax little children instead?

    When Ning Xiaoyao recalled her drillmaster, her heart had a moment of weakness. All of her previousrades-at-arms who¡¯d fought side-by-side with her in the battlefields were forever apart from her now.

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head and whispered, ¡°Where is your master now?¡±

    ¡°Somewhere I can never see again,¡± Ning Xiaoyao deted.

    Lou Zigui gave a start. So did her master leave her, or die? Judging by the girl¡¯s expression, it seemed to be thetter.

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffled a few times before reviving her spirits anew. ¡°Supreme Commander, stop changing the subject. Shall we take a gamble this time?¡±

    ¡°Do that after you get the soldiers,¡± Lou Zigui replied. He didn¡¯t want to ce bets on things like this. It was very possible that these men would return to help Xie Wenyuan again. Why should they keep men like that alive?

    Ning Xiaoyao ran to the beds of the officers and told them, ¡°I¡¯ll let you guys go and you¡¯ll hand over the soldiers you¡¯ve brought to my control, how¡¯s that?¡±

    The seven officers exchanged nces. All of their soldiers were southerners. Wouldn¡¯t leaving them in the north keep them away from their homnd against their will?

    Lou Zigui hurried over to add, ¡°Those who join the army normally do it for a chance to stand out. You can have your men choose whether they want to leave their homnd and make a name for themselves.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is really letting us go?¡± another officer asked again.

    Ning Xiaoyao vowed easily, ¡°Yeah, ah. I¡¯ll let you guys go, or may death strike me fast.¡± She¡¯d made her promise so fast that Lou Zigui had no time to stop her. Ning Xiaoyao had spoke of a gamble, but this was a gamble for the seven officers as well. They were betting on whether this little emperor¡¯s words were trustworthy enough to forgive them for bringing troops into the city and let them all go home instead of the dungeons.

    ¡°How¡¯s that, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°What should we subjects do upon arriving home?¡± one officer asked.

    ¡°Be a good person,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°.......¡± said the seven officers.

    Lou Zigui rested his hand against his forehead and said, ¡°All of you just promised to be His Majesty¡¯s cow and horse, but now you¡¯ve already forgotten?¡±

    The officer that Ning Xiaoyao saved spoke up. ¡°Can Your Majesty let us subjects discuss it first?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to agree when Lou Zigui cut in. ¡°You still need time to discuss? Where do you think you are? Just who do you think you¡¯re talking to?¡±

    The room fell into silence for a spell before one officer spoke up, ¡°This subject knows his wrongs. This subject is willing to be His Majesty¡¯s cow and horse.¡±

    With one person taking the lead, the other six were quick to nod in agreement. After careful thought, they realized that they had no other choice. Ning Xiaoyao only felt that she¡¯d aplished yet another monumental task and puffed out her chest as she grinned at Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui pinched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek as he shielded her from sight. How could she let her subjects see such a simple-minded, foolish smile?

    ¡°Treat your injuries first,¡± Lou Zigui told the officers. ¡°When you¡¯ve recovered, we¡¯ll let you go home.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui were already long gone while the seven officers were still digesting those words. So does this mean we can live?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao was humming a song all the way to the main audience hall. When she saw the pile of treasure recovered by Shadowgale and his men, her smile grew even happier. Shadowgale handed over a pile of papers to Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Your Majesty, these were found in the jars as well.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the papers without any sign of recognition. Lou Zigui pointed at two deeds and said, ¡°That¡¯s a deed for a house, and the other¡¯s a deed fornd.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Does this mean finders keepers?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°There are names on that deed. If Your Majesty wants the house andnd, you¡¯ll still need to get the Xie n¡¯s approval first.¡±

    How could I put back a piece of meat already by my lips? Ning Xiaoyao hugged the papers to herself before she finally proimed, ¡°This is the legacy left to me by Old Madame Xie, she doted on me a lot!¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else in the room. Is it really alright to make up such nonsense out of the blue?

    ¡°Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao returned the deeds to Shadowgale. ¡°After you finish eating, take your brothers to im thesends and properties. All of them belong to us now!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Shadowgale was stunned. We¡¯re iming them overnight?

    ¡°Mine, mine, all mine!¡± Ning Xiaoyao poked at the papers in Shadowgale¡¯s hands.

    An imperial guard ran to the door and announced at that moment, ¡°Your Majesty, news from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate says that the Grand Preceptor spat up blood and fainted.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. She had thought the Grand Preceptor to be a strong and firm man, but apparently even he had his breaking point. Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°How about sending an imperial physician over to examine him?¡±

    ¡°I refuse to believe that their Xie n can¡¯t afford a doctor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was unwilling to spend the money. Imperial physicians were paid by the royal court, so why should she spare one for Grand Preceptor Xie?

    ¡°Send one,¡± Lou Zigui coaxed quietly. ¡°Your Majesty is the sovereign and should be more magnanimous.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t believe a word of it.

    ¡°Do it for others to see,¡± Lou Zigui bent down so much that his mouth was right next to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. See, this is the truth.

    ¡°Then have the imperial physician go stroll around a bit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao decreed.

    The Dragon Guard in charge of passing on the orders felt a strong headacheing on. ¡®Stroll around a bit,¡¯ can I really ry that as an official decree?

    ¡°Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked back at Shadowgale, ¡°Take this chance while the Grand Preceptor¡¯s unconscious to snatch thosends and properties.¡±

    Shadowgale assented before asking, ¡°Then what about the people still living in the houses, or the ones in charge of crops on thosends?¡± Three of the deeds belonged to cropnds, most likely used as part of Old Madame Xie¡¯s dowry when she married in.

    ¡°Chase them all off,¡± Lou Zigui spoke up for Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Have them go find the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao creased her brows.

    ¡°Thesends are located in the capital and will be a good ce to put many refugees,¡± Lou Zigui exined immediately ¡°They can also be used to give the refugees work as well.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do.¡± As soon as Ning Xiaoyao heard those words, she stopped second-guessing altogether. Grand Preceptor Xie could take care of the people who¡¯d been chased out. Shadowgale carefully collected the deeds.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor should already know what he¡¯s lost. Take more men and horses with you tonight, including all the imperial guards who aren¡¯t on night shift.¡±

    ¡°Is the Grand Preceptor nning to fight against us?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°He won¡¯t show up personally,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes were cold. ¡°But he¡¯ll instigate the servants who¡¯ll lose their homes andnd to rise against us with their lives.¡±

    Shadowgale hadn¡¯t paid much mind to his orders until Lou Zigui brought up this very point. His heart clenched at the words before a certain phrase rose in his mind: Cutting, Off, All, Paths, of, Survival.

 Chapter 155: Grand Preceptor refuses to accept his fate

    <h4>Chapter 155: Grand Preceptor refuses to ept his fate</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie wasn¡¯t unconscious for long. But soon after waking up, he didn¡¯t even have a chance to speak to his two sons before a steward came with reports that His Majesty had sent over an imperial physician. Grand Preceptor Xie felt his vision go ck again. Both Lady Wang and Ning Xiaoyao had seeded in making him ill enough to feel faint at the mention of their very names. (Orz)[1. Yes, the Orz is present in the original raw version of the chapter as well!]

    The three imperial physicians were all as docile as quails during the entire trip. When Grand Preceptor Xie had greeted them, they returned the greetings in turn, but never spoke on their own ord. Nor did they lift their heads to look at him. Finally, Grand Preceptor Xie ordered his men to give them thank you gifts, but none of the physicians dared to ept them.

    ¡°They left just like dogs with tails between their legs!¡± Xie Anji[2. Xie Anjii (Ð»°²¼Ã) - Unfortunately, it seems I misread this character. Xie Anji is the correct name, not Xie AnQI. Ji means ¡°aid, relieve, benefit, to cross a river.¡± Earlier chapters will be corrected ordingly in time...] said indignantly. Grand Preceptor Xieughed coldly before he sighed in resignation. The physicians were all surely avoiding me just now.

    ¡°Father, what should we do now?¡± Xie Anshi asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie nced at the pageboy waiting by his side, who took out a small booklet and handed it over to Xie Anshi in a hurry.

    ¡°Burn all the houses that are listed in that book,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered.

    Xie Anshi quickly opened the booklet and nched at the sight of the first page. All of these were the Old Madame¡¯s houses and shops. And we¡¯re were going to burn them all?

    ¡°Hurry andplete the task you were given,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie urged.

    ¡°Father?¡± Xie Anshi was beginning to wonder whether his father¡¯s brains had been addled by His Majesty.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t burn them, they¡¯ll all belong to His Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°I refuse to yield anything we can¡¯t keep to others.¡±

    Both Xie brothers were stunned speechless. How could Old Madame Xie¡¯s things be His Majesty¡¯s now? Grand Preceptor Xie furiously waved his hand, unable to exin the circumstances behind what had happened.

    ¡°T-then what about the money and various things in the stores?¡± Xie Anshi asked. Even if we don¡¯t want the buildings, aren¡¯t we going to keep the stocks?

    ¡°Forget about them all,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°Would our Xie n fall for want of such things?¡±

    Xie Anshi still wanted to speak up.

    ¡°Beat it!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared angrily.

    Xie Anshi had no choice but to scram like a mouse spotted by a cat.

    ¡°Go make inquiries around the pce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered his second son Xie Anji after chasing off his third. ¡°See if Prince Cheng has returned.¡±

    Xie Anji grew uneasy at themand. ¡°Father, this son isn¡¯t able to enter the pce.¡±

    ¡°Find someone to look around for you,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face was frighteningly gloomy. ¡°Can¡¯t you even think of a simple thing like that?¡±

    Xie Anji could only leave and figure out a way to get the intel as requested. Lady Wang had been standing vigil by the door. When she had seen both of her sons leave, she stepped inside. Grand Preceptor Xie was leaning back against a silk cushion,when he saw Lady Wang enter, he waved a hand to beckon her near. Lady Wang stood in front of his bed and saw how much her husband had aged over the course of the past few days. Tears fell from her face at the very sight.

    ¡°I was nning to take care of young n¨¦e Wang personally,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie wasn¡¯t in a mood to grieve as he pressed a hand to his throat. ¡°You should do it instead.¡±

    Lady Wang stopped wiping away her tears so she could stare at Grand Preceptor Xie, incredulous. ¡°His Majesty personally left words for Grand Preceptor to look after that wretch well. It wouldn¡¯t look that good if we get rid of her now, would it? Suppose His Majesty mes our n for yet another thing...¡±

    ¡°He can¡¯t kill me,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie interrupted her arrogantly. ¡°So why fear him at all? Wife, do it as soon as possible. Or...are you reluctant to lose this niece of yours?¡±

    Lady Wang hastily shook her head in denial.

    ¡°Go on then,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stopped talking with thatmand.

    Lady Wang turned to leave, but she couldn¡¯t resist stopping for onest question. ¡°Are there really no more chances to reconcile with His Majesty after all?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie simplyid back and closed his eyes as he waved Lady Wang away. She covered her mouth to muffle her sobs before staggering brokenly out the door. As soon as she left, one the Grand Preceptor¡¯s stewards walked in, hunched over, before kneeling on the ground to kowtow in obeisance.

    ¡°How are things?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The steward said softly, ¡°That old man killed himself, but his family¡¯s still ensconced in the pce. I don¡¯t know how His Majesty is nning to deal with the current situation.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie remained indifferent to the news. ¡°And what of the refugees?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve all returned to their old haunts,¡± the steward looked carefully at Grand Preceptor Xie before adding, ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t---didn¡¯t give them any difficulties even after everything that happened.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes flew wide open at the same time the steward ducked his head in his fright.

    ¡°She certainly knows how to endure well,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered softly to himself.

    The steward said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, there¡¯s no longer chaos on the streets anymore.¡±

    ¡°Are there any people cursing this old man?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked directly.

    The steward didn¡¯t dare to answer his master.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered him.

    ¡°There are,¡± the steward managed to spit out. But that was all he said. He didn¡¯t dare mention how those same people were cursing the entire Xie n to meet with bad ends or had even beaten one of their stewards to death.

    ¡°Leave,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie dismissed him. Nobody else entered the room after the steward, so Grand Preceptor Xieid listlessly against his bed. Yet another crushing defeat! Once again, I have failed!

    ¡°Someone,e!¡± he shouted after some hard thought.

    Two pageboys scurried into their master¡¯s room.

    ¡°Go summon Xie Laibao,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered sternly. ¡°And get me a brush and some ink.¡±

    The two pageboys immediately split up so as to fulfill his requests. Grand Preceptor Xie sat in his bed and wrote a letter to the Duke of Yue, Ning Heng.[1. Ning Heng (Äþºã) - Ning is a surname that means ¡°peaceful,¡± Heng means ¡°perseverance.] In the letter, hevishly med Ning Xiaoyao for causing the death of Ning Heng¡¯s third son, Ning Xiaoluo. By the time his servants had carried in Xie Laibao on a chair, Grand Preceptor Xie had already sealed up the letter and handed it off to one of his pageboys for delivery.

    ¡°Order one of the outer courtyard to travel double speed and deliver this letter to Fengzhou.¡±

    The pageboy epted the letter respectfully and quickly ran off. Xie Laibao privately made a note of ¡®Fengzhou¡¯ before sobbing out, ¡°Master.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand to dismiss everyone else in the room as he looked critically at Xie Laibao. Somehow, the man had been reduced to tears in the blink of an eye. ¡°What are you crying for? This old man hasn¡¯t reached a dead end yet.¡±

    Xie Laibao boxed his own ears and said, ¡°This servant was unworthy and deserves to die. But, now of all times, I can¡¯t move.¡±

    ¡°You have to move even if you can¡¯t,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie nced at the ces where Xie Laibao¡¯s injured body had been secured to the chair¡¯s nks.

    Xie Laibao hastened to say, ¡°Master, please instruct me in this matter.¡±

    ¡°Three days from now, this old man will invite a monk over to recite scriptures for the old madame,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°On that same day, the leaders of the Poison Sect wille to our estate as well.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re alling together?¡± Xie Laibao asked. That¡¯s going to be quite a bit of people.

    ¡°Their sect head has been captured, so they¡¯ll need toe and ask me for ideas,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie exined. ¡°You¡¯ll need to prepare the banquet for that day.¡±

    Xie Laibao nced at Grand Preceptor Xie. That¡¯s it? Something that simple is why I was called in?

    ¡°We can¡¯t leave the Poison Sect alive any longer,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie exined. ¡°Three days from today marks the death of their sect.¡±

    The Head Steward Xie nearly jumped up in fright. There were tens of thousands of members in the Poison Sect, while their leaders numbered in the hundreds alone. Grand Preceptor Xie wanted to kill all the leaders?

    ¡°S-should I poison the food?¡± Xie Laibao asked hesitantly.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to poison members of the Poison Sect?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie retorted, stupefied.

    Xie Laibao boxed his ears in self-reproach again. ¡°Master, this servant lost his brains while recovering from his injuries.¡±

    ¡°Transfer archers from the capital,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°And have them shoot everyone who shows up to death.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Xie Laibao obeyed before looking Grand Preceptor Xie with a conflicted expression. He wanted to asked a question, but didn¡¯t dare.

    ¡°There just has to be a spy amongst the Poison Sect¡¯s ranks,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°If I can¡¯t find them, I¡¯d rather kill them all.¡±

    Xie Laibao was all consideration for his master as he spoke. ¡°Master, the Poison Sect¡¯s full of disciples. If you kill off all their leaders just like that, wouldn¡¯t the survivorse to cause you trouble?¡±

    ¡°It was this old man who helped to raise the Poison Sect,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, not worried at all about the possibility, ¡°If I say they¡¯re good, then they¡¯re good. If I say they¡¯re bad, then they¡¯re nothing more than rats in the streets.¡±

    Xie Laibao felt his heart clench in fear at the words spoken. If he finds out that I¡¯m working with Lou Zigui, how will he treat me?!

    ¡°Go on now,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie dismissed Xie Laibao.

    ¡°Master, then how do we exin things to the Poison Sect head?¡± Xie Laibao asked.

    ¡°Tell him that we weren¡¯t the ones who sent in the archers,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied coldly. ¡°If he¡¯s not one of Ning Yu¡¯s men, he¡¯ll naturally seek revenge on her for his subordinates¡¯ deaths.¡±

    Xie Laibao¡¯s voice shook. ¡°So the archers were sent by His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°All of my men are men His Majesty wants to kill,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie leveled Xie Laibao with a stare. ¡°Only by understanding that matter will those half-hearted types give up their second thoughts.¡±

    Xie Laibao was very fearful, but he held out long enough to praise his master and call him wise and brilliant. Impatient with such praise, Grand Preceptor Xie simply waved him away. Two servants were called into the room to carry Xie Laibao out again. The Head Steward of the Xie n heard Grand Preceptor Xie muttering to himself as he left the room.

    ¡°You really think that Lou Zigui¡¯s so great?¡±

    Xie Laibao¡¯s soul nearly flew out of his body at the words. He was about to crawl off his chair and beg for mercy when he heard Grand Preceptor Xie mutter again, ¡°You¡¯lle to regret it, Your Majesty.¡±

    Xie Laibao motioned for his carriers to move faster. If he stayed any longer, he¡¯d definitely lose his nerve. Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie coughed up a fresh mouthful of blood.

    The spring breeze was very warm outside, but Xie Laibao still felt as if it were the dead of winter. Because Grand Preceptor Xie suspected the Poison Sect of harboring spies, he ordered their leaders summarily executed. But what about the likes of him? Perhaps, Xie Laibao thought as he shook back and forth on his chair, Perhaps my only chance at survival is to hope His Majesty gets rid of Grand Preceptor Xie once and for all?

    Grand Preceptor Xie leaned over his little desk and lifted his brush again, this time to write a letter to Empress Dowager Xie. With no way to kill off Ning Yu, he couldn¡¯t afford any discord with his daughter in the pce. By the time dusk set in, the rioting capital had settled down to its previous calm. Ning Xiaoyao sat in the main hall of her pce eating dinner with Lou Zigui. She was a quick eater, but Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t slow either thanks to his experience in the military. Big Boss ck, the snow wolf pup and Grandfather Sparrow on the window all held admiration for their speed at eating.

    ¡°You¡¯re a girl, so why can¡¯t you be more reserved when you eat?¡± Big Boss ck meowed from below the table.

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Look at my Supreme Commander!¡± Big Boss ck scratched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s calves. Although Supreme Commander Lou ate quite fast, his movements were still refined and aristocratic. Ning Xiaoyao pouted at the sight. He looks good even when he¡¯s eating, so what¡¯s a girl as handsome as the Heavens like me supposed to do? (Author: Enough, you....)

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lou Zigui put down his soup spoon and asked in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao copied Lou Zigui¡¯s way of drinking soup but only got a pitiful mouthful. When she tried again, she got the same results. If she wanted to drink more soup, she¡¯d have to open her mouth wider.

    How did Supreme Commander finish off his soup when eating like this?

    In a moment of anger, Ning Xiaoyao opened wide and polished off her mushroom soup in two gulps. With a ng, she set the empty bowl on the table.

    ¡°This is what you call drinking soup!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a re.

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. Can someone please tell me what just happened?

 Chapter 156: The woman who ran into the fire

    <h4>Chapter 156: The woman who ran into the fire</h4>

    ¡°If you like it, then drink some more,¡± Lou Zigui said mildly as he picked up the soup spoon. Seeing that, Ning Xiaoyao simply picked up the entire pot of soup, lifted her head, and started gulping it down.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand stiffened around thedle. Big Boss ck covered his face, unable to bear the sight of Xiaoyao embarrassing herself. Meanwhile, Shadowgale appeared by the door and asked to be let in.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Lou Zigui spoke on behalf of the girl who was currently guzzling her soup.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale¡¯s voice sounded furious. ¡°Many of the properties in the capital are ¡®leaking water¡¯¡°

    Ning Xiaoyao kept gulping down her soup because she had no idea what ¡®leaking water,¡¯ or zoushui (×ßË®) meant. Lou Zigui put down his soup spoon.

    ¡°Could it have been on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s orders?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Where is it leaking?¡±

    ¡°The west part of the city,¡± Shadowgale replied. Lou Zigui nced at the sword at Shadowgale¡¯s waist. Here was a man already preparing to go out and seize some properties, only to find that they¡¯d caught fire. No wonder he was all fired up himself.

    Ning Xiaoyao finally finished her soup and put the pot aside. She stuck out her tongue and licked it clean before asking, ¡°What does ¡®running water¡¯ mean? Is there a flood?¡±

    Shadowgale scratched his ears. I must have been hearing things just then.

    ¡°¡®Running water¡¯ means that they¡¯ve caught on fire,¡± Lou Zigui patiently exined, his expression showing that he was used to this.

    ¡°Catching on fire means running water?¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt this way of phrasing things was fresh and new.

    He doesn¡¯t even know that? Shadowgale didn¡¯t get it anymore. Just how did His Majesty grow up? Lou Zigui simply stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°¡®Running water¡¯ is ¡®catching fire,¡¯¡± Oblivious to her own foolishness, Ning Xiaoyao repeat the phrase a few times to herself beforeing to a pause. Then she looked at Lou Zigui and Shadowgale and eximed, ¡°That¡¯s not right, why is it fire again? Who did it?!¡±

    Lou Zigui exhaled. Thank goodness, this girl¡¯s not actually a fool. (Author: Hey hey, don¡¯t be like that, Supreme Commander!)

    ¡°It should be the Grand Preceptor,¡± Shadowgale replied. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want Your Majesty to get Old Madame¡¯s houses and shops.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to flip the table, but didn¡¯t want to break the dishware sitting on it. What if she broke one by ident?

    ¡°Bring some men out of the city,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the things inside the capitol.¡±

    ¡°How are you going to take care of things? Everything¡¯s burning!¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a racket.

    ¡°They should have burnt the shops first,¡± Lou Zigui stood up and grabbed a handkerchief before skillfully wiping Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth. ¡°So we¡¯ll forget about the shops. The houses are still rather valuable.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her body ache from the loss. ¡°Shops, ah. Those were all worth money!¡±

    ¡°Wait for me at the pce,¡± Lou Zigui examined the mouth he¡¯d just cleaned. Ning Xiaoyao was pouting so much that her lips could be an oil jar spout.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to jump.

    ¡°You should treat those seven men¡¯s injuries,¡± Lou Zigui held her back as he lowered his voice. ¡°If you want them to survive, then you should heal them faster so they can leave the city sooner.¡±

    ¡°Fine then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Between saving lives and saving houses, she¡¯d pick the former first.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui brought Shadowgale out of the audience hall.

    Standing before the pce were thousands of imperial guards all ready for a journey. At the sight of Lou Zigui, one of the generals ordered the troops to mount their horses.

    ¡°If we meet with resistance,¡± Lou Zigui told Shadowgale and the generals, ¡°Kill them on the spot.¡±

    ¡°And if they happen to be just farmers?¡± one of the generals asked.

    ¡°If they¡¯re trying to bludgeon you, they¡¯re not just farmers anymore,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly. ¡°Once the rowdiest ones die, the others will turn docile. And don¡¯t let any of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men escape, regardless of where they¡¯re hiding in the crowds.¡±

    Shadowgale and the generals replied in assent. One orderter, the imperial guards and their horses were heading for the streets.

    ¡°Go find Old Huo,¡± Lou Zigui told Fang Tang once Shadowgale and the rest were in the lead. ¡°Tell him to have Xie Laibao meet me in the western part of the city.¡±

    Fang Tang nodded and left.

    ¡°The two of you, bring two hundred imperial guards to the east and southern parts of the city,¡± Lou Zigui handed over the various deeds and titles in his hands to two generals. ¡°im all the properties listed on these papers. If you meet with resistance, there¡¯s no need to act polite.¡±

    The two generals obeyed and took two hundred guards with them out of the pce. One group headed for the south, the other for the east.

    ¡°Protect His Majesty well,¡± Lou Zigui instructed Shadowthunder and Shadowbolt, who were to stay behind in the pce. Then he mounted his horse and left with 100 troops of his own. While heading for the western part of the capital, he could already see the skies overhead dyed with red from the mes. Two entire streets had been swallowed by the fire, forcing its residents to flee into the streets. Between the cries of women and children, there were also the elderly who had fallen by the streets, helplessly begging for help. Lou Zigui saw many of the civilians attempting to fight the fire, but there were no local authorities anywhere in sight.

    When the civilians saw soldiers and horses heading their way, they were beside themselves with excitement. They assumed that the pce had sent men to fight the fire. But when all they saw were the imperial guards, they lost hope again. These were none other than His Majesty¡¯s personal guads. How could they ever lower themselves to things like putting out fires?

    ¡°Setting fire to his own house is one thing, but how could Xie Wenyuan be so ruthless?¡± one of the ck Frost Cavalry generals said through gritted teeth.

    ¡°The soldiers from the capital barracks are here!¡± a few of the citizens shouted from the end of the street. Lou Zigui heard the sound of hooves and looked back to see a thousand-strong team of soldiers and horses heading their way. A few generals moved to guard him. With their 100 imperial guards, they were hard-pressed to face off against such arge party.

    Lou Zigui only nced at the battalion behind them before turning around and continuing forward.

    ¡°They¡¯ve left,¡± one of the military officers in the battalion reported to his general, who exhaled in relief at the sight. That¡¯s for the best. Their numbers might be few, but it¡¯s uncertain who¡¯d win if we really got into a fight.

    ¡°Put out the fires,¡± the general ordered loudly. The capital barrack¡¯s soldiers immediately split up to fight the mes.

    ¡°You, go back,¡± the general told one of his bodyguards. ¡°The fire¡¯s too big, we need more men. Return to call for reinforcements.¡±

    The bodyguard muttered an assent and quickly galloped back to the barracks.

    --

    ¡°It¡¯s this row of shops right here,¡± one of the imperial guards said as he stopped in a intersection with Lou Zigui to point at five buildings swallowed in mes. ¡°I remember those five were wine shops.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s useless,¡± one of the ck Frost Cavalry generals muttered. ¡°What could be left after a fire like that?¡±

    ¡°The capital barracks soldiers should be here to fight the fire,¡± another general said as he looked behind them.

    ¡°These five buildings were all wine shops?¡± Lou Zigui asked again.

    The imperial guard replied, ¡°I¡¯ve never entered them myself. The wine shops on this street are too expensive for me.¡±

    A woman¡¯s sobs came from the direction of the mes. Some people attempted to save her, but the mes were too high for them to rush in. Two imperial guards dismounted from their horses and doused themselves with a bucket of water before rushing into the mes. Soon enough, they rescued a woman clutching a child to her chest.

    ¡°A refugee?¡± one of the civilians muttered to his neighbors as he surveyed the woman.

    The imperial guard ced his hand beneath the nose of the child in the woman¡¯s arms, before shaking his head at Lou Zigui. ¡°He¡¯s not breathing.¡±

    The woman clutched her son and sank to the ground with wretched sobs. Whether or not she was a refugee, the cries of a mother who¡¯d just lost her child were heartwrenching enough to earn the sympathy of anyone listening. The civilians around her began to shed tears at the sight.

    Lou Zigui dismounted and walked to the woman¡¯s side before half kneeling down to ask, ¡°What happened?¡±

    The woman¡¯s face waspletely ck from all the soot and ash, her eyes red from crying.

    ¡°You¡¯re refugees that live on the streets, so why didn¡¯t you escape in time when the fires broke out?¡± Lou Zigui asked again.

    The fire had burnt off half the woman¡¯s clothes as well. Right now, she was draped in one of the soldier¡¯s robes.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything, wouldn¡¯t he die discontent?¡± Lou Zigui reached out a hand to close the eyes of the dead little boy.

    ¡°Nobody lived,¡± the woman spoke, ¡°Not a single one. They all died. Everyone---everyone died.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°So many people came,¡± the woman clutched her child tighter, her expression growing wild and rmed. ¡°They said...¡± She made a series of loud gargled noises that Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t understand at all.

    ¡°She said there were people cursing the Grand Preceptor,¡± a middle-aged merchant standing on the side spoke up, growing agitated from the woman¡¯s words. He raised his voice and cried, ¡°So the leader of the men gave orders to trap them in the alley and burn them to death!¡±

    Everyone stiffened at the words as the woman sobbed on. Burning people to death just for cursing someone else?

    ¡°They¡¯re all gone,¡± the woman wailed. Behind them, a four-storied building caved in, sending up clouds of dust that choked the watchers. They beat a hasty retreat from the building. Lou Zigui knelt there unmoving, but he bent down slightly to shield the woman from the iing smoke and dust.

    ¡°It had to have been the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men.¡± None of the ck Frost Cavalry generals had budged either. It was one of them that spoke now, his voice hot with fury. ¡°Those good-for-nothing bastards. If they had the guts, they should fight like real men.¡±

    ¡°Take her away,¡± Lou Zigui said as he stood up. But the woman simply kissed her little son¡¯s face before standing up to rush wildly back into the mes. Her family was all dead now, so what was the point if she lived on alone?

    Lou Zigui had already turned to leave when he heard the woman¡¯s footsteps. By the time he turned to stop her, it was already toote. Cries of rm rose from four sides as she threw herself headfirst into the mes. There was a sh of a human silhouette in the fire, then a heartrending shriek. Soon after that, the shrieking stopped, leaving the thrashing human torch falling to the ground. Another building copsed from the mes and buried the woman¡¯s body beneath its rubble.

    A deathly silence fell upon the intersection.

    Gradually, some of the women began to weep. Their sobs grew louder and more intense until others joined them. Without a home, a person could build another. But what could one build from lost lives?

    Lou Zigui stared at the mes before him, his expression ice-cold. At this moment, one of Old Huo¡¯s subordinates came huffing and puffing to his side.

    ¡°Did you see them?¡± Lou Zigui asked the neer. ¡°Who gave the orders to kill those people?¡±

    ¡°It was Xie Anshi,¡± the man replied softly.

    Lou Zigui nodded. Compared with Xie Anyi and Xie Anji, Xie Anshi¡¯s personality resembled his father and elder sister the most. The only thing hecked was the brains to back it up. Killing refugees at a time like this? If the refugees dared to charge into the pce, what made him think they wouldn¡¯t attack the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate in the same way?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± the messenger pointed to one of the streets leading to the north. ¡°Xie Anshi went to his elder brother-inw¡¯s house---Tao Chen¡¯s estate.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked towards the north as killing intent shed through his eyes.

 Chapter 157: The refugees riot again

    <h4>Chapter 157: The refugees riot again</h4>

    ¡°Go find the refugees,¡± Lou Zigui told the messenger. ¡°Tell them what happened here, then tell them where the culprit is.¡±

    The messenger nodded before running into the crowds.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± one of his generals stepped forward. ¡°Old Huo¡¯s brought more men.¡±

    Meanwhile, a team of soldiers from the capital¡¯s barracks had run over to help with the fire. When their leader saw Lou Zigui¡¯s group standing in the streets, he had them halt, not daring to move any further. Lou Zigui brought his men to stride past the team of soldiers, only ncing at their leader. The motion was almost enough to make the man go for his sword.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you putting out those fires yet?¡± one of the ck Frost Cavalry generals hit the leader of the soldiers. He staggered back a few steps, angry yet too timid to talk back.

    Meanwhile, Old Huo¡¯s men had brought Xie Laibao with them to one of therge halls in a merchant¡¯s house. Xie Laibao looked around him and shivered as he asked Old Huo, ¡°Just where is this ce?¡±

    Old Huo didn¡¯t say a word before he walked out of the room.

    All alone in the room, Xie Laibao felt as if the furniture and earthernware themselves had grown eyes to stare at him. He covered his face with his hands, too afraid to peek. Not longter, Lou Zigui entered the room to sit across from Xie Laibao at the table.

    ¡°Su, Supreme Commander,¡± Xie Laibao tried to smile when he looked up at saw Lou Zigui, only to fail miserably. His face was frozen stiff.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Lou Zigui intoned. ¡°Were my father and elder brothers done in by Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    Xie Laibao¡¯s body froze as he looked at Lou Zigui in shock.

    ¡°The battle in the wastnds that year,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly. ¡°Xie Wenyuan went to meet with Modou. What did they talk about?¡±

    Xie Laibao¡¯s body tilted sideways before he tumbled out of his chair to fall at Lou Zigui¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Tell me the truth,¡± Lou Zigui sat there unmoving.

    Xie Laibao remained lying on the floor for a long time. If Lou Zigui can ask these kind of questions, then he must have heard something. Am I supposed to hide my master¡¯s misdeeds? When he thought of the fate lying in wait for the Poison Sect, Xie Laibao looked at Lou Zigui and nodded his head.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, this, this humble one doesn¡¯t know much, only that the Northern Hu¡¯s Wolf King really did m-meet with my master.¡±

    ¡°What did they talk about?¡±

    ¡°The Wolf King said his warriors couldn¡¯t die in vain,¡± Xie Laibao looked up, raising his hands in a pledge, ¡°This humble one speaks the truth!¡±

    His words matched Lady Xiang¡¯s ount perfectly. Lou Zigui sat for a long time in his chair without saying a thing. There was only a single oilmp lit in the room, and its light didn¡¯t reach Lou Zigui where he sat. In the darkness, Xie Laibao could only hear Lou Zigui¡¯s knuckle cracking with the effort of clenching his fists. He quickly forced himself to crawl backwards, afraid that the man would kill him in a pique of temper.

    A long whileter, Lou Zigui slowly exhaled and rxed his fingers. ¡°Who else knows about this?¡± he asked Xie Laibao.

    ¡°N-no one,¡± Xie Laibao replied in a fluster.

    ¡°Did Xie Wenyuan do it on imperial orders?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Xie Laibao opened and closed his mouth.

    ¡°I want the truth,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes turned ruthless.

    ¡°Thete emperor did give my master a secret message,¡± Xie Laibao admitted, ¡°B-but the idea came from the Northern Hu, who had found my master first. Then my master went to find thete emperor. It...it was possible that thete emperor didn¡¯t want to prolong the fight against Northern Hu anymore, so, s-so...¡± Xie Laibao didn¡¯t dare finish the thought. His Grand Preceptor already had a grudge with Lou Zigui, so how could thete emperor not be guilty in killing the Lou n father and sons?

    Xie Laibao pressed his face against the ice-cold ground and thought it over before saying, ¡°Supreme Commander, regarding this matter, His...His Majesty doesn¡¯t know of it.¡±

    Lou Zigui fell into a long silence again. Outside the building, the streets were filled the shouts of people, a marked contrast to the deathly silence within. It was as if they were in apletely different world.

    ¡°Is there anything else you need to tell me?¡± Lou Zigui finally spoke up.

    Xie Laibao proceeded to tell Supreme Commander about Grand Preceptor¡¯s ns to eliminate the Poison Sect. Lou Zigui¡¯s hands rapped lightly against the table, the steady beat making Xie Laibao even more nervous than he already was.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care how you do it, but leave a live one for me,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Will you remember my words?¡±

    Xie Laibao looked anxious. ¡°Supreme Commander, if I leave a survivor, it¡¯ll be hard to exin things to the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°Shift the me to the capital barracks soldiers,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Put Tao Yu[1. Tao Yu (ÌÕÓï) - Tao is a surname meaning ¡°pottery, earthernware,¡± Yu is nguage.¡±] in charge of the assassination.¡±

    Xie Laibao knew Tao Yu as the concubine-born younger half brother of the Xie n¡¯s third son-inw, Tao Chen. Tao Yu waster summoned back to the capital to act as the deputy general of the capital barracks soldiers. But to ask him for that? Is Lou Zigui marking Deputy General Tao for death? Xie Laibao first nodded to say he understood, then asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, this, this humble one doesn¡¯t have enough brains. How am I supposed to pull this off?¡±

    Lou Zigui stood up, and Xie Laibao hastily backed away.

    ¡°You can only live peacefully once Xie Wenyuan is dead,¡± Lou Zigui told the head steward of the Xie n. ¡°You have to manage the Poison Sect business well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Xie Laibao crawled over in front of Lou Zigui and kowtowed.

    --

    When Lou Zigui left the building, the air outside was already hot and choked with smoke. Fang Tang ran in from the streets, shaking his head at the sight of Lou Zigui. ¡°The winds are big tonight, it¡¯ll be hard to put these fires out. The capital¡¯s soldiers are taking care of the houses at the end of thene so it doesn¡¯t spread across the streets.¡±

    Lou Zigui tightened his cor and told Old Huo, ¡°Take Xie Laibao back.¡±

    Old Huo hastily nodded. Lou Zigui then returned to the previous intersection with Fang Tang following close behind.

    Meanwhile, a crowd of refugees had gathered outside the doors of the Nine Gate Infantry Commander Tao Chen¡¯s estate. The doorkeepers shouted at them to get away. ¡°Do you think you can linger in a ce like this? Hurry up and scram!¡±

    But the refugees simply ignored his words and stayed put. A few of the doorkeepers attempted to drive them off, but realized that the numbers of refugees gathering before their doors was increasing. Eventually, a literal mob of people had filled up the entirene, scaring the doorkeepers to death. They hastily ran into the estate and shut the doors fast before hurrying with a report to the back courtyard. There resided Tao Chen, still bedridden after Ning Xiaoyao had broken his bones by chucking a wall at him. He was currently speaking to Xie Anshi.

    A steward quickly asked for an audience by the door before reporting everything that was happening outside. Tao Chen couldn¡¯t believe it. What kind of refugees had the daring to block the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s door?

    When the steward came inside, his face was drawn with worry. ¡°Master, this servant thinks that there¡¯s something fishy about all this.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it just a fire?¡± Tao Chen said, perplexed. Two streets had caught on fire, but why were the refugees looking for him?

    Xie Anshi¡¯s face, on the other hand, was deathly white.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Tao Chen hurriedly asked Xie Anshi.

    ¡°I killed a few refugees,¡± Xie Anshi had nothing to hide from his elder brother-inw, so he exined how he¡¯d ordered his men to trap the refugees who badmouthed his father in an alley and burned them to death.

    As soon as Tao Chen heard his words, he sat up despite his serious injuries,pletely rmed. ¡°How could you do something like that?!¡±

    Xie Anshi didn¡¯t think he had done anything wrong and said in a dismissive tone, ¡°They were only some refugees.¡±

    ¡°Hurry,¡± Tao Chen didn¡¯t waste time talking with Xie Anshi anymore, but went to order the steward instead. ¡°Call for Her Ladyship, we¡¯re leaving through the back door!¡±

    Xie Anshi asked, ¡°Brother-inw, you¡¯re afraid of some paltry refuges?¡±

    If Tao Chen wasn¡¯t severely injured, he¡¯d punch Xie Anshi right now. ¡°Those ¡®paltry refugees¡¯ had the guts to charge straight into the pce. What makes you think they won¡¯t mob my estate as well?¡±

    Xie Anshi still wasn¡¯t concerned. The refugees had only invaded the pce with his father¡¯s instigation. How would they ever had the courage to charge in the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯spound?

    --

    Outside the doors, a simple and honest-looking man shouted, ¡°Xie Anshi is right inside!¡±

    ¡°Those who kill need to pay with their own lives. Aren¡¯t refugees¡¯ lives human lives as well?¡±

    ¡°The father wanted to kill us, and now the son does, too. Just what enmity does the Xie n hold against us all?!¡±

    Angry cries rose incessantly from the crowd. A few of the younger refugees rushed to the door and began mming against it with their bodies. Meanwhile, ten or so retainers blocked them with their lives from the other side.

    ¡°Everyone, together!¡± someone shouted in the crowd.

    The horde of refugees surged forward.

    The sound of their impact against the doors made Tao Chen even more anxious as he urged his guards to hurry up. Third Young Miss Xie, Tao Chen¡¯s wife, was sitting with him in a sedan chair, while a nanny behind them held their youngest son in her arms. Their eldest son was walking on the other side of the sedan.

    By now, Xie Anshi had started to panic as well, and walked with quick steps behind the carriage. At the same time, the refugees broke through the door and charged inside. A few of the retainers who were too slow to move out of the way were trampled to death underfoot.

    ¡°Kill them!¡± one of the refugees shouted.

    The Tao n retainers could still stand up against some refugees, but their sheer numbers were overwhelming. Even after killing one wave, another woulde to rece it like a flood. In the end, the retainers were scattered and quickly killed by the furious mob. Their eyes, red in their bloodlust, they killed everyone they saw and stole everything theyid hands on. Without any semnce of logic or reason left, they were nothing more than bloodthirsty monsters.

    Xie Anshi brought a few guards with him to flee with Tao Chen. Compared to the streets that were on fire, thesenes were still quiet, the doors tightly shut with no pedestrians on the road. No sound could be heard beyond the high courtyard walls, either.

    ¡°Third Young Master,¡± the guard pulling Xie Anshi along said, ¡°After this street, it¡¯ll be the capital barracks. We won¡¯t need to fear the refugees once we reach there. Third Young Master, please run a little fas---¡±

    Before the guard finished speaking, arrows flew out from the shadows and shot him dead with the rest of Xie Anshi¡¯s guards. Completely caught by surprise, Xie Anshi stood nkly at the end of the street, too dazed to feel any fear---yet. A row of men walked out from the shadows, their leader stopping right in front of Xie Anshi.

    ¡°Lou Zigui?¡± When Xie Anshi recognized the man, he took a step back. Lou Zigui simply kicked Xie Anshi to the ground, causing him to cry out. ¡°It was you! You were the one who stirred up the refugees to rush into the Tao Estate!¡±

    Lou Zigui ordered Fang Tang, ¡°Hand him over to the refugees.¡±

    Fang Tang stepped forward and dragged Xie Anshi to his feet.

    ¡°Lou Zigui!¡± Xie Anshi shouted. ¡°You dare to kill me? My father will never forgive you for it!¡±

    Fang Tang kicked Xie Anshi in the mouth, breaking his jaw. The third young master of the Xie n opened his mouth, but only a series of unintelligible noises came out. He couldn¡¯t speak anymore. Meanwhile, Tao Chen¡¯s party had been trapped by the refugees at the end of a street before the mob swallowed them whole.

    When Fang Tang caught up to them, all he saw was a mess of bloody, mangled flesh on the ground. He tossed Xie Anshi onto the pulpy pile and announced in a loud voice, ¡°He¡¯s the one called Xie Anshi.¡±

 Chapter 158: Supreme Commander says, youâ€™re different

    <h4>Chapter 158: Supreme Commander says, you''re different</h4>

    Somehow, the refugees had gotten their hands on oil, which they now poured all over Xie Anshi¡¯s body until he waspletely soaked. Xie Anshi had only broken his jaw, so while he couldn¡¯t speak, he could move perfectly fine. He tried multiple times to crawl to his feet and flee, but the refugees only kicked him back down again. Finally, the exhausted man simplyid paralyzed on the ground with the stench of urine emanating from his oil-sodden form.

    Many refugees suddenly realized for the first time that the the sons of pce nobility resembled nothing more than stray curs when they were beaten and down. One of them tossed a torch on Xie Anshi¡¯s body. As his body was swallowed by mes, Xie Anshi thrashed about wildly and howled.

    Fang Tang ran back to Lou Zigui and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, that whelp probably never expected to die like that.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak. He stared wordlessly at the human torch writhing on the ground, his eyes ruthlessly cold. Hurried hoofbeats came from the other end of the street.

    ¡°Kill!¡± At the word ofmand, the capital barrack soldiers came rushing to the ughter.

    ¡°It¡¯s Chen Lu,¡± Fang Tang said after spotting the man in the lead.

    ¡°Have the refugees disperse,¡± Lou Zigui murmured in a low voice.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you running yet?¡± Fang Tang shouted at the refugees. ¡°Are you waiting to get killed? They¡¯re calvarymen from the capital¡¯s barracks, do you want to throw your lives away?!¡±

    A few of the imperial guards joined in to help Fang Tang spread the word. When Chen Lu had galloped into the crowd and ran into their forces, he and his cavalrymen already held an advantage over the foot soldiers, to say nothing of the unarmed refugees. They fell in swarms before the onught. The rest were alerted by Fang Tang¡¯s shouts and quelled by the sight of their dead kin. They began to scatter to the four winds. Chen Lu didn¡¯t order his men to chase them down, but rushed to Xie Anshi¡¯s side and cried frantically, ¡°The fire, put out the fire!¡±

    Fang Tang wanted to rush forward, but Lou Zigui held him back.

    Two soldiers ran forward with water, but Chen Lu quickly called them off. ¡°Can¡¯t you smell the oil?!¡± If an oil-based fire met water, it would only exacerbate the mes. The two soldiers proceeded to take off their outer robes and beat the mes off Xie Anshi¡¯s body.

    ¡°Are we going to let Xie Anshi go just like that?¡± Fang Tang asked Lou Zigui in a small voice.

    ¡°After being burnt like this,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°He¡¯ll be living a fate worse than death,in fact he¡¯ll be wishing for it.¡±

    Soon enough, the soldiers put out the fires on Xie Anshi¡¯s body. The third young master of the Xie nid motionless on the ground, his entire body ckened by the mes. Even his four limbs had distorted as a result of the fire, leaving it impossible for anyone to tell whether he was still alive. Fang Tang arched a brow as he saw Xie Anshi¡¯s ruined face. If he¡¯s still alive after this, wouldn¡¯t living simply be torture?

    Chen Lu jumped off his horse and went to inspect the human figure that resembled a lump of charcoal. He didn¡¯t know where to start.

    ¡°Judging by the shape of the body, it¡¯s probably Third Young Master Xie,¡± Chen Lu¡¯s vicemander muttered. Chen Lu knelt down to test for Xie Anshi¡¯s breathing, only to find that he was still alive. He then picked up a scorched snuff bottle off the ground and inspected it before inhaling sharply.

    ¡°General?¡± his vicemander hastened to ask.

    ¡°He¡¯s Xie Anshi,¡± Chen Lu said in a low voice. This was Xie Anshi¡¯s personal snuff bottle that he carried around at all times. It was veritable proof of his identity. Now that his guesses had been confirmed, the vicemander broke out into cold sweat. All of the capital barracks¡¯ soldiers had been busy fighting fires when Third Young Master Xie was burnt to a crisp by the refugees. How were they supposed to exin themselves to the Grand Preceptor?

    ¡°Someonee,¡± Chen Lu stood up to shout, ¡°Deliver Third Young Master Xie back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate!¡±

    A few soldiers ran forward to lift Xie Anshi off the ground, but the motion caused chunks of flesh to fall off his body, exposing the white bone beneath. The soldiers were terrified by the sight. The vicemander had men run to a shop facing the street and take off one of its door shutters. Xie Anshi was thus lifted onto the long wooden nk. Chen Lu tested his breathing one more time. Third Young Master Xie¡¯s breaths were weak, as if he¡¯d expire anytime.

    ¡°Quick,¡± Chen Lumanded the soldiers. ¡°Hurry and take him to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡± Originally, General Chen even wanted to have someone send for an imperial physician, but the sight of Lou Zigui made him swallow his words. The current emperor would rather the entire Xie n die ording to the Grand Preceptor. Inviting an imperial physician? That¡¯s just wishful thinking.

    The soldiers carried Xie Anshi out of the alley.

    ¡°You, follow them,¡± Chen Lu ordered his vicemander.

    His vicemander asked, ¡°General, what do we tell the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Just say that you saw Lou Zigui,¡± Chen Lu replied, ¡°You don¡¯t need to say anything else.¡± The vicemander nodded and chased after the troop of soldiers. Chen Lu walked to Lou Zigui and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be difficult to exin this.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Lou Zigui smiled from the shadows, revealing his white teeth.

    Chen Lu said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to give the Grand Preceptor some sort of exnation.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor should be giving His Majesty an exnation for the fires in the capital tonight,¡± Lou Zigui said warmly. ¡°When you see the Grand Preceptor, remember to tell him that he who schemes too much will end up entangling himself in his own plots as well.¡±

    Chen Lu watched as Lou Zigui and his men strode off, his heart filled with misgivings. The Grand Preceptor set these fires to deal with His Majesty? Meanwhile, one of his military officers had just returned from Tao Chen¡¯s estate to shout, ¡°General, the Tao Estate---all of the Tao Estate¡¯s people are dead!¡±

    Chen Lu heard a loud buzzing between his ears. By the time he reached the Tao Estate with his men and opened the doors, all they saw inside were corpses. Blood flowed towards the lower ground of the courtyard to collect into a scarlet pool.

    ¡°Search about,¡± Chen Lu ordered as he stood in the courtyard. His fingers and toes were ice-cold. ¡°See if there¡¯s anyone still alive. We have to find His Excellency Tao Chen.¡±

    The soldiers scattered to the four corners of thepound.

    ¡°They¡¯ve looted everything from the estate as well,¡± the officer added in a small voice. ¡°There were too many refugees in the streets, so it was impossible to tell which ones were the culprits.¡±

    Chen Lu suddenly stepped on something soft beneath his feet. When he held his torch and looked down, he saw a human hand. There was no blood on the body part, but was simply lying by itself on the ground.

    One of the capital¡¯s soldiers ran into the courtyard and was momentarily stunned by the sight. When he recovered, it was only to report, ¡°General, the refugees on the streets have dispersed.¡±

    Chen Lu kicked the human hand aside. Aren¡¯t they afraid of revenge from the Grand Preceptor? They¡¯ve burnt Third Young Master Xie and decimated Tao Chen¡¯s estate. How could Grand Preceptor Xie ever spare those worthless refugees¡¯ lives?!

    Fang Tang was thinking along the same lines as Chen Lu as he rode on his horse. Eventually, he asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, will Xie Wenyuan spare those refugees?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Xie Wenyuan has many things to do. He currently has no time to seek revenge.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Fang Tang asked. ¡°What other things are he nning?¡±

    Lou Zigui suddenly pulled on his reins and stopped his horse with a muttered curse. ¡°Damn it.¡±

    Fang Tang followed Lou Zigui¡¯s line of sight to see Ning Xiaoyao standing by the side of the road with Big Boss ck on her left shoulder and the snow wolf pup on her head. Lou Zigui dismounted his horse and reached her within a few steps to murmur, ¡°Why did you leave the pce?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed in the direction of the alley and said, ¡°Tao Chen¡¯s entire family was exterminated?¡±

    Fang Tang asked, ¡°Your Majesty, how did you know?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched the palms of her hand. Just then, a bunch of crows were heading to feast on the corpses.

    ¡°Tao Chen has only himself to me,¡± Lou Zigui grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. Her fingers were frighteningly cold.

    ¡°Did a lot of people die this time?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Fang Tang didn¡¯t speak. Many people did die, but it was difficult to say such things to His Majesty. Lou Zigui had Fang Tang lead the rest of the men away, leaving just him and Ning Xiaoyao standing by the streets.

    ¡°If I knew this was going to happen, I wouldn¡¯t have wanted the Grand Preceptor¡¯s houses,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scruffed her shoes against the ground, head bowed in regret.

    ¡°It has nothing to do with you.¡± Seeing that there was no way to warm Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand, Lou Zigui took off his outer robes and wrapped her up in them. ¡°Xie Anshi heard the refugees cursing the Xie n and ordered his men to trap them in an alley and burn them to death.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know that and was shocked by the news.

    ¡°After that, the refugees revolted and charged into Tao Chen¡¯s estate to catch Xie Anshi,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°That was why their entire family died.¡±

    ¡°T-then what about that bastard Xie Anshi?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cried angrily, her spirits recovering again.

    ¡°He was caught by the refugees and burned alive,¡± Lou Zigui led the horse with one hand and Ning Xiaoyao with the other, heading in the direction of the pce. ¡°Whether or not he lives, he¡¯ll be crippled for the rest of his life.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a deep breath at the mention.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°This is his retribution.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Whether or not Xie Anshi lives or dies has nothing to do with me, but what about those refugees? That old geezer Xie has troops, ah. He wouldn¡¯t go crazy and send them to kill all the refugees, will he?¡±

    Lou Zigui stopped walking. ¡°That¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Yeah. If I¡¯m not worried about that, am I supposed to be worrying for that bastard Xie Anshi instead? What are you worried about, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked uprehendingly at Lou Zigui. What could be more important at a time like this?

    Lou Zigui removed his hands from the reins and pulled Ning Xiaoyao into an embrace. Ning Xiaoyao lifted a hand to rub Lou Zigui¡¯s face. She couldn¡¯t tell which one was colder, her hand or his cheek, but all she felt was ice beneath her fingers. ¡°You,¡± Ning Xiaoyao guessed, ¡°You¡¯re worried too, but you just haven¡¯t thought of a solution yet?¡±

    ¡°The capital¡¯s soldiers are putting out the fires at the moment,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°These mes won¡¯tst for long.¡±

    ¡°Oh right, there¡¯s the fires, too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°How many houses were burnt in total?¡±

    Lou Zigui bent down to rest his forehead against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Completely lost, Ning Xiaoyao simply stood there unmoving.

    She¡¯s different from thete emperor and Xie Wenyuan, Lou Zigui thought as he hugged Ning Xiaoyao. Even though they share the same blood, this bit is different. This girl isn¡¯t malicious and treats me very well. I owe my very life to her. ¡°You¡¯re different,¡± he murmured in a soft voice.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked anxiously. Can¡¯t you give me a reason before you get all sentimental on me?

    Big Boss ck had already jumped onto Little Red by this time and loudly meowed at her, ¡°You ninny!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to talk about Xiaoyao like that!¡± Next to Big Boss ck was the snow wolf cub, who bit arge mouthful of ck fur in retaliation.

    ¡°Supreme Commander is courting you,¡± Big Boss ck gave Ning Xiaoyao a disdainful look. ¡°You don¡¯t even know that, stupid!¡± First snuggling, then rubbing against each other. That¡¯s how we cats court each other! (Author: You¡¯re a cat, those two are humans---)

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to look at Lou Zigui. Now¡¯s not the time for romance, is it?

 Chapter 159: A small boat swaying in the midst of a raging storm

    <h4>Chapter 159: A small boat swaying in the midst of a raging storm</h4>

    It had started to rain again. Ning Xiaoyao peered up at the skies, where a previously fine drizzle had suddenly turned into a torrential downpour. ¡°Ah, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao sshed happily in the storm as she pped her hands. ¡°With this heavy rain, the fires will stop for sure!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just Ning Xiaoyao who was celebrating. Many of the people present who were about to watch their houses burn down were currently thanking the Heavens for its life saving rain. Lou Zigui picked up the happily soaked Ning Xiaoyao and flipped her onto his horse before kicking it into a gallop while heading towards the pce.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Are we going back just like this?¡±

    ¡°Wait and see,¡± Lou Zigui bent forward as much as he could in order to shield her from the falling rain.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran her fingers over the snow wolf cub¡¯s furry head before asking curiously, ¡°What are we waiting for?¡±

    ¡°To see what Xie Wenyuan will do next after all of this,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°And to see how much he can endure.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao automatically tranted Lou Zigui¡¯s words in her head to mean that they were testing Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s limits.

    ¡°Xie Anshi was the one who murdered first,¡± Lou Zigui continued, ¡°It¡¯s not guaranteed that Xie Wenyuan will seek revenge for him.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t quite believe it. Grand Preceptor Xie could tolerate a lot of things, but this was his own blood rted son they were talking about.

    ¡°The mouths of many shine like gold,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°He can do as many bad things in secret as he wants, but on the surface he still has to be Xie Wenyuan, a noble and righteous gentleman.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao switched over to scratching Big Boss ck¡¯s head instead until the cat scratched her. ¡°Why don¡¯t you juste out and say that he¡¯s good at pretending?¡± She withdrew her scratched hand from the fluffy tubby.

    ¡°If it were any day before today, he could still shift the me to you for those murdered refugees,¡± Lou Zigui furtively nced at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injured hand before rapping his knuckles against Big Boss ck¡¯s head. ¡°But now, nobody will believe him if he tries anything else against you.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rapped her fingers against Big Boss ck¡¯s head as well. ¡°He framed me once, so how could he frame me again? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a ninny!¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed despondently over her train of thought. What does being framed once or twice have to do with whether or not you¡¯re a ninny?

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll stop worrying about him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to y with the raindrops. ¡°I¡¯ll sit and wait until the Grand Preceptor dies from heartbreak.¡±

    Lou Zigui held Ning Xiaoyao a little tighter. Another good point about this girl was her generous heart. Even if Xie Wenyuan sought revenge, he¡¯d aim for Lou Zigui, not the refugees. They were too far beneath him.

    ¡°I think the refugees have great rebellious spirits,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked after some thought. ¡°No wonder armies fighting for just causes exist here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense,¡± Lou Zigui tapped the top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head with his chin. ¡°What ¡®armies fighting for just causes?¡¯ Those are all just rebels.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shut her mouth at that. But when those armies of justice charge their way into the capital and make the head of the peasants their emperor, no one will call them rebels anymore. (Author: Are you looking forward that much to the end of your country? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    While Lou Zigui was bringing Ning Xiaoyao back to the pce, Lady Wang had already cried herself unconscious and woken up anew back at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Now she was clutching Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s sleeves as she sobbed loudly, ¡°Grand Preceptor, you can¡¯t forgive the ones who hurt my Anshi!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sat in the corridor where the red papernterns shone on his forehead as they shook in the strong winds. The flickering light mixed with the storm outside, made Grand Preceptor Xie feel like he was nothing more than a boat being tossed about in the wind. It was as if a single mistake would sink his ship beneath the waves forever.

    The door to the rooms opened just then, and an old, white-haired doctor strode out. Lady Wang released Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s sleeve and cried out, ¡°How is it?¡±

    The old doctor bent forward and muttered, ¡°If third young master can survive past his fever, then he¡¯ll manage to preserve his life.¡±

    ¡°And if not?¡± Lady Wang asked worriedly.

    The old doctor remained bowed without uttering a word. His silence was obvious---if Xie Anshi didn¡¯t get past the fever, he would die. Lady Wang copsed on the ground. When two of her servants went forward to help up her, she shoved them aside.

    ¡°Nothing can happen to Anshi,¡± Lady Wang cried to Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Something¡¯s already happened to Anyi, so how could something happen to Anshi as well?¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± a steward ran towards them with a report. ¡°General Chen Lu is here.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie rose to leave, but Lady Wang dragged him back. ¡°This consort wishes to see Chen Lu, too,¡± Lady Wang sobbed. ¡°This consort wants to know just who was the one who hurt my son!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie creased his brows before finally relenting. ¡°Bring him over here.¡±

    The steward soon brought Chen Lu into the courtyard. Lady Wang had already been helped to a seat by Grand Preceptor Xie, her swollen eyes still flowing with tears like a burst dam. Chen Lu greeted the couple.

    ¡°Have you found Tao Chen and his wife?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked after he straightened up.

    Chen Lu gave an awkward nce in the direction of Lady Wang. Grand Preceptor Xie exined, ¡°Tao Chen¡¯s wife is our daughter, so my wife will have to endure the news even if she can¡¯t bear it. Just say it outright.¡±

    Chen Lu¡¯s head drooped at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s exnation. ¡°There were no survivors from the Tao Estate. His Excellency Tao and family weren¡¯t at home, but this soldier asked around and found out that they were---that they had been killed off in the streets outside the estate by the refugees.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes shed at the news. Lady Wang grew dazed before she trilled, ¡°All four members of the family are confirmed to have died?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Chen Lu couldn¡¯t bring himself to offer condolences for their loss, and only nodded his head. Lady Wang clutched her chest as her breathing quickened. The rain poured down in torrents as everyone in the courtyard remained mute.

    A long timeter, Lady Wang gave an agonized sob that was more akin to a primal howl.

    ¡°Take yourdyship back,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered the servants present expressionlessly. The two female servants stepped forward but couldn¡¯t budge Lady Wang. Two more joined the first set until they seeded in lifting her out of her chair.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving!¡± Lady Wang screamed at Chen Lu, looking absolutely mad. ¡°Tell me, who did it to my boy?!¡±

    ¡°Take her away!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie pped the armrest of his chair. Four elderly female servants carried Lady Wang away bodily, with two more servant girls holding onto her hands so she couldn¡¯t struggle free. Lady Wang¡¯s wails were still perceptible in the courtyard long after she disappeared.

    ¡°Sir, please examine my wife as well,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke to the old doctor. ¡°This old man doesn¡¯t want something to happen to her again.¡±

    The old doctor was quick to mutter an assent before taking his two young disciples with him, following after Lady Wang. Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand towards Chen Lu as he told the rest of the courtyard, ¡°All of you, withdraw.¡±

    As the servants dispersed, Chen Lu walked out of the rain and under the covered walkway. Grand Preceptor Xie remained sitting in his chair, next to a door that was sitting slightly ajar.

    ¡°How is third young master doing now?¡± Chen Lu asked in a low voice.

    ¡°Not too well,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. ¡°Where is Tao Chen¡¯s body right now?¡±

    When Chen Lu recalled the giant bags of flesh and pulp he¡¯d brought with him, he momentarily lost track of the excuses he¡¯d prepared ahead of time.

    ¡°Go on, speak,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie urged.

    ¡°They were trampled to death by the refugees,¡± Chen Lu said. ¡°There¡¯s not enough left of their bodies toy in a coffin anymore.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie soundly pounded on his armrests. Chen Lu stood with his head hanging. No words offort would possibly help now.

    ¡°Lou Zigui,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spat out the words between gritted teeth. ¡°You sent your men to tell me that he was present at the scene?¡±

    Chen Lu hastened to answer, ¡°Yes, this soldier saw him.¡±

    ¡°Did you speak to him?¡±

    Chen Lu began to stutter again.

    ¡°This old man can take the news,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°Tell me.¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui said, ¡®The Grand Preceptor should be giving His Majesty an exnation for the fires in the capital tonight,¡¯¡± Chen Lu replied in a small voice.

    ¡°An exnation,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie echoed.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Chen Lu said. ¡°The refugees have already scattered. If we want to capture them...¡±

    ¡°The chief culprit is Lou Zigui,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie interrupted him. ¡°Why should this old man seek out the refugees?¡±

    Chen Lu simply nodded in agreement as that was all he could do.

    ¡°The fact that I couldn¡¯t slice that cuckoo of the Lou n into pieces,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, gripping the armrest, ¡°Is the single greatest mistake of my life!¡±

    Chen Lu didn¡¯t dare follow up Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words. If anyone was to me for that, it was the person who had saved Lou Zigui. But that was the reigning emperor, so how could he curse him?

    Meanwhile, sobs filled the bedroom behind them. Chen Lu couldn¡¯t resist ncing towards the sound, but Grand Preceptor Xie merely ignored it to ask, ¡°Did Xie Anshi really set fire to the refugees?¡±

    Chen Lu replied, ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be false. The woman who used third young master has alreadymitted self-immtion, but many of the people present heard her words.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stood up. Seeing how unsteady he looked, Chen Lu hastened to support him. Grand Preceptor Xie walked out of the porch and cursed under his breath. ¡°Unfilial son.¡±

    Chen Lu simply pretended he hadn¡¯t heard a thing, before asking, ¡°Grand Preceptor, what should we do next?¡±

    ¡°Endure,¡± was Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s only reply.

    Chen Lu was rendered speechless.

    ¡°Tomorrow, this old man will write an ount admitting my errors and asking for punishment,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued while striding forward in the pouring rain. ¡°Xie Anshi¡¯s murders should take precedence over the burning houses. Even death would be too good for that vile swine.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor wants to disown third young master?¡± Chen Lu asked in rm.

    ¡°It¡¯s useless to keep him,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sighed lethargically.

    This man... Chen Lu thought as his throat clenched tight. In his eyes, the Grand Preceptor Xie behind him now was nothing more than a freak. How can you actually judge your sons by how useful they are?

    ¡°This old man won¡¯t fall apart that easily,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said next.

    Chen Lu was a tall, strapping young man, but even he was reduced to a subservient yes-man in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s presence. He dreaded Xie Wenyuan from the very bottom of his heart.

    Meanwhile, the rains had put out the fires in the western side of the capital. Many braved the downpour to start collecting the dead and finding doctors for the wounded. They salvaged items from half-burnt houses while the capital barracks¡¯ soldiers piled the refugee corpses into a cart and hauled them away.

    A returning Shadowgale called for the western gates of the city to open up, and was frightened by the carts heaped with dead bodies waiting just inside the gates. He quickly asked one of the defending generals, ¡°Where did all of these bodiese from?¡±

    The general had a position in the watchtower up above and had naturally witnessed everything that had happened in the city. When he heard Shadowgale¡¯s question, he gave a brief ount of what had happened before examining the man from head to toe. The headmander of the Dragon Guards was braving the rain to hurry somewhere, but he still reeked of blood despite having no signs of it on his body.

    How many people did he kill tonight? Or perhaps, the defending general thought, The question I should be asking is---just how many died in the capital tonight?

 Chapter 160: His Majesty says, Supreme Commander isnâ€™t a villain

    <h4>Chapter 160: His Majesty says, Supreme Commander isn''t a viin</h4>

    Elder Li went to beg for an audience at the pce before daylight had even broke the horizon. Ning Xiaoyao had just warmed up her covers, but was now forced to crawl out of bed, yawning, as Shadowgale told her the news.

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, this servant tried to coax Elder Li to wait until it was brighter, but he still insisted on seeing you.¡±

    ¡°If he wants to, then let him. All that dying and burning in the city probably made it impossible for the old gramps to sleep,¡± Ning Xiaoyao attempted tob her hair with her fingers until she managed some semnce of a bun.

    Shadowgale nced at the bun atop Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Though the style fit Ning Xiaoyao as a person, it didn¡¯t suit his identity as the reigning emperor at all. He wanted to help Ning Xiaoyao redo his hair, but he didn¡¯t have the skills to do so.

    Grabbing a sugar bean to plop in her mouth, Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Supreme Commander?¡± She definitely needed apanion when meeting with Elder Li.

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°Supreme Commander went to meet with Xie Anwu. Does Your Majesty wish to summon him?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest confidently. That¡¯s right, Xie Anwu. He¡¯s the son of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s concubine that Supreme Commander had brought to the pce to meet me. I have been so busy I forgot all about him.

    ¡°Shall this servant go call Supreme Commander?¡± Shadowgale asked again.

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Windy, youe with me to see old gramps. It¡¯s not good to disturb other people¡¯s conversations, after all.¡±

    Shadowgale had absolutely no idea how His Majesty¡¯s mind worked. An imperial decree doesn¡¯t count as a disruption... Ning Xiaoyao straightened out her clothes as she thought of Elder Li¡¯s thin, never-changing-for-a-thousand-years-face. She had a momentary sh of panic and resolved to get in good graces with Elder Li¡¯s wife as soon as possible.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale saw that Ning Xiaoyao was still standing by the doorway and spoke up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, but missed the threshold of the door and tripped, iling forwards.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowgale quickly ran over to her.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she picked herself up from the floor.

    ¡°There¡¯s dust on your face...¡± Shadowgale wanted to say, but after seeing His Majesty cup some rainwater to wash it off, he shut up.

    ¡°I have to give old gramps a exnation forst night¡¯s events,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, sipping a few palmfuls of rainwater as well. ¡°I might be at fault, but so is the Grand Preceptor, right?¡±

    Shadowgale was all straight faced as he asked, ¡°Where did Your Majesty possibly go wrong?¡±

    ¡°I was too greedy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered. ¡°After coveting so much of the Grand Preceptor¡¯snd and houses, why wouldn¡¯t he lose his temper?¡±

    Shadowgale couldn¡¯t ept Ning Xiaoyao talking about herself like that and immediately moved to speak up, but she beat him to it.

    ¡°Enough, Windy. You don¡¯t have to say anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at him. ¡°No need tofort me, I understand everything.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale. What is this ¡®everything¡¯ that you understand?

    Ning Xiaoyao took the umbre from Mute Nanny¡¯s hands and opened it up to enter the rain. Mistakes are mistakes, you have to own up to them when you make them.

    --

    Elder Li had been brought to a small study by Shadowthunder. When Ning Xiaoyao entered, she didn¡¯t wait for him to bow but shouted, ¡°No need for formalities. Old gramps, have a seat.¡±

    Elder Li still paid Ning Xiaoyao a respectful bow and thanked her for her grace before sitting in the chair to her left. Ning Xiaoyao observed Elder Li¡¯s face, but couldn¡¯t discern anything from his expression. Elder Li scrutinized Ning Xiaoyao as well, and felt that she didn¡¯t look like someone who had a sleepless night.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li said after withdrawing his gaze, ¡°Many officials wanted toe, but this official stopped them to speak with Your Majesty alone.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Then old gramps, speak up. I¡¯ll hear you out.¡±

    Elder Li nced at Shadowgale, who was standing next to Ning Xiaoyao, and she said, ¡°Windy¡¯s not an outsider. Old gramps, feel free to say anything.¡±

    Elder Li said, ¡°This official would like to ask Your Majesty, what were the true causes of the fires in the capitalst night?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gulped. ¡°I received quite a bit of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s houses and other deeds. The Grand Preceptor didn¡¯t want to give them to me, so he sent his men to burn down the most valuable of the houses and shops.¡±

    Elder Li then asked, ¡°Then why was there an insurrection with the refugees?¡±

    ¡°Because of Xie Anshi, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°He heard the refugees bad mouthing his Xie n and burned a bunch of them to death. Then the refugees got mad and killed their way to Tao Chen¡¯s house, where he was staying.¡±

    Elder Li said, ¡°Your Majesty, what did Supreme Commander do?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Shadowgale. Did Supreme Commander do something bad?

    Shadowgale murmured back, ¡°Your Majesty, this servant was off collecting thends outside the capital, so your servant doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. Well, I was at the pce, so I have no clue, either.

    Elder Li saw that Ning Xiaoyao had fallen silent and said, ¡°How about this official put it another way: was Supreme Commander involved in the refugee uprising in any way?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to say. ¡°Supreme Commander didn¡¯t poison the refugees, so how could he stir them up?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Elder Li. Is poison the only way to stir up a crowd?

    Ning Xiaoyao was still lost. ¡°Old gramps, why are you asking about that?¡±

    ¡°If Supreme Commander Lou used the refugees as tools in a scheme, then how is he any different from Xie Wenyuan?¡± Elder Li gave Ning Xiaoyao a piercing stare. ¡°Your Majesty, what do you think about this matter?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao considered the question for a bit and found that Elder Li¡¯s words made sense.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li continued. ¡°Ruling a country means ruling people¡¯s hearts as well. You should keep able officials at your side and distance the small and petty men. Only then can the country truly prosper.¡±

    ¡°Urk, but Supreme Commander¡¯s not small or petty,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head at him. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s not that kind of man. He¡¯d never do something like that, honestly.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is certain of that?¡± Elder Li asked.

    Shadowgale was looking at Ning Xiaoyao as well. Are you sure about that?

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded without hesitation. ¡°Mhm.¡± Even if Supreme Commander Lou has a bag of evil tricks up his sleeve, he¡¯ll never be someone like that evil old geezer Xie, ah.

    Elder Li thought over her words carefully. If it wasn¡¯t Lou Zigui, then was it someone else that hated Xie Wenyuan? His son¡¯s severely injured while his daughter and son-inw¡¯s family are all dead. If Xie Wenyuan takes revenge, not one of the capital¡¯s refugees will survive. All of their lives depend on a single thought in Xie Wenyuan¡¯s head. His disposition is too cold and sinister to let this slide.

    ¡°If Xie Anshi hadn¡¯t killed people, the refugees wouldn¡¯t have gotten angry, either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke up for the crowd. ¡°Old gramps, if you¡¯re feeling sorry for the Tao n¡¯s children, are you saying those refugee children deserved to die instead?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°First, he murdered people, then he went to visit his older sister¡¯s house like nothing had ever happened,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°That Xie Anshi didn¡¯t treat refugee lives like anything at all. I don¡¯t care what you think, old gramps, but I don¡¯t pity him a bit. As for Tao Chen---you can me Xie Anshi for that.¡±

    Elder Li said, ¡°Supreme Commander Lou was present when Xie Anshi was dying.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like Supreme Commander owes him anything, so why should he have helped that bastard?¡± Ning Xiaoyao arched an eyebrow. ¡°Old gramps, I just realized, but you¡¯re here to stir up trouble for Supreme Commander, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Dare I ask Your Majesty in which ce have I erred?¡± Elder Li countered.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t even toppled the Grand Preceptor yet, but you¡¯re now setting your sights on Supreme Commander too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you just shooting your cannons all over the map?¡± This old gramps, why does it feel like he¡¯s everyone¡¯s enemy?

    Elder Li stared at Ning Xiaoyao for a long time before asking cautiously, ¡°What is ¡®shooting your cannons all over the map?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about that another time,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s not a viin, oi.¡±

    Lou Zigui silently walked away from his position by the door. Shadowthunder exhaled in relief when he saw hismander leave. Just then, he¡¯d hardly dared to breathe. Ning Xiaoyao nced at the closed study door and wondered whether Supreme Commander felt hurt after hearing how Elder Li suspected his character. (Author: Why don¡¯t you worry about yourself instead...)

    Elder Li didn¡¯t have enhanced hearing like Ning Xiaoyao, so he never knew Lou Zigui hade and gone during their conversation. Instead he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, why would the Xie n¡¯s titles and deeds be in your hands?¡±

    ¡°The Old Madame bequeathed them to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered confidently.

    Elder Li shook his head. ¡°Your Majesty, Old Madame Xie was suddenly assassinated. How could someone who was violently murdered leave behind a legacy for her descendents?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao had an inkling that things were gettingplicated again.

    ¡°If she didn¡¯t know she was going to die,¡± Elder Li carefully exined, ¡°How could she know how to arrange her inheritance matters?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stammered, ¡°A-aren¡¯t these things prepared ahead of time?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty resides in the pce,¡± Elder Li said, ¡°So when did Old Madame Xie get a chance to tell you of her arrangements?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms with her fingers. What if I just make something up?

    Shadowgale spoke up for her and said, ¡°Elder, are you doubting His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Elder Li whirled towards Shadowgale. ¡°Since when have the Dragon Guards earned the right to meddle in business between a sovereign and his officials?¡±

    Shadowgale was rendered mute by Elder Li¡¯s words.

    ¡°Aiya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Is it really that big of a deal?¡±

    Elder Li stood up to kneel at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet, before proiming loudly, ¡°Your Majesty, these are established customs. Officials have officials¡¯ duties, just as guards have guard duties. How could the two of them ever mix?¡±

    Oh God.

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head. Can I quit being the emperor?! This is too annoying. Old gramps can even talk big about why people can¡¯t talk!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li wanted to continue.

    ¡°Stop talking already, I¡¯m begging you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut in. ¡°Just spare me, I¡¯ll tell you the truth, alright? Old gramps, you get up first.¡±

    Elder Li rose to his feet. ¡°Did Your Majesty im them for yourself?¡±

    ¡°No, I really didn¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began to tell Elder Li about the pickled vegetable jars. Finally, she finished and said, ¡°Old gramps, you were there too. Grand Preceptor said he¡¯d give them to me, so how could that be me iming them for myself?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Elder Li.

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked up a title deed fornd off a table and waved it in Elder Li¡¯s face. ¡°Thend¡¯s already in our hands. Old gramps, bring some people with you to have a look at them. See how many refugees from the capital you can move over there.¡±

    Elder Li stared at the deed in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands, still too speechless to talk. How can this be? The fires in the western part of the capital, the insurrection of the refugees, the extermination of Tao Chen and his family, Xie Anshi burning as a human torch---all of it came from such a ridiculouslyughable reason?!

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Elder Li, who was neither moving nor speaking. Did I talk so much that he doesn¡¯t want to continue the conversation anymore again?

    --

    Lou Zigui went through theplicated maze of covered corridors until he reached Xie Anwu¡¯s temporary quarters in the pce and pushed open the door. Inside, the fourth young master of the Xie n was sitting about idly in the room until Lou Zigui¡¯s arrival made him scramble to his feet.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± Lou Zigui gestured to Xie Anwu, who obediently found a seat.

    ¡°Xie Anshi has been severely injured,¡± Lou Zigui took one of the empty chairs facing Xie Anwu. ¡°Even if he survives, he¡¯s nothing but a cripple now.¡±

    Xie Anwu had just sat down when Lou Zigui¡¯s words startled him into standing up again. Lou Zigui looked over at Xie Anwu, his expression temperate and mild. Then he remarked, ¡°You still have time to return to the Xie n now if you wish. Xie Anji isn¡¯t suited for grand ns. Two of the official wife¡¯s three sons have beenpleted eliminated, leaving only the one useless spare. Now is the time for you concubine¡¯s sons to make a name for themselves.¡±

 Chapter 161: Do you like me?

    <h4>Chapter 161: Do you like me?</h4>

    Xie Anwu stood there in shock. Lou Zigui didn¡¯t pressure him, instead he sat down to wait. There was a loud rumble of thunder from above their heads that set the doors and windows shaking. Xie Anwu shook his head at Lou Zigui and said, ¡°I¡¯m not going back.¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Right now, the Grand Preceptor needs a useful son at his side. If you were willing to go back, he definitely wouldn¡¯t me you. He¡¯d even pretend that you never turned your back on the Xie n at all.¡±

    Xie Anwu grew angry at those words. ¡°Supreme Commander, are you asking me to go back?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I only hope that you¡¯re clear on what you, yourself want to do. This is me giving you a chance. If you want to go back anytime after today, I¡¯ll kill you.¡±

    There was another rumble of thunder before a sh of lightning tore through the gloomy skies. Xie Anwu fell silent again before lifting his head to look at Lou Zigui. ¡°I¡¯m not going back.¡±

    Perhaps he really could be one of a kind if he returned to the Xie n, but the fourth young master of the Xie n felt nothing for his father. This was very understandable since Grand Preceptor Xie had always heavily favored his three sons from his official wife. Even if the Xie n was in trouble and his father worked with him through it all, what would happen once they recovered their wealth and ranking? Unless I¡¯m the only son left by father¡¯s side, Xie Anwu thought with a chuckle, he¡¯ll cast me back in the mud all the same.

    Lou Zigui was sitting in the shadows as he watched Xie Anwu¡¯s subtle change of expressions beneath thentern light. ¡°You¡¯ve thought it through?¡± he asked.

    Xie Anwu nodded.

    ¡°Good,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Today, His Majesty will issue a decree breaking your ties with the capital city¡¯s Xie n. From then on, you¡¯ll have no rtions with the Xie family anymore. Fourth young master, are you willing?¡±

    Since he had decided to leave, he might as well part with the n as well. He would never get to enjoy the wealth and high status of the Xie n, nor would he have any rtion to them when they fell into trouble.

    ¡°I want to send you to Jiangnan,¡± Lou Zigui said as he signaled Xie Anwu to sit again. ¡°It¡¯s unlikely that the Grand Preceptor will spare you if you stay in the capital.¡±

    ¡°I have to go to Jiangnan?¡± Xie Anwu¡¯s heart turned heavy.

    ¡°Go find Qin Xuan,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I want you to take over the businesses that the Xie n has left in his hands.¡±

    Xie Anwu¡¯s eyes flickered, but he didn¡¯t lose his cool. ¡°Supreme Commander wants me to be a merchant?¡±

    ¡°How could official work for His Majesty be the same as being a merchant?¡± Lou Zigui leaned forward slightly, his expression sincere. ¡°You will be His Majesty¡¯s imperial envoy, stationed in Jiangnan. You not only have to get the businesses from Qin Xuan, but also need to find ways to bankrupt all of the Xie n¡¯s investments and businesses in Jiangnan.¡±

    Xie Anwu sucked in a cold breath.

    ¡°Only by toppling the Xie family can you rece them with your own,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°His Majesty will give you the power and properties; the rest is up to your own abilities.¡±

    Xie Anwu felt fired up by Lou Zigui¡¯s words, but quickly thought to ask, ¡°His Majesty trusts me that much?¡±

    ¡°No need to doubt,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Moreover, I¡¯ve already given you a chance to choose your side.¡±

    Betrayal would only mean death.

    Xie Anwu was inwardly intimidated, but he also saw the distant possibilities of a glorious future before him. If he kept on this path, he would never be able to turn back. But if he seeded, it¡¯d be like a carp leaping over the Dragon¡¯s Gate to sess.

    ¡°Rest well,¡± Lou Zigui strode forward to press a hand on Xie Anwu¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll go make the arrangements for severing ties to your n.¡±

    Xie Anwu said, ¡°Qin Xuan hates the Xie n so much. Will he agree to cooperate with me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not a member of the capital city¡¯s Xie n, so why should Regional Commander Qin hate you?¡± Lou Ziguiughed. ¡°He wants the Xie n dead. Isn¡¯t that your wish as well?¡±

    Xie Anwu lowered his head. That is indeed my wish.

    Lou Zigui walked out of the room into a wet and windy world. Elder Li was standing alone in a nearby corridor, and waved at Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui closed the door behind him and walked to Elder Li.

    ¡°Is a man who betrayed his family really trustworthy?¡± Elder Li asked before Lou Zigui could speak.

    ¡°Elder heard everything?¡± Lou Zigui murmured back.

    ¡°Answer my question first,¡± Elder Li insisted.

    ¡°He wants the Xie n to fall most of all. Why can¡¯t we use him?¡± Lou Zigui retorted.

    Elder Li shook his head. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that he¡¯lle back to bite us instead? If he can turn his back on the Xie n today, he can do the same to us tomorrow.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to look at the rain falling beyond the covered walkway.

    ¡°Men with no virtue will...¡±

    ¡°Elder Li, most of the men with morals and high principles have already died by Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hands,¡± Lou Zigui spoke softly, still staring at the rain. ¡°Moreover, Elder, do you really think you¡¯re a match for Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Elder Li choked, on the verge of losing his temper.

    ¡°You couldn¡¯t save the crown prince or myself,¡± Lou Zigui turned back, his eyes cold. ¡°None of you can help His Majesty, either. Aside from exchanging verbal spars with Xie Wenyuan, Elder, you¡¯re can¡¯t do much of anything at all.¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s face crumpled as he shuddered a few times, but he didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°I know exactly what Elder thinks of me,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°¡®Military men are just dogs or horses built to serve, so it¡¯s natural to order them about.¡¯ This is how we soldiers rank in your heart of hearts, Elder. But now, it¡¯s a simple soldier like me subtly guiding things at court. This must be very provoking to Elder, correct?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s blunt words left Elder Li surprised. But he recovered enough to answer coldly, ¡°Does the refugee incident in the western part of the capital truly have nothing to do with Supreme Commander, then?¡±

    Lou Zigui simply sidestepped Elder Li to open his umbre and walk from under of the covered corridor. He didn¡¯t say another word. The puddles in the courtyard rose to meet the steps, the raindrops sending ripples across their surfaces. It was still daylight, but the storm clouds had changed the sky into a hazy, dim yellow. In Elder Li¡¯s eyes, the skies signified the future of Yongning. The path to times of peace and prosperity seemed like a difficult journey.

    Lou Zigui had just walked through the vine-covered courtyard doors when Ning Xiaoyao, who had been spying on him and Elder Li with Big Boss ck, grabbed him by the sleeve and started heading rapidly towards the main audience hall.

    ¡°I still have something to do,¡± Big Boss ck said after ncing at Supreme Commander¡¯s gloomy expression. He jumped off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and ran off.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to nce at Lou Zigui and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, were you arguing with old gramps just then?¡± Although she¡¯d heard every single word, she wasn¡¯t sure if the two were really having a spat.

    ¡°I suppose it could count as one,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes as they reached the cover of the pce walkways.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I thought it was better if I made some things clear to the Elder.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao apuded and replied, ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re so amazing. You actually left old gramps speechless! My God, even I can¡¯t do that!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Just then, he almost lectured me to tears,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tattled.

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he shook raindrops off his umbre.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand them. N-nor do I remember them.¡±

    ¡°Then it should be Elder Li who wants to cry right now,¡± Lou Zigui tugged on Ning Xiaoyao as they kept walking forwards.

    ¡°Are you mad at Elder Li?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, still looking up at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°No,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°He doesn¡¯t like me, but he¡¯s still a loyal official to Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth gaped before she pouted. ¡°Both of you are the same gender, plus he¡¯s old enough to be your grandpa. If he really ends up liking you, wouldn¡¯t there be serious troubles?¡±

    At first, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand what Ning Xiaoyao meant. But when he finally figured it out, his face grew even darker.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s better if you say you¡¯re both walking on different paths,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°That there, reading more is good for you.¡±

    ¡°Just what kind of things have you put in your brain?¡± Lou Zigui thwapped Ning Xiaoyao on the head. She stuck out her lip in response.

    ¡°Then what about you?¡± Lou Zigui kept his hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°Do you like me?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms with her fingers. She¡¯d never seriously considered the question before, so she couldn¡¯te up with an answer right away. ¡°Then, then do you like me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly asked back.

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao with his dark, intense eyes. Ning Xiaoyao averted her gaze, feeling that his good looks were breaking all the rules. Lifting up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chin with his hand, Lou Zigui said, ¡°Xiaoyao, if my heart yields to you, will yours yield to mine?¡±

    Heart yields? Ning Xiaoyao kept scratching her palms. Is that another way to say ¡®like?¡¯ How vexing, I didn¡¯t read enough books for this.

    When he couldn¡¯t get an answer, Lou Zigui released her chin and retreated a step before murmuring, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was startled at the change. We¡¯re not chatting about life anymore?

    Lou Zigui began to walk away stoically.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chased after him. ¡°Supreme Commander, just what¡¯s the matter with you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°Fine then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over, I really do kinda like you.¡±

    Lou Zigui stopped walking.

    ¡°I gave it serious thought just back there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a solemn expression.

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. That was only a few seconds.

    ¡°What kind of expression are you making?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. He¡¯s the one asking about likes and dislikes, so why does he look like he wants to die now? (Author: How exactly are you deciding that Supreme Commander wants to die? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°How much do you like me?¡± Lou Zigui asked offhandedly.

    ¡°Quite a bit, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Not a tiny bit, or a teeny bit, but quite a bit. That means I like you very much.¡±

    Very much?

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to rest it against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was now looking beyond the covered corridor. ¡°The rain¡¯s stopped.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to look. It had been raining buckets when he and Ning Xiaoyao sought cover under the walkways, but now the storm had stopped. A few rays of sunshine peeked through the dense cover of clouds, bright enough to make Lou Zigui squint. Ning Xiaoyao tossed more sugar beans into her mouth and crunched on them as she spoke.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth, ah. We¡¯ve slept together once, but I wanna sleep with you again. Doesn¡¯t that mean that I like---¡±

    With a p, Supreme Commander Lou muffled His Majesty Ning¡¯s mouth. There was nobody else in the covered corridor at the moment. Now that the rain had passed, the sun wasing back. There was the scent of flowers in the breeze and the pleasant smell of petrichor from the earth.

    ¡°Stop speaking nonsense,¡± Lou Zigui said to Ning Xiaoyao with a flushed face. Ning Xiaoyao pushed aside Lou Zigui¡¯s hand, unhappy.

    ¡°Dangit, you¡¯re the one who asked, ah. When I didn¡¯t say anything, you were unhappy, but now that I have, you think I¡¯m speaking nonsense instead?¡± I won¡¯t be able to have any fun with him at this rate!

    Lou Zigui heaved a sigh. After thinking for a long time, he finally managed to say, ¡°Girls should be more reserved.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao red daggers at him. ¡°If we¡¯ve slept together, then we¡¯ve slept together. You¡¯re telling me to act reserved now? That¡¯s right, do you even like me back? I told you, but you haven¡¯t told me. Doesn¡¯t that mean I¡¯m at a disadvantage?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t answer, but lowered his head to kiss Ning Xiaoyao on the lips. Like a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water, the movement was soft and light.

    This should mean he likes me, right? Ning Xiaoyao thought as she scratched her palms....right?

 Chapter 162: His Majesty says, the son will pay the fatherâ€™s debts

    <h4>Chapter 162: His Majesty says, the son will pay the father''s debts</h4>

    ¡°Send Xie Anwu to Jiangnan to take over the businesses in Qin Xuan¡¯s hands,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao once they returned to the pce.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s son?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was surprised yet again by Lou Zigui¡¯s ns. But after hearing Lou Zigui¡¯s exnation and how she was supposed to decree his cut ties from the Xie n, her eye twitched as her mouth trembled. ¡°Xie Anwu actually agreed to your terms?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Is he an idiot or something?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, dumbfounded. ¡°His father might be a good-for-nothing, but are you supposed to be a good-for-something?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao blurted out, before attempting to salvage the situation. ¡°I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re bad in the same way, Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°Then just what am I?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re just someone who¡¯s always up to dirty tricks,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a satisfied nod. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡±

    Isn¡¯t that the same as calling me a good-for-nothing as well? Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s stop discussing this topic for now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a halting gesture with her hands. Lou Zigui had no idea what she was signaling, but he didn¡¯t bother with asking. He knew the answers would only make him even more weary.

    ¡°Can Xie Anwu truly be trusted?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°He can,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°Give me a reason to believe you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Supreme Commander Lou replied smoothly, ¡°He can¡¯t live unless Xie Wenyuan dies.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her eye twitching again.

    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t we use people like him against Xie Wenyuan?¡± Lou Zigui added.

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed. Feuds between fathers and sons, is it? It sounds heartbreaking just to hear about it.

    ¡°How about issuing the decree today,¡± Lou Zigui leaned towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ll do, then. I¡¯m only happy when Grand Preceptor Xie is unhappy, so I¡¯ve decided to abandon my conscience this time.¡±

    Lou Zigui hastened to add, ¡°This is all on me. It has nothing to do with you, Xiaoyao.¡±

    ¡°Drop it already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up to walk outside the room. ¡°A bad deed like this wouldn¡¯t be possible unless I approved of it, too. The two of us are ants on the same rope. You don¡¯t have to say anything else on the matter, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s fingers brushed against the ice cold redcquer table beneath his hands. The same rope?

    ¡°Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called from the door. ¡°Make some preparations, Your Majesty is preparing to hold court.¡±

    Shadowgale quickly appeared in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty will finally attend the assembly today?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Windy, you saw how Elder Li looked just then. If I try to request leave again today, he¡¯ll either bite me to death or kill himself off.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Elder Li calls that ¡®demonstrating one¡¯s sincerity by dying.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it the same as offing yourself?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s not worth mentioning. When I go to courtter, I¡¯ll have to abuse Grand Preceptor Xie again. Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not like I really want to, either.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Shadowgale. Your Majesty, could you not smile when saying things like that?

    Lou Zigui strode over until he was at the door. ¡°Now that Tao Chen¡¯s dead, Your Majesty will need to pick a new Nine Gate Infantry Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right, a provincialmander like that sounds like an important post.¡±

    Of course it is important! Shadowgale almost wanted to shout at His Majesty. The defense of the capital city and its public order all fall under the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s jurisdiction. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s important?!

    ¡°Windy, are you interested in the job?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale was thinking of leaping to his feet before, but now he was just stunned silent. Make me the Nine Gate Infantry Commander?

    Taking his silence to be mute consent, Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand and said, ¡°Then you can have the job.¡±

    What do you mean, ¡®then I can have the job?!¡¯ Shadowgale quickly shook his head. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant is a Dragon Guard.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I know that you¡¯re a Dragon Guard, ah. Also, can you stop saying ¡®this servant¡¯ all the time, Windy? How many times have I told you already?¡±

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°Your Majesty, just how could this servant go be an official in the frontal courts?¡±

    ¡°Dragon Guards are forbidden from taking posts in the frontal courts,¡± Lou Zigui exined to Ning Xiaoyao quietly.

    ¡°Frontal courts?¡±

    ¡°The official courts of the pce,¡± Lou Zigui borated, ¡°This is to prevent favoritism by the emperor.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao understood the concept of favoritism, so after spacing out for a while, she said angrily, ¡°Is there any sense to this? That old geezer Xie was the previous emperor¡¯s father-inw. Isn¡¯t that favoritism?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Dragon Guards are all military men, ah.¡±

    Yongning was a country that favored schrs over soldiers. The facts of the matter even left Lou Zigui¡¯s expression looking rather helpless.

    ¡°Your mother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    ¡°You cannot say such dirty things,¡± Lou Zigui whapped Ning Xiaoyao upside the head. Shadowgale immediately shot him a re. Is His Majesty¡¯s head something you can thwack like that?!

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°If Windy can¡¯t be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, then who do we pick? Second Thunder?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Shadowgale. We¡¯ve already said that Dragon Guards can¡¯t do it. Your Majesty, were you listening to me or Supreme Commander at all?

    Lou Zigui rested his forehead against his hand. ¡°He can¡¯t, either.¡±

    ¡°Then, then should I take it on as a part-time job?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stammered next. In any case, she didn¡¯t have much to do as the emperor.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you suggest me taking it on part-time?¡±

    ¡°Hehe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled back. Who cares what the Nine Gates Infantry Commander does (Author: Hey!). If you take this post, you¡¯ll have to stay to guard the capital. Supreme Commander, aren¡¯t you nning to save your older brother and kill the Northern Hu as revenge? Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. How could you ept such a job?

    ¡°What does your ¡®hehe¡¯ mean?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tease me like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Would you give up your ck Frost Cavalrymen? That Wolf King Modou is still alive.¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent. Miss Ning¡¯s words made perfect sense, leaving him unable to retort.

    ¡°Then shall I ask Elder Li?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested a third option.

    ¡°Has Your Majesty heard of the Lord Protector¡¯s estate?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed and said, ¡°The old Lord Protector died at Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hands, so Your Majesty can make the current Lord Protector Pei Yi[1. Pei Yi (ÅáÒã) - Pei is a surname, Yi means ¡°firm, resolute, staunch.¡±] the new Nine Gates Infantry Commander.¡±

    ¡°How did Grand Preceptor Xie kill off the previous Lord Protector?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°He was falsely used of stealing the army¡¯s pay and provisions. For the sake of proving his innocence, he rammed his head into a pir at the Hall of Golden Chimes and killed himself,¡± Lou Zigui summarized the events in a way that the girl would understand.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s already like that, yet he¡¯s using others of embezzlement? Did this happen during the previous emperor¡¯s reign again?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said in amazement.

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°That¡¯s understandable, then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled her lip in contempt. ¡°The Grand Preceptor was thete emperor¡¯s true love, after all.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°...................¡± said Head Commander Shadowgale.

    Ning Xiaoyao simply walked away. After going to the Hall of Golden Chimes twice, she knew the way herself now.

    ¡°Prepare His Majesty for the court assembly,¡± Lou Zigui instructed Shadowgale, who left while digging a finger into his ears. Sometimes His Majesty¡¯s words were rather painful to hear.

    ¡°But,¡± Ning Xiaoyao halted in her steps to address Lou Zigui. She felt that things couldn¡¯t be so simple. ¡°Thete emperor was my father. Since he caused the death of the previous Lord Protector, I¡¯ll be lucky if his family doesn¡¯t want me dead to boot. Would he agree to take the post?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was worried that the current Lord Protector would only spit a mouthful of blood in her face at the suggestion. Or perhaps, he¡¯d ster her face with poop instead? She rubbed her face and privately wondered how big it was.

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen,¡± Lou Zigui replied easily.

    ¡°That¡¯s just you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao retorted. Thete emperor had caused the deaths of Supreme Commander¡¯s father and brothers. Even if Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want her dead, it wasn¡¯t guaranteed that the Lord Protector¡¯s estate would feel the same way.

    Lou Zigui furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°What ¡®that¡¯s just you?¡¯¡±

    p! Ning Xiaoyao muffled her lips. She¡¯d almost said too much. Lou Zigui stared at her eyes until she burst out, ¡°I¡¯m saying that¡¯s what just would happen if you were the Lord Protector, Supreme Commander.¡± Ning Xiaoyao bbed out before blinking innocently.

    ¡°Among Old Madame Xie¡¯s items is a set of phoenix cor and embroidered tassel cape. The cor is known as the Five Phoenix Radiance, a treasure of the Lord Protector¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°It was bestowed to them by Yongning¡¯s first ever empress. When the previous Lord Protector died, the current Lord Protector, Pei Yi, was thrown into the prisons. In order to save her son, the old madame of the family gave the cor to Old Madame Xie as a gift.¡±

    ¡°And then Old Madame Xie had Pei Yi set free?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Pei Yi was sent into exile, while his younger brother Pei Yan[2. Pei Yan (ÅáÒó) - Yan means ¡°ckish/dark red.¡±] was punished with castration...¡±

    ¡°The heck?¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled. ¡°They made him into an eunuch?¡±

    Lou Zigui muffled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth again as he lowered his voice. ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as you know what happened, there¡¯s no need to say it out loud.¡± Why does this girl spread everything she knows?

    ¡°T-then what happened after that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but feel that seeking out the Lord Protector¡¯s family was just asking for trouble.

    ¡°Finally, His Highness Crown Prince repealed the charges,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Aye, geez,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest. ¡°I¡¯m d he wasn¡¯t made an eunuch.¡±

    Lou Zigui covered his mouth with a cough. ¡°By the time the imperial edict reached the silkworm house,[3. silkworm house (²ÏÊÒ) -mon name for a castration chamber, so named because it was kept warm and draught-free like the rooms for raising silkworms to prevent the newly castrated subjects from incurring infection.] Pei Yan had already been castrated.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a tragic expression. Although she didn¡¯t know what a ¡®silkworm house¡¯ was, she didn¡¯t want to ask, either. The main point was that Pei Yan had been castrated after all. ¡°I know now. The person who did it must have been one of old geezer Xie¡¯s men!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was convinced. ¡°That had to be what had happened!¡±

    ¡°It should¡¯ve been,¡± Lou Zigui agreed. ¡°Pei Yan was castrated earlier than expected.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask one thing, was hepletely chopped off down there?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°No, I mean,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°If it hasn¡¯t beenpletely chopped off, I can---I could probably heal it for him.¡±

    ¡°Can you really cure that?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao waspletely serious. ¡°I¡¯ll know after I give it a try. So, was itpletely chopped off?¡±

    ¡°I heard His Highness Crown Prince say it was just injured,¡± Lou Zigui felt awkward the more he spoke of the issue. I actually have to speak to a girl about these things?!

    ¡°The Lord Protector,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood straighter as she walked. ¡°Alright, I know what to do now. Return the cor and check the Lord Protector¡¯s little brother¡¯s injury. This way, their family might hate me a little less.¡±

    ¡°How could Pei Yi dare to hate you?¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao back.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°He should. Who told me to have a father that treated Grand Preceptor Xie as his true love? That muddleheaded fool created no end of disasters. Isn¡¯t the son supposed to pay the father¡¯s debts? Although I¡¯m no son, I¡¯m still heading the family business. Thus, I have to be the one to settle the scores.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression seemed to have stiffened at her words. How great would it be if she wasn¡¯t a scion of the imperial family and the Xie n?

    ¡°Your mother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed again and kept walking. ¡°Let¡¯s not think too positively about all this. It¡¯s likely Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s thinking of putting one of his men on the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s post as well.¡±

    ¡°No matter who Xie Wenyuan rmends, you mustn¡¯t agree, Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui said hastily.

    ¡°Of course I won¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her fists. ¡°If things don¡¯t work out, I¡¯ll fight him. He doesn¡¯t scare me.¡±

 Chapter 163: If you have the guts, come bite me

    <h4>Chapter 163: If you have the guts,e bite me</h4>

    After hastily donning the dragon robes that Shadowthunder had brought over, Ning Xiaoyao prepared to go to court. Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t bear the sight of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lopsided bun anymore and used his hands and ab to redo her hair into something more presentable for court. Shadowgale came running back from the Hall of Golden Chimes and stared at His Majesty¡¯s hairstyle before he said, ¡°Your Majesty, Grand Preceptor Xie has arrived.¡±

    Shadowthunder grew upset at the news. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t he be thinking over his wrongs at home? As well as mourning his mother?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Xie Wenyuan is still the Grand Preceptor, as such he is an important official in court. It¡¯s not wrong for him to appear in court and ask His Majesty for official leave.¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Shadowthunder tried, ¡°Then what about him reflecting upon his wrongs?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Don¡¯t be so mad, Second Thunder. It¡¯s not like I can kill him off, so my words are only worth farts to the Grand Preceptor after all. Let¡¯s go, we need to get ready for another fight with him at the Hall of Golden Chimes.¡±

    Aside from resting his forehead against his palm, Lou Zigui did nothing else. The head and secondmanders of the Dragon Guards both privately felt that His Majesty would be so much better if he kept quiet more often.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao paused after a few more steps. ¡°Call over Xie Anwu as well. He¡¯s supposed to break off rtions with his n too, isn¡¯t that right?¡±

    Shadowthunder went running over to the Supreme Splendor Hall to summon Xie Anwu. Sometimeter, Ning Xiaoyao found herself sitting on the throne in the Hall of Golden Chimes as an eunuch announced Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s request for an audience.

    ¡°Send him in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she ufortably tugged on her cor. She looked ready for a brawl.

    Grand Preceptor Xie entered, dressed in his white mourning robes, looking wan and sallow. Ning Xiaoyao waited until he finished his bows before speaking, ¡°The ones who murdered Old Madame Xie were the seven men that I captured at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Grand Preceptor, ah, I¡¯ve already killed them all to avenge the old madame.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie lifted his head to nce at Ning Xiaoyao, who looked nothing but stern.

    ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie expressed his gratitude, looking as if he was moved to tears.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°No need to thank me, it¡¯s something I should¡¯ve done. She was my great grandmother, after all. Her death is a great loss to our Yongning, enough to blot the sun and moon from the skies, to cause the stars to fall into darkness, and that there, shock the ghosts and gods of the world to tears. In any case, I¡¯m really sad.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said the gathered officials. Just what kind of nonsense is he spouting? A single old woman¡¯s death is enough to shock the ghosts and gods themselves to tears?

    ¡°Old Madame Xie¡¯s death told me a principle of the world as well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thered on with a serious face, ¡°And that is, never reveal your actual wealth.¡±

    Nobody had the skills to continue Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Grand Preceptor Xie remained unmoved as expected. ¡°Those seven men were after her wealth?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao answered, ¡°I think so.¡±

    Elder Li couldn¡¯t stand listening to their drivel anymore. He stepped out of the ranks to ask, ¡°How could Your Majesty simply ¡®think so?¡¯¡± Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you making yourself an easy subject for ridicule for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction with such uncertain ims?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± As they predicted, a member of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction immediately spoke up.

    ¡°You can speakter,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the official in question. ¡°Can¡¯t you let me talk properly first?¡±

    How could anyone deny the emperor his right to talk? The official shut up.

    ¡°Those seven men had said that when the Grand Preceptor was younger, he took a fancy to one of their daughters,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued on with a straight face. ¡°But that girl had already promised herself to someone else. She was the faithful and unyielding sort, but for the sake of her son, Old Madame Xie forced her into Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s bed. That¡¯s why---¡±

    ¡°sphemy!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie could endure all sorts of things, but such nder was far too much. He cut Ning Xiaoyao off with a loud shout.

    ¡°Yah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand dismissively. ¡°I didn¡¯t believe it either. Grand Preceptor has plenty of concubines by his side and a mistress that he keeps in a separate estate as well as who knows how many paramours. He¡¯s got enough to fill a cart full of them, so why would he need to snatch any girl who takes his fancy? I wouldn¡¯t believe it even if you beat me to death!¡±

    Elder Li had resumed his position amongst the ranks. Although he knew His Majesty was just spewing nonsense, he quite enjoyed listening to this brand of rubbish. Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie had started trembling from head to toe. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s faction wanted to help him out, but if they used His Majesty of cursing the Grand Preceptor and he said he was just defending the man, they wouldn¡¯t be able to pick out any faults. His Majesty was technically speaking in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s favor!

    Ning Xiaoyao went on, ¡°Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t get upset. I didn¡¯t believe a word of what they said. We have to be magnanimous, you know. Magnanimous.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sucked in a long breath. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Hahah, no need to be so polite,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled at him.

    Grand Preceptor Xie raised the self-admission letter he¡¯d spent all night writing over his head and said, ¡°Your Majesty,st night, this subject¡¯s third son, Anshi, went and murdered several of the refugees in the capital city. This vile spawn was so sinister and vicious with his methods that even death would be too good for him. This subject was remiss in teaching my son and deserves 10,000 deaths.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. How heartless can he be? Xie Anshi might be of a bad sort, but he¡¯s still your son, right?

    ¡°This subject asks Your Majesty to mete punishment,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie kneeled on the ground and kowtowed low against the floor. The eunuch on duty in the hall ran down the steps of the throne at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s signal to retrieve the Grand Preceptor¡¯s letter and deliver it into His Majesty¡¯s hands. Ning Xiaoyao would never do anything she didn¡¯t want to, so she simply ced the booklet in an empty space behind her without reading the contents.

    Then shemanded, ¡°Rise. Your sons and daughters all owe you for this, so you might as well bear their existence, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie felt blood threatening to rise up in his throat again. This damned granddaughter of mine owes me too!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a member of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction took the chance and spoke up. ¡°The refugees have rioted twice now. This official believes they deserve nothing but death.¡±

    Seven to eight more officials stepped out of line to request the same thing.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao leaned forward with her elbows against her legs as she cupped her chin in her hands. ¡°You lot are real men, decrying evil just like that. Someonee, write down those officials¡¯ names and everything they just said on paper. Make multiple copies and ce them out in the streets for everyone to see.¡±

    ¡°This servant obeys,¡± Shadowgale loudly epted the decree. The various officials were left stunned by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s orders. The first one who¡¯d suggested killing all the refugees in the first ce simply fell on his knees before Ning Xiaoyao. The capital¡¯s refugees had enough gall to even charge into the pce, kill Tao Chen¡¯s entire family, then douse Xie Anshi in oil and light him on fire. What was the difference between them and roving bandits?! If His Majesty does that, it¡¯s equivalent to killing off our entire families!

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°A lot of the refugees don¡¯t know how to read, so Windy, you should send out people to read the promations out loud. Let them know how to be proper people. If they won¡¯t be docile, these officials will definitely kill them all off, oh~¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± one of the listed officials wailed and kowtowed against the ground before Shadowgale could even ept the decree.

    ¡°Aye, you don¡¯t need to do all that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I know I¡¯m a wise and brilliant guy. Whoever came up with these ideas can see through it themselves. The refugees are right out there on the streets, so you guys can take care of killing them. I won¡¯t stop you.¡±

    The various officials exchanged worried nces. Just the few of us? Even if they brought all their retainers and guards, they wouldn¡¯t be any kind of match for the crowds.

    Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up next. ¡°This subject asks that Your Majesty call in the soldiers.¡±

    ¡°Call in the soldiers?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°No can do.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°What if the refugees charge into the pce again?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°The city¡¯s soldiers have to be on hand to protect me. Do you know why?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie silently stared at Ning Xiaoyao, who jabbed a finger towards her nose. ¡°Because I¡¯m the emperor!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t want to talk to Ning Xiaoyao at all. He¡¯d much rather she dropped dead, but his features were nothing but respectful as he added, ¡°Only by killing off all the refugees will Your Majesty surely be safe.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a scaredy cat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged nonchntly. ¡°If too many people die, I¡¯ll have nightmares. If I have nightmares, I¡¯ll get sick. This is my emperor¡¯s dragon body you¡¯re talking about, you know. It can¡¯t afford to be harmed in any way.¡±

    Once again, Grand Preceptor Xie tasted blood in his throat before he forcefully swallowed it back down. The rest of the officials simply stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Is this another way of being talented with words? Although they knew her words were nothing but nonsense, they still couldn¡¯t call her wrong, either. Both officials on and against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side only felt dejected by the realization. They were supposed to be the experts in rhetoric and debates!

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you for yourbors,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the officials who had previously spoken up. ¡°I respect you all as true men.¡±

    The officials all looked towards Grand Preceptor Xie with silent pleas in their hearts. Save us, ah!

    Grand Preceptor Xie evened out his breathing. Lou Zigui had instigated the refugees to kill Tao Chen¡¯s entire family and burn Xie Anshi, but that didn¡¯t mean Ning Yu wasn¡¯t involved in it as well. Now the girl was forcing those eight officials and their families on a path to death. What a poisonous girl she is, Grand Preceptor Xie thought as he lifted his eyes to look at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao was still wearing her stern face. Unfortunately, she still had baby fat and a pair ofrge, bright eyes. No matter how serious she tried to look, she wasn¡¯t terrifying in the least.

    That¡¯s right, Grand Preceptor Xie lowered his head again. How could she have tricked me if she wasn¡¯t so vicious and guileful to begin with?

    Ning Xiaoyao was very self-satisfied. She mentally gave herself a ¡®like.¡¯ I¡¯ve rendered the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction speechless with fear!

    Lou Zigui took this chance to cough lightly. When Ning Xiaoyao nced over, he gently shook his head.

    What does he mean? Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. Didn¡¯t I do a great job?

    Grand Preceptor Xie had turned around to look down at the officials kneeling on the ground, his gaze steady and determined. The sight of his eyes suddenly made the officialse to a startling realization. It was perfectly possible for the Grand Preceptor to move them and their families under the protection of the capital¡¯s barracks. His Majesty might have said he wasn¡¯t sending out any troops, but wasn¡¯t it the Grand Preceptor who called the shots?

    Immediately, one of the officials dered, ¡°For the sake of Your Majesty, for the sake of Yongning, this official is willing to die 10,000 deaths.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao saw Grand Preceptor Xie and understood what was going on. He was the one with military power in his hands. Would the capital soldiers stay put just because she said so?

    ¡°Summon Xie Anwu to the hall,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called towards the entrance as she scratched her palms. Discussions broke out within the Hall of Golden Chimes. All of the officials had heard about what happened with Xie Anwu. But why were the personal matters of a Xie n concubine¡¯s son being brought up at the Hall of Golden Chimes?

    Soon enough, Xie Anwu arrived and knelt down to give Ning Xiaoyao a grand bow. Then he turned and prepared to bow towards Grand Preceptor Xie, who simply harrumphed and moved aside to avoid the gesture. He wouldn¡¯t ept such rites from an unfilial son.

    ¡°Come and rise now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a lifting motion with her hand at Xie Anwu before addressing the rest of the hall. ¡°When I was still at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, I had the best rtions with this fourth elder uncle of mine.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie wanted to spit up blood again. This damned girl, does she have to turn everything she say into nonsense?!

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on her throne and extended her palms towards Grand Preceptor Xie. If you have the guts,e bite me. ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q

 Chapter 164: Oil Jar advances on the enemy

    <h4>Chapter 164: Oil Jar advances on the enemy</h4>

    Elder Li knew what was going to happen, but for the sake of ying along, he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, why did you summon this man to the audience hall?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said cheerfully, ¡°I¡¯m just getting my fourth uncle out of his family---that is, severing his ties to his n.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the officials. Isn¡¯t that actually a huge deal?!

    Having been born and raised in the apocalypse, Ning Xiaoyao naturally had no idea how customs worked in this world. Those who wanted to leave their ns not only had to open the ancestral halls and burn incense in respect to the deceased, but also have to assemble all the elders in the family and leave the record of separation in the hall as a formal farewell to the ancestors. They also needed to leave a record with the local authorities and other trivial details to make the severance official.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said carelessly. ¡°Fourth uncle will be his own man from now all. I¡¯ll have someone pick up my fourth aunt from the Xie estateter.¡±

    Xie Anwu only had one wife and no concubines. The couple had yet to bear any children, which was why Xie Anwu dared to sneak his wife out of the estate and hide her away before leaving the n on his own.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°His wife isn¡¯t at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that saves us time, then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°But we¡¯ll still need to get fourth uncle¡¯s possessions from the estate. I¡¯ll have someone pick them up.¡±

    ¡°Possessions?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie smiled coldly.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, he¡¯s still your son. Grand Preceptor, could you bear to let my fourth uncle and aunt starve to death?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound very good.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°Isn¡¯t Your Majesty on best rtions with him?¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Grand Preceptor, do you mean to say that I should raise your son for you? Sure, we¡¯re on good enough terms to be pals, but does that mean I¡¯m responsible for keeping him alive?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie. None of the other officials could understand it either. Why does Grand Preceptor still try to talk back against His Majesty? It¡¯s obvious he¡¯s no match for the emperor.

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked towards Xie Anwu next, who had already stood up and lowered his head after he didn¡¯t catch his father¡¯s eye the first time. Grand Preceptor Xie asked, ¡°You¡¯re really cutting yourself off from the n?¡±

    Hearing this, Ning Xiaoyao grew a little anxious. But Xie Anwu only nodded once and said, ¡°Yes, your son is unfilial.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t want you to be filial,¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted. ¡°He¡¯ll be less vexed once you¡¯re gone and he can¡¯t see you anymore. Fourth uncle, ah, where will we ever find a son as filial as you under the Heavens?¡±

    Xie Anwu¡¯s face turned red at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. His Majesty¡¯s just too good at spewing nonsense.

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°How did Your Majesty know that this subject found the sight of his son weary?¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Did I misunderstand the situation? Didn¡¯t Grand Preceptor n for fourth uncle to do business in the south? And to send him as far away as possible?¡±

    None of the officials in the hall found this strange. Concubine-born sons only existed to support the sons born of the proper wives. For Grand Preceptor Xie to send his concubine¡¯s son to the south wasn¡¯t wrong at all. But the fact that Xie Anwu was abandoning the n over something like that earned their sneers and disdainful looks. A concubine¡¯s son with too much ambition couldn¡¯t be kept in the main family.

    Lou Zigui coughed again and lightly shook his head at Ning Xiaoyao, indicating that she should quit while she was still ahead. Ning Xiaoyao saw Xie Anwu clenching his fists and realized she¡¯d hurt him instead of Grand Preceptor Xie with her words. After some thought, she continued, ¡°You knew I was on good terms with fourth uncle and esteemed him highly, yet you chased him off to the south. Grand Preceptor, that¡¯s like pping me in the face, oh.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie held back the blood in his throat and bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This subject wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    At Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, the various officials¡¯ thoughts shifted again. It looks like it wasn¡¯t the problem of the concubine son¡¯s ambitions, but instead another conflict between His Majesty and Grand Preceptor Xie again.

    ¡°This subject definitely wasn¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just leave it at that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t let Grand Preceptor Xie finish. One of the ts of mindless thering was to make sure the other party didn¡¯t get a chance to refute your words. ¡°Fourth uncle, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said next. ¡°Take a trip to Jiangnan for me and uh, that thing.¡± For a second, she forgot how to say imperial envoy. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o

    Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao getting tongue-tied and hastened to salvage the conversation. Your Majesty, this subject believes that Xie Anwu could act as your imperial envoy.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie spat coldly, ¡°This son has never taken the imperial examinations nor done any merit for his country. Dare I ask Your Majesty what rank of government post befits him?¡±

    An official with a rank would have to receive wages from the court---a set sry with no room to haggle. At this, Ning Xiaoyao simply said, ¡°No rank required. Fourth uncle is acting as my personal representative and my eyes and ears.¡±

    Xie Anwu kowtowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Thismoner epts the decree.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rose to her feet. ¡°Then that¡¯s that. Everyone¡¯s dismissed.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie raised his voice. ¡°Your Majesty, the Nine Gate...¡±

    ¡°As for Tao Chen¡¯s recement,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wrested back the topic to her side. ¡°Everyone can make your own suggestions. We¡¯ll get into the details at the next morning assembly. That¡¯s all for now, hello Grand Preceptor, goodbye Grand Preceptor.¡± She slipped off the throne and ran like mad. Grand Preceptor Xie only saw a sh before his eyes before His Majesty Ning disappeared from sight. All of the officials couldn¡¯t help but think, His Majesty certainly runs fast...

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked back at Xie Anwu, who was still kneeling on the ground. Lou Zigui approached the man and said, ¡°Get up now. You¡¯re a man working in the service of His Majesty, so there¡¯s no need to mind how others see you.¡±

    Xie Anwu rose to his feet before giving a low bow to Grand Preceptor Xie, who tossed his sleeves and stalked off. By the time he left the pce with his retinue crowding around him, Ning Xiaoyao had run back in a rush to stop in front of him.

    ¡°I almost forgot, Grand Preceptor,¡± she said, ¡°Is Xie Anshi dead yet?¡±

    The various officials all withdrew two steps back from the pair. Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°That vile spawn¡¯s still on hisst legs. What, is Your Majesty offering to save him?¡±

    ¡°Ah? Me, well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°Can¡¯t I just send an imperial physician over? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a doctor myself, ah.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Lou Zigui, who¡¯d just reached the entrance of the audience hall.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Isn¡¯t Your Majesty worried that others will talk if you try to save a man who deserves death?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie wanted to use Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words against her like a p to the face. Sending over an imperial physician to treat Anshi now? It¡¯s already toote!

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. ¡°You¡¯re right, that bastard deserves to die. Then let¡¯s just leave him half-dead as is and let nature take its course.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie tottered in his steps. Ning Xiaoyao forced herself to imagine that a zombie had bit her again as her expression changed from one of abject grief to sheer despair. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not worried about Xie Anshi¡¯s wellbeing at all,¡± she told Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°But I am concerned about you, Grand Preceptor. Your eldest son¡¯s gone off to eat dirt past the borders, while your second son already looks like an idiot at first nce. Now your third son¡¯s like that and you won¡¯t even bother with your concubine¡¯s children. Maybe you and your wife should try a bit harder to have another child?¡±

    (£þ¡÷£þ£») , went the various officials.

    ¡°Pfft,¡± a few of them couldn¡¯t hold back despite themselves.

    ¡°You!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie pointed a finger towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you can¡¯t beat me in a fight and you know it.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hand stiffened in mid-air.

    ¡°Well dang, if looks could kill, I¡¯d be dead by now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes. ¡°Look at how much you loathe me, aye.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the officials. The two of you really do have a huge grudge against each other.

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s body toppled backwards.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± the man standing behind him hastened to hold him up. Ning Xiaoyao turned and fled. Oh boy, I¡¯ve angered the Grand Preceptor into unconsciousness again!

    Big Boss ck ran along the wall until he made a running leap tond on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. When he spotted the various people trying to hold up Grand Preceptor Xie, then the stupid smile on his ninny¡¯s face, he stuck out a tongue to lick her cheek. Mm, the ninny¡¯s not a numbskull at all if she can make the Grand Preceptor pass out from sheer rage!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui told Xie Anwu. Elder Li simply nced at Grand Preceptor Xie with a cold chortle before bringing his own disciples down the steps. His students felt like their teacher was walking on clouds today, as if an errant wind would send him airborne.

    Grand Preceptor Xie took a long time to recover while half-lying on the ground.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± his followers yelled at various intervals. Grand Preceptor Xie peered at the faces of the officials before him and saw anxiety, depression, unease, and panic. All of them looked afraid.

    ¡°You should all go back to your homes,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told the officials who¡¯d vowed to kill the refugees. ¡°Take your families to the capital barracks in the northern part of the city.¡±

    The officials expressed their profuse thanks before leaving the scene.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, what about the Nine Gate Infantry Commander candidates?¡± another official asked carefully as he helped the man to his feet.

    ¡°This old man would like to see who has the guts to ept the position,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sneered coldly. Unless he agreed, none of the men under the jurisdiction of the Nine Gate Infantry Commander would follow orders, even if Ning Yu took the post herself. The title was a ornamental one at best.

    Meanwhile, the little gyrfalcon circled multiple times above Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s head, wanting to poop on his face. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t poop anything out. Meanwhile, Oil Jar slipped through the crowd to stop by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s feet. The old man was too busy thinking up schemes and reassuring his men, so nobody noticed the little mouse beneath their robes. The little gyrfalcon and an entire row of sparrows on the wall all held their breaths at the sight. Is Oil Jar going to poop on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s shoes?

    Oil Jar crept right next to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s feet and bolstered his spirits, saying he wasn¡¯t afraid. Then he opened his jaws and gave a vicious bite to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s toe.

    ¡°Argh!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie cried out seemingly randomly.

    Oil Jar fled. Everyone looked down and only saw His Excellency Grand Preceptor¡¯s left foot developing a patch of red.

    Oh! The little animals watching were all stunned. Oil Jar actually bit the Grand Preceptor!

    ¡°Oil Jar is amazing!¡± a little sparrow chirped.

    ¡°Mouse! It¡¯s a mouse!¡± One of the officials interjected upon discovering Oil Jar. All of the other civil officials fell into an uproar, but none of them thought to chase after the creature. Meanwhile, the imperial guards on the side simply pretended that they didn¡¯t exist. Even a little mouse can bully the Grand Preceptor. It looks like he¡¯s doomed for good.

    ¡°Imperial physician! Hurry and get one!¡± one of the officials shouted.

    ¡°To the estate,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie endured the pain to speak up. Let an imperial physician treat my wounds in the pce? What if Ning Yu uses the chance to finish me off instead?

    --

    ¡°For real?¡± By now, Ning Xiaoyao had returned to Supreme Splendor Hall and gotten the news from the little gyrfalcon. She burst intoughter just as Lou Zigui entered the room.

    ¡°.......¡± What¡¯s going on now?

    ¡°Oil Jar gets a like!¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the little gyrfalcon. ¡°I¡¯ll gift him a bag of peanuts!¡±

    Lou Zigui saw the gyrfalcon perched on the windowsill inside the room and asked Ning Xiayao, ¡°Who¡¯s Oil Jar?¡±

    ¡°Urk, a mouse I¡¯m raising. A very cute little mouse, oh~¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowthunder¡¯s voice rang out from the northern walkway as he arrived to gloat. ¡°A mouse bit the Grand Preceptor! Enough for him to bleed!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. The culprit must be that Oil Jar, right?

 Chapter 165: His Majestyâ€™s apology

    <h4>Chapter 165: His Majesty''s apology</h4>

    When the Lord Protector heard his servants say that His Majesty and Supreme Commander Lou wereing, he had a fright. How many years has our estate stood deste? Why is His Majestying today of all days?

    The Lord Protector Pei Yi hurried to the old matriarch¡¯s rooms. Despite his unruffled expression, the old matriarch could tell that her eldest son was walking twice as fast as usual, a sure sign of his uneasy heart.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± the old matriarch smoothed out her hair as she followed the Lord Protector out. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s been fighting nonstop against Xie Wenyuan, so he can¡¯t cause us any trouble.¡±

    The Lord Protector replied, ¡°Mother, His Majesty summoned our entire family to see him. Should second little brothere too?¡±

    The old matriarch gave a start at the news.

    ¡°What if second brother says something unthinkable in front of His Majesty?¡± the Lord Protector was worried. ¡°What do we do then?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll go see His Majesty first,¡± the old matriarch said as her son supported her out of her house. She dropped her voice and added, ¡°We can decide what to do afterwards.¡±

    By now, Ning Xiaoyao was already standing outside the front gates of the Lord Protector¡¯s estate. The Lord Protector¡¯s family was one of 13 ns that helped to fight and pave the way for the Ning Dynasty in the past. They had very imposing gates but few, if any visitors. There was even a crack in their front steps.

    ¡°Call to be let in,¡± Lou Zigui ordered Shadowthunder, who ran towards the front gates.

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged on her cor and said, ¡°Will the Lord Protector¡¯s family curse meter?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth twitched. She was asking that exact same question on the way here. She¡¯s still not over it?

    ¡°I won¡¯t be afraid if they curse me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tried to reassure herself. ¡°And if the Lord Protector wants to hit me, I¡¯ll just run away.¡±

    ¡°Who dares to hit you when I¡¯m around?¡± Lou Zigui said as he rested a hand against his forehead.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you should run away with me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m the one in the wrong here.¡±

    Lou Zigui only nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll run away with you.¡±

    ¡°If ites to a fight, we¡¯ll all escape together,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao before she looked worriedly at the Dragon Guards who¡¯de along today. ¡°It¡¯s not good for us to fight back.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the Dragon Guards. Chase the emperor out of their house? Wouldn¡¯t the Lord Protector be seeking death if he does that?

    Shadowthunder reached the front gates and only managed to knock once before they opened up. The old matriarch was the first to step outside the door. Ning Xiaoyao expressed her surprise before running in front of the old woman with an exmation. ¡°Are you the old matriarch of the Lord Protector¡¯s estate? We¡¯ve met before, ah.¡±

    The old matriarch sank to her knees and said, ¡°At the spring banquet, this old woman saw Your Majesty¡¯s imperial countenance. This old woman has earned blessings from three lifetimes, this old woman...¡±

    Before she could finish, Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand and pulled her up so she wouldn¡¯t kneel. ¡°No need to bow, no need to bow, I¡¯m only here to look around the estate. Haha, old matriarch, may Ie in?¡±

    ¡°Your subject Pei Yi greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed for tens of thousands of years,¡± the Lord Protector and his kinsmen all fell to their knees in a formal bow to Ning Xiaoyao. She wanted to duck away, but Lou Zigui held her fast from behind.

    The old matriarch noted Lou Zigui propping up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s back before she said respectfully, ¡°Your Majesty, if you please.¡±

    ¡°Aye, alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked through the front doors, still feeling contrite. But since she was familiar with the old matriarch, it should be easier to invite the Lord Protector to work for her, right? (Author: You¡¯ve only spoken to her today. Since when have the two of you been any kind of familiar?)

    As Ning Xiaoyao sat in the main hall of the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, she nced towards Lou Zigui, who was standing by her side. He murmured in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t speak yet, see what the old matriarch says first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao obediently sat waiting for the old matriarch to talk. The old woman paid her respectful regards. ¡°Your Majesty hase to our humble home today. I don¡¯t know whether---¡±

    ¡°You call this home humble?¡± The old matriarch¡¯s civilities spurred Ning Xiaoyao into action. ¡°Old matriarch, you just don¡¯t have as many people in these houses as others, but nothing else about it iscking.¡±

    Choked off by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s reply, the old matriarch couldn¡¯t help but wonder. Does His Majesty not understand formal civilities, or is he teasing me for sport?

    ¡°Really,¡± Ning Xiaoyao emphasized.

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty for the praise,¡± the old matriarch managed to say.

    ¡°It¡¯s not praise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew earnest. ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth.¡±

    The rest of the Pei n simply stared at Ning Xiaoyao. So you came to praise our house today?

    The Lord Protector next tried, ¡°This subject¡¯s house was the former residence of a prince of the first rank in the previous dynasty.¡±

    ¡°Is that so, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded as she listened to the Lord Protector expound on the centuries old history of the estate. Eventually, she ended up knitting her brows. That¡¯s not right, I didn¡¯te here to hear these things!

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Lou Zigui finally called out by the time Ning Xiaoyao realized they were getting off-topic. A Dragon Guard came forward with a carved wooden box and stopped right in front of the old matriarch. Lou Zigui stepped forward and opened the lid, revealing the neat phoenix cor and folded tassel cape resting inside upon a bed of red silk. It glimmered with radiance and wealth.

    The old matriarch shook at the sight of the cor and toppled back a few steps. Lou Zigui said in a soft tone, ¡°His Majesty came today to return this to the Lord Protector¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°This,¡± the old matriarch stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How did Your Majestye by this item?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought hard. Could she say it was part of her inheritance? That seemed like it would hurt the old matriarch¡¯s feelings. This was the family heirloom of the Lord Protector¡¯s family to begin with, so when it did turn into Old Madame Xie¡¯s legacy? Finally, Ning Xiaoyao stuck up her chest and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t Old Madame Xie die? So I just took it myself. Anyways, this didn¡¯t belong to her in the first ce.¡±

    The old matriarch wore a pained smile. ¡°Your Majesty, the things we give away won¡¯t belong to us anymore.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Things taken by force and bullying are called stolen goods. This belongs to your Lord Protector¡¯s estate, so ept it already, old matriarch. I think it¡¯s worth a lot of money.¡±

    To the Lord Protector¡¯s family, this phoenix cor and cape was a priceless treasure. How could it be as simple as a question of worth? The old matriarch¡¯s eyes reddened at the sight of the cor in the box. Her husband¡¯s tragic end and the grief that had been forced on her n afterwards, the injuries of her youngest son that made it impossible for him to have children, were all things that shed through her mind. The old matriarch slowly bent her knee and knelt down in front of Ning Xiaoyao until her head rested against the ground.

    In a voice choked with sobs, she said, ¡°This old woman gives thanks to Your Majesty.¡±

    Immediately, all the rest of the Pei n followed suit, falling to their knees in respect to Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao jumped out of her chair in rm. Why are they all kneeling again?! Lou Zigui waved at her, and she quickly came to her senses to help the old matriarch to her feet.

    ¡°No need for thanks. To tell you the truth, I should apologize to you and the Lord Protector, ah.¡±

    The Pei n gave a collective start.

    Ning Xiaoyao backed up three stepped before bending forward in apology for her bastard dad, the previous emperor. But then she suddenly remembered the different customs in their world and simply fell on her knees instead, before quickly making three kowtows towards the old matriarch and the Lord Protector. Her actions were so sudden that it stunned the matriarch and Lord Protector, to say nothing of Lou Zigui and the rest of the Pei n.

    After her three kowtows, Ning Xiaoyao remained on her knees to look up at the old matriarch. ¡°What happened with the old Lord Protector was all my father¡¯s fault. Old matriarch, I¡¯m sorry, ah.¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, Ning Xiaoyao gave herself a poor review. Just then, those words hadn¡¯t sounded sincere at all! But she really didn¡¯t know how to talk properly, dangit!

    The room was absolutely silent. Everyone else in the house had been taught since childhood about the proper hierarchy between Heaven and earth, sovereign and subjects, family, teachers, and everything else in between. For an emperor to fall on his knees and kowtow was too much of a shock. Right now, none of them knew what to do, much less what to say. Ning Xiaoyao looked around at the various faces and wondered if the old matriarch thought she hadn¡¯t meant her words. (Author: Can you stop thinking whatever you want...)

    The old matriarch seemed frozen as she stared at the kneeling Ning Xiaoyao, who scratched her head and tried, ¡°I haven¡¯t read many books, so I don¡¯t really know how to make a proper apology. But I know the old Lord Protector had to be a good guy.¡±

    ¡°How does Your Majesty know that?¡± the old matriarch asked.

    ¡°Only good guys would ce their innocence above all else,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°When have bad guys ever cared about the same?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie did no end of evil deeds and was universally cursed, but you didn¡¯t see him running off tomit suicide for the sake of his honor.

    The old matriarch nodded. Then she tossed aside the cane in her hands and slowly sank to her knees.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to tell her that wasn¡¯t necessary, but realized she was still kneeling as well, making it impossible for her to help the other woman up. Tears streamed down the old matriarch¡¯s face. Even if His Highness Crown Prince had cleared her husband of all charges in the past, all the previous emperor did was say the old Lord Protector was innocent. Xie Wenyuan was still left in charge of the court and pce, while her husband died unmentioned and forgotten. A single human life vanished just like that without a murmur---how could she feel anything but hate?

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to wipe away the old matriarch¡¯s tears. ¡°Old matriarch, I have no way to revive the old Lord Protector, but your days will be better from now on. I guarantee it.¡±

    The old matriarch kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This old woman thanks Your Majesty for your grace and benevolence.¡±

    Once again, the rest of the Pei n followed suit. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s actions today had thoroughly dissolved the long years of anger trapped in their hearts. Ning Xiaoyao had only wanted to apologize, so the reactions of the Pei n made her turn a pleading look towards Lou Zigui. Did I make a mistake again? Why is the Lord Protector¡¯s n kneeling to me after I said sorry?

    Lou Zigui simply nodded towards Ning Xiaoyao to indicate that she¡¯d done well. At this, Ning Xiaoyao set her heart at ease. She pulled up the old matriarch at the same time she got up herself, then told the rest of the n, ¡°All of you should get up. If you keep kneeling like that, I won¡¯t know if you¡¯ve epted my apology.¡±

    The Lord Protector rose to his feet. He was a big, stalwart man, but now his eyes were red as he spoke. ¡°It was Xie Wenyuan who hurt our Pei n. That has nothing to do with you, Your Highness.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scruffed her shoes against the floor, a little shamefaced. ¡°But I was born from Empress Dowager Xie, ah. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s my rtive, too.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the Pei n members.

    Lou Zigui rested his forehead in his hands. Why are you bringing that up now?

    ¡°Hah.¡± The sound of a male¡¯s snicker came from the front doors. Ning Xiaoyao could feel the ill intentions in theugh before she even turned to see who the culprit was. Meanwhile, all of the Pei n members wore nched expressions at the sound. When Ning Xiaoyao looked out the door, she saw a man dressed in spring green robes, his eyebrows furrowed downwards even as his lips quirked up into a grin. He was a very attractive young man.

    ¡°That¡¯s Pei Yan,¡± Lou Zigui lowered his head to murmur by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear.

 Chapter 166: If the Grand Preceptor can wreck it, then I can fix it

    <h4>Chapter 166: If the Grand Preceptor can wreck it, then I can fix it</h4>

    The Lord Protector called out to his younger brother, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you kneeling and paying respects to His Majesty yet?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Come in and talk.¡±

    Pei Yan strode into the main hall. Ning Xiaoyao examined the second young master of the Pei n, who had exceptionally pale skin and fine, exquisite features. He didn¡¯t look very manly. Pei Yan nced at Ning Xiaoyao, then at Lou Zigui, before heughed coldly.

    ¡°I have heard that Your Majesty is fighting with the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied easily.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor holds all military power in his hands, so Your Majesty probably can¡¯t do anything against him, right?¡± Pei Yan added.

    p. Ning Xiaoyao felt like she¡¯d just been pped soundly on the face.

    ¡°Your Majesty went down on your knees to make an apology today,¡± Pei Yan added, ¡°Because you have no men at your disposal, and want to use our Pei n, right?¡±

    p, p!

    Ning Xiaoyao felt another invisible smack on her face.

    ¡°Let thismoner have a guess,¡± Pei Yan went on. ¡°Tao Chen, the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, is dead. But Xie Wenyuan still controls the forces under hismand. Your Majesty needed one of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s enemies to take the post, so you were nning to aim for my elder brother? Otherwise, would Your Majesty even remember the existence of our Lord Protector¡¯s estate?¡±

    ppp---!!

    Ning Xiaoyao could almost feel her face swelling up.

    ¡°Be quiet!¡± the old matriarch shouted at her youngest son.

    Pei Yan lowered his head, but a sardonic smile was still ying about his lips.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the old matriarch attempted to exin. ¡°That boy is this old woman¡¯s second son. He¡¯s surnamed Pei, named Yan, and he¡¯s always been immature. This old woman has doted on him too much and spoiled him rotten. If he has caused you any disrespect, I asked that Your Majesty mete punishment.¡±

    ¡°Mother,¡± Second Young Master Pei Yan lifted his head.

    ¡°Still not shutting up?¡± the Lord Protector stepped in this time.

    ¡°It looks like the second young master is both self-assured and fearless,¡± Lou Zigui remarked. ¡°His Majesty is in dire want of loyal, capable men under hismand. But isn¡¯t that the case with the Lord Protector¡¯s estate as well?¡±

    At Lou Zigui¡¯s words, Pei Yan¡¯s smile vanished, and he turned gloomy instead. Lou Zigui never wanted to make enemies of the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, but he couldn¡¯t help his temper after seeing Pei Yan¡¯s deliberately enigmatic attitude towards Ning Xiaoyao. Does he really think His Majesty came to beg for their help?

    ¡°You¡¯re not bad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck up her thumb at Pei Yan. ¡°You deserve a ¡®like¡¯ for face pping someone as soon as you felt unsatisfied. I¡¯ll respect you as a real man. Come, have a seat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at an empty chair in the hall. ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°......¡± said the Pei n.

    Did His Majesty misunderstand Pei Yan¡¯s words, or are we the ones with hearing problems today?

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Everyone should find a seat. Let¡¯s chat while sitting down.¡±

    Pei Yan only waited until the old matriarch sat down before he found his own chair---but not the one that Ning Xiaoyao had pointed at. Originally, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in the main seat of honor in the hall, but after seeing Pei Yan sit somewhere else, she ran to sit next to him instead. Pei Yan neither moved nor otherwise acknowledge her existence.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°You used the right tactic. ¡®If the enemy won¡¯t budge, then I won¡¯t budge either.¡¯ I¡¯ll give you another ¡®like.¡¯¡±

    Pei Yan was beginning to wonder whether His Majesty had mental problems. Just what is he talking about?

    ¡°Do you know how to fight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next.

    When Lou Zigui heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question, he had a sudden inkling of what she was thinking. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he said as he hurried to her side. Forget about whether Pei Yan can fight or not, how is someone with an imperfect body supposed to be the next Nine Gates Infantry Commander?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°The Lord Protector looks like an upright and honest type from first nce. If he faces off against the likes of Grand Preceptor Xie, I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll onlye to grief.¡±

    Pei Yanughed at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. ¡°Then what kind of person is suited to be Xie Wenyuan¡¯s opponent?¡±

    ¡°Malicious, venomous types,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said decisively. ¡°I¡¯d say you could do it.¡±

    So I¡¯m a malicious, venomous person? Pei Yan was finally left speechless by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°Do you know how to fight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked again, full of hope.

    ¡°I¡¯ve practiced martial arts since childhood,¡± Pei Yan replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She¡¯d read a few novels herself, and all the eunuchs in them had cultivated techniques from the Sunflower Manual. It was a superb brand of kung fu, so it was possible that Pei Yan was even some high-level expert. (Author: Are you sure the Sunflower Manual even exists in this world?)

    Pei Yan asked, ¡°Your Majesty is brave enough to use me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Then are you brave enough to ept the post of Nine Gates Infantry Commander?¡±

    ¡°If Your Majesty dares to use me, then thismoner naturally dares to ept, but...¡±

    ¡°Fine, then you¡¯ll be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped the table.

    Pei Yan was leftpletely floored. Even the Pei n members were dumbfounded. What just happened?

    Lou Zigui only felt a headacheing on. ¡°You,¡± he said to Ning Xiaoyao, before stopping to try again. ¡°Your Majesty, this is a serious matter. You can¡¯t joke around.¡±

    The Dragon Guards were all staring at Ning Xiaoyao as well. Wasn¡¯t the Lord Protector supposed to be the newmander? Why the sudden switch?

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her mouth and said to Lou Zigui, ¡°It¡¯s not a joke. This is my golden mouth and pearly words---utterances that carry great weight.¡±

    Damn you and your golden mouth with pearly words! Supreme Commander Lou was about to blow his top.

    ¡°Does Your Majesty not know that I¡¯ve been crippled?¡± Pei Yan had no choice but to bring up his injury now. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes trailed downwards, and Lou Zigui immediately pressed a hand against her shoulder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± he said. He had seen how Ning Xiaoyao treated injuries, and it usually involved her touching the wound. Yet, where was Pei Yan¡¯s injury? Just thinking about it made Supreme Commander Lou want to explode!

    Ning Xiaoyao had no choice but to move her gaze upwards. She could only gauge how much healing energy she needed after physically examining the wound. But now that she wasn¡¯t allowed to touch the patient, well---Ning Xiaoyao paused and shook her hands to circte her internal qi---then she¡¯d just have to use all her energy, that¡¯s all.

    ¡°What are you nning?¡± Pei Yan¡¯s expression grew guarded when he saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face turn stern.

    Ning Xiaoyao ced a hand on Pei Yan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Lou Zigui told Pei Yan. The Lord Protector grew restless and wanted to get up, but the old matriarch shook her head at him. It was impossible to think that His Majesty would hurt Pei Yan right here on n grounds.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand rested lightly on Pei Yan¡¯s shoulder for awhile. Right now, her healing abilities were but a scrap of her skills back in the apocalypse! But it should be enough, I think. After thinking that to herself, she lifted her fingers gently before touching them to his shoulder again.

    Sunlight spilling in through thettice windows mixed with the soft green lighting from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingertips to turn into a brilliant, golden yellow. Lou Zigui caught the scent of fresh grass and forests again. When he finally tracked down the source, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands had already left Pei Yan¡¯s shoulders.

    Pei Yan only felt a warm current travel throughout his body, leaving him veryfortable. But his heart felt both flustered and stupefied. What just happened to me?

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly stuffed two sugar beans into Pei Yan¡¯s mouth and said, ¡°Eat these, they¡¯re miracle pills that¡¯ll restore your masculinity. I, I uh, these are my master¡¯s personal pills, you can¡¯t find them anywhere else.¡±

    Pei Yan simply crunched on the beans, finding the taste familiar. You think I haven¡¯t tasted sugar beans before?

    Lou Zigui gave Pei Yan a doubtful nce before asking Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°His injury¡¯s really curable?¡±

    ¡°Basically,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said breezily. ¡°If the Grand Preceptor can wreck it, then I can fix it.¡±

    Pei Yan lost his temper. ¡°Your Majesty, are you humiliating thismoner?¡± After that, he prepared to spit out Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s so-called ¡®miracle pills.¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao promptly pinched Pei Yan¡¯s nose and muffled his mouth, forcing him to choke and swallow his ¡®medicine.¡¯ When she released the man, he clutched his throat and red balefully back at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand and brushed her fingers against Pei Yan¡¯s angry eyelids. ¡°You¡¯re not dashing at all like this, ya know.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Pei Yang wanted to beat her up, but suddenly felt his entire body turn limp. Soon enough, he couldn¡¯t move at all.

    ¡°Three days from today,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Pei Yan, ¡°On the morning of the court assembly, I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the Hall of Golden Chimes. Be there or be square.¡±

    Pei Yan raged, ¡°You---¡±

    ¡°--fatuous ruler, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said smoothly. ¡°Ol¡¯ Supreme Commander¡¯s already called me that, so you really should pick something else.¡±

    At this, many eyes turned to Lou Zigui, who chose to remain stoically silent.

    ¡°You!¡± Pei Yan still wanted to curse her.

    Ning Xiaoyao simply raised her hand and rendered him unconscious with a single p. ¡°I just realized, why should I let you curse me in the first ce?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone in the room.

    The old matriarch grabbed her walking stick and hurried over somewhat shakily to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    ¡°I can cure his injury, honest,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before the old woman could speak up. ¡°Old matriarch, you can have him test it out himself tomorrow. You don¡¯t need me to exin the details, right?¡±

    Both the old matriarch and the Lord Protector, who was only a step behind her, looked at Ning Xiaoyao in utter astonishment.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao relented. ¡°Then I¡¯ll borate. He can use his hands, or maybe find a girl to tumble around with in the she---¡±

    Unable to bear any more of this topic from her, Supreme Commander Lou once against muffled His Majesty¡¯s mouth. The old matriarch thought over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words repeatedly before her hand trembled. The walking stick ttered from her fingers as she cried in a loud voice, ¡°What Your Majesty means to say is that my son, my son is healed?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pried apart Lou Zigui¡¯s hands and took a deep breath. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s good, ah. Didn¡¯t I just tell you?¡±

    ¡°But, but he was castrated,¡± the old matriarch couldn¡¯t quite believe it.

    ¡°If it was cut off, it can grow back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood ramrod straight as she replied. ¡°If the Grand Preceptor can wreck it, then I can fix it.¡±

    ¡°T-that¡¯s impossible,¡± the Lord Protector shook his head.

    ¡°Whether or not it¡¯s possible, we¡¯ll know after he tries it out tomorrow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again three dayster at the Hall of Golden Chimes. Be there or be square!¡±

    Pei Yan simplyid there, unconscious. Meanwhile, the rest of the Pei n didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Shall we go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui. She didn¡¯t expect the old matriarch to treat them to a meal, so they could probably leave the estate now that they were done. Lou Zigui bowed towards the old matriarch before taking Ning Xiaoyao out of the estate.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± one of the Dragon Guards asked after they left. ¡°Is Second Young Master Pei¡¯s injury really cured now?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao affirmed. ¡°I¡¯ve even given him my miracle pills, so why wouldn¡¯t he recover?¡±

    The Dragon Guards all looked at Ning Xiaoyao with mixed looks of respect and veneration. Ning Xiaoyao was very pleased. ¡°How is it? Isn¡¯t Your Majesty dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens?¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards nodded their heads in agreement. Although His Majesty didn¡¯t fit adjectives like ¡®dashing¡¯ at all, they still esteemed him all the same.

    ¡°We have a candidate for the Nine Gates Infantry Commander now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with great satisfaction to Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, we should just sit and watch Pei Yan duke it out with the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°His injury?¡± Lou Zigui asked instead.

    ¡°If I can¡¯t cure him, may I be cursed to never have babies for the rest of my life,¡± Ning Xiaoyao solemnly vowed. ¡°Does that make you feel better, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao along with him before he suddenly stopped walking. Whose babies will she have in the future, if not mine? In that case, Lou Zigui continued that train of thought as he looked at His Majesty Ning, Unless Pei Yan recovers, I¡¯ll have to give up on having children and grandchildren of my own as well?

    ¡°It¡¯ll be finnnne~¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled at Lou Zigui like a flower in bloom.

    Supreme Commander Lou could say nothing beyond remaining silent.

 Chapter 167: I really am dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens

    <h4>Chapter 167: I really am dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens</h4>

    The royal carriage reached the streets with Ning Xiaoyao leaning against the window to peer outside. She relished the sight, but the asional glimpses of refugees she saw made her furrow her eyebrows in thought. It¡¯s warm now, so they can sleep on the streets without catching a chill. But what happens after the weather gets colder?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked herpanion outside. ¡°Can I let the refugees live in the pce?¡±

    Her sudden question nearly made Lou Zigui fall off his horse. ¡°What did you say?¡± he asked after regaining his seat.

    ¡°I said, let¡¯s have the refugees live in the pce. We have so many empty rooms anyways, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Open the pce gates to the refugees? It was unimaginable, so Lou Zigui just shook his head. ¡°We can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew unhappy. ¡°That¡¯s my house, can¡¯t I call the shots?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the imperial pce!¡± Lou Zigui stressed back.

    ¡°That right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Where else but the pce would you find so many empty rooms?¡±

    ¡°None of the imperial nsmen will agree to it. Elder Li might even bring the other officials to kneel in front of your gates in protest,¡± Lou Zigui said, going straight to the consequences instead of trying to argue otherwise.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms and stuck her head back in the carriage. She wasn¡¯t afraid of her kinsmen, because the strongest amongst them was Prince Fu, who was already in jail. But she dreaded Elder Li, ah.

    ¡°There are still a few months before winter sets in,¡± Lou Zigui could understand her worries. ¡°Think over it a bit more, something will turn up.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell into thought. In the end, she was still poor to the extreme. If only I was rich... She clutched her head in her hands. Forget it, let¡¯s not dream up impossible delusions.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± a little skrk flew into the carriage andnded on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s leg.

    ¡°Hm? Who are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao took the bird into her palm.

    ¡°My name is Cloud Petal,¡± the skrk replied. ¡°The magpie from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate sent me to pass on a message. Grand Preceptor Xie already knows that you and Supreme Commander went to the Lord Protector¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was both surprised and angry. Don¡¯t I have any privacy at all! (Author: Does this have anything to do with privacy? Don¡¯t think as you please, ah! Pah, geez!)

    Cloud Petal added, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men must be tailing you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fed Cloud Petal a sugar bean as she nodded. ¡°Yep, I must be being tailed.¡±

    ¡°Elder Cousin Magpie¡¯s eavesdropping on the Grand Preceptor talking to his subordinates,¡± Cloud Petal fanned her wings happily after eating the sugar bean. ¡°He said he¡¯ll report to you after he finishes hearing it all.¡±

    ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll wait for him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she dug out more sugar beans.

    Cloud Petal said, ¡°Xiaoyao, can I find you in the pce to y in the future?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stroked Cloud Petal''s little head. The skrk nuzzled against her hand before pecking up a piece of sugar bean and flying off.

    Lou Zigui saw the skrke and go and asked, ¡°You¡¯re raising that bird too?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was perched at the window as she looked behind them in the direction of the skrk. ¡°No,¡± she said casually, ¡°That¡¯s just Cloud Petal, one of my little pals.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°There has to be someone tailing us, who do you think it might be?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked behind him. The streets were filled with people, so even if Grand Preceptor Xie had hidden his scouts amongst them, it was impossible to pick them out. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t do it either, so she went back into the carriage and started fretting by herself. As they passed by an intersection, Shadowgale came riding from a side street and stopped before Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s carriage to report in a low voice, ¡°Your Majesty, those eight officials have already packed up their valuables and taken their families to the capital¡¯s barracks.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Did they really think I was after their lives?¡±

    Shadowgale was too embarrassed to say that he thought the same thing---that His Majesty was borrowing a sword to cut down his enemies.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we end up not putting up those promations in the end?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Why did they still run off?¡±

    Lou Zigui said from the side, ¡°That¡¯s how viins think. Your Majesty needn¡¯t mind them.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at the skies, before asking Shadowgale, ¡°How big are their houses?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale replied, ¡°All of them were top-ranked officials of court, so they must have huge houses.¡±

    Big houses with nobody living in them. Moreover, these people are from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction. Ning Xiaoyao snapped her fingers and said, ¡°I have a solution!¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty still wants to kill them off?¡±

    Lou Zigui understood what she meant. ¡°You want to take over their houses?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m taking them over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the carriage window, her heroism reaching to the clouds. ¡°I¡¯d be an idiot if I didn¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°T-then how do we take them?¡± Head Commander Shadowgale had never snatched houses before, so he wasn¡¯t sure where to start. ¡°ster their front doors with official notices?¡±

    ¡°Tsk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°Windy, you¡¯re too kind to fight with the likes of Grand Preceptor, oh.¡±

    Shadowgale thought he¡¯d never see a day where he was considered kind. Despite thepliment, he felt like His Majesty was reproving him instead.

    ¡°What are you nning?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°To bring the refugees around that district to those houses,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then tell them that they can divide up the rooms themselves to better live through the winter.¡±

    Shadowgale looked at Lou Zigui. Is that allowed?

    ¡°Even if they divide up the houses, they¡¯re no guarantee that they can hold onto them,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Xie Wenyuan can take those houses back as effortlessly as blowing away some dust.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s currently wracking his brains for ways to deal with me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head in disagreement. ¡°Send some imperial guards to stand by the doors and beat up any of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men thate close.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to be unreasonable?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao red at him. ¡°Who¡¯s the unreasonable one? Someone who doesn¡¯t want their things and threw it away but now won¡¯t let me pick it up instead---aren¡¯t they the ones being unreasonable?¡±

    Would anyone just throw their houses away? All of the Dragon Guards wore ‡å expressions. Your Majesty, you¡¯re the one who¡¯s unreasonable!

    ¡°That¡¯s how we¡¯ll do it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided. ¡°If they try anything, the imperial guardsmen can beat them up. If they start squabbling and the imperial guards can¡¯t out talk them, have them curse their mothers and pay respects to their residence registration booklets.¡±[1. residence registration booklet (Ò»»§¿Ú±¾) - yihukouben, technically a record of all people living in a residence, but also a form of Inte ng that more or less is shorthand for ¡®your entire family.¡¯]

    A Dragon Guard asked, ¡°Your Majesty, what is a residence registration booklet?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that refers to the eighteen generations of ancestors and descendants[2. eighteen familial rtions (×æ×ÚÊ®°Ë´ú) - zuzong shiba dai, the 18 generations are divided in half, with nine from your father, grandfather, great grandfather, etc. and nine from your son, grandson, great grandson, etc.] ---nine from your elders and nine from your juniors.¡±

    The various groups exchanged nces. It was very probable that the imperial guards really would start shouting abuses in public. After all, which military man didn¡¯t have his share of curses on hand?

    ¡°If they still persist after all that, let them find me instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest. ¡°And I¡¯ll be the one asking after their registration booklets.¡± If she could do so much against Grand Preceptor Xie already, what need did she have to fear his subordinates?

    Shadowgale was still looking to Lou Zigui. When His Majesty seemed unreliable, Head Commander Shadowgale preferred to get Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s opinion. Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Even if you end up upying all eight houses, it won¡¯t be enough to room all of the capital¡¯s refugees.¡±

    Shadowgale quickly agreed, ¡°That¡¯s right, Your Majesty. It¡¯s not just the capital city---there are refugees outside our walls, too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui and Shadowgale with a you¡¯re thinking too much expression. ¡°What now? You want them to all have a room to themselves or something? Of course they¡¯ll squish together. Even the hallways and outside pavilions can be converted into living areas with some nks of wood.¡±

    ¡°E-even then, there won¡¯t be enough room,¡± Shadowgale shook his head.

    ¡°We¡¯ll do what we can for now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If I can take eight houses today, why not eight more in the future? Windy, you¡¯re really too kind hearted.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Shadowgale.

    Once again, the Dragon Guards¡¯ reverence for His Majesty reached another level. Whose house is His Majesty nning to take next?

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui waved a hand at Shadowgale, who rubbed his nose. If Supreme Commander wants to be as unreliable as His Majesty, then I have no choice but to obey them both. He went on ahead to tell the imperial guards to station themselves in front of the houses.

    Ning Xiaoyao watched his retreating form before telling Lou Zigui. ¡°I was just thinking about houses and then they suddenly appeared. And it was even eight bigpounds! Supreme Commander, I really am dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t reply. He simply reached out a hand towards the girl half dangling out her carriage window to push her back inside. Whatever makes you happy.

    While Ning Xiaoyao was preparing to take over the houses, Grand Preceptor Xie was still in his study having a meeting with his faction.

    ¡°So evil, ah,¡± Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife sighed with feeling to her husband. They had been listening in since the start.

    Cousin Magpie replied, ¡°That¡¯s why he¡¯s a viin, chirp!¡±

    His wife was in full agreement. ¡°Poor Xiaoyao, having to face off against such a wretch.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Cousin Magpie nodded. ¡°That¡¯s why we have to help Xiaoyao, chirp.¡± (Author: If the Grand Preceptor could understand you now, he¡¯d cry himself to death, you know? ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    Inside the study, Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Pei Yi has enmity with this old man since I was responsible for his father¡¯s death. We¡¯re absolutely irreconcble.¡±

    One of the officials replied, ¡°Grand Preceptor, do you have a counter if His Majesty insists on making Pei Yi the Nine Gates Infantry Commander?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xieughed. ¡°Pei Yi is a valorous man, but hecks strategy. It¡¯s not bad if he bes the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, either. It¡¯d save this old man some worries.¡± A man like him could never hope to match the likes of me. In the past, the previous Lord Protector was even themanding general of an army, yet he¡¯d still been forced by the Grand Preceptor to demonstrate his innocence through death. Grand Preceptor Xie was confident that he could kill Pei Yi as easily as lifting a finger.

    Another official ttered, ¡°If the old matriarch of the Lord Protector¡¯s estate is smart enough, she¡¯ll keep Pei Yi at home to stay idle.¡±

    Everyoneughed at his remarks. Even when ridiculing others, schrly types like them were restrained and reserved, so they didn¡¯t raise a din.

    ¡°His Majesty picked the wrong man this time,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head with a smile.

    ¡°I want to peck him to death!¡± Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife raged from the flower bed.

    Cousin Magpie replied, ¡°Calm down. A¡¯Mo and the rest of his den of ants have already nned something out. Tonight they¡¯re going to bite the Grand Preceptor to death. We just have to wait and see the results.¡±

    His wife looked uncertain. ¡°Can they do it? Oil Jar had such a good set of teeth, but he still didn¡¯t kill off the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Cousin Magpie wanted to cry from his wife¡¯s sheer stupidity. Oil Jar¡¯s a mouse, not a wolf! What ¡®good set of teeth¡¯ are you talking about?! ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard of the saying, ¡®ten thousand ants gnawing at one heart?¡¯ A¡¯Mo and the rest are attacking the Grand Preceptor tonight because Xiaoyao¡¯s given them so many sugar beans. They wanted to repay her in some way.¡±

    Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife grew astonished.

    ¡°That¡¯s why grandpa always told us not to provoke the ants,¡± Cousin Magpie seized the chance to educate his spouse.

    Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie suddenly felt his heart lurch as he sat inside the study. It put him instantly on guard. What is that damned girl Ning Yu nning now? (Author: His Majesty¡¯s only preupied with stealing houses at the moment. Grand Preceptor, you¡¯ve been targeted by a swarm of ants instead. ¨r(¨s©n¨t£©¨q)

 Chapter 168: His Majesty says, the Grand Preceptor is hovering in the Heavens

    <h4>Chapter 168: His Majesty says, the Grand Preceptor is hovering in the Heavens</h4>

    One of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s stewards ran all the way through the courtyard before asking for an audience at the study doors.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    The steward quickly entered the room full of old men, making sure to keep his head low as he bowed. ¡°Grand Preceptor, this servant just ran around the entire capital and didn¡¯t see His Majesty order any men to stick up the promations.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand to indicate the steward should withdraw.

    ¡°Was His Majesty simply scaring those officials?¡± one official asked doubtfully after the steward left.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stroked his beard as he muttered to himself, before dering, ¡°How could His Majesty be in the mood for jokes now? He probably knows by now that the eight officials have left their homes.¡±

    ¡°Because His Majesty knows the refugees can¡¯t invade the capital¡¯s barracks, he called off his scheme?¡± another official guessed.

    ¡°Called off?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sighed and shook his head. ¡°The capital is nothing short of calm and peaceful right now. More likely, His Majesty is waiting for those officials to leave the barracks.¡±

    All of the officials shivered at those words. So His Majesty is determined to kill those eight officials instead?

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie intoned. ¡°The barracks simply have more residents living in them now. What¡¯s there to worry about?¡±

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction couldn¡¯t help but feel that the eight officials had been fortunate so far. At a time like this, it was paramount for the Grand Preceptor to protect them all. Otherwise, where would Grand Preceptor Xie show his face if His Majesty killed off eight of his faction just like that?

    The Grand Preceptor moved his foot before its sudden jolt of pain made him stiffen. None of the other officials dared to look down at his feet. It really was illogical that he¡¯d gotten bitten by a mouse. What kind of bad luck did one need to be attacked in the pce by one in broad daylight?

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the Nine Gates Infantry Commander instead. When you all go back, think of who you want to rmend for the position and write it down. Have those names delivered to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered.

    All of the officials chroused in assent. After some more idle conversation, they withdrew and went to their homes.

    Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife asked, ¡°Have they finished talking?¡±

    Cousin Magpie didn¡¯t reply. The husband and wife pair looked at the second son of Grand Preceptor Xie, Xie Anji, walk into the study.

    ¡°Let¡¯s listen for a bit longer,¡± Cousin Magpie said as he smoothed out his wife¡¯s feathers with his beak to help her be more patient.

    ¡°Father,¡± Xie Anji bowed to Grand Preceptor Xie in the study.

    ¡°Mm,¡± the Grand Preceptor¡¯s answer was nomittal.

    ¡°Third brother¡¯s yet to wake,¡± Xie Anji said. ¡°Mother and sister-inw are sobbing bitterly.¡±

    ¡°Someonee,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie called towards the door. ¡°Pass on my words, have herdyship go to Old Madame Xie¡¯s mourning hall.¡±

    The little pageboy stationed outside gave a noise of assent before scurrying off. Xie Anji grew frantic. ¡°Father, are we really going to forget about whether third brother lives or dies?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°Father¡¯s nning to make you the Nine Gates Infantry Commander.¡±

    Xie Anji was preupied with thoughts of Xie Anshi, so the sudden promation floored him.

    ¡°You¡¯ve stayed long enough as a member of the Ministry of War,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added. ¡°It¡¯s time to find you a better post.¡±

    Being the Nine Gates Infantry Commander would not only give Xie Anji more power, but a promotion in ranks as well. Xie Anji naturally couldn¡¯t ask for anything better, but he was self-aware enough to say, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that His Majesty won¡¯t agree.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty has aimed to chose the Lord Protector Pei Yi,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    ¡°Then this son?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible for two provincialmanders to take one post,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°If father allows Pei Yi to be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, His Majesty will have to retreat and let you take the same job as well.¡±

    Xie Anji wasn¡¯t worried about that, but about Ning Xiaoyao herself. Would His Majesty really retreat?

    ¡°Father will find a way,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°You just have to make preparations.¡±

    ¡°Preparations?¡± Xie Anji echoed.

    ¡°Unless Pei Yi dies, Ning Yi will only have more soldiers on her side in the future,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said in a hushed tone. ¡°Father is going to send Pei Yi off to meet histe father.¡±

    ¡°What is father nning to do?¡± Xie Anji asked in a hurry.

    ¡°You should be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander first,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie leaned back to sit in his chair, his voice cold. ¡°There¡¯s no way that Pei Yi will escape death.¡±

    Xie Anji nodded. No one had ever escaped death when his father willed it on them. (Author: Did you forget about Supreme Commander? ‡å)

    ¡°Go on,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie finished, ¡°Keep vigil over your grandmother¡¯s coffin.¡±

    ¡°Go find Xiaoyao,¡± Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife nudged her husband. ¡°That old thing¡¯s just terrible!¡±

    Cousin Magpie flew out of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s courtyard and headed for the pce. As Grand Preceptor Xie approached the window, Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife quickly pretended that she was looking for worms to eat on the windowsill.

    ¡°Magpie, ah, magpie,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered to himself. ¡°You¡¯re known as birds of good fortune, so you should protect this old man and our Xie n.¡±

    Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife promptly flew off, unable to bear listening to such drivel.

    --

    While Grand Preceptor Xie was staring out his window, the eight officials¡¯ homes had been broken into by the imperial guards, allowing a stream of refugees to im the insides for themselves. The officials and their families might have brought away their valuables, but the furniture, grain, and kitchen pots, utensils, and condiments like salt and oil were still there. It wasn¡¯t long before the refugees had taken them all.

    ¡°Let them take what they want,¡± Shadowgale told the guards after watching for awhile. ¡°As long as no lives are lost.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the imperial guards obeyed.

    ¡°If you see anyone iming a room for themselves, chase them out,¡± Shadowgale added next. His voice was loud enough to freeze the hubbub of red-eyed, stealing refugees in the courtyard.

    ¡°And if anyone refuses to listen, kill them,¡± Shadowgale added with a threat. Ning Xiaoyao might not hold a grudge against these people, but the Head Commander of the Dragon Guards remembered his well.

    By this point, even the shouts had died out from the refugees. Shadowgale walked out of the gates before tossing back a final word, ¡°Guard the doors well. Beat off anyone whoes to make trouble and refer the rest to His Majesty himself if they refuse to leave.¡±

    The military officer by the door nodded. They could even guard the pce gates, so why wouldn¡¯t they be able to handle a simple residence?

    ¡°Try not to refer any people to His Majesty,¡± Shadowgale added in a low voice to the officer. ¡°With His Majesty here, you can do anything as long as you don¡¯t kill any of the offenders.¡±

    The officer nodded again. He understood what the headmander was hinting---beat the intruders crippled instead. By the time Shadowgale made his rounds through all eight estates, news of the upation had finally reached the Grand Preceptor¡¯s ears.

    ¡°That¡¯s absurd!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie pounded the desk with his fist before the messenger finished speaking. He trembled at the sight of his irate master.

    iming houses instead of killing their owners? Once again, he¡¯d failed to guess His Majesty¡¯s intentions. Furious and depressed, he realized he¡¯d lost again.

    Xie Anji took this time to rush into the study, ¡°Father, His Majesty¡¯s gone too far! Your son will take people to im those houses back!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie picked up his teacup and downed the contents in one gulp.

    Xie Anji grew anxious. ¡°Father!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie set down the teacup before he spoke. ¡°Go to the barracks in the north of the city and tell Uncle Hao and the others that they¡¯ll have to face off with His Majesty¡¯s imperial guards if they want their houses back. See if they¡¯re willing to fight, then.¡±

    Second Young Master Xie replied, ¡°How would they have the guts to do that?¡±

    ¡°Then have them offer their houses in tribute,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Since they¡¯ve lost their properties, they¡¯ll just get reputation and renown instead.¡±

    Xie Anji grew stupefied. We can do it that way, too?

    ¡°Let them make their own decisions,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°If they have the skills, they can wrest it back from His Majesty of their own will.¡±

    ¡°And you, father?¡±

    ¡°This old man doesn¡¯t want to raise arms against His Majesty yet.¡±

    Xie Anji stopped talking. If you won¡¯t raise arms, then what other choice do the officials have but to obediently hand over their homes?

    An hourter, Xie Anji arrived at the barracks. Soon after that, news that all eight officials were willing to give up their houses to the refugees spread throughout the capital. Hearing this, Lou Ziguiughed coldly from Supreme Splendor Hall. Ning Xiaoyao was munching on mantou when she heard his odd-soundingugh, and asked, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s side already admitted their loss, so why are you still unhappy, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°The fact that the officials were willing to hand over the houses after Your Majesty took them with the imperial guards---doesn¡¯t that imply Your Majesty was vying against your officials for a good reputation amongst the people?¡± Lou Zigui stated.

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed her mouthful of mantou. ¡°Well dang, Grand Preceptor Xie wants us to boost the reputation of his faction, too? Why hasn¡¯t he considered the fact that he¡¯s a rock in atrine pit before trying to counter scheme me? The Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction being the good guys? Don¡¯t try to fool me.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. This girl¡¯s words always leave me speechless.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reassured as she grabbed another mantou. ¡°Grand Preceptor thinks he¡¯s hovering in the Heavens, but he doesn¡¯t know the human world¡¯s already passed him by, with the oceans long changed to mulberry fields.¡±

    Lou Zigui pinched his eyebrows. Where does this girl get her ideas from?

    ¡°Second Thunder,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at the door.

    Shadowthunder came in with half a mantou in his hand.

    ¡°Take a trip to tell the refugees that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men don¡¯t dare to im the houses because the imperial guards are protecting them. That¡¯s why his faction¡¯s dumping dirty water on me instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    The secondmander of the Dragon Guards was thrilled by the idea. ¡°Shall this servant take the refugees to kill their way through the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t wait for Ning Xiaoyao to reply. ¡°Just pass on the message. You¡¯re not allowed to do any of that.¡±

    Shadowthunder was disappointed and whispered, ¡°So no killing...¡±

    Lou Zigui realized that these Dragon Guards were getting more and more talkative as ofte. Is it true what they say, that the subordinates¡¯ conduct reflect their masters?

    ¡°What are you looking at me for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao bit off a mouthful of mantou as she mumbled, ¡°I didn¡¯t say to kill the Grand Preceptor, ah.¡±

    ¡°You should just go,¡± Lou Zigui waved at hand at Shadowthunder, who went off with his half-finished mantou in one hand.

    ¡°Judging from the reports of my little pals,¡± Ning Xiaoyao swallowed and spoke, ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie wants Xie Anji to be the next Nine Gates Infantry Commander. What do you think of this, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not unexpected,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that son was useless?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s sending him into the battle,¡± Lou Zigui said with augh, ¡°Because Xie Wenyuan only trusts his own son.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to think. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Pei Yan for his thoughts. If he doesn¡¯t know what to do, then I¡¯ll figure out a way to bring down Xie Anji myself.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak. There were plenty of ways to kill Xie Anji now, but killing all three of the first wife¡¯s sons so soon would simply force the Xie n to revolt, right?

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she poured herself some water. ¡°Those seven military officers are just about recovered. Can we let them go tonight?¡±

    ¡°Recovered?¡± Lou Zigui had been so busy that he hadn¡¯t had time to ask after their status.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. It¡¯s the same as what I said before. If the Grand Preceptor can wreck it, then I can fix it.

    Lou Zigui yed around with his teacup, its surface as fine and thin as cicada¡¯s wings.

    ¡°........¡±¡± siad Ning Xiaoyao. Is he plotting something nefarious again?

 Chapter 169: Supreme Commander, you donâ€™t understand love

    <h4>Chapter 169: Supreme Commander, you don''t understand love</h4>

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie will try to kill them,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I know that, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°If those seven officers knew that Xie Wenyuan wanted to wipe them out,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Xiaoyao, do you think they¡¯ll be hell-bent loyal to you instead?¡±

    ¡°Hell-bent?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pouted. ¡°Why can¡¯t you say that they¡¯ll love me instead?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak such nonsense,¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t hold himself back from thwapping Ning Xiaoyao on the head again. Ning Xiaoyao wanted to retaliate, but Big Boss ck choose right then jumped on the table to re at her with eyes that seemed to say, If you fight back, I¡¯ll bite you to death.

    Ning Xiaoyao withdrew her hand and mentally excused herself. After all, humans shouldn¡¯t lower them to the same level as cats, isn¡¯t that right?

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Lou Zigui called out the door.

    Shadowrain ran in.

    Ning Xiaoyao remarked, ¡°Oh, Third Rain, you¡¯re back!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowrain. I was back ages ago, didn¡¯t Your Majesty know?

    ¡°Shadowrain brought back Prince Cheng and gave him to the empress dowager,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    Ning Xiaoyao covered her ears. ¡°When we¡¯re talking about the Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t bring up the empress dowager as well. It¡¯s too much for me to take both of them at once.¡±

    Lou Zigui tugged down the hands covering Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ears with a wooden expression. ¡°Have a good seat.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s body sat stock straight, while Shadowrain¡¯s mouth twitched. Is Supreme Commander Lou treating His Majesty like his own son again?

    ¡°Spread news that the seven military officers from the south are nning to leave the capital,¡± Lou Zigui told Shadowrain once he¡¯d settled Ning Xiaoyao down. ¡°Just say that the pce has sent out a few carriages and will escort them south with the Dragon Guards.¡±

    ¡°Just like that?¡± Shadowrain asked. ¡°In other words, Supreme Commander, we can let the Grand Preceptor know it¡¯s those seven officers in our custody that are nning to leave?¡±

    ¡°Just like that,¡± Lou Zigui nodded. He had to admit that Grand Preceptor Xie had an exceptionally sharp mind even if he didn¡¯t want to.

    Shadowrain nced at Ning Xiaoyao next. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°I have no objections,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wore an expression that read ¡®do whatever you want.¡¯

    Shadowrain epted his orders and withdrew.

    ¡°And call Fang Tang here!¡± Lou Zigui called out after him.

    Soon enough, Fang Tang had rushed over as well. At the sight of Ning Xiaoyao, he said, ¡°Your Majesty, hasn¡¯t Windye back yet? Little Peach Blossom from the imperial kitchens has been looking for him thrice now. If he doesn¡¯te back soon, that girl will probably get mad.¡±

    (Little Peach Blossom: ¡°.....¡±)

    Ning Xiaoyao grew vexed again. That¡¯s right, there¡¯s still that girl to deal with. She¡¯s a mole nted by the empress dowager, isn¡¯t she? Ning Xiaoyao looked up at the ceiling. I wonder which girl Windy bumped into that day at the Xie Estate. If she could be his true love, that¡¯d be much better.

    (Author: You would give up in despair if you knew the truth...)

    Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao look up, but he was long used to her rich variety of expressions so he kept silent.

    ¡°Little Peach Blossom is one of the empress dowager¡¯s people,¡± Ning Xiaoyao revealed the sad truth after she finished organizing her thoughts.

    Fang Tang grew dazed for a minute before he burst out, ¡°That base wretch, I¡¯ll ughter her!¡±

    ¡°Leave that aside for now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Wait until I find a way that won¡¯t hurt Windy.¡±

    Fang Tang nced at his Supreme Commander, not understanding what His Majesty meant. Why would ughtering an agent of the empress dowager hurt Shadowgale? It¡¯s not like Shadowgale can¡¯t find another woman once Little Peach Blossom dies.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°What kind of ways do you need? Just tell Shadowgale directly.¡±

    Fang Tang nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s right, ah.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head at Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, you don¡¯t understand love.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Lou Zigui.

    Fang Tang disagreed. ¡°Your Majesty, our Supreme Commander...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak,¡± Lou Zigui had Fang Tang shut up. This topic needs to end here, right now. ¡°Go find Prince Zhi and tell him that the seven military officers His Majesty took into custody are leaving the capital today.¡±

    Fang Tang said, ¡°Those seven men had broken arms and legs. They can walk by now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand. ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m here.¡±

    Fang Tang stared at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s raised hand, which looked as skinny as a chicken w. But he thought it over carefully and realized he trusted her words despite not knowing why.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui chased Fang Tang off.

    It was a while after Fang Tang left that Ning Xiaoyao finally snapped out of her reverie. She asked Lou Zigui, ¡°If he passes on the message, Prince Zhi will know about the officers. Supreme Commander, are you joining hands with him to trick the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Why?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao and wondered how he should exin.

    ¡°Moreover, is the Grand Preceptor¡¯s IQ that low?¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°If you guys scheme like this, isn¡¯t it just proiming to the Grand Preceptor that those seven men are leaving so he should send his assassins pronto? Would the Grand Preceptor fall for such an obvious trap?¡± Ning Xiaoyao refused to believe that the Grand Preceptor was so stupid.

    Lou Zigui remained silent.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Supreme Commander, we can look down on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s moral integrity, but we can¡¯t look down on his IQ.¡±

    Lou Zigui raised his hand and waved it back and forth, indicating that Ning Xiaoyao should stop talking now. He was getting dizzy just from trying to follow her train of logic.

    ¡°You¡¯re not even letting me speak now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew frantic. ¡°If the Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t fall for it and sends his assassins, are you nning to have the seven men wait outside the capital like wooden pegs or dance around in joy? You...¡±

    ¡°Can I talk yet?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Fine, you speak,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fell silent.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan won¡¯t fall for it,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°He might even send his people to grandly send them off, or have them disguise themselves as some of our people and injure those seven men. But he still wouldn¡¯t kill them, do you know why?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. The humans in this world are tooplicated, so how is an apocalypse dweller like myself supposed to deal with them?

    ¡°Because he still wants to keep the loyalty of the army from the south,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Only trusted aides of the Grand Preceptor would have been secretly smuggled into the capital like those seven military officers were. They are his eyes and ears in the southern soldier¡¯s camp. They can be tools used to kill or reins used to control the southern army. If those seven officers betray the Grand Preceptor but return alive to the army camp, what do you think will happen, Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°If you ask the southern army soldiers who Xie Wenyuan is before the seven officers return, they¡¯ll say, ¡®Xie Wenyuan is His Excellency the Grand Preceptor.¡¯ But once those seven officers rejoin the army, ask the soldiers the same question and they¡¯ll curse, ¡®that grandson.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Pfft---¡± Lou Ziguiughed.

    ¡°Am I right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao assumed a serious expression as she asked. Lou Zigui simply raised a hand to brush Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek. How in the world did this girl grow up into this?

    ¡°Don¡¯t get all touchy feely, be more serious,¡± Ning Xiaoyao swatted Lou Zigui¡¯s hand away. ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to flirt.¡±

    Lou Zigui continued. ¡°If the Grand Preceptor can find people to pretend to be some of our men, why can¡¯t we do the same for his, do you follow?¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying Windy and the rest should pretend to be the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men and feign killing those seven officers?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°That will all depend on what the Grand Preceptor does,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°But no matter what he chooses, we will still have ways to counter him, so it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath as she sighed with feeling. ¡°Supreme Commander, I finally know just how much damage I did to the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager after carrying you home from the execution grounds. I ruined their only chance to kill you.¡±

    Lou Zigui was silent. If it¡¯s a rescue, just call it a rescue. What¡¯s with all this ¡®carrying home¡¯ business?

    ¡°Or maybe I can put it this way,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°Supreme Commander, I was the one there to save you during the only stupid moment of your life.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s head hurt listening to her. ¡°Xiaoyao, just what are you saying?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I mean to say that you¡¯re too evil, shameless, and all those other things. With your IQ, it would¡¯ve been impossible for the Grand Preceptor to defeat you unless you had a moment of idiocy.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t have to say any more.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m praising you, though.¡±

    ¡°I said, you don¡¯t have to say any more on the subject!¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shut her mouth. Lou Zigui stood up. He had to go meet with those seven military officers and get a breath of fresh air. Right now, he felt nothing but extremely depressed.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Supreme Commander, what are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going out for a stroll. You---¡± Lou Zigui nced at Ning Xiaoyao before looking away. ¡°You can go y with your cat.¡± Then he left the room.

    Ning Xiaoyao exchanged stares with Big Boss ck, who said, ¡°Ninny, I¡¯ll bite you if you call Supreme Commander a bad guy again.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°ck Tubby, your words are soooooo scary.¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood on end as he red at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Before he could spring up and bite her, Ning Xiaoyao grabbed him by the fat on his neck and said smugly, ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll wait for you to bite me.¡±

    ¡°Ninny!¡± Big Boss ck roared.

    ¡°Stupid kitty,¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips in disdain.

    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to call this noble cat such names!¡±

    ¡°cky kitty~¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck kicked and wed furiously in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s grasp. ¡°This cat wants to bite you to death! Go die, go die, go dieeeeeee!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuck out her tongue and made a face at Big Boss ck. ¡°I refuse to die just so that I can anger you to death!¡±

    Big Boss ck was in tears. How heartless do you need to be that you can you bully a cat like this?

    ¡°.........¡± said Supreme Commander Lou, who was still standing by the door. Are the two of them arguing inside? A human, arguing with a cat?

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Shadowgale had reached the pce by now and hurried to Lou Zigui¡¯s side with a hushed tone after seeing him standing nkly by a door.

    Lou Zigui turned to see Shadowgale and he recalled how Little Peach Blossom was one of Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s agents. He had a rare moment of sympathy and patted Shadowgale on the shoulder. ¡°Shadowgale, why do men have to suffer from want of a wife?¡±

    Shadowgale looked at Lou Zigui with a wooden face. I don¡¯t even have a wife yet, so why are you asking me that kind of question?

    Lou Zigui simply turned to walk away. Inside the room, Ning Xiaoyao told Big Boss ck, ¡°My God, Windy¡¯s back.¡±

    Big Boss ck replied, ¡°You¡¯re just stupid. If Little Peach Blossom¡¯s no good, then you should help the gyrfalcon¡¯s master find another mu[1. mu (Ä¸) - literally ¡°mother,¡± but also used scientifically to refer to the female gender of an animal or nt species.] for him.¡±

    ¡°Pah, what ¡®mu?¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao demanded. ¡°It¡¯s called a ¡®girl,¡¯ don¡¯t you get it? A girl!¡±

    ¡°Catgirl?¡± Big Boss ck shook his kitty head. ¡°You humans are such idiots. Doesn¡¯t mu (female) cat sound more pleasing to the ear?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao simply threw the fat ck furball outside the window. Talking to him would only hurt my own IQ.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale called from the otherside of the door.

    Ning Xiaoyao had hime in as she held a strand of long hair between her fingers. ¡°Windy, ah, when we came back from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate that day, I found this strand on hair on your shirt. Come and tell me which girl you ran into at the estate?¡±

    Shadowgale stared at the hair in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands as he answered, ¡°It might be this servant¡¯s own hair.¡±

    ¡°The smell doesn¡¯t fit you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Come on, tell me. What¡¯s that girl like?¡±

    His Majesty can smell the differences in a single strand of hair? Head Commander Shadowgale was utterly floored. Exactly what kind of nose does he have?!

 Chapter 170: Empress Dowager Xie appears at Supreme Splendor Hall

    <h4>Chapter 170: Empress Dowager Xie appears at Supreme Splendor Hall</h4>

    ¡°This servant only ran into the Xie n¡¯s Fifth Young Miss that day at the estate,¡± Shadowgale hesitantly admitted. ¡°This servant didn¡¯t speak to her, so that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t tell Your Majesty...¡±

    ¡°Enough, you don¡¯t have to say anymore about it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted him. ¡°So the girl you ran into was Xie Duoying?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale nodded.

    In order to make sure she looked less tragic, Ning Xiaoyao kept a stiff face. This world is far too cruel.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao threw the strand of hair to the ground. She¡¯d even been keeping it safe for Shadowgale¡¯s sake, but never expected it to belong to Xie Duoying. If it¡¯s that girl, then there¡¯s probably no hope, Ning Xiaoyao thought. She is a girl with aspirations to be empress. If you tried to make a person run when she wants to fly, that¡¯s simply unrealistic.

    ¡°Let¡¯s forget about everything we just talked about,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale. ¡°One, two, three---forget it!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Head Commander Shadowgale.

    ¡°Oh, Shadowgale! So you¡¯re back, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao greeted Shadowgale anew.

    Head Commander Shadowgale followed her lead and bowed once more. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant has returned.¡±

    ¡°Sit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed to a chair by her side. ¡°Let¡¯s have a chat.¡±

    Shadowgale felt his head starting to throb. Why are we still chatting?

    While Ning Xiaoyao was chatting about life with Head Commander Shadowgale, Lou Zigui was already sitting in front of the seven military officers and had witnessed them walking and moving about with his own eyes. Supreme Commander Lou discovered that he wasn¡¯t the least bit surprised. After seeing Miss Ning nearly bring back the dead, he figured that something like this was only a logical conclusion to the ordeal. The seven officers lined up in front of Supreme Commander as if they were facing one of their superiors in the army. Since Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak after entering the room, they kept silent as well to wait.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s fingers lightly tapped the table by his chair before he spoke. ¡°For the sake of getting you out of the capital as fast as possible, His Majesty used secret medicines from the inner pce. There¡¯s only so much of it left before it¡¯s all gone. You must all remember His Majesty¡¯s grace.¡±

    The seven officers all nodded. If Ning Xiaoyao were present, they¡¯d be on their knees kowtowing by now.

    ¡°The imperial physicians might not have told you,¡± Lou Zigui added, ¡°But if you hadn¡¯t received this medicine, you would¡¯ve been crippled even if you did recover from your injuries. It would have been impossible for you all to assume posts in the army again. From the start, Xie Wenyuan was never nning to leave you all alive.¡±

    If they couldn¡¯t return to the army, that was the same as cutting off their livelihood---and by extension, their very lives. The seven officers understood the implied meanings in Lou Zigui¡¯s words.

    ¡°With the empress dowager at the pce, nothing you do will escape Xie Wenyuan¡¯s eyes,¡± Lou Zigui continued. ¡°His Majesty intends for you lot to leave the capital today.¡±

    The seven officers felt their expressions tighten. They would rather leave as soon as possible, and were only worried that His Majesty wouldn¡¯t let them go after all that had happened.

    ¡°Before you leave, meet with your soldiers first,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°If you take your troops along, you¡¯ll have more people and only pose a bigger target. Xie Wenyuan could stop you as easily as turning over his hand. It¡¯s better to pack light and disguise yourselves if you want a chance to escape his assassins. Being his trusted subordinates, you lot of all people should be clearer than me on his methods.¡±

    ¡°Has Supreme Commander received some sort of news?¡± an officer asked.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan wants to kill you all,¡± Lou Zigui replied simply.

    The seven officers suddenly felt like the sky was falling.

    ¡°This is His Majesty¡¯s reward to you all,¡± Lou Zigui brought out a few silver drafts and ced them on the table as he rose to his feet. ¡°Make preparations. I¡¯ve arranged for the Dragon Guards to escort you all out of the pce.¡±

    The seven officers still had more questions to ask, but Lou Zigui had already left the room. One hourter, the seven officers kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao outside the doors of the main audience hall before mounting their horses and leaving the pce via Dragon Guard escort.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go follow them,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You stay at the pce.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need my help?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t run about,¡± Lou Zigui simply stroked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head as he spoke.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then can you bring back some osmanthus honey for me?¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui agreed easily to her request. Ning Xiaoyao stood by the pce door to watch Lou Zigui ride off with the men before she asked Shadowbolt by her side, ¡°But I still want to see all the fuss, what should I do?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Shadowbolt. So the promise you made so easily to Supreme Commander just then was just a sham?

    ¡°I want to check out the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°I feel like trouble¡¯s going to brew there today.¡±

    The fourthmander of the Dragon Guards said, ¡°Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate has been having no end of troubles over these past few days.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to verbally agree when Grandpa Sparrow spoke from his perch above her. ¡°Xiaoyao, we¡¯ve gotten news of Supreme Commander¡¯s older brother,e meet us in the little flower garden.¡±

    ¡°Forget I said anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head at Shadowbolt. ¡°I suddenly don¡¯t want to go anywhere at all.¡±

    Shadowbolt had been wracking his brain to think of excuses for His Majesty to stay. Now he could only nch and wonder, Is it really alright for His Majesty to change his mind so easily?

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to run for the little flower gardens when someone can running over from the empress dowager¡¯s estate. Ning Xiaoyao shot an impatient look at the mama that Mute Nanny had brought in, and asked, ¡°What¡¯s happened with the empress dowager now?¡±

    The mama replied, ¡°Your Majesty, Prince Cheng has fallen ill.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start at the news.

    ¡°The imperial physician said that the prince caught a chill,¡± the mama continued with a worried expression.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°So he caught a cold, ah. Then won¡¯t he be fine after he takes some medicine?¡±

    The mama gave Mute Nanny and Shadowbolt a pleading look. What is a ¡®cold?¡¯

    ¡°See ya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to leave.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± the mama cried out quickly.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Shadowbolt cried in an even louder voice. ¡°You dare to raise your tone in front of His Majesty?¡±

    The mama hastily fell to her knees.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, since she¡¯s yelled then let her yell,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°It¡¯s not like she can scare me with a throat like hers.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not because of that,¡± Shadowbolt said urgently. This is a breach of etiquette against Your Majesty. What does that have to do with scaring anyone?

    ¡°Then how do you want to deal with it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Beat her to death,¡± Fourth Commander Shadowbolt was the decisive type and got straight to the point. The mama¡¯s form trembled.

    ¡°This Dowager would like to see just who¡¯s the one getting beaten to death today!¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice sounded out from outside the courtyard, her tone filled with rage.

    Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Shadowbolt, ¡°Howe she¡¯s killing her way here personally?¡±

    Shadowbolt simply took a step forward to shield Ning Xiaoyao from sight. Because the empress dowager had sounded too aggressive, his first reaction was I have to protect His Majesty.

    Empress Dowager Xie was sitting on a cushioned chair that was being carried aloft by four eunuchs. She entered the courtyard, and Ning Xiaoyao pulled Shadowbolt behind her to shield him instead. ¡°Do we really need to be afraid of someone with a broken leg like hers? Fourth Lightning, don¡¯t be scared, ah. Your Majesty will protect you.¡±

    Shadowbolt felt like dying from embarrassment. As the eunuchs set down the cushioned seat, Empress Dowager Xie stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°You hold on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand before addressing the four eunuchs. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? My title as emperor is useless again? Why are you lot still standing in my presence?¡±

    ¡°We servants greet Your Majesty!¡± the people of the empress dowager¡¯s pce quickly bowed to Ning Xiaoyao, who stood tall and straight in the courtyard. She didn¡¯t like it when people bowed to her, but when faced with a high-level foe like Empress Dowager Xie, besting her in brains wouldn¡¯t do it. She could only pressure her with her status instead!

    Empress Dowager Xie gave a coldugh. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s finally learned some manners.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled back. ¡°I¡¯ve always been full of manners. Hello, Empress Dowager. Why do you suddenly look so much older? Does breaking a bone age people too?¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue, before pointing at the mama who¡¯de to report. ¡°This mama just said that Prince Cheng was sick. Why has the Empress Dowagere to Supreme Splendor Hall instead of taking care of Prince Cheng?¡±

    ¡°This Dowager---¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao went on, ¡°Is it because Prince Cheng¡¯s condition has gotten serious, so you remembered that I was a doctor and came to ask me to treat him?¡±

    ¡°This Dowager wouldn¡¯t trouble Your Majesty for such things. This Dowager---¡±

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s not that, ah. Then we have nothing to talk about. Hello Empress Dowager, goodbye Empress Dowager,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°You can see yourself out.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie began to huff for breath. None of the people in the courtyard dared to lift their heads to see her current expression. Meanwhile, Shadowgale returned from sending off Lou Zigui and the rest, saw the scene in the courtyard, and rushed promptly to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    Empress Dowager Xie simply blew her top and pointed an using finger at Shadowgale. ¡°You cur of ackey!¡±

    Shadowgale suddenly realized that he hadn¡¯t paid his respects to Empress Dowager Xie. He was about to kneel and ask for punishment when Ning Xiaoyao dragged him behind her too. ¡°Don¡¯t insult dogs if you¡¯ve never been chased by one yourself,¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Didn¡¯t you look in the mirror beforeing to Supreme Splendor Hall? You¡¯ve aged 30 years in an instant, so how was Windy supposed to recognize you?¡±

    Shadowgale lowered his head and to stop looking at Empress Dowager Xie. 30 years in an instant and things like that---your mouth is really too venomous, Your Majesty.

    When Shadowbolt saw the empress dowager¡¯s face shift from green to almost ck, he wanted to kowtow to Ning Xiaoyao in respect. Meanwhile, the empress dowager¡¯s retinue were all thinking the same thing: Why does Esteemed Empress Dowager insist on facing off against His Majesty when she never wins?!

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who raised her hands to prop up her eyelids. ¡°If I look at you like this, I can clearly see every line and wrinkle on your face, Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Ning Yu!¡± Empress Dowager Xie finally shrieked.

    Ning Xiaoyao released her eyelids. ¡°Aye, I¡¯m here. Speak properly, we¡¯re all civilized people here. Don¡¯t shout abuses in public like ruffian from the streets.¡±

    ¡°Is this how you treat your imperial mother?¡± Empress Dowager Xie suddenly burst into tears. Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. [email protected]#[email protected]#*$($, when this woman can¡¯t tear a new one into me, she resorts to crying instead. Boring!

    Empress Dowager Xie sobbed as she cried out, ¡°What¡¯s the use of living when you¡¯re like this?¡±

    ¡°Enough, stop crying,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°What are you going to do next, cry for thete emperor again? Why don¡¯t you reconsider and try something else next time?¡±

    ¡°You!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m speaking from the perspective of a doctor, you¡¯ll only age faster if you cry!¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie pointed a finger at Ning Xiaoyao, who had propped her head in her hands and said, ¡°Look, I¡¯m as fresh as a flower at this age.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. Do you want to anger the Empress Dowager to death?

    Empress Dowager Xie saw that Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t look an inch like herself and suddenly realized that it was too stupid of her to try and arguing with the damned girl. ¡°Where¡¯s that servant Shadowrain?¡± Empress Dowager Xie finally suppressed her temper to ask.

    ¡°He¡¯s not here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°He¡¯s the one that made Prince Cheng sick,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°And you¡¯re not punishing him, Your Majesty? Or did Your Majesty order him to get Prince Cheng ill in the first ce?¡±

 Chapter 171: A wannabe wifeâ€™s most venomous heart

    <h4>Chapter 171: A wannabe wife''s most venomous heart</h4>

    ¡°Then what do you want me to do?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t a servant like him be put to death to pay for his crime?¡± Empress Dowager Xie raged.

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped talking at that. As the courtyard fell into silence, everyone waited nervously for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s answer. Nobody believed that His Majesty would capitte so easily.

    Ning Xiaoyao cupped her ears with her hands and asked Empress Dowager Xie, ¡°What did you say? The wind was too loud so I didn¡¯t hear you clearly.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said everyone else. As expected, His Majesty won¡¯t be defeated by Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°What wind?!¡± Empress Dowager Xie roared. At this, a gust of wind blew past the wall to whisk away the brocade handkerchief in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hands. Ning Xiaoyao simply spread out her hands in silent acknowledgement. Need I say anything else?

    A few of the the mama standing behind Empress Dowager Xie began to consider whether they should start coaxing Empress Dowager Xie to head back to the pce. Their mistress was a formidable woman, but she couldn¡¯t stand against a hooligan type like His Majesty. Would any nobledy lower themselves to argue with a rogue? The best way to deal with those ruffians was to bludgeon them with a club, but who would dare raise a weapon again His Majesty?

    ¡°This Dowager won¡¯t let that servant Shadowrain get away with this,¡± Empress Dowager Xie dered ruthlessly.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°As long as Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s people can beat my Third Rain in a fight, you can do whatever you like with him.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is still nning to protect that servant?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, I¡¯ve already said so much and yet you still don¡¯t understand my intentions? It¡¯s no fun if you¡¯re just feigning ignorance.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie shot Ning Xiaoyao a look of absolute loathing, as if they were deadset enemies. Ning Xiaoyao only looked innocent.

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°Bring over that low-priced ve girl that bumped into This Dowager.¡±

    Two eunuchs dragged a servant with them into the courtyard. Her hair was reduced to a messy braid, and she sported injuries over her hands and face. She was rather young, and it was obvious that she¡¯d already been thoroughly beaten. When Shadowbolt saw her, he gave an exmation of surprise.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, curiously.

    Shadowbolt murmured, ¡°Your Majesty, that¡¯s Little Peach Blossom.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Xie nced at Shadowgale.

    Ning Xiaoyao examined Little Peach Blossom from head to toe and found that she was rather very pretty. Her looks were no less inferior to Xie Duoying, with tender skin, double eyelids, and a pair of eyes that sloped upward like a phoenix. She was a charming little creature who only looked all the more pathetic, now that she was in trouble.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, please have mercy!¡± Little Peach Blossom cried out.

    Shadowgale was about to step forward when Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to stop him. Meanwhile, Big Boss ck had run into the gardens and leaped up to the rafters of the covered walkways. He nced at Little Peach Blossom before meowing at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Why is the empress dowager beating one of her own people?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s probably very annoyed that Little Peach Blossom hasn¡¯t broken through our ranks yet, so she¡¯s resorting to a self-injury ruse. Oh mah God, ah. Ning Xiaoyao then shook her head. She¡¯d heard of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, but weren¡¯t her enemies tired of using the same one time and time again?

    ¡°This low base wretch ran into This Dowager,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said.

    ¡°Who¡¯s she?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°I don¡¯t recognize her, yah.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowbolt said urgently.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to Shadowgale and spoke in a low voice. ¡°I wanted to find a better way to break the news to you, but it looks like we¡¯re out of time. Little Peach Blossom is one of the empress dowager¡¯s agents.¡±

    Shadowgale stood there expressionlessly. Ning Xiaoyao patted his stiff shoulders, while Shadowbolt only gaped like a fish out of water.

    ¡°I-is that true?¡±

    ¡°Why would I make things difficult for a young girl without reason?¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I rather wish the best for Windy instead?¡±

    Shadowbolt cursed under his breath. ¡°Dammnit!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before offering someforting words. ¡°As I see it, Little Peach Blossom didn¡¯t cheat you out of any money, Windy. You haven¡¯t bought a house or whatever else for her sake either. Instead, we just got some bad-tasting pastries from her end. Even if you ended up sleeping with her, she¡¯d be the one who loses out, right?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Shadowbolt faced his elder brother-in-arms as well. ¡°Elder brother, His Majesty¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°Who hasn¡¯t experienced the frivolousness of youth?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was now patting Shadowgale¡¯s hand. ¡°If peach blossoms are no good, we¡¯ll go pick some other flowers instead for you.¡±

    Shadowgale still didn¡¯t speak. Sensing that the situation didn¡¯t look good, Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Just look at my father. He was thete emperor, the sovereign of the entire country. But he ended up falling in love with a piece of trash like the empress dowager. Compared to being cheated for a lifetime like him, your situation isn¡¯t that bad at all, is it, Windy?¡±

    Finally, Shadowgale couldn¡¯t hold back. How could he dare to bepared to thete emperor? He looked at Empress Dowager Xie seated on her cushion and really did feel that thete emperor had no insight at all. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant is alright,¡± Shadowgale told Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I know you really aren¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°If you want to cry, just cry.¡±

    Shadowgale took a long time before he finally replied, ¡°Your Majesty, this servant won¡¯t cry.¡±

    Shadowbolt was growing anxious as well, and asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Then what is Esteemed Empress Dowager doing right now?¡±

    ¡°A self-injury ruse,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. Shadowbolt immediately understood then.

    Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, have you lot finished talking amongst yourselves?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced back at her and said, ¡°None of us recognize this girl, so what do I need to discuss with Windy or Fourth Lightning? No, wait, why are you still here?¡±

    Little Peach Blossom sobbed at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this servant is Little Peach Blossom!¡±

    ¡°Tell me the truth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured to Shadowgale. ¡°Did you ever sleep with Little Peach Blossom?¡±

    ¡°Never,¡± Shadowgale replied immediately.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze trailed downwards, so Head Commander Shadowgale quickly added, ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with this servant¡¯s body. How could I engage in intimate rtions before undergoing the rites of matchmaking, betrothal, and marriage?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao brushed a hand against her face, feeling a sting as if she¡¯d just been soundly pped....

    ¡°I beg Your Majesty to save this servant,¡± Little Peach Blossom kowtowed towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Even I don¡¯t dare to run into the empress dowager,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Yet you still want to live after doing that yourself?¡±

    Little Peach Blossom¡¯s sobs shook momentarily. Empress Dowager Xie finally realized that something was wrong as well.

    ¡°Your looks aren¡¯t a good match for the likes of our Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao went on. ¡°Just go off to wherever you¡¯re supposed to go.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie looked over at Shadowgale, who was still expressionless.

    ¡°You¡¯re only a kitchen hand, so where did you get the self-confidence that Windy would fall in love with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked with scorn fullycing her voice. ¡°Really, you must have been delusional.¡±

    Little Peach Blossom has been exposed. Empress Dowager Xie clenched her fists, marking her palms with her nails once more.

    ¡°Take her back to the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°You can kill her or cut her to pieces, do whatever you like.¡±

    When Little Peach Blossom saw Shadowgale¡¯s nk features, she knew that he¡¯d found out the truth about her. But when she thought of the consequences awaiting her back at the empress dowager¡¯s pce, she broke free from the two eunuchs restraining her and dashed to the foot of the steps leading to the covered walkway.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Shadowbolt quickly stepped in front of Ning Xiaoyao.

    Little Peach Blossom threw herself down on the steps and looked at Shadowgale with tears streaming down her face. In a wretched voice, she cried, ¡°Head Commander!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Why are you still acting so brazen and thick-skinned? Fourth Lightning, take out the trash.¡±

    Shadowbolt raised his foot and prepared to kick her.

    ¡°Head Commander!¡± Little Peach Blossom shrieked loudly. Startled by the noise, Shadowbolt¡¯s foot froze mid-kick.

    Ning Xiaoyao muttered to Shadowgale, ¡°This beauty¡¯s so persistent that she¡¯ll definitely be good for bearing babies. Windy, if you really want to make her your wife, I can fight with the empress dowager some more and get her for our side.¡±

    ¡°This servant understands Your Majesty¡¯s grace,¡± Shadowgale replied, ¡°But this courtdy was only using this servant. She isn¡¯t sincere about her intentions to stay with me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°You could always nurture her feelings over time.¡±

    Shadowgale only said, ¡°Your Majesty, this servant doesn¡¯t want to be together with that courtdy.¡± How could I pair up with one of Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s spies?

    ¡°You¡¯ve thought it through?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowgale nodded resolutely.

    ¡°Empress dowager, you should go ahead and take her away,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Empress Dowager Xie next.

    Shadowrain wasn¡¯t here and Little Peach Blossom had been exposed, which meant that the empress dowager had rushed over here in a temper for nothing. Disappointed, Empress Dowager Xie pointed at Little Peach Blossom and said, ¡°Drag this wretch outside for This Dowager.¡±

    When Little Peach Blossom saw the two eunuchs heading her way, she ran up the steps and grabbed the hem of Shadowgale¡¯s robes before muttering, ¡°Is Head Commander really treating me so cruelly?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t stand listening to such drivel and stood up for Shadowgale¡¯s sake. ¡°Hey, hey! Just who¡¯s the cruel one here, ah? Do you really think I don¡¯t know what you were begging the Heavens for with those incense sticks and prayers? If you¡¯re going to speak, then talk properly instead of pping your own face.¡±

    Little Peach Blossom looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who was looking back with a sneer on her face while bedecked in resplendent glory. It was as if the emperor was scorning the sight of a particrlyughable clown.

    Shadowgale raised an arm to shield Ning Xiaoyao before eyeing the two eunuchs. ¡°Hurry and take this courtdy away.¡±

    Little Peach Blossom suddenly raised her voice. ¡°Your Majesty, Head Commander¡¯s told this servant once before that you aren¡¯t a righteous ruler at all.¡±

    Everyone in the courtyard gave a start. Now that the little courtdy was faced with imminent death, she wanted to drag Shadowgale down with her. Is it true what they say, that the heart of a wannabe wife is the most venomous one of all?

    ¡°The day of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony,¡± Little Peach Blossom continued in a loud voice so everyone present heard her, ¡°Head Commander told me that the situation didn¡¯t look good, and that he¡¯d arrange a way for me to escape from the pce.¡±

    ¡°You servant, you deserve death,¡± Empress Dowager Xie snarled at Shadowgale.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowbolt felt a bit frantic. Arrange for Little Peach Blossom to escape the pce? That means elder bro really does harbor feelings for that woman.

    Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath. Little Peach Blossom simply stared coldly at Shadowgale as a smile grew on her lips. If I can¡¯t live, don¡¯t you think of living, either.

    Ning Xiaoyao then lifted her foot and kicked the clingy Little Peach Blossom away until shended by the empress dowager¡¯s feet. Then, she turned to and said Shadowgale, ¡°Even if you want to be together with that blossom, I won¡¯t agree anymore. Not even if I die!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowgale. I just said I didn¡¯t want to be together with her, ah.

    ¡°Take your people and disappear,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Right now, I¡¯m in a bad mood. Don¡¯t force me to show my hand.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie gave a start before bursting into furiousughter. ¡°Your Majesty is nning to hit This Dowager?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t hit you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Who told you to be my mother? But I might find a way to kill your son instead.¡±

    Ning Xin was the empress dowager¡¯s reverse scale, so she was shamed into rage at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s threat. Her voice grew shrill as she shouted, ¡°You not only act unfilial to This Dowager, but now you want to ughter your little brother as well?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I ever wanted to be some ¡®righteous ruler,¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked askance at Empress Dowager Xie, who simply nodded. She fully believed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again, hurry and get out of my sight,¡± Ning Xiaoyao intoned.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Empress Dowager said coldly to her servants.

    ¡°E-Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡± Little Peach Blossom¡¯s voice shook as she called after her from the ground. Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t spare her spy a nce. Her identity¡¯s already been exposed but she still can¡¯t grasp the full picture. Just how stupid is this girl?

    The four eunuchs raised the cushioned seat and left the courtyard. Little Peach Blossom watched the various servants past her side as they left her in the dust. She¡¯d been absolutely abandoned.

 Chapter 172: A counter-scheme to a scheme

    <h4>Chapter 172: A counter-scheme to a scheme</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao watched the forsaken Little Peach Blossom and wondered what was up now. Am I supposed to raise this flower now?

    ¡°Deliver her to the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowbolt, who ran up and gagged the girl before picking her up and leaving. Keeping her around any longer to shout and rant would only make his elder brother-in-arms all the more miserable.

    Once Shadowbolt took Little Peach Blossom away, Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale and tried to think of some moreforting words. If it wasn¡¯t for the conflict between her and Empress Dowager Xie, the Little Peach Blossom incident wouldn¡¯t have happened at all. Because of that, she felt rather contrite.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this servant really is fine,¡± Shadowgale spoke up first. ¡°This servant thanks Your Majesty for revealing that courtdy¡¯s true face before any serious mistakes were made.¡±

    ¡°Forget that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at him. ¡°I¡¯ll find you someone better in the future. Let¡¯s believe in a world where there¡¯s more good people than bad, alright?¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s tone turned reverent. ¡°Your Majesty is correct.¡±

    While Ning Xiaoyao was optimistically judging the state of mankind over in Supreme Splendor Hall, Grand Preceptor Xie was smashing teacups in his study. The still-recovering Xie Laibao didn¡¯t dare to lift his head from his travelling chair.

    ¡°Lou Zigui,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie hissed out the name between gritted teeth.

    Head Steward Xie said, ¡°Master, it¡¯ll be bad news if those seven officers sessfully reach the southern armies¡¯ soldiers.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie rested his hands on the table, his veins popping up beneath his skin. ¡°We cannot kill them,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said to himself. His fingers drew absent circles on the surface of the wood as he rejected idea after idea in his head. Send assassins after them? No, wouldn¡¯t that just confirm that I wanted to kill them? Moreover, I don¡¯t have substantial grounds to murder those seven just yet.

    Don¡¯t send assassins after them? No,that won¡¯t do either. If I don¡¯t send the killers, Lou Zigui will still send fake killers under my name. Expose his scheme? Impossible, those seven officers won¡¯t believe a word I say now.

    Wait until they leave the capital before making a move to eliminate them? Here was an idea, but what if one of the seven were to escape from his grasp? It would cause no end of troubles for the future.

    The south. Grand Preceptor Xie rested a hand against his forehead. I¡¯ve already lost the Jiangnan navy, but now Lou Zigui¡¯s wrested another group of men from me? He shook his head. I cannot allow Ning Yu to consolidate any more power and be able to rise against me. But how do I hold her back?

    Xie Laibao sat with his head bowed, his face full of apparent anxiety as he cursed his own inability to help his master.

    ¡°Even Prince Zhi has gotten wind of such news,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered under his breath. Xie Laibao quickly looked up at his master again.

    ¡°Prince Zhi has formed an alliance with Lou Zigui,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stated while scowling. Xie Laibao looked like he¡¯d been scared to death.

    ¡°This---Master, what do we do now?¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui is pressuring this old man,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie seethed.

    He¡¯s not just pressuring you, he wants your very life, Xie Laibao thought privately.

    ¡°On what grounds does that Cuckoo Lou have to pressure me?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie seemed to be asking Xie Laibao for an answer even as he asked himself.

    Xie Laibao said, ¡°Master, Lou Zigui is only amon military man. Perhaps he¡¯s simply doing this to vent his temper. How---how could he possibly outwit you, master?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s fingers suddenly stopped drawing circles on the table. Xie Laibao only assumed that he¡¯d spoken the wrong thing and quickly dropped his head.

    ¡°This old man recalls that a caravan left Prince Zhi¡¯s estate recently to return to Qiufeng City,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered.

    ¡°Something like that did seem to happen,¡± Xie Laibao piped up.

    ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s agent must be on his way to Anyuan,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie viciously mmed the table.

    Xie Laibao gave a start. ¡°H-how could this be?¡±

    ¡°Someone,e!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie bellowed at the door. One of his personal guards replied an assent and quickly entered the room.

    ¡°Go investigate,¡± Grand Preceptor Xiemanded. ¡°See which one of the ck Frost Cavalry officers that came with Lou Zigui to the capital haven¡¯t shown their faces recently.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the guard obeyed and silently withdrew.

    Xie Laibao¡¯s eyes rolled in his sockets before he said, ¡°Master, it¡¯s hard to tell whether or not that some of the ck Frost Cavalry members have simply been staying in the pce this entire time.¡±

    ¡°Someone must have gone back,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie insisted. Xie Laibao couldn¡¯t push any further. If he said that was impossible, his master would start harboring suspicions against him.

    ¡°You may leave,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie gestured at him.

    Xie Laibao called for the pageboys outside the door, who then came in to lift up his travelling chair and take him back out. Grand Preceptor Xie sat in his study until his cup of tea turned cold, staring at the liquid as he pondered. Doesn¡¯t Lou Zigui know that by revealing Prince Zhi as his piece, I¡¯ll know he sent an agent back to Anyuan? This isn¡¯t right. Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. Lou Zigui would never be so stupid. What exactly is he nning?

    An hourter saw the seven military officers bowing to Lou Zigui in a thick patch of forest outside the southern city gates. ¡°Supreme Commander, we¡¯re off.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. The seven men had changed intomoner clothes by now. They mounted their horses and galloped out of the forest. There were quite a few pools of blood lining the little path in the woods, with weapons scattered aplenty. They were all obvious signs of a fierce fight to the death.

    Once the seven officers had left, Lou Zigui had the ck Frost Cavalry generals take their men to wait outside the forest. None of the generals dared to speak and did what they were told. Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t had to wait long before Prince Zhi galloped into the bloodstained woods. He didn¡¯t dismount his horse when he reached Lou Zigui, but simply said, ¡°Supreme Commander, this prince has already spread the news on your behalf. But Xie Wenyuan didn¡¯t fall for the trick.¡±

    Lou Zigui took the reins of Prince Zhi¡¯s horse, allowing the man to dismount and look at him straight on. ¡°Also, wouldn¡¯t Xie Wenyuan know that Song Jin left for Anyuan with my caravan, now that I¡¯ve spread the news myself?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°You,¡± Prince Zhi was utterly mystified. ¡°Song Jin is still on his way to his destination. Aren¡¯t you afraid that the Grand Preceptor will send his forces after him?¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor wants His Majesty¡¯s life,¡± Lou Zigui murmured instead.

    Prince Zhi stood still for awhile, lost in thought, before he suddenly raised a hand to point at Lou Zigui. ¡°Xie Wenyuan may be too preupied with your general slipping into the city up north to worry about His Majesty now. But let this prince pose you a question, Supreme Commander. If your ck Frost Cavalry loses the chance to enter the city because of this distraction, who will protect His Majesty then?¡±

    A swallow took flight off a branch in the forest, passing right over Lou Zigui¡¯s head.

    Prince Zhi said, ¡°Once Xie Wenyuan takes care of the ck Frost Cavalry, how will you protect His Majesty then, Supreme Commander Lou? Bring in troops from the south?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was as low as it always was. ¡°The path from the capital to Anyuan is filled with the Xie n¡¯s eyes and ears. I never had any hope that Song Jin would get to Anyuan in one piece.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Prince Zhi arched an eyebrow at Lou Zigui¡¯sment. ¡°Could it be, Supreme Commander, that you sent Song Jin to his death?¡±

    ¡°Song Jin isn¡¯t a rash man,¡± Lou Zigui stepped closer to Prince Zhi. ¡°I trust that he won¡¯t court death on his own.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you nning?!¡± Prince Zhi cried.

    Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°Your Highness should return to Qiufeng City now.¡±

    Prince Zhi didn¡¯t immediately process Lou Zigui¡¯s words. After he thought it over, he nced over at him and asked, ¡°You want this prince to personally escort your own subordinates to Anyuan!?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°While Xie Wenyuan is preupied with sending killers after Song Jin, he¡¯ll be too busy to bother with Your Highness¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Prince Zhi said, ¡°Don¡¯t you think Xie Wenyuan would ount for the fact that you might send more men?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips curved into a smile in response to Prince Zhi¡¯s query.

    ¡°You,¡± Prince Zhi gave a start. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, the men that you send with mypany will simply be targets for Xie Wenyuan as well?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t reply. Since Prince Zhi already understood everything, there was no need for more exnations.

    ¡°Then you,¡± Prince Zhi sputtered, ¡°How many men are you nning to send out, then?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡°Are you telling me you don¡¯t trust this prince?¡± Prince Zhi said next.

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°It¡¯s now that I don¡¯t trust Your Highness. I just haven¡¯t thought things through yet.¡±

    Prince Zhi had nothing to say to that excuse. How am I supposed to force an answer when the other party had none?

    ¡°What does Your Highness think about the matter?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Prince Zhi was a man who hated to suffer losses, so he simply chuckled and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, perhaps you¡¯ve forgotten? His Majesty still hasn¡¯t given us a proper exnation for the official sries. How is this prince supposed to leave the capital?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou now had headaches whenever people mentioned the issue of money as well. Where am I supposed to go and find his silver? Miss Ning had managed to grab a bunch of valuables from Old Madame Xie, but the amount was hardly enough to cover two years of official sries to all of the imperial kinsmen. It¡¯d be like trying to put out a zing cart of wood with a single cup of water.

    Prince Zhi said, ¡°When Supreme Commander returns to the pce, please ask His Majesty on this prince¡¯s behalf.¡±

    Lou Zigui could already imagine Miss Ning¡¯s expression of utter death if he had passed on the question.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Prince Zhi felt much better after rendering Lou Zigui mute.

    ¡°This one will deliver Your Highness¡¯s words,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°But it¡¯s better for Your Highness to make preparations for a quick journey. Xie Wenyuan¡¯s soldiers aren¡¯t just there for show, you know. I trust that Your Highness has no wish to see thend fall under Xie Wenyuan¡¯smand, either.¡±

    ¡°This prince will give you a thorough answer,¡± Prince Zhi tossed these words at Lou Zigui before mounting his horse and galloping off.

    --

    ¡°White Wolf Gorge.¡±

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in the little flower garden while talking to a goose. ¡°With that kind of name, does it mean that the gorge is full of white wolves?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the wild goose A¡¯Ming.[1. A¡¯Ming (°¢Ãù) - A is a suffix used for nicknames, Ming means ¡°ring, make a sound, the cries of birds/animals/insects.] No wonder they all say she¡¯s a ninny. She is pretty foolish.

    Big Boss ck simply scratched Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°So it¡¯s full of white wolves just because it¡¯s called White Wolf Gorge? You really think humans would choose to live next to wild wolves? Miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head, unrepentant. ¡°If there aren¡¯t any white wolves, then why call it White Wolf Gorge at all?¡±

    Big Boss ck replied, ¡°You¡¯re asking this cat why you foolish humans made up a name like that?¡±

    A long haired white-furred cat spoke up, ¡°Xiaoyao, our big boss has never gone beyond the borders, meow~¡±

    ¡°Hear that? Then you should just shut up!¡± Ning Xiaoyao whacked Big Boss ck on the head. ¡°I thought you knew all about it, but you¡¯re just as clueless as I am!¡±

    Big Boss ck shed his ws. Ning Xiaoyao put up her fists in response. When A¡¯Ming saw that the cat and human were about to fight again, he turned to Grandpa Sparrow and asked, ¡°Does Xiaoyao really want to rescue that man?¡± If she was so worried about him, why would she still be in the mood to tussle with a kitty?

    Grandpa Sparrow flew down and perched on Big Boss ck¡¯s head and told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, let¡¯s talk about the main issue first! Weren¡¯t you going to save Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother?¡±

    That¡¯s right, Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother! An embarrassed Ning Xiaoyao withdrew her fists and dug out a piece of white paper from a bag before spreading it on the ground. She picked up an ink-dipped hairless brush in her hand and said, ¡°Brother A¡¯Ming, ah, tell me about the specifics of this White Wolf Gorge. I¡¯ll draw a map for us.¡±

    A¡¯Ming replied diligently, ¡°After leaving through Nightcrow Pass, keep heading north and you¡¯ll reach it. I¡¯ve gone to White Wolf Gorge plenty of times, so there isn¡¯t any mistake.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. Just keep heading north? The world is round, ah. If I keep heading north, I¡¯ll just go around the entire Earth!

 Chapter 173: The empress dowager buys peopleâ€™s hearts

    <h4>Chapter 173: The empress dowager buys people''s hearts</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao spun the hairless brush between her fingers as she asked A¡¯Ming, ¡°Then how long do we have to keep going north?¡±

    ¡°Very, very long, oh~¡± A¡¯Ming replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Then how long is very very long?¡±

    A¡¯Ming replied, ¡°Very, very long, ah.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. It¡¯s really hard tomunicate with you, isn¡¯t it?

    A¡¯Ming lowered his head to peck at a few rice grains in a basin as he added, ¡°Xiaoyao, if I eat too much of this, I¡¯ll have trouble pooping.¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s train of thought were distracted by A¡¯Ming¡¯s words. ¡°Geese like you have constipation problems, too?¡±

    Big Boss ck scratched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and meowed, ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother, Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother, Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get agitated,¡± A¡¯Ming said in a slow voice. ¡°Even if you know where your Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother is, there¡¯s no way you can save him right now anyway.¡±

    ¡°Our Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed nkly.

    A¡¯Ming held his head up high. ¡°I am a wild goose from beyond the Great Wall!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. I see, so this is a foreign goose.

    A¡¯Ming nibbled on a bit of salted fish next and added, ¡°It¡¯s not good to eat too much salty things either, your feathers will fall out.¡±

    ¡°Why are you so fussy, miaow!¡± Big Boss ck wanted to bite this goose to death. Ning Xiaoyao grabbed him and held him in herp.

    Then she asked, ¡°Brother A¡¯Ming, can you verify that one ve is Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother?¡±

    A¡¯Ming replied, ¡°I¡¯ve heard the Wolf King of the Northern Hu call him Lou Jing,[1. Lou Jing (Â¥­Z) - Jing has an archaic definition that means ¡°luster of jade.¡±] ah.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Lou Jing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked automatically without giving the name another thought. Abruptly, the little flower garden fell silent as all the animals stared at her. Instead of showing his ws this time, Big Boss ck bared his fangs and prepared to bite her until Ning Xiaoyao whapped him on the head.

    Then Big Boss ck shouted, ¡°Lou Jing is Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother, ah! You ninny!¡±

    Realizing that she¡¯d been a blockhead yet again, Ning Xiaoyao was shamed into fury. She shouted back, ¡°I could¡¯ve figured it out on my own without your help!¡±

    Big Boss ck didn¡¯t want to talk to Ning Xiaoyao anymore.

    A¡¯Ming quietly asked Grandpa Sparrow, ¡°Do you guys really believe that she can save Lou Jing and bring him back?¡±

    Grandpa Sparrow suddenly realized that he wasn¡¯t confident enough to nod and say yes...

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± the hurt Ning Xiaoyao spoke up. ¡°I can hear what you¡¯re saying.¡±

    A¡¯Ming only lowered his head to keep eating his salted fish. Grandpa Sparrow asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, what are your ns?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao folded up the white paper and ced it back in her bag, before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll find a chance to leave for the borders sometime. If the people there won¡¯t tell me where White Wolf Gorge is, I can ask the animals for directions.¡±

    ¡°That works,¡± A¡¯Ming replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest. ¡°I¡¯ll use actions to prove that I¡¯m dependable to you all.¡±

    ¡°Stop boasting,¡± Big Boss ck looked askance at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You should set a date to travel first. Do you think you can take a step outside the border without killing a scourge like Grand Preceptor Xie first?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head. That¡¯s right, ah. That is a real problem. Unless I kill off that old Xie geezer, I won¡¯t be able to leave without worrying.

    ¡°Someone¡¯sing,¡± a little sparrow called from the Wutong tree branch above their heads. Ning Xiaoyao raised her head and saw Shadowbolt running her way. The fourthmander of the Dragon Guards saw the wild goose by her side as soon as he entered the gardens and gave a start. Isn¡¯t it supposed to be impossible to domesticate that kind of bird?

    ¡°Fourth Lightning,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°How did the Little Peach Blossom issue resolve itself?¡±

    Shadowgale quickly recovered his senses and walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°To reply Your Majesty, this servant delivered Little Peach Blossom to the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡±

    ¡°And Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still worried about Shadowgale.

    Shadowbolt replied, ¡°Big bro went to the pce gates. Your Majesty, I think he¡¯s alright.¡±

    ¡°Do you think he¡¯d cry in front of you if he wasn¡¯t?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowbolt was left unable to reply.

    ¡°Aiyo,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fretted. ¡°There are so many things I need to worry about!¡±

    Shadowbolt said, ¡°Your Majesty, is there anything this servant can do?¡±

    ¡°Help Windy find a wife,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied immediately.

    Shadowbolt shut his mouth. He couldn¡¯t help with that when he couldn¡¯t even find a wife for himself!

    ¡°Fourth Lightning, have you ever heard of White Wolf Gorge?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked suddenly.

    Shadowbolt shook his head. ¡°Your Majesty, where¡¯s that?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°One of the imperial hunting parks owned by Northern Hu¡¯s king.¡±

    Shadowbolt scratched his head. He had no idea why His Majesty was suddenly concerned with Northern Hu hunting grounds.

    --

    Currently at the empress dowager¡¯s pce, Little Peach Blossom was kneeling in front of Empress Dowager Xie as she trembled uncontrobly. Empress Dowager Xie examined her from head to toe. Here was a girl with peach-like eyes, a slender waist, and clear, lucid eyes. Was Shadowgale blind to ignore such a beauty before his eyes?

    Little Peach Blossom hadn¡¯t knelt long before she started crying and kowtowing. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, have mercy. This servant really don¡¯t know where things went wrong.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, ah. This Dowager can¡¯t figure it out, either. His Majesty was actually able to tell that something was wrong,¡± Empress Dowager Xie raised a hand to help the girl up. A ray of hope shone in Little Peach Blossom¡¯s chest as the empress dowager allowed her to rise. She¡¯s not going to kill me?

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s expression was divided between eight parts helplessness and two parts grief. She seemed apletely different person from the woman who had faced off against Ning Xiaoyao earlier.

    ¡°You should leave,¡± Empress Dowager Xie told Little Peach Blossom. ¡°This Dowager doesn¡¯t want your life, but it¡¯s hard to tell what His Majesty thinks on the matter.¡±

    ¡°E-Esteemed Empress Dowager,¡± Little Peach Blossom stammered.

    ¡°You were born from an official¡¯s family,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°So you¡¯ll have your share of support after leaving the pce. His Majesty only knows you by Little Peach Blossom, so This Dowager promises that he¡¯ll never find out your true identity.¡±

    Little Peach Blossom fell to her knees again.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Empress Dowager Xie added. ¡°Just treat everything that happened in the pce as a nightmare. Find yourself a husband outside the pce walls.¡±

    A mama stepped forward with a bundle, and Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°This Dowager shall reward you with this. It should be enough tost you the rest of your days.¡±

    Little Peach Blossom kowtowed her head against the ground three times towards Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°Leave now,¡± Empress Dowager Xie murmured softly. ¡°You should go quickly, while This Dowager can still protect your life.¡±

    The mama ced the bundle in Little Peach Blossom¡¯s hands and led her out of the pce gates. The other courtdies and eunuchs who saw her crying face could only worry for themselves. Suppose His Majesty really tried to kill Esteemed Empress Dowager one day? What would happen to us then?

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui had reached the pce gates and dismounted from his horse. He gave the reins of his battle stallion, Little Red, to one of the imperial guards who came to greet him and went inside.

    The mama led Little Peach Blossom towards the exit as she spoke. ¡°Your ancestors umted virtue to bless you an escape from death this time. After you leave the pce, you should look out for yourself.¡±

    Little Peach Blossom only nodded in silence.

    ¡°You have to remember Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s great kindness,¡± the mama added.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Little Peach Blossom assented. Her words and expression betrayed nothing beyond her gratitude, but Little Peach Blossom was very clear in her heart that she never would¡¯ve ended up like this if she hadn¡¯t worked for the empress dowager in the first ce.

    One of the Dragon Guards stationed in the shadows saw the mama lead Little Peach Blossom out and ran to report to Supreme Splendor Hall. Meanwhile, Lou Zigui had run into Shadowgale at the entrance and beckoned for him to apany him. Then he muttered, ¡°Little Peach Blossom is one of the empress dowager¡¯s agents. His Majesty didn¡¯t know how to break the news to you, so let me tell you instead.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Just earlier, Esteemed Empress Dowager brought her to Supreme Splendor Hall, so I already know her identity. His Majesty told me everything.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s steps stilled. ¡°What was she doing there?¡±

    Shadowgale told Lou Zigui everything that had happened in Supreme Splendor Hall in his absence. Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t curse the empress dowager outright, but he only smiled coldly once Shadowgale had finished.

    Shadowgale said, ¡°It was my fault. I¡¯ve met with that courtdy multiple times, but I never saw anything off about her.¡±

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Has that courtdy ever asked you about His Majesty¡¯s affairs?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head. ¡°No, not even once.¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t reveal any weak points, so it¡¯s only natural that you didn¡¯t suspect anything,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°There¡¯s no use over thinking things. She was only a woman, after all.¡±

    Shadowgale could only nod in agreement. By the time they and the rest of the ck Frost Cavalry reached Supreme Splendor Hall, they spotted a Dragon Guard running over from the direction of the empress dowager¡¯s pce. Lou Zigui stopped at the foot of the steps and waited until the man had arrived, before asking, ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡±

    The Dragon Guard nced at Shadowgale before reporting, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager has ordered a mama to bring Little Peach Blossom out of the pce.¡±

    Lou Zigui furrowed his brows. Empress Dowager Xie certainly knows how to buy people¡¯s hearts. ¡°Which door did she leave from?¡±

    The Dragon Guard said, ¡°A small door on the southern side of the pce.¡±

    Shadowgale was about to leave when Lou Zigui raised a hand to stop him. He then told the Dragon Guard, ¡°Take a trip outside the pce. Be sure to bring back Little Peach Blossom¡¯s head.¡±

    The Dragon Guard replied with an assent and prepare to leave, when Lou Zigui suddenly called out, ¡°Hold it. Don¡¯t go. You---¡± Supreme Commander Lou now looked towards one of his ck Frost Cavalry generals, ¡°You go instead.¡±

    The general obeyed and walked away withrge strides.

    ¡°You men are officials of the pce,¡± Lou Zigui exined to Shadowgale and the other Dragon Guard. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to create these kind of grudges with the empress dowager.¡±

    ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡± Ning Xiaoyao had strode out from the doors of Supreme Splendor Hall and appeared in front of Lou Zigui in a sh. ¡°Who¡¯s going to create a grudge with the empress dowager?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Lou Zigui said as he pulled Ning Xiaoyao up the steps. Dropping his voice, he added, ¡°We were just discussing about how the empress dowager sent that Little Peach Blossom out of the pce.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked over at Shadowgale, who seemed as normal as ever.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that anymore,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°She was nothing but a courtdy, so when will you stop thinking about her?¡±

    ¡°Well dang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Why would I worry about Little Peach Blossom? I¡¯m only fretting over where to find a good girl for Shadowgale. There¡¯s plenty of women in the pce, but how do I know whether they¡¯re agents of the empress dowager?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°The females in the pce are all Your Majesty¡¯s women.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. Lou Zigui nced at her before he remembered. Right, this is a girl too...

    ¡°Did those seven men go back?¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided to change the topic. It was borderline abuse talking about girls and love with Supreme Commander when he didn¡¯t understand either topic.

    ¡°They have,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Xie Wenyuan didn¡¯t send any men after them like we expected him to.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked.

    ¡°But I arranged for men to y the role of killers sent from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui added as he reached out to stroke Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. She shook her head a few times and prepared to speak.

    ¡°Are you going to call me a bad guy again?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed the words sitting in her throat and said, quite against her will, ¡°No, I was thinking you were really dashing, Supreme Commander. Yay~¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a victory gesture with her fingers.

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

 Chapter 174: (Title at End of Chapter)

    <h4>Chapter 174: (Title at End of Chapter)</h4>

    By the time General Deng Rong[1. Deng Rong (µËÈÙ) - Deng is simply a surname, Rong means ¡°glorify, luxuriate, flourish.¡±] of the ck Frost Cavalry had left through the southern gates of the pce, Little Peach Blossom was already a long ways off. The mama who had escorted her out of the pce was long gone as well. Deng Rong felt that it wouldn¡¯t be good to murder someone too close to the pce, so he simply ended up following Little Peach Blossom from a distance.

    Little Peach Blossom didn¡¯t stop to take a break until she heard the sounds of a crowd up ahead. This meant that she was already far from the pce. After catching her breath, Little Peach Blossom adjusted the bundle on her shoulder before walking forward again. Deng Rong, on the other hand, preupied himself with how to kill the girl in front of him. She was such a petite girl that he could kill her with a single thumb without ever drawing his saber.

    Little Peach Blossom¡¯s heart finally sank back in her chest after slipping into the crowded city streets. I should be safe here, right?

    A few children ran past her, one of them holding a pinwheel. The sight of it momentarily distracted Little Peach Blossom.

    Deng Rong stepped forward.

    A man dressed very much like a refugee suddenly rushed out from under the awning of a nearby shop and ran to Little Peach Blossom¡¯s side. His right hand struck at Little Peach Blossom¡¯s waist while his left snatched the bag off her shoulders. He fled as she fell to the ground.

    Deng Rong stopped walking.

    By the time the people around Little Peach Blossom recovered their wits, they saw the girl already had blood dripping by her feet.

    ¡°M-murderer!¡± a woman shrieked. Some of the men ran in the direction of the fleeing assant, but he weaved and twisted his way through the crowds until he quickly vanished from sight. Little Peach Blossom pressed her hands against the wound on her waist, but blood seeped through her fingers all the same. Soon a red puddle had pooled beneath her body.

    Deng Rong parted the crowds and crouched down by her side to murmured, ¡°I had orders toe after you, but someone made their move before I had a chance to strike.¡±

    Little Peach Blossom widened her eyes.

    ¡°You chose the wrong master,¡± Deng Rong said. How would the empress dowager ever be kind enough to spare a courtdy who¡¯d ruined her ns? As it turned out, this was all an borate y to showcase her mercy before her subordinates. In the end, she still wanted this courtdy dead.

    Deng Rong looked unsympathetically at Little Peach Blossom and said, ¡°Windy is a good man. If you had told him the truth from the start, you wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this.¡±

    When he was finished speaking, he stood up and turned to leave. Meanwhile, people in the streets were calling for a doctor. Little Peach Blossom¡¯s hand pressing against her wound gradually began to lose strength.

    Told him the truth from the start? Back then, I still had dreams of flying up to the branch and bing a phoenix. How could a man like Shadowgale ever enter her eye in the past?

    ¡°Miss, hold on a bit longer, the doctor will be here right away,¡± a good-hearted woman shouted at Little Peach Blossom.

    Two streams of tears flowed down Little Peach Blossom¡¯s face. It was all nothing but a beautiful delusion. I ended up being nothing more than a pawn in the fight between the empress dowager and His Majesty.

    ¡°Miss?¡± a few women surrounded Little Peach Blossom as they called out to her.

    Head Commander Shadowgale still doesn¡¯t know my real name, Little Peach Blossom thought to herself.

    There was a clinic right on this road, so the doctor on duty was quickly pulled over by the surrounding passerby. The crowd parted to make way while urging him to save Little Peach Blossom. As the doctor bent down, he saw all the blood staining the ground. Then he raised a hand below Little Peach Blossom¡¯s nose to test her breathing before shaking his head.

    ¡°This girl has already passed away,¡± he told the crowd.

    The women around Little Peach Blossom fell into a daze. One of them finally recovered enough to reach out a hand and shut the girl¡¯s eyes, only to find that she must have died withsting regrets in her heart. No matter what she did, those pair of eyes refused to shut.

    ¡°Who is she?¡± another woman asked. Everyone exchanged nces. None of the girls¡¯ rtives or kin had shown up to look for her, so was this girl all by herself?

    One of the older woman patted Little Peach Blossom¡¯s body up and down before she sighed. ¡°She must have incurred retribution for her sins. There¡¯s nothing on her body.¡±

    Many others in the crowd joined her with their signs. No kin and not a single identifying document on her body to tell us her name or where her family¡¯s from. Then the only thing they could do was have the officials toss her body in the barren hills to be a lonely ghost. A man dressed in a short jacket squeezed his way out of the crowd and ran quickly in the direction of the pce. Soon enough, the attendants of the Nine Gates Infantry Commandery arrived. They personally checked Little Peach Blossom¡¯s breathing, then frisked her body onest time, before tossing her unidentified corpse onto a cart and hauling her away. Most of the people in the streets had a healthy dread of government officials, so none of them dared to ask whether they caught the original killer.

    Deng Rong returned to Supreme Splendor Hall and reported his findings. He and Lou Zigui stood under the covered walkway before he finally said, ¡°That bloke looked quite skilled. The empress dowager has people like that by her side?¡±

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Did that person see you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Deng Rong replied. ¡°This soldier hadn¡¯t even made any moves. I was standing quite far from the girl.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at the gardens beyond the walkway. By now, the sun was setting in the west, and a group of young eunuchs were following the lead of their senior to light thenterns in the pce grounds.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Deng Rong asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t there something fishy about all this?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Even if this man doesn¡¯t meet with the empress dowager personally to report his deed, he¡¯ll have someone send a message in his ce. Go search for him.¡±

    Deng Rong¡¯s gaze turned chilly. ¡°And after I find him?¡±

    Lou Zigui made a chopping motion with his hand, indicating his unspoken answer. Deng Rong epted his orders and turned to leave. Two eunuchs stopped near Lou Zigui with firestarters in their hands, afraid to approach him. Lou Zigui nced up at the colored zedmp above him and beckoned at the two little eunuchs before he went inside to look for Ning Xiaoyao.

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in her room with Erya, each of them holding a file in their hands. They were rubbing off the royal insignias on some vases, the screeching of metal against copper enough to drive people mad. Lou Zigui entered the room and told Erya, ¡°Go look for Xiaoqiu, it¡¯s almost dinnertime.¡±

    Erya obediently ran off with a half-filed brass vase in her arms. Ning Xiaoyao was still sitting there with her head bowed, rubbing and rubbing away. I¡¯ll file this away, file this away, file, file, file this away~

    Looking at her nearly empty rooms, Lou Zigui settled to sit by her side and murmured, ¡°Are you nning to sell off everything in Supreme Splendor Hall?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. That would be the best, ah. I¡¯m only afraid that I won¡¯t be able to clear the ce.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°That courtdy named Little Peach Blossom, she¡¯s dead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped filing and looked at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want her to die?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t care either way. Fourth Lightning said she tried to drag Windy down with her, so it doesn¡¯t matter to me whether she lives or dies.¡±

    ¡°The empress dowager rewarded her in her pce and had her sent away, before ordering someone to kill her outside in the streets,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    Ning Xiaoyao was stunned. The empress dowager even knows how to kill people in so many different ways? She opened her mouth to curse, ¡°That little bit---¡±

    Lou Zigui muffled her instantly. ¡°You can¡¯t curse her wantonly, she¡¯s your mother.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pried off Lou Zigui¡¯s hands with a pout. ¡°She¡¯s my old ma, your mother!¡± Thest two words were meant as a curse.

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Let Little Peach Blossom turn into ancient history,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Don¡¯t mention her again in the future.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. He assumed that she would ask him why he¡¯d sent someone to follow her in the first ce, but she didn¡¯t say a peep.

    ¡°What are we eating tonight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked instead. Lou Zigui felt his mouth twitch. That¡¯s always been the most important question for Miss Ning.

    --

    The residence of the empress dowager was quite dim after dinner. Even the empress dowager herself only had a singlentern lit in her quarters, its faint yellow light only illuminating a small circle of space.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, news came in from outside the pce. Little Peach Blossom is dead,¡± the eunuch bowing in front of the empress dowager reported.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face was full of scorn as she cursed under her breath. ¡°That worthless slut.¡±

    The eunuch remained silent with his head bowed.

    ¡°Reward him,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°And have him keep a close eye on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate for This Dowager as well.¡±

    The eunuch asked, ¡°Is empress dowager worried about the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Worried?¡± Empress Dowager Xie echoed coldly. ¡°He doesn¡¯t need This Dowager to worry about him. This Dowager simply wants to understand one particr thing.¡±

    The eunuch raised his head slightly.

    ¡°You can¡¯t trust anyone in this world,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°It¡¯s better for This Dowager to rely on myself.¡±

    The eunuch quickly dropped his head again. ¡°Empress dowager speaks rightly.¡±

    ¡°You can withdraw,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°Be careful not to let His Majesty catch you.¡±

    The eunuch muttered an assent before withdrawing from the pce. Empress Dowager Xie took off the nail sheath from her left index finger and yed around with it in her hands. But then she suddenly threw it at the floor. The pure silver sheath ttered against the ground with a loud, clear ring. Though the courtdies and eunuchs stationed outside the room all heard the sound, none of the dared to take a peek inside.

    Empress Dowager Xie stared at the rest of her nail sheaths. She couldn¡¯t simply be a sitting duck under these circumstances. If this went on, both her and Ning Xin would die by Ning Yu¡¯s hands before her son ever had a chance to grow up.

    ¡°Empress dowager?¡± a mama¡¯s voice called from outside.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Empress Dowager pulled off her remaining nine nail sheaths and tossed them on her couch. The mama muttered an assent and entered the room. This was the agent that Empress Dowager Xie had nted in the empress¡¯s quarters. She waited until the woman finished her bows before saying, ¡°You may rise now. Has something happened to the empress for Chen mama to seek out This Dowager?¡±

    Chen mama intoned, ¡°Empress dowager, recently the empress has been favoring sour foods. This servant witnessed her throwing up multiple times as well.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie had been leaning against her seat, but now sat bolt upright. ¡°What are you implying with those words?¡±

    Chen mama said, ¡°This servant isn¡¯t able to get close to Esteemed Empress, but this servant can tell from a distance that Esteemed Empress is much plumper than before.¡±

    ¡°Preference for sour foods, vomiting, and weight gain. Are you trying to tell This Dowager that the empress is pregnant?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Chen mama said, ¡°This servant dares not confirm it, because Esteemed Empress said that her period hade again today.¡±

    Ning Yu was female, so how could she ever get the empress pregnant? Empress Dowager Xie stared at Chen mama and said, ¡°Has the empress asked for any nourishing soups to bolster her body recently?¡±

    Chen mama replied, ¡°Empress dowager, even if Esteemed Empress drinks such soups, she¡¯d never let this servant know.¡±

    ¡°This Dowager understands,¡± Empress Dowager picked up two of her nail sheaths and told Chen mama, ¡°This is your reward.¡±

    Chen mama epted the gift before bowing down to express her thanks and leaving. On the rafters, Oil Jar said to Grandpa Ash in a frantic tone, ¡°What do we do? The empress dowager knows that Esteemed Empress has a baby, ah!¡±

    Grandpa Ash was very calm. ¡°At present, she only suspects it.¡±

    Oil Jar said, ¡°But her suspicion means that she¡¯ll send someone to investigate, ah.¡±

    ¡°Go find Xiaoyao,¡± Grandpa Ash said. ¡°It¡¯s her wife. If she won¡¯t take care of her, who will?¡±

    Oil Jar¡¯s expression grew stern at his words. ¡°Xiaoyao is Supreme Commander¡¯s wife, oh~¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Grandpa Ash. A wife who has a wife of her own, what do you call this situation?

    -ooo-

    Spoiler Title - Chapter 174: Death of Little Peach Blossom

 Chapter 175: Vying for the empress

    <h4>Chapter 175: Vying for the empress</h4>

    When Oil Jar finally found Ning Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander had hurried off to busy himself with something else again, so there was only the snow wolf pup and her in the room.

    ¡°Oil Jar, what did you drop by for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she gave him a portion of her baked tbread.

    Oil Jar nibbled a few bites of bread before he said, ¡°Xiaoyao, the empress dowager suspects that Esteemed Empress is pregnant with a baby, ah.¡±

    ¡°Aroo?¡± the snow wolf pup raised its head.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s half-eaten tbread dropped from her nerveless fingers tond on the floor.

    ¡°There¡¯s a spy in the empress¡¯s pce,¡± Oil Jar exined. ¡°She just reported her findings to the empress dowager.¡±

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°The spy told the empress dowager that the empress was pregnant?¡± What kind of spy is this? Why are her eyes so sharp?!

    Oil Jar tried his best to recall the exact conversation and said, ¡°She said that Esteemed Empress favored sour foods, threw up, and looked fatter, so that¡¯s why she suspects the empress of being pregnant.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Then what did the empress dowager said?¡±

    ¡°The empress dowager said that she understood and,¡± Oil Jar tried his best to extend his two front paws, ¡°She even gave that spy two of these really, really long nail sheaths, oh!¡±

    ¡°Dissipating the family fortunes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    Big Boss ck jumped onto the windowsill and yawned. ¡°You say that like those things belong to you.¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt like exploding whenever she saw the big ck furball now.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what should we do?¡± Oil Jar asked with worry.

    ¡°The empress dowager said she understood,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin as she thought hard. ¡°That means the empress dowager will look into this matter. How will she investigate?¡±

    The snow wolf pup said, ¡°Cut open the empress¡¯s stomach for a peek herself, aroo~¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao, the cat, and the mouse. Although he looks like a puppy, this is still a wolf in the end! Too savage!

    Big Boss ck jumped off the windowsill tond by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet before scratching the snow wolf pup and telling him to shut up. Then he said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Do you even need to ask? Any woman that gets pregnant inside the pce has a mama to verify for them first.¡±

    ¡°Not an imperial physician?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°They ask for those, too,¡± Oil Jar said as he raised a paw.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Then what should I do to ensure the empress isn¡¯t hurt by the empress dowager?¡±

    The three animals all exchanged nces before shaking their heads at Xiaoyao, who clutched her own head in thought. When she finally looked up, she realized that Grandpa Sparrow, Big Boss ck¡¯srades, Wifey and Husband Magpie and Yellow Great Immortal had all shown up.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, did you think up a solution yet?¡± Oil Jar asked.

    Wifey Magpie added, ¡°Today the empress even rescued a little swallow with a broken wing. Xiaoyao, the empress is surely a good person.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a bitter expression. ¡°But the gender¡¯s all wrong, so there¡¯s no way the empress and I can love each other.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Wifey Magpie. That¡¯s not why I brought that up!

    Grandpa Sparrow flew to the table and gave Ning Xiaoyao a stern look. ¡°Xiaoyao, share your thoughts with us first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Send the empress out of the pce so she can find love with her General Xu once and for all.¡±

    All of the little animals fell silent at that. Ning Xiaoyao observed them all and their silent states. Finally, she asked carefully, ¡°Judging from your expressions, that General Xu¡¯s already dead?¡±

    Grandpa Sparrow quickly shook his head. ¡°No, General Xu¡¯s not dead.¡±

    ¡°Ah, geez,¡± Ning Xiaoyao released a breath. ¡°If he¡¯s still alive, then it¡¯s alright. A dead man leaving a pregnant wife before is a true human tragedy.¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal said, ¡°Xiaoyao, if General Xu being alive counts as good news, do you want to hear the bad news?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°T-there¡¯s still bad news? Is the baby in the empress¡¯s stomach someone else¡¯s?¡±

    Big Boss ck had no idea how he had managed to put up with this ninny so long. He viciously scratched the girl and bellowed, ¡°General Xu wants to revolt and steal the empress from your hands, miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth moved a couple times before she said, ¡°That¡¯s not as bad as her being pregnant with someone else¡¯s baby.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said the little animals.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her face so she could calm down. ¡°Tell me now, how far has General Xu gotten in his rebellion ns?¡±

    Grandpa Sparrow said, ¡°I heard he¡¯s still gathering soldiers and buying horses. He¡¯s already recruited plenty of young refugees in secret, chirp.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could understand the logic of that. Recruiting young men to be privates in the army was easy after some minimal training. Oil Jar began to fret. ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she rubbed her chin. ¡°Sounds like I can still salvage the situation.¡±

    ¡°Aroo?¡± the snow wolf pup tilted its head up to look at Ning Xiaoyao, indicating that he hadn¡¯t understood.

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of him recruiting troops and horses,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯d be more worried if he was ready to kill his way into the capital tomorrow. With the current situation, I still have time to run away, though---I don¡¯t think Supreme Commander or Elder Li would let General Xu off, right?¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal said, ¡°Neither would Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this General Xu¡¯s full name?¡± Ning Xiaoyao found it fortunate that she finally had a chance to ask.

    ¡°Xu Feiyu,¡±[1. Xu Feiyu (Ðì·ÉÓð) - Xu is a surname that means ¡°slowly, gently,¡± Feiyu is ¡°flying feather/wings.¡±] Big Boss ck was too tired to scratch her again.

    Ning Xiaoyao repeated the name silently to herself three times before giving her approval. ¡°Pretty good name.¡±

    ¡°No matter how good his name is, he¡¯s still the empress¡¯s man,¡± Wifey Magpie said worriedly. ¡°Xiaoyao, you already have Supreme Commander, ah.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent.

    ¡°Moreover, General Xu wants you dead,¡± Big Boss ck added. ¡°This cat feels that Supreme Commander¡¯s name sounds the best of all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched, but she had enough conscience not to rip out Big Boss ck¡¯s lungs. Naming a man after a cuckoo bird is really too awful.

    ¡°What kind of expression are you making?¡± Big Boss ck looked at Ning Xiaoyao warily.

    ¡°This matter has nothing to do with your Supreme Commander, so can you stop bringing him into everything?¡± Ning Xiaoyao ruffled the fur on Big Boss ck¡¯s head until it was all a mess. ¡°Come on, pals. Tell me all about the empress¡¯s childhood sweetheart. What¡¯s with her remaining faithful unto death to General Xu? And how did she even end up as my empress in the first ce?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one that married her,¡± Big Boss ck escaped from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers. ¡°Don¡¯t you know?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head helplessly. By the time she transmigrated, the empress was already pregnant with General Xu¡¯s child.

    ¡°Grandpa Sparrow, you should tell Xiaoyao,¡± Oil Jar pleaded.

    Grandpa Sparrow replied, ¡°It was the Grand Preceptor who set his sights on the empress.¡±

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue in reply. I knew it, old geezer Xie must have stuck himself in here somewhere.

    ¡°The empress has an older brother called Zhou Junqi.[2. Zhou Junqi (ÖÜ¿¥æë) - Zhou is a surname that means ¡°thoughtful, attentive,¡± Jun is ¡°fine horse/steed (stud haha), Qi is ¡°ck horse.¡±] He failed to suppress some bandits that caused the death of one of thete emperor¡¯s uncles,¡± Grandpa Sparrow exined. ¡°Thete emperor wanted to execute the brother, but the Grand Preceptor said to marry his sister off to you instead, Xiaoyao. Thus, he guaranteed that Zhou Junqi wouldn¡¯t die. After that,¡± Grandpa Sparrow paused to spread his wings, ¡°Zhou Junqi really did survive.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor helped you snatch an empress,¡± Big Boss ck summarized the cruel truth. Ning Xiaoyao sat gloomily scratching her palms.

    Wifey Magpie said, ¡°Xiaoyao, don¡¯t be sad. Grand Preceptor¡¯s the bad guy here.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s this Zhou Junqi now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I know the answer to that,¡± Husband Magpie piped up. ¡°He¡¯s in a temple located north of the capital.¡±

    ¡°H-he became a monk?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said in astonishment.

    ¡°His hands were chopped off by the bandits,¡± Husband Magpie exined, ¡°So he couldn¡¯t fight battles or lead troops anymore. Thete emperor ordered him to be a monk.¡±

    ¡°Then what about his soldiers?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°General Xu acknowledged Grand Preceptor Xie as his godfather,¡± Wifey Magpie said, ¡°So Grand Preceptor Xie gave himmand of the Zhou n troops.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared. There¡¯s even the saga of a godfather and foster son in this story? Noticing her gaze, Wifey Magpie added quickly, ¡°General Xu had no other choice either. If he didn¡¯t ally himself with Grand Preceptor Xie, the Zhou n troops would¡¯ve really fallen into that bad guy¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°So he took the Grand Preceptor as his godfather while thinking of ways to finish me off?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her nose. Is there any reason left in this world?

    All of the animals expressed their sympathy for Ning Xiaoyao after her words. She really was an unlucky girl, forced into an unwanted position that made her shoulder all sorts of undeserved grudges.

    ¡°Who told you to be the emperor?¡± Big Boss ck rolled his emerald green eyes at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao fell into a momentary depression before she revived her spirits. pping her hands, she said, ¡°Fine then, as long as she has a big brother, that works. I¡¯ll send the empress to him first.¡±

    Grandpa Sparrow quickly shook his head. ¡°The empress dowager would never agree to it.¡±

    ¡°Forget about her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said irritably, before emphasizing, ¡°That¡¯s my wife!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the little animals. That¡¯s true, the empress really is Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wife.

    ¡°But then wouldn¡¯t the empress dowager know the empress is pregnant without doing any investigations?¡± Oil Jar said. ¡°And when she thinks about men who are on good terms with the empress, won¡¯t that expose General Xu?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Oil Jar, who was clutching a half-eaten cracker, and realized he really was a smart mouse.

    ¡°Oil Jar is right,¡± Grandpa Ash said. ¡°Xiaoyao, I heard that you humans have plenty of ways to make your women lose their babies.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°The empress dowager would dare try something like that?¡±

    ¡°She could threaten the empress to do so,¡± Big Boss ck said. ¡°And make General Xu send out his troops against Supreme Commander instead.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you worry about some other humans besides your Supreme Commander for a chance?¡± Ning Xiaoyao huffed. ¡°Me, for example?¡±

    ¡°This cat just wants to tell you that it¡¯s better to make the empress dowager think the empress isn¡¯t pregnant, rather than sending her out of the pce,¡± Big Boss ck replied.

    ¡°Do you have any ideas?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck fell silent. All of the little animals discussed amongst themselves for a solution, but couldn¡¯te up with anything good.

    ¡°Human affairs are soplicated,¡± Oil Jar sighed with a ck expression.

    ¡°Arooo~¡± the snow wolf pup expressed his agreement. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t sit still any longer and stood up to pace in circles around the room.

    Finally, she asked Grandpa Sparrow, ¡°Is it really possible that the empress dowager would make a move against the empress¡¯s baby?¡±

    Grandpa Sparrow nodded. That empress dowager is so wicked, what wouldn¡¯t she do?

    ¡°Then forget about everything else,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m sending the empress out of the pce immediately.¡±

    ¡°What if the empress dowager tries to threaten the empress?¡± Oil Jar squeaked.

    ¡°The empress will still be a little safer by her big brother¡¯s side,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°The empress dowager is invincible inside the pce, but that¡¯s not necessarily the case beyond its walls. Even if she tries to threaten the empress, at least the empress can talk things over with her big brother there, right? Some sort of support is better than none at all. The baby will only grow healthy if the mother is in a good mood.¡±

    ¡°And what about you?¡± Big Boss ck asked. The empress might be fine, but what will the ninny do?

    Ning Xiaoyao cracked her lips into a grin at the little animals. ¡°Someone like me is dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens. I don¡¯t need to fear a thing, yah~¡±

 Chapter 176: Yours and mine true love

    <h4>Chapter 176: Yours and mine true love</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao was the kind of person who did what she said, so as she told Shadowgale to prepare a carriage for the empress, while she herself headed for the empress¡¯s pce with Oil Jar in her sleeve and Little Tangerine---the girl she saved from Lady Xiang¡¯s estate---trotting behind her. When the eunuchs at the gate saw Ning Xiaoyao appear, they could hardly believe their eyes.

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand in front of the eunuch¡¯s face. He looked back and eximed ¡®Your Majesty!¡¯ before preparing to fall to his knees.

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao strode into the gates before asking casually, ¡°Where¡¯s the empress?¡±

    The young eunuch hastily ran in front of her to lead the way as he said, ¡°To reply Your Majesty, the empress is in the Warm Spring Partition.¡±

    ¡°Warm Spring Partition,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded in approval. ¡°A good name, it sounds like a great spot. Let¡¯s go, to the Warm Spring Partition!¡±

    --

    ¡°Empress!¡± Zhou mama threw open the doors of the pce. Inside the room, Empress Zhou gave a start.

    ¡°Mama, what¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked.

    Zhou mama staggered into the second-story room and said urgently, ¡°His Majesty is here!¡±

    The empress nched. Zhou mama nced at the table, where a porcin bowl of fetus-soothing soup for preventing miscarriage was still lying there half-full. The empress tugged at her sleeves and said in rm, ¡°What is His Majesty doing,ing at a time like this?¡±

    Meanwhile, Zhou mama took the contents of the bowl and ran to the back window before throwing it outside. At this, Empress Zhou unconsciously clutched her stomach. Zhou mama ran back to the empress¡¯s side and murmured, ¡°Empress, don¡¯t panic just yet. Ask His Majesty what he wants first.¡±

    The empress nodded. That was the only thing she could do now. When Ning Xiaoyao arrived at the Warm Spring Partition, she nced up at the second story before saying, ¡°Little Tangerine, you can wait for me here.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Little Tangerine quickly bowed her head.

    The empress and Zhou mama emerged from the room and prepared to greet Ning Xiaoyao downstairs. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao headed for the steps as Oil Jar slipped out of her sleep. She instructed the mouse, ¡°Go find where that spy is, then tell me once you¡¯ve found her location.¡±

    Oil Jar nodded before jumping towards the rafters and scurrying off. Big Boss ck caught up from behind and settled across Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Why did you show up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck licked his paws. ¡°This cat is worried that you¡¯ll do something stupid, so I¡¯m here to watch over the proceedings.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt an urge to throw the fat ck furball outside.

    ¡°Hurry up, miaow,¡± Big Boss ck urged her.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued to climb the stairs as her eyes rolled in thought. Finally she said, ¡°If you¡¯re worried about me, just admit it. Why don¡¯t you tell the truth? You unreasonable kitty~¡±

    Big Boss ck really hade because he was worried about Ning Xiaoyao, but being caught like this only made his fur stand on end. He bared his ws and pawed at Ning Xiaoyao with a meow. ¡°You ninny, stop saying such nauseating things! Don¡¯t gross this cat out, miaow!¡±

    After being scratched by Big Boss ck again, Ning Xiaoyao felt that she shouldn¡¯t indulge this fat cat¡¯s temper all the time. She plucked him up by his fat and started whapping him on the head. Big Boss ck was the leader of all the cats in the capital, so he¡¯d never take this lying down. He showed his ws and started to counter her thwaps.

    Thus, one human and one cat devolved into yet another fight. The sight left the empress and Zhou mama speechless as they stood on the steps...

    ¡°That¡¯s the cat that His Majesty¡¯s raising, right?¡± the empress said in a low voice to Zhou mama.

    Zhou mama shielded Empress Zhou from the said. ¡°It should be it. This cat was unlucky enough to raise Old Madame Xie¡¯s corpse from the dead. Empress should take care.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao after hearing those words. Where did that rumore from?!

    Big Boss ck stopped trying to bite Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers off once he noticed the empress.

    Empress Zhou quickly prepared to pay her respects. ¡°This consort greets Your Majes---¡±

    ¡°Enough, enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°Why are you trying to kneel even while you¡¯re standing on the stairs? Go on back up, I have words to say to you.¡±

    Zhou mama looked guardedly at Big Boss ck settled on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°What happened with Old Madame Xie was because of the mourning hall catching on fire,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. ¡°I carried her body out of the building with me, but the coffin broke so her corpse rolled out. It really wasn¡¯t anything like raising the dead.¡±

    Zhou mama waspletely floored. She¡¯d been whispering, but His Majesty had heard everything?! The empress was startled as well. This mama had raised her since she was young and hade with her from the Zhou n to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, then the imperial pce. She was the person that the empress trusted and relied on most.

    Worried that Ning Xiaoyao would be angry with Zhou mama, Empress Zhou hastily fell to one knee with a bow. ¡°My mama¡¯s an old woman with a muddle-headed brain. Your Majesty has no need to lower yourself to her level and acknowledge the woman.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°Empress, you really don¡¯t know how to say nice things.¡±

    The empress gave another start, while Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°I¡¯ve already lowered myself to her level, so are you saying I¡¯m muddle-headed too?¡±

    The empress really couldn¡¯t shoulder such an usation. Zhou mama sensed the change in tone and fell to her knees to kowtow to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This servant deserves to die!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. What did I just do? I¡¯ve scared this mama so much.

    The empress was about to kneel as well, but Ning Xiaoyao stopped her and pulled her to her feet. ¡°Enough already, I really have important things to talk about. Let¡¯s not waste any more time.¡±

    Empress Zhou felt unwell all over as Ning Xiaoyao took her hand to lead her to the rooms. But she didn¡¯t dare to wrest free, either. Ning Xiaoyao only nodded silently to herself. Looks like the baby in her stomach is very healthy right now.

    After entering the rooms, the empress went to offer Ning Xiaoyao a te of fruit, but hesitated to say anything out loud. Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a big apple and took a huge bite, crunching as she spoke. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you sitting down?¡±

    The empress replied, ¡°Thanks to Your Majesty for allowing me to sit, but this consort shall just stand.¡±

    ¡°Whatever makes you happy, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I¡¯ve received word that the empress dowager wants to take action against you.¡±

    The empress gave a start at the words, but Zhou mama simply ran in front of Ning Xiaoyao and fell to her knees again. ¡°Your Majesty, you---you have to save the empress!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had no choice but to pull Zhou mama to her feet as well. ¡°Isn¡¯t that why I¡¯vee?¡±

    The empress silently exhaled and asked, ¡°Does Esteemed Empress Dowager want Your Majesty to abolish this empress?¡±

    ¡°Your pce contains spies from the empress dowager,¡± Ning Xiaoyao straightforwardly replied.

    Zhou mama¡¯s head whipped back towards her mistress, who looked ashen from the revtion. Subconsciously, her hands had gone to clutch her stomach again.

    Ning Xiaoyao feigned ignorance after dropping her bombshell while trying to work things out. Should I just say, ¡®empress, I know you¡¯re pregnant with General Xu Feiyu¡¯s baby?¡¯ Then how am I supposed to exin my own indifference? Tell her I have a true love too? So in the end, it¡¯ll be ¡®empress, you go find your true love while I guard mine?¡¯

    When Ning Xiaoyao had thought of true love, a miniature Lou Zigui appeared in her mind until she pped her head repeatedly to get the picture away. Both the empress and Zhou mama only started at her doubtfully. What¡¯s wrong with His Majesty now?

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat up and asked Empress Zhou, ¡°Is there anything else you want to tell me?¡±

    The empress shook her head before she continued. ¡°How could this consort have anything to say? If Your Majesty is well, then so is this consort.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed and muttered to herself, ¡°Why can¡¯t you love courageously?¡±

    Although neither the empress nor Zhou mama heard her words, Big Boss ck caught them loud and clear from her shoulders. He meowed back, ¡°Could she dare to love him openly? This is called adultery, don¡¯t you know?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ced Big Boss ck in herp and held him there. This fat ck furball needs to calm himself down.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Zhou mama blinked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s actions.

    ¡°No matter what the empress dowager¡¯s nning, you should pack your things right now, empress. I¡¯ll send you out of the pce tonight,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Isn¡¯t your big brother at that whachamacallit temple...¡±

    ¡°Iron Buddha Temple,¡± Big Boss ck struggled free to show his head with a meow.

    ¡°Oh, right, that Iron Buddha Temple,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the empress. ¡°Go and live there for awhile.¡±

    The empress gave a start. ¡°Your Majesty wants this consort to go to Iron Buddha Temple?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Did I not speak clearly enough?

    ¡°Thete emperor set a decree,¡± the empress continued, ¡°That this consort¡¯s big brother would have to atone for his crimes before Buddha for the rest of his life. He¡¯s forbidden to see any outsiders aside from the monks in the temple.¡±

    ¡°Because of that incident where the imperial uncle was killed by bandits?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The empress nodded. This time, she didn¡¯t feel as resentful or sad as before.

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips disdainfully. ¡°That useless imperial uncle died on his own. What does that have to do with your big brother? Was your big brother his full-time bodyguard?¡±

    The empress was at a loss. Had she heard correctly? His Majesty¡¯s saying that it served Imperial Uncle Hong right for dying, and that my big brother¡¯s not to me?

    ¡°Thete emperor¡¯s already dead, so why should you care what he said?¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°Go pack your things, you¡¯re seeing your big brother tonight.¡±

    The empress was about to nod and say yes when Zhou mama hissed, ¡°Empress!¡±

    The empress saw Zhou mama staring at her stomach and realized what she meant. She quickly turned back to Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°If this consort leaves, won¡¯t Esteemed Empress Dowager set all her temper against Your Majesty? This consort cannot leave Your Majesty in such difficult straits.¡±

    Now it was time for Ning Xiaoyao to be clueless. Why is the empress thinking for my sake now? What¡¯s with all this kindness and understanding?

    The empress walked over to Ning Xiaoyao and tried to ce her hands on top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s. Immediately Ning Xiaoyao backed away and muttered to Big Boss ck, ¡°Dang it, she couldn¡¯t have fallen in love with me, right?¡± After all, I¡¯m dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens. (Author: Why are you always so lost in blind delusions? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Big Boss ck didn¡¯t reply. He simply scratched Ning Xiaoyao instead. The empress¡¯s face flushed as she murmured softly to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, just stay with this consort tonight.¡±

    Rrrrummbbbble---

    After the roaring stopped in her head, Ning Xiaoyao finally understood. The empress still wants me to be her baby¡¯s father!

    Empress Zhou¡¯s face flushed even redder.

    Ning Xiaoyao could guess that the empress wasn¡¯t feeling shy, but oppressed instead.

    ¡°Go to Iron Buddha Temple,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she gently pushed the empress¡¯s hand aside. Her face adopted a stern expression as she got to her feet. ¡°After I take care of the empress dowager, I¡¯ll have someone deliver you back.¡±

    Empress Zhou looked disappointed, but still she was silently relieved in her heart. Although she knew what she had to do, she wouldn¡¯t want to even if she was dead. The pressure was almost enough to drive her mad.

 Chapter 177: His Majesty tears down the house again

    <h4>Chapter 177: His Majesty tears down the house again</h4>

    Zhou mama withdrew to pack Empress Zhou¡¯s things, leaving only the ¡®husband and wife¡¯ pair alone in the Warm Spring Partition---and one fat cat on the side. Ning Xiaoyao nced around at all the furniture in the room and saw quite a bit of nice things. But when she spotted the empress again, she figured it wouldn¡¯t be nice to just sell off all her stuff. Ning Xiaoyao grabbed another apple and prepared to munch when she suddenly recalled another detail. If the empress ends up eloping with her true love General Xu, wouldn¡¯t the things in this room belong to me?

    After untangling that little conundrum, Ning Xiaoyao felt much happier. Her warm gaze settled on the empress as she thought to herself, the faster you find your happiness, the faster I¡¯ll find mine!

    Empress Zhou felt flustered by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heated look and quietly retreated a few steps. Ning Xiaoyao sat gnawing on her apple as she nced up, surprised to see the empress still standing there. ¡°How about you go pack your things too?¡± she suggested.

    ¡°This consort shall take her leave then,¡± the empress said. She dropped to one knee to give Ning Xiaoyao a formal bow before leaving the room.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Do you have to be so blunt? Am I poison to you?!

    Big Boss ck rolled around on the couch before saying, ¡°Ninny, you scared off the empress.¡±

    ¡°Give up already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stuffed the rest of the apples into her pockets. ¡°She simply doesn¡¯t have any insight. My gender¡¯s all wrong as well. If I was a man, I¡¯d definitely be stronger than even that foster son of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s.¡±

    Big Boss ck stared at Ning Xiaoyao before he finally spoke. ¡°That¡¯s true. Right now, you¡¯re only Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s granddaughter, miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lost her temper and grabbed Big Boss ck, preparing for another bout. Oil Jar took this chance to run inside and stop below the couch. ¡°Xiaoyao, that spy¡¯s in the a wing at the western end of the pce. There¡¯s a bunch of other people with her there too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao released Big Boss ck, who bared his fangs as he dered, ¡°Let¡¯s all go bite them to death!¡±

    ¡°Wake up, you¡¯re just a cat!¡± Ning Xiaoyao whapped Big Boss ck on his head.

    Oil Jar said, ¡°Xiaoyao, if you want I¡¯ll go back and call Ancestral Grandfather and the rest to bite that spy to death.¡±

    The mice in this world are even brave enough to bite humans to death. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t even want to say anything more.

    ¡°Just what are you nning?¡± Big Boss ck was getting antsy with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sck of replies.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rose to her feet. ¡°We¡¯ll need to take a look first.¡±

    ¡°We still have to look?¡± Big Boss ck muttered unhappily.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°This is what we called scoping out the enemy, do you understand?¡± She headed towards the western facing windows, pushed them open and prepared to jump out.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to jump out of the window!!!?¡± Big Boss ck cried.

    ¡°There¡¯s a person stationed outside the doors,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she peered outside. ¡°Moreover, investigations like this should be done in secret. Aye, a cat like you won¡¯t understand even if I exined things to you.¡±

    Oil Jar said, ¡°Xiaoyao, just who is the person outside the door?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head as she answered. ¡°Don¡¯t know, ah. In any case, she¡¯s from the empress¡¯s pce.¡±

    Big Boss ck rolled his eyes from his perch where he was draped across Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. This ninny doesn¡¯t nothing but say nonsense all day long. Who else would the people at the empress¡¯s pce belong to if not the empress herself?

    Ning Xiaoyao gauged the distance between her current location and the ground with her naked eye before jumping down with cat and mouse in tow. The servant girl assigned to stand by the door currently had a pale face. She hadn¡¯t heard what His Majesty said specifically, but she did hear meows and squeaks. There was no one else in the room besides His Majesty, so was he talking to a cat and mouse? But how can humans speak to animals? Moreover, how could a cat and mouse agree to stay in the same room? (Author: Hey hey, do you have to ask so many questions after hearing just a few noises?) Rumors had it that His Majesty had mental problems and was half-made. The servant girl hadn¡¯t believed it in the past, but she did a bit, now. (Author: Hey!)

    ¡°Does His Majesty really want to protect me?¡± The empress was currently sitting uneasily in her bedroom with Zhou mama.

    Zhou mama¡¯s head was bowed as she packed the bags. She¡¯d followed her family¡¯s youngdy all the way here and had personally witnessed how her old master, mistress, and young master had lost their heads to the bandits. She had also seen how their eldest young master had been encumbered by Prince Hong in the struggle until he lost his left arm to the thieves. After that, she¡¯d watched as her young mistress was forced to marry His Majesty and Grand Preceptor Xie stole away the Zhou n soldiers. In Zhou mama¡¯s heart, the imperial n was full of nothing but heartless, petty souls, so she had difficulty thinking well of Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Will His Majesty pardon my big brother?¡± Empress Zhou asked her next.

    Zhou mama tied a knot on the bundle of clothes and straightened up. ¡°Empress, this servant believes that this is simply a struggle between His Majesty and the empress dowager. His Majesty will naturally protect the people the empress dowager wants to harm.¡±

    ¡°So, he¡¯s not trying protect me because he wants to?¡± the empress suddenly felt relieved. She could owe other people debts, but not to Ning Yu. She was the one who betrayed him first, so it¡¯d be impossible for her to turn back. She would never be able to return any feelings Ning Yu held for her in this lifetime.

    Zhou mama said, ¡°It¡¯s a good thing for the empress if His Majesty is fighting with the empress dowager.¡±

    The empress asked, ¡°But what if His Majesty loses?¡±

    Zhou mama gave a coldugh. ¡°Even if His Majesty loses, he won¡¯t lose right this instant. As long as we can safely leave the pce, empress, you¡¯ll have your chance.¡±

    The empress cradled her stomach in her hands as she sat on the bed. That¡¯s right. As long as I can leave the pce, I¡¯ll have other ways to escape.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get away from the pce first,¡± Zhou mama murmured under her breath. ¡°Once we¡¯re out, empress should send a letter to General Xu immediately. While His Majesty and the empress dowager are too distracted with each other, empress and General Xu should hurry to think up a n themselves.¡±

    The empress dowager. She was rather sorry to His Majesty for running away this time, but she couldn¡¯t care about the emperor while worrying for her lover and brother. As the empress made up her mind to flee the capital for good after leaving the pce, Ning Xiaoyao had arrived on top of the roof of the wing at the western end of the pce. She pried off one of the roof tiles to peek inside.

    ¡°That¡¯s the mama who¡¯s a spy,¡± Oil Jar pointed out a slightly chubby woman.

    Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes. Inside the room, a servant girl told Chen mama, ¡°Mama, the empress has returned to her bedroom, but His Majesty¡¯s still in the Warm Spring Partition.¡±

    Chen mama replied, ¡°What about the servant girl that His Majesty had brought with him?¡±

    The girl replied, ¡°She¡¯s still standing outside the building.¡±

    Chen mama looked around at the various servant girls and eunuchs standing around her. Then she pointed to a younger eunuch and said, ¡°Go to the empress dowager¡¯s pce and tell her about His Majestying to the empress¡¯s pce. Say that this servant will send another report if His Majesty spends the night here.¡±

    The young eunuch muttered an assent and ran towards the door. Ning Xiaoyao mused that it wouldn¡¯t be good for the empress dowager to get wind of this news before the empress had escaped from the pce. Most likely, that woman would show up here to kick up another row again. Ning Xiaoyao felt weary just imagining their next bout.

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Big Boss ck gnawed at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sleeve.

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly pried apart some more roof tiles to reveal the central roof beam of the building. Then she bent down, held her breath, and used all her strength to punch towards the beam. At this point, the young eunuch had yet to reach the door. Chen mama heard a noiseing from the roof and quickly looked up. By now, Ning Xiaoyao had already punched the beam five to six times in quick session. Now she stood up to kick and stomp on the cracked structure.

    ¡°There¡¯s people on the roof!¡± Chen mama shouted.

    Big Boss ck was running wildly back and forth over the tiles with Oil Jar on his back. Ning Xiaoyao leapt into the air andnded heavily on the roof beam multiple times. Finally, the main roof beam split in half with a crack. Chen mama and the rest all ran for the exit, but Ning Xiaoyao gave the support beam a final punch.

    ¡°Ning Xiaoyao, you no-good bastard!¡± Big Boss ck gave a wretched cry as he jumped off the roof with Oil Jar in tow. The entire roof beam had broken into four separate pieces. Cracks appeared on the walls of the room before the building split in half, then caved in on itself with a resounding crash. Chen mama and the rest were all trapped inside the house and its remains.

    ¡°Pah, pah, pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood atop the rubble and spat a few times while dusting the grime from her hair.

    ¡°Xiaoyao¡¯s tearing down houses again,¡± Oil Jar remarked from on top of Big Boss ck¡¯s head, a little stunned to see a perfectly good building disappear so quickly.

    Big Boss ck regarded the pile of rubble and shivered. Judging from this show of her ninny¡¯s strength, she was capable of destroying a house with her bare hands. If that was the case, she hadn¡¯t used a fraction of her true strength in their daily spats. It was impossible for the noise to go unnoticed in the empress¡¯s pce. Soon enough, more people came to the scene and grew dumbfounded at the sight.

    ¡°The building copsed,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stood on a tall piece of rock in the midst of the debris. ¡°That¡¯s all, it¡¯s no big deal, haha.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the empress¡¯s servants. The house is all but destroyed, but you¡¯re saying it¡¯s no big deal?

    ¡°T-there are people inside,¡± a young eunuch said as he shook with fear.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no one there.¡±

    The young eunuch pointed at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet, and she looked down to see a pair of legs and the corner of a robe. ¡°That¡¯s just clothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    ¡°.........¡± said the crowd. But how do you exin that pair of legs?

    The empress arrived next with Zhou mama¡¯s help. Zhou mama let go of her as soon as she noticed Ning Xiaoyao looking their way. Ning Xiaoyao jumped off her rock and walked around from the disaster pile until she was in front of the empress. In a low voice, she murmured, ¡°All the people in that building were the empress dowager¡¯s spies, oh.¡±

    A sh of killing intent flickered across the empress¡¯s eyes. Ning Xiaoyao silently nodded in approval. It¡¯s good that she has a temper. That¡¯s how the daughter of a general should act. Looks like the pce hasn¡¯t turned this girl into a weak-minded chicken yet. (Author: Why are you worrying about those details right now? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°All of you, withdraw,¡± the empressmanded the crowd. In the pce, her words were ineffectivepared to the empress dowager¡¯s, but they held full sway in her own quarters. The eunuchs and servant girls left without a murmur.

    Zhou mama looked at the buildings bordering the copsed structure and eximed in rm, ¡°This is that old Chen woman¡¯s house!¡±

    ¡°Old Chen woman?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°I did hear people call for a Chen mama inside.¡±

    The empress¡¯s face looked unsightly. ¡°So it was her.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Forget about her now. And don¡¯t bring anyone from the pce with you, either. Just take your Zhou mama and get out of here, quick.¡±

    Zhou mama said, ¡°Only this servant and the empress shall go?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao spread out her hands. ¡°How else can you be sure that anyone else you take isn¡¯t actually working for the empress dowager instead?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going,¡± the empress said promptly. ¡°Just the two of us.¡± No matter who it was, the empress didn¡¯t want to see another member of the pce ever again.

 Chapter 178: Is it true love? Is it a personal enemy?

    <h4>Chapter 178: Is it true love? Is it a personal enemy?</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao escorted the empress out of the pce at the northern gates. Although she knew the empress must have packed money in those bags of hers, she held back her pain to hand over two silver drafts of her own. ¡°Be careful with everyone once you leave the pce, especially for the empress dowager. If you need anything, have Zhou mamae back to find me.¡±

    The empress nodded with a yes. Ning Xiaoyao quickly nced at the empress¡¯s stomach before she waved at hand at Zhou mama, who was in charge of their little carriage. ¡°Go on now.¡±

    The single rider carriage quickly departed from the gates. The empress lifted her window curtains with her hand to peer back at the quickly shrinking pce. She had been a bird in a cage for so long that she suddenly want to jump for joy at this newfound freedom. Perhaps a smile orugh would do as well, but what came out were tears instead.

    ¡°Empress, sit tight,¡± Zhou mama said, her face covered by a veil as she urged on the horses. ¡°Don¡¯t let anyone see you.¡± The pce was the empress dowager¡¯s domain, but the capital city belonged to Grand Preceptor Xie. It would be best for people to learn of their travels aste as possible.

    In the end, the empress¡¯s gaze settled on the slight figure standing just inside the pce gates. Her guilty conscience red up momentarily before she released the curtains and settled back into the carriage. Don¡¯t think about that anymore, Empress Zhou told herself. Between His Majesty and Xu Feiyu, I will always pick thetter.

    Oil Jar perched on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder to watch the carriage disappear into the distance. ¡°Will the empress be alright?¡± he asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°She¡¯ll have her older brother by her side and track down her General Xu as well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose as she murmured back. ¡°Maybe she and her big brother will even run away tonight.¡±

    Oil Jar¡¯s mouth opened wide.

    ¡°She wants to escape?¡± Big Boss ck asked. ¡°Then Xiaoyao, what will you do?¡± No matter how good the empress might be, Big Boss ck was still worried about Ning Xiaoyao. She was his number one priority after Supreme Commander Lou.

    Ning Xiaoyao simply shrugged. ¡°What else can I do? Announce that the empress died, of course.¡±

    Oil Jar squeaked. ¡°So you¡¯ve already thought it through, Xiaoyao. How formidable!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. Fake deaths and whatnot were plenty good as a verbal excuse. Although she¡¯d juste up with the idea on the spot, challenges like this were still nothing to her. (Author: If that¡¯s the case, then why did you onlye up with the idea now...)

    Ning Xiaoyao hummed a tune as she personally shut the pce gates and nced at the two imperial guards on duty. ¡°What did you guys see just then?¡± she asked.

    The empress hadn¡¯t shown her face and stayed inside the carriage the entire time, while Zhou mama had obscured her identity with a veil. The two imperial guards had only seen His Majesty hand over two silver drafts to the upant of the carriage but not the identities of the travelers.

    ¡°Nothing,.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this servant didn¡¯t see a thing,¡± the two guards on duty replied.

    ¡°Then did you guys see me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next.

    The two imperial guards looked at the emperor before them. Most sovereigns were described with metaphors such as ¡®a green dragon on the left shoulder and a white tiger on the right,¡¯ but their sovereign had a cat on his left shoulder and a mouse on his right. They weren¡¯t even wondering why the cat hadn¡¯t eaten the mouse yet because His Majesty¡¯s current getup was truly an insult to his status.

    ¡°No, we servants didn¡¯t see Your Majesty,¡± the imperial guards replied with a straight face.

    Satisfied, Ning Xiaoyao asked one officer, ¡°Little bro, what¡¯s your name?¡±

    The officer hastened to say, ¡°To reply Your Majesty, this one¡¯s surnamed Zhou. My full name is Zhou Mu.¡±[1. Zhou Mu (ÖÜÄ¾) - This is the same Zhou shared by the empress and Zhou mama, but it¡¯s amon enoughst name that he¡¯s probablypletely unrted. Mu means ¡®wood.¡¯] Mu meant ¡®wood.¡¯

    ¡°You¡¯re nothing like a blockhead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted Zhou Mu¡¯s shoulders while thinking of his name.

    Zhou Mu only trembled as he spotted Lou Zigui walking their way. The Supreme Commander looked to be in a foul mood. Hearing the footsteps, Ning Xiaoyao turned and greeted Lou Zigui with a grin.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, why did you show up?¡±

    Lou Zigui nced at the shut pce doors before turning back to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This subject requests Your Majesty to return to Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t object. Since she¡¯d already sent off the empress, why shouldn¡¯t she go back to her own pce? Lou Zigui next nced at Oil Jar on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder, who quaked at the sight of the man. His eyes are like ice! I¡¯m scared to death! Oil Jar jumped off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and fled.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ning Xiaoyao knitted her brows. She¡¯d finally noticed that Supreme Commander Lou looked very unhappy.

    Behind them, the imperial guards stood with their heads bowed but their ears wide open, waiting to hear the reason. Lou Zigui simply brought Ning Xiaoyao along until they were far away from the guards, then asked, ¡°Why did you send the empress out of the pce?¡±

    ¡°Because the empress dowager wants her dead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    ¡°She¡¯s going to Iron Buddha Temple?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You even guessed that?¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a palm against his forehead. Zhou Junqi was at Iron Buddha Temple, so where else in the capital could the empress go? She didn¡¯t have any other rtives.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued. ¡°I sent the empress to Iron Buddha Temple. It¡¯s not like thete emperor can crawl out of the earth and bite me for defying his orders.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face was wooden. ¡°Thete emperor wouldn¡¯t bite you.¡± How can dead peoplee back to life?

    ¡°Exactly, yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao while wearing a very reasonable expression.

    ¡°The empress dowager wants to deal with you,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°So why would she divvy up her resources to target the empress? Just because the empress helped you prepare that spring banquet?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it? Then did the empress oppose the empress dowager in some way?¡±

    How was His Majesty Ning suppose to expose the empress¡¯s private affairs? After thinking it over for awhile, Ning Xiaoyao finally settled on an answer. ¡°In any case, it¡¯s all schemes and fights between women.¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Saying that is like saying nothing at all.

    At this moment, Shadowgale arrived with a team of Dragon Guards in tow. Lou Zigui told Shadowgale, ¡°The empress left for Iron Buddha Temple, send your men to guard her along the way. After you see Zhou Junqi, tell him that His Majesty has already discovered the truth of Prince Hong¡¯s death from the past and is nning to straighten things out.¡± Lou Zigui paused here, before adding, ¡°And also, His Majesty will find time to visit him at Iron Buddha Temple.¡±

    Shadowgale looked to Ning Xiaoyao first after hearing Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s words. Ning Xiaoyao had no idea what the truth of Prince Hong¡¯s death could be, but she still nodded at him and said, ¡°Do as Supreme Commander says.¡±

    Shadowgale epted the orders and left the pce with his Dragon Guards.

    ¡°It¡¯s not wrong for you to bestow favors on Zhou Junqi,¡± Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head after the Dragon Guards left.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. When did I bestow favors to the empress¡¯s big brother? Why don¡¯t I know about this?

    Lou Zigui continued, ¡°Back then when Zhou Junqi acted on the emperor¡¯s orders to quell the bandits, it was Xu Feiyu¡¯s duty to protect Prince Hong and his family. But Prince Hong and his family all died by the bandits. Because Xu Feiyue earned the Grand Preceptor¡¯s protection, all of the me fell onto Zhou Junqi¡¯s shoulders.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s jaw dropped wide enough to fit in an entire apple. That can¡¯t be right. Where¡¯s the true love story? That surnamed Xu ruined the empress¡¯s big brother like that, but he¡¯s still the empress¡¯s lover? Is it true that love makes all women blind?!

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°You didn¡¯t know about this?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. How could I have known?!

    Now Supreme Commander Lou was puzzled. ¡°Then why are you bestowing favors on Zhou Junqi?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at him. ¡°If I say I¡¯m not, will Supreme Commander think I¡¯m an idiot?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked back at Ning Xiaoyao. They stood next to each other, one looking down while the other looked up. Finally, Ning Xiaoyao dropped her head and took another apple out of her pouch to munch on while she walked. No need to ask. Judging from Supreme Commander¡¯s attitude, he¡¯ll definitely think I¡¯m stupid.

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui began as he followed behind her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao handed Lou Zigui an apple as well. ¡°I want some peace and quiet.¡±

    Lou Zigui epted the apple but didn¡¯t eat it. ¡°Why would I think you¡¯re an idiot?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at him before spitting out, ¡°It¡¯d be weird if you didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    Ning Xiaoyao polished off her apple without wasting a bite, even swallowing down the core. Lou Zigui saw her finishing it off with gusto and figured it was time to speak, only to see the girl take an even bigger apple out of her bag and crunch on it. Seeing that she wanted more time to think, Supreme Commander Lou had no choice but to continue to keep mum. As Ning Xiaoyao expressionlessly ate her apple, she looked quite concentrated. Actually, if Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head had a pot of water right now, it¡¯d be boiling over. From what Supreme Commander just said, Xu Feiyu should be a mortal enemy of the Zhou n siblings. Then where did this ¡®true love¡¯ pop out from?

    The quiet Big Boss ck on her shoulders finally spoke up. ¡°The baby in the empress¡¯s stomach definitely belongs to Xu Feiyu, there¡¯s no mistake.¡±

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to look at Lou Zigui. ¡°I¡¯m going to the bathroom. Supreme Commander, let¡¯s meet in the Supreme Splendor Hall.¡± After that, she took Big Boss ck and sped off.

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui, who was left to stand in ce. If she¡¯s not going back to Supreme Splendor Hall for the restroom, then where¡¯s she off to now? Isn¡¯t she afraid of exposing her secret?! Ah, wait. Supreme Commander stopped fretting and made a ‡å face. Why do I even need to worry about her going to the bathroom?! (Author: This...Supreme Commander, if you don¡¯t even know yourself, who would? (¨s¨Œ¨t))

    Ning Xiaoyao brought Big Boss ck to the little flower garden in the pce so she could continue her meeting with her little pals. She took out the apples and divided them amongst Grandpa Sparrow and Yellow Great Immortal while repeating Supreme Commander¡¯s words.

    Oil Jar, who¡¯de back ahead of Ning Xiaoyao, asked, ¡°Did the empress ept a traitor as her husband?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao really felt like Oil Jar was a cultured little mouse to speak so well.

    ¡°No way, right?¡± Wifey Magpie couldn¡¯t believe it.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Anyone of you know what happened that year when the empress¡¯s big brother failed to suppress those bandits?¡±

    Grandpa Sparrow shook his head. ¡°It didn¡¯t happen in the capital, so none of us saw.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Grandpa Sparrow, none of you looked into it?¡±

    Before Grandpa Sparrow could answer, Big Boss ck said disdainfully, ¡°Who¡¯d bother asking about you humans?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had no words to say to that.

    ¡°Oil Jar can¡¯t figure it out,¡± Oil Jar shook his head at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Is Xu Feiyu truly the empress¡¯s man?¡±

    ¡°Truly,¡± Wifey Magpie said. ¡°When the two of them got together, my cousin and his wife saw everything. My cousin¡¯s wife said she really did see the empress bleed. That¡¯s what you humans call the virginal something something.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Does anything that happen at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate escape those two magpies¡¯ eyes?

 Chapter 179: Supreme Commander Lou discovers the truth

    <h4>Chapter 179: Supreme Commander Lou discovers the truth</h4>

    A human unused to her current world and a group of non-human animals sat in a flower garden outside Supreme Splendor Hall to talk. They wanted to figure out just what was going on between the empress, Xu Feiyu, Zhou Junqi and Grand Preceptor Xie. All of them were talking and munching on apples when Ning Xiaoyao heard footstepsing their way. The little animals immediately scattered with apple pieces in their mouths, leaving only Big Boss ck and the snow wolf pup by her side.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at the man who just arrived. Lou Zigui crouched down, and the snow wolf pup in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sp raised his head to aroo at him.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°He¡¯s saying hello to you.¡±

    Lou Zigui stroked the wolf pup¡¯s head, making Big Boss ck jealous beyond belief. But he couldn¡¯t show his ws in front of his idol, so the fat cat could only sit there depressed.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to give him a name,¡± Lou Zigui said as he settled to sit by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°He can¡¯t be just ¡®little snow wolf, little snow wolf¡¯ forever.¡±

    ¡°How about Little Snow?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave her nth+1 name to the snow wolf pup.

    ¡°No, aroo!¡± the snow wolf pup was the first to reject the name. I¡¯m a male pup!

    Thanks to the name ¡®Little Red,¡¯ Supreme Commander Lou already had some immunity to names like Little Snow. He only creased his brows and said, ¡°Then what would you call him if he was female?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head in thought.

    ¡°Male, male, I¡¯m a male!¡± the snow wolf pup yipped at Ning Xiaoyao, who suddenly dropped her head and spoke to Lou Zigui.

    ¡°We can talk about this little white fatty¡¯s affairster, I have more important things to discuss!¡±

    Big Boss ck gave a start. ¡°Little White Fatty, this cat thinks that name suits him.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the snow wolf pup, who wanted to say he wasn¡¯t fat...but his paws touched his tubby tummy and left him unable to retort.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve tacitly epted,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced the wolf pup on the ground. ¡°Then you¡¯ll be called Little White Fatty from now on. ck Tubby, take Little White Fatty to y,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ordered Big Boss ck.

    The snow wolf pup Little White Fatty discovered that he had no way to reject his name anymore. Once the wolf and cat left, Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°What¡¯s so important that you have to tell me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched at her palms until Lou Zigui grasped her hands with his own. ¡°Stop scratching them. What happened? Xiaoyao, is there something you can¡¯t tell me?¡±

    ¡°This concerns the empress¡¯s private affairs,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hesitated. ¡°It¡¯ll be disrespectful to her if I tell.¡±

    Lou Zigui gave a start. What could be wrong with the empress? He thought it over a bit before trying, ¡°Is it rted to national affairs?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a pained expression on her face. It seems to be a true love versus family grudge kind of thing. But with Grand Preceptor Xie involved, it doesn¡¯t seem just like the empress¡¯s private affairs anymore.

    ¡°Looks like it really is rted to affairs of state,¡± Lou Zigui had been staring at Ning Xiaoyao the entire time to watch for her expression. He paused before saying, ¡°The empress has a very unique identity. She was born from a military family and has some connections to the Zhou n soldiers currently under Xu Feiyu¡¯smand, so I don¡¯t think her private affairs are minor at all.¡±

    ¡°You said that Xu Feiyu and the Grand Preceptor ruined the empress¡¯s big brother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t that make the empress and Xu Feiyu enemies?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°The empress once cursed Xu Feiyu for taking the enemy as his foster father.¡±

    ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t she be cursing the Grand Preceptor as well?¡±

    ¡°Esteemed Empress and Grand Preceptor Xie have a terrible rtionship, don¡¯t you know, Xiaoyao?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed. ¡°Whether or not she gets along with the Grand Preceptor has nothing to do with me, but she¡¯s pregnant with Xu Feiyu¡¯s child. That¡¯s what I can¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Supreme Commander Lou doubted his hearing once again.

    ¡°The empress is pregnant. Of course, it¡¯s not with my baby,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Supreme Commander Lou rested a hand against his forehead. ¡°I know the baby couldn¡¯t possibly be yours. How could a girl like you make the empress pregnant?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Actually, it wouldn¡¯t be so troublesome if it was my baby. After all, I¡¯m the emperor and she¡¯s the empress.¡±

    For a while, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t know how to continue the conversation. But Ning Xiaoyao grew amused at her thoughts and added, ¡°Haha, if I really had the skills, then I¡¯d make you pregnant instead, Supreme Commander. Hahaha~¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s sheughing so much for?¡± Big Boss ck gritted his teeth to ask his brother cats from the flowerbeds.

    The long-furred white cat licked its paws andmented, ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s face is turning green, meow.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes, I really pity Supreme Commander,¡± Wifey Magpie whispered to her husband from the branches of the Wutong tree.

    ¡°I can tell,¡± Husband Magpie remarked as he stared at the stiffly sitting Supreme Commander Lou, ¡°That Supreme Commander sometimes really suffers a lot from Xiaoyao, chirp.¡±

    ¡°Can Supreme Commander get pregnant?¡± On one of the lower branches, a little sparrow was asking Grandpa Sparrow, who sighed.

    ¡°Xiaoyao¡¯s foolish, but are you foolish as well? Males can¡¯t give birth to babies!¡± What do I do if Xiaoyao turns all of my grandchildren into idiots? Grandpa Sparrow found himself faced with a vexing conundrum.

    Lou Zigui pressed down against the veins popping out in his forehead and asked, ¡°Are you certain about this?¡±

    ¡°Certain,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°The empress and General Xu rolled around in the sheets at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, then the empress got preg---¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to signal her to stop. ¡°I don¡¯t want to know where they indulged in conjugal acts.¡±

    ¡°Indulged in conjugal acts?¡± This was the first time that Ning Xiaoyao had heard such words, but she could guess it wasn¡¯t a nice turn of phrase.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°The empress was already set to be another¡¯s wife, but she still had illicit---¡±

    ¡°Finefinefine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off before he said something even nastier. ¡°She and I are just a joke together, alright?¡±

    ¡°Then what about her and Xu Feiyu?¡± Lou Zigui said with a heavy expression. ¡°As if they¡¯re husband and wife.¡± Whether or not Ning Xiaoyao and the empress were a joke, the fact that Empress Zhou had done such a thing was a sign of huge disrespect to Ning Xiaoyao. Because of that, Lou Zigui had no kind words for the woman.

    Ning Xiaoyao only looked shamefaced. ¡°Supreme Commander, that there---we weren¡¯t husband and wife, either.¡±

    Lou Zigui felt his face sting as if he¡¯d just been pped.

    ¡°The soup that day was given to me by the empress.¡± Since Ning Xiaoyao had already sold out Empress Zhou, she felt no need to hide the other details of the aphrodisiac soup. Hearing that, Lou Zigui kept silent for a long time. Ning Xiaoyao had no choice but to keep quiet with him as the entire atmosphere stilled.

    ¡°So it was the empress¡¯s schemes,¡± Lou Zigui finally cracked a smile as he murmured to himself. He originally thought that maybe Ning Xiaoyao was attracted to him in some way, but it looked like he¡¯d thought too much. That had been nothing but a ploy gone wrong from the empress¡¯s side. In the end, it was all a joke.

    Ning Xiaoyao exhaled. ¡°Aiya, I don¡¯t feel so oppressed anymore after saying all that.¡±

    Lou Zigui maintained his smile but didn¡¯t reply. Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head at him before suddenly sitting up straight and nting a kiss on his cheek. She chuckled and said, ¡°But isn¡¯t it excellent all the same? I had a great time, and you, Supreme Commander, had a great---¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou muffled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth and murmured, ¡°Alright, no need to bring it up.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked at him. Lou Zigui released her and stared back. As Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth to speak again, Supreme Commander Lou covered her lips with a kiss and tasted the sweet, tangy vor of apples.

    ¡°It looks like the Zhou n siblings and Xu Feiyue pretended to fall out with each other and turn into enemies, all for Xie Wenyuan to see,¡± Lou Zigui resumed his normal self after kissing Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°They should¡¯ve found out back then that there was no keeping the Zhou n soldiers no matter what they did. Thus, they¡¯d rather Xu Feiyue go seek refuge with Xie Wenyuan instead. After all, the Zhou n troops falling into Xu Feiyu¡¯s hands is better than them falling into Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°Is Grand Preceptor Xie that easy to fool?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said doubtfully. If Grand Preceptor Xie was that stupid, would I have so much trouble killing him now?

    ¡°Thus the Prince Hong¡¯s entire family suffered while Xu Feiyu sought refuge with Xie Wenyuan to save his life,¡± Lou Zigui had finally figured things out as he exined to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°If Xu Feiyu hadn¡¯t fled with his men in private at thest minute, Zhou Junqi wouldn¡¯t have lost to the bandits.¡±

    ¡°That was all part of the y too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her left hand. ¡°The empress¡¯s big brother even got his hands chopped off, you know.¡±

    ¡°If their fate wasn¡¯t tragic enough, would Xie Wenyuan have bought the act? And would there even be a so-called ¡®debt of blood¡¯ between Xu Feiyu and the Zhou n?¡± Lou Zigui gently took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Then what about the empress and me? Did they think up that pairing ahead of time too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°That would be part of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s schemes,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°With n¨¦e Zhou in Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hands, Xu Feiyu wouldn¡¯t dare to cheat his master. N¨¦e Zhou is simply Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hostage to control Xu Feiyu.¡±

    Now Ning Xiaoyao understood everything too. This was the same situation as Grand Preceptor Xie holding Qin Xin hostage to control Qin Xuan.

    ¡°The empress dowager knows that the empress is pregnant?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°Supreme Commander, if you¡¯re always this sharp, I¡¯m going to feel pressured.¡± Being beat by others in IQ is a really heartbreaking thing!

    ¡°The Zhou n troops are stationed near the capital city,¡± Lou Zigui calcted. ¡°If we can pull the Zhou siblings and Xu Feiyu to our side, we¡¯ll reap nothing but benefits.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s like that, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was moved by Lou Zigui¡¯s words. She wanted the empress and Xu Feiyu to be together, so couldn¡¯t that General Xu give her a helping hand too? Although people said you shouldn¡¯t wish for favors when helping others out, she was in a really tough spot now. Furthermore, Ning Xiaoyao thought to herself, Since he¡¯s one of the country¡¯s generals, isn¡¯t it his duty to serve his country?

    ¡°Let¡¯s observe the situation for a bit first,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice. ¡°We¡¯ll see what the Zhou siblings and Xu Feiyu are nning to do first, then make a move.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°Do we need to do that? They¡¯ll definitely try to leave.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°If it was me, I¡¯d set a fire to burn down Iron Buddha Temple and spread false word that n¨¦e Zhou died. That¡¯d take care of everything.¡±

    ¡°True enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°So why do we need to wait and see?¡±

    ¡°If they leave, it¡¯ll be much harder to ask them for favors in the future. Xiaoyao, you¡¯d end up begging them for help instead.¡± Lou Zigui raised his head to look at the sky with cold eyes. ¡°And help gotten through pleading makes the heart uneasy. Xiaoyao, we have to make sure the Zhou siblings and Xu Feiyu arepletely willing to beg us to let them pledge loyalty instead.¡±

    Oh my God! Ning Xiaoyao felt sweat break out on her forehead. Supreme Commander¡¯s up to his dirty tricks again, ah!

 Chapter 180: The empress is a pawn

    <h4>Chapter 180: The empress is a pawn</h4>

    While Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui were leaning against the Wutong tree as they sat and talked, Shadowgale and the rest had already safely escorted Empress Zhou to the Iron Buddha Temple situated in the mountains north of the capital. It was currently nighttime, so no one was burning incense or praying to Buddha. The temple was currently devoid of worshippers, so when Shadowgale¡¯s team of Dragon Guards entered through the gates, they startled all the monks inside.

    The head monk Grandmaster Kumu[1. Grandmaster Kumu (¿ÝÄ¾´óÊ¦) - Kumu dashi, in which Kumu means ¡°dead tree.¡±] exited from the living quarters at the rear of the temple with the steward monk while nine others moved to Shadowgale¡¯s side. The empress had told Shadowgale before they arrived to not reveal her identity, and that she hadn¡¯t been expelled from the pce. Head Commander Shadowgale took her words as a royal decree and asked, ¡°Where is Zhou Junqi?¡±

    Grandmaster Kumu gave a start at Shadowgale¡¯s question. ¡°This excellency, Zhuo Xing[2. Zhuo Xing (×¾ÐÐ) - ¡°clumsy/awkward behavior/conduct,¡± the Dharma name of Zhou Junqi.] has already withdrawn from worldly affairs. He is a criminal as well, but your excellency still wishes to see him?¡±

    After the previous emperor had ordered Zhou Junqi to be a monk, he took on the Dharma name of Zhuo Xing. Shadowgale only feigned ignorance and retorted coldly, ¡°I came upon imperial decree. Don¡¯t waste words with me, Grandmaster, where is Zhou Junqi? Don¡¯t me us for His Majesty¡¯s wrath if you hinder our work.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s rude, unreasonable attitude forced Grandmaster Kumu to back down and keep quiet. No matter how high his status was amongst his fellow monks, how could itpare to imperial might?

    ¡°Your Excellency, pleasee this way,¡± Grandmaster Kumu led the way. Standing behind them, Empress Zhou trembled at the prospect of seeing her long estranged brother.

    Zhou mama supported her and murmured, ¡°Empress, you must keep calm. Wouldn¡¯t eldest young master feel miserable otherwise?¡±

    The empress raised a hand to rub at her eyes before she nodded. Shadowgale nced at the monks trailing behind them and ordered Grandmaster Kumu, ¡°There¡¯s no need for all these people to follow us.¡±

    Grandmaster Kumu waved a hand to dismiss his monks. The remaining line of people followed Grandmaster Kumu for about the length of time it took to burn a stick of incense before they arrived at a long and narrow path. At the end of the path was a solitary courtyard where a monk dressed in ash-gray robes was standing by the door. He had no left hand and it looked like he¡¯d been waiting for quite a while.

    ¡°Grandmaster may withdraw,¡± Shadowgale had never seen Zhou Junqi before, but the missing hand was proof of the monk¡¯s identity as Empress Zhou¡¯s brother. Grandmaster Kumu pressed his palms together in a namaste as he murmured a Buddha¡¯s name, then turned to leave. Empress Zhou made a move to step forward but Zhao mama tightly held her back.

    Zhou Junqi looked at the row of people before him. Aside from a few monks, he hadn¡¯t seen any other outsiders during his years here. Now he was unused to the sight of strangers and their unshaved heads. Shadowgale nced at Zhou Junqi and noted that he resembled the empress somewhat, but his skin was very white from extended periods without sunlight. He was also an extremely tall man, but thin, with his robes hanging loosely off his body.

    ¡°Head Commander,¡± a Dragon Guard by Shadowgale¡¯s side murmured. ¡°That Grandmaster Kumu hasn¡¯t left yet.¡±

    Shadowgale turned to peer into the darkness, but he couldn¡¯t see anyone.

    ¡°His footsteps stopped as soon as he walked out of the entrance,¡± the Dragon Guard added. Of all the men Shadowgale brought with him today, this one had the best hearing. Shadowgale trusted his words and patted his shoulders, before clearing his throat. Then he told Zhou Junqi. ¡°Zhou Junqi, ept this decree.¡±

    Zhou Junqi fell to his knees.

    Neither the empress nor Zhou mama knew what Ning Xiaoyao had decreed, so they held their breaths to listen closely. Shadowgale simply repeated Lou Zigui¡¯s words as the imperial decree for Zhou Junqi to hear. When Zhou Junqi realized that the current sovereign wanted to conduct a retrial for his losses against the bandits in the past, his mind went nk and blocked out the rest of Shadowgale¡¯s words.

    ¡°Zhou Junqi,¡± Shadowgale said, ¡°You¡¯re still not epting the decree and thanking His Majesty for his grace?¡±

    Jolted back to his senses, Zhou Junqi kowtowed and did just that. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Kumu headed silently back to the main temple. Thete emperor had been a believer of Buddhism who¡¯d never shirked in his donations to Iron Buddha Temple. However, the support from the imperial family had stopped after the current emperor took to the throne. One could well tell his attitude towards them. (Author: Grandmaster, do you believe me when I say His Majesty will bite you to death if you ask for donations now? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Moreover, Grandmaster Kumu thought, Because of one word from me, the current emperor had never stepped into the pce before he took the throne. Will he seek retribution for that slight? He was the very one who said that Empress Dowager Xie and Ning Xiaoyao weren¡¯tpatible at birth and should be kept apart. Now Grandmaster Kumu simply shook his head. What¡¯s inevitable can¡¯t be avoided. I¡¯ll listen to Heaven¡¯s will.

    ¡°Fellow Brother,¡± the steward monk of the temple, Grandmaster Kumu¡¯s younger monk brother, walked out from a small path in the woods. He was known as Grandmaster Chen Mu.[3. Chen Mu (³ÀÄ¾) - Chen is ¡°sincere feeling, true sentiment,¡± Mu is ¡°wood.¡±]

    ¡°His Majesty wants to reverse the verdict for Zhuo Xing,¡± Grandmaster Kumu replied.

    Grandmaster Chen Mu said, ¡°His Majesty doesn¡¯t get along with the Grand Preceptor, so it¡¯s logical that he¡¯ll reverse the verdict for his brother-inw¡¯s sake.¡±

    ¡°Monastics like us shouldn¡¯t involve themselves in these affairs,¡± Grandmaster Kumu replied as he kept walking.

    ¡°I saw two women in that group,¡± Grandmaster Chen Mu continued as he followed him. ¡°Why would His Majesty send women to see Zhou Xing? Unless they¡¯re...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say any more,¡± Grandmaster Kumu cut him off before lowering his voice. ¡°This humble monk oncemitted a grave blunder, but now you wish me to make another?¡±

    Grandmaster Chen Mu fell silent at his words.

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t stay long, but took his leave after watching Empress Zhou and Zhou mama enter the courtyard. The Zhou siblings hadn¡¯t seen each other for years. They looked at each other, wanting to cry but unable to, as they thought of their now distant past. Zhou mama stood outside the house as the two siblings reunited. After a long time, she finally heard the empress break out into bitter sobs and shed some tears of her own. Their family was broken up, its members dead or scattered. Anyone who hadn¡¯t experienced the pain themselves would never be able to understand such blood-soaked agony and hatred.

    While Shadowgale and the rest rode off on their horses, an old and unremarkable monk quickly finished penning a letter in his quarters, sealed it up, and ordered one of his young disciples to take it. ¡°The city gates are already shut at this hour, but if you call out the name of Iron Buddha Temple, a soldier will let down a basket for you. ce this letter in that basket.¡±

    The little monk epted the letter with a word of assent before turning to run out.

    In the meanwhile, Mute Nanny was brought by a Dragon Guard into Lou Zigui¡¯s quarters at Supreme Splendor Hall. A little nervous, she greeted the man in his chair with a bow.

    ¡°Take a trip over to the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Lou Zigui said when she was done. ¡°And tell her that Esteemed Empress has been sent to Iron Buddha Temple.¡±

    Mute Nanny opened her mouth in a silent ¡®ah,¡¯ before waving her hands at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I¡¯m well aware of your situation. But since His Majesty is willing to use you, I won¡¯t go against his wishes, either.¡±

    Mute Nanny dropped her hands to her sides.

    ¡°Remember to tell the empress dowager everything exactly as I¡¯ve said,¡± Lou Zigui added. Mute Nanny quickly moved her hands to reply, signing with her fingers very quickly. Lou Zigui¡¯s lips quirked upwards before he added, ¡°I can¡¯t understand your signnguage. I¡¯ve brought this up to His Majesty, but he still wouldn¡¯t let you go. Even if you say nothing about Esteemed Empress, the empress dowager will find out eventually. However, I still think it¡¯s better if you make a trip to showcase your loyalty while saving the empress dowager some time.¡±

    Mute Nanny thought Lou ZIgui¡¯s words over briefly before nodding in agreement. She was quite clear on the rtionship between His Majesty and Supreme Commander Lou; at this point in time, the man had no reason to harm His Majesty.

    ¡°And also,¡± Lou Zigui went on, ¡°Tell the empress dowager that you faintly heard His Majesty losing his temper, saying that the empress betrayed him.¡±

    After Chen mama and the rest were rescued from the rubble of the empress¡¯s buildings, they were locked up in the torture chambers. Empress Dowager Xie had already found out and was losing her temper at her own mama when a servant reported that Mute Nanny had requested an audience.

    Empress Dowager Xie told all her servants to withdraw before summoning the old woman into her pce. Mute Nanny knelt on the ground and made hand signs to the empress dowager to report how the empress had gone to Iron Buddha Temple. Empress Dowager Xie lifted a hand to signal her to rise.

    ¡°Why did His Majesty send the empress out of the pce?¡±

    Mute Nanny signed back, ¡®His Majesty said the empress dowager wants to harm the empress.¡¯

    ¡°Utterly ludicrous,¡± Empress Dowager Xie muttered under her breath.

    Mute Nanny¡¯s hands fell as she waited for Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s next signal. Meanwhile, the woman was pondering over two questions in her head. One, was the empress really pregnant? And two, did Ning Yu know about the potential pregnancy?

    At that moment, Mute Nanny seemed to suddenly remember something and signaled Empress Dowager Xie again, ¡®His Majesty lost his temper in Supreme Splendor Hall aftering back from the empress¡¯s pce. This servant heard from a distance that His Majesty said the empress had betrayed her.¡¯

    Empress Dowager Xie raised her eyes to look at Mute Nanny. ¡°Is that really what His Majesty said?¡±

    Mute Nanny first nodded, then shook her head and signed, ¡®This servant only heard it from a distance. But His Majesty was definitely mad because of Esteemed Empress.¡¯

    Why would Ning Yu be angry because of the empress? The empress betrayed her? Empress Dowager Xie mulled over Mute Nanny¡¯s words.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager,¡± a eunuch called from outside the doors.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    ¡°Chen mama and the rest have died in the the torture chambers,¡± the eunuch replied. ¡°It was His Majesty who decreed their deaths.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie fell silent for a while, then replied, ¡°I know now, withdraw.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the eunuch left.

    Empress Dowager Xie next looked at Mute Nanny. ¡°Is His Majesty still angry right now?¡±

    Mute Nanny signed back, ¡®His Majesty summoned Supreme Commander Lou to talk, they seemed to be discussing something.¡¯

    Empress Dowager Xie nodded before waving to dismiss her. Mute Nanny knelt down to kowtow once and withdrew. On the ceiling rafters, Oil Jar quietly asked Grandpa Ash, ¡°What is Supreme Commander nning?¡±

    Grandpa Ash only shook his head.

    Oil Jar looked disappointed. ¡°You don¡¯t know either, Ancestral Grandfather?¡±

    Grandpa Ash replied, ¡°Supreme Commander has his eyes set on the Zhou n troops. The empress is nothing more than a pawn in their games.¡±

    ¡°Oil Jar doesn¡¯t understand,¡± Oil Jar said, confused.

    ¡°Then that¡¯s good,¡± Grandpa Ash replied. ¡°It¡¯s better off not understanding human affairs like these.¡±

    Oil Jar still didn¡¯t understand, but before he could ask any more questions, Empress Dowager Xie chuckled and called out, ¡°Someone,e.¡±

    Oil Jar crept across the rafters and stuck his head out to peer below. Empress Dowager Xie was now talking to a mama who had quickly walked inside. ¡°Find a way to send a message to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Tell the Grand Preceptor that the empress is pregnant.¡±

    The mama gave a start, but didn¡¯t dare ask any more. She epted the orders and left. Soon afterwards, another mama walked in with Prince Cheng, Ning Xin, in her arms. Empress Dowager Xie epted her little son from the servant and kissed him on the face with a murmur.

    ¡°For your sake, imperial mother is willing to do anything.¡±

    The mama by her side didn¡¯t dare to make a peep. Oil Jar was scrambling around in frantic circles from the rafters. ¡°Just what is the empress dowager nning?!¡± he asked Grandpa Ash.

 Chapter 181: Donâ€™t let His Majesty know

    <h4>Chapter 181: Don''t let His Majesty know</h4>

    Both the letter from Iron Buddha Temple and the empress dowager¡¯s messenger arrived at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. After Grand Preceptor Xie read the letter and heard the messenger¡¯s report, he sat at his study desk and remained silent for a while. Outside, they were sounding the third of the five night watches---for the period around midnight. The messenger eunuch nced at Grand Preceptor Xie. Right now, His Majesty hadn¡¯t shown any mercy to the empress dowager¡¯s people, so anyone trusted with her tasks was simply sticking their necks out to be cut. This particr eunuch was in a hurry to get Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s reply so he could get back to the pce pronto. Despite this, he didn¡¯t dare mention his desire to Grand Preceptor Xie and could only wait with worry.

    ¡°Go back and tell the empress dowager that I know,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie after the night watch finished sounding.

    ¡°Then Grand Preceptor¡¯s meaning is?¡± the eunuch asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie dropped his voice. ¡°I need to think this over first. Once the arrangements are in ce, I¡¯ll order someone to report to Esteemed Empress Dowager.¡±

    The eunuch narrowly avoided spitting up blood. Your Excellency Grand Preceptor made me wait here for nearly two hours just for a reply like that?!

    ¡°Be careful on your way back to the pce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said as he waved a hand to dismiss him. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s simply reply was simply all talk and no action, but the eunuch still kowtowed to express his thanks before leaving the study.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± the little pageboy stationed outside his study saw the eunuch leave, and gave a call. Grand Preceptor Xie simply sat at his table and remained silent. Seeing that his master had no reaction, the little pageboy continued to stand obediently outside the door. Meanwhile, A¡¯Mo and his brothers were all watching from the window, feeling anxious that the Grand Preceptor still hadn¡¯t budged.

    ¡°Is he not nning to sleep tonight?¡± A little ant moved his feelers to ask his elder brothers.

    A¡¯Mo said, ¡°Can we just go and bite him like this?¡±

    A¡¯Mo¡¯s big brother shook his head. ¡°That won¡¯t do. He¡¯ll see us then, and then stomp us all to death.¡±

    All of the ants fell silent. What cruelty to we ants that¡¯d be.

    ¡°T-then, should wee back tomorrow?¡± Another little ant asked.

    ¡°Wait,¡± A¡¯Mo¡¯s big brother said steadily. ¡°This bastard¡¯s already so old, he¡¯ll never be able to stay up all night. We just have hold on patiently a while longer.¡±

    A¡¯Mo and the rest all nodded. Ants like them had the most patience of all, so they waited. Grand Preceptor Xie had no idea that a swarm of ants were plotting to bite him. He was reading over the letter from the old monk andbining it with the empress dowager¡¯s message.

    The empress is pregnant.

    Ning Yu got angry.

    Chen mama and the rest were silenced with death.

    Ning Yu delivered the empress to Iron Buddha Temple.

    Ning Yu wants to reverse the verdict for Zhou Junqi.

    At the very end, Grand Preceptor Xie thought of three more words: Zhou n soldiers.

    He burnt the old monk¡¯s letter over a candle me and mused. Zhou Junqi was already a cripple, so even if Ning Yu overturned his verdict, it¡¯d be impossible for her to snatch back the Zhou n soldiers via him. Then why was Ning Yu ying the Good Samaritan?

    Xu Feiyu, Grand Preceptor Xie thought next. Ning Yu wants to bring Xu Feiyu over to his side. The Zhou siblings and Xu Feiyu are clearly irreconcble, yet Ning Yu wants to bestow favor on the siblings to win the man over. If that¡¯s the case, the baby in the empress¡¯s stomach must be Xu Feiyu¡¯s child.

    When he realized this point, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯splexion turned green. The Zhou siblings and Xu Feiyu had simply put on a farce together to fool him. He couldn¡¯t help but want to apud their act.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± one of his stewards called from the door. ¡°Her Ladyship said that the third young master¡¯s current condition...¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie pped the table, frightening the steward into silence. He backed down the steps and fled like a streak of smoke. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hand ached from hitting the table, but his face gradually regained its color. For the sake of the Zhou n soldiers, what the Zhou siblings and Xu Feiyu did wasn¡¯t wrong. Now is not the time to investigate their deceit, but for me to figure out what to do against Ning Yu¡¯s recruitment efforts.

    The gongs of the next night watch sounded from the streets before Grand Preceptor Xie called out, ¡°Someone,e.¡±

    The little pageboy scurried into the room in assent.

    ¡°Take this old man¡¯s identification tag to the capital barracks,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Have Chen Lu personally lead troops to seal up all exits at Iron Buddha Temple. Without my permission, no one is allowed to leave the premises.¡±

    The little pageboy epted the orders and ran off. Meanwhile, Head Steward Xie Laibao had two servants carry him to the study to ask for an audience.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie rubbed his temples as he spoke.

    Xie Laibao entered and reported, ¡°Grand Preceptor, this servant has finished making arrangements for the banquet. It¡¯s still set for tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Go ording to the ns,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°We can¡¯t afford any more exceptions.¡±

    Xie Laibao quickly assented as he patted his chest. ¡°Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t worry. This servant has nned it all out.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was far too preupied to worry about tomorrow¡¯s feast trap. He was now wholly concentrated on the Zhou siblings and Xu Feiyu when he suddenly realized he could use the empress to control Ning Yu.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± Xie Laibao saw that the Grand Preceptor had been tuning him out, and had no choice but to call his name.

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even bother looking up at Xie Laibao. ¡°You can take care of the details,¡± he told Xie Laibao. The head steward then realized that Grand Preceptor Xie had more important things to worry about that the assassination of the Poison Sect leaders.

    --

    Back at the pce, Empress Dowager Xie look at the eunuch and said, ¡°The Grand Preceptor simply said he ¡®knows?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager,¡± the eunuch replied, ¡°The Grand Preceptor said he¡¯ll order someone to report to the empress dowager once he¡¯s finished all the arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Anything else?¡± the empress dowager asked.

    The eunuch shook his head. There really isn¡¯t anything else, I can¡¯t make things up from thin air...

    The empress dowager¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°He certainly knows how to keep his cool.¡±

    On the roof, Ning Xiaoyao sat with her legs crossed as she held a pouch of peanuts. Oil Jar held one peanut between his paws while Big Boss ckidnguidly across the girl¡¯s legs,zily swishing his tail.

    Oil Jar said, ¡°Xiaoyao, I feel that the empress dowager and Grand Preceptor¡¯s rtionship is getting worse.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao munched on her peanuts. ¡°It¡¯s good if it gets worse, ah. If they were always wearing the same pair of pants, then I¡¯d cry.¡±

    Oil Jar ¡®ooh¡¯d¡¯ in response. He finishing nibbling on his peanut and asked Big Boss ck, ¡°Is there something funny about what Xiaoyao said just then?¡±

    Big Boss ck rolled his eyes. ¡°Let this cat emphasize it one more time. The Grand Preceptor and empress dowager are father and daughter.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s right, this is a father-daughter rtionship. No matter how well they get along, they¡¯d never be able to wear the same pair of pants.

    Oil Jar looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who exined, ¡°It was a slip of the tongue.¡±

    ¡°Ah, so it was like that,¡± Oil Jar believed her implicitly.

    They¡¯re such a pair of ninnies, Big Boss ck thought with disdain, before he asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Why did you run over here in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Insomnia. Since I¡¯m going to stay awake anyways, I might as well see what kind of evil tricks the empress dowager¡¯s cooking up.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear her?¡± Big Boss ck asked. ¡°She¡¯s still waiting for the Grand Preceptor to give her ideas.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed more peanuts into her mouth. ¡°But now she¡¯s been disappointed because the Grand Preceptor didn¡¯t suggest any ideas at all.¡±

    ¡°Is the empress dowager suffering from insomnia too?¡± Oil Jar perched at edge of the opening that Ning Xiaoyao had made on the roof by shifting away a tile, peering inside.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Because she couldn¡¯t start any evil plots, the empress dowager must be feeling stifled. So of course she¡¯d have trouble sleeping.¡±

    Big Boss ck rose to his feet with azy stretch. ¡°Then you can keep watching the empress dowager scheme. I¡¯m going to the torture chambers to see Supreme Commander.¡± He soundlessly jumped off the roof.

    Oil Jar said, ¡°Xiaoyao, why¡¯s Supreme Commander at the torture chambers at this time of night?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently sprawling on the roof to peek inside the building. ¡°Dunno. In any case, he¡¯s up to no good as well. Who knows who he¡¯s screwing over now.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Oil Jar. Is it really alright for her to talk about Supreme Commander like that?

    Below them, Empress Dowager Xie told a mama by her side, ¡°This Dowager needs to find a way to deal with this.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips and murmured, ¡°Then hurry up and think of something. I¡¯ve been waiting for you all night, stupid!¡±

    Is it really alright to talk about your mother like this? Oil Jar scratched his head with his paws. In the end, he decided to keep eating his peanuts.

    --

    Down in the torture chambers, the head of the Poison Sect stared at Lou Zigui with suspicion. ¡°You want to let me go?¡±

    ¡°What of it?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°You¡¯re not even afraid of death, but you¡¯re scared over the fact that I¡¯m releasing you?¡±

    The Poison Sect leader asked, ¡°Lou Zigui, what kind of schemes are you cooking up?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow at noon, your Poison Sect members will assemble at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui said leisurely. ¡°The Grand Preceptor will be holding a banquet for them, so I think you should take a look over there for yourself.¡±

    The Poison Sect head paused to think it over, before saying sternly, ¡°You want to frame me for betraying the Grand Preceptor so his rage will make him destroy my Poison Sect?¡±

    Lou Ziguiughed at rose to his feet. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that. You just need to make sure the Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t catch you peeping.¡±

    ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± the Poison Sect head asked.

    Lou Zigui approached the man and murmured, ¡°Since you¡¯re already treating yourself like a dead man, what does it matter if you take a trip outside?¡± So speaking, he turned and left before the man could reply.

    One of the Dragon Guards came over to undo the Poison Sect head¡¯s shackles before tossing them casually on the ground. Then he turned to leave as well. The now freed man stared at the wide-open cell door and gave a start.

    Lou Zigui had just left the torture chambers when he heard a meow from his feet. He looked down and saw Miss Ning¡¯s ck cat crouched in front of him with raised eyes.

    ¡°Meow~¡± Big Boss ck nuzzled Lou Zigui¡¯s legs with his head. Lou Zigui bent down and picked him up. It was ufortable for Big Boss ck to be picked up by the scruff of his neck, but now he was frantic with joy. Supreme Commander hugged me! (Author: That¡¯s called plucking, not hugging...)

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you with your master?¡± Lou Zigui asked Big Boss ck.

    ¡°That ninny¡¯s sitting on the roof spying on the empress dowager, it¡¯s super boring!¡± Big Boss ck replied quickly.

    Lou Zigui stared at the cat meowing its mouth off and showed a trace of a smile. He stroked Big Boss ck¡¯s head and said, ¡°Are you trying to talk to me?¡±

    ¡°Miaow, I am talking to you, Your Excellency Supreme Commander!¡± Big Boss ck was so moved that his chubby body shook. But Lou Zigui only shook his head in consternation.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know why Xiaoyao would talk with a cat.¡±

    Now Big Boss ck felt like crying. Why can that ninny talk to cats, but not my Supreme Commander ahhhhhhhh!

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Fang Tang called over in a small voice.

    Lou Zigui handed Big Boss ck over to Fang Tang¡¯s arms. ¡°Has the capital barracks soldiers made their move?¡±

    Fang Tang nodded. ¡°Yes, it was Chen Lu who personally led them away. They left through the north gates.¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Spread word that anyone from the empress who tries to meet with His Majesty must be stopped outside the pce. Don¡¯t let His Majesty know.¡±

    Hearing this, both Fang Tang and Big Boss ck were astonished. Why is he doing this?!

 Chapter 182: Beauty schemes are the most annoying

    <h4>Chapter 182: Beauty schemes are the most annoying</h4>

    Zhou mama ran into the living quarters of the little courtyard in a rush, her voice urgent. ¡°Empress, eldest young master, a bunch of soldiers came to surround the temple grounds!¡±

    ¡°Whose men are they?¡± the empress asked immediately. Had His Majesty changed his mind to kill them instead, or was it Grand Preceptor Xie who¡¯d gotten news of her arrival and were trapping them here?

    ¡°They¡¯re the capital barracks¡¯ soldiers,¡± Zhou mama replied. The empress backed away and fell heavily into a chair.

    ¡°Empress,¡± Zhou mama ran forward in fright. The empress was with child, so what if all these shocks hurt the baby?

    The empress¡¯s voice rose as she looked at Zhou Junqi. ¡°It¡¯s Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    Eldest Young Master Zhou was standing in the middle of the room, staring at his little sister¡¯s stomach with an unclear expression. The empress was cradling her abdomen, looking embarrassed. No matter whether she and Xu Feiyu were childhood sweethearts or deeply in love, she had married His Majesty and had an affair. Her eyes dimmed. It wouldn¡¯t be outrageous for society to curse a woman like her.

    Zhou mama stood in front of the empress and pled with Zhou Junqi. ¡°Eldest young master, anything you want to say is toote now. Let¡¯s think of solutions first.¡±

    The empress said, ¡°Shadowgale and the rest are already on the way back to the capital. They should have seen the capital barracks¡¯ soldiers.¡±

    ¡°You want His Majesty to save you?¡± Zhou Junqi asked.

    His words cut sharply into the empress¡¯s ears, causing her to break out in tears. ¡°I know that I¡¯ve wronged His Majesty. I¡¯m disgusted with myself too, but I had no other choice, big brother. No other choice.¡±

    His sister¡¯s tears extinguished Zhou Junqi¡¯s temper. Who was really at fault here? He could only me himself forcking the skills to protect their family and his own little sister. If he had actually been useful, would they be in this state now?

    ¡°Judging from the times, Head Commander Shadowgale and the rest wouldn¡¯t have met the soldiers going back,¡± Zhou Junqi said as he slowly settled into a chair.

    Zhou mama asked, ¡°T-then, shall we go find General Xu?¡±

    ¡°Distant water can¡¯t quench present thirst,¡± Zhou Junqi shook his head. If Xie Wenyuan really wanted to kill then, then the letter asking Xu Feiyu for help wouldn¡¯t even reach him before they were dead. ¡°If you let Xie Wenyuan know about your rtionship with A¡¯Xu, would the Grand Preceptor let him off either?¡± Zhou Junqi didn¡¯t want to scare the empress, but still, he had to make things clear.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor knows already!?¡± The empress was shocked.

    Zhou Junqi wore a bitter smile. ¡°Why else would the empress dowager want to hurt you, unless she already knows about the pregnancy? Why then, would His Majesty send you out of the pce? Now Xie Wenyuan¡¯s surrounded the temple with his troops---little sister, you still don¡¯t understand?¡±

    Both the empress and Zhou mama were stunned. After a while, the empress stammered, ¡°T-t-then why did His Majesty still send me out of the pce?¡±

    Zhou Junqi replied. ¡°Let¡¯s assume the worst. For the sake of those Zhou n soldiers in A¡¯Xu¡¯s hands, he wants to help bring you and A¡¯Xu together.¡±

    ¡°Would he do that?¡± the empress felt cold all over. Forget about lying to herself, the feeling of losing any cover like this waspletely different.

    ¡°Then will His Majesty settle ounts after everything is over?¡± Zhou mama had never thought favorably of Ning Xiaoyao and brought up the possibility herself. Right now, Ning Yu was willing to help them for the sake of the Zhou n soldiers, but would he tolerate the empress¡¯s adultery once he had defeated the Grand Preceptor? Moreover, this was the sovereign of an entire nation that they were talking about! (Author: That there, His Majesty really isn¡¯t a man...)

    The empress seemed to be frightened out her wits at just the possibility.

    ¡°Eldest young master?¡± Zhou mama could only rely on Zhou Junqi now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get past this hurdle first,¡± Zhou Junqi thought it over. He could apologize for the offense by sacrificing his own life to His Majesty as long as it preserved his sister and Xu Feiyu¡¯s lives.

    ¡°How can we pass it?¡± the empress asked.

    ¡°Zhou mama, find a way to get out of the temple and find His Majesty,¡± Zhou Junqi said. ¡°If His Majesty really wants the Zhou n soldiers, he won¡¯t stand by and watch us suffer a mishap.¡±

    ¡°The capital soldiers made such a stir to surround the temple, wouldn¡¯t His Majesty already know?¡± the empress asked her brother desperately.

    ¡°Empress.¡± Zhou Junqi didn¡¯t answer her question, but continued to instruct Zhou mama. ¡°Meet with His Majesty first. Tell His Majesty that I¡¯ll stay in the Iron Buddha Temple for my remaining years.¡±

    The empress shot up from her seat at that and shouted, ¡°Big brother!¡±

    Zhou Junqi waved a hand at her. ¡°I¡¯m already a cripple. The only reason I¡¯m still alive to is see how Xie Wenyuan will die. You and A¡¯Xu don¡¯t need to bother about me.¡±

    The empress stood with tears streaming down her face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry anymore,¡± Zhou Junqi creased his brows. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant, it¡¯s not good for the baby if you¡¯re always tearing up.¡±

    How could the empress stop her tears now? Zhou mama looked at the siblings before she grit her teeth. ¡°Eldest young master, empress, this servant will find a way to sneak out of the temple. Even if this servant ends up dead and kneeling by His Majesty¡¯s feet, I will still beg His Majesty to send troops to the rescue.¡±

    When Zhou mama left, the Zhou siblings remained sitting in the room, staring at each other wordlessly. The empress wiped her tears clean and said to her brother, ¡°His Majesty doesn¡¯t love me either.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about that anymore,¡± Zhou Junqi stopped her. ¡°You should know too, His Majesty had no choice regarding your marriage back then either. Something like ¡®no love¡¯ isn¡¯t your....¡± Zhou Junqi had to stop here, because how he could curse his little sister as a wanton,scivious woman? This was his own sister he was talking about. Despite knowing her wrongs, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say them out loud.

    The empress could only fall silent.

    ¡°In the future, neither of us will have face to see His Majesty,¡± Zhou Junqi said.

    The empress clutched the hem of her robes, unable to speak.

    Meanwhile, where was the Ning Xiaoyao that Zhou Junqi had resolved to give up his life for? She was currently standing in one of the watchtowers around the pce, watching the Poison Sect head walk out of the gates.

    ¡°He¡¯lle back to find you,¡± Lou Zigui whispered by her side.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Even if he didn¡¯t, I¡¯d go find him myself. He stabbed me once, so we¡¯re not over.¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his gaze to look at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°But he really did stab me with a knife!¡±

    Behind them, Shadowthunder spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, how are you nning to deal with that sect head?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to one side. ¡°Well dang, I don¡¯t know yet.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the secondmander of the Dragon Guards. You were so enthusiastic just now, but you actually have no idea what you want to do?

    Lou Zigui gave a soft chortle before taking Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    ¡°Back where, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to budge. ¡°I just remembered, I still need to visit the Lord Protector¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Why do you need to go there?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on her tiptoes while pulling Lou Zigui down, then whispered in his ear, ¡°For the sake of Pei Yan, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you examine him already?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, ah.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you still going to see him?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat before she continued to whisper, ¡°I want to see how much he¡¯s recovered his you-know-what skills.¡±

    You-know-what, skills, recovered....

    Lou Zigui broke down Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words into three distinct phrases before finally figuring out what she meant and why she wanted to go.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips split into a grin, her eyes curved like crescents. ¡°Do you want to check out the bustle with me?¡±

    Check out the bustle? Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead.

    ¡°Shall we go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled at him.

    Shadowthunder was full of zeal. ¡°Your Majesty, where are you going? Shall I guard you the way there?¡±

    ¡°Enough,¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t beat up Ning Xiaoyao, so he could only lose his temper at Shadowthunder. ¡°Where do you want to guard His Majesty to? What hour is it now? Are there armiesing to strike, or cities being invaded? Or is Elder Li about to die, giving His Majesty no choice but to leave the pce?¡±

    Shadowthunder was left dazed and dumbfounded by Lou Zigui¡¯s torrent of words. What did I say to get such a scolding?

    Ning Xiaoyao shrank her shoulders and slinked off to stand on one side.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s tone was careful. ¡°That there, Supreme Commander, ah. I never thought you were looking forward so much to that old grandpa Li¡¯s death.¡±

    Lou Zigui gave a start.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have thoughts like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pled her innocence. Offend someone like Elder Li? I¡¯d only do that if I had a hole in my head.

    ¡°Stop changing the topic,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°When did I say I wanted Elder Li dead?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. You just said it yourself, but now you¡¯re denying it?

    Lou Zigui looked at Shadowthunder, whose mouth opened.

    ¡°What do you want to say?¡± Lou Zigui said first.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Shadowthunder shook his head. I didn¡¯t want to say a thing.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing going on tonight, so why should His Majesty leave the pce?¡± Lou Zigui asked Shadowthunder. Shadowthunder was a straightforward, simple and honest man. How could he stand such questioning from Lou Zigui? He immediately shrank down a few inches despite his towering frame.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, so why are you scolding Second Thunder, Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood out to defend Shadowthunder.

    ¡°Go back to your bed,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her chest and rejected him.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face hung. Ning Xiaoyao scooted closer to Shadowthunder. Even now, she had no idea why Supreme Commander was losing his temper. Lou Zigui simply pulled her back to him and murmured, ¡°Are you going back on your own, or do I have to carry you on my shoulders?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t speak but started scuffing the ground with her shoe. She was debating how to rebel in silence. Unless she went to have a look for herself at the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, she wouldn¡¯t stop worrying, much less sleep. (Author: Are you sure it¡¯s just because of that?)

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression turned even more ghastly, causing Shadowthunder to tense up. He couldn¡¯t help but stammer out, ¡°D-don¡¯t get physical. If--if there¡¯s anything to say, talk it out.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a snort, her face unreconciled. Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t really haul Ning Xiaoyao away on his shoulders. In the end, she was still the emperor.

    ¡°If you won¡¯t go, I¡¯ll just go myself,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at the city below her and prepared to leave. Seeing this, Lou Zigui picked her up in a princess carry and started striding down the watchtower steps. Shadowthunder looked after them gaping all the while. All of the imperial guards on duty were floored as well. Was it already toote to remind Supreme Commander that he was carrying His Majesty like a girl?

    Ning Xiaoyao only remembered to struggle once Lou Zigui carried her down the steps. She shouted, ¡°I won¡¯t--¡±

    ¡°Be good,¡± Lou Zigui lowered his head and murmured. ¡°Listen to me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°Supreme Commander, just how old am I in your eyes?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not very old,¡± Lou Zigui grinned at her. ¡°Go back and sleep, alright? Mm?¡± His murmur seem to echo endlessly in her ears.

    Damn it.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the smiling man with a stifled heart. Male beauty schemes are the most annoying!

 Chapter 183: With regards to romance

    <h4>Chapter 183: With regards to romance</h4>

    Lou Zigui carried Ning Xiaoyao all the way back to Supreme Splendor Hall. He knew that both Shadowgale and the Dragon Guards as well as the various imperial guards stationed around the pce would only act as aplices if Ning Xiaoyao tried to slip away. The guards at the gate wouldn¡¯t be able to stop her either, so he decided to sit in her room and refuse to leave.

    ¡°You said it yourself, men and women shouldn¡¯t be so intimate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled as Lou Zigui tucked her into the Dragon bed.

    Lou Zigui had been sitting on the chair in front of the bed, but at her words he simply climbed to sit on the edge of the bed. ¡°Since we¡¯ve already had intimate rtions, Xiaoyao, why can¡¯t we get closer?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was rendered speechless by his shamelessness. You can say things like that too?

    ¡°Hurry and sleep,¡± Lou Zigui rested his hand over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes, before dropping his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll keep youpany.¡±

    Keep mepany? Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. Supreme Commander¡¯s getting better with his sweet talk. He¡¯s obviously keeping watch on me so I can¡¯t go to the Lord Protector¡¯s manor!

    Seeing that Ning Xiaoyao had finally stopped talking, Lou Zigui removed his hands, only to see her eyes wide open. He changed to stroking her head instead. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of important things to do tomorrow, so what if you tire yourself out by not resting well?¡±

    ¡°How could I tire myself out?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°Even if elephants topple over from exhaustion, I¡¯ll still be fine.¡±

    ¡°.........¡± said Lou Zigui. What does this have to do with elephants?

    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll just sleep then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°How about you? You¡¯re just going to sit there?¡±

    Lou Zigui gave a start, before giving her a sly smile. ¡°You want me to lie down too?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Tonight¡¯s Supreme Commander Lou seemed bolder than usual. It was extremely unusual of him. This room was bordered by two more wings on each side, but both those rooms and the front and back gardens were all empty. There was no worry of anyone seeing them. Lou Zigui didn¡¯t just have ordinary guts. As a man of the army, plenty of them knew how to y the hooligan. The only differencey in whether they acted on those impulses.

    ¡°Lie down,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled across the bed to make room for him, then patted the sheets. If Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t care, then Miss Ning definitely minded even less. Lou Zigui really did end up lying next to Ning Xiaoyao, though with all his clothes on.

    ¡°Will you close your eyes and go to sleep now?¡± he asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao was buried beneath the covers, leaving only her head exposed. She pressed against Lou Zigui¡¯s body like a giant silkworm and stared at his face. ¡°With a beauty like this by Zhen¡¯s side, Zhen has to admire you thoroughly!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s anger turned into amusement. ¡°You finally remembered to use ¡®Zhen?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Be more serious,¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept a straight face. ¡°Zhen is flirting with you.¡±

    He was already lying down on the bed. Getting up now was simply admitting defeat and fleeing, so Lou Zigui could only stay there stiffly as he asked, ¡°Then what does Zhen want this subject to do?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao licked her lips with her tongue, before peering closely at Lou Zigui¡¯s face. ¡°Just how did you get a face like that?¡±

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Your Majesty is unsatisfied with this subject¡¯s face?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m satisfied, alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°But you¡¯re actually more handsome than me. That¡¯s unforgivable.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Beauty,¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes as her tone turned flippant. ¡°Come, give Zhen a smile, one from the bottom of your heart.¡±

    Lou Zigui sighed. Am I really keeping this girlpany with roley?

    Seeing him sigh, Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her cheeks in displeasure. Is romance all that hard? Seriously, give me a break. How did all my oldpanions used to do it? When Ning Xiaoyao recalled her past life, she couldn¡¯t help but droop and spit to herself. All those pairs had just hooked up and gotten wild as soon as they met. There wasn¡¯t any time spared for romance at all!

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll smile,¡± Lou Zigui said as he tilted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head back straight. He gave a pinch to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s petty, puffed cheeks and shed a smile at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao took a while to recover from his smile before she muttered with a sigh, ¡°Well dang, flowers are blooming again.¡±

    Lou Zigui had no concept of his attractiveness Military men took interest in women¡¯s looks, but who would ever make frivolous remarks about a man¡¯s face? At the very least, no one in the army did. Moreover, everyone knew he had a bad luck aura and brought ruin to everyone he met, leaving him more isted than ever. Who would spare the time to pay attention to such a star of disaster?

    His feelings unclear, Lou Zigui still raised his hands to pull Ning Xiaoyao close. ¡°Come, now you smile and let me see.¡±

    ¡°Take a look,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned from ear to ear, looking absolutely foolish. Lou Zigui ended up pinching Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chubby cheeks.

    ¡°Are you kneading dough!?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said unhappily. She felt like Lou Zigui was pinching her face out of shape! She quickly warned him, ¡°Careful that I don¡¯t bite you, ah!¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Your Majesty would eat human flesh?¡±

    Dang it, he leaves me no choice. Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth and bit down on Lou Zigui¡¯s nose. That¡¯s what you get for having a better-looking nose than me. I¡¯ll bite it!

    Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t expected Ning Xiaoyao to really fulfill her promise and he gave a hiss in reponse. Then he turned over with her still in his arms, pressing her body beneath him. He pinched her own nose to force her to let go. She did and looked at the red teeth marks left on his nose with satisfaction. Lou Zigui rubbed the stray saliva off his face and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    ¡°You actually bit me!?¡± Lou Zigui was incredulous.

    Ning Xiaoyao waspletely serious. ¡°The next time you treat my face like dough to be kneaded, or a meatbun, I¡¯ll bite you all the same.¡±

    ¡°That cruel?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bite you to death,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression suddenly turned ferocious, before it faded back to her usual look. ¡°Now that¡¯s what I call cruel.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face drew even closer to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s. ¡°So I should be thanking Your Majesty instead?¡±

    ¡°No need to thank me for my grace,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, straight faced. ¡°Beauty, you just have to remember Your Majesty¡¯s generosity to you.¡± For example, maybe you can shift targets away from me when seeking revenge for your family?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice turned a little hoarse. ¡°How does Your Majesty want this subject to express his gratitude?¡±

    ¡°Urk.¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have the guts to voice her thoughts out loud. Lou Zigui lowered his head and kissed her face. Big Boss ck quietly squeezed out of the room through a crack in the window. He couldn¡¯t keep watching them flirt anymore.

    ¡°Big Boss,¡± the fat yellow cat and the long haired white cat scampered to his side.

    Big Boss ck told his younger brothers-in-arms, ¡°Looks like Supreme Commander¡¯s not leaving that ninny at any point in this lifetime.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Little White replied. ¡°Then Big Boss, are you happy or unhappy?¡±

    ¡°Little White Fatty!¡± Big Boss ck ignored Little White¡¯s question to call for the snow wolf pup, who was rolling around the grass gnawing on his tail. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll find another ce to sleep. We can¡¯t use the rooms now.¡±

    ¡°Aroo?¡± Little White Fatty stopped and called out foolishly.

    Big Boss ck ran to the wolf pup and scratched him with his paw. ¡°Miaow, go!¡±

    The three cats used their heads to nudge the snow wolf pup¡¯s butt out of the gardens.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao opened her eyes slightly to focus on the shaking bed curtains above her head. Actually, my old pals were right. Romance isn¡¯t all that hard, it¡¯s just a nce and then a tryst. The reality now was that she wanted to chat with Supreme Commander, but he preemptively took action on his own. (Author: Why is it that the closer we get to heart-pounding, face-flushing moments, the more you think all sorts of things? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Ning Xiaoyao and Supreme Commander Lou ended up making love all night.

    Meanwhile, the old madame and Lord Protector were standing outside Second Young Master Pei Yan¡¯s rooms, listening keenly to the heavy breathing sounds inside the room. The pants of the two people inside grew more and more frantic even as the female tried her best to stifle her cries.

    ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± the old madame said with red eyes before sping her hands in prayer. ¡°Thanks to the Bodhisattva, my little son is cured!¡±

    The Lord Protector heard his little brother reach climax and exhaled as the heavy weight on his heart disappeared. But after he heard yet more noisesing from inside the room, he began to feel embarrassed. What am I doing standing outside my brother¡¯s room and eavesdropping?

    The old madame stood beneath the covered walkway chanting Buddhist sutras, wishing dearly that she could give thanks to a Buddha statue right this moment. The Lord Protector ended up supporting her into the courtyard before he murmured, ¡°Mother, Ol¡¯ Second¡¯s cured, but will that fellow end up burning down the house first thing tomorrow morning?¡±

    The old madame¡¯s joyous expression suddenly stiffened. For the sake of testing Second Young Master Pei¡¯s virility, mother and son had coaxed him to drink a bowl of hot soupced with aphrodisiac. When they thought back to Pei Yan¡¯s years of entric tempers and irritable, irascible moods, the pair felt that they would no doubt have a difficult time tomorrow.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± the Lord Protector fretted and paced.

    The old madame felt her head turn numb. But after a sh of anxiety, she calmed down again and turned to look at the darkened bedroom hallway behind them. ¡°I was the one who incited this. Do you think Ol¡¯ Second has the gall to hit an olddy? This matter has nothing to do with you, Old Master, so you just go over to the pce tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°What does this son need to go to the pce for?¡± the Lord Protector asked.

    The old madame whacked her son with her walking stick. ¡°His Majesty saved your life by not letting you face off with Xie Wenyuan!¡±

    The Lord Protector was already a grown man, but he still didn¡¯t dare to make a peep in the face of the old madame¡¯s thwack. The old madame then continued, ¡°His Majesty cured Ol¡¯ Second¡¯s illness, aren¡¯t you going to the pce to thank him for his grace?¡±

    Lord Protector wanted to say that it should be Pei Yan doing the thanking instead, but when he recalled his brother¡¯s personality, he kept quiet in the end.

    The old madame said, ¡°Tell His Majesty that if he still wants Ol¡¯ Second to be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, our Lord Protector¡¯s estate will ept the honor.¡±

    The Lord Protector had a fright from her words. ¡°Mother, what if we agree and Ol¡¯ Second doesn¡¯t? Who could force that stubborn brat against his will?¡±

    The old madame gave a cold snort. ¡°If he disagrees, then we Lord Protector¡¯s estate are simply deceiving the sovereign. This time, no one framed us, so we can all go die.¡±

    The Lord Protector fell silent. Using the lives of the entire family to pressure Ol¡¯ Second? Old mother, you¡¯re truly ruthless.

    The old madame used her walking stick to leave the courtyard, with the Lord Protector hurrying over to support her. He said in a low voice, ¡°Mother, are we really going to have to face off against Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty won¡¯t lose,¡± the old madame was convinced on this point.

    The Lord Protector replied, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t just look at how Lou Zigui is helping His Majesty now. His ck Frost Calvary is all the way in Anyuan, but all of the capital¡¯s soldiers belong to Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°Three sons,¡± the old madame broke free of the Lord Protector¡¯s hands and stuck three fingers in his face. ¡°Xie Wenyuan had three sons by the first wife, but two of them are ruined now. The only one left is an idiot, so he has no more roots to support him. Son, just how do you think Xie Wenyuan can face off against His Majesty?¡±

    The Lord Protector gave a start.

    ¡°Leaving the useless one forst,¡± the old madame said. ¡°His Majesty is simply ying around with Xie Wenyuan like one would with a dog or a cat. A fast sword won¡¯t destroy the garbage that¡¯s his Grand Preceptor faction, so a small knife slicing away bits of flesh will do. Has Xie Wenyuan had any good daystely?¡± When she came to this point, the old madame lowered her voice even further with gritted teeth.

    ¡°I just know a man like Xie Wenyuan won¡¯t meet with an easy death!¡±

 Chapter 184: His Majesty wants to save Aâ€™Mo

    <h4>Chapter 184: His Majesty wants to save A''Mo</h4>

    The Lord Protector took the chance early next morning to flee the house before his little brother woke up. He ran all the way to the pce, preparing to express his gratitude to Ning Xiaoyao. By the time he reached the gates, the skies were just beginning to get light. He assumed that he¡¯d only be waiting a short while at the entrance, but the gatekeeper shook his head and said, ¡°His Majesty isn¡¯t at the pce.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t return to the pcest night!?¡± the Lord Protector said, startled. Did something happen in the capital yesterday?

    The gatekeeper wore a strange expression on his face before he said, ¡°If the Lord Protector has urgent business, you can find His Majesty at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate!?¡± Now the Lord Protector¡¯s thoughts went wild. Did that old geezer Xie Wenyuan die finally?

    The gatekeeper continued, ¡°This one doesn¡¯t know what happened.¡±

    The Lord Protector wasn¡¯t expecting to find out anything from the gatekeeper either, so he turned and mounted his horse. Now he was heading for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to see what the fuss was all about. Once the gatekeeper saw him leave with his guards, he turned to his fellow guard and muttered, ¡°I thought I was having hearing problems.¡±

    Hispanion couldn¡¯t help but involuntarily recall His Majesty¡¯s words when he ran out of the pce gates.

    ¡®I have to save A¡¯Mo ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡«¡®

    ¡°Supreme Commander couldn¡¯t even catch up to His Majesty on his horse,¡± another guard sighed with great feeling. When all of them recalled how His Majesty could run faster than any horse, their mouths twitched.

    ¡°Supreme Commander looked like he was about to die from rage,¡± another guard piped up. Once again, everyone¡¯s mouth twitched. It was rare to see Supreme Commander Lou so absolutely livid.

    ¡°I¡¯m curious, who could this A¡¯Mo be?¡± a guard taller than the rest asked. All of the guards exchanged nces. A¡¯Mo sounded like a man¡¯s name, but they didn¡¯t know any of the specifics.

    ¡°It must be very lively over at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate now,¡± the gatekeeper who¡¯d spoken to the Lord Protector remarked raptly.

    ¡°You don¡¯t call that ¡®lively.¡¯ His Majesty¡¯s going to do something to the Grand Preceptor again,¡± the superior of this particr batch of guards opened his mouth to speak.

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else.

    --

    Over at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, Ning Xiaoyao was speaking to Xie Anji, who was blocking the door to the study.

    ¡°If you keep on acting like this, I¡¯m going to get physical.¡±

    Xie Anji¡¯s face stiffened at the threat, but he still didn¡¯t budge. Ning Xiaoyao next tried to grab him by the cor, but their height differences were too much, so she only caught the front of his shirt and threw him behind her. Xie Anji used to oversee the military, so he knew some skills of his own, but he hadn¡¯t expected this move from someone so ordinary-looking. Under the eyes of everyone present, he was sent flying into the air. Meanwhile, Lou Zigui silently withdrew his hand. Miss Ning¡¯s superhuman strength left him no chance to take action.

    ¡°Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said next, ¡°I¡¯ve been looking at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and its people, they¡¯ve seemed like they¡¯re plotting a rebellion. Guard them all well!¡±

    ¡°......¡± went the members of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Is there any logic to this?! You¡¯re using us of rebellion just because we¡¯re walking around our own estate hunting for ant colonies?!

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t say a word. He brought his Dragon Guards to cause trouble for the Xie n stewards. Ning Xiaoyao kicked open the study door and strode inside, making everyone¡¯s heart clench in suspense Can our Grand Preceptor survive this?

    Lou Zigui followed her inside and was assaulted by the strong stench of medicine. He gave a start. Grand Preceptor Xie really has fallen ill?

    A few doctors were kneeling by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s bed, but now they bowed to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°All of you may rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s bed to peer at the man lying on the bed. The doctors rose to their feet and raised their heads to see Lou Zigui. In their fright, they quickly ducked their heads back down again.

    ¡°Aiya, who¡¯s this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed loudly. Lou Zigui reached the bed next and had a fright after seeing Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Tsk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°This face and those eyelids are as swollen as monkey butts. My God, the lips are nothing more that a pair of sausages now. Grand Preceptor, you¡¯re nothing but this now, but you¡¯re still alive?¡±

    Both the doctors and the people outside the door were rendered speechless at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sharp tongue. Your Majesty, do you have to be so vicious with your tongue?

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes were so swollen that he could only squint. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao, his chest heaved violently, his throat acting like a bellows to expel his huffing breaths. Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to lift the covers over his body. Currently, Grand Preceptor Xie was dressed in nothing but his undershirt, so her action caused him to cry out. Lou Zigui quickly pulled Ning Xiaoyao behind him. You¡¯re not allowed to look at old men¡¯s bodies, either!

    Ning Xiaoyao only stood behind Lou Zigui while grinning. She proimed loudly, ¡°Aiyamaya, Grand Preceptor, why are you so swollen? Your entire body¡¯s swelled up.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was shuddering all over. The doctors suspected that if he could move right now, he¡¯d fight to the death against His Majesty. Lou Zigui covered Grand Preceptor Xie up again and asked the doctors, ¡°What¡¯s happened to the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    One doctor answered, ¡°To reply Supreme Commander, Grand Preceptor seems to have been bitten by some kind of insect.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a snort. ¡°First bitten by a mouse, now bitten by insects. Grand Preceptor, tell me the truth, just how did you offend the Heavens?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie strove to open his eyes, but all he could see was reduced to a thin line. ¡°How did Your Majesty find out that this subject was ill?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked Ning Xiaoyao. He¡¯d been bitten by insects and just called for a doctor, so the news hadn¡¯t be publicized yet. When did Ning Yu find out?

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a snort. Of course it¡¯s all because Cousin Magpie told me that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate was going to exterminate all of the ant nests. He found me to save all the ants.

    ¡°Your Majesty!?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie intoned heavily.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I was sitting around in the pce when I suddenly felt restless and sensed that you were in trouble, Grand Preceptor. Then I came to take a look.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said everyone outside. Do you even believe your own words, Your Majesty?

    Grand Preceptor Xie closed his eyes.

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Did he faint?¡±

    ¡°Father!¡± Xie Anji picked himself up from the ground and rushed into the study.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Lou Zigui roared. ¡°Get out.¡±

    Xie Anji looked at Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui, his eyes bloodshot.

    ¡°They weren¡¯t ants,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie opened his eyes again.

    ¡°Mm, I don¡¯t think they were ants, either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Whether it thunders or rains is all up to the sovereign¡¯s grace. Your Majesty, this subject can take it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. We¡¯re talking about ants, so why are you rambling about thunderstorms now? How do they have any rtion to each other?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was ice cold. ¡°Grand Preceptor certainly shows discretion with your speech.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded seriously despite having no idea what the Grand Preceptor meant. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you¡¯re great at making up nonsense.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Then does Your Majesty wish this subject dead?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to check the Grand Preceptor¡¯s injuries, then withdrew it halfway after some thought. She asked the doctors, ¡°How is the Grand Preceptor doing with his illness? Is it fatal?¡±

    The same doctor who¡¯d spoken up before answered again, ¡°To reply Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s injuries won¡¯t take his life.¡±

    Dammnit! Highly disappointed, Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips and said, ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that. Then I¡¯m very happy, heheh.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said everyone else. This is what you look like when you¡¯re happy?

    Grand Preceptor Xie had just convinced himself that Ning Xiaoyao poisoned him, but he was now doubting his guess since he wasn¡¯t fatally ill. If she had really decided to poison me, why wouldn¡¯t she pick one that killed me?

    Ning Xiaoyao next asked the doctor, ¡°Then when will the Grand Preceptor get well? He¡¯s swollen all over.¡±

    ¡°Thismoner doesn¡¯t know,¡± the doctor replied.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared from Ning Xiaoyao to Lou Zigui. Military power, he decided, Ning Yu is forcing my Xie n to the brink, which is why she hasn¡¯t killed us yet. This is a warning from her that it¡¯d be simple to end my life. (Author: Grand Preceptor, you¡¯re overthinking things. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Father,¡± Xie Anji spoke up, ¡°His Majesty ordered people to sweep and confiscate items from our estate!¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned towards the man. ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense. When did I say such a thing?¡±

    ¡°Did not Your Majesty order watches on all the members of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Xie Anji knew the differences between sovereign and subject, but he was risking everything to re up at Ning Xiaoyao now.

    ¡°Heheh, are you stupid?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    All of the doctors quietly backed away, suspecting His Majesty would drive Second Young Master Xie mad. Lou Zigui looked coldly at the heaving, seething Xie Anji. Xie Wenyuan wants to rmend this piece of garbage for the Nine Gates Infantry Commander post? Supreme Commander Lou felt like he was looking at a joke. Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie was staring coldly at Ning Xiaoyao. Last night, I sent troops to encircle Iron Buddha Temple, so Ning Yu ordered someone to poison me in retaliation. In the end, she¡¯d still after the Zhou n soldiers...

    Ning Xiaoyao was simply baring her fists at Xie Anji. ¡°Are you going to walk out on your own, or do I have to make you leave myself?¡±

    Xie Anji figured that a schr epted death over humiliation, so he decided on a life and death struggle with Ning Yu, the ungrateful wretch.

    ¡°Get out,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up just then. ¡°His Majesty is here, so you mustn¡¯t be impudent.

    ¡°Father!¡± Xie Anji couldn¡¯t believe his ears. We still have to endure even when things havee to this?

    ¡°Get out!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared.

    ¡°Hear that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said cheerfully. ¡°Daddy told you to get out. You have to listen to daddy¡¯s words.¡±

    Xie Anji mmed the door as he stalked outside. Ning Xiaoyao asked Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Why is he so temperamental? Grand Preceptor, you¡¯ve spoiled your son rotten.¡±

    The doctors were all wondering whether or not they could leave. We really want to get out of here, ah!

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Anji has a very blunt personality. Your Majesty, you should know your second uncle¡¯s temper.¡±

    ¡°The heck you¡¯re talking about?¡± Ning Xiaoyao red.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty called Anwu your fourth uncle once, so wouldn¡¯t Anji be your second uncle?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the monkey¡¯s butt that was the Grand Preceptor¡¯s face. Even like this, he doesn¡¯t forget to annoy me. Is he really the type who fights until their dying breath?

    Grand Preceptor Xieughed. ¡°This subject understands Your Majesty¡¯s views. However, this subject cannot abide by them.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. In other words, this bastard¡¯s not letting A¡¯Mo and the rest off?

    (Author: How do I put it? The two of you are thinking aboutpletely different things ah, ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q )

 Chapter 185: This subject knows who the culprit is

    <h4>Chapter 185: This subject knows who the culprit is</h4>

    While Ning Xiaoyao was suppressing her urge to kill Grand Preceptor Xie, Lou Zigui took that time and spoke up. ¡°This one understands the Grand Preceptor¡¯s views as well.¡±

    Hearing those words from that man, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is ill. Please pardon this subject for not seeing you off.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away, but she refused to leave without resolving the troubles of A¡¯Mo and the rest.

    When Lou Zigui tugged on her, she simply stood in ce and asked, ¡°Do you insist on doing things this way?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even open his eyes. ¡°This subject still has the same words: does Your Majesty want this subject dead?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Would you die if I tell you to?¡±

    To which Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°This subject has no choice if the sovereign wants the subject dead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately replied, ¡°Then fine, you can go die.¡±

    ¡°However, the mountains and rivers are in tatters while bandits roam thends. Your Majesty is haunted by petty subjects by your side,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued. ¡°Due to current circumstances, this subject cannot die.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao smoothed down her sleeves and suddenly lost all her patience. She was going to sic this bastard. How could he say such righteous-sounding words when he was absolutely shameless himself?!

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao once again and shook his head at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao held herself back and said to the Grand Preceptor, ¡°Why don¡¯t you say who those supposedly petty subjects are?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie simply stared at Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao nced at him and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, you still want me to hold back?¡±

    ¡°Justice is apparent in one¡¯s heart,¡± Lou Zigui replied coldly, causing Grand Preceptor Xie to bark out a sarcasticugh. By now, all of the doctors had backed up right next to the windows. In the Grand Preceptor¡¯s eyes, His Majesty wasn¡¯t a sovereign at all.

    ¡°You can stillugh even when you¡¯re swollen like this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave Grand Preceptor Xie a thumbs up. ¡°No wonder people always say ¡®good people never live long, but evil jerks live on forever.¡¯¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie moved his neck with some difficulty to stare at Lou Zigui. ¡°What Your Majesty means to say is while the Xie n¡¯s full of loyal martyrs, Supreme Commander is the sole survivor of his family?¡±

    Aiya, Ning Xiaoyao thought as she stared at Grand Preceptor Xie, He¡¯s ssifying Supreme Commander as one of those ¡®evil jerks,¡¯ ¡°Grand Preceptor, your brains have turned useless with your advanced years, is that it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°The Lou n still has a little nephew named Lou Nan.[1. Lou Nan (Â¥éª) - Nan is the name of the Phoebe zhennan tree, whose wood was so valuable that only the imperial family could use it.] How could you ignore the existence of such a living, breathing Lou n member?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xieughed coldly. ¡°Lou Nan has been weak and sickly since childhood---¡±

    ¡°Enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t let Grand Preceptor Xie finish his nasty words. ¡°You had three perfectly healthy sons, but was that any use? One¡¯s been wasted, one¡¯s an idiot, and thest---oh, that¡¯s right, I forgot to ask. Is your third son still struggling for life in this world?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie finally fell silent. Ning Xiaoyao silently gave herself a ¡®Like.¡¯ Anyone who tried to verbally spar with her would experience a life worse than death, even if there were no zombies in this world! She¡¯d definitely drive Grand Preceptor Xie to a dead end! In the past, anyone who faced off against her ended up being gnawed by zombies. (Author: Enough already...)

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away. If this kept on, she¡¯d probably start shouting abuses in public again.

    ¡°Are you still going to capture the ants?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked loudly.

    Grand Preceptor Xie only took her to be mocking him. He chortled, then said, ¡°This subject already found the culprit, so why would I me ants for these things? Or does Your Majesty wish for this subject to make mortal enemies out of some puny ants?¡±

    Whaa? Ning Xiaoyao was a little lost. Aren¡¯t A¡¯Mo¡¯s team of ants the culprits? Where did this ¡®other suspect¡¯ pop out from?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Don¡¯t take this subject for an idiot.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao creased her brows and considered the situation before her. Forget about who the Grand Preceptor¡¯s suspecting, at least A¡¯Mo and the rest are safe now, so I¡¯ve reached my goal. Once she thought it through, Ning Xiaoyao rxed her brows and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re not stupid,¡± she said.

    If he really was stupid, would I have so much trouble killing him up to now? That¡¯d only mean I was the low IQ one instead.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty for thepliment.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Treat your illness well, we can fight again when you recover. Goodbye.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was already walking towards the door when Lou Zigui gave a parting word, ¡°I beseech Grand Preceptor think twice before taking any actions.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie blinked. Lou Zigui said no more, but turned and left as well. Ning Xiaoyao was standing outside the study doors to lecture Xie Anji. ¡°There are so many rooms in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, but you let your father sleep in a study? Where¡¯s your sense of filial piety?¡±

    Xie Anji heaved for breath as he stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you, is the study a room to read books or a room to sleep in?¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips in contempt. ¡°You unfilial son.¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people wanted to kneel in awe before Ning Xiaoyao. It wasmon for the Grand Preceptor to sleep in the study, so was His Majesty kicking up a row on purpose? The eldest young master was a bastard who abandoned his first wife, the third young master was cold-blooded bastard who treated human life like garbage, and now His Majesty wanted to use their second young master as an unfilial bastard, too?!

    ¡°You just wait,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Xie Anji, ¡°If this happens again and I catch you mistreating the Grand Preceptor, I¡¯ll definitely, that there, drown you in a wicker basket!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Xie Anji eximed out loud.

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. His Majesty¡¯s even saying things like drowning people in wicker baskets, how did his tongue turn so poisonous? That kind of punishment is only reserved for married women who¡¯vemitted adultery, so what does it mean when he puts it on second young master¡¯s head?

    ¡°Stop shouting,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Even if you do, I¡¯ll still drown you in a wicker basket.¡±

    As Xie Anji lost all reason and started a verbal spar against Ning Xiaoyao, Lou Zigui walked out with a cold look towards the man. ¡°Your Majesty, is there anything else you wanted to do?¡±

    ¡°Nothing else,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Where¡¯s the old madame¡¯s mourning hall? Second Xie, lead the way. I¡¯m going to burn some incense and papers and whatnot for old madame.¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s people wanted to cry. He¡¯s not even sparing the old madame¡¯s mourning hall?

    ¡°Escort the guests out!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie yelled from the study.

    Lou Zigui tugged at Ning Xiaoyao because it was about time they left. If they really forced Xie Wenyuan into ordering the capital soldiers to revolt, wouldn¡¯t everything be over? Ning Xiaoyao was pulled toward the front gates of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate as she made a ¡®nailed it¡¯ gesture to Cousin Magpie on the roof.

    Cousin Magpie said, ¡°Xiaoyao, if anything else happens, I¡¯ll find you at the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blew a kiss at him. Cousin Magpie was no romantic, but he sensed that Ning Xiaoyao was telling him ¡®alright,¡¯ so he chirped back a few times before flying to A¡¯Mo¡¯s nest. He told the heroes who¡¯d bitten Grand Preceptor Xie all over that the emergency had been resolved.

    ¡°Who¡¯s A¡¯Mo?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Oh, A¡¯Mo¡¯s alright now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you who he is, not if he¡¯s alright,¡± Lou Zigui murmured.

    ¡°Urk, A¡¯Mo¡¯s a little ant.¡±

    Lou Zigui stopped and turned to look at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao knew Supreme Commander wouldn¡¯t believe her. ¡°A¡¯Mo¡¯s one of my little pals.¡±

    In Lou Zigui¡¯s mind, this A¡¯Mo had to be one of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s agents at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. (Author: Supreme Commander, you¡¯re right in everything but the species.)

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± one of the Dragon Guards ran out from the back courtyards of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    ¡°Withdraw the men, we¡¯re going back to the pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. The Dragon Guard nodded and ran off. Ning Xiaoyao was dragged by Lou Zigui all the way to the exit. The servants there felt their legs quaking at the mere sight of her, feeling that anything could go wrong. By now, the Lord Protector had finally arrived with his own guards to the area.

    ¡°Lord Protector, should we dismount from the horses?¡± a guard asked.

    The Lord Protector stared at the newly renovated archway above them before whipping his horse to pass right through. Seeing this, his guards followed suit. Ning Xiaoyao stood at the entrance of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and looked left and right. Every time her gaze swept over someone, they would lower their heads and pretend they were invisible.

    ¡°This door,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted one of the round metal decorations on the door, ¡°Is simply too ugly.¡±

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants felt their hearts rise up in their throats. Ning Xiaoyao banged against the door with effort and managed to topple it to the ground again.

    ¡°........¡± said the Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants. As expected, His Majesty can¡¯t leave without tearing something down at the estate.

    Lou Zigui stepped forward and took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants looked at the toppled door and felt that it probably hurt more than His Majesty. The Lord Protector first heard the door crashing to the ground before he reached the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. By the time he got to the front doors, Ning Xiaoyao was standing on top of the fallen door. In that moment, the Lord Protector believed in the old madame¡¯s words. His Majesty wouldn¡¯t lose---His Majesty would definitely y that old hooligan, Xie Wenyuan, to death!

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned at the Lord Protector. ¡°Lord Protector, why did youe?¡±

    The Lord Protector flipped off his horse, but Ning Xiaoyao had already run to his side. ¡°Lord Protector, your little brother...¡±

    Lou Zigui caught up and pulled her aside before lowering his voice. ¡°Talk about that after we¡¯re farther away from this ce..¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned back and saw the Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants hastily drop their heads, again pretending they didn¡¯t exist. Lou Zigui brought Ning Xiaoyao and the Lord Protector some ways away from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, then asked, ¡°Is honorable little brother well?¡±

    Lord Protector hastened to kneel in front of Ning Xiaoyao, but Lou Zigui stopped him before the emperor could do it herself. ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities here, we can just talk.¡±

    The Lord Protector stared at Lou Zigui. He was kneeling for His Majesty, so why did Lou Zigui stop him? Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Mm, judging from the fact that Lord Protector tried to thank me, honorable little brother is well.¡±

    Joy shed on the Lord Protector¡¯s face before he cupped his fist in front of his chest. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Pei Yan has really recovered.¡±

    It¡¯s a pity, Ning Xiaoyao thought to herself, I didn¡¯t get to go to the Lord Protector¡¯s estatest night and see for myself. But when she lifted her head to look at Lou Zigui, her lips split into a lecherous grin. Last night, Supreme Commander and I...heheheh, that really wasn¡¯t bad, either.

    ¡°........¡± said the Lord Protector. My little brother was the one who became a manst night, but why does His Majesty look like he enjoyed himself too?

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to stand behind him before intoning, ¡°Congrattions.¡±

    The Lord Protector only felt that there was something off about this odd couple.

    ¡°Lord Protector, why have youe?¡± Lou Zigui asked while keeping Ning Xiaoyao firmly out of sight.

    The Lord Protector said, ¡°I heard something happened to the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Something has,¡± Lou Zigui lost his grip and Ning Xiaoyao popped out from behind him in high spirits.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s body is all swollen up. Haha, his face is as ripe as a monkey¡¯s butt!¡±

    Hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s description, the Lord Protector¡¯s first thought was, Heavens, His Majesty has poisoned the Grand Preceptor.

 Chapter 186: Sounds of sobbing from the boudoir

    <h4>Chapter 186: Sounds of sobbing from the boudoir</h4>

    ¡°Lord Protector came to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate just to find His Majesty for this matter?¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao behind him again. The Lord Protector nced at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and also felt that the location wasn¡¯t appropriate.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Lord Protector, are you going to treat me to a meal?¡± After I¡¯ve cured Pei Yan, will the Lord Protector¡¯s estate invite me out to eat as thanks?

    The Lord Protector only felt bewildered. Treat the emperor to a meal? Is this the time to be talking about that?

    ¡°No?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was a little disappointed. Although the Lord Protector was still confused, seeing the wrinkles on His Majesty¡¯s face made him relent.

    He probingly asked, ¡°Then shall I invite Your Majesty to this official¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°To eat your family¡¯s food?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes lit up.

    The Lord Protector finally felt like he¡¯d done something right for once and hastily nodded his head.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t talk, I¡¯ll take you to eat egg yolk guobater,¡± Lou Zigui dropped his head to murmur.

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been a month yet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked askance at Lou Zigui. Are you taking me for an idiot?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°You don¡¯t think there¡¯s only one egg yolk guoba seller in the entire capital, do you?¡± This girl¡¯s such a fool, how did she managed to live so long?

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Why didn¡¯t I think of that?

    ¡°What will you choose?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao was stuck. Aftering to this world, she¡¯d yet to meet anyone who¡¯d invite her out for a meal, but egg yolk guoba were delicious as well. The Lord Protector had no idea what the duo were talking about, but he did hear ¡®egg yolk guoba.¡¯ Thus, the Lord Protector said, ¡°Your Majesty likes to eat egg yolk guoba? Then this official shall order the kitchens to make them for Your Majesty. Our chefs know how to make this dish.¡±

    When Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao was nearly drooling at the news, he promptly lost his temper at the Lord Protector. ¡°Stop talking!¡± If you don¡¯t have anything better to do, why are you being so affectionate with His Majesty?! (Author: Supreme Commander, you¡¯re jealous. (©V_©V)£©

    Lord Protector had a fright from Lou Zigui¡¯s outburst, but soon grew irate as well. Lou Zigui, you¡¯re Anyuan¡¯s Supreme Commander and an official of the first rank, but I¡¯m still the Lord Protector. What gives you the right to lecture me?

    As Lord Protector prepared to give Lou Zigui a talking to, a young Dragon Guard ran out of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s gates over to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side ¡°Your Majesty, something big¡¯s happened!¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor died?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The Dragon Guard furiously shook his head. ¡°No, no! The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men captured the headmander!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was convinced there was nothing wrong with her hearing, so she epted the facts and quickly grew angry. ¡°That¡¯s wrong! I¡¯m going to find the Grand Preceptor!¡± Tossing her sleeves aside, she prepared to stalk inside, but Lou Zigui kept a tight grip on her.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Lou Zigui asked the Dragon Guard.

    The Dragon Guard only nced at the Lord Protector, so Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°It¡¯s fine, the Lord Protector¡¯s one of our people. Speak, why did the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men capture Windy?¡±

    After hearing His Majesty call him one of theirs, the Lord Protector quickly forgot his discontent towards Lou Zigui.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯sdyship said the headmander was spying on the fifth young Miss taking a bath,¡± the Dragon Guard said quickly.

    Ning Xiaoyao had to doubt her ears this time. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°They said the headmander was spying on fifth young Miss taking a bath,¡± the Dragon Guard had no choice but to repeat himself.

    Who¡¯s Fifth Young Miss Xie?

    Oh right, it¡¯s Xie Duoying. After connecting the dots, Ning Xiaoyao recalled the long hair she¡¯d once found on Windy¡¯s shirt. First a hair, now spying on her bathing? What kind of predestiny is this?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression remained unchanged. ¡°Where is Windy now?¡±

    The Dragon Guard replied, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men wanted to catch him, but we brothers couldn¡¯t stand by and just watch, so the rest of them are facing off against the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men in the back courtyard.¡±

    ¡°Then what are we waiting for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao simply ran into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. The Dragon Guard quickly followed suit, too busy to bother with Lou Zigui. When the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men saw Ning Xiaoyaoe back, they only felt their livers ache. Why isn¡¯t he gone yet?!

    ¡°Lord Protector, would you like to take a look as well?¡± Since Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t stop Miss Ning, he was in no more rush. He even had the patience to exchange words with the Lord Protector.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lord Protector replied without a second thought. I¡¯m already one of His Majesty¡¯s people, so how could I stay out?

    ¡°Please,¡± Lou Zigui invited the Lord Protector to go in first.

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men didn¡¯t dare to block His Majesty, so they didn¡¯t have the guts to block Supreme Commander or the Lord Protector either. The Lord Protector purposely chose to trod over the Grand Preceptor¡¯s fallen front door. Though it was a childish move, it made him feel great!

    Ning Xiaoyao was already at the entrance to the back courtyard. When the head instigator of the capture, Lady Wang, saw her show up, she flinched back on instinct. But she quickly regained her calm. She was the victim in this case, so she was perfectly justified in her actions. What was there to fear?

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t spare the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people another nce before asking after Shadowgale. ¡°Windy, are you alright? Did the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people hurt you?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head from within the ring of Dragon Guards surrounding him. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant is unharmed.¡±

    ¡°Hmm hmm~¡± Ning Xiaoyao said ruthlessly, ¡°If they dared to touch you, I¡¯d drown them all in wicker baskets!¡±

    (Author: Is that the only murder method you know? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Lady Wang had never seen someone as vicious as Ning Xiaoyao in her lifetime. Completely insensible! That servant Shadowgale ruined the prospects of a Xie n daughter, but it¡¯s still the Xie n who has to pay? Lady Wang looked coldly towards Xie Duoying¡¯s mother, Xie Anyi¡¯s concubine Madame Fu.[1. Madame Fu (¸µÒÌÄï) - Fu is a surname that is archaic for ¡°teach, instruct, help,¡± Yiniang is a form of address for father¡¯s concubine.]

    Madame Fu fell to her knees beneath Lady Wang¡¯s re and burst into tears for the sake of her pure and chaste daughter.

    ¡°Keep crying and I¡¯ll get physical,¡± Ning Xiaoyao warned.

    Scared, Madame Fu immediately shut up. Ning Xiaoyao turned her shining eyes on Shadowgale and asked, ¡°Did you see anything good?¡±

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°See what?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Didn¡¯t they say Xie Duoying was bathing without her clothes on?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Shadowgale.

    ¡°.......¡± said the rest of the Dragon Guards.

    Why is His Majesty always concerned with different details than the rest of us?

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Shadowgale with her sparkling eyes until the headmander stiffly shook his head.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°So you didn¡¯t see anything, ah. Then aren¡¯t we fighting with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate for nothing?¡±

    Shadowgale only felt ck lines across his face. That¡¯s really ¡®too bad,¡¯ is it?

    The Dragon Guards felt that His Majesty¡¯s words had merit. Their leader hadn¡¯t even seen anything, so they¡¯d be the ones losing out if they fought against the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. (Author: Wake up, all of you! You can¡¯t settle debts with logic like that...)

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°If you didn¡¯t see anything, then why did Lady Wang say you did?¡±

    ¡°This servant, I---I heard a girl crying inside the rooms, so I stood outside to ask how she was doing. But then a bunch of servants and old mama ran out of a side door. Only then did this servant find out it was Fifth Young Miss Xie inside the room,¡± Shadowgale stammered out, a clear sign of his agitation.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the two-storey building behind the Dragon Guards and asked, ¡°Is Fifth Young Miss still inside?¡±

    Shadowgale nodded.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate must be trying to malign the headmander!¡± multiple Dragon Guards piped up.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. This was a pre-nned trap to capture Windy. Speaking of which, Windy, why did youe here by yourself?¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Shadowgale wanted to speak, but quickly shut up.

    Hm? Ning Xiaoyao felt that something was up. ¡°Come on,¡± she said as she patted her chest. ¡°Tell me the truth. Just what¡¯s going on? I can shoulder the burden of anything, no matter how fierce the storms and tempests might be!¡±

    He¡¯s even brought up storms and tempests, the Dragon Guards thought as they looked at Ning Xiaoyao. What kind of nonsense is he bbing about?

    While Ning Xiaoyao was rambling to the Dragon Guards, Lady Wang was in a towering rage. Ever since His Majesty came into the courtyard, he hadn¡¯t spared a nce to her. Was he ignoring her existence?! (Author: If you already know the answer, why are you still asking the question, madame?)

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lady Wang called out.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned and said, ¡°Oh, so you still know I¡¯m Your Majesty. I thought you had no idea, yourdyship.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lady Wang.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you kneeling in the presence of the emperor!¡± a Dragon Guard shouted at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people. Immediately, everyone in the courtyard except for Lady Wang fell to their knees. It really was strange, but every time they saw His Majesty they¡¯d forget they had to kneel.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lady Wang looked at Ning Xiaoyao with teary eyes. ¡°Do you really want to humiliate our Xie n?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Look at what you¡¯re saying. When have I ever humiliated your Xie n?¡±

    Lady Wang burst into sobs. ¡°Fifth daughter is a pure and chaste young maiden, but now she¡¯s been ruined!¡±

    ¡°Hold on, you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned sideways to point at the boudoir behind them. ¡°Windy was both outside the door and the wall, so what could he have seen? Was your Xie Duoying bathing in the courtyard?¡±

    Lady Wang choked, before she sobbed out, ¡°All he did was walk into the building and out, who knows what he did during that time?¡±

    ¡°Well dang, from what I¡¯m hearing, you won¡¯t be satisfied until Windy sees Xie Duoying once today, is that it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°You think that just by smearing Windy¡¯s good name, you can recover Xie Duoying¡¯s reputation?¡±

    Lady Wang said, ¡°Does Your Majesty want to force this wife unto death with your words?¡±

    ¡°I just find you, you and the Grand Preceptor really are peas in a pod,¡± Ning Xiaoyao crossed her arms. ¡°Grand Preceptor asked me if I wanted him to die; now you¡¯re saying I¡¯m forcing you to die as well. Why is it that every time it¡¯s you two, the fault¡¯s always on the other party? So we outsiders have no rhyme or reason, is that it?¡±

    Lady Wang shook her head before insisting, ¡°Your Majesty must give this wife an exnation for today¡¯s events.¡±

    ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°You going to bite me to death, ah?¡±

    Lady Wang felt her body shudder.

    ¡°Say, that there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she pointed in the direction of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s study. ¡°Find your man and have him rally his troops for a revolt right now. I¡¯ll wait, you go ahead.¡±

    Lady Wang suddenly lost all strength in her body. So what if she had justification on her side? The person standing before her was the emperor, and this was Yongning¡¯s kingdom. Could she fight against the Heavens themselves? Lady Wang crumpled to the ground. Because she¡¯d been crying too much over the past few days, all her tears had dried up. Now she only felt her eyes stinging with no relief.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lady Wang and shook her head. ¡°You can stop pretending. If you really wanted the best for Xie Duoying, you wouldn¡¯t do something like this. By using her against me, you¡¯ll ruin that little girl regardless of whether you win or lose.¡±

 Chapter 187: Harming others because of jealousy

    <h4>Chapter 187: Harming others because of jealousy</h4>

    After being scared by Ning Xiaoyao, Madame Fu was now kneeling on the ground. Her head whipped towards Lady Wang at the emperor¡¯s words. After this gets out, will anyone be willing to marry my daughter? Did herdyship ever think of the consequences when she trapped the headmander in front of my daughter¡¯s room on purpose?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she looked at Madame Fu. She¡¯d seen the interactions between the two women loud and clear. Although she had no idea who Madame Fu was, she had a sense that she was probably Xie Duoying¡¯s mother. ¡°Do you really think she¡¯ll uphold justice for your daughter¡¯s sake? She¡¯s only using your daughter as a weapon,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined for Madame Fu¡¯s sake.

    Madame Fu lowered her head, her hands digging into the dirt. She fully understood Lady Wang¡¯s intentions, but what could she do as a mere concubine? How could she protect her own daughter? This was the child she gave birth to, but the girl didn¡¯t even have the right to call her ¡®mother.¡¯

    After being exposed, Lady Wang fell mute for a while before she raised her voice again. ¡°A daughter of the Xie n will never live an ignoble existence! This wife only wants to seek justice for Fifth Young Miss!¡±

    ¡°Y-Your Ladyship?!¡± Madame Fu shrieked. Her Ladyship is shouting so loudly, does she really want to push my daughter to the point of no return?

    ¡°Shut your mouth!¡± Lady Wang screeched at Madame Fu in return.

    ¡°Should we go in?¡± the Lord Protector asked Lou Zigui from their position at the entrance to the courtyard. Lou Zigui stood with his hands behind his back and slightly shook his head.

    ¡°Do you think we could really go in and kill the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    The Lord Protector fell silent. Is Lou Zigui joking with me? Yet his face lookspletely serious.

    ¡°You shut up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at Lady Wang. ¡°Would our Windy actually want to look at your Xie Duoying? What face you have! The pce is full of beauties, so if he really took a fancy to someone, wouldn¡¯t it be a girl from the pce? Do you think your family¡¯s Xie Duoying is some sort of celestial fairy? Dream on!¡±

    One of the Dragon Guards tugged on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sleeve. He knew His Majesty was speaking up for the headmander¡¯s sake, but all that nonsense about eyeing beauties from the pce was unnecessary! Words like that could condemn a man to death!

    ¡°You¡¯re both made of the same stuff,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was in the midst of battling with Lady Wang, so she never noticed the guard tugging on her sleeve. Ignoring himpletely, she stared daggers at Lady Wang and said, ¡°All of you just want to toy with Windy with your motherf**king beauty schemes, can¡¯t you think of something else for once?¡±

    His Majesty¡¯s words came as a massive information dump. Even the Lord Protector standing by the entrance couldn¡¯t help but wonder who His Majesty was associating with Lady Wang. But soon enough, many people in the courtyard seemed to understand what Ning Xiaoyao meant. Who else would have the means to try a beauty scheme against the headmander of the Dragon Guards? Besides the Esteemed Empress Dowager in the pce proper, there were no other possible candidates, right?

    ¡°Windy is a Dragon Guard,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a cold re, ¡°Could he be moved by lust? Lady Wang, are you cursing the imperial family for being too blind to pick their subordinates?¡±

    Lady Wang really hadn¡¯t intended to try a beauty scheme against Shadowgale. She was simply using the fact that Shadowgale had dropped by to capture him in a trap. But now Ning Xiaoyao was using her of so many things that she couldn¡¯t take it. Deriding the royal family for having no insight? If I had the guts to do that, I would have risked my life to fight against His Majesty and save my son!

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± a voice could be hearding from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. Ning Xiaoyao nced down and saw A¡¯Mo perched there.

    ¡°Cough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked to the side and lowered her voice. ¡°A¡¯Mo, why have youe now?¡±

    ¡°Windy came to save Fifth Young Miss,¡± A¡¯Mo told Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes grew wide. As expected, there¡¯s a story behind all of this!

    It took effort for A¡¯Mo to speak while standing on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cor, so he simply crawled into her ear instead. ¡°The old madame had died, so Fifth Young Miss has been having a terrible time at the estate. All of the Xie n daughters bully her.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Eh, are they jealous because the old madame liked her best?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah,¡± A¡¯Mo said, ¡°In any case, all the girls said that the old madame¡¯s gone blind with age. My big brother says all humans be blind when they¡¯re older.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not an issue of eyesight,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Go back and tell your big brother that they¡¯re just cursing the old madame for having no insight.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± A¡¯Mo expressed his understanding.

    ¡°Keep talking,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°What happened next?¡±

    ¡°Next, they found some rogue man to ruin Fifth Young Miss,¡± A¡¯Mo said, ¡°Those girls arranged everything. While Fifth Young Miss was bathing, they¡¯d get him to do the bad deed.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. ¡°So that rogue prepared to go inside the room when Fifth Young Miss yelled for help, and then my Windy appeared?¡±

    A¡¯Mo said, ¡°Wah! You¡¯re so smart, Xiaoyao!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was quite modest. ¡°I¡¯m only so-so. Forget about smarts, I¡¯m just someone as dashing as the Heavens!¡± (Author: How does that count as being modest? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Mm,¡± though A¡¯Mo didn¡¯t understand thepliment, he still said, ¡°Xiaoyao, you¡¯re as dashing as the Heavens!¡±

    ¡°Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed.

    ¡°But A¡¯Mo doesn¡¯t understand,¡± A¡¯Mo said, ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Windy say what happened?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned back to nce over at Shadowgale, who was still standing in front of the boudoir. ¡°Could he say that a man was trying to get in while Fifth Young Miss was bathing? It¡¯dpletely ruin her reputation and finish her off for good.¡±

    This world was very different from the apocalypse. Thetter only concerned itself with survival and avoiding zombie bites. The former had its own standards and was too damned troublesome, in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s opinion. She sighed.

    ¡°Yah,¡± A¡¯Mo said, ¡°Windy is a good guy.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. Was it as simple as just being a good guy? ¡°That rogue, and the daughters who conspired the plot---are they all still here?¡± she asked A¡¯Mo.

    ¡°The girls aren¡¯t here, but the rogue is the one crouched way over in the back there,¡± A¡¯Mo said.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the area behind the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men until she found the back row. Alright, even without asking for verification she could see a retainer crouched near the ground.

    ¡°He¡¯s the one, there¡¯s no mistake,¡± A¡¯Mo was convinced of this.

    ¡°And which daughters were involved? A¡¯Mo, do you know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Eldest young Miss, third young Miss, fourth young Miss, sixth young Miss, and seventh young Miss and eighth young Miss,¡± A¡¯Mo smoothly reported off the numbers. Ning Xiaoyao nodded as she listened.

    A¡¯Mo asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you going to do now, ah?¡±

    ¡°Although I don¡¯t like Xie Duoying much,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I hate people who ruin others out of jealousy even more. They¡¯re all nothing but a pile of trash!¡±

    Looks like the Xie n daughters are doomed, A¡¯Mo thought to himself. Ning Xiaoyao ced her hands behind her back and strode over the designated rogue. The man had no idea that Ning Xiaoyao already knew the truth, and simply knelt respectfully on the ground. Without a word, Ning Xiaoyao raised a leg and kicked him in his back, sending him sprawling in front of the Dragon Guards.

    ¡°Capture him!¡± she cried.

    Although the Dragon Guards had no idea what was going on, they still did as they were told. A few of them stepped forward and pressed the man against the ground. Shadowgale only looked at Ning Xiaoyao in astonishment. How did His Majesty find out what really happened?

    Ning Xiaoyao walked into the crowd of Dragon Guards before ordering, ¡°Go and bring out the estate¡¯s eldest young Miss, third young Miss, fourth young Miss, sixth young Miss, seventh young Miss, and eighth young Miss over here.¡±

    One of the Dragon Guards gave Ning Xiaoyao a troubled look. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant doesn¡¯t know what they look like.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao muttered, ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    A¡¯Mo volunteered for the task. ¡°I do!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose before walking off to the side again. ¡°But those brothers won¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said A¡¯Mo. That¡¯s true. The only human who can talk to ants is probably Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao surveyed the upants of the courtyard. By now, Lady Wang had already been stunned by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s orders and was still lost in a daze. After Ning Xiaoyao finished scanning the courtyard, she walked to a teary-eyed servant girl with puffy red eyes. ¡°Are you one of Xie Duoying¡¯s people?¡±

    Hearing this, the little servant girl trembled. In her eyes, the Xie n¡¯s masters were already terribly and frightening figures, to say nothing of the emperor himself. She didn¡¯t even dare to think.

    Ning Xiaoyao half-crouched beside her and said, ¡°I already know all about what happened to Xie Duoying. Do you want to seek justice for her sake?¡±

    The little servant girl looked up at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a sugar bean into her mouth and said, ¡°It was my household¡¯s Windy that saved your young Miss, oh. Little girl, you don¡¯t want to see a perfectly good person framed either, right?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± the little servant girl replied.

    ¡°Then help lead the way for my people, won¡¯t you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said in a very soft voice. ¡°Ill winds blow hard and peace is scarce in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Have you considered moving to a different ce to stay?¡±

    The servant girl looked nkly at her. ¡°Your Majesty wishes to take this servant away?¡±

    ¡°If you lead the way, I¡¯ll bring you out of here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    The little servant girl promptly nodded. Between a sovereign and his subjects, only a fool wouldn¡¯t choose the emperor. Forget about telling an eight-year-old like her the intricacies of power ys, she wasn¡¯t old enough to understand the finer details.

    ¡°It¡¯s a deal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled the little servant girl over to the Dragon Guards. ¡°This little sister will lead the way. Capture anyone who refuses to show up and drag them here.¡±

    With their problem solved, the Dragon Guards went off with the little servant girl.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale called out.

    ¡°You can stop talking,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about your matters back at the pce. You still have a situation going on.¡±

    Shadowgale opened and closed his mouth a few times, at a loss for what to say.

    ¡°Your Majesty, what are you doing?!¡± Lady Wang finally regained her wits and cried out.

    ¡°You two, go ask the Grand Preceptor toe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao instructed another pair of Dragon Guards. ¡°Tell him there¡¯s a war between women going on here, and we¡¯re waiting for him toe see the show.¡±

    The two Dragon Guards epted the decree and left, while Lady Wang nearly howled in consternation. ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with all the yelling?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°In any case, I¡¯m not summoning them to pick a concubine candidate.¡±

    Lady Wang had already lost most of her souls. Does this person want to ruin our Xie n daughters?!

    ¡°N-no, you can¡¯t do that,¡± Lady Wang grew frantic. Somehow, she mustered up the courage to stand up and rush towards Ning Xiaoyao. Without any hint of manners, Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand and pped Lady Wang on the face, knocking her senseless onto the ground.

    ¡°.......¡± said the Dragon Guards. Actually, there¡¯s no need for any of us, is there?

    ¡°None of you move,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the stunned servants of the estate. ¡°Anyone who does will end up just like herdyship. This Majesty won¡¯t show mercy to anyone.¡±

    None of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people had the guts to budge anymore. All of them were worrying over whether or not they¡¯d live past today.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a little too much?¡± the Lord Protector asked Lou Zigui in a small voice. Raising a hand against a woman of the inner court, it¡¯d be bad for His Majesty¡¯s reputation if the news spread.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Shadowgale wouldn¡¯t show up in front of a youngdy¡¯s room without reason. His Majesty must have his reasons for such actions.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the Lord Protector. So you want to help His Majesty solve the Xie n¡¯s domestic affairs?!

 Chapter 188: The young ladies teamed up to do bad deeds

    <h4>Chapter 188: The youngdies teamed up to do bad deeds</h4>

    Lou Zigui took a step into the courtyard, so the Lord Protector braced himself and followed him inside. He had never bothered dealing with his own inner court affairs, so he didn¡¯t even know what his daughters¡¯ quarters looked like. Now he stood uneasily before the residence of the Fifth Young Miss Xie.

    Lou Zigui had no such qualms and strode straight to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side to ask, ¡°What happened?¡±

    The remaining Dragon Guards all perked up their ears to listen. That¡¯s right, just what happened here?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale called out.

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to exin when Shadowgale¡¯s voice silenced her. Ahh, that¡¯s right, if news of this spreads, the effects will be terrible for Xie Duoying. I¡¯ve been so busy thinking of how to deal with those scoundrels that I¡¯ve forgotten all about Fifth Young Miss Xie¡¯s reputation.

    At that moment, Xie Duoying opened the doors of her residence and walked outside. She wasn¡¯t wearing any makeup and presented herself to the emperor in in robes of evergreen, her hair tied into a casual twist behind her head. Her eyes were red and swollen, but she looked calm andposed as she walked with steady steps. Ning Xiaoyao surveyed her from head to toe before thinking casually, beauties are beauties through and through, sure enough. Even without any makeup and a pair of puffy eyes, she still looks very beautiful.

    Xie Duoying descended the steps of her house and approached Ning Xiaoyao, before falling to her knees. ¡°Your Majesty, this one has been wronged.¡±

    ¡°I know, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then what do you want to do?¡±

    Xie Duoying said, ¡°This one only asks that justice be served.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Shadowgale. She wants justice to be served, what¡¯s your opinion on that?

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t look at Xie Duoying, he simply stood as if he heard nothing at all. That meant he respected Fifth Young Miss Xie¡¯s wishes, Ning Xiaoyao understood. Lou Zigui nced at Shadowgale and said, ¡°You and Fifth Young Miss---¡±

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged on Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve, ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡±

    ¡°I and Fifth Young Miss...¡± Shadowgale wanted to exin that he¡¯de to save her.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t say anything, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about your affairs at length in the future, in the future.¡±

    The Lord Protector looked at the unfortunate Fifth Young Miss Xie still kneeling on the ground, then at the tall and handsome Shadowgale, and couldn¡¯t help but arch a brow. His Majesty and Grand Preceptor Xie are enemies, but how did the headmander of his Dragon Guards get involved with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s granddaughter? This really is something interesting...

    Lady Wang had regained consciousness by now. Two mama helped her into a sitting position as she raised her head towards Ning Xiaoyao and broke into loud sobs.

    ¡°Enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Yourdyship, wait untilter to cry. I can promise you that you¡¯ll be sobbing your heart out in a bit.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Lady Wang cried, with the venom evident in her voice, ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Stand up for justice, ah. What else would I do? You think I like hanging around the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    Sounds of sobbing came closer to the courtyard. Lady Wang suddenly recalled how Ning Xiaoyao had ordered the Dragon Guards to fetch the Xie n daughters and panicked. Once again, she raised her voice at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, this wife is your maternal grandmother, ah!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s right, she¡¯s my grandma. I almost forgot.

    ¡°Impudence,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Did you remember that His Majesty was your daughter¡¯s child when you trapped Shadowgale in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    Lady Wang choked out a sob at Lou Zigui¡¯s censuring remark. More sobbing joined hers as the daughters of the Xie n arrived in the courtyard while being shielded by their various mama. Behind them came the Dragon Guards with swords unsheathed. The youngdies¡¯ cries incited the entire courtyard into joining them until it looked like the n itself was facing extinction. Ning Xiaoyao saw Lady Wang make a move towards the girls and kicked the man being held down by the Dragon Guards over to the youngdies¡¯ feet. When eldest daughter saw his face, she grew stunned, while the two youngest shrieked out loud.

    ¡°Do you recognize him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the girls.

    Who would ever admit it it? All of the girls shook their heads, the motion nearly unanimous.

    ¡°Separate them,¡± Lou Zigui ordered. The Dragon Guards stepped forward beforeing face to face with the servant girls and mama shielding the Xie n daughters. They refused to budge no matter how the Dragon Guards yelled.

    ¡°Use physical force,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly. The Dragon Guards approached the servants with swords in their hands; in the next instant, seven to eight servants fell to the ground, injured. Seeing the sudden blood made a few of the Xie daughters faint away in fear. The sobbing in the courtyard intensified, but Lou Zigui only added, ¡°Kill anyone who makes a racket.¡±

    His voice wasn¡¯t loud at all, yet it was filled with murderous intent. It silenced all the crying in the courtyard. Ning Xiaoyao sniffed a few times. When will I get an aura like that? Give me a break, he¡¯s both oppressively cruel and crazy domineering.

    Lord Protector was just thinking of the rumors that said the ck Frost Cavalry left nothing but misery for the people in their wake. There were probably merits to those words when Cuckoo Lou was involved. He really showed no mercy between the young and old, male or female---just who to kill, and who to spare.

    It was at this time that Grand Preceptor Xie was carried to the entrance of the courtyard. The two little pageboys in charge of lifting his chair saw the Dragon Guards with weapons drawn and blood on the ground and grew too scared to approach any closer.

    ¡°Go on in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, unmoved. His voice was cold. The two pageboys shook with fear as they carried him inside the courtyard. When Lady Wang saw her husband now changed beyond all recognition, fresh tears fell from her face as her heart filled with an inexplicable sorrow. Grand Preceptor Xie nced at her in turn but felt nothing but exhaustion. You wanted to counter Ning Yu by ruining the reputation of your own granddaughter? When did this woman grow the guts and turn so stupid? How can a married woman of the inner court challenge the emperor? Who gave her the gall?

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie next focused on Ning Xiaoyao. No matter who started the mess in his estate, he had to stand out as the head of the family. He pointed at the youngdies in the courtyard and said, ¡°Just what do you mean by this, Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m proving my Windy¡¯s innocence, ah. How is he supposed to get married in the future if word gets out that he supposedly peeped on a girl bathing?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty is concerned about Shadowgale¡¯s future, but what about the future of these girls?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged. ¡°You can¡¯t me me for that, ah. If Lady Wang hadn¡¯t made a fuss, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered with your family¡¯s affairs in the first ce.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lady Wang wanted to speak up.

    ¡°Ignorant woman, shut your mouth,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie reprimanded her sharply. Lady Wang¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet as her feet grew unsteady. Grand Preceptor Xie was cursing her in public now---how was she supposed to maintain face in the family in the future?

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s mind worked at a far higher level than Lady Wang. When he heard the news about Xie Duoying from a steward, he realized that Shadowgale wasn¡¯t the crux of the problem. It was far more important to suppress the event and take care of it behind closed doors.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s this subject¡¯s personal affairs,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°I dare not trouble Your Majesty with such minor matters.¡± He wanted to patch things up and avoid trouble, but Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t someone to give him that satisfaction.

    She rolled her eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already troubled myself all the way ¡®til now. Grand Preceptor, telling me that now sounds a little fakeing from you.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie held back his temper. ¡°Your Majesty, how does this matter involve those girls?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it involve them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the rogue copsed on the ground. ¡°That man, have you seen him before? The six youngdies of your family pooled their funds together to invite him here. He was supposed to ruin Fifth Young Miss Xie¡¯s innocence while she was bathing. If it wasn¡¯t for my Windy hearing fifth young Miss yelling for help and going to see what was the matter, your family¡¯s fifth young Miss would bepletely ruined by now.¡±

    On a usual day, no one could make heads or tails of what Ning Xiaoyao talked about, but this time she was terse and to the point so that everyone understood. Grand Preceptor Xie felt momentarily thunderstruck as his vision turned ck again.

    ¡°Impossible, that can¡¯t be true!¡± Lady Wang shouted shilly.

    ¡°The emperor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she pointed at her nose, ¡°Has a golden mouth and pearly words, don¡¯t you know?¡±

    ¡°Does Your Majesty have any proof for your words?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie calmed himself enough to ask.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯ve even captured the culprit for you, what other proof do you want?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao over from the back. Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t give him a chance to speak.

    ¡°Your Majesty, how do you know it was this subject¡¯s granddaughters who bribed the man?¡±

    Now, Ning Xiaoyao was stuck. Could she say that A¡¯Mo saw them? But A¡¯Mo was only an ant, so would anyone believe his words? (Author: What you should be thinking about is how nobody can understand A¡¯Mo here besides yourself!)

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie pressed.

    ¡°That person has money from the girls on him,¡± A¡¯Mo murmured by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. ¡°Not only that, he has a pair of gold earrings that belong to the eldest young Miss. There were other things given to him too, but A¡¯Mo didn¡¯t see them clearly.¡±

    The youngdies of the boudoir rarely left the estate, so they didn¡¯t have much ready cash on hand to carry around. Their monthly stipend was collected by the various elderly female servants who served them, so the girls had all teamed up to pool their resources and jewelry to pay for the man. They nevercked for such thing in any case.

    ¡°Search him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the rogue while ordering a Dragon Guard by her side.

    The Dragon Guard ran to the man and soon uncovered a silver draft and a little bag of jewelry. Ning Xiaoyao took out a pair of gold earrings and tossed them towards Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°There, it¡¯s even been carved with an identifying mark. What a big ¡®Xie,¡¯ ah.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at the tiny character carved into the earrings, then at the bloodless faces of his granddaughters. Now he knew without a shadow of a doubt that Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words were true.

    ¡°Take a look yourself,¡± Ning Xiaoyao threw a few pendants to Lady Wang, who also saw more Xie carved onto the surfaces. She fell physically paralyzed to the ground.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, do you have anything else to say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Grand Preceptor Xie. She loved it when it came time to facep her enemies. Dangling the little cloth bag in her hands, Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Or would you like another look?¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Lady Wang threw herself at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s feet and shook her head furiously. We can¡¯t admit to this, or else our Xie n daughters will be ruined beyond redemption!

 Chapter 189: Lady Wang rams into the lantern stand

    <h4>Chapter 189: Lady Wang rams into thentern stand</h4>

    Naturally, Grand Preceptor Xie could draw the same conclusions as Lady Wang.

    ¡°The capital¡¯s Xie n isn¡¯t the only family surnamed ¡®Xie¡¯ in this world,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ced the gold earrings on the armrest of his chair, his expression calm and unruffled.

    ¡°S-so shameless,¡± A¡¯Mo said in astonishment.

    Ning Xiaoyao was shaken as well. He won¡¯t admit responsibility no matter what? Is he the kind of guy who doesn¡¯t cry even at the sight of his own coffin? (Author: Hey, what¡¯s the use of saying that stuff now?)

    The Lord Protector approached Lou Zigui next and murmured, ¡°We need to get to the bottom of this.¡±

    Lou Zigui only looked at him. Just earlier, you were keeping your distance from the problem, but now you¡¯ve suddenly decided to join in?

    The Lord Protector said, ¡°The Xie n¡¯s eldest and third young Miss have already been betrothed, they¡¯re just waiting for the mourning period to end before they marry into their new families. Do you know which families are taking them in?¡±

    Lou Zigui now turned his head to see the Xie couple. Anyone who could marry the Xie n had to be part of a prominent n themselves.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Wu and Lu families,¡± the Lord Protector continued. Ning Xiaoyao could hear the Lord Protector speaking, but she had no idea who the Wu or Lu families were. Lou Zigui¡¯s hands clenched behind his back. Those two families were old prominent ns in the capital city; more importantly, each of them headed up soldiers around the city.

    ¡°These two ns were probably grateful to Xie Wenyuan for giving them his granddaughters,¡± the Lord Protector said, holding back hisughter. ¡°But for the Xie n daughters to have such morals despite hailing from a literary family really makes it seem like the Wu and Lu ns are swallowing a fly instead.¡±

    It¡¯s more than just swallowing one fly. Lou Zigui thought. The Wu and Lu ns weren¡¯t aiming for the Xie n daughters specifically. With regards to Xie Wenyuan, they only had a normal business rtionship and took his money. But they were perfectly capable of getting that money from other people instead.Whatever happened to the Xie n, it wasn¡¯t their families who asked for marriage first. If the Xie n wanted to push their poisonous daughters into the Wu or Lu families, the results would be a feud instead of a wedding.

    ¡°Did His Majesty n all this out?¡± the Lord Protector asked Lou Zigui. How could everything be so coincidental? Just when the general mourning period is ending and those two daughters are off to be married, something like this happens instead?

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao and believed she didn¡¯t have the brains to scheme so extensively. Still, he couldn¡¯t fathom it either. Was it all serendipity? Ning Xiaoyao only pouted. Am I the bad guy here? Why is Lord Protector staring at me like that? It¡¯s lowering my impressions of him!

    ¡°What other royal thoughts is Your Majesty considering?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said after seeing that Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t reply. He knew he¡¯d put her in a bad spot, so he even feigned reverence towards the emperor as he spoke.

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t think up a good counter to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words. It really was true that other families surnamed Xie existed in the world. A¡¯Mo said,¡± Xiaoyao, let¡¯s just bite that bad guy to death!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ground her teeth. She really wanted to bite that old man to death, but seeing him swollen up all over made her realize she had no ce to put her teeth. Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even look human right now, so how was she supposed to chomp on him?! (Author: You mean you can bite him if he wasn¡¯t all swelled up?!)

    ¡°Find the justice court people toe,¡± Lou Zigui stepped forward. ¡°This concerns matters of a human life, so we might as well leave the investigations to them.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at Lou Zigui. Have the local authorities investigate? No matter what conclusions they draw, inviting them to the inner courtyard will ruin all the girls of the Xie n, you swine. He was silently cursing Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao had been staring at Grand Preceptor Xie the entire time and had noticed when his expression twisted.

    She then told Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s definitely cursing you.¡±

    Lou Zigui drew his lips up into a cold smile. ¡°Grand Preceptor, what do you think?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°These are this old man¡¯s family matters.¡±

    ¡°Are they still just personal matters when they¡¯ve nearly cost a human life?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Don¡¯t you keep fooling us with rhetoric, ah. You¡¯re saying I¡¯m falsely using your Xie n daughters, I¡¯m convinced I¡¯m not, so let the justice courts settle ounts.¡±

    ¡°Who is this man, where did hee from, who did he talk to?¡± Lou Zigui asked, ¡°How did he get into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and show up at Fifth Young Miss¡¯ boudoir of all ces? Where did the silver draft and bag of jewelry on his bodye from? We¡¯ll know the truth once we resolve all these questions.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even look at him. ¡°Investigate where this man came from? Supreme Commander, do you think the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate is a ce where just anyone cane and go freely?¡±

    ¡°Hmph, hmph,¡± Ning Xiaoyao expressed her disapproval a couple of times.

    Grand Preceptor said, ¡°Your Majesty is the sovereign of an entire nation. How could servants like uspare to the likes of you?¡±

    Lou Zigui wore an icy grin. ¡°The clothes he¡¯s wearing don¡¯t even fit him properly. The sleeves are too long, the waist too wide, and the pants too short. Grand Preceptor, does your estate employ such servants? Can they not even find clothes that fit them properly?¡±

    The crowd looked over and found Lou Zigui¡¯s words to be true. None of the clothing quite fit on the man¡¯s body, but how could a big family allow their servants to dress so shoddily?

    ¡°What else do you have to say, Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Grand Preceptor Xie only stared back. Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her best as she stood up straight. She wasn¡¯t afraid of others staring when she¡¯d done nothing wrong. With difficulty, Grand Preceptor Xie raised a hand. Just when he was about to rest it against his forehead, it dropped listlessly to his side again.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he said sorrowfully as he wore a smile. ¡°If the sovereign wants his subject to die, the subject has no choice but to ept death. This subject begs Your Majesty to spare this subject¡¯s granddaughters. This subject will bear the sole burden of their mistakes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows. What does that mean? It sounds like the Grand Preceptor¡¯s turning me into the bad guy here. Lou Zigui only chuckle and remarked, ¡°If we go by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s words, then it¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s fault that this mess happened at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie only stared at Ning Xiaoyao, his swollen eyes glistening with teardrops. Ning Xiaoyao never expected the old geezer to counterattack at a time like this. But her befuddlement soon gave way to a rising anger. Isn¡¯t he beingpletely unreasonable?!

    ¡°You,¡± Ning Xiaoyao prepared to blow her top when Lou Zigui took her hand and shook his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. Everything will clear up once we get someone to investigate, so there¡¯s no way that we¡¯ll lose.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took deep breaths and repeated silently to herself, This world has no zombies, this world has no zombies, this world has no zombies. Then she calmed down and told Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°I¡¯m not such a disgusting person to pick on your family¡¯s little girls. Neither of us can be the judge in this situation, so it¡¯s better for the justice courts to investigate. I¡¯ll send someone to keep an eye on them---you as well, Grand Preceptor. As long as we carefully look into the facts, we¡¯ll find the truth eventually.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you bring up your family matters with me. For the sake of your family, your wife nearly took my Windy¡¯s life.¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off. ¡°In any case, it¡¯s impossible for the facts to lie. We¡¯ll have to investigate this even if we die. I refuse to believe that unsolvable mysteries exist in this world.¡±

    Lou Zigui took the bag of jewelry from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands and added, ¡°Ordinary families wouldn¡¯t carve names into their jewelry. It¡¯d be easy enough to track down the craftsman and shopkeepers and link them to the owner than way.¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯ve falsely used your Xie n¡¯s youngdies, I¡¯ll give them a personal apology,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°I¡¯ll stand in the streets and say it, mark my words.¡±

    ¡°A righteous figure fears no shadows,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°If the Xie n daughters are innocent, they have no reason to fear any investigation.¡±

    ¡°Once the local authorities get involved with inner court matters,¡± Lady Wang sobbed, ¡°How will my Xie n daughters live on as proper, respectabledies!?¡±

    ¡°Is yourdyship finally feeling regretful?¡± Lou Zigui asked coldly. ¡°You led people to entrap Shadowgale and used him of viting fifth young Miss. Why didn¡¯t you remember they were your Xie n¡¯s inner court matters then?¡±

    Lady Wang desperately wished she could re-do everything. I never would have held Shadowgale back if these were the consequences!

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°Isn¡¯t Windy¡¯s reputation worth something just the same?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, yourdyship, which is more important to you? Your Xie n daughters¡¯ reputations, or His Majesty¡¯s good name?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke up in favor of justice. ¡°Windy is mine. If you guys curse him, it¡¯s the same as pping me in the face!¡±

    Windy is mine... Lou Zigui¡¯s face turned ck at the deration. Why do those words sound so offensive to my ears?

    Shadowgale felt himself choke. His Majesty¡¯s so protective of me even though I was protecting Xie Duoying back then. He almost felt like dying. Just what did I do, ah?!

    The Lord Protector enjoyed the entire show with great relish. Seeing His Majesty and Supreme Commander Lou take turns dressing down Grand Preceptor Xie and his wife felt like drinking sweet ice water on the hottest days of the year. He felt equals partsfortable and at ease.

    When Lady Wang saw Grand Preceptor Xie left speechless by the duo, she rose shakily to her feet and wiped away her tears. ¡°Your Majesty, if it¡¯s anyone who¡¯s wrong, it¡¯s this wife.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start at her words. She¡¯s admitting to her mistakes that easily?

    Lou Zigui furrowed his brows before crying out urgently, ¡°Stop her!¡±

    At the same time, Lady Wang ran head-first into a stonentern stand.

    ¡°Ahhhhhh!¡± Screams of rm rose in the courtyard. Lady Wang copsed in a pool of blood, leaving arge scarlet stain against thentern stand.

    Crap!

    Ning Xiaoyao was the first to reach the woman¡¯s side. She actually resorted to suicide when she couldn¡¯t beat me. Can people please stop tossing their lives away like nothing here?!

    Grand Preceptor Xie squeezed his eyes shut. With Lady Wang¡¯s dying to prove her family¡¯s innocence, his Xie n daughters would be innocent of all wrongdoing. Meanwhile, he could make sure to pin Ning Yu for the crime of forcing Lady Wang to suicide!

    Ning Xiaoyao rested her hand against the gaping wound on Lady Wang¡¯s forehead. She really had been looking to die and even cracked her skull against the stonentern. Theyer of meninx bordering her brain shifted slightly under Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s touch. Lou Zigui walked to their side and murmured, ¡°How is it?¡±

    Because Ning Xiaoyao was wholly focused on repairing the damage, herplexion was a little pale. But she still managed to grin at him and answer, ¡°How could anyone die with me around?¡±

    Lou Zigui creased his brows tightly at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bloodstained hand. By now the Lord Protector had rushed over as well. Lady Wang can¡¯t die. Otherwise, His Majesty¡¯s crime of forcing his elders to die would far outshadow any transgressions by the Xie n daughters. Just the thought of it turned his scalp numb as he broke out into cold sweat. What now? He¡¯d been doing nothing but watching a show just then, but now he waspletely at a loss as to what to do.

 Chapter 190: Whose foot are you smashing with that rock?

    <h4>Chapter 190: Whose foot are you smashing with that rock?</h4>

    ¡°Carry this old man over there,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered the two little pageboys.

    ¡°Sto---¡± Lou Zigui wanted to stop him, but Ning Xiaoyao raised her bloody hand and waved at him. Soon enough, the two pageboys brought the Grand Preceptor¡¯s chair to thentern stand. Ning Xiaoyao stood up and was pulled aside by Lou Zigui before she had a chance to speak. Lou Zigui¡¯s own hands had been dyed with blood countless times, but the sight of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s red fingers left his heart in palpitations. He only felt that the image didn¡¯t suit her at all. Grabbing his cloth handkerchief, he began to wipe her hand clean, forgetting all about Lady Wang in the process. (Author: Hey, hey, Supreme Commander, is that really alright?)

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s people followed their master to gather by thentern stand. Lady Wangy unmoving on the ground, her face covered in blood. A pool of scarlet spread out beneath her head to sink into the mud and stain the yellow earth ck.

    ¡°N¨¦e Wang?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked in a trembling voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt the hairs on her body stand on end at his voice. Why¡¯s the old geezer ying at feeling deep love right now?!

    ¡°My Lady, ahh!¡± one of Lady Wang¡¯s elderly female servants suddenly fell to her knees by Lady Wang¡¯s body and burst into tears. ¡°My Lady, how could you leave us like this? My Lady, ah!¡±

    More and more people joined in the sobbing until the entire courtyard was filled with tears. A few of the Xie n daughters cried themselves into a faint. They were very clear that Lady Wang had died for their sakes. Ning Xiaoyao shot a nce at Xie Duoying, who was still kneeling all alone in front of her boudoir. Her heart ached slightly at the sight. The difference in Fifth Young Miss Xie¡¯s treatment before and after Old Madame Xie died was proof that everyone needed a strong backer to survive. (Author: Aren¡¯t you missing the main point here?)

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the Lord Protector called out.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned towards him. The Lord Protector pointed at Grand Preceptor Xie, who was glowering at her with tear-filled eyes. Despite this, Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t sensed any of the man¡¯s hostility, causing the Lord Protector to confirm that His Majesty was an exceptional existence. Ning Xiaoyao only nced once at Grand Preceptor Xie before turning back again. It was impossible to stare at him right now. In fact, his swelling seemed to have worsened, because now he was the same size all over. Does he even still look human right now?

    Grand Preceptor Xie only turned away from Ning Xiaoyao as if afraid of being found out. ¡°Your Majesty, what other lives do you want to take from this subject¡¯s estate?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at him and said, ¡°Don¡¯t start snapping randomly right after you¡¯ve seized a bite. Whose life did I take?¡±

    ¡°Herdyship!¡± one of the elderly female servants sobbed out.

    ¡°Stop your wailing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at her. The servant gave a start before ncing at Grand Preceptor Xie in his chair and bursting into tears again.

    ¡°You can¡¯t let her keep crying,¡± the Lord Protector said urgently to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°She wants to frame Your Majesty for the crime of forcing your grandmother to death.¡±

    ¡°Kill her,¡± Lou Zigui simplymanded the a Dragon Guard, who raised his sword and prepared to hack.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice was sad and shrill. Seeing this, the Lord Protector suddenly felt refreshed. Xie Wenyuan, you¡¯ve finally tasted the vor of helplessness. Ning Xiaoyao pushed away Lou Zigui¡¯s hand on her arm and took a few steps forward.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, instead of calling for a doctor when your wife¡¯s like this, you¡¯re only interested in creating an uproar with me. So much for deep feelings between husband and wife.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had thousands of incriminating questions to throw at Ning Xiaoyao, but never expected her to say something like that.

    ¡°She bore you sons and daughters,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, staring at the woman lying by her feet. ¡°But what did herdyship get throughout her life? She might have lived in a big house and wore beautiful clothes, yet no one bothered to ask after her welfare. What¡¯s the point of a life like that?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words sounded extremely provoking, yet all of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people could only stare at her in a daze. What¡¯s the meaning in provoking the dead? Grand Preceptor Xie fixed his attention on Lady Wang. Although there was blood staining her face and hair, he couldn¡¯t see the exact site of her injury. Did Lady Wang fake her suicide? But then, how did her head get so bloody? Would Lady Wang carry blood bags on her body to fake her death? Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s thoughts grew a little wild as he stared.

    Ning Xiaoyao shouted at Lady Wang, ¡°Yourdyship, no need to keep sleeping, ah.¡± Of course, it was only natural that Lady Wang would¡¯ve gotten a concussion from her crash, but Ning Xiaoyao had already calcted things and knew it was about time that she woke up.

    But Lady Wang didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°There¡¯s no point for you to keep pretending,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted.

    The Lord Protector stepped forward and murmured, ¡°Your Majesty, let¡¯s go back to the pce instead.¡± As he saw it, there was no way that they could disprove Lady Wang¡¯s death with a few choice words. It was better to head for the pce and think up other solutions, or else ask Elder Li for advice. (Author: Lord Protector, do you believe me when I say His Majesty would kill you for that? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Ning Xiaoyao stared fixedly at Lady Wang, waiting to see how long she¡¯d y dead! The Lord Protector saw that His Majesty remained unmoved by his words and turned to give Lou Zigui meaningful looks. Don¡¯t just stand there, help me convince him.

    Lou Zigui was creasing his eyebrows. He trusted Ning Xiaoyao because of her mystical medical skills, but logic and reason told him that it was impossible for Lady Wang to still be alive. Just then he¡¯d personally witnessed her ramming her head into thentern pole. How could there be anything fake about it?

    Grand Preceptor Xie witnessed the reactions of the Lord Protector, Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui. He had assumed that Pei Yi was panicking, Ning Yu was thinking up a plot, and Lou Zigui was wracking his brains in vain. With Lady Wang dead, Ning Yu¡¯s actions now are nothing but a ploy to buy more time to think up a n. After settling upon the ¡®truth,¡¯ Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Go call for the justice courts.¡±

    Now Grand Preceptor Xie wasn¡¯t worried about causing a racket with this business. He wouldn¡¯t be able to bear this insult until he sessfullybeled Ning Xiaoyao as an immortal, fatuous, and self-indulgent ruler.

    Lady Wang had long regained consciousness, but she didn¡¯t dare to let anyone know that she was still alive. While she was puzzling over what to do, she heard Grand Preceptor Xie call for the justice courts and panicked. That won¡¯t do! In the end, she grit her teeth to bite down on her tongue, hoping to kill herself that way. But Ning Xiaoyao had been keeping her eye on the woman, so as soon as she saw her lips twitching, she figured out what she was up to. She feigned walking towards Grand Preceptor Xie before ¡°identally¡± stepping briefly on Lady Wang¡¯s neck.

    This caused Lady Wang to faint away before she could finish biting through her tongue. Because her face was facing in another direction while her body was surrounded by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s people, no one from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side noticed her lips move or the way she had exhaled after she fainted.

    Multiple thoughts popped up in Lou Zigui¡¯s head before he said, ¡°This subject invites Your Majesty to return to the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao red at him. The Lord Protector¡¯s never seen my miracles, so it¡¯s fine if he doesn¡¯t believe me. But Supreme Commander, why don¡¯t you trust me, now of all times?

    The Lord Protector¡¯s mouth twitched before he asked Lou Zigui. ¡°What does His Majesty mean by that? Is he feeling wronged?¡± Look at the expression in those eyes. With Lady Wang dead, you should be worried instead of looking so aggrieved.

    A Dragon Guard spoke up on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s behalf. ¡°His Majesty never knew that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s wife would kill herself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± another piped up. ¡°How can you me His Majesty for that?¡± All of the Dragon Guards nodded in agreement. Their Majesty wasn¡¯t at fault here.

    ¡°Alright already,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Stop talking, all of you.¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards looked towards Shadowgale, who was too busy thinking of dying to atone for his sins to bother with anything else. Lou Zigui bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°This subject invites Your Majesty to return to the pce.¡±

    The Lord Protector also followed suit. ¡°This subject invites Your Majesty to return to the pce.¡±

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could reply, Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, n¨¦e Wang is still your maternal grandmother. You can¡¯t just leave like that.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject invites Your Majesty to immediately return to the pce,¡± Lou Zigui strongly suggested.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you calling for the justice courts yet?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked one of his retainers. The retainer muttered an assent before turning to run out of the pce.

    Shinnng!

    Shadowgale unsheathed his sword, preparing to cut the retainer down before he could spread the news.

    ¡°Shadowgale!¡± Lou Zigui said sternly. Grand Preceptor Xie smiled inwardly in his heart. Panicking, now? It¡¯s already toote.

    ¡°Sheathe your sword,¡± Lou Zigui ordered. Shadowgale only looked at the retreating retainer with bloodshot eyes.

    ¡°Shadowgale!?¡± Lou Zigui raised his voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran in front of Shadowgale and spread open her arms to defend him against Lou Zigui. ¡°Why are you yelling at Windy? He¡¯s doing good things, so what¡¯s the wrong in that?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Shadowgale didn¡¯t have the heart to face Ning Xiaoyao right now.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hovered in front of him like a protective mother hen before ring at Lou Zigui. ¡°Do you have any reason left?¡±

    Lou Zigui was expressionless. Miss Ning was shielding Shadowgale while ring at him, making him feel ill at ease.

    ¡°Then...then shall we put Lady Wang in a coffin first?¡± the Lord Protector quickly suggested when he sensed Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui on the verge of a cold war outbreak.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said coldly, ¡°Before the coroneres, no one¡¯s allowed to touch the body of my wife.¡±

    ¡°You really are a good husband,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave Grand Preceptor Xie a thumbs up.

    Grand Preceptor Xie took off the cloak draped over his shoulders and ordered a servant woman, ¡°Put this over herdyship.¡±

    The teary servant woman took the cloak and approached Lady Wang¡¯s ¡°corpse.¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to shout at her to stop, but Lou Zigui held her back. Then he bent down and whispered in her ear, ¡°Isn¡¯t it good to let Xie Wenyuan smash his own foot with his rock?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Let Xie Wenyuan be smug for a bit,¡± Lou Zigui squeezed her hand.

    The servant woman knelt down and covered Lady Wang from head to toe, then went to check on her pulse. She wanted to verify whether or not herdy was still alive.

 Chapter 191: Real or fake suicide?

    <h4>Chapter 191: Real or fake suicide?</h4>

    The female servant¡¯s hand was about to make skin contact when Ning Xiaoyao stepped towards her and pressed a hand against her shoulder.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± she asked the servant.

    The servant suddenly felt a sharp pain in her shoulder that paralyzed her arm in ce. Ning Xiaoyao released her before using her body to nudge her aside, but she identally used too much strength and broke the woman¡¯s shoulder. By the time Lou Zigui came over, the woman was already crawling away frantically, afraid to stay too close to her.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiayao winked at Lou Zigui before dropping her voice. ¡°She didn¡¯t touch Lady Wang.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded lightly before smoothing down a few stray hairs on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. He didn¡¯t like her messy bun today. Grand Preceptor Xie observed the two of them standing in front of n¨¦e Wang¡¯s body and how his worthless servant had failed to aplish her set task, then said, ¡°Your Majesty, what are you doing?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao countered, ¡°You find me an offensive sight even though I¡¯m just standing around?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s impossible for the dead toe back to life. Does Your Majesty possess the skills to revive your maternal grandmother?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, her tone docile. ¡°Nope.¡± If I could really raise the dead, would I have died in the apocalypse and woken up here? Still, your wife isn¡¯t dead at all, oh~

    Grand Preceptor Xie gradually rxed. He was depressed too since he was still swollen all over. The Lord Protector stepped forward with an urge to speak. Why are those two still standing around? If His Majesty really wants to leave, how could Xie Wenyuan stop him?

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lou Zigui murmured to the Lord Protector.

    ¡°.......¡± said the Lord Protector. You call this ¡®fine?¡¯ If that¡¯s the case, then what do you call problematic?!

    ¡°Look at my eyes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before winking handsomely at the Lord Protector.

    The Lord Protector felt like falling to his knees before Ning Xiaoyao. What are you nning? Can¡¯t you say something about it to me?

    Xie Anji and the estate¡¯s various retainers were all standing outside the courtyard. Second Young Master Xie had already cried once, but as a grown man, he wasn¡¯t allowed inside the female¡¯s courtyards without Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s express permission.

    ¡°All of you, go back to your boudoirs,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered his various granddaughters who had red eyes and swollen throats from sobbing so much.

    ¡°Fifth young Miss should return as well,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said expressionlessly to Xie Duoying, who was still kneeling on the ground. The little servant girl who had helped to guide the Dragon Guards quickly ran to her side and helped her to her feet before the pair retreated to their rooms.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. This isn¡¯t over yet.

    The justice courts quickly sent men over to answer the summons, which were apanied by Elder Li and his disciples. News that the reigning emperor had forced his maternal grandmother to death had already started spreading in the capital city. When Elder Li heard, he narrowly escaped dying from rage. He was certain this was another one of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s schemes to ruin His Majesty, so he brought along a bunch of his followers to the estate. There was no way he would stand by to watch all this happen.

    Elder Li stepped into the courtyard just as an old coroner of the justice courts uncovered the cloak covering Lady Wang. He quickened his steps and saw the blood-sttered face of the woman, which then left him staring for a long while in silence.

    ¡°She---¡± Elder Li sucked in a breath after verifying Lady Wang¡¯s identity, then turned towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, this...?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had already ducked behind Lou Zigui when she spotted Elder Li, but now she poked out her head. The sight of Elder Li¡¯s twisted expression gave her quite a fright.

    ¡°Elder Li,¡± Lou Zigui began to speak.

    ¡°You shut up, have His Majesty tell me himself,¡± Elder Li only felt irritated by the sight of Lou Zigui. Why is it that His Majesty¡¯s always getting in trouble with that man around? (Author: Elder, you¡¯re ming the wrong person (@©n@) )

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao coaxed. ¡°Old gramps, don¡¯t scold people as soon as you see them.¡±

    Elder Li stared at Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°From what Your Majesty is saying, none of this has anything to do with Your Majesty?¡± He couldn¡¯t understand why the emperor didn¡¯t seem to treat this as a big deal at all and just stand in front of Lady Wang¡¯s corpse.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily shook her head. ¡°It really has nothing to do with me, ah!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave a cold snort.

    ¡°Why would Lady Wangmit suicide?¡± Elder Li asked. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s people couldn¡¯t help but think to themselves that even someone as shameless as His Majesty wouldn¡¯t im that Lady Wang ran into thentern stand by ident on her own.

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed a few times before staring at the skies.

    ¡°Speak!¡± Elder Li hollered. If he was one of my Li n¡¯s children, I¡¯d definitely beat him up right now!

    Ning Xiaoyao trembled at the shout. Lou Zigui shielded her and said, ¡°Perhaps Lady Wang rammed her head identally.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people. I see, so it¡¯s Supreme Commander who¡¯s the shameless one.

    If Elder Li could beat Lou Zigui in a fight, he¡¯d be thrashing him right now. These two were all to infuriating!

    Ning Xiaoyao looked over at the coroner and said, ¡°Old Mister, say something. You¡¯ve examined the ¡®corpse¡¯ for so long, you should¡¯ve gotten a verdict by now, right?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie piped up, ¡°If there¡¯s anything to say, then say it outright.¡± What he meant was, you don¡¯t need to fear His Majesty, just tell the truth.

    Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°That¡¯s right, ah. Old Mister, just tell us straight.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s eyes rested on the old coroner. Elder Li¡¯splexion was ashen. He had wanted to assist a righteous ruler to rectify the country, but now that the ruler had forced his grandmother to suicide, it was like a p to his face. The old coroner knelt on the ground, still silent after Grand Preceptor Xie and Ning Xiaoyao expressed their views.

    Elder Li clenched and unclenched his fists before he said, ¡°Speak now, tell the truth. His Majesty is insightful and wise, he wouldn¡¯t me you.¡±

    Even with Elder Li¡¯s promise, the oldest coroner of the justice courts still made the crowd wait before he finally stammered out, ¡°Her, herdyship isn¡¯t dead.¡±

    Silence fell upon the courtyard. Ning Xiaoyao stared at Grand Preceptor Xie, wondering if he¡¯d go insane. Grand Preceptor Xie choked down the blood that had risen in his throat multiple times before he demanded, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    The old coroner seemed to have used up all his courage to say this single sentence, because now he¡¯d fallen mute again. Ning Xiaoyao gloated over Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s misfortune. ¡°That old Mister told you that your wife isn¡¯t dead, didn¡¯t you hear? Two words: Not! Dead!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head in denial.

    Elder Li stared intently at Lady Wang. He couldn¡¯t believe it either after seeing all the blood on her face. She¡¯s still alive?

    ¡°Who are you?!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared at the coroner. This just has to be one of Ning Yu¡¯s men!

    The old coroner only raised his head to look at Grand Preceptor Xie. If this was any other day, he wouldn¡¯t have dared, but he really wanted to ask the Grand Preceptor whether he¡¯d lost his mind. Order herdyship to fake her death in front of everyone here? Do you think it¡¯s a simple thing to y dead?

    ¡°Speak!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie shouted.

    ¡°Why are you losing your temper at him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked seriously.

    Lou Zigui murmured then, ¡°When will Lady Wang wake up?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao squatted down and patted Lady Wang¡¯s face as she yelled, ¡°Wake up!¡± Her ps were quite powerful thanks to her strong body, so the painful thwacks woke up Lady Wang immediately.

    ¡°Ah!¡± she cried as her eyes flew open.

    Many of the female servants fainted away at the sound of her shout. Everyone else stared at her with a mixture of fear and astonishment, but no one was happy to see her ¡®rise from the dead¡¯ again. Ning Xiaoyao surveyed the people in the courtyard before shaking her head at Lady Wang. You¡¯re too tragically unpopr, aye.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?!¡± Elder Li raged at Grand Preceptor Xie.

    No matter how intelligent, farsighted, or scheming Grand Preceptor Xie was, he waspletely floored this time. He had clearly seen Lady Wang run into thentern stand. Ning Xiaoyao seized the chance to tattle to Elder Li. ¡°Grand Preceptor treated me unjustly.¡±

    Elder Li looked at Grand Preceptor Xie, first in fury, then with doubt. Have Lady Wang y dead to nder His Majesty? Xie Wenyuan, is there something wrong with your brain?

    The Lord Protector slowly crouched down and stuck a finger below Lady Wang¡¯s nose to test her breathing. When he felt air drift across his fingertips, he bolted back as if he¡¯d been burned. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao and cried, ¡°She¡¯s not dead!?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao seriously nodded her head. ¡°She¡¯s not.¡±

    ¡°Then the blood?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie needed someone to exin things to him too.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Herdyship carries blood bags on her? Heheh, she¡¯s pretty professional at this ying dead schtick.¡±

    The old coroner took a sample of blood-soaked earth form the ground and squeezed it before his fingers, before taking a sniff and even tasting a bit. Then he confirmed, ¡°This is human blood.¡±

    Lady Wang started wailing. ¡°Oh God in Heaven, why didn¡¯t you let me die?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Can you not cry?¡±

    Lady Wang continued to sob loudly. Ning Xiaoyao took a handkerchief and moistened it with Lady Wang¡¯s tears before helping her wipe her face. ¡°Come and tell me, where do you feel ufortable?¡±

    Lady Wang wanted to say it was her head, because that was where she¡¯d rammed into thentern stand and gotten her injury, but she realized that the gazes staring at her were beginning to grow strange and perplexed. She couldn¡¯t help but touch her forehead on impulse. Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to look at her and said, ¡°Come on, where do you feel ufortable?¡±

    There were no injuries on her forehead, skull, or back of her head. Lady Wang touched her face in a fluster. Despite the blood on her hands, she didn¡¯t feel any pain. ¡°H-how can this be?¡± she asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Yourdyship, I¡¯d like to ask you the same question. Why did you fake your death?¡±

    Lady Wang looked towards Grand Preceptor Xie next, who was still sitting in his chair and staring nkly at Lady Wang. His entire figure seemed cold and unmoving.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s thrilled beyond words,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked.

    Lady Wang next looked at all the people in the courtyard and discovered that even Elder Li and his disciples hade. She could only lie dazedly on the ground. She was certain that she¡¯d killed herself!

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan,¡± Elder Li said coldly, ¡°You had the gall to nder His Majesty?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie slowly recovered his wits before his gaze sharpened like a knife on Lady Wang. This stupid woman, she actually faked her death?!

    (Author: Grand Preceptor, she really did kill herself...)

 Chapter 192: You canâ€™t be the Grand Preceptorâ€™s wife without being cruel

    <h4>Chapter 192: You can¡¯t be the Grand Preceptor¡¯s wife without being cruel</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao spread her hands at Grand Preceptor Xie with a cheeky grin. ¡°What should we do next?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t manage to say a thing in response. Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°You can¡¯t force my maternal grandmother to kill herself again, right? ying at it once is more than enough, it¡¯ll be too naughty if you try it again.¡±

    While the people in the courtyard stood there, shrouded in silence, they stole sympathetic looks over at Grand Preceptor Xie. His Majesty might not be as shameless as Supreme Commander Lou, but he was definitely the expert at pinning the me on the victim. Grand Preceptor, how are you supposed to win against opponents like them?

    Grand Preceptor Xie was still thinking of his next line, so he didn¡¯t speak. Elder Li then spoke up, ¡°What Your Majesty means to say is that Xie Wenyuan forced his wife tomit suicide so he could falsely use Your Majesty of a crime against Your Majesty¡¯s family?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said loudly. ¡°That was exactly his motive!¡±

    Her words just then caused Grand Preceptor Xie to speak up, ¡°Coroner, was Lady Wang really unconscious earlier, or just faking it?¡±

    The old coroner didn¡¯t dare to lie and answered, ¡°Herdyship really was unconscious earlier.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie chuckled coldly at that. ¡°So, that¡¯s how it is.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was now the one who was left feeling at a loss. ¡°Hold on, why are you saying ¡®so that¡¯s how it is¡¯ now?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty had been preventing this subject from verifying n¨¦e Wang¡¯s death the entire time,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie countered.

    So what you¡¯re saying is that I knocked Lady Wang unconscious, thus making you think that had she died. In other words, it¡¯s still me being the onemitting a crime against you?! Ning Xiaoyao had to admire her own insight. She could actually understand what Grand Preceptor Xie meant this time!

    ¡°You,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked over at Grand Preceptor Xie. Now it was her turn to be speechless, again.

    ¡°N¨¦e Wang and this subject have been husband and wife since our youth. She¡¯s also this subject¡¯s first wife, so why would this subject have a reason to hurt her?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said those words for the express benefit of Ning Xiaoyao and everyone else present. There was no one present who had a reason to hurt Lady Wang besides Ning Xiaoyao herself.

    Ning Xiaoyao began to debate the merits of getting physical instead of verbal sparring. Lou Zigui then said, ¡°I believe we can understand herdyship¡¯s pains.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked up towards Lou Zigui, whose expression remained unruffled. In fact, he leisurely continued, ¡°Herdyship really didmit suicide...¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed then. Why do you admit that n¨¦e Wangmitted suicide now? Supreme Commander, are you defecting to enemy? (TOT)

    Lou Zigui squeezed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand so she wouldn¡¯t get antsy, then continued. ¡°Herdyship did it all for the Xie n. After all, the reputation of the Xie n daughters would¡¯ve been ruined otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Just what do you mean by that?¡± Elder Li asked when Lou Zigui had finished speaking. It looks like plenty of things happened in this courtyard today.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even give Grand Preceptor Xie any chance to exin before outlining the private resentment between all of the Xie n daughters. His exnation was clearer and much more sinct than Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s previous. Elder Li and the rest all looked towards the rogueying on the ground, who was still trussed up like a pig. A Dragon Guard was stepping on his back to keep him pressed against the ground. In the silent courtyard, nobody said a thing.

    Bribing an outsider to ruin one¡¯s sister¡¯s purity? That is just absolutely appalling!

    As time stretched on, Ning Xiaoyao began to feel slightly awkward. Why isn¡¯t anyone saying a thing? Isn¡¯t someone going to curse a bit over something so terrible?

    (Author: That¡¯s only because they¡¯re too shocked to speak, you know?)

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, conduct yourself well,¡± Lou Zigui tossed off a rejoinder before preparing to take Ning Xiaoyao away. Now that they had aplished their goal, he couldn¡¯t think of any more reasons as to why they should stick around.

    ¡°Nothing of the sort ever happened!¡± Lady Wang suddenly shouted out loud.

    ¡°Then, simply have the justice courts do a thorough investigation of the criminal,¡± Lou Zigui retorted coldly.

    Currently, the entirety of the justice court¡¯s men were now the ones feeling uneasy. How did we get tangled up in this mess? Even if we prove thedies¡¯ innocence, the fact that we¡¯ve gotten involved with a family¡¯s inner courts willpletely ruin them. How could any literati family afford to take in a girl that had been tied to such a scandal?

    Lady Wang crawled to her feet and knelt in front of Ning Xiaoyao as she sobbed. ¡°Your Majesty, eldest young Miss and the rest of them are still young. They¡¯re only girls of the boudoir, this wife begs Your Majesty to spare them!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had darted behind Lou Zigui again. She absoutely hated it when people kneeled to her.

    ¡°Hoh~¡± Elder Liughed coldly. ¡°Why didn¡¯t your Xie n remember that His Majesty was still a Son of Heaven who has not yete of age when you used him of forcing his grandmother tomit suicide? If herdyship had really died and this old man begged the Grand Preceptor to spare His Majesty, would the Grand Preceptor be willing to do so?¡±

    Lady Wang was rendered speechless by Elder Li¡¯s frigid words.

    ¡°T-then what about all the blood on Lady Wang¡¯s body?¡± one of the women in the courtyard asked suddenly. Ning Xiaoyao nced over at her and saw only ady dressed in rich robes. Anyone who would dare to speak up now was probably the mother of one of those Xie n daughters.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie raged loudly.

    Lou Zigui furrowed his brows and said, ¡°Did anyone else die here at the Xie estate besides Old Madame Xie?¡±

    ¡°Xie Anshi?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested as she shrugged.

    ¡°He¡¯s not dead!¡± Lady Wang shrieked.

    The Lord Protector couldn¡¯t help but to think that the Grand Preceptor and Lady Wang would only lose their minds if they kept on any longer.

    ¡°Then, go investigate,¡± Elder Li decreed.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± A¡¯Mo suddenly called out, causing Ning Xiaoyao to drop her eyes from the scene ying out before her and look towards him.

    A¡¯Mo said, ¡°Cousin Magpie¡¯s sitting in the tree in front of you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head and saw Cousin Magpie standing on a nearby cedar tree branch. He quickly flew up into the air.

    ¡°Do you think Cousin Magpie telling you to follow him?¡± A¡¯Mo guessed.

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed the air, before motioning for a few of the Dragon Guards at her side. ¡°Come with me.¡± Thus, she ended up running after the magpie with a bunch of guards. Grand Preceptor Xie gave her departing form a nce before shooting a meaningful look at one of his retainers. That retainer instantly turned tail and ran out of the courtyard.

    Meanwhile, Elder Li merely observed the justice courts¡¯ men and asked, ¡°How are you men nning to investigate this?¡±

    The official from the justice courts sorely regretting taking this case today. Am I even allowed to get involved in these kinds of things?

    ¡°This criminal,¡± Elder Li said as he pointed to the rogue pinned to the ground. ¡°You should---¡±

    Before he could finish, an arrow came flying toward the rogue from the wall directly opposite him. The Dragon Guard watching over the prisoner immediately sliced the weapon in half with his sword, but then five more arrows came flying in rapid session. The guards managed to block four of them, but the fifth found its mark and sank into the rogue¡¯s forehead and made him howl---before he died.

    The sudden new development left many of the people in the courtyard ashen-faced. Dragon Guards rushed towards the possible location of the archer beyond the walls.

    ¡°Is Xie Wenyuan destroying the evidence by killing any and all witnesses?¡± the Lord Protector whispered to Lou Zigui.

    The left side of Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth drew up into a cold smirk. ¡°He¡¯s picking the lesser of two evils.¡± Since the authorities were already involved, then Xie Wenyuan had no choice but to pull this move to preserve his Xie n¡¯s daughters¡¯ integrity. It was his only path left.

    A chill stole upon the Lord Protector¡¯s heart at the realization. Fighting against Xie Wenyuan is truly difficult!

    A Dragon Guard ran back into the courtyard to report to Lou Zigui. ¡°The archer escaped.¡±

    ¡°This is the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Elder Li smiled coldly. ¡°Most likely the killer knew exactly where to flee.¡± Elder Li¡¯s words stopped just short of branding the killer outright as one of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men. Still, Grand Preceptor Xie simply sat, unmoving, in his chair. His only goal was to have the man die; now that he¡¯d aplished it, he was rather satisfied. Elder Li could say whatever he wanted.

    When the Lord Protector saw Elder Li and his disciples move to surround Grand Preceptor Xie, he then nced at the direction where Ning Xiaoyao had run off from them and asked, ¡°What did His Majesty leave to do?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°That, I¡¯m not certain.¡±

    The Lord Protector creased his brows. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Not one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men can beat His Majesty in a fight.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the Lord Protector. There¡¯s no way I can counter that, now.

    Meanwhile, Lady Wang had been standing quietly with her head bowed for so long that everyone was beginning to forget her very existence. Then she abruptly lost her mind and dashed in front of Grand Preceptor Xie. Elder Li was a schr well-versed in manners, so he quickly moved out of the way at the sight of her frantic form. Lady Wang knelt next to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s chair and rambled loudly, ¡°Blood, human blood, His Majesty went to find the source of the human blood. This consort wants to ask, is His Majesty trying to track down a corpse?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Lady Wang. Old Madame Xie¡¯s body was still in the estate, but even Ning Yu wouldn¡¯t be crazy enough to use Lady Wang of using Old Madame Xie¡¯s blood on her face, right?

    Lady Wang dropped her voice and murmured to Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Young n¨¦e Wang. This consort got rid of young n¨¦e Wang.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s heart rose from his chest to his throat.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t sent the body away yet,¡± Lady Wang continued her rambling. Young n¨¦e Wang had just diedst night, while Ning Xiaoyao had charged her way in this morning. She really had no time to make arrangements for the dead body. Grand Preceptor Xie sat bolt upright in his seat, but his swollen state forced his body to slump back down into the chair again.

    ¡°Human blood,¡± Lady Wang muttered to herself. ¡°Does His Majesty---does His Majesty know something!?¡±

    By now, Ning Xiaoyao had already pushed open the doors to a room filled with luxurious ornaments and furniture. But the inside was so cool and clean that it was clear nobody was home.

    ¡°Whose house is this?¡± a Dragon Guard piped up, curious.

    ¡°The little white flower¡¯s,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied off-handedly. All of the Dragon Guards knew who that was---the only so called ¡®little white flower¡¯ in His Majesty¡¯s eyes would have to be young n¨¦e Wang from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Ning Xiaoyao was about to enter one of the inner rooms when a few female servants rushed to intercept her.

    ¡°These are female chambers of the inner court,¡± an elderly female servant shouted. ¡°You are all outsider males, how could you enter these rooms?!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the Dragon Guards. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants certainly seem to have more guts than ordinary folk. Just who gave them the courage?

    All of the female servants started shouting at the same time. Ning Xiaoyao simply tore the door off its hinges and tossed it aside, crushing the servants beneath it and silencing the din.

    ¡°.......¡± said the Dragon Guards. Fine, fine, His Majesty is still the most formidable one of all.

    Ning Xiaoyao entered young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s bedroom, circling around the flowery folding screen to the room beyond. Although the lighting in the premises was dusky, both her and the Dragon Guards could clearly see a figure lying on the bed behind the bed curtains.

    ¡°Is that the little white flower?¡± a Dragon Guard asked doubtfully. We made such a fuss just then, yet she¡¯s still asleep?

    Ning Xiaoyao took a few strides to reach the bedside and removed the covers hiding young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s body. She was exposed, lying stiffly on the bed, ck blood pouring from her seven orifices as her nk eyes stared at the ceiling. Her mouth was wide open in sheer terror at the time of her death.

    ¡°How...how could she be dead?¡± a Dragon Guard cried in rm.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. How could she be dead? It¡¯s all because Lady Wang killed her, that¡¯s how. And she¡¯s Lady Wang¡¯s own niece to boot... As expected, you can¡¯t be the Grand Preceptor¡¯s wife unless you¡¯re just as cruel!

 Chapter 193: In only a single morning...

    <h4>Chapter 193: In only a single morning...</h4>

    ¡°This should be a daughter of the Wang n as well, right?¡± a Dragon Guard asked her.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face was somber as she answered. ¡°She¡¯s the daughter of Lady Wang¡¯s own brother.¡±

    ¡°Lady Wang killed her?!¡± another Dragon Guard eximed in shock.

    Ning Xiaoyao only shook her head and sighed. They stood in front of young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s bed and stared at her dead body with its eyes still wide open--- sure signs of someone who died with a grievance. Time was needed for the group to absorb the scene before them.

    ¡°How in the world could she be so ruthless?¡± one Dragon Guard finally sighed.

    Ning Xiaoyao was thinking over possible reasons why Lady Wang would kill young n¨¦e Wang at all. Because of Xie Anyi? Or because of Old Madame Xie?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± another Dragon Guard asked, ¡°What should we do now?¡±

    ¡°Carry away the body, we¡¯re off to find Lady Wang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided after rubbing her nose.

    The Dragon Guards dismantled a bedboard and ced young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s body on top, then lifted her up. Ning Xiaoyao lingered in the room for onest look around. The surroundings showed that the upant had been nning to go to bed. Her outer robes had already been hung up while the bed curtains were half open. The covers were slightly pulled down and there was half a bowl of unfinished treme soup still on the table.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know the little white flower had died,¡± A¡¯Mo told Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°If Cousin Magpie hadn¡¯t said anything to you, I wouldn¡¯t have known, either.¡±

    A¡¯Mo asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, are you going to take revenge for the little white flower?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao began to walk out of the room as she spoke. ¡°How would I do that? Didn¡¯t the little white flower kill Old Madame Xie as well? It¡¯s nigh on impossible to calcte who owes whom at this point.¡±

    Little white flower killed Old Madame Xie, so Lady Wang killed the little white flower as revenge. But wouldn¡¯t that make Lady Wang the good guy in the end? A¡¯Mo¡¯s head grew dizzy from the thought. Humans are just tooplicated!

    Ning Xiaoyao exited into the courtyard, where she lifted the door crushing the various servantdies. Now that the servants were too scared to make a racket, she asked them, ¡°Little white flower died in her room, but you lot are just pretending nothing had happened?¡±

    The servants knew they were doomed from the moment Ning Xiaoyao and her men walked into the bedroom. Now her words scared them mute as they stared at her in utter despair.

    ¡°Are you bunch in charge of waiting on the little white flower---young n¨¦e Wang?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked them next.

    ¡°No, ah,¡± Cousin Magpie chirped. ¡°They¡¯re Lady Wang¡¯s servants.¡±

    ¡°Take them away,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the figures still on the ground as she ordered the Dragon Guards. The guards approached and started dragging the servants away. Ning Xiaoyao stood in the courtyard and gave a big thumbs up to Cousin Magpie resting on the eaves.

    Cousin Magpie said, ¡°Xiaoyao, I only just found out myself. Last night we were all watching A¡¯Mo and the rest biting Grand Preceptor Xie, ah.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over and replied, ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d choose to watch Grand Preceptor, too.¡± Who¡¯s never seen a murder before? Compared to being bitten by ants, killing happened everyday in the apocalypse.

    The Dragon Guards heard Ning Xiaoyao speaking, but none of them asked who His Majesty was talking to. Their emperor was capable of sitting by himself in the pce¡¯s little flower garden and chattering to no one for ages, so they had long gotten used to it. (Author: Your emperor is talking to the little animals...)

    Young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s corpse raised a series of shrieks and screams as she was carried into the courtyard. More female servants fainted away fro the sight. The Dragon Guards carried the body over in front of Grand Preceptor Xie and Lady Wang before setting their load on the ground.

    ¡°This is young n¨¦e Wang?¡± Elder Li asked loudly.

    Ning Xiaoyao came in from behind the guards. ¡°Old gramps, you¡¯ve already seen her for yourself. Why ask the obvious?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty clearly ordered you to take care of this young madame,¡± Elder Li raged at Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Is this how you treat her?! Just who killed this woman?¡± It was obvious that young n¨¦e Wang had been murdered by human means.

    ¡°Human blood, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked pointedly towards Lady Wang. ¡°You¡¯re certainly something.¡±

    Lady Wang couldn¡¯t stop shaking her head in denial, or terror, who could know.

    ¡°The upper beams of the house are crooked,¡± Lou Zigui spat coldly, using an idiom to express his views on the matter. If n¨¦e Wang could kill her own niece, then it wasn¡¯t strange at all that the Xie n daughters would harm one of their own sisters. Such was the Xie n trait. Many others could hear the implied insult in his words.

    ¡°Little white flower diedst night,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, pointing at the servants she¡¯d ordered brought along. ¡°I wanted to enter her rooms, but they even tried to keep me out. They were rather adamant about guarding the doors. Yourdyship, these are all your servants. Do you have anything else to say?¡±

    Lady Wang only stared nkly at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°I think you don¡¯t need to say anything else...¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up, ¡°This was nothing more than a concubine.¡±

    ¡°But she¡¯s still herdyship¡¯s niece, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Grand Preceptor Xie countered her words, ¡°She hadmitted a grave sin, so I ordered her to be disposed of.¡± Whatever the case may be, the me for young n¨¦e Wang¡¯s death can only fall on the head of the family. Despite his pounding heart and rising blood pressure, his mind was still clear on that point.

    ¡°What grave sin did shemit?¡± Elder Li asked. ¡°Did you forget about His Majesty¡¯s decree to watch over her carefully?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s merely a family scandal,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said tersely.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded in reply. ¡°Whatever makes you happy, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li shouted at Ning Xiaoyao. We can¡¯t just end things like this!

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Elder Li. ¡°Old gramps, we have no choice but to face the truth.¡± It¡¯s not like I can kill that Xie husband and wife pair, so what¡¯s the point of using an imperial decree to pressure them?

    Elder Li knew the truth as well, so he was left with no choice but to stand there and fume.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject invites Your Majesty to return to the pce,¡± Lou Zigui spoke up.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Little white flower is now dead. Supreme Commander, do you think I¡¯ll rest easy leaving Fifth Young Miss Xie at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Until she figured out exactly what Windy felt for Xie Duoying, she still had to preserve that beauty¡¯s life.

    At that moment, the doors to the boudoir opened up behind them. When Ning Xiaoyao saw Xie Duoying walk out from its depths, she was stunned. ¡°What happened to your hair?!¡±

    Fifth Young Miss Xie was now standing with a smooth, cleanly shaven head. She walked over to Grand Preceptor Xie and fell to her knees before him, then kowtowed three times. ¡°Grandfather, your granddaughter¡¯s sins are too deep. I am willing to spend the remainder of my life as Buddha¡¯spanion to absolve my sins.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t understand what she was saying. How could the victim havemitted any sins?

    Seeing that Ning Xiaoyao was about to speak, Lou Zigui tugged on her hand and murmured, ¡°It¡¯s no use, she¡¯s already taken the tonsure on her own volition.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao then asked, ¡°What does she mean by being Buddha¡¯s lifetimepanion?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°She wants to be a nun now.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. If this beauty bes a nun, what will my Windy do then?!

    ¡°Let us go,¡± Lou Zigui still wanted to leave.

    Ning Xiaoyao stammered, ¡°W-well, even if she shaves her head, her hair can still grow back.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao, curious. ¡°One¡¯s body, hair, and skin are all given to one by one¡¯s parents. How could anyone damage these gifts?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was out of the loop in regards to that. Why does that make it sound like getting a haircut is a really big deal?

    ¡°It¡¯s no use,¡± the Lord Protector said from the side in addition. ¡°This girl can only be a nun now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quietly stole a peek over at Shadowgale, who was standing there staring nkly before him.

    ¡°Such a sin!¡± Elder Li shook his head and sighed in dismay.

    May I trouble Elder Li to help this young Miss find a quiet Buddhist temple,¡± Lou Zigui intoned to Elder Li. ¡°She has drawn a pitiful lot.¡±

    Elder Li nodded to show he agreed to the request.

    ¡°Is this fine now?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao next.

    Ning Xiaoyao worriedly nced at Shadowgale. ¡°Windy?¡±

    Shadowgale then bent forward and said, ¡°This servant invites Your Majesty to return to the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°We can still try for it, you know.¡± For example, I can even make fifth young Miss¡¯s hair grow back instantly.

    Shadowgale still remaining bowing without saying a word.

    Fine, then. Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. Since Shadowgale¡¯s rejecting my offer, so we might as well head back first.

    ¡°Do you want toe with me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the little servant girl who was standing behind Xie Duoying.

    The servant girl nced up at her young Miss, then shook her head at Ning Xiaoyao with a timid voice. ¡°Your Majesty, if this servant leaves, there won¡¯t be anyone left to take care of Young Miss anymore.¡±

    ¡°Go on,¡± Xie Duoying told the servant girl. ¡°Go and serve His Majesty.¡± The little servant girl looked at Xie Duoying with teary eyes, but she simply smiled at her. ¡°Did you not just agree to help repay my benefactor?¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao headed for the exit. The longer she watched this, the worse she felt. It was far better to get out of there. The little servant girl trotted after them behind Shadowgale¡¯s heels, turning to look back every few steps. When Shadowgale passed by Xie Duoying, he nced at her, yet she didn¡¯t look up.

    Elder Li only looked coldly at Grand Preceptor Xie before beckoning towards Xie Duoying. ¡°Come with this old man. I¡¯ll help you find a quiet ce where no one shall disturb you.¡±

    Xie Duoying nced at Grand Preceptor Xie, who merely waved his hand in turn. At this, Xie Duoying¡¯s mother burst into tears, but she didn¡¯t dare to ask for her daughter back. Xie Duoying followed Elder Li all the way out of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate without taking a single look back. When Ning Xiaoyao stood at the entrance and saw the bald Xie Duoying get on a carriage and leave with Elder Li, she turned towards Shadowgale with his expressionless face. The sight made her fret and in her irritation, she knocked down the other door of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate gates.

    ¡°I¡¯m not eating anything today,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the Lord Protector.

    ¡°Ah?¡± the Lord Protector asked, confused.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you invite me over for a meal?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the Lord Protector. After all of that, Your Majesty still remembers that this subject invited you home to eat?

    ¡°You can owe me one,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°When I¡¯m feeling better, invite me then, Lord Protector.¡±

    Aside from saying ¡®this subject epts the decree,¡¯ the Lord Protector couldn¡¯t manage to say anything else.

    ¡°We¡¯re going home,¡± Ning Xiaoyaomanded in low spirits.

    The Lord Protector hastily asked, ¡°Your Majesty, were you still considering this subject¡¯s second brother for the post of Nine Gates Infantry Commander?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao paused and patted herself on the chest. ¡°Oh, ah, that¡¯s right. There¡¯s still that.¡±

    The Lord Protector fell silent again. Your Majesty, you forgot that, but not the meal?

    ¡°Your Lord Protector¡¯s estate has agreed to take the post!?¡± Lou Zigui asked him.

    The Lord Protector quickly nodded in the affirmative.

    ¡°Then be sure to have Pei Yan remember toe to court tomorrow,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    The Lord Protector agreed. By the time he realized it should¡¯ve been Ning Xiaoyao issuing the order, Lou Zigui had already ced her on the back of Little Red. Ning Xiaoyao waved goodbye to the Lord Protector and said, ¡°Lord Protector, see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Giddy up,¡± Lou Zigui urged his horse into motion.

    Little Red galloped away and was gone in a sh. The Lord Protector stood dumbly in front of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s now door-less gates and turned around to observe the estate. Then he looked back at the longne that ran before it and marveled at the fact that it¡¯d only taken one morning for one of the Xie n daughters to be a nun while the other six were ruined for marriage ever more. Lady Wang¡¯s name was nowpletely wrecked as well.

    Why does all of this feel like I¡¯m dreaming? The Lord Protector couldn¡¯t help but to wonder.

 Chapter 194: Reputation, rights, rank, glory, and wealth

    <h4>Chapter 194: Reputation, rights, rank, glory, and wealth</h4>

    Now that all the outsiders had finally left, Grand Preceptor Xie began to issue orders in the courtyard. ¡°Take herdyship back to her rooms.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Lady Wang sobbed to Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°This consort...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s useless to say anything more,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t want to hear Lady Wang talk anymore. ¡°Everything can be left to me from now on. You just rest in your rooms and stop thinking too much.¡±

    His words sounded normal, as did his tone, but Lady Wang didn¡¯t dare to leave. ¡°And our Xie n¡¯s granddaughters?¡± she then asked. Lady Wang couldn¡¯t be bothered with her own fate when there was the future of the Xie n daughters to consider.

    Right now, the rogue¡¯s dead body was still lying in the courtyard. Grand Preceptor Xie cast it a nce before intoning, ¡°My Xie n can still afford to raise six girls.¡±

    Hearing that, Lady Wang fell backwards from her kneeling position to copse on the ground. Everyone else stood, silent, with their heads bowed. Of course the Xie n could afford to raise six girls, but all girls were to marry after they came of age. Raise them for the rest of their lives? The Grand Preceptor¡¯s simply cutting off all chances of marriage for those girls!

    ¡°The old madame¡¯s courtyard has an ancestral hall for worshipping Buddha,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Clean that ce up and take the six girls there. They won¡¯t need to leave the house in the future.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± Lady Wang shrieked in rm. ¡°You want them all to be nuns? They¡¯re still so young!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°That¡¯s right. They¡¯re still so young, yet they already know how to ruin others.¡±

    At that moment, the surrounding boudoirs became filled with sound of wretched crying.

    ¡°Carry me back to the study,¡± the Grand Preceptor ordered his two pageboys, who then promptly picked up his chair, turned it around, and headed out of the courtyard.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, how are you nning to deal with this issue?¡± Lady Wang crawled to her feet to chase after him. Things are already like this. As the family head, Grand Preceptor, you have to give me a proper exnation.

    ¡°In the future, all affairs of the estate shall be left to n¨¦e Mo. You only have to worry about recovering. We¡¯ll tell the outside world that you¡¯ve fallen seriously ill. Since there¡¯s nothing for you to do, then don¡¯t leave the estate,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie tossed back to her.

    N¨¦e Mo was Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s concubine. She had followed him for years and had bore him one son and one daughter. In her youth, she¡¯d had her share of fights for favor against Lady Wang. When Lady Wang heard that Grand Preceptor Xie had turned management of household affairs over into n¨¦e Mo¡¯s hands and confined her to her rooms, she swayed on her feet before fainting dead away again.

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t react to the sudden cries of rm from the servants behind him. He onlymanded his pageboys, ¡°Leave.¡±

    The two pageboys carried Grand Preceptor Xie away. He ran into Xie Laibao halfway, who then quickly murmured, ¡°Master, the banquet¡¯s already been prepared. What do you think?¡± Head Steward Xie had long heard about what had happened in fifth young Miss¡¯s courtyard, but he hadn¡¯t dared to draw close. Right now, he wasn¡¯t sure whether they were going ahead with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s n to assassinate the leaders of the Poison Sect.

    ¡°Proceed as nned,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said without a second thought.

    ¡°Then, what of herdyship and the Misses?¡± Xie Laibao asked.

    ¡°Who has ever stopped proper business for the sake of their wife or family?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie countered. Xie Laibao lifted his head to look at his master, who was swollen beyond belief. Still, the steward didn¡¯t let a trace of any expression show on his own face.

    He dropped his head to reply, ¡°This servant understands.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had the pageboys continue on their way. In the end, Xie Duoying¡¯s matters had only ruined the prospects of seven Xie n daughters and implicated the rest. It was a terrible thing, but once he recovered his might again, he had no fear that those powerful, old and established families woulde begging his n for marriage offers once more. Reputation was nothingpared to sheer power, wealth and rank. Grand Preceptor Xie had already forgotten about his granddaughters and first wife in favor of Ning Yu. She was a granddaughter who had to die, no questions asked about it.

    --

    On the horse, Ning Xiaoyao sneezed.

    ¡°Cold?¡± Lou Zigui asked her.

    ¡°Not cold,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re heading back to the pce already?¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Yes, I am going back to the pce.¡±

    ¡°Then what about the egg yolk guoba you promised me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui fell silent. ¡°You¡¯re in the mood for some again?¡± She¡¯s not in the mood to eat at the Lord Protector¡¯s house, yet she¡¯s willing to get some egg yolk guoba?

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s exnation was unintelligible. ¡°Does eating egg yolk guoba have to be rted to eating a meal? If I won¡¯t eat a meal, couldn¡¯t I eat a few guoba all the same?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. That does seem to make some sense, now that I think of it.

    ¡°Well dang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned usatory when he didn¡¯t reply. ¡°You lied to me!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. Is it really worthwhile for me to lie to you just on ount of a few egg yolk guoba?

    ¡°What do you mean by keeping silent like that?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked like she was about to lose her temper again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to buy some,¡± Lou Zigui could only reply. By now their group had reached an intersection, where Lou Zigui headed off to the right instead of to the pce. He was aiming for the closest downtown streets. The Dragon Guards had already heard His Majesty call out for egg yolk guoba multiple times, so they all knew what was going on. All of them docilely followed on Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s heels.

    By the time the sounds of the bustling city streets reached them, Ning Xiaoyao had a new demand for Lou Zigui. ¡°I want to buy other things too, now.¡±

    There were rows upon rows of food stalls here, so Ning Xiaoyao felt it was too cheap for her to just ask for some egg yolk guoba.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lou Zigui nodded. How much could a few snacks costs me?

    ¡°Buy my egg yolk guoba first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lou Zigui nodded again. He had never bought anything off this street before, but egg yolk guoba were probably avable everywhere. In Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s line of thought, it¡¯d only take them a short time to find some.

    Ning Xiaoyao was quite satisfied to find Lou Zigui obeying her every word and even felt a sense of achievement. How many people in the world could im that Supreme Commander listened to them? (Author: For the sake of egg yolk guoba, Supreme Commander dare not disobey, don¡¯t you know that?)

    Lou Zigui hefted Ning Xiaoyao off her horse and told Shadowgale, ¡°His Majesty and I will walk around the streets a bit. You all may stroll as you wish, too.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remembered. ¡°Windy, what do you want to eat? I¡¯ll buy you some.¡± If you¡¯re unhappy, you should eat something tasty. That was the philosophy of all of the humans from the apocalypse.

    Shadowgale bowed and murmured, ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty, but this servant doesn¡¯t want to eat anything.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale. Have his feelings been hurt so deeply that he¡¯s lost all desire for delicious food already?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go then,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away, but she kept turning back to stare at Shadowgale who was still standing in one ce.

    Vexed, she asked Lou Zigui, ¡°But what¡¯s to be done about Windy¡¯s situation?¡±

    Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t understand what she was so worried about.

    ¡°Aiya,¡± Unable to think of a solution, Ning Xiaoyao began to scratch at her head.

    ¡°Why should a good man need to fear theck of a wife?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    ¡°There are so many women out in the world that you don¡¯t need to worry about Shadowgale growing old alone, Xiaoyao.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked as she digested his words. ¡°Is that what you thought about yourself in the past too?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t catch on to her meaning.

    ¡°That is exactly why you¡¯re still a single wang[1. Single Wang (µ¥ÉíÍô) - danshenwang, self-deprecating Inte ng for a single person not in a rtionship.] now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao finished.

    ¡°Single wang?¡± Lou Zigui echoed, very confused.

    ¡°Wang wang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao imitated the Chinese version of barking. ¡°It¡¯s supposed to be a dog, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao not understanding.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao then tried to salvage the situation. ¡°I mean like, a bachelor.¡±

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough out of you,¡± Supreme Commander Lou had Ning Xiaoyao shut up.

    ¡°Do you think reality will change just because I don¡¯t say anything?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked him.

    ¡°Fifth Young Miss Xie wasn¡¯t suitable,¡± Lou Zigui got straight to the point.

    ¡°Why not!?¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled, catching the attention of multiple passerby. All of them stared at her. Lou Zigui stepped forward to shield her from sight until the people lost interest and went back to their business.

    ¡°She¡¯s a daughter of the Xie n,¡± Lou Zigui finally murmured back. ¡°How can you be sure that she won¡¯t be standing on their side when ites time for us to face off against the Xie n? What should Shadowgale do then? Kill his wife, or go seek refuge with Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was stunned by Lou Zigui¡¯s words. Lou Zigui led her along the streets as he continued exining, ¡°Shadowgale might have saved her once, but how do we know whether that girl is really the type to repay her debts of gratitude?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Mother******, I don¡¯t possess mind reading skills!

    ¡°She is also a girl who¡¯s been raised by Old Madame Xie since birth to be a favored concubine at court,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°Xiaoyao, how can you be sure that she¡¯ll be content just spending her days with Shadowgale?¡±

    ¡°B-but Old Madame Xie is dead and Grand Preceptor Xie doesn¡¯t want her anymore,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to admit defeat.

    ¡°Right now she¡¯s at a dead end. If Shadowgale says he¡¯ll marry her now, people willter im that he was taking advantage of her time of difficulties,¡± Lou Zigui continued his instruction. ¡°Now, would that do Shadowgale any favors?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll kill whoever dares to say such things!¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned brutal.

    ¡°How are you supposed to stop each and every mouth alive?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°Will you kill every single person in the world?¡±

    ¡°Every single person? Are they all going to bother with such things?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, very serious. Just how idle can they all be?

    ¡°There will always be naysayers,¡± Lou Zigui paused to adjust Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s messy bun while she had lowered her head in thought.

    Finally she mumbled, ¡°In reality, the main point is only that she¡¯s a daughter of the Xie n, right?¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui affirmed quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t move, let me fix your hair for you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, I was born from the empress dowager herself. Half of the blood in my veins belongs to the Xie n, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand stiffened in the middle of fixing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair.

    ¡°What if Windy really likes Xie Duoying, though?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked him next.

    Lou Zigui resumed his movements, though his eyes flickered gloomily. ¡°It¡¯s no use what anyone says on the matter. We have to wait and see what Shadowgale decides instead. If he truly holds feelings for fifth young Miss Xie, then I won¡¯t stop them from marrying,¡± Supreme Commander Lou promised her.

    The Head Commander of the Dragon Guards bing a son-inw to the Xie n? Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help but think. I¡¯d kill Xie Duoying before that ever happens. How can a living man marry a dead wife?

 Chapter 195: Who can be emperor?

    <h4>Chapter 195: Who can be emperor?</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui walked through the streets, the former taking interest in everything while thetter had interest in nothing. The only reason they were together at all was because Supreme Commander Lou was duty bound to apany His Majesty Ning. Ning Xiaoyao paused in front of a man selling firewood to listen to him haggle with a plump woman. She rubbed her chin and felt that here was another career for her in the making.

    In the future, when she finally quit being the emperor, she could definitely sell firewood for a living. With her strength, she could probably cut enough wood at a time to support her for a month. (Author: From an emperor to a woodcutter. Don¡¯t you think the differences are too great, Your Majesty? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o ) When Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao so transfixed by the woodcutter, he silently slipped away.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Below the walls bordering the streets stood a young man dressed in ordinary garb who gave him a bow.

    ¡°No need for formalities,¡± Lou Zigui nced down at the man. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°The head steward has ordered me toe find Supreme Commander,¡± the young man looked a little nervous, his voice shaking as he spoke. ¡°The head steward ordered this one to tell Supreme Commander that the banquet¡¯s already been prepared. If something happens to Tao Yu, should he find Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Has the head steward made his arrangements for Tao Yu as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the young man nodded the affirmative.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t have the head steward find me,¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°He has no need to take any actions at all.¡±

    The young man¡¯s head whipped up to look at Lou Zigui, who had already turned towards Ning Xiaoyao to make sure she hadn¡¯t run off. At this, the young man lowered his head again and murmured, ¡°This one understands.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned back and awarded the youth some money. ¡°Be careful. Tell the head steward that as well.¡±

    The young man quickly bowed. ¡°This one understands. This one thanks Supreme Commander for the reward.¡± Then as Lou Zigui had slipped back into the crowd, the young man stuck to the wall and soon walked out of sight.

    Ning Xiaoyao was still staring at the woodcutter, enough to make him grow antsy and ask her, ¡°Young master, do you want to buy some firewood?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not buying,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied truthfully, ¡°And I didn¡¯t bring any money with me, either.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you staring for?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I wish to join your field of work in the future.¡±

    It was then that Lou Zigui returned to the scene. The man looked like Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s scrawny form, then at the familiar looking Lou Zigui, and asked, ¡°Your little brother wants to sell firewood for a living. As the older brother, did you know that?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    The man then shook his head at Lou Zigui. ¡°Your little brother can¡¯t do this job.¡± How many sticks of firewood can a young master like him lift? (Author: That young master is very powerful...)

    ¡°Why not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked seriously.

    ¡°Young master, your body is precious,¡± the man then replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head as she asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Is he saying I¡¯m very valuable?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just go?¡± Lou Zigui said instead. But how could Ning Xiaoyao leave without getting to the bottom of everything?

    ¡°Do you want me to carry you away instead again?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    ¡°What, like you¡¯d ever be able to beat me up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to one side and looked askance at him.

    ¡°Do you actually count ¡®carrying¡¯ others as ¡®beating them up?¡¯¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The man watched the two figures before him who were scaring his customers off and couldn¡¯t help but to tell the truth. ¡°Young master, you¡¯re too skinny. You can¡¯t do work like this.¡± Rich people should just live the lives of the rich, don¡¯t take usmoners as a joke!

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down at her petite form before taking the thickest piece of firewood from the woodcutter¡¯s pile and easily breaking it in half. Then she told the petrified man, ¡°Who said that small bodies can¡¯t have powerful strength? Let me tell you, I haven¡¯t entered your line of work yet. Once I¡¯m in the profession, you¡¯ll be---¡±

    Lou Zigui simply threw Ning Xiaoyao over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Yes, this girl had massive strength, but she was also very light and thus easy to carry around.

    ¡°Ahhhhhh~¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t shout,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°AHHHHHHHHHHHHH~¡± As if Miss Ning would stop shouting just because you told her to!

    Lou Zigui only replied, ¡°I won¡¯t let you be a woodcutter.¡±

    Hm? Ning Xiaoyao stopped shouting.

    ¡°With me around,¡± Lou Zigui continued, ¡°Why would you need to sell firewood for a living?¡±

    ¡°So what you mean is, that you¡¯ll raise me once I stop being the emperor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui turned to look at her. ¡°Then who else were you nning on to raise you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. I can raise myself, why would I need to depend on anyone else?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the future,¡± Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°I¡¯m here, so I won¡¯t let you suffer anything.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought hard on his words. He wants to raise me and make sure I don¡¯t suffer. Is that Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s way of saying ¡®I love you?¡¯

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Will you remember my words from now on?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°You should tell it straight if you have something to say.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. Wasn¡¯t I clear enough, though?

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at him very seriously. ¡°Supreme Commander, you don¡¯t need to worry about the future, either. If we really can¡¯t make it, I can raise you as well. I can treat illnesses for money, or cut firewood, or---¡±

    ¡°I already said I won¡¯t let you cut firewood,¡± Lou Zigui was about to give up. Why are we back to cutting wood again?

    ¡°Actually, from an environmental standpoint, it¡¯s not good to cut too many trees,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Of course, petroleum and coal will cause pollution problems of their own as well.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou only walked on in silence before he finally asked, ¡°What are you talking about?¡± He didn¡¯t only fail to understand her sentence, but entire phrases as well.

    Ning Xiaoyao only dropped her head to stare at her hands. ¡°Ah geez, I didn¡¯t return the firewood to the woodcutter.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at the pieces of wood in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands and sighed. ¡°You might as well toss them.¡±

    ¡°Toss them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew displeased then. ¡°This is cash! Supreme Commander, do you think we have money right now!?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou had even been admiring Ning Xiaoyao previously, but now he fell silent.

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious, I really can raise you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved the wood in her hands.

    Lou Zigui retorted, ¡°Why is it you raising me?¡± Would I have any face left if I depended on Miss Ning to earn our livelihood?

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me? Just because I¡¯m poor as an emperor doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll be poor once I quit the post.¡±

    Lou Zigui only walked on a few more steps before he suddenly asked her, ¡°You really don¡¯t want to be the emperor?¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. This unlucky emperor! Whoever wants the spot can take it, I don¡¯t like it at all.

    ¡°Then can anyone else be emperor instead?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. ¡°Not the Northern Hu, that¡¯s for sure. I¡¯m afraid that Wolf King will start a racial genocide.¡±

    ¡°So anyone from Yongning will do?¡±

    ¡°Not Grand Preceptor Xie, either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If he bes emperor then we¡¯ll all be screwed.¡±

    ¡°Then who else besides Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°None of the people in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction.¡±

    ¡°Who else can¡¯t qualify?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before deciding, ¡°No one else.¡±

    Lou Zigui took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words as a joke, but still kept them to heart.

    ¡°Can you stop carrying me so I can walk?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°All the blood is rushing to my head.¡±

    Lou Zigui hastily set Ning Xiaoyao on her feet.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go buy me some egg yolk guoba,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered as she sprinted ahead. But after running up and down the length of the street three times---returning her firewood to the woodcutter in the process---she still didn¡¯t see any guoba vendors.

    ¡°Your Majesty, do you want to keep looking around?¡± a Dragon Guard asked her. They¡¯d left the pce first thing in the morning, but now it was approaching noon.

    Ning Xiaoyao only looked at Lou Zigui and muttered, ¡°You lied to me.¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards stared at Lou Zigui in turn, their eyes rebuking him. There aren¡¯t even any egg yolk guoba sellers on this street. Supreme Commander, why did you bring His Majesty here?

    Lou Zigui could only say, ¡°Haven¡¯t you eaten your fill of other things already?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth hadn¡¯t stopped working since they came. He made sure not to starve the girl.

    ¡°But none of those were egg yolk guoba! Where¡¯s the guoba you promised me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wore a long face as she whispered, ¡°And you said you wanted to raise me, too. But you won¡¯t even give me egg yolk guoba to eat.¡±

    Now the Dragon Guards were staring at Supreme Commander Lou with eyes full of me. Supreme Commander wants to raise His Majesty? Yet, he¡¯s been doing nothing but eating and drinking from His Majesty¡¯s stores these days.

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. It was impossible to speak reasonably now. ¡°I didn¡¯t know they didn¡¯t sell them here,¡± he tried one more time in his defense.

    ¡°We made a promise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Lou Zigui decided right then that he would hate egg yolk guoba for the rest of his life!

    ¡°Shall this servant apany Your Majesty to the stall we went tost time?¡± Shadowgale quietly suggested.

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to turn around when two passerby walked past the group while gossiping.

    ¡°Another battle¡¯s breaking out at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, have you heard?¡±

    ¡°Gods in Heaven, what in the world is going on with that ce? They don¡¯t have a day of peace.¡±

    ¡°I saw soldiers.¡±

    As the two figures left, Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze grew solemn. The feast at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate had begun.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Someone went to seek trouble for Grand Preceptor Xie again?¡±

    A Dragon Guard piped up, ¡°This servant heard them say that soldiers had showed up too.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew excited. ¡°Could it be that some general wants to eliminate evil for the nation by killing his way through the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    None of the Dragon Guards spoke. No matter how optimistic they were, they still couldn¡¯tpare to His Majesty¡¯s imagination.

    ¡°Shall we go check out the chaos?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked everyone.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to eat guoba anymore?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao was all stern righteousness as she inspired awe. ¡°What do egg yolk guoba count for whenpared to watching Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s death?¡± I¡¯m someone who¡¯s got my priorities straight, alright already?

    ¡°He won¡¯t die,¡± Lou Zigui picked up Ning Xiaoyao and mounted his horse.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll eat egg yolk guoba instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately changed her mind. If Grand Preceptor Xie wasn¡¯t dying, then it didn¡¯t matter whether she saw the ruckus or not.

    Lou Zigui steered his horse towards the direction of the pce. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, we¡¯ll eat some next time.¡±

    ¡°You tricked me again!¡± Ning Xiaoyao fumed.

    ¡°Elder Li will definitely be asking you for an audience,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Do you want him to wait overly long?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s temper immediately evaporated at the words. ¡°W-what does old gramps want to see me for?¡± she asked Lou Zigui nervously.

    ¡°Your Majesty will have to tell Elder Li about everything that happened today again,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Be sure to tell it well.¡±

    ¡°But doesn¡¯t old gramps know everything already?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wore a pained expression. If he knows everything, why does he still need to ask?

    Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help but think to himself, Li Wuqi, you had bettere ask His Majesty for an audience!

    (Author: Tch, Supreme Commander Lou, you¡¯re lying to His Majesty again?! (£þ¡÷£þ£») )

 Chapter 196: What Supreme Commander Lou hates the most

    <h4>Chapter 196: What Supreme Commander Lou hates the most</h4>

    As their group of people entered the pce, they didn¡¯t see any sign of Elder Li by the gates. Lou Zigui¡¯s heart grew flustered from the fact. Judging by the time, Elder Li would¡¯ve shown up there by now if he really wanted an audience with Miss Ning. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao surveyed every man standing by the pce gates without seeing the white-haired, white-bearded Elder Li. She gave a long exhtion in relief.

    Ah geez, the old gramps didn¡¯te! She was so happy that she began to sway her head and sing a song instead. When Lou Zigui saw that Miss Ning wasn¡¯t shouting at him for tricking her again and actually seemed pretty happy, he then began to listen closely to her lyrics.

    ? The giant saber hacks towards the zombie¡¯s headElder Li never showed up yah~Yah, wow, hey! ?

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said next, ¡°Supreme Commander, what should we eat for lunch? Rice? Or maybe noodles?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui. You¡¯ve been snacking nonstop on that street, but you¡¯re still hungry?!

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat noodles,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded and answered her own question. ¡°We had rice yesterday.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t bother to remind the girl that she had only just polished off a bowl of beef noodles recently. He was afraid that she¡¯d remember the egg yolk guoba as soon as he mentioned the street full of eats, then recall how he¡¯d tricked her about Elder Li.

    Once she was back in the pce, Ning Xiaoyao dove off into the little kitchens to wait for the chef to make her a bowl of noodles. Soon enough, Shadowgale found his way there and made a request. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant wants to take a trip outside the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently drinking a ss of water, but she stopped as soon as she heard him speak. She carefully surveyed his face and asked, ¡°That there, are you going to visit you know who?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t say her name, but Shadowgale still knew who she meant. He shook his head and spoke inly, ¡°Your Majesty, fifth young Miss has already be a nun and severed her bonds with the secr world. This servant and fifth young Miss...¡±

    ¡°Nothing will ever happen between you two?¡± Ning Xiaoyao finished for him.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale replied quietly.

    ¡°These are matters regarding one¡¯s feelings. Windy, you do what you think is best,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If you¡¯re having any troubles, just tell me. I¡¯ll definitelye help.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s head hung, making it impossible for Ning Xiaoyao to see his current expression. ¡°Alright, you can leave the pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Just make sure to be careful. If anyone tries to hurt you Windy, slice ¡®em.¡±

    Shadowgale smiled at Ning Xiaoyao after those words and bowed. ¡°This servant epts the decree.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao watched Shadowgale walk out the door beforementing to Chef Huang, who was busying himself at the counter, ¡°Our Windy is such a good chap.¡±

    The 200 some pound, 1.9m (6 feet 2 inches) tall Chef Huang nodded his head. ¡°Your Majesty is right on that, the Head Commander is a good man with good looks.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed dramatically. ¡°He only has troubles in the love department. Even though there are beauties all over the pce, he still has trouble with romance!¡± This isn¡¯t scientific at all!

    Chef Huang¡¯s hands shook so hard he dropped the extra long chopsticks he¡¯d been using to cook the noodles. All of the women in the pce belong to You Majesty. Do you really want Shadowgale to act promiscuously at court?

    Meanwhile, a general from the ck Frost Cavalry entered Lou Zigui¡¯s rooms and bowed, before reporting, ¡°Supreme Commander, the Zhou mama by esteemed empress¡¯s side arrived at the pce two hours ago to ask for an audience with His Majesty. The imperial guards chased her away, but she still came back iming she had verbal instructions that allows her to see His Majesty directly.¡±

    Lou Zigui set down the teacup in his hands and nced over at his general, who continued, ¡°Did this mama see His Majesty in the streets and knew His Majesty returned to the pce?¡±

    ¡°Iron Buddha Temple¡¯s already been surrounded by the capital¡¯s soldiers,¡± Lou Zigui muttered. ¡°But that mama was still able to slip away.¡±

    ¡°She was dressed in servant¡¯s clothing,¡± the general replied. ¡°Maybe she ran out under a disguise?¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan should have given orders to not let anyone through,¡± Lou Zigui tapped thoughtfully on the table. ¡°Why would he let her escape?¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± the general suggested, ¡°She bribed her way out with money?¡±

    ¡°Whatever the case may be,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Expose her whereabouts to the empress dowager.¡±

    The general¡¯s eyes flew open at those words. The empress had left the pce all to escape Empress Dowager Xie, but now they were telling that woman that Zhou mama had arrived? Does Supreme Commander what that mama dead?

    ¡°Still not going?¡± Lou Zigui asked. The general hastily cupped his fists to ept the order and strode off. Lou Zigui watched the man leave before drinking another mouthful of tea. As the liquid ran down his throat, he experienced a bitter taste that soon morphed into sweetness. Despite the fresh fragrance of tea on his tongue, he was still creasing his brows. Empress Dowager Xie only wants to use the empress as a way to hurt Ning Xiaoyao. But if I do this, I¡¯m simply pushing Empress Dowager Xie to hurt Miss Ning myself. Every time there¡¯s danger, Ning Xiaoyao changes bad luck to good fortune. It¡¯ll probably go the same way this time, right? Moreover, Empress Dowager Xie won¡¯t be able to take Xiaoyao¡¯s life before Ning Xines of age. Lou Zigui made some quick calctions in his head. As long as the situation isn¡¯t life-threatening, I¡¯m willing to take a risk.

    The next thing he knew, Ning Xiaoyao soundly pushed open his door and poked her head in with a cheeky grin. ¡°Supreme Commander, do you want to eat noodles? Chef Huang makes delicious ones.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s forehead smoothed out as he smiled and rose to his feet. When he reached the door, he patted and smoothed out Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s messy bun again. ¡°If I eat them, won¡¯t you have one less bowl for yourself?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°There¡¯s plenty of noodles, so I won¡¯tck for any.¡±

    Lou Zigui walked out of his room and asked, ¡°Then what if there¡¯s only one bowl?¡±

    Would things ever get that bad? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned pained just from imagining it. ¡°Then I¡¯ll cut wood to earn us money,¡± she said sincerely, ¡°So we¡¯ll never be reduced to those circumstances!¡± Even if I can¡¯t beat the story and Yongning copses, I¡¯ll never allow such a tragic thing to happen.

    Lou Zigui only felt dumbfounded. How did we get to woodcutting from noodles? What kind of logic is this? (Author: It¡¯s expected that you can¡¯t make heads or tails of it. The two of you are always on different wavelengths. (©V_©V))

    ¡°So are you eating any noodles or not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui walked down the covered walkway. It was best to drop the topic---or rather, he¡¯d probably get a headache if he left Ning Xiaoyao to ramble for too long.

    Meanwhile, news of Zhou mama¡¯s request to seek His Majesty spread out from Supreme Splendor Hall and into the ears of the empress dowager¡¯s extensive spies in the pce, from there to the empress dowager¡¯s own pce.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor had sent troops to surround Iron Buddha Temple. Zhou mama must havee back to beg for His Majesty to rescue them,¡± a few mama behind Empress Dowager Xie immediately connected the dots.

    Empress Dowager Xie waved to dismiss the servant who¡¯d reported the news and looked at her own mama. ¡°Then why isn¡¯t His Majesty meeting with her?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s only just returned to the pce,¡± a mama guessed. ¡°Perhaps he doesn¡¯t know that Zhou mama wanted to see him?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is currently busying himself with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s...¡± another mama trailed off, too afraid to continue. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s grew gloomy as her sharp nail sheaths scratched against her armrest. The scraping noise made the mama around her tremble. It was at that moment that a eunuch came to report everything that had happened at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate this morning.

    When she finished listening to the tale, Empress Dowager Xie felt lightheaded. The mama were worried that she¡¯d faint away again, but she abruptly pped her armrest and raged, ¡°Hogwash! Why was she fighting against His Majesty?!¡±

    All of the mama could easily guess who she was talking about, but stood silent with bowed heads. They secretly agreed with the empress dowager¡¯s views. If even the empress dowager and Grand Preceptorbined couldn¡¯t best the likes of His Majesty, why would the Grand Preceptor¡¯s wife fare any better? Now all of the Xie n¡¯s daughters would see difficult days ahead.

    ¡°Tell the Grand Preceptor¡¯s people that This Dowager knows,¡± Empress Dowager Xie instructed the eunuch, who assented and waited, kneeling, for his next orders.

    ¡°What are you still standing around for?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked. ¡°Waiting for me to confer a reward?¡± After she saw that Grand Preceptor Xie was someone who could fully abandon her for the sake of glory and rank, she had found fewer and fewer reasons to speak with him anymore.

    The eunuch quickly beat the retreat.

    ¡°Go capture Zhou mama,¡± Empress Dowager Xie told a mama by her side. ¡°Interrogate her. This Dowager wants to know whether or not the empress is truly pregnant.¡±

    The mama murmured an assent and went off to do her assigned work.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Empress Dowager already know that Esteemed Empress is pregnant?¡± a mama by her side asked in a small voice.

    ¡°This Dowager can¡¯t truly be at ease unless I verify those ims,¡± Empress Dowager Xie replied. ¡°What if it turns out to be one of His Majesty¡¯s schemes?¡± It wasn¡¯t her first time losing to Ning Yu anymore. Although she couldn¡¯t figure out how a pseudopregnancy from the empress could benefit Ning Yu in any way, Empress Dowager Xie still preferred to be prudent. She couldn¡¯t let that damned girl trap her in another scheme again.

    --

    One hourter, Lou Zigui received news that two men had forcefully taken Zhou mama off of the streets.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, what should we do next?¡± the same general from the ck Frost Cavalry asked him.

    ¡°Wait and see, that is all for now,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the general obeyed. If that¡¯s what Supreme Commander says, then that¡¯s all I can do. Still, he was worried enough about the issue to ask, ¡°Supreme Commander, what if Zhou mama dies at the empress dowager¡¯s hands?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s tone was light and easy. ¡°She¡¯s no one but a pce mama, at most.¡±

    The general didn¡¯t speak up again and quietly waited.

    How could anyone who helped the empress lie to Miss Ning be a good person? Zhou mama had always looked at Ning Xiaoyao with suspicion and dislike---and even hints of hatred. Lou Zigui saw her every gaze clearly. Since you treated Ning Xiaoyao as your enemy, why should I care whether you live or die? Zhou mama¡¯s debts were kept on record in his heart.

    ¡°See if Deng Rong¡¯s[1. Deng Rong (µËÈÙ) - Deng is a surname, Rong means ¡°glory, honor.¡±] returned yet,¡± Lou Zigui ordered him next. Deng Rong was the man he sent to keep watch on the Grand Preceptor''s estate. Judging by the hour, it was about time he came back to report. The general epted his new instructions and left.

    ¡°Ayeayeaye!¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shouts carried through the walls then to reach Lou Zigui¡¯s quarters. ¡°Windy, I love you to death, ayeayeaye! Memeda~¡±[2. Memeda (Ã´Ã´ßÕ) - modern ng used to indicate kissing noises.]

    Lou Zigui furiously strode out of his room and across the courtyard until he reached its entrance. There he saw Ning Xiaoyao hugging two oilpaper packages as she skipped and jumped in front of Shadowgale.

    ¡°Egg yolk guoba!¡± Ning Xiaoyao had heard his footsteps and turned to smile at him so widely that her eyes turned into curved lines again. ¡°Windy helped me buy egg yolk guoba!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Windy, thank you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned back to smile at Shadowgale again. If she hadn¡¯t remembered how people held back from public disys of affection in this world, she would have already jumped up to kiss him. Shadowgale smiled, his face a little flush from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s exuberant reactions.

    As for Lou Zigui, he vowed anew that he¡¯d hate egg yolk guoba most of all for the rest of his life! o(¨s¡õ¨t)o

 Chapter 197: Your schemes, my schemes

    <h4>Chapter 197: Your schemes, my schemes</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao munched on the guoba in sheer bliss, feeling that the ones Shadowgale bought her this time were even better than the ones she ate before. Her gaze on him grew more fervent, making Supreme Commander Lou feel like anyone could snatch her away from his side just by offering her some food. This made him feel extremely stifled in his heart.

    Shadowgale felt a bit better after seeing Ning Xiaoyao so happy. Whatever happened in the future, Head Commander Shadowgale still felt a little contrite towards His Majesty from the morning¡¯s events.

    ¡°If Your Majesty thinks they¡¯re good,¡± Shadowgale said, ¡°Then this servant will help Your Majesty buy them again next time.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes shone.

    Shadowgale bowed, ¡°This servant epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°I remembered,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spun towards Lou Zigui as she bit into another mouthful of guoba. ¡°You lied to me.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou felt his heart grew more stifled than ever. Of course, he wasn¡¯t the only one. Back at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, Grand Preceptor Xie was half sitting, half lying on his chair, staring at the wilting, pathetic form of Xie Laibao before him. The head steward wished he could jump into a hole.

    ¡°Say it one more time,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    Xie Laibao boxed his ears first, his face absolutely miserable. ¡°This servant deserves death. The Poison Sect members didn¡¯t all die, but a good number escaped. Grand Preceptor, this servant deserves death.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a such a rush to die,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked like he had trouble breathing. ¡°How could the fish have fled from our?¡±

    ¡°Th-this servant deserves death, this servant doesn¡¯t know,¡± Xie Laibao replied. ¡°This servant saw that everyone had arrived and the food was on the tables before I left. By all logic, General Tao Yu shouldn¡¯t have had any problems. How---how could anyone have survived that rain of arrows? Master, this servant really doesn¡¯t understand!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Xie Laibao, who was sporting a weeping face as he soundly boxed his own ears again. ¡°This servant deserves death.¡±

    ¡°You saw that rain of arrows?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Xie Laibao gave a start. ¡°Master, this servant saw the bodies. All of them were covered in ten or more arrows. This servant just can¡¯t figure out how the arrows grew eyes and missed some of their targets.¡±

    Of course arrows don¡¯t have eyes, but the archers who shot them do. It¡¯s impossible for any of the Poison Sect members to escape tens of thousands of arrows while seated all together in one banquet hall. Grand Preceptor Xie next asked Xie Laibao, ¡°Did Tao Yu send any men to chase after the survivors?¡±

    Xie Laibao replied, ¡°This servant asked General Tao, but he said that there were no other people besides the bodies there. This servant---¡± Xie Laibao put on a pained expression, ¡°This servant couldn¡¯t very well argue with General Tao. Master, if those people escaped with injuries, they should have left bloodstains on the ground. This servant brought men to search as well, but aside from the woven mats in the plum blossom garden, there were no other bloodstains.¡±

    ¡°Then that means they weren¡¯t injured,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said in a low voice.

    Xie Laibao replied, ¡°But this servant was standing watch outside the entire time. This servant didn¡¯t see anyone leave the banquet or the plum blossom garden.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t leave your post at all?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Xie Laibao nodded, but turned looked up in thought before adding, ¡°General Tao found this servant for a chat, but it was only for a little while.¡±

    The Poison Sect members all have good martial arts skills. A moment would have been enough for them to escape. Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at Xie Laibao before he suddenly asked, ¡°Is Yan Hong dead or alive?¡±

    Xie Laibao couldn¡¯t be bothered with the fact that his bones were still healing and fell to his knees. He sprawled in front of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s bed and sobbed, ¡°Master, Yan Hong escaped, but this servant never meant to let her go. If that was my intention, may lightning strike me dead and curse my family to unnatural deaths ah, master!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯tment on Xie Laibao¡¯s vow, but simply said, ¡°You should withdraw first. Tell Tao Yu toe in.¡±

    Xie Laibao assented pitifully before wiping his eyes and calling for the pageboys to carry him out. Tao Yu soon entered Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s study and knelt on one knee to make a formal bow.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie murmured.

    Tao Yu got to his feet. He had heard that the Grand Preceptor was severely swollen from his bug bites, or possibly poisoned, but seeing him in the flesh gave him a fright. This has to be poison, right? What kind of bug bites would reduce someone to this state?! (Author: Cough, cough, General Tao. A little ant named A¡¯Mo is looking at you right now~)

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Xie Laibao told this old man that a few people escaped from the plum blossom garden.¡±

    Tao Yu had no qualms upon self examination and replied, ¡°Grand Preceptor, this soldier and the head steward counted the people together, then re-counted them before I let the arrows loose. There were no people missing.¡±

    ¡°Who apanied you and that servant for the headcounts?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked next.

    Tao Yu replied, ¡°A few servants from the estate and two guards from this soldier¡¯s side.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Tao Yu. The estate¡¯s servants would definitely listen to Xie Laibao, while the soldiers would defer to Tao Yu. Neither parties could count as reliable witnesses.

    Tao Yu said, ¡°Grand Preceptor, this soldier has no reason to let anyone escape. This general only knows that they¡¯re people of the jianghu, but nothing else.¡±

    Although Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face was too swollen for anyone to tell his expressions, he still smiled at Tao Yu and said, ¡°It¡¯s this old man¡¯s servant that was ipetent.¡±

    Tao Yu didn¡¯t speak, but his expression warmed.

    ¡°How is your family doing?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked next.

    Tao Yu lowered his voice. ¡°Father and mother¡¯s health aren¡¯t doing too well.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sighed. ¡°This old man will give an exnation for Tao Chen.¡±

    Tao Yu was the son of a concubine but had stayed with the first wife since his childhood. He was unfamiliar with thete Tao Chen, who had be the Xie n¡¯s son-inw. If he could act, he¡¯d be putting on a face moved to tears of gratitude by now, but he wasn¡¯t that type of man. All he did was bow towards Grand Preceptor Xie and say stiffly, ¡°Many thanks to Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°You can withdraw. When there¡¯s time, visit home often and spend time with your parents.¡±

    Tao Yu replied with an affirmative but didn¡¯t take the words to heart. As a concubine¡¯s son whose birth mother had died over a decade ago, he was practically invisible inside the Tao n despite being a general. Whether or not he existed didn¡¯t matter to his family, so he didn¡¯t feel a need to show up at home at all.

    Xie Laibao watched Tao Yu leave with his own eyes as he shook with fear by the study door. He ended up waiting for two whole hours before Grand Preceptor Xie finally said, ¡°Come in.¡±

    Xie Laibao hastily ordered his two pageboys to carry him inside, where he sat by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s bed, too afraid to even breathe.

    ¡°Send men,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told Xie Laibao. ¡°Capture Tao Yu.¡±

    Xie Laibao¡¯s eyes widened instantly as his voice grew shrill. ¡°M, Master?¡±

    ¡°This old man wants to interrogate him,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    Xie Laibao replied, ¡°Master, was it Tao Yu who secretly set the Poison Sect members free?¡±

    ¡°This old man has no proof,¡° Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°But I find him suspicious. With the example of Xie Anwu, that unfilial son, before me, I can¡¯t help but suspect Tao Yu since he¡¯s concubine born himself. He¡¯ll never have any prospects at home, so he could only seek refuge with the likes of His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty? Then, the Poison Sect and His Majesty...¡± Head Steward Xie stopped to soundly box his ears again. If Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t suspect the Poison Sect of harboring His Majesty¡¯s spies, he never would have ordered them killed after failing to uncover the spies himself.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°This must be done in secret.¡±

    Xie Laibao replied, ¡°This servant understands. But Master, Tao Yu is still from the Tao n. If we capture him just like that, what do we do about his family?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s best if he has no connections with His Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said coldly. ¡°If he¡¯s one of His Majesty¡¯s men, then Tao Chen¡¯s death will be tied to him. Nobody will ever ept a concubine¡¯s son that plotted to murder the son of a first wife.¡±

    Xie Laibao¡¯s heart was still filled with fear. This was how his Grand Preceptor dealt with others---even in death, your name would be ruined for ages. If he ever finds out I¡¯ve betrayed him, I can¡¯t began to imagine what he¡¯ll do to my family. He calmed his nerves before asking, ¡°Master, how should we deal with the fugitives?¡±

    ¡°One of them must be the spy,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°But this old man has no use for them anymore. None of them can hurt me. Send orders to have their pictures sent to the justice courts so they can apprehend those murderers.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Xie Laibao obeyed.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± a guard called from outside.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    The guard stood outside the door and reported, ¡°Esteemed Empress¡¯s servant Zhou mama was captured by Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s men.¡±

    Xie Laibao gave a start and nced at Grand Preceptor Xie, who didn¡¯t even lift his head. ¡°I understand,¡± he replied. The guard left.

    ¡°Master?¡± Xie Laibao called softly.

    ¡°Let the empress dowager investigate her,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°This old man wants to know if the empress is pregnant as well.¡±

    Xie Laibao feigned disbelief. ¡°How could that be faked?¡±

    ¡°How do you know if it¡¯s simply not one of His Majesty¡¯s schemes?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie countered. If he wasn¡¯t doubtful himself, he never would have let Zhou mama slip away from Iron Buddha Temple. Xie Laibao shook his head, showing that he¡¯d never considered that possibility. After he left to dispatch his orders, Grand Preceptor Xie heaved a long sigh. Eldest daughter has grown distant from me. (Author: You even hoped that the empress dowager would die. How could you think that she¡¯ll care for you again? (¡Ñ_¡Ñ)?)

    Crouched in the corner of the room, A¡¯Mo asked one of his fellow ants, ¡°Is Tao Yu a good guy or a bad guy?¡±

    The ant replied, ¡°He killed people.¡±

    ¡°So he¡¯s a bad guy?¡± A¡¯Mo asked.

    ¡°But would anyone that bastard Grand Preceptor Xie wants to hurt be a bad guy?¡± the ant asked back.

    A¡¯Mo considered it before he finally said, ¡°Those humans are tooplicated!¡±

    ¡°Go tell Xiaoyao about this,¡± the little ant said wisely. ¡°Let humans worry about human affairs.¡±

    A¡¯Mo nodded with his feelers before sticking to the wall and crawling outside. Xiaoyao can worry about this instead.

    Xie Laibao sent out the men to capture Tao Yu before ordering someone else to update Lou Zigui with the news. Once that was done, Head Steward Xie went to find a painter to draw the likenesses of those Poison Sect fugitives and sent the drawings to the justice courts. They were to capture Yan Hong and the rest as murderers and bandits of the jianghu.

    --

    ¡°Tao Yu?¡± Fang Tang asked questioningly from inside Supreme Splendor Hall.

    ¡°Chen Lu is still dead set on staying loyal to Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°So we might as well find someone to stand up as an equal against him.¡±

    ¡°But why pick Tao Yu?¡± Deng Rong was lost as well. ¡°He might find his days in the Tao n unsatisfactory, but he¡¯s still part of their family.¡±

    The various ck Frost Cavalry generals all looked at Lou Zigui. Their Supreme Commander had grown harder and harder to read ever since he was put on the execution tform and sliced bit by bit.

 Chapter 198: Xiaoyao, donâ€™t you fault Supreme Commander?

    <h4>Chapter 198: Xiaoyao, don''t you fault Supreme Commander?</h4>

    After it grew dark, one of Chen Lu¡¯s messengers went to the military barracks to find Tao Yu, saying that his general wanted to meet. Tao Yu was to hurrying to Iron Buddha Temple for the appointment. But Tao Yu doubted his words, so he brought along a few guards with him before following the messenger on horseback out of the city. Once they were within range of the temple, a storm of arrows attacked them from the forest. All of Tao Yu¡¯s guards were shot to death while he was busying deflecting the blows with his own sword. Then, the messenger moved to stab him from the back.

    Tao Yu caught something in the sound of the wind and quickly swiped his sword back at the messenger. At the same time, a ck-robed man flew out of the woods and released a flying dart that pierced through Tao Yu¡¯s left arm. Tao Yu only felt the injury turning numb before he lost control of his body and tumbled off his horse. As soon as he hit the ground, the ck-robed man approached him and stepped on his neck, causing Tao Yu to lose consciousness.

    ¡°We¡¯ll bring him back,¡± the ck-robed man told the messenger as his men tied Tao Yu up and lifted him into a carriage. The messenger nodded and continued to gallop towards Iron Buddha Temple. By the time the ck-robed men and his subordinates reached the capital, it was already nightfall. Countless houses were lit by the light ofnterns. A few of Tao Yu¡¯s colleagues even walked past the party escorting their fellow general, but failed to catch sight of his unconscious form beneath the thick cloth covering him.

    --

    In the little flower garden, Ning Xiaoyao had already finished off half a bag of sugar beans while feeding her little animal friends. Cousin Magpie had flown A¡¯Mo into the pce. The ant had just finished drinking the sugar water from Ning Xiaoyao as thanks. He was so happy that his feelers were dancing as he spoke. ¡°Xiaoyao, can A¡¯Mo drink honey water next time?¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded easily. She still had enough money to buy things like honey.

    Cousin Magpie said, ¡°Xiaoyao, you seem pretty happy right now?¡± So many things have happened, but why isn¡¯t she worried at all?

    Ning Xiaoyao found him strange. ¡°Why can¡¯t I be happy?¡±

    Big Boss ck¡¯s head hung. ¡°Because Supreme Commander¡¯s hiding things from you.¡± Although he worshipped Supreme Commander, he had still decided to tell Ning Xiaoyao how the man was using the empress for his own means.

    ¡°He even had people expose Zhou mama so she was captured by the empress dowager,¡± the little gyrfalcon added. He had seen it happen with his own eyes.

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed more sugar beans in her mouth and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s nning.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the little animals. Then, we know even less.

    Big Boss ck tried his best to find an excuse for Supreme Commander. ¡°Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander must be trying to make sure you don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted Big Boss ck¡¯s head and said, ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to worry about your Supreme Commander ah, ck Tubby.¡±

    ¡°Then what should I be worrying about?¡± Big Boss ck couldn¡¯t even bother snapping at his nickname anymore, he was so frantic with worry.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°We should worry more about whether Zhou mama will die. And also, whether that General Tao will suffer a fate worse than death at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you¡¯re so smart,¡± Oil Jar pped for her again.

    ¡°Mhm, Xiaoyao you¡¯re really smart,¡± A¡¯Mo was now one of Xiaoyao¡¯s loyal fans as well. Anything he didn¡¯t understand, Xiaoyao made so simple.

    ¡°Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled a few times. ¡°I¡¯m ordinary at best, I can¡¯t be too prideful.¡±

    Actually, she was having trouble smiling at this moment. Nobody would feel good after learning that the person you trusted was hiding things from you. But Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want her little animals to fret with her. Youths like Oil Jar and the rest grew happy again at her words, but Grandfather Sparrow had lived long enough to see his share of experiences. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao and asked in concern, ¡°Xiaoyao, don¡¯t you fault Supreme Commander?¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal had been lying quietly by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet, but looked up at her at the sparrow¡¯s words. Big Boss ck grew even more tense as his eyes widened on her face. All of the other animals fell silent, waiting for her to reply.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed before standing up and dusting off her behind. ¡°I don¡¯t. After I¡¯ve rescued Zhou mama and General Tao myself, I¡¯ll ask him about it.¡± It was impossible to guess the depths of human hearts, especially when it belonged to someone as ck-bellied as Supreme Commander Lou. Only idiots would try to understand him on their own. Ning Xiaoyao tightened her belt and strengthened her resolve. When dealing with types like Supreme Commander Lou, asking him outright was better than second-guessing.

    Big Boss ck stopped worrying once Ning Xiaoyao said she wouldn¡¯t me the man. Oil Jar asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you doing to do now?¡±

    ¡°Ladies first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I¡¯ll go save Zhou mama, then General Tao. Little pals, do any of you know where they¡¯re being kept?¡±

    A little sparrow called Sesame Speck replied, ¡°Xiaoyao, I know where they locked up Zhou mama.¡±

    Cousin Magpie piped up next. ¡°I can find out General Tao¡¯s whereabouts just by asking around.¡± The city was full of animals on the ground and in the air, so somebody would have seen Tao Yu.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°Then that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do. I¡¯ll go with Sesame Speck to save Zhou mama first. Cousin Magpie, you help find out Tao Yu¡¯s whereabouts.¡±

    Cousin Magpie brought A¡¯Mo with him and flew away. Big Boss ck ran in front of Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, should you go and tell Supreme Commander first?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°If Supreme Commander can hide his bad deeds from me, why can¡¯t I do the same to him?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Big Boss ck. This ninny, she¡¯s actually mad at him, isn¡¯t she?

    ¡°ck Tubby, you can go tattle to Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed at him. ¡°It¡¯s only a pity that your Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t understand your meowing, oh~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words incited Big Boss ck once again to all the world¡¯s evils. His fur stood on end as he bared his fangs at her, intending to fight her to the death.

    ¡°Stop worrying over nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lightly kicked him aside. ¡°The empress dowager captured Zhou mama before it grew dark. Now that it¡¯s night, she should¡¯ve gotten everything out of her already.¡±

    Big Boss ck stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Supreme Commander just want the empress dowager to know about the empress¡¯s affairs?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°Since he¡¯s aplished his goal, then I¡¯ll get Zhou mama out of there. It won¡¯t ruin any of Supreme Commander¡¯s schemes, ah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a scheme!¡± Big Boss ck shouted in denial.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then we¡¯ll just say your Supreme Commander¡¯s wise and brilliant and powerful, with schemes shocking enough to move the Heavens and Earth and ghosts and spirits to tears. Is that better now?¡±

    Big Boss ck felt a little lightheaded from all the big words. It sounded like apliment, but why did he feel like the ninny was cursing Supreme Commander instead?

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to her sparrow and said, ¡°Sesame Speck, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Why are you leaving just like that?¡± Big Boss ck chased after her.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran as she spoke, ¡°Am I supposed to say a few words for the deceased first, then?¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck cried, ¡°Are you trying to curse yourself to death? You ninny!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged and kept running. Big Boss ck saw that he couldn¡¯t keep up, so he turned around and went to scratch Little White Fatty¡¯s nose.

    ¡°Aroo!¡± Little White Fatty howled wretchedly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ning Xiaoyao, who had already ran off without a trace, suddenly came back in a burst of wind.

    Big Boss ck knew that the ninny would turn back, so he took the chance to jump onto her shoulders. ¡°Miaow, ignore that stupid dog. Let¡¯s go together,¡± he said.

    ¡°ck Tubby hit me,¡± Little White Fatty tattled with tears in his eyes.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to look at Big Boss ck, who simply meowed and nuzzled against her cheek.

    ¡°I already said, Little White Fatty is a snow wolf, not a dog!¡± Ning Xiaoyao went to touch his poor injured nose.

    ¡°Would any wolf end up bullied by a cat?¡± Big Boss ck rolled his eyes.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Aroooo, Xiaoyao,¡± Little White Fatty wagged his tail once his nose stopped hurting, currying for favor as was his wont.

    He¡¯s really not like a wolf, Ning Xiaoyao thought as she patted his head. But he¡¯s still young, she consoled herself. ¡°Go find Supreme Commander, he¡¯s drinking meat soup,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told him. ¡°Cling to himself and make sure he doesn¡¯te looking for me. Can youplete this mission?¡±

    ¡°Aroo!¡± Little White Fatty nodded, promising that he would. ¡°If Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t listen to me, I¡¯ll bite him!¡± he resolved.

    Big Boss ck wasn¡¯t even worried by his words. This wolf would be weak even if he was a dog, so why should he worry about the pup biting his Supreme Commander? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched as she patted Little White Fatty¡¯s head again. ¡°As long as you make sure Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t hit you, you can do as you like.¡±

    Little White Fatty ran off to Lou Zigui¡¯s rooms. He was afraid that Supreme Commander would finished off all the soup if he came toote.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bid farewell to Grandfather Sparrow and the rest. ¡°Wait for my good news.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the little animals. Judging from her words, is Xiaoyao going off to war?

    Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck followed Sesame Speck over a pce wall and left the royal grounds.

    --

    ¡°Arooo~¡± Inside the pce, Little White Fatty stood on his hind legs and howled at Lou Zigui, who nced at the dog-like wolf hankering after his food.

    ¡°Aroo,¡± Little White Fatty began to circle around Lou Zigui, who poured out half a bowl of meat soup in response. Little White Fatty pounced on the extra half-bowl and buried his face inside to eat.

    ¡°Why did youe?¡± Lou Zigui asked the wolf pup. ¡°Weren¡¯t you with Xiaoyao in the flower gardens?¡±

    Little White Fatty¡¯s body stiffened in the middle of drinking soup. Lou Zigui narrowed his eyes before plucking him up by the nape of his neck so they were staring eye to eye. ¡°Why did you stop eating?¡±

    ¡°Aroo?¡± Little White Fatty¡¯s paws shrank back as his tail drooped. His pure blue eyes blinked in pure innocence.

    ¡°Are you putting on a pitiful act in front of me?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Aroo!¡± Little White Fatty instantly bared his fangs. I¡¯m not ying pitiful at all!

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Can this little thing actually understand what I¡¯m saying?

    --

    ¡°Can Little White Fatty really keep Supreme Commander back?¡± Wifey Magpie asked Yellow Great Immortal from outside the window.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be difficult,¡± Yellow Great Immortal intoned.

    Back inside the room, Lou Zigui had already set Little White Fatty down. He stood up and prepared to leave, suddenly worried about Miss Ning. Little White Fatty went to hug his leg.

    ¡°You should stay here and eat your fill,¡± Lou Zigui patted Little White Fatty until he was forced to let go. As Little White Fatty saw Supreme Commander Lou walk towards the door, he grew desperate. He ran after the man and prepared to bite him, only for Lou Zigui to stop mid-stride. Little White Fatty went crashing into the high threshold of the door mid-leap. Lou Zigui only shook his head at the sight. He¡¯s not like a wolf at all.

    Little White Fatty fell on the floor and yed dead. If he couldn¡¯t bite Supreme Commander Lou, he could at least lure him back with his fake death. But Lou Zigui simply stepped over the threshold without a second nce.

    ¡°......¡± said Little White Fatty. Aren¡¯t you a tiny bit concerned about my life or death?

    Meanwhile, Wifey Magpie gave Yellow Great Immortal a respectful look. Since when did he get so shrewd?

 Chapter 199: Someone wants to kill Xiaoyao again...

    <h4>Chapter 199: Someone wants to kill Xiaoyao again...</h4>

    While Supreme Commander Lou was searching for Ning Xiaoyao all over the pce, thetter was traveling with Big Boss ck on her left shoulder and Sesame Speck on her right through the streets of the capital city. It was alreadyte night, so there was nobody but the asional traveler in the streets. Not a single person paid attention to the figure racing crazily through the city.

    The night wind caused Big Boss ck to sneeze. He was about to rub his face with a paw when Ning Xiaoyao skidded to a halt, sending him flying through the air.

    ¡°Miaoooooow~!¡± Big Boss ck screeched.

    Ning Xiayao had stopped by a wall, where the justice courts had posted up a public notice. ¡°Notorious robbers,¡± Ning Xiaoyao read the description beneath the painted portraits.

    Sesame Speck asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, do you recognize these notorious robbers?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at one of the portraits and eximed, ¡°Isn¡¯t that Yan Hong? She¡¯s Xie Laibao¡¯s paramour.¡±

    Sesame Speck didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Then how did she be a notorious robber?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a plot afoot,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. It¡¯s probably Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s doing again.

    By now, Big Boss ck had ran back to join them and yell and Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Ninny, did you want to smash this cat to death?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was still staring at the portrait. ¡°Well, did you actually die in the end?¡±

    Big Boss ck felt a rising urge to bite this ninny to death again.

    ¡°Cats have nine lives,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to Big Boss ck after memorizing all the poster portraits. She jeered and said, ¡°ck Tubby, you have nine lives too, but you¡¯re still afraid of dying? Just how did you end up being boss of all the cats?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Big Boss ck. Who said us cats have nine lives?!

    While Big Boss ck was preparing to fight Ning Xiaoyao to the death for the nth + 1 time, a call rose up from a neighboring street.

    ¡°Stop right there!¡±

    ¡°Seize them!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let the criminals escape!¡±

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard the voicesing her way, she quickly pressed herself against the wall. Just what was going on? Why did she run into trouble as soon as she left the pce? Can¡¯t this world let me see its peaceful side for once? So vexing!

    Sesame Speck flew up from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder to scope out the situation, while Big Boss ck stood in front of her and stared at the end of the street. The sound of footsteps and panting breaths drew closer, causing Ning Xiaoyao to stick out her neck and look. Sesame Speck came back with another sparrow in tow, which Ning Xiaoyao recognized as Wheat, who lived in Prince Zhi¡¯s side courtyard.

    ¡°Wheat, why did youe?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at him.

    Wheat and Sesame Speck bothnded on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s right shoulder before he said, ¡°Xiaoyao, I came out to have a stroll~¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. This sparrow sure likes his strolls.

    ¡°Those are yamen attendants giving chase,¡± Sesame Speck told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I recognize their court dress.¡±

    Wheat nodded hastily. ¡°Wheat recognizes them too. They¡¯re chasing the notorious robbers.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the people running over from the end of the street. ¡°Mhm, those are the notorious robbers alright. I see Yan Hong.¡±

    ¡°The Poison Sect¡¯s people?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Say, should I make a move or just watch from the sidelines?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Sesame Speck and Wheat chorused at the same time.

    Big Boss ck scratched Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°They¡¯re people that Supreme Commander let go on purpose. Of course you have to save them, ah!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao simply sniffed and stood there doing nothing.

    ¡°This cat knew it, you¡¯re a two-faced ninny!¡± Big Boss ck meowed. ¡°You said you don¡¯t me Supreme Commander, but you¡¯re actually mad at him!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to yell at Xiaoyao!¡± Wheat lost his temper and flew over to peck at Big Boss ck¡¯s head. Seeing this, Sesame Speck went to help him. The two sparrows and one fat cat began to fight until they reached the middle of thene. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s baby face turned wooden at the sight. They¡¯re making such a racket that I have no more chances to stand by and stay quietly.

    The fighting animals immediately attracted the attention of the Poison Sect fugitives, whose faces turned ‡å at the sight of two birds and cat fighting. How did they get into a tussle? Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to hide her face, but was still spotted by Yan Hong.

    A ck cat and a still-growing body, that¡¯s His Majesty! Yan Hong¡¯s eyes spun in their sockets before she ran to her side and called softly, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dropped her hands. ¡°Is my figure that distinctive? You can recognize me even without seeing my face?¡±

    Yan Hong looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s petite form and managed augh, before pointing at Big Boss ck. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Your Majesty¡¯s ck cat?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Big Boss ck. So it¡¯s you who has the distinctive figure.

    Big Boss ck shot back, ¡°Don¡¯t believe that woman just because she says so!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao next saw the Poison Sect head, who was being shielded on all sides by his sect members. ¡°Eh?¡± she said in surprise, ¡°Sect Head, you¡¯re here too? Have you see the Grand Preceptor¡¯s true face by now?¡±

    The sect head only looked coldly at Ning Xiaoyao. Yan Hong was afraid that her leader would say something disrespectful to the emperor and offend the only person who could save them now. She quickly stepped in between him and Ning Xiaoyao and murmured, ¡°Your Majesty, the justice courts have sent men to chase after us.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the guards in the distance and replied, ¡°I see them. You don¡¯t need to tell me, thanks.¡±

    Yan Hong said, ¡°Your Majesty, this concubine is not a notorious robber.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her eyes to look at her and simply chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re not a notorious robber, but you¡¯re not a good guy, either.¡±

    Yan Hong¡¯s face stiffened.

    ¡°Apprehend those criminals!¡± the head of the yamen attendants yelled.

    Should or shouldn¡¯t I save these bad guys? Ning Xiaoyao mused to herself.

    Yan Hong simply stood behind Ning Xiaoyao. Following that, the sect head and his sect members all did the same thing, cing her in front.

    ¡°There¡¯s one more now,¡± the leader said after noticing Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked left and right, only to realize she was facing the yamen attendants head-on. Big Boss ck quickly ran to stand in front of Ning Xiaoyao, arching his body as his fur stood on end. He was ready to fight at any time.

    Sesame Speck and Wheat flew in anxious circles above everyone¡¯s heads. They weren¡¯t sure whether to call for reinforcements or stay and help out in the battle. Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t nervous at all. These men were part of her armed forces, so they couldn¡¯t simply arrest the emperor.

    ¡°You guys don¡¯t recognize me?¡± she asked them.

    The leader stared at Ning Xiaoyao. The emperor¡¯s face was considered a heavenly countenance, so how could a lowly yamen attendant recognize her on sight? ¡°Are you one of their reinforcements?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Me,ing to reinforce them all by myself? Do you think I look like an idiot?¡±

    The leader replied, ¡°You don¡¯t, but you look every bit the viin with those shifty eyes.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the cat and two sparrows.

    ¡°........¡± said the Poison Sect members.

    Ning Xiaoyao truly felt that she had no respect as the emperor at all. ¡°You¡¯re sure handsome, with a fat head and big ears. It¡¯s a pretty jolly look, ha,¡± she shot back.

    ¡°You¡¯re seeking death!¡± the leader unsheathed his sword and charged at Ning Xiaoyao. Soon enough, hoofbeats followed in his wake.

    Behind Ning Xiaoyao, Yan Hong murmured, ¡°The Nine Gate Provincial Commander¡¯s forces are here.¡± In a sh, men and horses appeared before Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the high-ranking military official leading the troops.

    ¡°He¡¯s Xie Anyuan,¡±[1. Xie Anyuan (Ð»°²Ô´) - An means ¡°peaceful,¡± Yuan means ¡°source (of a river/fountainhead), cause.¡±] Yan Hong exined. ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s third nephew on his brother¡¯s side.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widen. When she peered at the official¡¯s features and bone structure, he did bear some resemnce to Xie Anshi. The Grand Preceptor even has a nephew?! (Author: Not only that, he¡¯s got nephews on his sister¡¯s side too. Can¡¯t ept that? ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    Xie Anyuan sat on his horse, his face and body both stiff. His gaze on Ning Xiaoyao was mixed with traces of fear and hesitation. Ning Xiaoyao felt that something was wrong. It was impossible that someone from the Xie n wouldn¡¯t recognize her, but why was this third nephew staring at her with such aplicated expression? What does he want to do?

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Sesame Speck¡¯s voice came from the end of thene. ¡°It¡¯s the Grand Preceptor. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s in the street right behind ours, he gave orders to kill you. Xiaoyao, be careful!¡± Sesame Speck¡¯s voice was hoarse and shrill.

    She was in big trouble now!

    Ning Xiaoyao plucked Big Boss ck into her arms and called for Yan Hong and the others to run as she leaped up to kick Xie Anyuan on his horse. Because of that, Xie Anyuan¡¯s men charged forward for the attack as well.

    Ning Xiaoyao kicked Xie Anyuan straight off his horse just as Big Boss ck meowed, ¡°Xiaoyao, watch out!¡±

    Beneath of eaves of a store on the opposite side of the street, two ck-robed men shot arrows towards Ning Xiaoyao. She flipped mid-air to avoid one arrow while catch the other bare-handed.

    ¡°There¡¯s poison on the arrows!¡± the Poison Sect head hollered as he fought with the Nine Gate Provincial Commander¡¯s men. Ning Xiaoyao nced at the weapon in her hands and saw that the tip was faintly blue.

    ¡°Throw it away, ah!¡± the Poison Sect head cried desperately as he saw Ning Xiaoyao still studying the arrow.

    Ning Xiaoyao threw the thing to the ground before picking up two soldiers who were about to rush her and flinging them to the opposite end of the street. If the ck-robed archers evaded those two, she¡¯d simply throw more things at them. Gically evolved humans had no fear ofbat.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck saw Xie Anyuan sitting up and and lifting his right arm at his ninny. Like a sh of lightning, he jumped onto the arm and gave it a vicious scratch. Xie Anyuan dropped his arm in response to the sudden attack. As his hand contracted within his sleeve, Big Boss ck bit him through the fabric in retaliation. Bastard human, see if you hurt my Xiaoyao again!

    Xie Anyuan¡¯s right hand filled with pain. He instinctively bent his wrist and identally activated the switch for the hidden crossbow located in his sleeve. Blood entered Big Boss ck¡¯s mouth, but he didn¡¯t let go. He wanted to bite the bastard¡¯s finger off!

    A single arrow shot forth from Xie Anyuan¡¯s arm and sank into his right leg. Because of his proximity to the weapon, the entire arrow sank into his flesh.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Xie Anyuan gave a wretched cry. Big Boss ck felt a sense of aplishment. See how I¡¯m thrashing this bastard human!

    The Poison Sect leader simply looked coldly at Xie Anyuan as he tossed and turned on the ground. Xie Anyuan¡¯s poison arrows would make a very person¡¯s bones ache with pain. It wouldn¡¯t be long until the man died.

    --

    Meanwhile, Wheat had flew back to the pce for call for help, and was now urging the battle horse Little Red to gallop even faster. ¡°Hurry, hurry a bit more! Xiaoyao¡¯s in danger!¡±

    Little Red ran as if his life depended on it. The other horses behind him did the same, but none of them were as fast as Little Red himself. It was the first time that Lou Zigui had failed to takemand of his steed, so he only assumed the stallion had been spooked. (Author: As if one horse being spooked could set off the rest...) But by the time they reached the street where Ning Xiaoyao was fighting, Lou Zigui stopped trying to slow down Little Red.

    Could Xiaoyao be on that street up ahead?

    Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s heart suddenly lurched at the thought.

 Chapter 200: Supreme Commander worries his horse to death

    <h4>Chapter 200: Supreme Commander worries his horse to death</h4>

    Lou Zigui¡¯s horse reached the entrance to thene. His eyes swept over the chaotic scene before spotting Ning Xiaoyao fighting amongst them against the Nine Gates Provincial Commander¡¯s men with a brick in her hand. He saw men falling left and right every time she raised her brick, a valiant image that served to soothe the ruffles in his heart.

    ¡°Charge!¡± Shadowgale led the Dragon Guards forward.

    There was a sh of light from the wall opposite Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Lou Zigui shouted as he threw his sword, scabbard and all, towards the wall. An arrow flew out from the sh and crashed into Lou Zigui¡¯s sword before dropping to the ground. Shadowgale leaped onto the wall and began to fight with the archer hidden beyond it. Lou Zigui reached Ning Xiaoyao and simply dragged her out of the scuffle before asking her outright, ¡°What are you doing here?!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I ran into this mess by ident, ah.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it,¡± Supreme Commander Lou rejected tly.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Howe he doesn¡¯t believe me even when I¡¯m telling the truth?!

    With the Dragon Guards joining the fight and half of the Nine Gate Provincial Commander¡¯s men already defeated by Ning Xiaoyao herself, the battle quickly ended. Their enemiesid fallen on the ground without a single one that had escaped. Shadowgale cut off both hands of the offending archer before dragging him in front of Ning Xiaoyao, only to discover that the man¡¯s face was already purplish-ck. He was dead. There was no blood in his mouth, but his mouth and teeth were all the same purplish-ck.

    ¡°Suicide by poison,¡± Ning Xiaoyao concluded as she pointed at left side of the archer¡¯s oral cavity. She was squatting on the ground with Shadowgale on her side as she continued to exin. ¡°See that? The ckest tooth is over here, so that¡¯s probably where he hid the poison. It felt the effects of the toxin first, so it had the greatest color change.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is wise and brilliant,¡± Shadowgale replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao only sighed. ¡°So what if Your Majesty is wise and brilliant? I can¡¯t save this person anymore.¡±

    Shadowgale furrowed his brows. ¡°Your Majesty still wanted to save him?¡± He should die by a thousand cuts, so why bother saving him?

    ¡°He¡¯s one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said quietly. ¡°This would¡¯ve been a living witness.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± Shadowgale¡¯s brows furrowed into a knot.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to smooth out his forehead. ¡°At most I¡¯d used him to gross out the Grand Preceptor a bit. He wouldn¡¯t help at all when ites to killing the Grand Preceptor himself. Come on, cheer up a bit, stop furrowing your eyebrows. Windy, you---hmm?¡± Before she could finish, Lou Zigui had pulled her to her feet by the back of her cor.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the Grand Preceptor?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to stare at the skies. Up there, Sesame Speck was flying in circles and chirping. ¡°The Grand Preceptor ran away just then, cheep~¡±

    ¡°The old man just ran away,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui. ¡°Maybe he found out that his third nephew couldn¡¯t beat me, so he fled. Huh? That¡¯s right, where¡¯s that third nephew?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying Xie Anyuan brought troops here?¡± Lou Zigui asked hastily.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°That was his name. Well dang, where did he go?¡± It was a dark and moonless night, so Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t spot him after sweeping her gaze over the people on the ground.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck meowed loudly. Following the noise, everyone nced over to see His Majesty¡¯s cat perched on top of a military officer¡¯s belly.

    ¡°ck Tubby,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran towards him.

    Big Boss ck jumped off Xie Anyuan¡¯s stomach and said ¡°Xiaoyao, this cat took care of that bastard.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao knelt down and turned Xie Anyuan to lie on his back, only to give a start of disbelief. ¡°ck Tubby, you killed him?¡±

    Big Boss ck was stunned as well. He jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and loomed over Xie Anyuan.¡±All this cat did was bite off his finger, but he¡¯s dead?¡±

    Of course a missing finger wouldn¡¯t take Xie Anyuan¡¯s life, but at the sight of his bloody leg, Ning Xiaoyao realized what was the matter. ¡°He died from poison.¡± The blood was turning ck from the toxins within. Big Boss ck licked his whiskers, a little disappointed. So I wasn¡¯t the one who killed this bastard. (Author: You actually want to kill someone?)

    Lou Zigui stood behind Ning Xiaoyao, looking at Xie Anyuan¡¯s corpse with a gloomy expression.

    ¡°He wanted to shoot His Majesty with a poisoned arrow, but ended up shooting himself by ident and dying from his own toxin,¡± the Poison Sect leader walked up as he exined.

    Ning Xiaoyao rose to her feet and looked at him. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t have gotten involved in this mess. Just because he¡¯s a bad guy, you¡¯re not?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the Poison Sect leader. This little Majesty sure changes faces fast.

    ¡°Take them into custody,¡± Lou Zigui ordered. All of the Poison Sect members grew tense at his words. Are we going to fight another round right after thest one?

    ¡°Thismoner will follow His Majesty¡¯s wishes,¡± the Poison Sect leader ced both hands behind his back as he bowed his head to submit. Seeing this, none of the other members made to rebel.

    ¡°Escort them back to the pce,¡± Lou Zigui told Shadowgale, who looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    She pointed at the justice court yamen attendants still standing on the side and asked, ¡°Then what about the justice courts?¡± The police are supposed to catch the bad guys. If you catch them instead, shouldn¡¯t you give the police an exnation?

    ¡°No need to bother with them,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Since Lou Zigui said so, Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale, ¡°Then Windy, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to take those Poison Sect members back to the pce.¡±

    Shadowgale personally led the group to take the prisoners back.

    ¡°Sect Leader?¡± one of the members asked questioningly.

    ¡°Right now, only the pce can keep us safe in this capital,¡± the Poison Sect leader replied. ¡°If you want to live, then don¡¯t talk.¡±

    ¡°Walk faster!¡± a Dragon Guard barked at them. The Poison Sect members fell silent. Although they still didn¡¯t understand why Grand Preceptor Xie wanted to kill them, they knew that His Majesty was the only person left in the world who could protect them from that man¡¯s wrath.

    ¡°They want to rely on your strength,¡± Lou Zigui murmured to Ning Xiaoyao after the people had left. None of the prisoners were good people, especially if they used to follow the Grand Preceptor. Most likely, they¡¯d done their share of wicked deeds. Just the attempts at facial reconstruction surgery alone were enough to kill countless youths. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face was wooden as she considered the implications. Am I really taking in these sinning bastards?

    ¡°They¡¯re viins,¡± Lou Zigui seemed to read her mind as he stroked her head. ¡°But they can help you face off against Xie Wenyuan. Unless he¡¯s dead, they can¡¯t live either, so they¡¯re the best de for you to use against him.¡± He painted the situation in a very cultured way, but Ning Xiaoyao mentally tranted it as ¡®have the Poison Sect fight the Grand Preceptor in a dog-eat-dog world.¡¯ She sighed and couldn¡¯t help but think of another famous saying---no one is an enemy forever, ah.

    Lou Zigui pressed a hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and turned her away from the sight of Shadowgale departing into the distance so she was facing himself. ¡°Did you catch wind of the news ahead of time? You knew the Poison Sect members would run off to here?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you, I ran into them by ident?¡±

    Such a coincidence? Lou Zigui didn¡¯t quite believe Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore,¡± Lou Zigui lifted his head to look over at the justice courts attendants instead. He almost forgot that this girl wasn¡¯t just anyone. If she could have spies in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, finding out about the Poison Sect wasn¡¯t a difficult affair at all.

    The yamen attendants would be idiots if they couldn¡¯t figure out the identity of the youth they had ran into by now. They were truly blind to almost raise a hand against His Majesty. The very thought made their legs feel weak. Meanwhile, the leader who¡¯d called Ning Xiaoyao shifty-eyed and a viin was thinking of all kinds of ways to die. Lou Zigui waved at the attendants, and the leader immediately peed his pants.

    ¡°Take these men,¡± Lou Zigui pointed to the fallen soldiers of the Nine Gates Provincial Commander on the ground, ¡°And put them in the justice court prisons. Without His Majesty¡¯s imperial decree, no one is allowed to bail them out.¡±

    The leader trembled as he epted the orders.

    ¡°Your Majesty...¡± Lou Zigui trailed off as he turned to ask Ning Xiaoyao for anyst words, only to find in surprise that she was already gone!

    ¡°S-Supreme Commander,¡± a Dragon Guard raised a hand as he said in a small voice, ¡°His Majesty said he still had official business to take care of and to leave things here to you.¡±

    ¡°What did Xiao---His Majesty go to do?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The Dragon Guard shrugged and replied, ¡°Official business.¡±

    ¡°What kind of official business?¡±

    Now the Dragon Guard was stuck. His Majesty hadn¡¯t told him, so how was he supposed to know?!

    Lou Zigui rested a palm against his forehead as he stared at the ground. ¡°Did that cat go off with His Majesty too?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Dragon Guard nodded. ¡°And two sparrows as well.¡±

    Everyone, including the justice court attendants, all looked at the Dragon Guard as if he was an idiot. A cat leaving with His Majesty was one thing, but sparrows were wild birds, not pets. Would they really follow after a human? The battle horse Little Red neighed multiple times at Lou Zigui. Are you content with leaving a cat and two sparrows to look after Ning Xiaoyao? What if they run into the Grand Preceptor and he wants to kill her again? Master, why are you still standing around here?

    ¡°Is that horse about to run wild again?¡± a Dragon Guard by Lou Zigui¡¯s side wondered out loud.

    Little Red struck his hooves against the ground. It serves my master right that he still can¡¯t catch a wife. His attitude is enough to worry me me to death! (Author: Hey hey, don¡¯t be like that. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Lou Zigui looked at his battle horse and suddenly recalled how he seemed to hear the chirping of sparrows before his stallion went wild. Did I miss something somewhere? He felt another headacheing on.

    --

    ¡°When we finish rescuing the people,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was currently running like mad through the streets while speaking to Sesame Speck and Wheat, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you guys to mantou. Big white mantou made from wheat flour!¡±

    Big Boss ck, who was perched around her shoulders, added, ¡°You should think about saving them first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest. ¡°With my skills, who can¡¯t I beat? ck Tubby, look at your conscience and tell me who¡¯s stronger, me or Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Big Boss ck. I refuse to consider that question.

    Sesame Speck spoke up next. ¡°Xiaoyao, it¡¯s the house up ahead. That one belongs to the empress dowager.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped at the head of a street. At the very end was a house with walls so high that not a speck of light peeked out from its depths. It was nigh impossible for anyone outside to see the area within as well. She took a deep breath. Here¡¯s Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s old haunt outside the pce!

 Chapter 201: Is this girl even human?

    <h4>Chapter 201: Is this girl even human?</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao flipped over the wall to enter the courtyard, her movements cool enough to pierce through the Heavens. She smoothlynded on the ground without alerting anyone and thus sessfully infiltrated the empress dowager¡¯s estate outside the pce.

    Sesame Speck and Wheat went to ask for news from their fellow sparrows in the courtyard, while Big Boss ck apanied Ning Xiaoyao to wait below the wall. Bored, Ning Xiaoyao began to pull tufts of grass from the ground while Big Boss ck carefully licked his fur and cleaned his face. By the time Ning Xiaoyao had pulled all the grass around her bare, Sesame Speck and Wheat had finally returned.

    Theynded on her shoulders before Wheat spoke. ¡°Xiaoyao, we¡¯ve made inquires already. Someone was kidnapped here today, but they were sent away before it grew dark.¡±

    ¡°Sent away?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked hastily. ¡°Where to?¡±

    ¡°The city gates,¡± Wheat replied.

    ¡°Was that person Zhou mama?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°Yes, chirp,¡± Sesame Speck replied. ¡°Tiger and the rest saw her face.¡±

    A sparrow called Tiger? Ning Xiaoyao sucked on her lips. That doesn¡¯t really fit, now does it? (Author: You¡¯re still in the mood to think about sparrow names now?) Big Boss ck didn¡¯t speak, but he simply scratched Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°To the city gates!¡± What would this ninny do without me?

    Ning Xiaoyao then flipped over the walls again and brought Big Boss ck and the two sparrows towards the southern city gates. By the time they reached there and saw the body covered by a straw mat lying in a corner, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s steps ground to a halt. She didn¡¯t take a single step forward.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, this one should be the one,¡± Wheat said. ¡°Tiger said that the straw mat was tied together with ck cloth.¡±

    There were quite a few bodies scattered near the gates here, all of them belonging to people with no rtives to im them. Some were covered with cloths or mats, while others were simply tossed by the gates without a speck of clothing on them.

    Big Boss ck told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Once it grows light, there¡¯ll be government officials here to move the bodies out of the city and throw them away.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her eyes and approached the straw mat tied with ck cloth. She tore the cloth bindings apart to open up the mat and saw a woman covered in torture scars all over her body. The bones on the left side of her face had beenpletely fractured, causing it to cave in while the other side had swelled up. It was impossible to recognize what she looked like when she was alive.

    ¡°This is Zhou mama?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao examined the bone structure of the corpse and nodded her head. ¡°She¡¯s definitely Zhou mama.¡±

    ¡°How did she die?¡± Wheat asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Zhou mama¡¯s open mouth. ¡°She¡¯s lost her tongue. The remnants of it blocked her airway, asphyxiating her to death.¡±

    ¡°She bit her tongue andmitted suicide,¡± Big Boss ck exined it to the two little sparrows, who understood atst.

    Ning Xiaoyao took off her own outer robes and draped it over Zhou mama, then used her hand to wipe the old woman¡¯s face clean of blood. She had been too naive when she heard Sesame Speck and Wheat say that the woman had been sent to the gates. She assumed that they were delivering her to another one of the empress dowager¡¯s estates, not dumping her body for collection.

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°Who knows what she confessed in the end?¡±

    ¡°If she did, why would she have bitten her tongue off? Even if the empress dowager didn¡¯t want her alive, they still would¡¯ve killed her using other means,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she half knelt by Zhou mama¡¯s side. She wiped her blood stained fingers against her clothes and added, ¡°But since she came, the empress dowager surely found out everything she wanted to know.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Big Boss ck realized for the first time that the ninny could sound mysterious, too.

    ¡°How many people could force this mama to die rather than confess?¡± Ning Xiaoyao irritably clutched at her hair. ¡°It would¡¯ve been better for her to tell the truth so she could hold out until I saved her.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, did you want Zhou mama to sell out Esteemed Empress?¡± Sesame Speck asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Anyone knows that Zhou mama is nothing but loyal to Empress Zhou. If she simply sold out the empress without suffering at all, would the empress dowager ever believe her words? Couldn¡¯t she have made something up to stall for time? I¡¯m saying that this mama died all for nothing.¡±

    Sesame Speck grew serious. ¡°Xiaoyao, the mama isn¡¯t as smart as you, so she wouldn¡¯t have thought of that idea.¡±

    ¡°You must be Xiaoyao.¡± At this moment, arge yellow dog padded over to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    She looked at him and said, ¡°Yeah, ah, I¡¯m Xiaoyao. Who are you?¡±

    ¡°Big Yellow,¡± therge dog replied. ¡°This is my turf.¡±

    ¡°Hallo, Big Yellow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao formally greeted the owner of the turf.

    ¡°Fifth Flower, the big dog on East Alley, wanted me to pass on a message,¡± Big Yellow said. ¡°The Tao Yu that you¡¯re looking for is on the southern end of East Alley in the 15th house. The Grand Preceptor locked him up in the western end of the estate in the basement of the third house from the left.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Ninny, you remembered all that?¡± Big Boss ck asked. ¡°This cat feels light-headed from all those words.¡± First east, then south, and even numbers, too. Then there was a west side and a left and right there. Just where is this basement?

    ¡°Stupid cat,¡± Big Yellow said coldly.

    Before Big Boss ck¡¯s fur could stand on end, Ning Xiaoyao held him fast in her arms. ¡°Big Brother Yellow, I¡¯lle visit you when I have time.¡±

    Big Yellow gave Ning Xiaoyao a slight nod before turning to scamper off, not wasting another word. This was the first time in her life that Ning Xiaoyao had seen such an aristocratic air on a dog. He was nothing but cold and lofty.

    Big Boss ck yelled angrily after Big Yellow, ¡°If you have the guts, don¡¯t run!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up while patting Big Boss ck on the head. ¡°Restrain yourself. You¡¯re not on the same level as Big Yellow.¡± Look at him, so cool and noble. The cat in my arms is nothing but a country bumpkin inparison.

    Big Boss ck had no way to chase after Big Yellow for a fight, so he settled for scratching Ning Xiaoyao to vent his temper instead. She simply tossed him back on her shoulders before bringing Sesame Speck and Wheat on a wild run towards East Alley. There was no time to mourn for Zhou mama when she had to save another life first.

    Within a room on East Alley, Tao Yu groggily regained his senses. He could hear voices talking in front of him and wanted to open his eyes, but found himself too exhausted to do so. He had borne torture all day until it turned dark.

    --

    ¡°Master,¡± Xie Laibao might not be able to stand, but he still paid his respects to Grand Preceptor Xie from his chair.

    ¡°Did he yield?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Head Steward Xie wore a pained expression as he lowered his voice. ¡°Master, this servant ordered men to beat his body until all the flesh tore, but he still didn¡¯t yield.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at prone form of Tao Yu, who was currently dripping with blood from head to toe.

    ¡°Master, what should we do?¡± Xie Laibao asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake, so why aren¡¯t you opening your eyes?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked Tao Yu.

    ¡°Are you two just going to stand there?¡± Xie Laibao quickly demanded of the two torturers standing to the side. One of them quickly brought a red-hot iron drill and pressed it against Tao Yu¡¯s chest. The sharp, sudden agony made Tao Yu¡¯s eyes fly open.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°The members of the Poison Sect have joined His Majesty. Currently, they should be on their way to the pce. Were you the one to pass them the message from His Majesty, or do you have helpers who did the deed?¡±

    The Poison Sect members had been under his watch ever since they entered the capital city. They looked free, but spies had been keeping tabs on them the entire time. It would have been impossible for any one of Ning Yu¡¯s people to get close to them. Her only chance would have been to use Tao Yu or one of Tao Yu¡¯s men who followed him into the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. In Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes, Tao Yu was the perfect target for Ning Yu to use and nt traps by his side.

    ¡°His Majesty personally received those Poison Sect members?¡± Xie Laibao asked in surprise.

    Grand Preceptor Xie only looked at Tao Yu. ¡°Who else is doing jobs for His Majesty in the capital¡¯s military barracks?¡± He would die before he let His Majesty get her hands on the Nine Gates Infantry Commander and capital city barracks as well.

    Tao Yu¡¯s breaths werebored as he replied, ¡°I¡¯m not one of His Majesty¡¯s people.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie only chuckled. He had been suspicious when Ning Yu didn¡¯t contact the Poison Sect members, but now it was time to carry out the death sentence. ¡°I want the truth.¡±

    (Author: Grand Preceptor, His Majesty really did run into them by chance...)

    A whip covered with spikesshed against Tao Yu¡¯s body, ripping more flesh off his skin. His wounds had stopped bleeding, but a few more hits were enough to form a fresh puddle of blood at his feet.

    Xie Laibao quietly asked Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Master, will thissh him to death?¡±

    ¡°Tao Yu has been trained by the military, he has a strong body. He won¡¯t die this easily,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said coldly. In fact, he was starting to suspect whether Tao Yu was involved with the deaths of his third daughter and Tao Chen as well.

    ¡°You should just admit your guilt,¡± Xie Laibao coaxed Tao Yu. ¡°His Majesty might have saved the Poison Sect members, but he can¡¯t save you.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie continued, ¡°His Majesty will go to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to find you, but he has no idea you¡¯re here instead.¡±

    Tao Yu didn¡¯t know what to say. He had no connections with the emperor at all!

    ¡°You trust His Majesty to save you this much?¡± Grand Preceptor Xieughed coldly. He had plenty of private residences scattered both within and without the capital city. Even if Ning Yu knew about them all, she wouldn¡¯t be able to track them down without a few days¡¯ work ahead of her.

    At this moment, someone kicked open the entrance to their basement, causing the metal door to topple down the steps. The loud sound deafened the ears of the people inside.

    ¡°W-what¡¯s going on?¡± Xie Laibao stammered loudly. Before he could finished, the door to the torture chamber was kicked down as well. Grand Preceptor Xie turned to see Ning Xiaoyao tossing a brick in her hand as she stood in the doorway. In that moment, he was really, absolutely,pletely unable to believe his eyes. How in the world could this be possible?!

    ¡°My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ignored Grand Preceptor Xie to stare at Tao Yu, who was tied to a torture rack by iron chains. Her own body ached at the sight. What kind of grudge does Grand Preceptor Xie bear to beat him to that state?

    ¡°N-Ning Yu?¡± In his shock, Grand Preceptor Xie even forgot to act the part of a subject and directly called His Majesty by name.

    Ning Xiaoyao red at him.

    ¡°Take him down for this old man!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie suddenly ordered.

    Xie Laibao wished he could burrow into the ground and hide himself. His master was really looking to revolt!

    ¡°Otherwise, this old man will take your life!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s orders turned vicious.

    Ning Xiaoyao was never a girl who stood around waiting to be beat up, so she brandished her brick and charged into the room. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards were all strong opponents, or else they never would have earned their positions. They all ganged up against Ning Xiaoyao, but held back from killing blows since Grand Preceptor Xie hadn¡¯t said he wanted His Majesty dead.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was a gically evolved human. Although she was on her own and surrounded on all sides, she had the skills to hack down zombies and had risked her life countless times on the battlefield. Her field experience had only taught her to kill so her enemies would never have a chance to fight again. As Grand Preceptor Xie, Xie Laibao, the two torturers and Tao Yu on the torture rack watched, she used a single brick to subdue all 30 of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s guards until each manid sprawled on the ground.

    ¡°Do you have any more men?¡± Ning Xiaoyao tossed the brick in her hands up and down after finishing her fight.

    ¡°.......¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie. Is this girl even human?!

 Chapter 202: We were all born from concubines

    <h4>Chapter 202: We were all born from concubines</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao weighed her bloodsoaked brick in one hand and debated whether to kill Grand Preceptor Xie right here and now. She had already checked the other houses in this back courtyard and determined that there was nobody inside. Everyone was gathered in this basement instead. If she killed everyone here, who would know she was the murderer? Would the Xie n still send troops to avenge Grand Preceptor Xie if they couldn¡¯t pin her as the culprit?

    As Ning Xiaoyao walked towards Grand Preceptor Xie, he tumbled out of his chair and fell to the ground, fear shining from his eyes. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± he cried.

    Ning Xiaoyao tightened her grip on the brick, her eyes fixated on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s forehead. One blow would be enough to split his brains open and solve many of her own troubles. Xie Laibao nced at his master before suddenly leaning forward to roll in front of Ning Xiaoyao. As he cried for his master to flee, he reached out to hug Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s leg. Now was the time to act out his ¡®loyalty!¡¯

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her leg and kicked Xie Laibao, causing him to roll aside. Grand Preceptor Xie did want to run, but found himself unable to move. Meanwhile, the sound of running footsteps hurried to the scene. Ning Xiaoyao turned and wondered whether Supreme Commander Lou had found this ce as well.

    ¡°Father?!¡± a secondter, Xie Anji¡¯s voice came from above the basement.

    ¡°This...this old man is here!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie cried in a fluster.

    Shoot!

    Ning Xiaoyao ran for the torture rack instead and broke the iron chains with her bare hands. Then she shouldered Tao Yu and dashed for the exit. If she killed Grand Preceptor Xie while Xie Anji was around as witness, it wouldn¡¯t be a secret anymore and make her an public murderer! Without troops in her hands, she couldn¡¯t afford to carry a criminal name.

    ¡°We¡¯re not over yet!¡± Ning Xiaoyao called back from the door at Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Xie Anji and his men ran down the stairs to the basement and met Ning Xiaoyao head on.

    ¡°Who are you?!¡± Xie Anji demanded, since Ning Xiaoyao had already hid her face with a handkerchief.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t reply, but charged at Xie Anji with Tao Yu on her shoulders. The brick in her hand went straight for Second Young Master Xie¡¯s face. Because she moved too quickly, Xie Anji had no chance to dodge. Blood exploded from his face as he tumbled to the ground. Ning Xiaoyao kept up her thrashing with the brick while the Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s men were still stunned. As she ran up the stairs, various guards fell in her wake to make a path for her escape.

    Tao Yu was still half-conscious but couldn¡¯t see what His Majesty was doing. By the time he felt wind against his face, he raised his head and saw a sky full of stars.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Big Boss ck, Sesame Speck, and Wheat all ran out from a corner of the wall.

    ¡°Hurry, run,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bent down to scoop up Big Boss ck from the ground. Sesame Speck and Wheat directly flew to stand on top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head.

    ¡°Hurry!¡±

    ¡°After them!¡±

    Shouts came from the gates as a troop of soldiers filled thene with torches in hand and charged into the estate gates. Ning Xiaoyao stood in the courtyard and nced back at the illuminated basement. She had been considering whether to copse the building and bury the Xie father and son alive, but now she had no time to do so.

    --

    ¡°Master?¡± Xie Laibao crawled with effort to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at the door to the torture chamber and muttered to himself, ¡°That person wants to kill this old man.¡±[1. That person wants to kill this old man (ËýÏëÉ±ÀÏ·ò) - taxiang shaofu, this sentence is tricky because in Chinese, ¡°he¡± and ¡°she¡± sound the same when spoken out loud (Ëû vs Ëý, or ta.). GPX is actually saying ¡®she wants to kill...¡¯ here, but to XLB and others unaware of NXY¡¯s true gender, he would sound like he was saying ¡®he wants to kill...¡± instead. Ipromised with the gender neutral ¡®that person¡¯ instead. In truth, every time GPX¡¯s referred to NXY with a pronoun in this story, he¡¯s always been using ¡°she,¡± it¡¯s just impossible to tell the gender when you speak it out loud.] He could tell from the look in Ning Yu¡¯s eyes. Xie Laibao didn¡¯t dare to follow up with that sentence. His Majesty wants your life, but don¡¯t you want his as well?

    ¡°Where¡¯s Anji?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie suddenly raised his voice. ¡°Where¡¯s Anji?!¡±

    Xie Laibao quickly shouted at the stunned torturers, ¡°Hurry and see how Second Young Master Xie is doing!¡± They hadn¡¯t heard any cries from His Majesty, but plenty of wretched howls from their own men. Head Steward Xie knew that Second Young Master Xie must have been amongst the thrashed without even going to look for himself. The two torturers were about to run out of the chamber when a group of guards carried Xie Anji inside. When Grand Preceptor Xie saw the fresh blood staining his second son¡¯s face while his bodyid as still as death, his vision turned ck as he fainted. Xie Anji was his only son left to him from his first wife.

    Xie Laibao cried out in rm before roaring at the servants to find a doctor. Meanwhile, he had the faint sensation that there was no way his master could beat His Majesty. It was likely that Lou Zigui had saved his own life by forcing him to turn traitor.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao carried her cat, one human, and two sparrows as she flipped over the estate¡¯s back walls. Thene beyond was devoid of people, so she patted Tao Yu¡¯s back to send some faint green light sinking into his body and stop his bleeding.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, where do we go next?¡± Sesame Speck asked.

    ¡°To the pce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao checked her directions before dashing like mad to her pce.

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°Supreme Commander must still be looking for you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s a full grown man. Do you think he¡¯ll get lost and forget the way back to the pce?¡±

    Big Boss ck didn¡¯t want to talk with this ninny anymore.

    ¡°You,¡± After he had stopped bleeding, Tao Yu felt a bit more strength in his body and wanted to speak.

    ¡°It¡¯s better if you keep quiet first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was running so fast that she was kicking up a whirlwind beneath her feet. ¡°Treat your wounds first, then we can talk about life when they heal.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Tao Yu. What kind of life topics do I have to discuss with the reigning emperor? The wind rushed past his ears as the scenery blurred before him, making General Tao dizzy from the sight. By the time his surroundings stilled, he discovered that Ning Xiaoyao had already set him on a bed.

    ¡°Will he die?¡± Wheat asked worriedly from his perch atop Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Tao Yu was covered in fresh blood.

    Ning Xiaoyao leaned towards Tao Yu and said, ¡°He won¡¯t, I¡¯m here.¡± As long as the man didn¡¯t stop breathing like Zhou mama did, she could save him.

    ¡°Then does he hurt?¡± Sesame Speck asked.

    ¡°Of course he¡¯ll hurt after being beaten up like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao poked the injuries on Tao Yu¡¯s face, only to see him wince in pain and avoid her jabs. She shook her head. ¡°Aiya, he¡¯s been terribly thrashed.¡±

    Big Boss ck was currently perched at the head of the bed. ¡°Ninny, let this cat remind you now that he¡¯s one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Tao Yu. ¡°He¡¯s been beaten like this but still remains loyal and devoted? Is it Stockholm Syndrome?¡±

    ¡°What syndrome?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°How do I put it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes spun thoughtfully in their sockets. What was the best way to exin to a cat how humans grew attached to the criminals who hurt them?

    Tao Yu couldn¡¯t take it anymore and finally stammered, ¡°Who, who are you t-talking to?¡± They were the only two people in this room, but he felt like His Majesty was conversing with someone else.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat up straight. If she said she was speaking to the cat and sparrows, the general would never believe her. ¡°I¡¯m just talking to myself,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°........¡± said Tao Yu.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to the table and poured a cup of water before handing it to Tao Yu. ¡°Drink.¡±

    Tao Yu¡¯s mind was currently all in a mess. When he heard Ning Xiaoyao tell him to drink, he lowered his head and emptied the entire cup.

    ¡°The bleeding¡¯s stopped,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she sat on the edge of the bed and ced a hand on his shoulder. Tao Yu looked at her with a start. Ning Xiaoyao watched new skin grow from Tao Yu¡¯s wounds before she released him and rubbed her bloody hand against her clothes. Then she asked, ¡°Do you feel a little better now?¡±

    Tao Yu looked down and waspletely stunned. All of his wounds were rapidly closing up!

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took the empty cup from Tao Yu¡¯s hands and ced it on a nearby stool. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about life now.¡±

    ¡°My injuries?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I used a pill to treat most of the internal ones. Hahah, isn¡¯t it miraculous?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned.

    ¡°You--- I---¡± Tao Yu waspletely flustered.

    ¡°What happened today was that the Grand Preceptor med you wrongly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began to settle down for a long talk.

    Tao Yu suddenly recalled what had happened. Why was I tortured in the first ce? His face fell as she asked, ¡°Your Majesty didn¡¯t scheme against this subject?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here for your own good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. The plot had been all Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s idea, after all. Still, he had done it for her sake, so the whole host of reasons left Ning Xiaoyao feeling that nobody was really to me. Tao Yu felt a bit agitated by all this.

    ¡°But I did let you see the Grand Preceptor¡¯s true face, then saved your life,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before Tao Yu could explode. ¡°I even used a magic pill to cure most of your internal injuries. It¡¯s a secret recipe, a legendary panacea to all ills. Well, in any case it was super expensive.¡±

    Tao Yu was once again left speechless.

    ¡°Even though you share the same surname as Tao Chen,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued.

    ¡°Tao Chen is this subject¡¯s closely rted brother,¡± Tao Yu said as he stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. Foot in mouth moment! Why didn¡¯t anyone tell me this?!

    ¡°What does Your Majesty want to say to this subject?¡± Tao Yu asked.

    ¡°Let me ask first, were you on good terms with Tao Chen?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. What if they were the best of brothers? Then I don¡¯t need to waste all this effort to win him to my side, and I¡¯ll just send him home instead.

    Tao Yu said, ¡°Since Your Majesty didn¡¯t scheme against this subject, then Your Majesty should long know that this subject did not get along with my brother.¡±

    p! Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands. ¡°Then that¡¯s fine. We can keep discussing life.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Tao Yu. What does it mean to ¡®discuss life?¡¯

    ¡°See here, ah, I¡¯ll analyze your current situation,¡± Ning Xiaoyao counted off with her fingers, ¡°You definitely can¡¯t go back to the Grand Preceptor anymore. I don¡¯t think your family will be willing to make the Grand Preceptor their enemy, so you can¡¯t go home either. But you still have a way out. You can just toss your lot with me. If I can eat meat, so will you, so, If I have soup to drink, I won¡¯t leave you only with boiled water.¡±

    Tao Yu looked silently at Ning Xiaoyao. His Majesty¡¯s words sounded sensible at first, but what was the second part all about? Tossing in lots? Why does this sound like something a jianghu bandit would say?

    ¡°A good man should choose a distinguished career,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began after sheid out the facts. She raised her hands and drew a big circle, then said, ¡°The world is so big that I can give you a chance to show off your talents. More importantly, I¡¯m different from the Grand Preceptor. He was born from a main wife, so he doesn¡¯t understand the likes of us. Don¡¯t think the empress dowager has her status now. In the past, she was just a concubine. That¡¯s why I can say I was born from a second-status wife too. This whole affair between first wife born and concubine born is nothing but shit in my eyes.¡±

    Tao Yu¡¯s head seem to fill with roaring at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. ¡®First wife born and concubine born is nothing but shit in my eyes¡¯ was something he¡¯d never heard before, but it would remain in his memories for the rest of his life.

    TLer''s Note:[expand]

    Ruyi: Thanks for supporting UPX all these months! I''m really happy that--

    Ning Xiaoyao: Shhh.

    Ruyi: Eh?

    Ning Xiaoyao: Less talk~

    Ning Xiaoyao: And more hugs from me instead![/expand]

 Chapter 203: You might not care, but I do

    <h4>Chapter 203: You might not care, but I do</h4>

    ¡°So how about it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao offered her hand to Tao Yu, who simply hung his head and said nothing. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand waited and waited. Supreme Commander Lou had forced this man to a point of no return, so where else could Tao Yu go, if not with her?

    Tao Yu slowly lifted his head and looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Does Your Majesty still want to use someone who¡¯s betrayed his master?¡±

    ¡°Betrayed his master?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was astonished. ¡°You¡¯re a general of Yongning. Does betraying the Grand Preceptor count as betraying your master? Hey, hey, General Tao! Can¡¯t you show some respect to an emperor like me?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Tao Yu.

    ¡°Although I don¡¯t have the means to kill Grand Preceptor Xie now, he can¡¯t kill me either, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°And what¡¯s more, let me remind you of this, general. When you hit someone, don¡¯t go for the face. We¡¯re all aware that plenty of people take the Grand Preceptor as their master, but that¡¯s something we can keep in our hearts. Give this Majesty a bit of dignity and don¡¯t say it out loud, will you?¡±

    By now, Lou Zigui had hurried back to the pce and stopped right out the room in time to catch this conversation. Beyond the half-open door, he could see Ning Xiaoyao sitting next to Tao Yu on the same bed, a scene that made his expression turn ck. Inside, Tao Yu wanted tough at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, but felt that would be inappropriate. They were talking about serious subjects, after all. Ning Xiaoyao had heard Lou Zigui¡¯s footsteps stop by the door, but didn¡¯t turn to look at him. She only stared at Tao Yu because he was more important right now. Sesame Speck and Wheat, who had spotted Lou Zigui arrive from their perch on the window, now chose the time to quietly fly away.

    ¡°Scaredy cat,¡± Big Boss ck muttered from the headboard he nced with disdain at Sesame Speck and Wheat. Is my Supreme Commander really that scary?

    Tao Yu grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. He had no choice. If he didn¡¯t want to die or be a fugitive pursued by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s forces to the end of the world, he could only follow His Majesty.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about! Shake hands, we¡¯ll be good brothers from now on!¡±

    Lou Zigui knocked once on the door before stepping into the room. Tao Yu gave a start and quickly lifted his head. When he saw that it was Lou Zigui, he immediately nced at Ning Xiaoyao. Lou Zigui can have an audience with the emperor without being announced ahead of time?

    ¡°Rx,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Tao Yu¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s here to see you.¡±

    Lou Zigui stood in front of the bed and stared at the two holding hands before asking, ¡°How long are you guys going to stay like that?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still clueless.

    Big Boss ck meowed, ¡°How can you hold hands with another man? You¡¯re not guarding your wifely virtues!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    Lou Zigui picked Ning Xiaoyao off the bed and set her on a chair somewhat further from Tao Yu before asking, ¡°Why is there blood on your body? Are you injured?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at her clothes. ¡°It¡¯s not my blood.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s your outer robes?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    I used them to cover Zhao mama¡¯s corpse. When she recalled Zhou mama again, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face fell. The old woman hadmitted suicide after the empress dowager forced her to her limits, but it was Supreme Commander Lou who¡¯d sent Zhou mama into the empress dowager¡¯s hands in the first ce. She looked up at Lou Zigui, who was standing in front of her, and said, ¡°Zhou mama¡¯s dead.¡±

    Lou Zigui had predicted Zhou mama¡¯s death amongst his calctions. She was a loyal servant of the empress, so she¡¯d either die from torture or suicide. But when Ning Xiaoyao said it out loud, he felt unwell. Subconsciously, he hadn¡¯t wanted Ning Xiaoyao to see that side of him---his darker self.

    ¡°Is there anything you want to tell me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk outside,¡± Lou Zigui pulled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    She stayed put. ¡°General Tao is one of our people now. Speak what you will.¡±

    Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t budge Ning Xiaoyao, so he simply bent down and picked her up in his arms.

    ¡°Well, dang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her fists. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go out!¡±

    Lou Zigui suffered through multiple painful punches from Ning Xiaoyao, but as long as his bones didn¡¯t break, he would still take the abuse.

    ¡°Put me down!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. But Lou Zigui simply calmly walked out of the room with her in his arms.

    ¡°.....¡± said Tao Yu, who¡¯d been left behind. Isn¡¯t there something wrong with that picture?

    Big Boss ck wanted to chase after them, but suddenly realized that there¡¯d be no one to watch Tao Yu if he left. Thus, he kept his perch on the headboard. His Supreme Commander had expended supreme effort to scheme this man to their side, so he couldn¡¯t let him escape. (Author: Enough, you...)

    Lou Zigui carried Ning Xiaoyao all the way to the courtyard before setting her down. Ning Xiaoyao leaned against the elm tree behind her and crossed her arms.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui strode forward a few steps.

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Ning Xiaoyao snorted.

    ¡°I can exin about Zhou mama,¡± Lou Zigui began.

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of your exnations if she¡¯s already dead?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Did you have to do it that way?¡±

    ¡°That mama hates you,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°I know she doesn¡¯t like me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°What of it? If it¡¯s not gold, jewels, or money, I can¡¯t love them at first sight, either.¡±

    ¡°You knew?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Damn it, Zhou mama looked like she wanted to rush over and bite me to death every time I saw her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m not blind, why wouldn¡¯t I be able to tell?¡±

    ¡°But you still wanted to keep her?¡±

    ¡°Does everyone who hates me have to die?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Then why isn¡¯t Grand Preceptor Xie dead yet?¡±

    ¡°Then what do you want me to do?¡± Lou Zigui asked.¡°Zhou mama¡¯s already dead. Do you want me to pay for her life with my own?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at him. ¡°You want to threaten me with your suicide now?¡±

    ¡°Then Xiaoyao, what do you want to say to me?¡± Lou Zigui asked in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose as her expression twisted. ¡°That¡¯s right, what am I supposed to do with you? What can I do? It¡¯s not like I can hit you or kill you.¡±

    ¡°If the Grand Preceptor hadn¡¯t surrounded Iron Buddha Temple with his soldiers, the empress and Zhou Junqi wouldn¡¯t havee to beg you for help,¡± Lou Zigui took off his outer robes and draped them across Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. ¡°They¡¯ll think of running away to General Xu Feiyu¡¯s troops.¡±

    ¡°Then let them run, ah. My original idea was to let the empress reunite with her General Xu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. That was her ultimate goal. Had she inadvertently made a mistake instead?

    ¡°Then what about you?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Once they¡¯re home free, what will you do?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°I¡¯ll keep on fighting against Grand Preceptor Xie and his faction, ah. What else can I do? If the empress and General Xu want to help me, they¡¯re wee to. If they hate me and don¡¯t want to help, then I¡¯d just drop the matter. You think you can force others to help?¡±

    ¡°Drop the matter?¡± Lou Zigui smiled, but his expression was cold. ¡°How can we just drop the matter like that?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re you getting at?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew a bit nervous. Is Supreme Commander nning to off the empress after he¡¯s offed Zhou mama?

    ¡°If you fulfill their desires, will they ept your good intentions?¡± Lou Zigui asked in a low voice. ¡°How many truly loyal officials to their sovereigns exist in this world?¡± If Yongning had its share of them, would the country be reduced to its current state? It was swaying in the midst of a tempest, itsmon people struggling to even survive.

    ¡°No way,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°What you¡¯re saying is, ¡®this isn¡¯t a matter of whether or not we drop the matter, but whether they¡¯ll lead troops to rebel against us instead?¡¯¡± Please no, I can¡¯t hold off an attack like that!

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°N¨¦e Zhou married you, then secretly conceived a child with Xu Feiyu...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the one who¡¯s first at fault,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off. ¡°I¡¯m the wrong gender to begin with, so we couldn¡¯t be a real husband and wife pair.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re only thinking about that?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk about right and wrong. When those lovers did that, where did they put you in their eyes? After entering the pce, n¨¦e Zhou discovered that she was pregnant. All she thought about was how to protect the baby and lie to you and the rest of the world so her and Xu Feiyu¡¯s baby could be born with surname ¡®Ning!¡¯¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. That sounds about right.

    ¡°She¡¯s never considered for your sake,¡± Lou Zigui said as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m her true love. Why does she need to consider for my sake?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged.

    ¡°But I have to consider for your sake,¡± Lou Zigui suddenly spoke up.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened and closed her mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before, I¡¯ll protect you,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Whether it¡¯s as a man of honor or a base and shameless wretch, I¡¯ll be it all. As long as it can protect you, I don¡¯t care.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was originally in a mood to battle, but Lou Zigui¡¯s words left her absolutely floored. No one was around, so Lou Zigui wrapped Ning Xiaoyao into his arms, his chin restly lighting against her head. In a soft voice, he murmured, ¡°You have to trust me, Xiaoyao.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed. Lou Zigui¡¯s body carried the faint, clean scent of Chinese honeylocust. ¡°I didn¡¯t not trust you,¡± she mumbled back. ¡°But I don¡¯t like it when you hide things from me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t hide anything from you in the future,¡± Lou Zigui promised.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Lou Zigui looked down and kissed her on the forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry anymore.¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say that she wasn¡¯t mad, but after some thought, decided she couldn¡¯t tell a lie.

    Lou Zigui kissed Ning Xiaoyao on the lips as she leaned against the old elm tree. Moonlight cascaded down through its leaves, forming dappled patterns against Lou Zigui¡¯s body. A light-headed Ning Xiaoyao could only think hazedly that summer was reallying.

    ¡°You might not care about some things, but I do,¡± Lou Zigui whispered by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. That¡¯s why I¡¯ll kill people like Zhou mama again in the future even if you value human lives. He hugged Ning Xiaoyao to himself, not expecting her to read between the lines and understand his meaning. There were some things one simply had to do, that¡¯s all. With his back to the moonlight, the figure in his arms was covered in shadows. He couldn¡¯t help but tighten his hold on her as if that would turn her lively again.

    --

    ¡°Mama still isn¡¯t back,¡± Empress Zhou once again returned from outside, her expression growing frightened as she looked at Zhou Junqi.

    ¡°Perhaps she met with His Majesty and he¡¯s currently thinking of ideas,¡± Zhou Junqi had the empress sit as he consoled her. ¡°His Majesty couldn¡¯t possibly think of a solution so quickly when ites to dealing with Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how much effort His Majesty will expend to save us,¡± Empress Zhou was still panicky after she sat down. ¡°Will he?¡±

    ¡°He will,¡± Zhou Junqi replied. ¡°If he wants the Zhou n soldiers, he has to make sure you don¡¯t die, little sister.¡±

    Empress Zhou¡¯s hands hugged protectively over her stomach. After a while, she suddenly blurted out, ¡°Let¡¯s still try to find some way to contact A¡¯Xu. I, I don¡¯t, I don¡¯t trust His Majesty very much.¡±

    Compared to Ning Yu, the empress had more faith and desire to rely on Xu Feiyu. When she saw her brother nod at her, she finally felt calmer. If A¡¯Xu cane, then my big brother, the baby, and I will all be free.

    Zhou Junqi could only inwardly shake his head at his sister. If Xu Feiyu really had a way to save us, why would he make you promise to stay by His Majesty over these years?

 Chapter 204: Fang Tang silently rages in his heart

    <h4>Chapter 204: Fang Tang silently rages in his heart</h4>

    Lou Zigui waited until he saw Ning Xiaoyao lie down and fall asleep before leaving for Tao Yu¡¯s quarters. When Big Boss ck saw him stride in, he leapt onto the floor and meowed at Tao Yu before running to the window and jumping outside. Tao Yu could only gulp. That cat had been watching him like a dog all this time. Just then, its meow sounded like it was telling him to behave! Did this cat turn into a demon, or did the Grand Preceptor beat my brains silly?

    Lou Zigui walked to the bed and nced at Tao Yu¡¯s wounds before asking, ¡°His Majesty treated your injuries already?¡±

    Tao Yu¡¯s clothes were in a wretched state, as were his pants, which were reduced to tatters. Lou Zigui¡¯s face turned ck as he recalled how Miss Ning had been sitting on the same bed as this man. Tao Yu was only baffled. Lou Zigui was staring at him so intently that he made to cover himself up again. We¡¯re all soldiers. Does Supreme Commander Lou take objections to seeing a man¡¯s chest?

    Lou Zigui turned to pour Tao Yu a cup of water. By the time he turned back, his expression had changedpletely. He ced the cup in Tao Yu¡¯s hands before sitting on the round stool by his bed. Tao Yu cradled the cup of water in his hands and silently made a mentalparison. He would much rather deal with His Majesty than Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I heard His Majesty say that you¡¯ve sworn loyalty to him?¡±

    Tao Yu replied, ¡°Does Supreme Commander have any words to say to me?¡±

    ¡°In the past, you were the one who should have been the Nine Gates Infantry Commander,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Unfortunately, you weren¡¯t Tao Chen, so he took up the post instead while you were dispatched to the capital barracks as Chen Lu¡¯s second-inmand.¡±

    Tao Yu tightened his grip on his cup.

    ¡°You should know better than anyone,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°As long as Tao Chen existed, you¡¯d never have a day to shine.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander means that I should be happy?¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled before lowering his voice. ¡°Tao Chen¡¯s death had nothing to do with you, so why should you take offense? Don¡¯t tell me that you really consider him your brother.¡±

    Tao Yu remained silent at that.

    Lou Zigui had heard the crown prince speak of Tao Yu, the concubine¡¯s son who¡¯d been thoroughly oppressed in the Tao n. He had a wealth of martial arts skills but was clumsy when it came to speaking and acting in social situations. If a man like him had ran into Bo Le, an ancient judge of good talent, he could have earned a worthy list of achievements. Otherwise, he¡¯d be a nobody all his life.

    His Highness Crown Prince had originally wanted to be the Bo Le to Tao Yu, but the powers in the imperial court were tipped in Xie Wenyuan¡¯s favor. Later on, he was killed by the Xie father and mother and lost his chance entirely.

    ¡°Go back to the capital barracks as usual tomorrow,¡± Lou Zigui told Tao Yu. ¡°Behind Chen Lu stands Xie Wenyuan, but behind you stands His Majesty. General Tao, do you understand what I mean?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty wants to kill Chen Lu?¡± Tao Yu got straight to the point.

    ¡°If this Chen Lu is killed, Xie Wenyuan will just send another,¡± Lou Zigui said in a very low voice. ¡°But if you have the skills to turn Chen Lu into a figurehead at the barracks, then you would¡¯ve done great work for His Majesty.¡±

    Tao Yu¡¯s forehead creased. Chen Lu had been in control of the capital¡¯s military barracks for so many years that trying to steal his troops seemed impossible.

    ¡°His Majesty is a sovereign while Xie Wenyuan is only a subject,¡± Lou Zigui continued. ¡°The benefits that Xie Wenyuan offers are equally possible for His Majesty. In fact, His Majesty may be able to offer even more. Are the military barracks filled with people favored with Xie Wenyuan and Chen Lu? Every person aims for a higher branch, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    Tao Yu was still knitting his eyebrows. In a worried tone, he asked, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that cause unrest at the barracks?¡±

    ¡°The whole world is under unrest now, what difference does one more barracks make?¡± Lou Zigui retorted.

    Tao Yu was left speechless.

    ¡°However,¡± Lou Zigui stopped smiling. ¡°If you have any second thoughts, I won¡¯t show mercy even if His Majesty is soft hearted.¡±

    ¡°Then what should be done about the Tao n?¡± Tao Yu asked next. ¡°Do you want me to do the same as Xie Anwu and break off rtions with my family?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Tao Yu couldn¡¯t decide. He was naturally honest and frank, while Xie Anwu was willing to cut off his family for the chance to aplish greater things. Where Xie Anwu had no reservations, he had hesitations, because family would forever hold an important ce in his heart.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t decide, let the Tao n do the deciding instead,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I think you¡¯ll need to mentally prepare yourself if they still want to follow Xie Wenyuan.¡± You might not want to break off rtions with your family, but they just might abandon you first instead.

    Tao Yu could understand Lou Zigui¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°With the world and its morals like thus, humans rarely have the chance to decide their own fates,¡± Lou Zigui stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll have an imperial physiciane and examine you. Get washed and dressed, His Majesty will summon you to court tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°To court?¡±

    ¡°Tao Chen is dead. You should ept his peerage now,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°What?!¡± Tao Yu cried in shock.

    After Tao Chen became Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s son-inw, he was conferred the title of second-rank general. Now that Tao Chen and his two sons were both dead, the title would be passed on to his biological brothers. How could a concubine-born son like him even take the rank?

    ¡°His Majesty said that the peerage is yours, so yours it will be,¡± Lou Zigui patted Tao Yu lightly on the shoulder. ¡°Rest now. I¡¯ve already ordered men to bring your family out. An imperial physician will be here to see you shortly.¡±

    ¡°My family can enter the pce?¡± Tao Yu asked.

    ¡°For you, the pce is the only safe ce left now,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°His Majesty has already sent out a decree to summon them here.¡± (Author: His Majesty is already fast asleep and never thought of these details...)

    ¡°Will the Grand Preceptore to court assembly tomorrow?¡± Tao Yu asked when Lou Zigui was about to leave.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui replied with determination.

    ¡°He¡¯s quite seriously ill,¡± Tao Yu said.

    ¡°Are you saying that his whole body¡¯s so swollen that it doesn¡¯t look human anymore?¡± Lou Zigu asked. Tao Yu nodded in affirmation.

    ¡°Anyone else in his state would stay at home, but Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui chuckled, ¡°How could saving face begin topare to keeping power and influence?¡± Tomorrow would be the day to decide on the next Nine Gates Infantry Commander. Now that Miss Ning had sessfully rescued Tao Yu, Xie Wenyuan would need to guard against their influence in the military barracks. How could he contentedly sit at home to lick his wounds?

    ¡°Then the Poison Sect...¡±

    ¡°Go and rest,¡± Lou Zigui cut him off. ¡°You have to go to court first thing tomorrow morning, so you need to prepare.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to leave, and Imperial Physician Gao had soon arrived in his ce, led to the room by Shadowbolt. Many of Tao Yu¡¯s injuries had already been healed by Ning Xiaoyao, so the doctor only treated a few open wounds and wrote him a nourishing prescription before withdrawing.

    ¡°General Tao, would you like to eat anything?¡± Shadowbolt asked after Tao Yu finished his medicine. Tao Yu shook his head in denial. How could I be in the mood to eat right now?

    Shadowbolt exhaled. ¡°That¡¯s good, then. It¡¯ll save His Majesty some money.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Tao Yu. Just what kind of people are you guys?

    ¡°Supreme Commander had business to take care of,¡± Shadowbolt continued. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s asleep, so do you have any other requests, General Tao?¡±

    ¡°When will my wife and children arrive?¡± Tao Yu asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Shadowbolt asked, confused.

    Tao Yu stared back at Shadowbolt. Supreme Commander Lou had said that His Majesty decreed to have his family brought into the pce to seek refuge, but this leader of the Dragon Guards didn¡¯t know?

    ¡°His Majesty agreed?¡± Shadowbolt asked.

    Tao Yu¡¯s face was wooden. ¡°Supreme Commander said it was an imperial decree.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Shadowbolt nodded absently. ¡°Then all you have to do is wait, General Tao.¡± Whatever Supreme Commander Lou said, it¡¯s probably all true. In any case, he always stands in for His Majesty. All four of the Dragon Guardmanders had long grown used to it.

    At that moment, Fang Tang stuck his head in to look for Lou Zigui. When he saw no sign of the man, he asked Shadowbolt, ¡°Fourth Lightning, where¡¯s my Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander went on back to rest,¡± Shadowbolt replied. Fang Tang hastily hurried off. Tao Yu was mute. Just earlier, this guy clearly said Supreme Commander had to busy himself with business...

    When Fang Tang ran over to Lou Zigui¡¯s room, he saw the man sitting behind a desk and cried, ¡°Supreme Commander, that head of the Poison Sect wants to meet with His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s already retired to bed,¡± Lou Zigui was currently writing a letter as he spoke. ¡°Let them all wait till morning.¡±

    Fang Tang asked, ¡°Then when will His Majesty meet them?¡±

    Lou Zigui lifted his eyes to stare at Fang Tang, who gave a start and eximed, ¡°Supreme Commander, did I say the wrong thing?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re nothing but a bunch of captives,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly. ¡°Whether or not His Majesty meets them is up to his whims. Those people still don¡¯t know their ce?¡±

    Fang Tang spread out his hands. ¡°I¡¯d say they¡¯re all like dogs in the water---viins down on their luck---but they still do have a clear set of skills, and probably grew arrogant at the thought of His Majesty needing to use them.¡±

    ¡°Forget about them,¡± Lou Zigui finished his letter and set down his brush, before gesturing Fang Tang toe forward.

    Fang Tang quickly approached the table, but refrained from looking at the letter to ask, ¡°Supreme Commander, did you have orders?¡±

    ¡°Prepare yourself,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Within the next few days, Prince Zhi will leave the capital and return to Qiufeng City. You¡¯re to leave with him.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Seventh Song already go back?¡± Fang Tang asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s safer if more people go back,¡± Lou Zigui said as he tapped his fingers against the still drying letter. ¡°Take this letter with you. Even if you run into trouble on the road and can¡¯t return on your own, you have to find ways to deliver this letter to our base.¡±

    Fang Tang carefully lifted the letter in his hands and blew softly against the wet ink, hoping that it¡¯d dry faster. Then he asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, wouldn¡¯t it be much easier to just sent a courier directly?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy for Xie Wenyuan to send spies after my messengers,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Better to have you find one on the road instead.¡±

    Fang Tang asked, ¡°Will Xie Wenyuan make a move against Prince Zhi, then?¡±

    ¡°Neither Xie Wenyuan nor Prince Zhi can be trusted,¡± Lou Zigui warned, ¡°Consider yourself as traveling solo and rely on no one but yourself.¡±

    Fang Tang nodded. ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯ll remember your words.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow, at court, after Xie Anji fails to get his post of Nine Gates Infantry Commander,¡± Lou Zigui began, ¡°Find a way to enrage him in public.¡±

    Fang Tang¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°And then I¡¯ll be able to beat him to death?¡±

    ¡°Will you be able to leave the city after that?¡± Lou Zigui asked drolly. Fang Tang¡¯s head hung.

    ¡°You have to be hurt at his hands,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°This way, you¡¯ll require recovery time for your serious injuries and be out of public sight from ten days to half a month. Xie Wenyuan won¡¯t suspect that you¡¯ve left the city then.¡±

    Fang Tang grew unhappy at these words. ¡°Supreme Commander, how am I supposed to travel if I¡¯m injured for real?¡±

    ¡°We have His Majesty with us, remember?¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°.......¡± said Fang Tang.

    ¡°Just have Xie Anji stab you once,¡± Lou Zigui suggested. ¡°Then you can roll down the steps and break a leg.¡±

    (@©n@), went Fang Tang. What kind of big mistake did I make for Supreme Commander to want my life?!

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you get beat up for nothing,¡± Lou Zigui promised once more.

    ¡°Then,¡± Fang Tang said, ¡°Then what if His Majesty has no way to treat my injuries?¡± Someone has to ask this question, right?

    Lou Zigui muttered to himself, before stating, ¡°I believe in His Majesty¡¯s medical skills. Why don¡¯t you?¡±

    But I¡¯m the one who has to pick a fight, get stabbed, and break a leg, ah! Fang Tang silently raged at Supreme Commander in his heart. What¡¯s the use if you believe in His Majesty? Can¡¯t you consider for my sake a little?!

 Chapter 205: Unfilial son, vile spawn, swine

    <h4>Chapter 205: Unfilial son, vile spawn, swine</h4>

    Fang Tang hid away the letter before leaving the room, but lingered outside to stare at the sky in the thought before dashing back in.

    ¡°Something the matter?¡± Lou Zigui asked him.

    ¡°His Majesty is a miracle doctor,¡± Fang Tang said.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s medical skills are very high.¡±

    ¡°Then, Supreme Commander, even if I get stabbed and break a leg, His Majesty can cure me very quickly,¡± Fang Tang replied. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, just how am I supposed to pretend to be recuperating from my wounds?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be the one who instigated Xie Anji first,¡± Lou Zigui intoned. ¡°You¡¯ll also be the one at fault, so for the sake of punishing you, His Majesty won¡¯t cure your injuries.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Fang Tang. Supreme Commander, you thought of everything long ago, didn¡¯t you?

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to take any special pains tomorrow,¡± Supreme Commander Lou added since Fang Tang had ran back in. ¡°Your mouth offends people on a regr basis anyways.¡±

    Fang Tang only looked silently at his Supreme Commander. Is my mouth really that offensive?

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui waved a hand at him.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Shadowrain¡¯s voice came from the door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Lou Zigui called, and Shadowrain entered the room.

    At the sight of him, Fang Tang asked, ¡°Third Rain, why did you get in a fight?¡±

    Shadowrain¡¯s clothes were torn at the shoulders, an obvious sign of a de. Lou Zigui knitted his eyebrows. He had ordered Shadowrain to bring back Tao Yu¡¯s wife and children, but now.... ¡°Did you bring back Tao Yu¡¯s family?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Supreme Commander needn¡¯t worry,¡± Shadowrain said hastily, ¡°They¡¯re unharmed. My big brother¡¯s already ordered men to send them to see General Tao.¡±

    Fang Tang approached Shadowrain and carefully examined his torn clothing. ¡°Even Xie Wenyuan has men capable of shing you with a sword?¡±

    Shadowrain shook his head. ¡°When I went to pick up his family, the Tao n had already sent men of their own to do the same. They started attacking us without a word.¡±

    ¡°The Tao n?¡± Fang Tang was astonished.

    Shadowrain nodded. ¡°It was dark and I needed to protect General Tao¡¯s young Miss, so I was identally cut. Fortunately, I dodged out of the way in time to avoid a serious injury.¡±

    Fang Tang pped Shadowrain on the shoulder. Lou Zigui said, ¡°Were the mother and daughter willing to leave with you?¡±

    ¡°They weren¡¯t,¡± Shadowrain¡¯s expression grew unhappy then. ¡°The Tao n said that Tao Yu was waiting for them in the main estate, so they insisted on going back to the Tao Estate.¡±

    ¡°So you tied them up and brought them here?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, it would have been impossible to bring them if we didn¡¯t resort to force,¡± Shadowrain frankly replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine as well,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s lips quirked into a smile. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard, go on and rest now.¡±

    Shadowrain left with Fang Tang out of the room before he asked in a low voice, ¡°What does Supreme Commander mean by ¡®that¡¯s fine as well?¡¯ Is he saying it¡¯s good that we fought with the Tao n¡¯s men?¡±

    Fang Tang was far too preupied with thinking how to manage his own affairs tomorrow, so he only gave a cursory reply after a long period of silence. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Shadowrain. If you don¡¯t know, then what were you thinking so hard about?

    Lou Zigui sat in the pce as he tapped his fingers against the table. Tao Yu was clearly captured, yet the Tao n insisted on telling his wife and daughter that he was waiting for them in the main estate. It¡¯s obvious that they wanted to capture the two. Doing this shows that the Tao n had long forsaken their concubine-born son Tao Yu.

    This is the best oue, by far. Lou Zigui stared at the candle burning away on the table with dark eyes. By thoroughly breaking Tao Yu¡¯s heart, they¡¯ll push the man to wholly devote his life and loyalties to Miss Ning, won¡¯t they?

    --

    Meanwhile in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, the Tao n head, a senior official of the Censorate named Tao Shidong[1. Tao Shidong (ÌÕÊ¿¶«) - Shi is ¡°soldier, army man,¡± Dong is ¡°east.¡±] was sitting in front of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s bed.

    ¡°All of you withdraw,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered from within the bed curtains. The servants remaining in the study quickly retreated from the room.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Tao Shidong said, ¡°Just what were Tao Yu¡¯s wrongs?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave a long sigh and murmured, ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to know, but now that Tao Yu¡¯s been rescued by His Majesty¡¯s men, it¡¯ll be impossible to hide the truth anyways.¡±

    Hearing that, His Excellency Tao began to feel uneasy.

    ¡°Tao Chen¡¯s death was rted to Tao Yu,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stated without saying anything else. Tao Shidong rose to his feet, then fell back down in his chair, too shocked to speak for awhile. Grand Preceptor Xie remained lying on his bed to wait.

    ¡°That, that scoundrel, that unfilial son!¡± Tao Shidong¡¯s voice exploded from his chest, mixed with grief and rage. If Tao Yu were in front of him right now, he would definitely kill his son with his own hands.

    ¡°Right now His Majesty has taken his wife and daughter into the pce as well,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°He has even less to worry about now.¡±

    ¡°W-what else does he want to do?¡± Tao Shidong asked loudly, his voice filled with anger. It gave one the impression that Grand Preceptor Xie was his enemy, too.

    Grand Preceptor Xie sighed. ¡°He has His Majesty protecting him now, what¡¯s the use of your rage?¡± His words poured cold water over His Excellency Tao¡¯s fury, enough to chill his very heart.

    ¡°Tao Chen¡¯s peerage,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued, ¡°Will definitely be given to Tao Yu by His Majesty. The emperor will do it the very next day, so, what are your ns?¡±

    ¡°That swine! He is nothing more than a son born from a concubine,¡± Tao Shidong was a man who could hold his temper, but this time he lost it utterly and stood up. ¡°There are still sons of the first wife around, so how could a mere concubine-born child gain the peerage?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°That¡¯s the logic of things, but if His Majesty decrees it, will you argue reason with the reigning emperor?¡± Anyone who defied an imperial decree was destined for death. How could you say anything to His Majesty then?

    Tao Shidong slowly sank back down in his chair. ¡°Is His Majesty really going to pass on the peerage to that swine?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°If you think about it, a second-rank general is only a small rank at most. Losing it doesn¡¯t count for much in the end.¡±

    ¡°I want to chase this swine out of the n,¡± Tao Shidong muttered under his breath. ¡°He caused the death of his own brother, but still wants his brother¡¯s rank?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was waiting for these exact words, but still he said, ¡°You¡¯ve thought it through? After all, he¡¯s still your son. You...¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, you don¡¯t need to coax this official anymore,¡± Tao Shidong cut him off, a hint of sorrow in his voice ¡°Such vile spawn is a disgrace to his family, I cannot keep him as a son.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sighed. ¡°These are your domestic affairs, so I won¡¯t say much of it. But it¡¯s best for you to think it over carefully. His Majesty is the person standing behind him. By kicking him out of the n, where have you put His Majesty in your eyes?¡±

    Tao Shidong rose to his feet and bowed towards Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Grand Preceptor, this official has always received your support and guidance and knows what should be done.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave another long sigh.

    Tao Shidong bid his farewells and left. Once he was out of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, his back stooped as if a single night¡¯s events had been enough to keep him bending down forever.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s most capable aide strode out from behind a folding screen once Tao Shidong was gone. His name was Xu Yiming.[2. Xu Yiming (ÐìÒåÃû) - Xu is a surname that means ¡°slowly, gently,¡± Yi is ¡°justice, righteousness,¡± Ming is ¡°name.¡±]

    On Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s orders, Xu Yiming had made the rounds of the capital¡¯s various barracks over the past few days as his eyes and ears to pass on news. The soldiers weren¡¯t to have second thoughts but obediently follow Grand Preceptor Xie. But this Sir Xu would never imagine in his absence that Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s rtions with His Majesty could devolve to a state where the two couldn¡¯t even coexist in the same ce.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said from behind the bed curtains.

    Xu Yiming sat on the stool that His Excellency Tao had recently vacated and murmured, ¡°Grand Preceptor, wouldn¡¯t this just make Tao Yupletely loyal to His Majesty instead?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Even if this old man didn¡¯t do this, he would still follow His Majesty wholeheartedly just the same. That bastard is just like Xie Anwu, with aspirations to overturn the Heavens.¡±

    Xu Yiming knitted his brows. He wanted to ask the Grand Preceptor whether Tao Yu really was that kind of man. Yet, in light of the fact that the Tao n was going to cast Tao Yu out tonight, he felt it¡¯d be useless to defend the man any further.

    ¡°Since this old man has lost Tao Yu, I¡¯ll move to control the Tao n instead,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added. ¡°These old prominent families are all about fame and reputation. This old man won¡¯t force them to break off rtions right now in case that hastens them to His Majesty¡¯s side in the future.¡±

    Xu Yiming nodded. ¡°Grand Preceptor is wise and brilliant.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty will certainly rmend the Lord Protector Pei Yi to the post of Nine Gates Infantry Commander,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie changed the topic. ¡°What do you think of this, sir?¡±

    ¡°The Lord Protector is full of loyalty and courage, but hecks quick wits,¡± Xu Yiming replied. ¡°Even if he bes the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, he¡¯ll have plenty of trouble maintaining his post.¡±

    ¡°But this old man doesn¡¯t want him to be Nine Gates Infantry Commander,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°I cannot allow His Majesty to make mistake after mistake.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor wants to rmend Second Young Master Xie?¡± Xu Yiming asked.

    ¡°What do you think of that, sir?¡±

    Xie Anji¡¯s brains are even worse than the Lord Protector¡¯s. His only advantage is that he¡¯s the Grand Preceptor¡¯s son. After some thought, Xu Yiming murmured back, ¡°You can emphasize the Lord Protector¡¯s inadequacies. How could anyone without a single redeeming feature shoulder the heavy burdens of Nine Gates Infantry Commander? If His Majesty refuses to consent, then the imperial censor can remonstrate with him to work out a stalemate. Grand Preceptor could then take the chance to have Second Young Master Xie take temporarymander of the post. In that case, even if His Majesty makes Lord Protector the Nine Gates Infantry Commander by the end, Second Young Master Xie would have already taken control of the real power.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xieid on the bed without saying a word.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Xu Yiming coaxed. ¡°It¡¯s inadvisable to struggle with His Majesty on the surface right now. His Majesty is still the sovereign, after all. If the sovereign wants his subjects to die, the subjects have no choice but to submit.¡±

    ¡°Are you afraid that His Majesty will force this old man to reveal the dagger in the map?¡±[3. reveal the dagger in the map (Í¼ÇîØ°¼û) - tu qiong bi jian, an idiom based on the attempted assassination of King Zheng of the Qin State ter emperor Qin Shi Huang) by Jing Ke, a retainer of Crown Prince Dan from Yan State. Jing Ke was able to get close to his target by proffering to offer him a rolled up scroll of a map. When the king unfurled the map, Jing Ke seized the poisoned dagger hidden inside and attempted to kill him. This idiom thus describes someone acting friendly until the timees to show their true intentions in the end.] Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor has the capital¡¯s soldiers under yourmand and can force His Majesty into a difficult corner,¡± Xu Yiming spoke in a low voice as Grand Preceptor Xie listened with rapt attention to the almost inaudible words. ¡°But, Lou Zigui has the ck Frost Cavalry in his hands. Although his soldiers are in far-offnds, Grand Preceptor, they can kill their way to the capital should they aim for the city one day. When that timees, what will Grand Preceptor use to face them?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie grew silent again.

    ¡°If anything were to happen to His Majesty, all Lou Zigui has to do is im he¡¯s clearing out evil ministers for the emperor¡¯s sake to summon his troops to the Central ins,¡± Xu Yiming added. ¡°Who in the world would dare use Lou Zigui of rebellion then? Like that, Grand Preceptor will not only lose your chance to take control, but bebeled with infamy instead.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie fell silent for a long while before he finally spoke. ¡°Right now it¡¯s not I who is forcing the emperor, but His Majesty who is forcing this old man.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, endure it a bit longer,¡± Xu Yiming advised.

    ¡°Sir¡¯s meaning is?¡±

    ¡°Wait until Grand Preceptor finds a way to deal with the ck Frost Cavalry,¡± Xu Yiming replied. ¡°When that happens, Grand Preceptor will need to endure no longer. This follower believes that Second Young Master Xie can be stationed at the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s quarters first. The position itself can be left to His Majesty and the imperial censors for argument. Once Second Young Master Xie manages to establish a foothold in the Commander¡¯s quarters, His Majesty can do as he likes. What do you think, Grand Preceptor?¡±

 Chapter 206: Early morning with His Majesty and Supreme Commander

    <h4>Chapter 206: Early morning with His Majesty and Supreme Commander</h4>

    A sleepless night was had by many, but Ning Xiaoyao had no idea. By the time she had woken up, she saw Supreme Commander Lou already sitting by the edge of her bed and sunlight streaming through thettice windows of her room.

    There¡¯s sun, Ning Xiaoyao thought as she rubbed her eyes. Looks like we¡¯ll have good weather today.

    Lou Zigui leaned forward and asked her, ¡°Awake?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao closed her eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t we not have assembly today?¡± It was amon failing for humans to not want to sleep when it was night, and definitely not want to get up when it was light.

    ¡°Not today,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°But you can sleep all day tomorrow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pouted. I might not even be sleepy tomorrow.

    ¡°Be good,¡± Lou Zigui murmured.

    ¡°Give me a good morning kiss,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°So I have an impetus to get out of bed.¡±

    ¡°Impetus?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Oh, I mean like strength. Mm, you can call it energy too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips as pale green light swept back and forth within her mouth. And just like that, His Majesty Ning¡¯s teeth were all clean and sparkling white with fresh breath to match.

    Lou Zigui grinned and straightened up. Right now, Miss Ning wasn¡¯t smashing anyone with bricks, or chattering nonstop, or saying words that other people didn¡¯t understand. When she was in her bed and under the covers, she looked like a little animal in his eyes. He reached down to pinch her chubby cheeks before bending down to kiss her ready lips. The faint, airy scent of grasses and trees filled his senses, unconsciously causing him to deepen their kiss.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened her eyes to see Lou Zigui¡¯s face in close relief, with his dark brows, deep eyes, and high nose over those thin lips. ¡°Beauty,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lifted a hand to feel his face. Waking up to see such a pleasing sight of a gorgeous man really helped her good health!

    Lou Zigui kept smiling. He didn¡¯t know what else to do when she called him a ¡®beauty¡¯ like that. He couldn¡¯t very well tell Miss Ning to stop, could he? On the one hand, he couldn¡¯t bear it; on the other, he wouldn¡¯t be able to make her if he tried.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat up and nted her lips on his face with a loud smack before pretending to affectionately greet him. ¡°Morning!¡±

    When Lou Zigui saw her round almond eyes curve into two crescents with her brilliant smile, he kissed each of her eyes in turn and pulled her into his arms. ¡°Do you know what you have to do today?¡± he murmured softly.

    ¡°I do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Rip Grand Preceptor to pieces as usual.¡±

    That¡¯s not wrong, Lou Zigui mused. ¡°What about the details?¡±

    ¡°Stuff with the Nine Gate Infantry Commander and Tao Yu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I think those two things are enough for me to do battle with Grand Preceptor for an entire day.¡±

    ¡°Tao Chen had a peerage associated with his second general rank,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°He and his two sons are both dead, so the position¡¯s free for his brothers to take. How about handing it over to Tao Yu?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed easily. ¡°Is second rank enough? If not, I can add on one more and make him a first-rank general.¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent before stating, ¡°Stick with second instead.¡± It would be hard enough for Tao Yu to get a second rank in his previous life, to say nothing of first-rank.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to be winning hearts to our side?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°But first-rank generals take a higher sry,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Do you want to pay him that much?¡±

    ¡°Oh, then second rank it is,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said once Lou Zigui had struck her weak point.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui turned to grab ab and started brushing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale called from outside the door. Lou Zigui quickly released his hands from her hair and stood up.

    ¡°Windy, ah,e in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called towards the door.

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui, who was about to tell Ning Xiaoyao to get up and get dressed. Was there any girl who received visitors while sitting in bed? (Author: Supreme Commander, have you already counted yourself as part of Miss Ning¡¯s inner circle? ¨t(*¡ã¨Œ¡ã*)¨s) He silently covered her up before sighing inwardly.

    Shadowgale entered the room and gave a start at seeing Lou Zigui already there. How early did he enter His Majesty¡¯s chambers?

    ¡°Morning, Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao greeted from beneath the covers. Shadowgale didn¡¯t kneel down to bow, previously His Majesty had already threatened all the Dragon Guards with suicide if they did so in the future. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    He only dipped his body forwards before reporting, ¡°Your Majesty, news hase from outside the pce that the Tao n opened their ancestral hallst night to expel General Tao Yu and his family from their ledgers.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth opened wide as she nced at Lou Zigui. ¡°We¡¯re screwed! Can he still be a second-rank general at this rate?¡±

    ¡°Go tell Tao Yu the news,¡± Lou Zigui told Shadowgale. ¡°Let him know that with His Majesty here, he doesn¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you have to tell Tao Yu about this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastened to nod. ¡°Windy, you gotta break the news gently. If Tao Yu¡¯s sad, you canfort him about it.¡± At that, Ning Xiaoyao pped herself on the forehead. ¡°What¡¯s there tofort in this case? Am I supposed to find him another father when his own doesn¡¯t want him anymore?¡±

    Shadowgale only stared at His Majesty. If I have the gall to say those things, Tao Yu would probably try to beat me up, right?

    ¡°Windy, you can just keep himpany,¡± Ning Xiaoyao finally decided with a pained expression. ¡°In silence.¡±

    ¡°Your servant obeys the decree,¡± Shadowgale epted and left, unable to listen to anything more. Silently keep himpany? What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Tao Yu has his own wife and daughter, so what does he need me for? I¡¯m not even familiar with the guy, alright?!

    ¡°The Tao n seems dead set on following Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui remarked.

    ¡°They can follow as they want,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Even if they¡¯re evesting and unchanging, they still can¡¯t hurt me. Do you know why?¡±

    Lou Zigui resumed his seat as he shook his head.

    ¡°Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Because the Tao n will never be as unchanging and evesting as me!¡±

    It was impossible for Lou Zigui to follow up on those words.

    ¡°Tao Yu will be sad, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression fell after her brief burst of mirth. ¡°Why do I feel like we¡¯vemitted a sin? He was perfectly fine until he and his family were driven out of their home.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll never make anything of himself if he stays with the Tao n,¡± Lou Zigui picked up hisb to brush Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair. ¡°A brief period of sadness is better than a lifetime of weariness.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao obediently sat still as she sighed. ¡°Things are already like this, so it¡¯s no use whatever we say. Why did the Tao n do that?¡±

    ¡°That way,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Tao Yu won¡¯t be able to inherit Tao Chen¡¯s peerage anymore.¡±

    ¡°Just because of one peerage?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    That really is awful. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know how to retort. For the sake of a single rank, a father could disown his own son? Did it really have to be like that?

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan should¡¯ve ced the me for Tao Chen¡¯s death on Tao Yu,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    ¡°And Tao Yu¡¯s father believed it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, incredulous.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether he did or not,¡± Lou Zigui replied as he twisted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair into a coil above her head, ¡°Tao Shidong just needed an excuse to expunge Tao Yu from the family. Killing his own brother is a very good reason.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly turned around to stare intently at Lou Zigui. ¡°Let me ask a question. Was Tao Yu the biological son of his father and mother?¡±

    Lou Zigui was startled by the question, but soon smiled. ¡°They are biological father and son, but if Tao Shidong wants to continue to be Xie Wenyuan¡¯s dog, he can¡¯t afford to keep his son.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao coughed. ¡°That there, the man is still General Tao¡¯s father. Supreme Commander, you should be more polite when you speak. Besides, it¡¯s not like any dog¡¯s ever offended you.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    --

    On the other side of the pce, Shadowgale had just finished breaking the news to Tao Yu, who hadn¡¯t spoken a single word throughout it out.

    ¡°His Majesty says that as long as he¡¯s here, you don¡¯t need to worry, General,¡± Shadowgale finished.

    Tao Yu nodded woodenly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right outside the door,¡± Shadowgale continued. ¡°If there¡¯s anything General needs, please feel free to call me.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Tao Yu managed to say with great effort.

    Once Shadowgale shut the door to the room behind him, the sounds of sobbing from Tao Yu¡¯s wife drifted out from inside. N¨¦e He stepped out from the folding screen with a face full of tears while her six-year-old daughter only looked clueless. She had no idea why her mother was crying.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± n¨¦e He asked between her sobs.

    ¡°Daddy,¡± the little daughter threw herself at the bed as she called out to Tao Yu.

    With his wife and child before him, Tao Yu¡¯s nk face turned lively again. He smiled as he patted his daughter¡¯s head and replied to n¨¦e He, ¡°Since that family doesn¡¯t want us, then we¡¯ll just leave. Don¡¯t cry.¡±

    N¨¦e He hugged her daughter and sat sideways on the bed, her voice choked with sobs. ¡°You¡¯ve thought it through?¡±

    Tao Yu nodded. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what I think. It¡¯s the Tao n that doesn¡¯t want me anymore.¡±

    N¨¦e He said, ¡°Exactly what happened?¡± Yesterday when they reunited, Tao Yu had been unconscious after drinking a bowl of medicine. The husband and wife pair didn¡¯t have a chance to speak much, so she still didn¡¯t know what was going on.

    ¡°I¡¯m following His Majesty,¡± Tao Yu said. ¡°But father has always been supported by Grand Preceptor Xie. That¡¯s what happened.¡±

    ¡°Is it wrong to follow His Majesty, then?¡± n¨¦e He didn¡¯t understand. Subjects should be loyal to their emperor, what¡¯s wrong about that?

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask too many questions,¡± Tao Yu stood up and straightened out his clothes. ¡°For now, you and Xiu¡¯er should stay in the pce temporarily.¡±

    N¨¦e He nodded. Wives in those time periods followed their husbands, so whatever Tao Yu said would be what goes.

    --

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao had finished getting dressed and was admiring her reflection in the bronze mirror. Handsome! Today I¡¯m still dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens! After giving herself a ¡®Like,¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui, ¡°Let¡¯s go, to breakfast!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s called zao shan (ÔçÉÅ), the morning repast,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°Whatever works,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she headed for the door. Breakfast is fine, so is this shan business. Whatever fills me up!

    Lou Zigui waved a hand to signal Mute Nanny to retreat after she delivered some hot water, then said, ¡°Come and wash your face.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Can¡¯t Supreme Commander Lou see that my face is plenty clean already?

    Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao standing there unmoving and stepped forward to pull her towards the basin, then wash her face for her. In the end, he even remembered to wipe her dry.

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a nk expression as she spoke. ¡°While you were washing my face, I just remembered something. Will Pei Yan show up today? If he doesn¡¯t, how am I supposed to argue with Grand Preceptor Xie about the Nine Gates Infantry Commander issue?¡±

    ¡°If he doesn¡¯te, Xiaoyao, then you can issue a decree to confiscate the Lord Protector¡¯s property and execute his entire family,¡± Lou Zigui dropped the washcloth back into the basin.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew rmed.

 Chapter 207: The stone-hearted Second Young Master Pei

    <h4>Chapter 207: The stone-hearted Second Young Master Pei</h4>

    ¡°There¡¯s no way he wouldn¡¯te,¡± Lou Zigui grinned after dropping those heavy words. ¡°I¡¯m only joking.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was still wooden-faced and staring at Lou Zigui. ¡°Even if you were serious, I¡¯d never do something like that.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Wait, you were really joking with me just then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked suspiciously. Why couldn¡¯t I tell at all?

    Lou Zigui, who rarely made any jokes, felt a blow from her words. ¡°Go and eat instead,¡± he said as he walked towards the door. I had better not try making any jokes in the future.

    ¡°Should we get someone to bring Pei Yan to the pce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she chased after him. She wasn¡¯t content with leaving things just like that. If Pei Yan didn¡¯te, then they wouldn¡¯t be able to put on their big show at the court assemblyter.

    ¡°No need.¡± Compared to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s nervousness, Lou Zigui was very steady.

    ¡°There¡¯s really no need?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. If there¡¯s no need, then there¡¯s no need. It¡¯s not like I could really do anything if Pei Yan didn¡¯te anyways.

    --

    Currently, over at the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, the old madame was sitting in the main seat of the audience hall. To her lower left was the Lord Protector, while Pei Yan sat to her lower right. The three of them sat in positions of equal power to stare at each other in silence. They¡¯d been at it for quite a while now.

    Standing behind Pei Yan was a young woman dressed in clothes of fine make but ordinary hues. She had sparse ornaments in her hair, making it hard for outsiders to discern her rank from her attire alone.

    Finally, the Lord Protector caved in first and said, ¡°Old Second, just what do you mean by this?¡±

    ¡°Big brother, you¡¯ve finally thought to ask for my opinion?¡± Second Young Master Pei still looked like the world owed him 1,000,000 silver taels. He didn¡¯t even bother to look up when he spoke.

    The Lord Protector wiped his face in order to suppress his growing temper. He wanted to simply flip the table and leave, but he couldn¡¯t do that, not just yet. His little brother would never ept it from him. ¡°Then, are you going to go to court or not?¡± he asked nicely instead.

    Pei Yan replied offhandedly, ¡°I¡¯m only amoner, so how could I go to the pce?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± the Lord Protector replied, ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you? His Majesty wants you to be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander.¡±

    ¡°Where are my virtues and abilities?¡± Second Young Master Pei replied.

    ¡°......¡± said the Lord Protector. I don¡¯t know either!

    ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re the one who is the Lord Protector. Your little brother is nothing more thanmon plebeian, so I can¡¯t get involved in affairs of court,¡± Pei Yan said before turning to leave. The Lord Protector¡¯s knuckles crackled as he clenched his fists.

    m! The old madame pped the tabletop, causing Pei Yan to pause. That didn¡¯t seem to relieve her temper, because the next thing she did was flip over the table, sending its various articles crashing into pieces on the ground. Now the Lord Protector rose to his feet and approached his mother with a pained expression.

    ¡°Mother, let¡¯s talk nicely. Don¡¯t lose your temper.¡±

    ¡°Go find a few sets of white clothes,¡± the old madame replied. ¡°This old woman will bring the whole family to see His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°W-wearing white to visit the pce?¡±[1. wear white - in traditional Chinese culture, the color white signifies death and mourning. Naturally, both are considered inauspicious things, so to tantly parade your whole family in white before the emperor would be quite the shocking event.] the Lord Protector stammered.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go to ask for our deaths,¡± the old madame replied. ¡°Better to do that than to wait for His Majesty to punish us instead.¡±

    The Lord Protector nodded. ¡°Then this son shall leave first.¡±

    ¡°Go on,¡± the old madame waved a hand.

    When Pei Yan saw that his big brother was actually leaving, he raged, ¡°Mother, you¡¯re trying to force me!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the old madame replied. ¡°I am forcing you! It¡¯s this old woman who is useless, having raised the likes of you. I can¡¯t beat you in a fight or outtalk you, but I can still control whether I live or die. Eldest son, what are you doing? Hurry and prepare the white clothes. Have someone get the carriages ready so we can leave this instant.¡±

    ¡°Mother!¡± Pei Yan shouted.

    ¡°Let me ask you,¡± the old madame said, ¡°Who is our family¡¯s enemy?¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan,¡± Pei Yan answered.

    ¡°Now you can take your revenge on him, so why aren¡¯t you seizing the chance?¡± the old madame asked. ¡°Are you afraid of Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°How could your son fear that crafty old thief?¡± Pei Yan denied tly.

    ¡°Then you¡¯re simply angry at His Majesty,¡± the old madame stated.

    ¡°Mother,¡± the Lord Protector hastened to her side while shaking his head. How can you say such things?

    ¡°This old woman¡¯s already finished preparing to meet her death. What else is there for me to fear?¡± the old madame looked at her youngest son with a cold smile. ¡°If I were you, I would¡¯ve faced the risk of dismemberment to get my revenge on thete emperor. How old is the current emperor now? You didn¡¯t have the skills to beat the strong one, so now you¡¯re picking on the small one who treats you politely? How did my Pei n raise such a coward like you?¡±

    ¡°Mother, just forget about it,¡± the Lord Protector felt that Second Young Master Pei was exasperating as well, but his mother was really going too far. He tried to smooth things over instead. ¡°How about speaking to old second nicely?¡±

    ¡°Then he has to be human first!¡± the old madame didn¡¯t have any more tables to flip, so she pped her armrest instead. Pei Yan met with disaster in his childhood, so the old madame had doted on him ever since. Her biting words today left him unable to bear them.

    With a ck face, he replied, ¡°Mother, does your son deserve death just because I don¡¯t want to take up an official post?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty cured you!¡± the old madame raised her voice.

    ¡°How was I injured in the first ce?!¡± Pei Yan¡¯s voice was just as loud.

    ¡°Fine, if you want to count it that way, then His Majesty owes you a dead father as well,¡± the old madame replied. ¡°I and your older brother will take the whole family to ask for our deaths. You can just avenge us afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Old Second,¡± Lord Protector said, ¡°Do you want to raise a rebellion?¡±

    ¡°Hmph,¡± the old madame gave a scornfulugh. ¡°Does he have the skills? For the past few years, we¡¯ve lived with our doors shut and our tails between our legs. We even have to smile and live alongside the likes of Xie Wenyuan. What has he ever done? This old woman believes in the old sayings---some people don¡¯t deserve to be given any face!¡±

    Pei Yan¡¯s face grew red from the piling invectives.

    ¡°Over the past few years, you¡¯ve been eating, dressing, boarding, and using everything from your older brother,¡± the old madame continued. ¡°But you still want to send your older brother¡¯s entire family to death? He¡¯s been raising you since you were four until now. Whenever you made a racket, he and your sister-inw all yielded to your whims. They humored your and let you have your way. Even if your heart¡¯s made out of rock, your brother and sister-inw must have warmed it some with their care, didn¡¯t they? Maybe you were just born heartless! Ah?!¡±

    N¨¦e Zhang, the Lord Protector¡¯s wife, gave a tiny sigh from outside the door. She beckoned to her children and led them away. Pei Yan had a moody disposition and was hard to get along with, but she had tried her best as a sister-inw despite theck of results. Still, hearing old madame rebuke the boy like that made undid the knots in her own heart. So, mother-inw really has understood my struggles all these years.

    ¡°Yes, yes, you¡¯ve never asked your older brother for anything,¡± the old madame continued with her lecture, ¡°This is what he owes you as your brother. Who told him to be rted to you? That¡¯s his bad luck.¡±

    A red-faced Pei Yan shot back, ¡°I never said those things.¡±

    ¡°After your father died,¡± the old madame ignored him to speak, ¡°His old friends were all held back from achieving greatness by Xie Wenyuan. Not only that, the man didn¡¯t even spare their sons and grandsons. Now, His Majesty wants to use you and give you a chance to avenge your father. This is a chance for your father¡¯s friends to have a new start as well. But what are you doing? Because of your own temper, you¡¯ve turned a blind eye to those men. Your own father has yet to close his eyes in peace in his own grave! You ck-hearted bastard, if I knew you¡¯d grow up to be like this, you should¡¯ve died with your father all those years ago. At least then your ghost could keep hispany so he wouldn¡¯t be so lonely.¡± As she spoke these words, tears streamed down the old madame¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Mother,¡± the Lord Protector fell to his knees, his eyes rimmed with red. ¡°Old Second isn¡¯t that kind of person. Mother, please don¡¯t say any more.¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡± the old madame sobbed at him.

    ¡°O-old Madame,¡± the young woman standing behind Pei Yan felt a need to speak up as well.

    ¡°N¨ªng Yan, ah,¡±[2. N¨ªng Yan (ÄýÑÌ) - Ning means ¡°congeal, condense,¡± Yan means ¡°smoke.¡± Note that this is a different character Ning from the one in Ning Xiaoyao (Äþ).] the old madame replied, ¡°Don¡¯t defend such a bastard. You¡¯ve done so for so many years, but has he ever thought of you?¡±

    ¡°Old Madame, second young master isn¡¯t that kind of man,¡± the girl called N¨ªng Yan also fell to her knees in front of the old madame.

    ¡°When you were young, your father had made a marriage agreement with the Luo n for you,¡± the old madame continued. ¡°But once our Lord Protector¡¯s estate ran into trouble, the Luo n rejected the agreement. They even publicized the news of what happened to you and gave their daughter to Xie Anshi in marriage instead.¡±

    Pei Yan said, ¡°I know I had lost face for the Lord Protector¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s talking to you about face?!¡± the old madame retorted. ¡°I want you to think for N¨ªng Yan¡¯s sake!¡±

    ¡°Old Madame,¡± N¨ªng Yan said hastily, ¡°N¨ªng Yan is only a servant.¡±

    ¡°Rise, child,¡± the old madame stood up and personally helped N¨ªng Yan to her feet, then patted her hand as tears fell from her eyes. ¡°Originally, this old woman was thinking that you could marry this bastard since His Majesty had cured him. Then you would finally enjoy the sweet after the bitterness. But Heaven¡¯s ns supersede our own. Who knew that Pei Yan would be such a heartless wretch? This old woman has let you down, ah.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to court,¡± Pei Yan said. ¡°I¡¯ll go, so please don¡¯t say anymore, Mother.¡±

    The old madame slowly sat back in her chair. Pei Yan stomped his feet and headed off to his rooms.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to court?¡± the Lord Protector eximed. ¡°Where are you off to now?¡±

    ¡°To change clothes,¡± Pei Yan replied with a gloomy face.

    ¡°Go on,¡± the old madame smiled with teary eyes at N¨ªng Yan, who was still standing there nkly. The girl quickly chased after Pei Yan out of the rooms.

    The Lord Protector rose from the floor and wiped his forehead, which had long been covered in sweat.

    ¡°You should clean yourself up as well. Go with that bastard to court,¡± the old madame said.

    The Lord Protector then grew uneasy. ¡°Mother, can Old Second really be a good servant for His Majesty like that? Suppose he turns stubborn at the Hall of Golden Chimes, what do we do then?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s no match for His Majesty,¡± the old madame picked up the walking stick by her chair as she lowered her voice. ¡°His skills will only make him a helper, nothing more. You don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±

    The Lord Protector replied, ¡°Isn¡¯t this son worried more for his mouth¡¯s sake?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty can even manage Xie Wenyuan, much less Old Second¡¯s tongue,¡± the old madame wiped her face free of tears. ¡°Let him do what he wants. After bumping into a few nails, his personality might actually change for the better.¡±

    When the Lord Protector recalled yesterday¡¯s events over at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, he nodded his head. That¡¯s true. With His Majesty¡¯s skills, dealing with Old Second should be nothing.

    ¡°After court¡¯s dismissed, I¡¯ll go ask for an audience with Esteemed Empress,¡± the old madame added.

    ¡°Ah?¡± the Lord Protector scratched his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go ask for an imperial sanction for marriage as a favor,¡± the old madame exined. ¡°N¨ªng Yan might be a servant, but she¡¯s spent all her years looking after Old Second. She deserves something from the Pei n.¡± (Author: But Esteemed Empress isn¡¯t home right now...)

 Chapter 208: See who the Heavens spare

    <h4>Chapter 208: See who the Heavens spare</h4>

    ¡°The Lord Protector sessfully brought Pei Yan over,¡± Shadowbolt hastily reported to Ning Xiaoyao who was sitting on the Dragon Throne.

    ¡°Whew,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exhaled. She almost thought she¡¯d be left with no reason to tear the Grand Preceptor into pieces for today.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowbolt murmured softly.

    ¡°Let them wait a bit and act low-key,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°What if the Grand Preceptor¡¯s arranged assassins for them ahead of time?¡±

    The fourthmander of the Dragon Guards fell silent. Arranging assassins within the pce walls? Your Majesty, how do you evene up with such things? He withdrew with figurative ck lines running down his face while Ning Xiaoyao blinked a few times at Lou Zigui at the foot of the steps. He nodded in turn, having understood Miss Ning¡¯s meaning: Pei Yan was here.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie had already talked for ages already, but stopped and called out towards Ning Xiaoyao when he saw that she had no reaction.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her ears and said, ¡°The wind was too loud, so I didn¡¯t hear what you said just then, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the gathered officials. Where can you find wind within the Hall of Golden Chimes?

    This wasn¡¯t the first time that Grand Preceptor Xie had fought against Ning Xiaoyao, so he wasn¡¯t angry. He only asked, ¡°Then Your Majesty means to say that this subject should repeat himself?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Our country is so big with plenty of problems to spare, right? Let¡¯s save time and talk about proper business now.¡±

    The various officials were still standing in silence. Wasn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor talking about proper business just then? Look at His Majesty, he can curse people out without using even a single swear word!

    ¡°Your Majesty...¡± Grand Preceptor Xie began.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t going to give him a chance to speak again. ¡°Look at how ill you are, but you¡¯re still worrying about state affairs. As the emperor, I¡¯m very touched, ah.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had gone to court wearing a ck gauze face veil. His excuse was that illness had made him too ugly to look at, so he didn¡¯t want to pollute His Majesty¡¯s eyes. In Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s opinion, he was simply afraid of everyone seeing his swollen-like-a-pig¡¯s-head face and losing face.

    Everyone could tell that His Majesty¡¯s words were mocking the Grand Preceptor, but Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s tone was still as even as before. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. Those who are shameless have no enemies under Heaven. He¡¯s grown already invincible.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li spoke up next. ¡°With regards to the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, this subject would like to ask Your Majesty if you have someone in mind?¡±

    ¡°This subject believes that the official of the Ministry of War, Xie Anji, is capable of taking the post,¡± a person from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction piped up then.

    ¡°This subject believes in Xie Anji¡¯s qualifications as well.¡±

    ¡°As does this subject.¡±

    ¡°This subject seconds the proposal.¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men stepped out to speak, their voices chorusing for Xie Anji to be the next Nine Gates Infantry Commander.

    ¡°Alright, alright, alright, enough already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand as the masses called her wise and brilliant to boot. ¡°Howe I¡¯m the one who is suddenly wise and brilliant? Judging from your words, I¡¯ll be a fatuous, self-indulgent ruler if I don¡¯t pick Xie Anji for the post?¡±

    A Grand Preceptor faction official quickly fell to his knees. ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare. Your Majesty, we subjects would never dare consider such a thought.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie simply sat in his chair and looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This subject respectfully awaits Your Majesty¡¯s royal thoughts.¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction held their breaths. Here was the critical moment. Yesterday they had been summoned in the middle of the night to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to discuss matters rted to the Nine Gates Infantry Commander¡¯s post. Everyone knew exactly what they had to do. When Ning Xiaoyao brought up the Lord Protector Pei Yi, they were all to verbally attack the man. Even if the Lord Protector wasn¡¯t a useless good-for-nothing, he¡¯d surely carry that name from this day on if they had anything say about it.

    Ning Xiaoyao silently inhaled and said, ¡°You lot all know about the old Lord Protector. Those who don¡¯t, raise their hands. I can tell you all about him.¡±

    Nobody raised their hands in the Hall of Golden Chimes. Grand Preceptor Xie grew even more convinced that Ning Xiaoyao was going to nominate Pei Yi after mentioning the ex-Lord Protector. No exceptions would happen this time, so he steeled his heart to act.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already apologized to the Lord Protector¡¯s estate for what had happened to the old Lord Protector,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued when she saw no one raising their hands. ¡°This Majesty was very touched when the old madame didn¡¯t beat me up over the issue.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°Your Majesty is the sovereign while she is a mere subject. If she dared to show Your Majesty any disrespect, you could simply order her nine generations to be exterminated.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. That¡¯s why I say this bastard¡¯s absolutely shameless. Just who was the one who drove the Lord Protector¡¯s estate to ruin in the first ce?

    The world¡¯s evils were contained within her chuckle, yet Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t react. Henguidly asked, ¡°Who then, does Your Majesty think befitting of the Nine Gates Infantry Commander¡¯s post?¡±

    ¡°I think Pei Yan¡¯s not a bad choice,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Pei Yi, that man...¡± Grand Preceptor Xie trailed off. What did His Majesty just say?

    ¡°Pei Yan, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked with concern at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Grand Preceptor, is there something wrong with your ears as well?¡±

    Pei Yan? That boy who was injured when he was four and turned into an eunuch?

    Even Elder Li¡¯s faction was stunned by the suggestion, to say nothing of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. How can an eunuch be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander?

    Lou Zigui took that chance to step out. ¡°From what this subject understands, Pei Yan has trained with the Lord Protector¡¯s subordinates and is an intelligent, talented man. This subject believes that Pei Yan can shoulder the post of Nine Gates Infantry Commander.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander is quite right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao addressed the hall. ¡°Let the Lord Protector and Pei Yane in.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty summons the Lord Protector Pei Yi and Pei Yan into the hall~.¡± Loud voices proimed the two brothers as they entered the Hall of Golden Chimes.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie finally recovered his wits. ¡°Pei Yan¡¯s body has been injured. How could someone like him---¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen it for yourself, then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted quickly. ¡°Seeing is believing. If you haven¡¯t seen it with your own eyes, Grand Preceptor, you shouldn¡¯t make things up.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie grew impatient with his rage and grinned back. ¡°Which person in the world doesn¡¯t know what happened to Pei Yan?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted herself. ¡°Aren¡¯t I a person as well?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie protested, ¡°This isn¡¯t child¡¯s y.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Grand Preceptor, are your words the only ones to be taken seriously, and mine are considered child¡¯s y? What kind of logic is that?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject only concerns myself with facts, not feelings,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Fine. Then, let¡¯s consider the facts and not feelings. You say Pei Yan is injured, but has he ever taken off his pants for you to see if it is true or not?¡±

    ¡°Pei Yan has seen a physician,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie refused to fall into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pace. ¡°Back then, the capital¡¯s doctors all took turns examining him. How could it be possible that they were all ndering him?¡±

    ¡°You said it yourself, that was back then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao retorted. ¡°Grand Preceptor, are people sick for the rest of their lives in your eyes? Can they not ever recover from their illnesses? Moreover, how did the old Lord Protector die? Back then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced emphasis on thest two words, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it a group of people who ganged up to force him unto his death? That wasn¡¯t just a single capital city, but the entire world working against him, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t understand Your Majesty¡¯s words,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie interjected frankly.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was equally blunt in return. ¡°Zhen doesn¡¯t understand Grand Preceptor¡¯s words, either.¡± Mm, for once I remembered to use ¡®Zhen.¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao mentally gave herself a ¡®Like.¡¯

    Here they go again. All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction were starting to grieve in their hearts. Grand Preceptor¡¯s going to lose another verbal fight against the emperor again.

    Lou Zigui looked at Grand Preceptor Xie and said, ¡°Has Grand Preceptor ever seen the prescription or the doctor¡¯s orders?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked, confused as to where Lou ZIgui was going with that line of questioning.

    Lou Zigui continued, ¡°If you haven¡¯t seen the prescriptions that the doctors wrote for Pei Yan, nor his injury with your own eyes, then dare I ask how Grand Preceptor is certain that Pei Yan¡¯s body has issues? Didn¡¯t the Luo n reject their marriage agreement with the Pei n in the past because of Pei Yan¡¯s body issues?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. That happened as well?

    ¡°Supreme Commander Lou.¡± A tall and stalwart military official chose this chance to speak. ¡°Would our Luo n have gone back on our word if it wasn¡¯t for the doctor¡¯s diagnosis?!¡±

    Lou Zigui chuckled and said, ¡°No matter how skilled a doctor may be, he¡¯s still only amoner. Why would they not fear a man with as much power and influence as Great General Luo?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Great General Luo looked ready to explode from Lou Zigui¡¯s reply.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth. ¡°I should¡¯ve seen your two sons before. Luo Wei and Luo Rui, weren¡¯t they? Your features all look simr.¡±

    Since Ning Xiaoyao was speaking to him, Great General Luo had no choice but to acknowledge the emperor now. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Those two are precisely this subject¡¯s sons.¡±

    On that day in Fragrant Gauze Alley, Luo Wei had even beat up Third Young Master Xie Anshi for hugging Yan Hong in the back courtyard. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips split into a grin as she asked, ¡°Let me ask a question. After rejecting the marriage agreement with the Pei n, who did your daughter marry?¡±

    Everyone stared at Great General Luo, whose face turned purple fromck of air. Elder Li spoke up in his ce. ¡°That young Miss from the Luo n eventually married the Grand Preceptor¡¯s third son.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°She married Xie Anshi?¡± She mentally calcted Xie Anshi¡¯s age, then Pei Yan¡¯s, then considered the fact that younger women typically married older men in this world, before rubbing her chin in thought. ¡°The age difference between them is a bitrge, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    You even worry about these things? The officials in the hall thought. Lou Zigui shook his head at Ning Xiaoyao. Now isn¡¯t the time for such topics, Miss Ning.

    By now, the Lord Protector and Pei Yan had arrived at the entrance to the Hall of Golden Chimes. Inside, Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head and said, ¡°It¡¯s not like anyone can do anything if Xie Anshi prefers lolis, isn¡¯t that right? Haha.¡±

    Elder Li was a serious type and asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, what is a loli?¡±

    ¡°A little kid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. In front of Elder Li, she couldn¡¯t say such dirty terms like ¡®pedophile¡¯ to his face. Even so, Elder Li¡¯s face nched as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao with furrowed brows. Ning Xiaoyao purposely turned away. I didn¡¯t say a thing!

    ¡°Let¡¯se back to the original topic and talk about the Nine Gates Infantry Commander,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie piped up. ¡°Why is Your Majesty talking about a young daughter¡¯s marriage affairs instead?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s why the saying goes that Heaven sees everything that Man does, and that Man should look to the Heavens when he has a chance to see who it spares. Great General Luo, your n scorned the Lord Protector¡¯s estate as soon as they fell down on their luck. It was fine for the young Miss to marry the Xie n back then, but what about now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°Your family¡¯s young Miss only has two endings before her now: either observe widowhood or live as a grass widow. In any case, she¡¯s a widow all the same.¡±

    What a poisonous tongue. The officials in the hall all rejoiced at the fact that His Majesty wasn¡¯t cursing them.

    Great General Luo dared to risk his life against Lou Zigui, but he didn¡¯t have the guts to fight His Majesty. (Author: Even if you did, you still probably wouldn¡¯t win.) His face changed from shades of purple to ashen white. For such a strong and sturdy man, he looked downright pathetic right now.

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed a finger at her head and spoke sincerely to Great General Luo, ¡°When you have time, look to the Heavens once in a while. It¡¯ll improve your life.¡±

 Chapter 209: Living up to imperial favor and honoring imperial decrees

    <h4>Chapter 209: Living up to imperial favor and honoring imperial decrees</h4>

    Once Ning Xiaoyao finished speaking, the Hall of Golden Chimes sank into a long silence. Eventually, Elder Li bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Your Majesty is wise and brilliant.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°......¡± said Elder Li. What ¡®you¡¯re wee?¡¯

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Great General Luo until she felt like he was going to cry, then averted her gaze in satisfaction. (Author: How did you know that general was going to cry, anyways? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°His Majesty is venting anger for your sake,¡± the Lord Protector murmured to Pei Yan just outside the hall. ¡°You should learn to distinguish between good and bad.¡±

    Pei Yan stared at the high doorstep before them and didn¡¯t speak. The Lord Protector couldn¡¯t tell what his younger brother was thinking, either.

    ¡°When you hear nasty thingster on,¡± the Lord Protector warned again in worry, ¡°Just pretend you didn¡¯t hear a thing. We can¡¯t cause any trouble for His Majesty right now.¡±

    Pei Yan still remained staring at the doorstep.

    ¡°Can you at least react to your brother?¡± the Lord Protector asked desperately.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Pei Yan intoned.

    (#¨F¡ä), went the Lord Protector. He really did only ¡®react¡¯ to me.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the official in charge of the gates called out in a loud voice. ¡°The Lord Protector Pei Yi and his younger brother Pei Yan have arrived.¡±

    ¡°Come in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied immediately.

    ¡°The two of you, please go in,¡± the guard muttered back.

    With the Lord Protector leading the way, the duo entered the Hall of Golden Chimes. It was absolutely silent inside as everyone watched the two brothers walk forward. This was the first time the Pei brothers had entered Yongning¡¯s imperial court since the old Lord Protector hadmitted suicide by ramming himself headfirst into a pir outside the hall. Both of them sank to their knees to pay their respects to Ning Xiaoyao as subjects to their sovereign.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was currently quite cheerful.

    The Lord Protector gave thanks and rose to his feet before Pei Yan followed in his wake.

    Grand Preceptor Xie began to speak, ¡°Lord---¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk!¡± Ning Xiaoyao instantly pointed at Grand Preceptor Xie, who choked on his spit and started coughing uncontrobly.

    ¡°Oh! Did your illness get worse?¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked. ¡°Quick, send the Grand Preceptor away. Have him see a doctor and take some medicine.¡± It¡¯ll be much easier to talk with that poop out of the way.

    Grand Preceptor Xie extended his neck and forced himself to stop coughing, then said in a hoarse voice, ¡°This subject is fine. Many thanks to Your Majesty for your concern.¡±

    Concern, your sister! Ning Xiaoyao only felt vexed from her seat on the Dragon Throne.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± an official from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction stepped forward. ¡°This official believes that Pei Yan is not qualified.¡± Although they had originally prepared to disparage the Lord Protector until the current circumstances had rendered their arguments useless, they still couldn¡¯t see a castrated man take the position of Nine Gates Infantry Commander.

    ¡°If he¡¯s not qualified, are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao retorted.

    ¡°This official is ipetent,¡± the man hastily replied.

    ¡°If you¡¯re ipetent, then what are you doing here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Taking pay from my hands, that---what do you call it again?¡±

    ¡°Official¡¯s sry,¡± Lou Zigui offered helpfully.

    ¡°Oh, right, official¡¯s sry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said while staring at the officials. ¡°You¡¯re taking an official¡¯s sry from my hands while calling yourself ipetent?!¡±

    The official was left at a loss for words. He was only saying civilities! Your Majesty, can¡¯t you understand these figures of speech?!

    ¡°Official Zhou is not well-versed in the military arts,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up.

    ¡°Then why is he butting in?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°As a minister of this court, Official Zhou is speaking on behalf of government affairs. Where was he in the wrong?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie challenged Ning Xiaoyao, who had rolled up her sleeves.

    Grand Preceptor Xie felt a chill creep across his heart. She¡¯s got nothing more to say, so she¡¯s nning to get physical instead?

    ¡°Cough,¡± Lou Zigui quickly covered his mouth. Elder Li red at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s rolled-up sleeves. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression stiffened before she smoothed out her sleeves again. Seeing this, many of the officials in court let out a simultaneous breath of relief. For the past few assembly sessions they¡¯d been seeing nothing but live martial arts disys. Who could bear such things?

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, why don¡¯t you let Official Zhou finish speaking?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°He¡¯s still not done talking yet? ¡®The outsider knows no more of the secrets of the craft than he knows of another country,¡¯ do you understand? He doesn¡¯t know martial arts and can¡¯t even catch a thief, but he still wants to meddle in the Nine Gates Infantry Commander¡¯s affairs?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice was ice cold. ¡°This official doesn¡¯t practice martial arts, either.¡±

    ¡°So you don¡¯t have to worry about it either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly retorted.

    Once again, Grand Preceptor Xie was rendered mute, but still strove to shoot back, ¡°Pei Yan is nothing more than a castrated man.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that it¡¯d be better to start brawling instead. It was impossible to talk reason with such a heartless jerk. The Lord Protector¡¯s face was starting to look angry as well, and it took all he had to keep from striding forward and kicking over the Grand Preceptor¡¯s chair.

    ¡°Ha,¡± Pei Yan took this moment to chortle, his coldughter filled with obvious mocking.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± someone from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction spoke up at once. ¡°Is the Hall of Golden Chimes any ce for you to act so wanton?¡±

    Pei Yan replied, ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t even say I was being wanton, so what are you so upset about, official? Could it be that you¡¯re treating the Hall of Golden Chimes as your own house instead?¡± Treating the Hall of Golden Chimes as one¡¯s own house? You want to revolt?

    Pei Yan¡¯s words nearly sent the official to his knees to proim loyalty to Ning Xiaoyao, but Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up with, ¡°Pei Yan, don¡¯t speak such nonsense.¡±

    Pei Yan nced at Grand Preceptor Xie, a half-smile ying upon his features. ¡°Just then, Grand Preceptor said I was a castrated man?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor can send me a girl,¡± Pei Yan said. ¡°I¡¯ll have my way with her while the Grand Preceptor watches.¡±

    An uproar broke out in the Hall of Golden Chimes at his statement. Pei Yan was still the son of a public official, so how could he speak like a despicable lowlife? Ten or more officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction stood out right then to yell at him.

    ¡°Oh, I forgot to mention it,¡± Pei Yan looked at Grand Preceptor Xie while ignoring them all. ¡°I¡¯m still the son of nobility, so I¡¯m not interested inmoner girls. How about Grand Preceptor give me one of the Xie n daughters instead? Ha,¡± he paused tough, ¡°But I¡¯ve nearly forgotten again. The Xie n daughters are the type to sabotage their own sisters. Such kindnesses from such beauties are really hard to dispel.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie clenched his fists until his veins bulged out from his hands.

    ¡°Impudent boy!¡± the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction chorused simultaneously.

    ¡°What?¡± Pei Yan stopped smiling his radiant grin to turn cold. ¡°In these excellencies¡¯ eyes, is only the Grand Preceptor allowed to speak insults about others, while I¡¯m forbidden from saying a single thing?¡±

    An official angrily raged, ¡°When has the Grand Preceptor ever said any insults?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Pei Yan lifted a finger to point at the minister. ¡°Are a castrated man.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the official. Should I keep being mad? But if I do, it¡¯ll feel like I¡¯m pping the Grand Preceptor¡¯s face instead. Being angry would prove that being called a castrated man is an insult.

    ¡°Pei Yan,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie suppressed his rage and prepared to speak.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Pei Yan turned to kneel at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet. ¡°This official epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°Done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the armrest of her dragon throne. ¡°From this moment on, you¡¯re the Nine Gates Infantry Commander!¡±

    ¡°This official will never be undeserving of imperial favor nor disgrace imperialw,¡± Pei Yan intoned seriously as he kowtowed three times.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I trust that you¡¯ll be a capable Nine Gates Infantry Commander.¡± Just by his verbal sparring skills alone, he¡¯ll definitely make Grand Preceptor Xie unhappy!

    Pei Yan rose to his feet and bowed once more to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This official thanks Your Majesty.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to face Pei Yan. ¡°Congrattions to Your Excellency Pei. ¡®Never be undeserving of imperial grace nor disgrace imperialw¡¯---may Your Excellency Pei remember today¡¯s words in the future.¡±

    Pei Yan cupped his fist at Lou Zigui and replied, ¡°Many thanks to Supreme Commander. This humble official will dare not forget.¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s disciples were all staring nk-faced at their leader. What to do now? Are we really going to make an ¡®iplete man¡¯ the Nine Gates Infantry Commander?

    Elder Li simply looked at Pei Yan. When Pei Yan was four, the Lord Protector¡¯s men had carried him out of the castration chamber with his body covered in blood. Elder Li had clearly remembered the sight. Now it was another dynasty with its own sovereign, but the Pei Yan standing before him now in dark blue brocade robes had a handsome face and a tall, graceful build. His former youth had already given way to adulthood.

    With a soft sigh, Elder Li bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, this official believes that it is good that Pei Yan is the Nine Gates Infantry Commander.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped worrying now and grinned openly at Elder Li. ¡°Old gramps, isn¡¯t my insight great?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was smiling so broadly that her eyes had all but disappeared, while Elder Li wasn¡¯t grinning at all. Still, he nodded and said, ¡°The fact that Your Majesty recognizes the true worth of men is our Yongning¡¯s good fortune.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was even more smug upon being praised by Elder Li. ¡°Mhm. Old gramps, do you feel that I¡¯m dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Elder Li. Dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens? What dratted nonsense is His Majesty speaking now?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui had to speak up. Is this the time to bring that up now?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t ept yet another defeat.

    ¡°Court adjourned,¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from her throne and ran off

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Now it was Lou Zigui¡¯s turn to shout. In the blink of an eye, Ning Xiaoyao had already reached the doors to the Hall of Golden Chimes, but she stopped at the cry.

    ¡°Tao Yu, ah!¡± Shadowrain reminded Ning Xiaoyao in a small voice from outside the hall.

    p! Ning Xiaoyao hit her forehead. Dammnit, I forgot about Tao Yu. She silently turned around and walked back to the dragon throne and sat down.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, this official feels that the matter of the Nine Gates Infantry Commander is inappropriate.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already issued the imperial decree. Do you want me to p my own face?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°Next, we¡¯ll talk about Tao Yu instead.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Tao Yu has already been expelled from his n. What now, is Your Majesty going to concern yourself with internal n matters as well?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not concerned,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t even take care of my own domestic matters, so why would I bother with the Tao n¡¯s?¡±

    All of the imperial n members present pursed their lips in response. Have you ever concerned yourself with the imperial n since locking up Prince Fu, Your Majesty?

    ¡°Have Tao Yu enter the hall,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said loudly.

    ¡°Tao Yu is only a deputy general of the military barracks,¡± someone from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction piped up. ¡°How could such a post be qualified to enter the Hall of Golden Chimes?¡±

    ¡°Do I need you to worry about who I want to see?¡± Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows. ¡°Who are you? How big of a face do you have?¡±

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction fell silent. Talking with His Majesty was nothing short of torture for them.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at him as she spoke. ¡°I want to see Tao Yu, should I beg for your permission first?¡±

    What else could Grand Preceptor Xie say besides that he ¡®didn¡¯t dare?¡¯

 Chapter 210: His Majesty asks, do you think Iâ€™m easy to bully?

    <h4>Chapter 210: His Majesty asks, do you think I''m easy to bully?</h4>

    When Tao Yu entered the Hall of Golden Chimes and fell on his knees to give Ning Xiaoyao a grand, formal bow, she took the chance to nce at the Imperial Censor, Tao Shidong.

    Ah geez, Ning Xiaoyao quickly averted her gaze. His Excellency Tao¡¯s face has turned green. It looks like he wants to bite Tao Yu to death many times over.

    ¡°Your Excellency Tao,¡± Elder Li spoke up as soon as he saw Ning Xiaoyao tell Tao Yu to rise from his bow. ¡°You should give an exnation for Tao Yu¡¯s case.¡±

    Since there was no y to act and no Ning Xiaoyao to ask him, His Excellency Tao simply stood amongst the officials and murmured, ¡°Elder, this concerns our Tao n¡¯s family affairs.¡±

    ¡°Family affairs?¡± Elder Li finally looked towards Tao Shidong, his voice cold. ¡°Tao Yu is an official of the imperial court. If he hasmitted any offence worthy of banishment from his n, then how could the imperial court keep him?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Just whose side is that old gramps on? Can¡¯t he stop attacking sides indiscriminately?

    Tao Shidong stared at the son of a concubine standing in the empty space between the nking rows of officials, his cheeks quivering with suppressed emotion. Elder Li pressed on, ¡°Tao Yu might be the son of a concubine, but you can simply live apart if you dislike him. Banishing from the n is altogether too much! This old man asks you, where is your sense of filial piety between father and son?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. Looks like old gramps is trying to set the stage for Tao Yu, ah. But he seems like he wants to talk facts and reason with His Excellency Tao as well. Is that going to work?

    Tao Shidongughed coldly. ¡°How does Elder know that that son is faultless? And when has my Tao n ever discriminated against sons of concubines and treated them harshly?¡±

    In this era, people ced great importance on family and n. A member of the family would never be banished from the n unless theymitted grievous sins of betrayal or unfilial acts. In Elder Li¡¯s eyes, the Tao n must have acted as they did because of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s instructions. Just because one of their sons is loyal to His Majesty, they banish him from the n? Elder Li couldn¡¯t bear the thought. He was going to make Tao Shidong spit out the ugly truth today.

    ¡°Elder,¡± Lou Zigui took this chance to speak up. ¡°These are the Tao n¡¯s family affairs. The audience hall has always been reserved for affairs of state, such things are best discussed in private instead.¡±

    Lou Zigui was very clear on what kind of crimes Xie Wenyuan would have pinned on Tao Yu¡¯s head. Whether or not Tao Shidong believed them, the man had chosen Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side in the end. Thus, Tao Shidong would definitely use the usation that Tao Yu schemed to kill his brother against them. If they gave Tao Shidong to speak those words here, they were just asking for trouble.

    Elder Li gave Lou Zigui a cold re.

    ¡°Then His Excellency Tao should just say it outright,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°I too, am curious. Just what kind of crime has General Taomitted?¡± If you, Li Wuqi, wants to ruin Tao Yu, why shouldn¡¯t I help you with your cause?

    Hearing this, Tao Shidong immediately spoke up. ¡°That son...¡±

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao butted in. ¡°This is all because of me, it¡¯s my fault.¡±

    ¡°How is this rted to Your Majesty?¡± Elder Li creased his brows in disapproval at Ning Xiaoyao. Your Majesty, why do you need to get involved in these matters?

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. No wonder old gramps has never won a fight against Grand Preceptor Xie after all these years. He¡¯s still too kind in the end, ah. Grand Preceptor Xie wants to ruin Tao Yu, so why couldn¡¯t their lot make up any kind of crimes against him? What if those bastards use Tao Yu of having an affair with his father¡¯s concubine or something? Am I supposed to steal Tao Shidong¡¯s concubine in public and give him to Tao Yu instead next?! (Author: I said it already, don¡¯t think up such nonsensical things...)

    ¡°That son,¡± Tao Shidong tried once again to outline Tao Yu¡¯s wrongs.

    ¡°It¡¯s like this, I took a fancy to the Tao n¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sniffed as she wrested the talking point back again. ¡°So then I had General Tao go home and ask for the house. Then His Excellency Tao got mad and beat General Tao up. But when he was sleeping that night, His Excellency Tao was still feeling depressed so he opened up the ancestral hall and banished General Tao officially from the family ledgers. Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded once she was done. ¡°That¡¯s what happened, haha. me me.¡±

    The Hall of Golden Chimes was absolutely silent. The officials who were ignorant of the truth werepletely floored, while those who knew what had actually happened were stunned speechless by His Majesty¡¯s audacity. Others, such as Lou Zigui, couldn¡¯t wrap their minds around Miss Ning¡¯s words, much less continue the conversation!

    ¡°W-what?¡± Elder Li was even stuttering.

    ¡°Oh, I took a fancy to the Tao n¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reiterated as she winked at Elder Li.

    ¡°.......¡± said Elder Li. Looks like the situation is moreplicated than I thought...

    ¡°Your Majesty took a fancy to---¡±

    ¡°General Tao, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut in, knowing that she couldn¡¯t give Tao Shidong any chance to speak up now. ¡°From now on, you¡¯ll have a peerage of your own. How does a second-rank general position sound to you, General Tao?¡±

    How could Tao Yu be anything except satisfied?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Tao Shidong was a schrly, urbane-looking man, but his sudden cry was shrill and high. Everyone in the hall went (£þ¡÷£þ£»). Was it really Tao Shidong who screamed like a woman just then?

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Tao Shidong¡¯s ck face as he heaved for breath and stared at her. She grinned back and said, ¡°Court adjourned.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Tao Shidong shrieked again. How could I let this nonsense-spewing, shameless bastard dismiss the court and escape?! (Author: Hey hey, Your Excellency Tao, do you have to curse the emperor like that? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°How can Tao Chen¡¯s peerage be left to Tao Yu?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. Tao Shidong had never confronted Ning Xiaoyao directly before, but he was different and had experience. His Excellency Grand Preceptor knew that yelling at the girl now was useless. You had to speak up instead!

    ¡°Tao Yu has already been banished from his n. What right does he have to enjoy his brother¡¯s peerage?¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction representatives added. ¡°If we take a step back and still consider him part of the n, then he¡¯s nothing more than concubine-born son. Since when has a n favored the concubine¡¯s issue over that of the first wife?¡±

    Tao Shidong fell to his knees with a thump and said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this official already discussed things with the nst night. We decided to choose a male child from the n to be Tao Chen¡¯s adopted son.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Tao Shidong in shock. ¡°What? Your family actually forced one of your own children to be an orphan without parents overnight? Just what kind of grudge are you holding against that child?!¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Tao Shidong.

    ¡°......¡± said the rest of the hall. Who can exin to us why adopting a son from one¡¯s rtives sounds like such a crime in His Majesty¡¯s words?

    Tao Shidong¡¯s lips quivered once again before he cried out mournfully, ¡°Does Your Majesty want Tao Chen¡¯s line to have no issue henceforth?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed as she curled her lip in disappointment. ¡°You make it sound as if your Tao Chen didn¡¯t have any children at all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why the Tao n decided to give one of their children to Tao Chen¡¯s line,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, these are not joking matters.¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head at Ning Xiaoyao as well. We¡¯re talking about peerages here. Why are you making a fuss about children instead?

    ¡°Oh.¡± Seeing Lou Zigui shake his head, Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat and said to Tao Shidong in a voice full of sorrow, ¡°Your Excellency Tao, you must restrain your grief. The dead can¡¯te back to life. Eighteen yearster, your Tao Chen recement will be a fine man again; it¡¯s just too bad he won¡¯t be able to call you ¡®father.¡¯ That¡¯s pretty cruel.¡±

    None of the officials could continue Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. His Majesty sounded well-meaning by wanting tofort His Excellency Tao, but those words were simply inhuman. (Author: Hey hey!)

    Tao Shidong looked at Ning Xiaoyao with an expression of grief and indignation.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t mind adding a few words if no one else wanted to talk, ¡°Your Excellency Tao, there¡¯s no guarantee that your Tao Chen recement will be a fine man for sure. Maybe he¡¯ll snatch a girl somewhere and---¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Tao Shidong couldn¡¯t bear to hear any more.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Elder Li grew incensed and rebuked him. ¡°You dared to interrupt His Majesty¡¯s words?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao yed the part of the good guy. ¡°His son is dead, so you should be more understanding, old gramps. Show more tolerance.¡±

    Tao Shidong took deep breaths. He had to calm down before he tried to murder his sovereign.

    ¡°Since Tao Chen has issue now,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued, ¡°The peerage of second-rank general should go to that adopted son.¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°That peerage wasn¡¯t counted as an inheritance, but something I gave to Tao Yu instead. Doesn¡¯t that take care of things?¡±

    The crowd exchanged nces. That really does makes sense. If His Majesty¡¯s chosen to confer a title by his own will, then the matter has nothing to do with Tao Chen at all.

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s tone grew frigid though. ¡°This official would like to ask Your Majesty whether Tao Yu has ever contributed meritorious service to the country?¡±

    ¡°Sure, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°General Tao worked hard in the service of the country.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued, ¡°Who amongst all the officials in this hall have not worked hard for their country?¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned. ¡°Grand Preceptor, as humans we should know to show some self-restraint.¡± If everyone in this hall was working in the service of the country, would Yongning be in such a sorry state right now?

    ¡°......¡± said Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°What does Your Majesty mean?¡± one of the senior officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave him a long look. ¡°Your Majesty is reproving you.¡±

    The official stiffened in response.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty might be the emperor, but it¡¯s unseemly for a sovereign to reprimand his officials without cause.¡±

    ¡°Well I insist on reprimanding them, so what are you going to do about it, Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Bite me to death?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was in no mood to continue the conversation with that damnable girl. Meanwhile, Lou Zigui nced at Tao Yu and said, ¡°General Tao, aren¡¯t you going to thank His Majesty for his grace?¡±

    Kneeling on the ground, Tao Yu could only feel his mouth twitch. Did I get the peerage of a second-rank general just like that?

    ¡°Regarding Tao Chen¡¯s peerage,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said to Tao Shidong after letting Tao Yu rise, ¡°I¡¯m taking it back.¡±

    ¡°T-taking it back?¡± Tao Shidong suffered another blow.

    ¡°Mhm, because I didn¡¯t like the looks of him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°So I¡¯m taking his peerage back.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Tao Shidong was really crying now. ¡°Tao Chen¡¯s corpse has yet to even cool, ah!¡±

    ¡°Look at what you¡¯re saying,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tsked, ¡°What does your son¡¯s corpse have to do with me?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared then.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and walked straight to Tao Shidong, who was still kneeling on the ground. She towered over him as she spoke. ¡°You know very well in your heart what you¡¯ve done, so don¡¯t act so miserable in front of me.¡±

    Tao Shidong¡¯s body shook.

    ¡°I wanted to use Tao Yu, yet you expelled him from your household,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued. ¡°Am I not allowed to retaliate after you¡¯ve figuratively pped me in the face? What? Do you think that I¡¯m someone easy to bully?¡±

    Tao Shidong was renderedpletely speechless. He had chosen to side with the Grand Preceptor in the end, so there was nothing absurd about how His Majesty was treating him now.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked past Tao Shidong, then swept by Grand Preceptor Xie with a final parting remark.

    ¡°Just wait and see.¡±

 Chapter 211: His Majesty says, I donâ€™t know how to scold people

    <h4>Chapter 211: His Majesty says, I don''t know how to scold people</h4>

    A eunuch loudly proimed that court was adjourned in the Hall of Golden Chimes. Outside, Fang Tang clenched and unclenched his fists a few times before striding towards Xie Anji. Although he thought it waspletely idiotic to pick a fight with the man on purpose, Fang Tang didn¡¯t dare to disobey Supreme Commander¡¯s orders.

    Xie Anji had a ghastly expression on his face as he stood thinking to himself. He¡¯d not only lost the chance to be Nine Gates Infantry Commander, but even the opportunity to live at the estate and grow his influence there like Gentleman Xu had suggested. And now? When he saw the various officials trailing out from the Hall of Golden Chimes, his face turned green with discontent. He hadn¡¯t even had a chance to step inside the audience hall!

    --

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men approached his chair after Ning Xiaoyao had left, his voice cautious.

    ¡°Although Pei Yan took the Nine Gates Infantry Commander position, are we going to forget about Second Young Master Xie just like that?¡± another official piped up quietly.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush,¡± stated Grand Preceptor Xie simply as he pinched his brows. Before I get a full understanding of Pei Yan¡¯s personality, I can¡¯t send Xie Anji over to the Nine Gates Infantry Commander¡¯s estate. This is the only son I have left to carry my expectations. No harm cane to him.

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction wore long faces. It¡¯s still not time to rush? Are we supposed to panic after the Nine Gates Infantrymen and the military barracks all fall into His Majesty¡¯s hands?

    Grand Preceptor Xie pretended to not notice everyone¡¯s concern and looked towards the spiritless Tao Shidong on the side. ¡°Your Excellency Tao shoulde back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate with me. I have something to say to you.¡±

    Tao Shidong rallied himself to ept Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s offer. Aside from following the Grand Preceptor to the end, his Tao n was left with no other choices now.

    ¡°Go,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie patted his armrests. Two eunuchs approached his chair and lifted it up. They had to carry him out of the Hall of Golden Chimes before the Grand Preceptor¡¯s own retainers could take over the job. At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s steps stopped at the side door to the audience hall.

    She turned to Lou Zigui, who was behind her, and said, ¡°No good, I still feel depressed.¡±

    Before Lou Zigui could react, the Lord Protector had already gulped and choked on his spit. He had just witnessed His Majesty ughtering his way across the hall to crush Grand Preceptor Xie and Tao Shidong senseless. Yet, why was the emperor still depressed?

    ¡°What¡¯s keeping you down?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°When I tossed those parting words in the hall back there, I wasn¡¯t mighty and impressive enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    Shadowthunder piped up from the side, ¡°Your Majesty, you were just like a god back then, ah!¡±

    ¡°A god?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°One dashing enough to pierce the Heavens?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the secondmander of the Dragon Guards dutifully nodded his head.

    ¡°Just wait and see,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheeks puffed up, making her round face resemble a meatbun all the more. ¡°It just sounds like a little kid dering war. Second Thunder, when you¡¯re facing off with a enemy, would you ever say ¡®hmph, just wait and see?¡¯¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Shadowthunder. Did His Majesty just go ¡®hmph?¡¯ Or was it just his tone of voice that sounded like a ¡®hmph?¡¯

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. He could never grasp the main idea behind Miss Ning¡¯s topics, so he didn¡¯t understand what she was so unsatisfied with now. The Lord Protector only asked in a daze, ¡°Then how does Your Majesty think war should be dered?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao considered the question. Back in the apocalypse, people went straight into battle against the zombies. There were no formal derations of war, so the sayings weremonce at most. (Author: Why are you even thinking about derations of war in the first ce!? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°I¡¯m not very good in the art of scolding people,¡± Ning Xiaoyao admitted her faults openly. ¡°So I need to think further about this question.¡±

    Everyone fell silent. So in His Majesty¡¯s eyes, scolding others is an art...

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head as she continued forward. There had clearly been a chance for her to be dashing enough to pierce the Heavens, yet she hadn¡¯t taken advantage of it. That made her unhappy. Lou Zigui walked by her side and noticed her face covered with furrows from thought. Unwilling to see her dissatisfied, he strove to cheer her up. ¡°What do you want to eat for lunchter?¡±

    ¡°Whatever fills me up is fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I don¡¯t have any requirements.¡±

    When her followers heard those words, they all felt their hearts inexplicably ache. Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°When have you never eaten your fill?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned towards him before letting out a heavy sigh. People¡¯s lives in the apocalypse were harsh, but how could she describe it in mere words? Lou Zigui only looked at the cares creased into her face and decided to ask her more thoroughly when the two of them were alone. Had Xie Wenyuan ever maltreated this girl in the past?

    ¡°Ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly pped her hands. In an instant, the downtrodden, dejected girl had transformed into a brilliantly shining beacon. ¡°I know how to make Grand Preceptor Xie sick of living!¡±

    Immediately after that, Ning Xiaoyao turned tail and streaked off like smoke. The ones left behind were stuck standing nkly before the Lord Protector asked Lou Zigui, ¡°How is His Majesty nning to make Grand Preceptor Xie sick of living?¡±

    The temperatures surrounding Lou Zigui suddenly plummeted five to ten degrees, causing the Lord Protector to feel a chill. Before long, Lou Zigui also turned and ran back towards the Hall of Golden Chimes.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him now?¡± the Lord Protector muttered curiously.

    Pei Yan only sneered. ¡°It¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t know what His Majesty¡¯s nning. Let¡¯s go back and take a look as well.¡±

    The Lord Protector still couldn¡¯t figure it out. Just because they didn¡¯t know what was going on, Supreme Commander Lou had turned chilly towards us? What for?

    --

    Before the Hall of Golden Chimes, Fang Tang had ended up standing in front of Xie Anji, who looked up at him before detouring out of the way. In response, Fang Tang shifted to the left and blocked his way again. Everyone else felt that something wasn¡¯t right. Fang Tang is here simply to make trouble!

    ¡°You¡¯re going back just like that?¡± Fang Tang asked.

    Beforeing to court, Grand Preceptor Xie had poured earnest exhortations into Xie Anji¡¯s ears. When the good news came to him at court today, he was supposed to make modest remarks and not show off. If bad news came instead, he had to hold himself in check. Faced with a Fang Tang determined to stir things up, Xie Anji just decided to endure it. Again he stepped to the side to avoid Fang Tang. I refuse to believe that he¡¯ll hit me outright.

    Once more, Fang Tang moved to bar his way with a ridiculing smile. ¡°You¡¯re panicking because you didn¡¯t be the Nine Gates Infantry Commander? Why do you think of nothing but running away at the sight of me?¡±

    Xie Anji shot him a cold re before trying to bypass him again. As a result, Fang Tang began to curse him. Xie Anji¡¯s face turned green as veins popped out on his forehead, but he still ignored Fang Tang. This was the scene that Grand Preceptor Xie happened upon as the two eunuchs carried him out of the hall. It soothed his ruffled mood somewhat. The talents of his second son were limited and inferiorpared to his first and third, but he was the best when it came to following orders. With some time and work, Xie Anji might grow into some talents yet.

    Fang Tang saw that he was on the verge of cursing Xie Anji¡¯s ancestors, but the man still hadn¡¯t drawn his sword to stab him. Now Young General Fang began to grow apprehensive. Did Xie Anji have a personality change? Or did someone castrate him yesterday? He asked the very question on his mind. ¡°Xie Anji, why are you acting like a housewife? Did someone castrate your thing?¡±

    Xie Anji¡¯s steps halted as his fists clenched. Still, he managed to suppress his temper. Last night, his father had explicitly told him not to let His Majesty get another handle on the Xie n. It was a sign of gross disrespect to argue or spar with someone on pce grounds, so His Majesty wouldn¡¯t forgive them if that happened.

    ¡°His Majesty is here,¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s allies hastened to report after chancing a glimpse of Ning Xiaoyao hurrying their way. For some reason, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s heart inexplicably clenched tightly in his chest.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao had this idea in mind: wasn¡¯t Grand Preceptor Xie afraid that others would see his swollen body and face-like-a-pig? Then she¡¯d pluck off the ck veil shrouding his features so everyone could see. (Author: This is your so-called idea to make Grand Preceptor Xie sick of living!? ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    Everyone was out of the Hall of Golden Chimes by now. Just as Ning Xiaoyao spotted Grand Preceptor Xie in his chair, she heard Fang Tang mentioned ¡®castrate¡¯ and look over. Aiya, looks like Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang wants to fight with Xie Anji. Ning Xiaoyao sniffed and ran towards Fang Tang instead. I can¡¯t miss out on a spectacle like that, ah.

    The crowd all fell respectfully to their knees as Ning Xiaoyao approached, including a very unwilling Xie Anji. Ning Xiaoyao bid the officials rise in her wake as she neared Fang Tang in a small voice. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Fang Tang got up and replied just as quietly back, ¡°Supreme Commander wants me to enrage Xie Anji.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave Fang Tang an understanding look, before saying, ¡°No wonder I heard you cursing him out.¡±

    Fang Tang grew worried. ¡°But he¡¯s not falling for it, ah. What now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Xie Anji before spreading her arms out helplessly. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to scold people, ah.¡±

    By now, Grand Preceptor Xie had already ordered the two eunuchs to carry him over as well.

    ¡°Since court¡¯s been adjourned, what are you lot still loitering around for?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie addressed the officials.

    Xie Anji rose and prepared to leave.

    ¡°Spineless thing!¡± Fang Tang mocked, ¡°Did they really hack your thing off?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°If someone really did that to him, would he even be able to walk now?¡±

    Fang Tang was filled with evil intentions as he replied, ¡°Maybe his had been cut off long ago?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t say that, either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Then where did he get his sons and daughters from? Is he raising children for other men instead?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared.

    ¡°He¡¯s speaking nonsense,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Fang Tang while facing Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Grand Preceptor, don¡¯t get mad. I¡¯ll teach him a lesson.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the crowd. Are you sure you aren¡¯t teaming up with Fang Tang to curse Second Young Master Xie together?

    ¡°Then why isn¡¯t he answering me?¡± Fang Tang protested.

    ¡°He¡¯s in a bad mood, of course,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Five or six of the daughters back home all ganged up to ruin another. Their methods are really quite ruthless, ah.¡±

    Fang Tang nced at Xie Anji clenching his fists repeatedly and nodded. ¡°This official has heard that news as well.¡±

    ¡°His own mother even killed off his big brother¡¯s ¡®equal wife.¡¯ Heavens, what kind of family are they? Xie Anji,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the man as she spoke, ¡°I think it¡¯s impossible for you to change your mother at this rate---it¡¯s toote as well---but you should teach your daughters better so they¡¯re less ferocious. That situation¡¯s still salvageable.¡±

    Xie Anji tried his hardest to hold onto his threads of reason. ¡°Your Majesty, my father has already sent those girls to the family worship hall to pray to Buddha for the rest of their days.¡±

    ¡°Is that so, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. ¡°Then haven¡¯t you ever heard of the famous saying, ¡®those nearest to the ink turn ck themselves?¡¯¡±

    Fang Tang stole a nce at Ning Xiaoyao. Who was the one who told me they don¡¯t know how to scold people? With one sentence, he condemned all of the Xie n daughters. And you still say you have no idea?

 Chapter 212: The ganged-up beatdown draws blood

    <h4>Chapter 212: The ganged-up beatdown draws blood</h4>

    ¡°Go back and be sure to teach them properly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Xie Anji. ¡°Your previous efforts might have failed, but that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯ll always fail in the future, right?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was all sincerity with her words. She still felt a pang in her heart when she recalled how Xie Duoying had been forced to enter the nunhood. That girl should¡¯ve been quite a pair with her Windy---wouldn¡¯t that have been nice? Now she wasn¡¯t even sure if it was toote to re-instruct the Xie n daughters. The Xie n was a pit to start with, the deepest, darkest kind.

    All members of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction still present simply pretended they hadn¡¯t heard a single thing. Those who weren¡¯t delighted in eavesdropping on the conversation, but held themselves back from smiling. Grand Preceptor Xie might be helpless against His Majesty, but it was different in their case. Still others, such as Elder Li and his clear stream officials, were a little put off by Ning Xiaoyao preaching articles on inner courtyard female conduct. How could the sovereign of an entire nation lower his status to speak of such mundane topics?

    ¡°Say, aren¡¯t I right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Xie Anji again, all earnesty.

    Xie Anji lowered his head without a word. Meanwhile, Fang Tang burst into guffaws.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯tugh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reprimanded him instantly. ¡°This is a very serious matter.¡±

    ¡°Fang Tang.¡± Xie Anji raised his head to look at him. Fang Tang didn¡¯t have enough time to take back his grin before Xie Anji punched him.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Why did it suddenly turn into a fistfight?!

    Lou Zigui finally reached Ning Xiaoyao and grabbed ahold of her before dragging her backwards. On the other hand, Fang Tang had sessfully caught Xie Anji¡¯s fist, feeling quite dejected. He¡¯d given his all to curse the man but Xie Anji hadpletely ignored him. Now all he did wasugh a few times and the guy had lost his mind. What kind of logic does he have?

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you all moving to drag them apart yet?¡± Lou Zigui kept a death grip on Ning Xiaoyao as he looked towards Shadowrain and the others. Shadowrain led his Dragon Guards to rush forward---supposedly to help stop the fight, but in actuality to help Fang Tang beat up Xie Anji.

    ¡°G, Grand Preceptor?¡± all of the officials by Grand Preceptor Xie began to panic as they watched Xie Anji being beat up by a gang.

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t speak, but his gaze turned gloomy as he watched Xie Anji taking a thrashing. Does Ning Yu have the guts to order men who¡¯ll beat my son to death right here in the pce? He didn¡¯t believe that she did.

    ¡°Is this going to cost a human life?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui with a heavy heart. If they can beat Xie Anji to death just like that, then I can beat Grand Preceptor Xie to death as well, ah. ¡°Just what are you nning?¡±

    When Lou Zigui didn¡¯t reply, Ning Xiaoyao tugged on his sleeve. ¡°Say something, ah!¡±

    Lou Zigui finally murmured, ¡°It¡¯s nothing very important.¡±

    ¡°Of course fighting¡¯s no big deal, but it feels like they¡¯re going to beat Xie Anji to death!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said urgently.

    Shinnng!

    Someone had unsheathed their sword. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head whipped back. Are they really going to kill Xie Anji?!

    Instead, Xie Anji had pulled out the sword from one of the Dragon Guard¡¯s waists. While the guards were momentarily stunned by the unexpected development, Xie Anji seized the chance to stab towards Fang Tang. Fang Tang saw the deing his way and had ample time to evade it. But right now, I can¡¯t!

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth gaped as the gleaming tip of the weapon plunged into Fang Tang¡¯s left nk with a audible squick. Xie Anji pulled on the handle, intending to draw out the de, but Shadowrain raised a foot and kicked him in the hand, knocking his fingers loose. Fang Tang clutched his wound as he wobbled on his feet. He soon lost his bnce and rolled down the stone steps leading to the pce, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. Everyone was stunned. Nobody had expected Fang Tang to be the loser in this bout.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed as she prepared to run after Fang Tang.

    But Lou Zigui held her tight and ordered coldly, ¡°Take that bastard to a doctor.¡±

    The dazed Shadowrain gave a start before hurrying down the steps.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look at Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook herself free and ran towards Fang Tang.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lou Zigui and Elder Li chorused at the same time, both of them very stern. Startled, Ning Xiaoyao stopped at the head of the stairs.

    Nearby, Xie Anji was caught in a simr state of rm. He had forgotten everything in a moment of desperation to attack. Now there was no crowd around him, so the high winds from thending gradually cooled his head. What have I done?

    ¡°Fang Tang was the instigator,¡± Elder Li walked behind Ning Xiaoyao, his tone strict. ¡°How is Your Majesty nning to punish him?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao saw Shadowrain and three other Dragon Guards carry Fang Tang off to the Imperial Physician Courtyard before furrowing her brows at Elder Li. ¡°Fang Tang¡¯s already like that, but I still have to punish him?¡±

    Elder Li stared at Ning Xiaoyao as the wrinkles on his face grew deeper. Ning Xiaoyao dreaded the old man to start, but his staring only made her quail all the more. She pointed at Xie Anji and tried to change the subject. ¡°You sure are something, daring to hurt others in front of my face!¡±

    Xie Anji stood on thending as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao, his expression resigned. ¡°This subject allows Your Majesty to deal with the offense.¡±

    ¡°Did Your Majesty not see?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up next. ¡°It was Fang Tang who provoked him first, and Fang Tang who ganged up with the Dragon Guards to beat him up. Why did Your Majesty not stop them then? Now that Fang Tang has shown his skills to becking by getting injured, Your Majesty speaks up in his defense instead?¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was at a loss for words. Truthfully speaking, they were the ones at fault here.

    ¡°Xie Anji,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie called for his son, who walked to his side. Then the Grand Preceptor sat up straight in his chair and soundly pped Xie Anji¡¯s face. He stood there unmoving in wake of the blow.

    ¡°You unfilial son, you actually used a de to injure someone in front of His Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie scolded.

    ¡°Th, that¡¯s right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao fumed. ¡°He actually used a sword to injure someone! It¡¯s unforgivable!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this unfilial son deserves death,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°But so does Fang Tang for stirring up trouble in the first ce. This official asks, how is Your Majesty nning to deal with Fang Tang?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. No wonder that old geezer was pping his own son. He was waiting for me to walk into his trap!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°Fang Tang¡¯s already injured, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not a punishment.¡±

    ¡°Old gramps, help me analyze this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao climbed up a couple of steps so she was standing on equal footing with Elder Li. ¡°Does the Grand Preceptor have ulterior motives for insisting that I punish Fang Tang?¡±

    Elder Li said, ¡°No matter what punishment Your Majesty gives Xie Anji, the punishment for Fang Tang will be harsher.¡±

    ¡°That cheap scum!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    Elder Li furrowed his brows. ¡°Your Majesty, Xie Wenyuan is your maternal grandfather.¡± Forget about how scummy he is, no grandchild is allowed to curse their grandparent like that.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°Old gramps, you don¡¯t need to remind me about such heartbreaking things.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Elder Li.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked in front of the Xie father and son pair and said, ¡°I understand Grand Preceptor¡¯s meaning.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was cold. ¡°Then how is Your Majesty nning to punish Fang Tang?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s flexed her fingers before raising a hand to p Xie Anji across the face, sending the taller man flying into an arc across the sky. He tumbled against thending before rolling down the steps just like Fang Tang before him. Everyone was silent. His Majesty looks small and harmless, but just where did he get such strength?

    ¡°I¡¯ll do this to Fang Tangter as well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you needn¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely use more strength than I did just then. After all, Fang Tang was the first in the wrong.¡±

    The crowd couldn¡¯t help but stay speechless. Who would dare speak up and use His Majesty of being shameless at a time like this?

    Grand Preceptor Xie was forced to swallow down his rising temper. His health was bad to begin with, but now his vision was turning ck. Now one of the officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction spoke up. ¡°Fang Tang is a member of the ck Frost Cavalry. May Your Majesty pin Lou Zigui for the crime of insubordination from his subordinate.¡±

    ¡°I pardon Supreme Commander as meless,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up with her hands behind her back to face the loyal Grand Preceptor apologist. ¡°Any objections?¡±

    The official instantly cried out, ¡°If Your Majesty does that, it¡¯s too unfair!¡±

    ¡°Unfair?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°Then what¡¯s ¡®fair?¡¯ I¡¯m the emperor and you¡¯re a subject, but you want equal treatment from me? Your Excellency, how will you feel if I let you sit on that throne in the audience hall?¡±

    Whatmon sense is that?! The official was so furious that he nearly spat up blood, but he still fell to his knees and said, ¡°This official doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°This subject asks that Your Majesty do not treat Fang Tang¡¯s wounds,¡± Lou Zigui bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°That wretch dared to make amotion in front of the Hall of Golden Chimes. Severe punishment is necessary.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander Lou is right,¡± Elder Li walked over. ¡°Severe punishment is mandatory for Fang Tang.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Are you happy now?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie simply pped his armrests. ¡°This official will take his leave.¡± I can¡¯t copse in front of Ning Yu yet again!

    The two eunuchs who had carried him out of the hall were both the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men within the pce, but even if they weren¡¯t on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side, they couldn¡¯t simply carry Grand Preceptor Xie without permission.

    ¡°Carry him away,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. It¡¯d be better if I never see Grand Preceptor Xie again.

    Grand Preceptor Xie brought away the unconscious Xie Anji lying at the foot of the stairs. He didn¡¯t look like the defeated party when he left, nor did he flee the scene. Xie Anji had publicly stabbed Fang Tang but only got a p from His Majesty as punishment. What did that prove? Those who had insight could tell that Yongning was still a ce where the sovereign held less power than his officials.

    ¡°That there, let¡¯s go back and eat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after ncing at Elder Li.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li replied, ¡°This official has words to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°But my stomach¡¯s hungry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao insisted.

    Elder Li looked at Ning Xiaoyao with a grave face. She gave him a wooden expression in response.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li said, ¡°Why did Fang Tang do that?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    ¡°This official doesn¡¯t believe it. Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t joke around with this official,¡± Elder Li shook his head as well.

    Ning Xiaoyao was vexed. I really don¡¯t know, ah! Can¡¯t people trust each other¡¯s words?

    ¡°His Majesty has already said how he¡¯ll punish Fang Tang,¡± Lou Zigui spoke up. ¡°Is Elder dissatisfied?¡±

    Elder Li furrowed his brows to re at Supreme Commander Lou. ¡°If His Majesty has no idea, then did you incite it on the sly, Supreme Commander? What are you nning?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed Lou Zigui behind her. ¡°Old gramps, don¡¯t be like that, c¡¯mon~¡±

    ¡°Speak properly!¡± Elder Li felt goosebumps when he heard Ning Xiaoyao go ¡®c¡¯mon~,¡¯ and couldn¡¯t hold back his urge to rebuke her soundly.

    ¡°......¡± said the crowd. Elder, is it really alright for you to yell at His Majesty like that?

 Chapter 213: His Majesty says, open and forthright

    <h4>Chapter 213: His Majesty says, open and forthright</h4>

    Lou Zigui silently stepped forward to shield Ning Xiaoyao behind him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fight,¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled as she stuck her head out from his side.

    The people around them could only stay silent. Could those two really fight? Supreme Commander can kill Elder Li with just a single finger, couldn¡¯t he?

    ¡°What do you want to say?¡± Elder Li asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale suddenly called from the foot of the stairs. ¡°Urgent news from East Ji!¡±

    Besides Ning Xiaoyao, everyone¡¯s faces paled. Ning Xiaoyao had no idea where East Ji was, so she simply exhaled in relief. We¡¯re finally moving on from Fang Tang. But when she noticed the people around her, she had to scratch her head. Why does everyone look so serious?

    Shadowgale ran up the stairs two to three at a time before kneeling right in front of Ning Xiaoyao to offer up the emergency missive with his hands above his head.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she epted the paper, broke the seal, and opened its contents. The words were written very neatly and filled up fiverge pieces of paper. Ning Xiaoyao could more or less recognize all of the traditional Chinese characters by now, but seeing so many at once still made her dizzy.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Elder Li had been counting the pages as Ning Xiaoyao read them. Once she finished the fifth sheet, he finally spoke up. ¡°What has happened in East Ji?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao handed the missive to Lou Zigui and replied, ¡°They said I was wise and brilliant, that as subjects they were useless, as soldiers they were worthless, and something about how they deserved ten thousand deaths. I didn¡¯t look at the details. But the main idea was that roving rebel bands of farmers have taken their troops to take over the 19 cities of East Ji. Now their Great General is currently on his way to Fengling City.¡± She paused there and cocked her head to one side. ¡°Eh? Why do I feel like I¡¯ve heard ¡®Fengling City¡¯ somewhere?¡±

    Lou Zigui was currently pouring over the contents of the letter with an urgent air. ¡°Your Majesty, Fengling City is Prince Fu¡¯s fief.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded before spreading her hands towards Elder Li. ¡°That was all there was.¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s body swayed on the spot. Ning Xiaoyao hastened to steady him, but sucked in a breath as soon as she grabbed his arm. Old gramp¡¯s heart rate is almost at 202 beats per minute!

    ¡°Old gramps, calm down a bit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao coaxed. ¡°The country hasn¡¯t copsedpletely yet.¡±

    At those words, Elder Li¡¯s heart beat even faster and went out of control. Ning Xiaoyao quickly gave a gentle pat to Elder Li¡¯s chest and shut up. She had to preserve his heart first, ah! Meanwhile, Lou Zigui had finished reading all five pages with creased brows. His mind flew through a myriad of mental calctions, wondering how many troops they could transfer over to East Ji.

    Elder Li, on the other hand, felt much morefortable even as his nerves were strung taut. ¡°Your Majesty, can this official take a look at the missive?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took the papers from Lou Zigui¡¯s hands and stuffed them all into Elder Li¡¯s arms. ¡°Go ahead, read them as you like, old gramps.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already lost 19 cities?¡± the Lord Protector asked.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    The Lord Protector stared at Ning Xiaoyao, who didn¡¯t seem concerned at all. ¡°Your Majesty...¡± he tried, ¡°Your Majesty already has a counter strategy in ce?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I don¡¯t, ah.¡± In the past, she¡¯d just followed her pals when it came time to fight zombies without wasting any brainpower. Her strategy skills were even morecking.

    The Lord Protector was speechless. If you don¡¯t, why aren¡¯t you panicking yet?

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°We need to transfer troops over to help. If we lose any more of East Ji, the rebels will be able to use the Winterpool Pass to and fight their way straight to the capital and its environs.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms. The situation seemed urgent, but dang it, today was the first time she¡¯d heard of any of these ces. She had no idea where they were, so what was she supposed to do?

    Elder Li asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Are there troops avable for transfer?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°This official asks that Your Majesty speedily dispatch relief troops,¡± Elder Li kneeled in front of Ning Xiaoyao. At his lead, all of the other officials fell to their knees as well to ask Ning Xiaoyao to send reinforcements. Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to help Elder Li up, then told the other officials to rise as well.

    ¡°Shall we send reinforcements, then?¡± she asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°We have soldiers,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°But who¡¯s to lead them?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. That¡¯s a good question. Lou Zigui pulled her aside and added in a small voice, ¡°Right now, I can¡¯t leave the capital city.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face whipped around to stare at him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t leave you alone in the capital right now,¡± Lou Zigui borated. He had already started to move the chess piece that was the empress, so who could finish the game in his ce if he left for East Ji? Miss Ning? If that was the only option, he¡¯d rather take Miss Ning to East Ji with him instead.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before asking, ¡°Are there anypetent generals amongst the ones in East Ji?¡±

    Hearing this, Elder Li shook his head. ¡°All of them are generals of defeated armies. Your Majesty cannot use them.¡±

    ¡°Then do you have any proposals, old gramps?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next.

    Elder Li shook his head again. ¡°Your Majesty, this official is only a civil official.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao helped him finish. ¡°So you¡¯re not familiar with generals or fighting wars.¡±

    Her words sounded harsh, but Elder Li couldn¡¯t refute them. It left him in very bad spirits. Lou Zigui considered the issue before proposing, ¡°Your Majesty, amongst the military officers that apanied this official back to the capital---¡±

    ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you a general?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly looked at Tao Yu. ¡°General Tao, do you know how to fight?¡±

    Her sudden question caught Tao Yu off guard.

    ¡°Speak already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao moved to stand closer to him.

    ¡°Y, Your Majesty wants th, this official to lead the troops?¡± Tao Yu stammered back.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°As long as you¡¯re confident, you can do it.¡± Supreme Commander Lou had wanted to use this guy, so I¡¯m sure he¡¯s not useless. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have caught Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s eye at all, ah.

    Tao Yu¡¯s shocked expression grew touched at her words, then contemtive. Finally, his features turned calm as he knelt in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This official thanks Your Majesty for your regard. This official has confidence.¡±

    ¡°Then fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°You¡¯ll be the one, General Tao!¡±

    ¡°This official epts the decree,¡± Tao Yu bowed.

    Ning Xiaoyao reached forward to help him up, but Lou Zigui beat her to it and tugged Tao Yu upright. Tao Yu ignored the stares of the crowd on him as he stood with head bowed in front of Ning Xiaoyao. Only now he did believe what he¡¯d heardst night and the picture of the future she¡¯d painted for him. The world was so vast that His Majesty would certainly give him a ce to disy his talents. I¡¯d be less than a mutt if I ever fail His Majesty in this life.

    Lou Zigui led Ning Xiaoyao to a ce away from everyone else before asking her in a low voice, ¡°If we had Tao Yu, we could win more men to our side at the military barracks. Xiaoyao, you¡¯re really sending him to East Ji instead?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said my piece,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Could I take back my words now?¡±

    ¡°This is your first time dealing with war since taking the throne, so it¡¯s unavoidable that you can¡¯t consider all sides of the issue,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Even if you change your mind now, no one will rebuke you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to one side until she was looking past Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder to Tao Yu standing in the distance.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Just then, I wanted to say that you could use one of the generals I brought with me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms before asking, ¡°Then Supreme Commander, do you have any faith in General Tao?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Tao Yu does have the ability. The only reason he didn¡¯t make a name for himself was because Tao Chen was suppressing him.¡±

    ¡°Then I want Tao Yu to go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after knitting her brows in thought. ¡°I promised him that I¡¯d give him a chance to showcase his skills.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it all the same if he goes to the military barracks...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on her tiptoes to muffle Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth. ¡°This is different. To put it bluntly, that man named Chen Lu in the barracks is nothing more than a desperate type vying for fame and fortune in our fight against the Grand Preceptor. He¡¯s an awfully petty schemer. If you¡¯re a real man, you should go off to war and fight openly and forthright. Isn¡¯t it better to publicly defend your country?¡±

    Lou Zigui was struck speechless by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°When there¡¯s a chance, you need to go back to Anyuan too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand. ¡°That¡¯s the real battlefield for you, Supreme Commander.¡±

    After a moment of silence, Lou Zigui raised a hand to touch Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek. ¡°Then will you fight Xie Wenyuan by yourself?¡±

    ¡°Reality proves that he can¡¯t kill me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was rather smug. ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui finally smiled and nodded. ¡°Then have Tao Yu lead the troops.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Tell me about the roving rebel bandster. I still haven¡¯t figured out what that¡¯s all about.¡±

    Lou Zigui had just been smiling at Ning Xiaoyao, but now he wanted to rest his hand against his forehead again.

    ¡°This is all the Grand Preceptor¡¯s fault!¡± Ning Xiaoyao added hatefully. If he didn¡¯t stop interfering so stubbornly with me all the time, would I have neglected national matters until now?

    In Lou Zigui¡¯s ears, Ning Xiaoyao was ming the Grand Preceptor for keeping intel from her on purpose. After all, an ignorant monarch was supposed to be easier to control, right?

    Ning Xiaoyao ran towards Tao Yu as she proimed, ¡°General Tao Yu, you¡¯re the one! You¡¯re going to lead the troops and go fight, ah!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the crowd. Is this something worth celebrating?

    ¡°Old gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped next to Tao Yu to address Elder Li. ¡°Let¡¯s disperse. Everyone should go home and eat.¡±

    Elder Li asked, ¡°Your Majesty still has the heart to eat?¡±

    ¡°Urk, I can¡¯t eat right now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand. ¡°It¡¯s not like I was the one who lost the city.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said the crowd. His Majesty¡¯s words seem to make sense. We can¡¯t find a retort for them.

    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved farewell to Elder Li. She had to leave now---Fang Tang was still waiting for her to treat his wounds! Elder Li watched His Majesty Ning fly off in the blink of an eye and shifted his gaze to Lou Zigui again. Lou Zigui respected cupped his fist at Elder Li before taking away the Pei brothers and Tao Yu.

    ¡°Elder?¡± one of Elder Li¡¯s disciples ventured to ask. ¡°Are we really going to send Tao Yu off to East Ji?¡±

    Elder Li withdrew his distant gaze and nced at the disciple. ¡°What of it? Do you know anything about warfare?¡±

    The official in question instantly shut up.

    --

    ¡°Congrattions, General Tao,¡± the Lord Protector said on their way to Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Tao Yu respected the Lord Protector, but his words were naturally hard and stiff. ¡°Serving the country with my life is something I, Tao Yu, am supposed to do. What joy is there to be found in unrest and rebels?¡±

    The Lord Protector¡¯s smile stiffened. That¡¯s right, ah. East Ji¡¯s lost 19 cities. Why am I congratting Tao Yu?

    ¡°This isn¡¯t something a simple transfer of troops will solve, is it?¡± Pei Yan finally spoke up as he looked towards Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, am I right?¡±

 Chapter 214: Youâ€™re as beautiful as a flower, Iâ€™m as handsome as the Heavens

    <h4>Chapter 214: You''re as beautiful as a flower, I''m as handsome as the Heavens</h4>

    Lou Zigui only nodded to Pei Yan¡¯s words. The Lord Protector stated, ¡°Then what else do we have to do?¡±

    To put it simply, the roving rebel bands were simply bandits, but they¡¯d had time to mature into a rebel army force. What else could be done against such insurgents besides to beat them back? The Lord Protector could even predict that the battles would be a big blow to the nation¡¯s vitality again. After all, every time the rebels attacked, the dynasty suffered for it. How could this time be any exception?

    Lou Zigui turned to look at Tao Yu behind him, his voice low. ¡°There still need to be preparations. Right now the rebels own 19 cities and their morale is high. Even if you go to East Ji, you won¡¯t be able to solve the problem instantly.¡±

    Tao Yu cupped his fist respectfully at Lou Zigui. ¡°This soldier awaits your instruction.¡±

    The Lord Protector still had more questions, but Pei Yan tugged him back. It¡¯s obvious that Lou Zigui doesn¡¯t want to talk about it here, so why are you still asking? The Lord Protector looked at his little brother before coughing and staying mute.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao had already made her rounds of the Imperial Physician Courtyard before circling back to Supreme Splendor Hall. She thought that Fang Tang had been sent for emergency treatment there, but they doctors said he¡¯d never shown up. Ning Xiaoyao had no choice but to backtrack to her pce. The smell of fresh blood was still strong there thanks to the massive bleeding in the wake of Fang Tang¡¯s injury. But since Fang Tang was a general of the army, he was still conscious. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao, his expression turned aggrieved.

    ¡°Your Majesty, are my injuries very serious?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao had already dressed Fang Tang¡¯s wounds. Now he stood on the side to exin, ¡°General Fang Tang didn¡¯t suffer much from Xie Anji¡¯s sword strike, but his right leg is broken.¡±

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Imperial Physician Gao gave a start, but as anyone who had spent time in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s presence would grow bolder over time, he was quick to ask, ¡°Where else does Your Majesty wish Fang Tang to be injured?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Fang Tang. Isn¡¯t that too inhumane?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, hah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Fang Tang¡¯s head as she promised, ¡°A broken bone can be healed in the space of a breath. Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang, don¡¯t be scared. I promise you¡¯ll be able to run right away.¡±

    Now it was Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s turn to be struck speechless. How can a broken bone be cured in the time it takes to take a breath?

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand and prepared to treat Fang Tang¡¯s injury until she remembered Imperial Physician Gao was still there. She turned back and saw him staring at her.

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao negotiated, ¡°Lil¡¯ Big Bro Gao, can you step out for a moment?¡±

    ¡°This subject isn¡¯t allowed to see?¡± Imperial Physician Gao was very hurt.

    ¡°It¡¯s a secret art from my master, I can¡¯t spread it around,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bbered out an excuse. She was determined not to be seen as a freak by the people of this time and burned to death. Because of her words, Imperial Physician Gao had no choice but to retreat. He too, had some prescriptions in his family that were only passed down to the sons but never the daughters, much less outsiders, so Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s excuse was quite eptable.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Fang Tang said after the doctor left. ¡°My Supreme Commander said you can¡¯t treat my wounds.¡±

    ¡°Your Supreme Commander said all that for Grand Preceptor Xie to hear, but you still believe his words?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Then, would the Grand Preceptore to the same conclusion?¡± Fang Tang asked worriedly. If that happens, wouldn¡¯t I have gotten stabbed for nothing?

    Ning Xiaoyao ced her hand on Fang Tang¡¯s stomach wound and replied, ¡°Speaking of which, just what¡¯s your Supreme Commander nning? Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang, can¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    Fang Tang had no reservations in front of Ning Xiaoyao, so he immediately told him everything about Lou Zigui¡¯s n. Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand and pursed her lips. Looks like the enemies are too fierce. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t need to get soplicated and bloody just for the sake of delivering one letter.

    ¡°Your Majesty, my Supreme Commander¡¯s doing all this for Your Majesty¡¯s sake,¡± Fang Tang finished.

    ¡°He could only be doing it for my sake, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Do you think he¡¯d waste all that effort on you?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Fang Tang. Is it just me, or is there something off about those words? Why do I suddenly feel bad?

    ¡°Get up and walk a few steps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gestured at Fang Tang to rise. ¡°See if there¡¯s anywhere else that feels ufortable.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Only then did Fang Tang notice that his wounds had stopped hurting. ¡°I--I¡¯m cured?¡±

    ¡°Right, ah, you¡¯re cured. I told you it¡¯d only take the space of a breath.¡± Ning Xiaoyao saw that Fang Tang wasn¡¯t moving, so she reached out and pulled him off the bed until he was on the ground.

    Fang Tang¡¯s broken bones didn¡¯t hurt at all. He stomped his right leg in astonishment, but still felt no pain!

    ¡°Walk a few steps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she sat on the bed.

    Fang Tang tried walking all around the room. In the end, he opened up his clothes to stare at his stab wound. His broken leg was cured, but what about his stomach injury?

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of Fang Tang¡¯s well-defined V-line and eight-pack. What a good body!

    Fang Tang touched the location of his injury. He¡¯d obviously been stabbed through, but there was nothing there but a red mark now. He rubbed it vigorously. The newly grown flesh over the old was a bit tender, but didn¡¯t bleed.

    ¡°It really is cured, ah,¡± Fang Tang muttered to himself. Reality was right before his eyes, but young General Fang still couldn¡¯t quite believe it. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao rested her chin in her hands to stare at Fang Tang¡¯s pecs. It¡¯d be a waste not to stare at such a well-built body.

    It was at this moment that Lou Zigui entered the room. The first thing he saw was Fang Tang half-exposing himself to Ning Xiaoyao, who was staring fixedly at him. His expression instantly darkened. Fang Tang saw his Supreme Commander and quickly turned with a loud voice, ¡°Supreme Commander, look!¡± He was still so stunned that he hadn¡¯t realized his Supreme Commander was ready to thrash him.

    Lou Zigui took one look at the reddish mark on Fang Tang¡¯s abs before stepping between him and Ning Xiaoyao. Once he¡¯d sessfully blocked the man from her sight, he said coldly, ¡°What are you thinking, exposing your chest in front of His Majesty like that? What kind of ce do you think this is?!¡±

    Fang Tang opened and closed his mouth a few times. We¡¯re all men here, so what¡¯s the big deal? (Author: But Your Majesty is not a man....)

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you getting dressed yet?¡± Supreme Commander¡¯s voice turned even colder. Fang Tang quickly closed up his shirt again. Lou Zigui still regarded his subordinate with a chilly gaze until Fang Tang straightened out his waistband as well. Only then did Lou Zigui shift to look at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see a thing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said immediately.

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Really,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lifted her hand and vowed, ¡°I was looking at the door just then, haha. In any case, I think yours are better, Supreme Commander.¡±

    If you didn¡¯t see a thing, how do you know that mine are better? Lou Zigui wanted to say as he stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Fang Tang only scratched his head and felt like he was missing something in the equation.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned so her eyebrows curved to match. ¡°You¡¯re the best.¡±

    Lou Zigui knew the girl was trying to trick him, but he still felt a bit better. He walked to her side and lightly pinched her chubby cheek. ¡°Fang Tang¡¯s alright now?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°He could even go beat up Xie Anji one more time to settle things.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, how did you do that?¡± Fang Tang asked. Although his Supreme Commander wasn¡¯t happy with him now, he still had to ask before he died from curiosity.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously, ¡°It¡¯s a secret art from my master.¡±

    ¡°Then Your Majesty, who¡¯s your master? Where are they?¡± Fang Tang ran delightfully towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°With medical skills like Your Majesty¡¯s, we¡¯d save a lot of lives on the battlefield!¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°I was thinking the same thing. We didn¡¯t know each other in the past, but now that we do, you don¡¯t have to worry, Lil¡¯ Big Bro Fang. I¡¯ll join you guys in the battlefield in the future and beat that Modu to death.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty wants to personally lead a military expedition?¡± Fang Tang was even more thrilled.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was serious. ¡°I want to personally lead an expedition.¡± Killing the leader of the Northern Hu isn¡¯t the most important thing, but going to White Wolf Gorge so I can rescue Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother!

    Fang Tang grasped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands and said, deeply moved, ¡°Your Majesty, when are you leading the expedition?¡±

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could reply, Lou Zigui stuck out a leg and kicked Fang Tang aside. Fang Tang fell face-first with a st before crawling mournfully to his feet. ¡°Supreme Commander, what did I do wrong?¡±

    ¡°Get out,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    ¡°Is all safe and sound enough in the capital for His Majesty to lead a military expedition?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Both Ning Xiaoyao and Fang Tang wilted at his words. That¡¯s right, ah. Grand Preceptor Xie and his cohorts are still here. How can we leave on an expedition now?

    ¡°Get out,¡± Lou Zigui told Fang Tang coldly. Thest thing he wanted was to see this bastard right now.

    Fang Tang left, but still couldn¡¯t figure it out. He¡¯d clearlypleted his assigned mission, so what was Supreme Commander so displeased about?

    --

    Lou Zigui took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands and held them before he said, ¡°He was taking liberties with a woman just then. If he does this in the future, you should beat him up.¡± (Author: Supreme Commander, you¡¯vepletely wronged Fang Tang, ah. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    Ning Xiaoyao was astute enough to keep quiet. Truthfully speaking, she¡¯d even entertained the thought of feeling up Fang Tang¡¯s V-line and eight-pack just then. But if Fang Tang holding her hands counting as ¡®taking liberties,¡¯ then fine. Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head. Good thing I didn¡¯t get touchy-feely back there.

    Lou Zigui pulled out a chair and sat in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I want Fang Tang to go back to Anyuan and transfer troops to the capital. As long as the ck Frost Cavalry reaches the capital city, Xie Wenyuan will be no threat.¡±

    ¡°But Grand Preceptor will know that I¡¯d healed Fang Tang¡¯s injury, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Supreme Commander, how are you nning to trick Grand Preceptor Xie?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said my piece in front of the Hall of Golden Chimes. Even if we don¡¯t stick to them, we can¡¯t let anyone see the difference,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°So Fang Tang will be hiding in Supreme Splendor Hall to avoid meeting anyone. That¡¯s reasonable. Meanwhile, I¡¯ve already arranged for a body double from the imperial guards to pose as him while Fang Tang¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°Well dang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exhaled, ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re so amazing!¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled. He was a cold and aloof man most of the time, but his smile was as brilliant as a flower. Ning Xiaoyao cupped his face with her hands and said, ¡°Pretty, I like.¡±

    Lou Zigui allowed her to hold him as he replied, ¡°Xiaoyao, when you smile, I---I like it too.¡±

    ¡°Really? Hahaha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao drew her mouth back andughed, revealing her white teeth. She just looked a bit idiotic, but even a fool as ignorant in love as Lou Zigui knew better than to tell her that outright.

    ¡°Ha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed. ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re as beautiful as a flower while I¡¯m as handsome as the Heavens. We make the perfect pair, don¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Supreme Commander Lou. Why am I the one as beautiful as a flower?!

 Chapter 215: His Majestyâ€™s research into the refugees

    <h4>Chapter 215: His Majesty''s research into the refugees</h4>

    ¡°Next, you can tell me about these farmers raising a righteous army thing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a serious face after she finishedughing.

    ¡°Raising a righteous army?¡± Lou Zigui echoed.

    ¡°Oh, I mean the roving rebel bands,¡± Ning Xiaoyao borated. ¡°Supreme Commander, so you understand?¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. When did I start understanding anything?

    ¡°You¡¯re not sure why, either?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked when he didn¡¯t speak.

    Lou Zigui sat a little closer to Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°I¡¯ve told you about the refugees before.¡± It was time for Supreme Commander Lou to start lessons for Ning Xiaoyao again. This time, they would learn exactly what ¡®roving rebel bands¡¯ were.

    --

    Outside the rooms, Fang Tang was have a staring contest with Imperial Physician Gao.

    ¡°You¡¯vepletely recovered?¡± Imperial Physician Gao was rubbing his eyes.

    ¡°Completely,¡± Fang Tang replied. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s master¡¯s secret arts did it. If His Majesty was a doctor, then all of you imperial physicians could retire to nt fields at home.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Imperial Physician Gao. Doesn¡¯t this man ever think before he speaks?!

    Fang Tang stomped his right leg a few times in front of Imperial Physician Gao, who immediately knelt down and said, ¡°Let me look at your wound.¡±

    Fang Tang was quite generous. ¡°Look as you will.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao examined Fang Tang¡¯s two injuries over and over again for almost an entire hour before Fang Tang grew impatient. Finally, the doctor muttered to himself, ¡°This is impossible.¡±

    Fang Tang fell silent. This is all he has to saw after looking at me for so long? He¡¯s hopeless. He can¡¯t even tell what¡¯s up! This doctor¡¯s nothingpared to His Majesty. (Author: Your Majesty is using her supernormal abilities...)

    --

    Inside the pce, Ning Xiaoyao was rubbing her chin in thought. ¡°Mm, I understand now.¡±

    ¡°What do you understand?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped off the bed to standing in front of him. ¡°Rebel bands are organized groups of refugees who are armed with weapons. They¡¯re simply raising a revolt.¡±

    Lou Zigui creased his brows. ¡°Rebel bands are traitors who rebelled. You didn¡¯t know?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was quite bold and self-assured. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me that before, ah. Neither did you mention that their big boss¡¯s made it his duty to kill me!¡±

    Do I need to exin such things? Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao as he grew speechless once again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°I have ways to deal with their big boss.¡±

    ¡°What do you even mean by big boss... Forget it,¡± Lou Zigui rested another hand against his forehead. ¡°Tell me then, how do you n to deal with him?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao bent down until her mouth was by Lou Zigui¡¯s ear, then murmured, ¡°He doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m actually a girl, oh~¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand her words. ¡°So then?¡±

    ¡°So if he really does bring his troops into the capital, I¡¯ll take off these dragon robes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said smugly. ¡°And put on a dress. Could the big boss realize that I¡¯m the emperor then?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s body shifted to the side and nearly sent him toppling off the chair. This wasn¡¯t an idea that everyone coulde up with. ¡°You,¡± he straightened up and continued, ¡°You¡¯re prepared to give up your kingdom?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not giving it, I just can¡¯t defeat them by that point,¡± Ning Xiaoyao corrected. ¡°If I could, then that big boss would never manage to lead his troops to the capital, ah.¡±

    There was some logic to those words, so Lou Zigui was once again struck speechless.

    ¡°So roving rebel bands are made up of refugees,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked as she began pacing in circles around the room.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°No matter how capable Tao Yu is about fighting, he still needs the local military officers¡¯ support. Moreover, he has to bring the troops over the location. As to where we¡¯re transferring them from---¡±

    Supreme Commander, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly halted. ¡°Do as you see fit for these things. I¡¯m going to discuss life with my uncle, Prince Fu.¡±

    Lou Zigui felt a headacheing on. ¡°You¡¯re going to find Prince Fu---¡±

    m! Ning Xiaoyao had already gone out the door. Soon afterwards, Fang Tang carefully stuck his head inside. ¡°Supreme Commander, where did His Majesty go?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Lou Zigui snapped at him. Fang Tang quickly withdrew his head and looked back at the nk-faced Imperial Physician Gao.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my Supreme Commander?¡± he asked in a low voice.

    Imperial Physician Gao was still staring into space, lost in his own little world. He didn¡¯t pay Fang Tang any attention. With everyone around him acting strangely, Fang Tang didn¡¯t know what to do. When the door behind him mmed again, he turned quickly to catch Lou Zigui walking out of the room. Fang Tang quickly caught up behind him, but kept his mouth shut.

    ¡°Stay in the pce and don¡¯t go out,¡± Lou Zigui urged him. ¡°You can leave the capital after I finish the arrangements with Prince Zhi.¡±

    Fang Tang nodded. ¡°Then what are you doing now, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°I still have things to take care of,¡± Lou Zigui lightly patted Fang Tang¡¯s shoulders before descending the steps leading to the courtyard. He had brought the Pei brothers and Tao Yu back with him, so he couldn¡¯t leave them waiting. They still had to discuss how to transfer the troops. Lou Zigui felt like his work would never end.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Fang Tang jabbed at Imperial Physician Gao with a finger once he saw that Lou Zigui was gone. ¡°Say something.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao stared nkly into the distance. Seeing this, Fang Tang had no choice but to go back inside and lie down.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao reached the Hall of Punishments just as Prince Fu was taking his strolls around the courtyard. If Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t checked his bone structure first, she never would¡¯ve recognized the man. Who was this handsome old uncle? ( ¡Ñ o ¡Ñ ) As soon as Prince Fu saw Ning Xiaoyao, his satisfied expression took on a gloomy look.

    ¡°We servants greet Your Majesty,¡± the various eunuchs in the courtyard fell on their knees. Despite his reluctance, Prince Fu had to join them in paying respects.

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said cheerfully with a wave. ¡°Everyone can get up.¡±

    Prince Fu immediately stopped kneeling.

    ¡°Go out and take a walk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the eunuchs. ¡°I¡¯m going to talk with my uncle a bit.¡±

    The eunuchs hurried away.

    ¡°Uncle, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called out to Prince Fu, who only rolled his eyes at her.

    ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare. Is Your Majesty nning to let this subject go?¡± Even though he didn¡¯t have to spend all days in his cell now, it was still abuse to keep him trapped in this courtyard.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat down on a stone stool and replied, ¡°Come sit, uncle.¡±

    Prince Fu stood there unmoving, his voice cold. ¡°What has Your Majesty found this subject for?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao examined Prince Fu from head to toe. ¡°My God, so this is what you actually look like, ah, uncle. Look at you! Now that you¡¯re skinnier, you look more human now. So handsome!¡±

    (#¨F¡ä)Í¹, thought Prince Fu. Did I not look human before?!

    ¡°Sit,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the empty stool before her. ¡°Let¡¯s have a talk.¡±

    Prince Fu walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side but still didn¡¯t sit. ¡°If Your Majesty has something to say, why not say it outright? This subject has nothing more to give Your Majesty anymore. That¡¯s right, this subject still wants to ask Your Majesty, when is this subject getting my official sry?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°As long as you don¡¯t mention the sry, we can still stay a good uncle and nephew pair.¡±

    Prince Fu really wanted to beat that wretch to death. Who wants to be a good uncle to you?!

    ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t sit too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I came because I have bad news.¡±

    Prince Fu stared down Ning Xiaoyao as if facing his worst enemy. ¡°What did you do this time?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took out the emergency missive from her pocket and stuffed it into Prince Fu¡¯s hands. ¡°Uncle, have a look.¡±

    Prince Fu epted the papers doubtfully. Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a sugar bean into her mouth. Meanwhile, Big Boss ck had slipped in out of nowhere and jumped into herp before settling down. As Ning Xiaoyao petted his head, she conjured a fish out of another pocket and stuffed it in Big Boss ck¡¯s mouth. Meanwhile, Prince Fu¡¯s hands had started trembling so violently that the paper crinkled in his hands. Ning Xiaoyao knew then that he¡¯d read up to the part where the farmers were rallying to kill their way to Fenglin City.

    ¡°How could this have happened?!¡± Prince Fu shouted after he¡¯d finished.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said innocently.

    ¡°Have you sent reinforcements yet?¡± Prince Fu demanded next.

    Ning Xiaoyao hugged Big Boss ck and said, ¡°I have. Tao Yu¡¯s leading them and they¡¯ll start fighting soon.¡±

    Prince Fu sat down in front of Ning Xiaoyao and asked, ¡°Tao Yu? Tao Chen¡¯s brother by a concubine? Is he capable?¡±

    ¡°I think so,¡± Ning Xiaoyao leaned forward and dropped her voice. ¡°You can¡¯t just rely on the army for these things.¡±

    Prince Fu was panicking already, but now he was perplexed. ¡°Then what else are you nning?¡±

    ¡°Old Gramps Li is dividing up yournd as we speak,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°What does that have to do with the roving rebel bands?!¡± Prince Fu raged. Does he never get by without provoking my lungs every day?!

    ¡°Don¡¯t get excited, listen to what I have to say,¡± Ning Xiaoyao consoled him. ¡°Right now, the rebel army still hasn¡¯t reached Fenglin City.¡±

    Prince Fu took deep breaths. ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t get excited. You talk.¡±

    ¡°What I mean is, let¡¯s not have Old Gramps Li worry over dividing thend, but just hand it over to the neighbors,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    Prince Fu leapt to his feet. ¡°Why are you still talking aboutnd?¡± His wife and children all lived in Fenglin City. He didn¡¯t dare to imagine the city being invaded!

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand and pulled Prince Fu back onto the stool. ¡°I¡¯ve looked into it already. Most of the rebel band consists of refugees.¡±

    ¡°And the rest?¡± Prince Fu asked.

    ¡°Oh, Supreme Commander said,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°The rest are just made up of those good-for-nothings who can¡¯t support themselves, so they¡¯re just shamelessly joining the refugees to get a free meal.¡± (Author: Is that really how Supreme Commander exined it to you?)

    Prince Fu¡¯s voice was filled with hate. ¡°As expected, they¡¯re a despicable lot.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the despicable lotter,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°First we should talk about the refugees. They¡¯re rebelling because their families can¡¯t survive anymore, ah. But if they havend and houses and a livelihood, then uncle, do you think they¡¯ll even consider rebelling?¡±

    Prince Fu finally took in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. ¡°So Your Majesty is nning to...?¡±

    ¡°Spend money to get rid of cmity,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered as she pped the stone table.

    ¡°W-whose money are you spending?¡± Prince Fu was a little lost.

    ¡°Yournd and your money, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said boldly. ¡°Uncle, you know that I still owe you sry. I¡¯m really poor.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Prince Fu. So he still wants my livelihood, ah.

    ¡°Of course, this scheme will be useless for the leader of the rebel bands,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°He¡¯s not worrying about food, he wants our Yongning kingdom. Supreme Commander told me that the reason we lost East Ji¡¯s 19 cities is because all of the refugees there followed Big Boss Xiang¡¯s summons to raise arms and revolt. That¡¯s one of the biggest reasons for the rebellion.¡±

    ¡°So you want to stabilize what remaining rebels you still can?¡± Prince Fu¡¯s gaze on Ning Xiaoyao shifted. He¡¯s a shameless wretch with absolutely no virtues, but it looks like he does actually have some ability, ah.

 Chapter 216: I respect you as a man

    <h4>Chapter 216: I respect you as a man</h4>

    p! Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands. ¡°Uncle is wise and brilliant!¡±

    Prince Fu sat there thinking for a long time. After being tricked by Ning Xiaoyao, he was full of nothing but caution against her. Suppose that shameless bastard tries to trick me again?

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the myriad of expressions ying across Prince Fu¡¯s face as her mouth twitched. Looks like a person¡¯s expressions are still important to determine how handsome he can be. Prince Fu was clearly a dashing uncle, but he looked kind of idiotic when he made too many faces.

    ¡°Uncle, ah,¡± she called out to him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk,¡± Prince Fu retorted. ¡°Let me consider things carefully.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°What¡¯s there to think about?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not hiding any evil intentions from me?¡± Prince Fu asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao arched a brow. ¡°Look at what you¡¯re saying, uncle. When have I ever hid any evil intentions from you? I don¡¯t know how to be a bad guy.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Prince Fu. This bastard¡¯s skin¡¯s too thick!

    ¡°Uncle,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I say we just do it my way. Saving lives is like putting out a fire, right? You have to be quick.¡±

    Prince Fu asked with great difficulty, ¡°How are you nning to split up mynd and my money?¡±

    ¡°You can decide on that, uncle,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°You know more about Fenglin City than I do, ah.¡±

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Prince Fu said. ¡°You want me to go back?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was quite surprised. ¡°If you don¡¯t, who¡¯s going to do the job?¡±

    Prince Fu¡¯s face began to tremble again. Fenglin City might fall into the rebels¡¯ hands soon, but this wretch still wanted him to go back? To seek my own death? ¡°I, I just knew it!¡± Prince Fu pointed at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s nose.

    Ning Xiaoyao was a bit lost. ¡°What did uncle just know?¡±

    ¡°This prince just knew it, you want me to die!¡± Prince Fu shouted in rage.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck grew impatient when he saw Prince Fu¡¯s finger about to poke Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eye. He opened his mouth and bit the offending digit.

    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Prince Fu shrieked.

    ¡°Ah geez,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly pulled Big Boss ck back. ¡°ck Tubby, quick, let go! Hurry and let go!¡±

    ¡°Damned beast!¡± Prince Fu swore.

    Big Boss ck was about to let go when the insult made him tighten his teeth in a death-grip.

    ¡°Ning Yu!¡± Prince Fu switched to directly howling Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s name.

    The various people outside the Hall of Punishment all exchanged nces. The prince¡¯s cries were so wretched---just what was His Majesty doing to the man?

    ¡°Open your mouth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pried at Big Boss ck¡¯s jaws. ¡°His meat isn¡¯t tasty, really. It¡¯s not as yummy as a little rat¡¯s. In the past, he was fat and full of grease, but now he¡¯s as dry as a stick. It¡¯s like gnawing like cured meat, not tasty at all!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Prince Fu. This bastard¡¯s still cursing me, isn¡¯t he?

    Big Boss ck was forcefully pried off by Ning Xiaoyao, who felt guilty upon seeing Prince Fu¡¯s bleeding finger. She rapped Big Boss ck on the head and dered, ¡°Why are you so disobedient? If you act like this again, I¡¯ll beat you up next time!¡±

    Big Boss ck ignored her only to re at Prince Fu before licking his lips. ¡°Miaow!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Prince Fu asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Does your cat want to eat people?¡±

    ¡°What kind of cat eats humans, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced Big Boss ck on the ground. ¡°Go look for your Supreme Commander. Don¡¯t cause trouble for me here.¡±

    Big Boss ck bared his fangs at Prince Fu onest time before scampering away. After being threatened by a cat, Prince Fu had no idea how he should feel anymore. Even small animals are looking down on me now?!

    ¡°Uncle, uncle,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand in Prince Fu¡¯s face. ¡°Let¡¯s not set ourselves against kitties, but keep talking.¡±

    ¡°I want to see an imperial physician,¡± Prince Fu protested.

    Ning Xiaoyao took Prince Fu¡¯s finger for a look and saw that it was missing a piece of skin. Her mouth twitched. If this keeps on, will that ck Tubby really end up eating humans?

    ¡°I want to see an imperial physician,¡± Prince Fu demanded again. How can this wretch just sit and watch me bleed? He must be harboring bad intentions against me!

    ¡°Yikes! There¡¯s a cow flying in the air!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cried as she looked up. Although Prince Fu knew that was impossible, he couldn¡¯t help but look up as well. Ning Xiaoyao seized the chance to squeeze his finger briefly before letting go. Meanwhile, the skies were a clear, dark blue devoid of any birds, to say nothing of cows.

    ¡°You!¡± Prince Fu looked back at Ning Xiaoyao in irritation.

    ¡°Your hand¡¯s cured,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Prince Fu¡¯s finger. Realizing his finger had stopped hurting, Prince Fu stopped to check. The bleeding had stopped and the flesh was all but recovered by now aside from some missing skin.

    ¡°Just like how I made you skinny, uncle,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved to get his attention, ¡°I can cure you of all ills and injuries as long as you don¡¯t die first.¡±

    Prince Fu looked nkly at Ning Xiaoyao. He was quite an astute man, or else he never would have taken the leadership position amongst the princes. But every time he ran into Ning Xiaoyao, he felt like his brains were rathercking.

    ¡°You¡¯re a miracle doctor?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stammered, ¡°As humans, we should be modest. It¡¯s fine if you think that to yourself, there¡¯s no need to say it out loud.¡±

    Prince Fu very, very, very much wanted to stop talking with this shameless bastard.

    ¡°Uncle, why don¡¯t you go back to Fenglin City with Tao Yu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested. ¡°You can decide how to divide up yournds. I don¡¯t have any requirements besides for you to be fair.¡±

    Prince Fu stared at Ning Xiaoyao a little longer before he said, ¡°Your Majesty means to say, ¡®do not worry about scarcity, but rather about uneven distribution?¡±[1. do not worry about scarcity...distribution (²»»¼¹Ñ¶ø»¼²»¾ù) - bu huan gua er huan bu jun, this is an idiom from the Analects of Confucius.]

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent and scratched her palms. ¡®Do not worry about scarcity, but rather about uneven distribution¡¯---that sounds like it¡¯s talking about being fair, right?

    ¡°I understand,¡± Prince Fu nodded.

    ¡°Oh? Oh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao instantly forgot the phrase. ¡°Then it¡¯s fine as long as you understand, uncle.¡±

    ¡°How can I aplish Your Majesty¡¯s perception of fairness?¡± Prince Fu asked next.

    ¡°As long as it keeps people alive, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If you can¡¯t give it to them, then don¡¯t, that¡¯s all. Also, you need to sign a contract---ah no, a deed. We can¡¯t let the refugees think that we¡¯re just using them, or that we¡¯ll take back thends as soon as the rebel bands retreat.¡±

    Prince Fu felt his meat aching again. ¡°And if the refugees refuse to believe this prince?¡±

    ¡°Thosends are mine, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I heard that emperors are a sacred existence. If they don¡¯t believe you, they won¡¯t take my words as just fats from a fly, will they?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Prince Fu. So, you¡¯re saying that my words are like a fart?

    ¡°Be humble,¡± Ning Xiaoyao admonished earnestly. ¡°All those civilians are having trouble surviving. If they¡¯re not waiting for death, then they¡¯re revolting. If we lose our kingdom, what will you be prince of then, uncle? Right now, we want to quell the rebellions first so they can regain their faith in the royal court. So that there, uncle, do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    Prince Fu¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Your Majesty wants this prince to kneel to the refugees?¡±

    ¡°If kneeling works, then kneel,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If you can¡¯t bear to bend your knees, just imagine the refugees taking over Fenglin City with their giant sabers. When those men set their eyes on your daughters, ah, or your sons---¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Prince Fu mmed the stone table with a roar. Ning Xiaoyao muffled her mouth, while Prince Fu grew extremely uneasy.

    ¡°Which is more important, human lives or money?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked in a very small voice.

    Prince Fu replied, ¡°This prince may end up dying at Fenglin City.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything bad about dying with your family,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Prince Fu on the chest. ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re a man. Are you nning to start a new family in the capital after letting your old one die?¡±

    ¡°This prince never had such an idea!¡±

    ¡°Then go to Fenglin City!¡±

    ¡°You think this prince doesn¡¯t dare?¡±

    ¡°Then go back!¡±

    Prince Fu mmed the table again and dered, ¡°This prince will go back!¡±

    ¡°Whew,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exhaled, before giving Prince Fu a big thumbs up. ¡°Uncle, I respect you as a man!¡±

    Prince Fu fell back onto his stool and thought, Wait, what have I done?

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s currently fretting over how to transfer the troops,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Prince Fu to his feet. ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re familiar with the situation at East Ji, ah. I¡¯ll take you to see Supreme Commander so you guys can discuss it together.¡±

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Prince Fu said, ¡°Let this prince think it over first.¡±

    ¡°Big Boss Xiang¡¯s army is making their way to Fenglin City this instant, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao simply threw Prince Fu over her shoulders when she saw the man was reluctant to move. ¡°What else do you need to consider? Who needs to think twice when ites to saving their family?¡±

    ¡°You---that¡¯s not---I---¡± Prince Fu wanted to shout, but Ning Xiaoyao took this chance to speed off, stuffing the prince¡¯s mouth full of wind. He coughed, unable to get out another word. The staff at the Hall of Punishment could only watch, speechless, as His Majesty vanished with the prince in a blink of an eye. For a long time, they were unable to say a single word.

    --

    Lou Zigui was currently in one of the side rooms at Supreme Splendor Hall, studying a piece of paper with Tao Yu. The various military barracks of East Ji were drawn on its surface. By their side, the Lord Protector was making suggestions of his own.

    ¡°Supreme Commander~¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran into the room with Prince Fu on her shoulders.

    Lou Zigui looked up and instantly snapped the brush in his hands in half. Why is this girl carrying a man?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Elder Li stood up from his chair. At the sight of him, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile stiffened. Why hasn¡¯t that old gramps gone home yet? Her hands rxed and Prince Fu went tumbling to the ground.

    ¡°Who is this?¡± Elder Li stared at Prince Fu, who was sprawled in an unmoving heap on the ground. The changes to him were so great that he didn¡¯t recognize the man at first sight.

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly pulled Prince Fu to his feet. ¡°Old gramps, this is my uncle, Prince Fu, ah.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± the Lord Protector eximed. He¡¯d heard that Prince Fu had lost weight, but seeing him in the flesh was apletely different feeling.

    Prince Fu only looked at him coldly. ¡°Pei Yi, what are you hollering about?¡±

    The Lord Protector shut his mouth and prepared to pay his respects, but Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to worry about those things, ah. Speaking of which, old gramps, why haven¡¯t you gone home?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said everyone else. Things are already like this, but you¡¯re still wondering why Elder Li hasn¡¯t gone home yet?

    Elder Li replied, ¡°This subject couldn¡¯t stop worrying about East Ji¡¯s battle affairs, so I didn¡¯t go home.¡±

    ¡°Someone already went to notify the Grand Preceptor,¡± Pei Yan added from his seat in the corner. He¡¯d been virtually invisible the entire time. ¡°But the Grand Preceptor only said that he understood.¡±

    ¡°W-what does that mean?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Prince Fu gave a cold snort. ¡°Xie Wenyuan doesn¡¯t want to get involved in this.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s only good for internal strife anyways,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a careless hand. ¡°If we relied on him to win our battles, we might as well go die.¡±

    ¡°But how can we muster up funds and grains without Xie Wenyuan¡¯s word?¡± Elder Li asked in worry. Over half of the officials at court were part of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s faction. If Grand Preceptor Xie wasn¡¯t nning to involve himself, neither would those officials, leaving the court all but half-paralyzed. How were they supposed to fight their wars then, much less send troops against the bandits?

 Chapter 217: The wind always blows against the tree that sticks out

    <h4>Chapter 217: The wind always blows against the tree that sticks out</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t understand Elder Li¡¯s concerns. Why should I give a sry to that bastard if he doesn¡¯t want to work? ¡°Elder Li, just what are you so worried about?¡± She too, had a face full of concern as she looked towards Elder Li.

    Elder Li apologized. ¡°It is this subject who is useless.¡± At a time like this, he could only admit the truth. Despite being hailed as the head of the clear stream faction, he could only stand and watch a man like Xie Wenyuan take over half the court.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. ¡°Old gramps, it¡¯s not like you know how to fight or can enter the battlefield. That can¡¯t count as you being useless, right?

    Elder Li began to suspect that he and His Majesty were talking about twopletely different things.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Eat and drink like you should,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest and promised, ¡°I¡¯ve got this, I¡¯m really fierce when ites to fighting.¡±

    Elder Li knitted his brows. ¡°This doesn¡¯t have anything to do with fights.¡±

    ¡°If I can¡¯t do it, there¡¯s still Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said immediately. ¡°He can even fight the Northern Hu, much less some rebel bands.¡±

    All of the people in the hall looked towards Lou Zigui. Though the Supreme Commander¡¯s expression was calm, it seemed like his mouth had just twitched into a grin for a second.

    ¡°Moreover,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Our General Tao¡¯s pretty formidable too, ah.¡±

    Elder Li looked sternly at Tao Yu, who was standing in front of the table, before he said, ¡°Tao Yu has no experience leading troops into war. Your Majesty says he¡¯s formidable, but how can you be sure?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao arched a brow. ¡°If our General Tao was a useless idiot, would Grand Preceptor Xie would have suppressed him the entire time to make sure he didn¡¯t outshine his son-inw? General Tao¡¯s experience can be summed up in one sentence: he¡¯s a tree that grew too well, so Grand Preceptor Xie was the viinous wind that constantly abused him.¡±

    Everyone present could tell that His Majesty was praising Tao Yu, but it still took time for them to decipher her words.

    ¡°The wind always blows against the tree that sticks out,¡± Lou Zigui exined to Fang Tang and the rest with his hand against his forehead.

    The Lord Protector gave a hollowugh and remarked, ¡°Your Majesty is talented in literature.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood ramrod straight, feeling extremely smug. ¡°I think I¡¯m pretty talented in literature too.¡±

    Prince Fu couldn¡¯t even look at Ning Xiaoyao anymore. This wretch is just too shameless. Elder Li simply nced at the Lord Protector in silence. I never thought such an honest man would spout such outright lies.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor is no fool,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Elder Li. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have waste all that effort if Tao Yu was useless.¡±

    ¡°But wasn¡¯t it just an issue between first wife versus concubine¡¯s children?¡± Elder Li asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ah. Tao Chen was born from the big wife and Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s son-inw,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°And the result? He still wasn¡¯t as capable as Tao Yu, who was born from a concubine---the little wife. Wouldn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor do his best to beat down Tao Yu then?¡±

    The Lord Protector quickly nced at Tao Yu. It was rather hurtful to acknowledge that he was born from a ¡®little wife.¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao sniffed and patted herself. ¡°I was born from a little wife as well. We can¡¯t always let you big wives¡¯ children get all the gains. Aren¡¯t we little wives¡¯ children human as well?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sintspletely floored Elder Li. He couldn¡¯t use His Majesty of spewing nonsense when Empress Dowager Xie really had been Concubine Xie in her life. B-but who would ever refer to themselves like that?

    Born from a little wife, born from a little wife....the words reverberated in Elder Li¡¯s head like a chant without stopping. The Pei brothers exchanged nces and decided to keep quiet. It¡¯d be better if they pretended not to have heard a thing at all. Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze on Ning Xiaoyao turned heavy as he considered the implications. If this girl had been born from the empress, what kind of scene would we have instead?

    Ning Xiaoyao felt Lou Zigui staring at her and turned to give him a grin. Lou Zigui quickly lowered his head as his hands formed into fists. If the empress had given birth to Miss Ning, then she would¡¯ve been betrothed long ago or even married by now. How would she ever have had the chance to meet me, Lou Zigui?

    Ning Xiaoyao saw that Elder Li wasn¡¯t speaking to her at the moment, so she pulled Prince Fu in front of Tao Yu despite the man¡¯s desperate struggles to get free. This was the second time Tao Yu had heard Ning Xiaoyao speak of little wives and concubines. Last time it was in private, so Tao Yu simply thought Ning Xiaoyao was lowering herself tofort him. Perhaps it was even a ploy to win him to her side. But this time Ning Xiaoyao had proimed it in public. Tao Yu suddenly felt for the first time in his life that he could calmly face the reality of his birth origins. When Ning Xiaoyao drew near, Tao Yu quickly bowed. He wasn¡¯t good at talking, so he couldn¡¯t express the feelings in his heart. All he could do was increase his respect towards her.

    ¡°General Tao,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted Prince Fu¡¯s shoulders. ¡°This time, my uncle¡¯sing with you.¡±

    Tao Yu quickly raised his head, a little lost. ¡°The prince is apanying this subject?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded before exining everything she¡¯d already told Prince Fu.

    For a long time after that, nobody in the hall said a word. Spending money to quell a cmity was a never before seen solution to these men. Ning Xiaoyao felt a little uncertain in the face of such silence, so she scooted over to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and tugged on his sleeve. ¡°Is my method too foolish?¡± she asked in a small voice.

    Lou Zigui looked down towards her. Ning Xiaoyao wore a pained expression. ¡°If it is, then you guys can just pretend I didn¡¯t say a word.¡±

    Lou Zigui gently brushed against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand as he subtly leaned towards her to ask, ¡°Has Prince Fu agreed to it?¡±

    ¡°Mm, he has,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t force him to?¡±

    ¡°This is for the sake of the country and his own family. I don¡¯t need to force my uncle to agree, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Big Boss ck, who was perched by Lou Zigui¡¯s feet. ck Tubby might have bitten Prince Fu, but that was because of his bad mood, not because we wanted to extort the man. (Author: Where have you ever seen a cat that loses its temper suddenly enough to bite someone and draw blood?)

    Lou Zigui looked at Prince Fu, who was standing there mumbling unintelligibly to himself. Judging from his expression, he didn¡¯t look agreeable to the proposal. Someone tugged on his sleeve again, and Lou Zigui turned back to see Miss Ning blinking at him. Ning Xiaoyao was very anxious whether her idea would fly. She needed some sort of confirmation.

    ¡°Well done,¡± Lou Zigui smiled at her quietly. ¡°This is an excellent idea.¡± Thinking up something like this is already very good. Making Prince Fu agree to it would be even better.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s done,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rxed visibly. ¡°Now we have money. How is your transfer of the troops going, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to the table where his list of thingsy. Ning Xiaoyao swept over the written contents. She could recognize the names and characters, but not who the people were. ¡°Tell me how many troops you can transfer at once, and how quickly,¡± she said after rubbing her eyes.

    ¡°Within half a month, we can move 60,000 men and horses,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    60,000 was a lot of people. Ning Xiaoyao nodded before grabbing a cup of water from the table to drink. ¡°And how many men are in Big Boss Xiang¡¯s hands, ording to the message?¡±

    ¡°300,000,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Pfft--- Ning Xiaoyao spat out all the water she drank. Using 60,000 men to fight against 300,000? Don¡¯t screw with me! ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ignored the water by her lip to speak. ¡°What about after half a month? How many more men can we send?¡± She was paving a path of glory for General Tao, not sending him to his death, ah!

    ¡°Another 100,000,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Even 160,000 wouldn¡¯t be enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fretted.

    ¡°We can¡¯t move the others,¡± Lou Zigui pointed at a few names on the list, before lowering his voice. ¡°Those are all Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stole a peek at Prince Fu, feeling that she wasn¡¯t just sending Tao Yu to die, but her uncle as well. Lou Zigui lifted a hand to wipe off the water by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips and stated, ¡°We don¡¯t need to match the enemy¡¯s forces when defending a garrison. Fenglin City is located on high ground and surrounded by deep waters. It¡¯s easy to guard and hard to attack. As long as the local refugees don¡¯t join up with the rebel bands, we¡¯ll be able to hold the fort.¡±

    ¡°But is it just a matter of holding the fort?¡± Prince Fu now approached the table. ¡°Would guarding the city actually drive off those rebel bands?¡±

    Lou Zigui folded up his list of names and tucked it away before replying. ¡°Those rebel bands need to eat too. If they attack for a long time without sess, they¡¯ll run out of provisions. As the royal court sends in a steady flow of reinforcements, they¡¯ll be forced to retreat.¡±

    ¡°19 cities, oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gesticted. ¡°They¡¯ve already taken over 19 cities, so why can¡¯t they find more grain from those?¡±

    Lou Zigui only stared at Prince Fu, who coughed once.

    ¡°W-what¡¯s the situation now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Pei Yan spoke up this time. ¡°The prince is mighty and powerful. All of East Ji¡¯s harvests went to Prince Fu¡¯s estate. It isn¡¯t the harvest season yet, butst year¡¯s grain is either in Fenglin City itself or was used by the prince to do business. If the rebel bands want grain, even taking over 19 cities won¡¯t help. Neither the local governments nor the people have much grain on hand. The rebels can only fill their coffers if they seize Fenglin City.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Prince Fu and resisted the urge to beat him up. The hell?!

    The now handsome Prince Fu flushed scarlet under Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s judgmental stare. He somehow managed to say, ¡°If this prince didn¡¯t do this, all of East Ji¡¯s grain would have fallen into the rebel bands¡¯ hands by now...¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, enough already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Stop being so shameless.¡±

    Prince Fu flung his sleeves and fell silent.

    ¡°When you go back this time, divide up the grain along with thend and money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°What?!¡± Prince Fu cried out.

    ¡°For the sake of staying alive.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Why are you still being petty when faced with imminent death? Moreover, you¡¯re making it sound as if those things still belong to you!¡±

    Prince Fu fumed. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they belong to this prince?¡±

    ¡°You can tell people that after the country¡¯s copsed,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at him nt-eyed. ¡°Anyways, do all these fields really belong to you? You sure are something. Let me ask you a question, just when did your fief extend to the entirety of East Ji?¡±

    Prince Fu fell silent once again.

    ¡°It clearly serves you right for doing something so stupid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed a finger at him. ¡°Divide up thend around Fenglin City first. I¡¯ll send a capable official to take care of thend in East Ji.¡±

    Prince Fu only felt pained and unresigned to it all, but he was hard pressed to preserve Fenglin City, much less all of East Ji. Even if I rise to the Heavens, I still wouldn¡¯t be able to save that much! He could admit defeat in his heart, but his words were still stubborn. ¡°Then what did Xie Wenyuan rely on to stir up trouble as he likes in court?¡±

    ¡°This will have to wait until we meet my father at the Yellow Springs. We can ask him then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°Then it¡¯s decided.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Prince Fu. What did he say? ¡®Then it¡¯s decided?!¡¯

 Chapter 218: Prince Fu wants to die together

    <h4>Chapter 218: Prince Fu wants to die together</h4>

    ¡°General Tao, prepare to depart with my uncle. Supreme Commander, take care of transferring the troops,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before spreading her hands at Elder Li. ¡°Old gramps, look at this. We didn¡¯t need the Grand Preceptor after all.¡±

    Elder Li asked, ¡°Before moving the troops and horses, we¡¯ll need grain and grass for them first. This subject respectfully asks Your Majesty how that is to be arranged?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Prince Fu, who had thoroughly lost his temper. ¡°This prince is already dividing up my family property. What else does Your Majesty want this prince to do?!¡±

    In Prince Fu¡¯s eyes, he¡¯d already given up so much. Anyone who had a sense of tact would know to stop demanding more things. But much to his disappointment, Ning Xiaoyao waspletely tactless. She shrugged and said, ¡°But I don¡¯t have any money, ah.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Prince Fu.

    ¡°Your wife and children are both at Fenglin City, oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged again with a sigh. ¡°What to do? The Grand Preceptor has money, so maybe you could talk with him, uncle?¡±

    Prince Fu wanted to kill Ning Xiaoyao more than anyone else, but now Grand Preceptor Xie was the second. ¡°This. Prince. Has. No. Money!¡± he emphasized word by word.

    ¡°So it¡¯s decided,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui and Tao Yu instead. ¡°General Tao will set out tomorrow.¡±

    Tao Yu went on his knees without waiting for Prince Fu to protest. ¡°This subject epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°Rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. She couldn¡¯t help him up personally because Lou Zigui was holding her back, so she only made a lifting motion with her hands.

    ¡°Go back to the military barracks,¡± Lou Zigui told Tao Yu after he stood up. ¡°And assemble your subordinates there. Have them apany you to East Ji.¡±

    Hearing this, Tao Yu hastily looked towards Ning Xiaoyao. I can even take my subordinates with me?

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before nodding. ¡°Mm, take them. I¡¯ll worry less if you¡¯re fighting with your brothers by your side.¡±

    Tao Yu¡¯s eyes grew red with tears as his voice rose into a trill. ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°I have experience with this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°I fight people a lot.¡±

    Lou Zigui wanted to tell her that fighting wasn¡¯t the same as war, but ultimately decided to keep quiet. Whatever makes her happy. Moreover, he could tell by Tao Yu¡¯s state that he¡¯d swallowed up all of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words despite being the standoffish type of man.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to pat Tao Yu on the shoulder, but Supreme Commander Lou pulled her back before she could reach him. She could only encourage the man with a wide grin.

    ¡°His Majesty will prepare the decree to transfer the troops and give you the tiger tally by tonight,¡± Lou Zigui told Tao Yu. ¡°You should make preparations first.¡±

    Tao Yu nodded, but suddenly fell on his knees again to reverently kowtow three times to Ning Xiaoyao. Then he rose and strode out of the audience hall withrge strides.

    ¡°A real man,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui as she pointed at Tao Yu.

    Lou Zigui just smiled. ¡°Your Majesty has done very well in trusting your men and using them.¡±

    Prince Fu said, ¡°Your Majesty, this prince hasn¡¯t agreed to anything.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao simply looked at him until his face started turning shades of green. She sniffed, then said, ¡°You have to do it even if you don¡¯t want to.¡±

    Prince Fu took arge step back and raged, ¡°Are you nning to bepletely unreasonable?¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°Were you being any more reasonable when you imed all of East Ji¡¯s grain for yourself?

    ¡°That was because, that--¡± Prince Fu stuttered, before finding an excuse and spitting it out. ¡°Thete emperor always knew, but he never said this prince couldn¡¯t do so!¡±

    ¡°You call him thete emperor too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at him. ¡°Who¡¯s the emperor now? It¡¯s me, alright?¡±

    ¡°....¡± said Prince Fu.

    ¡°You have to have money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao folded her hands behind her back as she circled around Prince Fu. ¡°When my father¡¯s father was emperor, you were already Prince Fu. Now my father¡¯s already been buried, but you¡¯re still Prince Fu. How much money did you make just from selling grain all these years?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®my father¡¯s father?¡¯¡± Prince Fu wanted to change the subject.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t fooled. Money and grain were the main points now, while everything else was irrelevant!

    Prince Fu fell silent.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Huh, you wanna fight me by keeping silent? You heartless, faithless bastard! Your big and little wives and your sons and daughters are all waiting for you to save them, but you¡¯re not willing to part with your embezzled funds?!¡±

    ¡°Th, those aren¡¯t embezzled funds...¡± Prince Fu sounded very unconfident.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled.

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s not it. This prince isn¡¯t heartless or faithless...¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said again.

    ¡°You,¡± Prince Fu sputtered. ¡°Can¡¯t you spare a single coin?¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked towards Prince Fu.

    Prince Fu grit his teeth. ¡°Will you stop ¡®heheh¡¯-ing?¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Damn your ancestors!¡± Prince Fu finally snapped.

    Elder Li and Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even have time to rebuke him before Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth smirked. ¡°Hey hey, we¡¯re part of the same n. Uncle, just what are you doing? Can you keep up like this?¡±

    ¡°I---this prince---ahhHHHHHHhhhh----¡± Prince Fu wed at his head as he fell apart.

    ¡°Stop making a row,¡± the Lord Protector looked at Prince Fu with a heavy heart. ¡°If you keep scratching yourself like that, you¡¯ll draw blood.¡±

    Prince Fu stopped, feeling as if his head was really bleeding. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao and debated whether he should die together with the wretch. Ning Xiaoyao formed a fist and said, ¡°Uncle, ah, let me remind you: you can¡¯t beat me in a fight.¡±

    The Lord Protector suddenly felt sorry for Prince Fu. His Majesty¡¯s utterly ruthless when ites to stepping on others.

    ¡°Besides, what do you mean by can¡¯t I spare a single coin?¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°Who do the soldiers belong to? Who¡¯s sending out the troops? Won¡¯t a battle take lives or cause injuries? I¡¯m sending out all those good men. Uncle, you should calcte the costs yourself. How much is the worth of a single human life?¡±

    Prince Fu wanted to say that the lives of soldiers were worth utter crap, but he didn¡¯t dare in the face of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fist. That brazen bastard was fully capable of beating him up.

    ¡°Have some shame,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°It¡¯s already bad enough that our country has that unrepentant Grand Preceptor. Uncle, can¡¯t you show some humility? Tell me, would the rebel bands have beaten East Ji so thoroughly if it wasn¡¯t for your actions? The hearts of the people can,¡± Ning Xiaoyao paused to think, then looked towards Lou Zigui. ¡°Can what again?¡±

    ¡°The hearts of the people can support and oppose,¡± Lou Zigui finished.

    ¡°Do you want me to talk more about life with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Prince Fu next.

    Prince Fu¡¯s face was burning. But if he gave away everything this time, how would he live his days once the rebel bands were gone? Now this bastard Ning Yu was telling him to do as he liked and ckmail him. If he ended up as a poor, powerless prince, wouldn¡¯t Ning Yu be free to kill him whenever he wanted? (Author: Actually, prince, His Majesty has the guts to kill you even now, if she wanted to. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°All of this prince¡¯s money is at Fenglin City,¡± Prince Fu put up his final protest. ¡°I have no way to bring out the cash or grain right now.¡±

    ¡°Even rabbits have three dens. Would you really put all your money at Fenglin City?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at him with a do you take me for an idiot expression. ¡°Uncle, if you keep acting like this, we might as well stop fighting for Fenglin. Whoever wants it can take it.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Prince Fu pointed a finger a Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck meowed loudly. Prince Fu saw the fat ck cat by Lou Zigui¡¯s feet and quietly withdrew his hand.

    ¡°That there, Your Excellency Pei, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao found Pei Yan.

    He bowed in response. ¡°This subject is here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to trouble you to take a walk with my uncle and withdraw all the money he has in the capital¡¯s private banks,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Then move away all the grain from the shops of he and his rtives here.¡±

    ¡°This prince has no grain shops in the capital!¡± Prince Fu yelled.

    ¡°So you just have money stored here, then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at him. ¡°You have both. Don¡¯t think I can¡¯t see through your greedy ways. You think about money birthing money even in your dreams.¡±

    A droplet of sweat rolled down Prince Fu¡¯s forehead. When did this shameless wretch get so astute?

    Ning Xiaoyao silently gave Big Boss ck a thumbs up. She had pals that flew in the air, swam in the water, ran on the ground and dug in the earth. As long as she had questions, she would get answers.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the doors.

    Pei Yan took this chance to ask, ¡°Your Majesty, are we taking grain from the other imperial nsmen¡¯s shops as well?¡±

    ¡°We are,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Just say that my uncle¡¯s borrowing it from them.¡±

    Prince Fu¡¯s legs grew weak as he copsed onto the ground. How am I supposed to live amongst the nsmen now? If we take all the grain from their stores, won¡¯t they eat me alive?

    ¡°Not just grain,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added after some thought. ¡°Take away anything you can find. None of them are as poor as me, anyways. That¡¯s what we¡¯ll do.¡±

    Pei Yan nced at Prince Fu, who was sitting on the ground, before falling to his knees before Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This subject epts the decree.¡±

    The Lord Protector felt like he was in a dream. When did our family¡¯s second eldest start treating His Majesty with such respect? Isn¡¯t this all too sudden?

    ¡°Should I ask a few of the Dragon Guard big bros toe with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Prince Fu as she bid Pei Yan rise.

    Prince Fu had to crawl multiple times before he staggered to his feet. ¡°Isn¡¯t Your Majesty afraid of the nsmen kneeling outside the pce and shouting at you to take back your decree?¡±

    This time, Ning Xiaoyao was even toozy to chuckle back. She simply rolled her eyes at him.

    ¡°........¡± said Prince Fu. I suffered that eyeroll for nothing. Of course, why would this wretch care about things like that at all?

    ¡°Prince, if you please.¡± Pei Yan approached Prince Fu and gestured to him to go ahead.

    ¡°This is the Nine Gates Infantry Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao introduced Pei Yan. ¡°He¡¯s an important official of the court, so you have to respect him, uncle.¡±

    Prince Fu simply turned on his heel and stalked outside. Me, a prince, respecting a Nine Gates Infantry Commander? He felt like he never wanted to see Ning Xiaoyao again in this lifetime.

    ¡°Bring along Windy and the rest,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Pei Yan. ¡°They have experience moving things.¡±

    Second Young Master Pei¡¯s mouth twitched at that. Did they get that experience from moving away Xie Wenyuan¡¯s things?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao exhaled in relief once Pei Yan and Prince Fu were gone. ¡°Ah geez, it¡¯s finally over.¡±

    ¡°Over?¡± the Lord Protector gave a start.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We¡¯ve got soldiers, a general, the general¡¯s pals, money, and grain. Lord Protector, is there anything else we need to do?¡±

    The Lord Protector shook his head. There really isn¡¯t anything left.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked towards Elder Li and said, very respectfully, ¡°Old gramps, you can go home and eat now, right?¡±

    Elder Li stared at Ning Xiaoyao with aplicated gaze, causing her body to stiffen. Does he still want to find me for something else?

    Elder Li couldn¡¯t help but think to himself how everything had been resolved. His Majesty actually pushed out Prince Fu to get rid of the problem before us?!

    Ning Xiaoyao scooted behind Lou Zigui and whispered, ¡°Why is old gramps looking at me like that? Does he want to bite me to death? What¡¯s going on?¡± (Author: Just how much do you fear that old gramps, ah? What has he ever done to you?)

 Chapter 219: Did Supreme Commander give you his promise?

    <h4>Chapter 219: Did Supreme Commander give you his promise?</h4>

    Elder Li bowed towards Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject will take his leave.¡±

    ¡°Great, ah, great,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck out her head from behind Lou Zigui. ¡°Have a good trip, old gramps. Farewell, old gramps!¡±

    Elder Li backed up three steps before turning his back and leaving. Although he executed his formal bow perfectly, the Lord Protector could tell that the man seemed light-headed and swayed when he walked, as if he was stepping on cotton.

    ¡°Elder Li really is getting on his years,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked to Lou Zigui after the man walked out of the hall.

    ¡°.....¡± said the Lord Protector. Is this really an issue of age?

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Elder Li didn¡¯t like the sight of him, nor did he in turn. He didn¡¯t want to talk much about Elder Li at all.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Supreme Commander, are you hungry? Let¡¯s go eat.¡±

    The Lord Protector didn¡¯t hear Ning Xiaoyao dismiss him, so he asked, ¡°Is Your Majesty nning to leave this subject for the meal as well?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression nched before she red at him. ¡°What? You want to eat here, oh?¡±

    The Lord Protector turned dumbfounded when he saw His Majesty stare at him like a hated enemy.

    ¡°You still owe me a meal,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she continued to re. Trying to get free food out of me while still owing me himself?! Anyone who makes this Majesty spend money now is my husband-snatching foe! (Author: Enough already, you. Where¡¯s your so-called husband? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    The Lord Protector didn¡¯t understand what Ning Xiaoyao was so angry about, so he asked, ¡°Then, shall I invite Your Majesty to the Lord Protector¡¯s estate?¡±

    Immediately, Ning Xiaoyao stopped ring and was all smiles. ¡°That¡¯s possible, yeah.¡±

    The Lord Protector¡¯s eyes twitched at the abrupt transformation. Could it be that His Majesty was telling the truth when he said he was very poor? He can¡¯t even get a good meal, so he always looks delighted when others treat him out to eat?

    ¡°There¡¯s no time today,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to his side before she could run off again. He added in a lower voice, ¡°Something might happen on Prince Fu¡¯s side. It¡¯s unlikely the imperial nsmen will be so docile.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt that there was no more love left in this world.

    The Lord Protector said, ¡°His Majesty can take care of national affairs at the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, too. Supreme Commander, you---¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at the Lord Protector, who inexplicably felt a chill and shut up.

    ¡°It¡¯s inadvisable to leave the pce right now,¡± Lou Zigui turned back to Ning Xiaoyao after he had made the Lord Protector docile. ¡°Maybe in the future.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was thinking the same thing as the Lord Protector. Even if her uncle, Prince Fu, ended up brawling with his nsmen, it wouldn¡¯t make a difference whether she was in the pce or the Lord Protector¡¯s estate. But it was clear that Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want her to go, so between delicious food and Supreme Commander Lou, she grudgingly chose thetter.

    ¡°Remember, you owe me a meal,¡± she told the Lord Protector, who only looked between her and Supreme Commander Lou.

    I wasn¡¯t imagining things, there really is something going on between them!

    Lou Zigui had Ning Xiaoyao sit down before he poured her a cup of water. Then he turned to the Lord Protector and said, ¡°Tao Yu¡¯s gone to East Ji, so I¡¯ll have to trouble the Lord Protector for matters back at the military barracks.¡±

    The Lord Protector hastily asked, ¡°Supreme Commander wants me to enter the barracks?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°Your Lord Protector¡¯s estate has plenty of troops too. Many of them are in East Ji, so you can summon them to the capital.¡±

    Is this to improve things for our Lord Protector¡¯s estate¡¯s men? The Lord Protector looked towards Ning Xiaoyao, who was currently munching on a sugar bean.

    Seeing his look, she replied, ¡°Mhm, listen to what Supreme Commander says.¡±

    The Lord Protector had a new understanding of Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s favored position. He was simply deciding things for His Majesty, ah. ¡°So I¡¯ll go to the military barracks and be Chen Lu¡¯s deputy general?¡± the Lord Protector asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°If you please,¡± Lou Zigui bowed slightly to him. As the respected Lord Protector of the country, it really was a step down to be Chen Lu¡¯s subordinate at the military barracks.

    The Lord Protector hastily waved his hands. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. As long as I can be of service to His Majesty, then it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°You should go back and make preparations,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°His Majesty will set the decree at the next morning assembly.¡±

    ¡°Some of our Lord Protector estate¡¯s men are getting on in their years,¡± the Lord Protector recalled just then. He was about to go, but found it better to rify some details. ¡°Supreme Commander, are they useful as well?¡±

    ¡°If they¡¯re old, don¡¯t they have sons or grandsons of their own?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The Lord Protector looked towards Ning Xiaoyao, who swallowed the sugar bean in her mouth. ¡°Mhm, just do as Supreme Commander says. As long as they can fight, they shoulde. I don¡¯t mind having more people.¡±

    ¡°This subject epts the decree,¡± the Lord Protector was all smiles now.

    ¡°Go home and eat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Remember you still owe me a meal.¡±

    Still that meal... The Lord Protector¡¯s smile stiffened before he suddenly asked, ¡°Your Majesty, why did you send Tao Yu to East Ji? This subject is a soldier as well. Was Your Majesty nning to ce this subject into the military barracks even back then?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°That¡¯s not it, ah. Back then, I just happened to spot General Tao.¡±

    When the Lord Protector took his leave, he felt lightheaded as well. Just happened to spot him? Can you use people like that?

    ¡°Really,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui. ¡°I just happened to see Tao Yu then instead of the Lord Protector.¡± If she¡¯d see him, she¡¯d definitely feel conflicted about her choices.

    The Lord Protector left the hall with heavy steps. So as it turned out, I only missed the chance for leading troops to war because His Majesty never noticed me.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped out of her chair once the Lord Protector was gone, pulling Lou Zigui away with her.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Xiaoyao, how did you think of pushing Prince Fu to step forward?¡±

    ¡°Because Fenglin City belongs to him, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Just because of that?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Then what about spending money to get rid of all the cmities?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    ¡°Because we¡¯re dealing with refugees, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. ¡°If they have enough food, what kind of refugee would still want to risk death and revolt?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Who¡¯s going to raise a rebellion for no reason when their bellies are full?

    Ning Xiaoyao pulled Lou Zigui out of the side pce and towards the main audience all. By now the weather had gotten hotter, and the rays of the sun were piercing as they shone beneath the eaves. Lou Zigui looked up at the skies beyond, which were approaching summertime. Still, the light didn¡¯t banish the gloomy cant to his pupils.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao swung Lou Zigui¡¯s hand in her own. ¡°What do you want to eatter?¡±

    Lou Zigui dropped his head, his gloomy eyes reced withughing ones. ¡°Xiaoyao.¡± Standing in the deserted walkway, he ced both of his hands on her shoulders.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was all smiles as she thought of food. Lou Zigui lowered his head to peer at her, causing her to swallow her sugar bean. ¡°Supreme Commander, do you have something else to say?¡±

    Big Boss ck swished his tail from behind them. Is Supreme Commander going to kiss that ninny again? Can they stop abusing a cat like this? (Author: What do humans¡¯ affairs have to do with you? (©V_©V) )

    ¡°Xiaoyao, I hope there¡¯lle a day when you don¡¯t hide anything from me,¡± Lou Zigui said in a small voice. Ning Xiaoyao blinked before scratching her palms. What did I hide?

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait,¡± Lou Zigui said as he cupped her face in his hands.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before asking, ¡°Supreme Commander, what things are you talking about? Can you give me a reminder?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t force you,¡± Lou Zigui smiled at her before taking her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go eat.¡±

    After following him a few steps, Ning Xiaoyao blurted out, ¡°I have supernormal abilities.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s steps halted. Ning Xiaoyao was very nervous. Please don¡¯t think I¡¯m some sort of freak!

    Lou Zigui had heard of able-bodied soldiers, but what was ¡®supernormal?¡¯

    ¡°I, I can also understand the speech of animals,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said next. Since she was going to tell the truth, she might as well say everything. She and Supreme Commander had already tumbled in the sheets together and might stick together even more in the future. It wasn¡¯t good to always be so dishonest.

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead.

    ¡°It¡¯s true, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran in front of him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui started to leave.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll show you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at Big Boss ck. ¡°ck Tubby,e here.¡±

    Big Boss ck sat on the walkway without budging an inch.

    ¡°If not, then roll over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said next.

    Big Boss ck gave a yawn before sprawling on the ground.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say we were going to eat? Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°You damned ck Tubby!¡± Ning Xiaoyao raged at him. ¡°You¡¯re doing this on purpose, aren¡¯t you? You want your Supreme Commander to think that I¡¯m a liar so he¡¯ll dislike me?¡± Why didn¡¯t I notice what a malicious bastard this fat cat was?

    Big Boss ckzily rose to his feet, gave a long stretch, and jumped off the walkway and fled.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waspletely cross and prepared to give chase. One of us is definitely going to die today!

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Lou Zigui hooked his arms around her waist and pulled her back. ¡°I believe you. Now let¡¯s go eat.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Is this the attitude you should be showing if you believe me? Stop changing the subject!

    The distant sound of footsteps approached them then, causing Lou Zigui to release Ning Xiaoyao and step away. Soon enough, a ck Frost Cavalry general arrived. He first bowed to Ning Xiaoyao, then respectfully reported to Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, someone from the Ministry of War¡¯s arrived.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go meet with them,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao softly. ¡°You go eat first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao deted.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have someone buy you egg yolk guobater,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    Can egg yolk guoba help my hurt feelings? Ning Xiaoyao puffed out her cheeks before sticking up two fingers at Lou Zigui. ¡°Two jin.¡±[1. Two jin - approximately two pounds.]

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui smiled warmly before turning to leave with the general.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood alone in the walkway before raising her foot to stomp the ground. She¡¯d told the truth, but Supreme Commander didn¡¯t believe her, ah!

    ¡°Miaow,¡± Big Boss ck peeked out from the flower beds beyond the walkway and leaped back on the balustrade.

    ¡°Huh, you still have the guts to show yourself?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand rushed forward like lightning and pressed Big Boss ck down as she prepared to beat him up.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Grandfather Sparrow flew onto the balustrade as well.

    ¡°Big Tubby ruined me¡± Ning Xiaoyao tattled immediately.

    Grandfather Sparrow¡¯s expression was stern as he looked at her. ¡°Xiaoyao, you can¡¯t let Supreme Commander know your secret yet.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave a start.

    Big Boss ck took this chance to wiggle out of her grasp and said, ¡°You ninny, have you married Supreme Commander yet? How could you just tell him anything you like?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow added, ¡°Xiaoyao, did Supreme Commander give you his promise?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on the railings and blinked. ¡°What promise, ah?¡±

    ¡°That he¡¯ll be with your forever and ever, and protect you, and raise you, and something about growing white hairs together,¡± Big Boss ck meowed at her. ¡°He hasn¡¯t promised you anything yet, so how could you tell him your secret?¡±

 Chapter 220: Supreme Commander, hurry up and marry Xiaoyao

    <h4>Chapter 220: Supreme Commander, hurry up and marry Xiaoyao</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao sat there nkly while Big Boss ck and Grandfather Sparrow exchanged nces. Then one perched by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet while the other flew to her shoulder to keep herpany.

    ¡°Supreme Commander said before that he¡¯d give me a proper ount in the future.¡± After a long while of sitting, Ning Xiaoyao took thest sugar bean out of her pocket and munched it up. ¡°Is this the promise you guys were talking about?¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow said, ¡°Then when is this future going toe?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over. ¡°After we kill Grand Preceptor Xie?¡±

    ¡°Then when will you guys be able to kill off Grand Preceptor Xie?¡± Big Boss ck asked next.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms as she shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know, ah. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s really powerful.¡±

    ¡°Ninny,¡± Big Boss ck rolled his eyes at her. ¡°Jiao Jiao¡¯s told me multiple times that she¡¯d have sons with me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao overlooked the ¡®ninny¡¯ment and asked, ¡°Then did you guys have kittens together yet?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± At those words, both Big Boss ck¡¯s whiskers as well all of his his fur all drooped.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Looks like Jiao Jiao¡¯s just as hard to catch as Supreme Commander, ha.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow said, ¡°Xiaoyao, you also need to remember that Supreme Commander has a very, very big grudge against thete emperor, your very own father.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Here was a heartbreaking fact. It wasn¡¯t just her father, but her mother and maternal grandpa who had grudges with Supreme Commander, ah!

    Big Boss ck whispered, ¡°Xiaoyao, it would¡¯ve been better if you weren¡¯t thete emperor¡¯s son.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that as if I wanted to be that stupid bastard¡¯s son,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Ah peh! What son? It should be daughter.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about such pointless things,¡± Grandfather Sparrow pped his wings at Big Boss ck.

    ¡°So that¡¯s why you shouldn¡¯t be so docile before you figure out what Supreme Commander¡¯s thinking, you ninny. You¡¯re worrying this cat to death, miaow!¡± Big Boss ck meowed at her. Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes to look out at the flower gardens and suddenly thought of a problem. Why didn¡¯t I just show off some of my green healing orbs instead? Why did I try to rely on Big Boss ck instead? She whacked herself on the head and realized she had yed the ninny once again.

    ¡°Why are you hitting yourself?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood listlessly to her feet. ¡°No reason. Let¡¯s go back. There¡¯ll be egg yolk guoba to eatter, that¡¯s worth waiting for.¡±

    Grandfather Sparrow nuzzled against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek with his head before flying off. Big Boss ck jumped up to wrap himself around Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders as usual. Ning Xiaoyao walked a bit more before whacking herself on the head again.

    Big Boss ck¡¯s whiskers twitched. ¡°Are you thinking you¡¯re not stupid enough yet?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been all tangled up listening to you and Grandfather Sparrow talk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°The way you guys put it, it sounds like I¡¯ve already given Supreme Commander my promise or something.¡±

    Big Boss ck cocked his head to one side and looked at her. ¡°You mean you¡¯re not Supreme Commander¡¯s waifu? If you don¡¯t pair up with Supreme Commander, who else would you pick?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°Waifu? Have I even married your Supreme Commander yet?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Big Boss ck. She really hasn¡¯t.

    ¡°Who knows what might happen in the future?¡± Ning Xiaoyao resumed walking. ¡°Let¡¯s think of ways to survive first.¡±

    Big Boss ck grew a little afraid at her words. ¡°Xiaoyao, are you going to die?¡±

    ¡°All humans die eventually,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Maybe Grand Preceptor Xie will get rid of me, or that Big Boss Xiang will kill me, or the Northern Hu will murder me, or even a carriage will run me over and leave me dead when I¡¯m crossing the road.¡±

    Big Boss ck grew nk for a long while before he finally managed to asked, ¡°If you die, what will happen to my Supreme Commander?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin in thought. The Earth still spun even when people died. Who hadn¡¯t lost family members, loved ones, or friends in the apocalypse? Didn¡¯t everyone just have a cry and find ways to live on all the same? Following that principle, would Lou Zigui stop living just because there was no more Ning Xiaoyao? She found the idea impossible. After figuring things out, Ning Xiaoyao was much more at ease. She felt like a ninny for feeling so ufortable back then. There were so many problems to take care of now, so why waste time considering the future? Whether or not they¡¯d live was still a conundrum, to say nothing of forever and ever.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back and fill our stomachs first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she raced towards the main pce with a shout. ¡°Chef Huang, I¡¯ming!¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Chef Huang as he made meatbuns in the little kitchen. His Majesty¡¯s already hungry again?

    Big Boss ck licked his whiskers. Things had developed differently from what he was expecting. Perhaps Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t even be with Supreme Commander in the future, ah. Now he began to fret about his Supreme Commander---if that¡¯s the case, Supreme Commander still needs to work in order to make Xiaoyao his waifu!

    Ning Xiaoyao reached the kitchens in the blink of an eye and sat waiting for Chef Huang¡¯s tri-stuffing meatbuns toe out of the steamer. When she saw the two steamers full of tender white buns and counted all 18 pleats on each one, Ning Xiaoyao forgot all about her worries and cares.

    One hourter, Lou Zigui entered the kitchen with a bag of egg yolk guoba and osmanthus honey candy. Big Boss ck stood in front of him and meowed with all his might. ¡°Supreme Commander, hurry and marry Xiaoyao already. Otherwise, she¡¯ll run away with another man! Supreme Commander, you have to keep going and work hard, ah, miaow~¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at the constantly meowing ck cat and said, ¡°You want to eat these? They¡¯re for your owner.¡±

    You¡¯re about to lose your waifu but you¡¯re still thinking of gifting her food? No matter how much food I gift Jiao Jiao, she still won¡¯t have kittens with me! This doesn¡¯t have anything to do with food, alright? You¡¯re worrying this cat sick over you two! Big Boss ck anxiously ran in circles around Lou Zigui, hating the fact that he couldn¡¯t speak Human.

    Lou Zigui circled around Big Boss ck and went straight for the kitchen door. At the same time, Ning Xiaoyao walked out with a meatbun in each hand. Seeing them, Lou Zigui asked, ¡°You¡¯ve already eaten?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her stomach. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I can eat more.¡±

    Inside the kitchen, Chef Huang stumbled in his steps. Could it be that thete emperor never summoned His Majesty to court because he couldn¡¯t afford to raise His Majesty¡¯s voracious appetite? (Author: Have you heard of any emperors who couldn¡¯t afford to feed mouths? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Want to eat some meatbuns?¡± Ning Xiaoyao beamed as she grabbed the oilpaper package of egg yolk guoba from Lou Zigui¡¯s hands while gulping down her meatbuns. With mouth full, she mumbled, ¡°Sheff Hwang¡¯s meat¡¯uns are really tastee, the stuffin¡¯ duzzn¡¯t just have meat, but pamboo shoods and tch¡¯ken too. Haha, tch¡¯ken¡¯s a kinda meat too.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui. Of course chicken is a kind of meat, is that supposed to be something funny?

    ¡°Delicious,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. Inside the kitchens, Chef Huang felt a sense of inexplicable pride. What was the happiest thing for a chef? Knowing that others recognized his cooking skills. People like Ning Xiaoyao would definitely be favorite customers for every chef, because she found everything tasty and ate them like the most luxurious foodstuffs.

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. Tri-stuffing meatbuns can be saved to eat at dinner, as well.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was amazed. ¡°I didn¡¯t even say their name yet, but you already knew they were tri-stuffing meatbuns?¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou could onlyugh secretly. You¡¯ve already told me the fillings for the meatbuns, so how couldn¡¯t I guess? Every time he talked with this girl, they were always on different pages. He just couldn¡¯t figure out why.

    ¡°Yummy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes squeezed in pleasure as she bit the still warm egg yolk guoba.

    ¡°You like it that much?¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Big Boss ck ran over and raised his head to meow at Supreme Commander. ¡°As long as it¡¯s food, the ninny likes them all! She was like this when eating meatbuns too! Supreme Commander, you should marry that ninny!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Big Boss ck, who was sitting by his feet.

    ¡°Otherwise, the ninny will run away with someone else, meow!¡± Big Boss ck called out.

    Ning Xiaoyao silently raised a foot and dragged Big Boss ck behind her.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with that cat?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Nothing much, he says he worships you a lot,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tranted carelessly.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it!¡± Big Boss ck wanted to run towards Lou Zigui, so Ning Xiaoyao simply picked him up and threw him over the walls.

    ¡°Now the world is peace and quiet,¡± she said to Lou Zigui.

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Of course, the world would be even more beautiful if the Grand Preceptor didn¡¯t exist,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, before tossing some osmanthus honey candy into her mouth. ¡°Candy¡¯s good, too.¡±

    The topic had jumped from Grand Preceptor Xie to osmanthus honey candy, leaving Lou Zigui unable to reply. Was he supposed to talk to her about Grand Preceptor Xie or the osmanthus blossom scented sweets?

    --

    Inside Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s study, a teacup went flying to the ground and shattered into pieces, spilling its contents all over the floor. Everyone sitting or standing in the room didn¡¯t dare to utter a word.

    ¡°Tao Yu,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spat as he stared at one of his disciples who worked in the military barracks. ¡°His Majesty ordered Tao Yu to lead the troops to East Ji?¡±

    The agent nodded his head before adding timidly, ¡°His Majesty also allowed him to take away his faithful subordinates at the barracks. Prince Fu is apanying him as well, while the soldiers¡¯ grain supplies are being shouldered by the imperial princes.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie kept staring at the man, who quickly grew uneasy. Still, there were things he had to say, so he continued, ¡°This is what Lou Zigui said himself. The imperial decree should being out very soon.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at the table before him, which still held a few teacups ripe for smashing. But, this time he simply rested his hand on the table to lightly pat it a few times. Now wasn¡¯t the time to vent his temper, but to find a solution instead.

    ¡°Why would it be Tao Yu?¡± an official asked. ¡°Instead of using a readily avable Lou Zigui, His Majesty sent Tao Yu instead?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled coldly. Lou Zigui¡¯s being kept at the capital to deal with me. Should I give that girl my thanks for treating me as the more serious threat? (Author: That¡¯s not what His Majesty thought at all....)

    ¡°Does Tao Yu have the ability?¡± another official asked suspiciously. ¡°Has he ever led troops or fought a war?¡± Tao Yu might have experienced the military life alongside Tao Chen in the past, but few people knew how he¡¯d really performed. But after the consort-born son Tao Chen became Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s son-inw, Tao Yu was forced to suffer under a yoke. Still, if he waspletely useless, would Grand Preceptor Xie need to control him in the first ce? But now Tao Chen and his entire family were dead, while the people present now were all part of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s inner circle. They couldn¡¯t very well make such tant assumptions, so they only feigned ignorance about it all.

    One official looked worriedly towards the Grand Preceptor. Now that His Majesty¡¯s favoring Tao Yu, wouldn¡¯t Grand Preceptor Xie be thoroughly discredited if that man makes a name for himself out there?

    ¡°Should Grand Preceptor meet with Prince Fu?¡± another official suggested. Tao Yu was sure to be loyal to His Majesty now, but did they have a chance to win back Prince Fu, Ning Guangshun?

 Chapter 221: Xiaoqiuâ€™s promise

    <h4>Chapter 221: Xiaoqiu''s promise</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s toote,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told the group. From the start, they had taken a neutral stance regarding East Ji¡¯s conflicts, so how could they talk with Prince Fu now? Fenglin City was Prince Fu¡¯s fief and his wife and children were there. That ce was equivalent to Prince Fu¡¯s own life, but if they told Prince Fu they¡¯d tried their hardest to help now, would the man believe him?

    ¡°This old man needs to think things over first,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand at his followers. ¡°It¡¯s not time to panic yet. Even with Prince Fu¡¯s money and grain and Tao Yu¡¯s efforts, it is still not certain that the royal court will win this battle.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± a nearby official cried out in rm. You¡¯re actually hoping that we¡¯ll lose? Even if you¡¯re struggling for power, you can¡¯t let those roving rebel bands get the upper hand, can you? If there¡¯s no more country, what power is there to struggle for?

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at the man who spoke out. ¡°This old man knows full well the weight of the situation.¡±

    The official in question fell silent.

    ¡°All of you should go on home,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°This old man will say the same thing as always: now is not the time to panic.¡±

    The crowd could only rise and bid their farewells. Anyone who spoke a bit more now risked angering the Grand Preceptor, so who would try?

    ¡°Go out take a look around the streets,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered Xie Laibao once the officials were all gone. ¡°See what Prince Fu is doing right now. And also, if possible, invite him to the estate for a meal.¡±

    Xie Laibao only felt weary in his heart. We¡¯ve already offended the prince so much, how are we ever going to invite him here to chat? Aren¡¯t you just telling me to ask for a pping from Prince Fu?

    ¡°If you can¡¯t get him toe, then forget it. Don¡¯t try to force the issue,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added. Everything¡¯s worth a try. Prince Fu may hate me now, but doesn¡¯t he hate Ning Yu all the same? As long as he does, then there¡¯s still something to discuss.

    Xie Laibao epted his orders and left the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate with a few retainers and guards in tow. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was in the flower gardens in front of the main pce, her mouth stuffed full of osmanthus honey candy. She kicked the cloth ball at her feet over to Xiaoqiu and said to Lou Zigui, ¡°I¡¯m not worried about anything else as much as the Grand Preceptor, that piece of sh**.

    Lou Zigui murmured back, ¡°You¡¯re a girl, you shouldn¡¯t say things like that all day long.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before saying, ¡°But he is a piece of sh**!¡±

    ¡°Fine, he¡¯s a piece of sh**,¡± Lou Zigui could only back down on that point. ¡°What do you really want to tell me?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me that there are Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s men amongst the generals over at East Ji too?¡±

    ¡°Are you worried about those people?¡± Lou Zigui asked

    ¡°Suppose they listen to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s orders and cause trouble for General Tao? And be a burden to him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°This is a war, oh. Human lives will be lost, so we can¡¯t afford to joke around.¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Lou Zigui said with some amusement. ¡°Shall we kill them all?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed her candy and asked, ¡°Raising swords against our own generals before we even start fighting?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not on our side,¡± Lou Zigui reminded her. Ning Xiaoyao gave a start. That¡¯s true, they¡¯re all Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s men.

    ¡°I can arrange these things,¡± Lou Zigui gave a cup of water to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Drink some water. You¡¯ve eaten so many sweets, aren¡¯t you sick of them by now?¡±

    ¡°What are you going to arrange, eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her arm and finished the cup. ¡°How¡¯s this? Let General Tao bring along Xie Anji as well.¡±

    That was exactly Lou Zigui¡¯s n, though he hadn¡¯t had a chance to tell Tao Yu or Prince Yu yet. When he heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words align with his thoughts, he uttered an ¡®oh¡¯ in a rising pitch.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°Hold it, all I said was an idea and you gave me back an ¡®oh,¡¯ Supreme Commander? That there, help me think it over. Besides sons of the big wife, are there any little wives¡¯ sons that Grand Preceptor favors?¡±

    ¡°A single Xie Anji would be enough,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°Not enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°A shameless bastard like that Grand Preceptor is capable of killing off n¨¦e Wang when all his main sons are dead, just to instate a little wife in her ce. When that happens, won¡¯t he have more ¡®sons of the consort¡¯ all the same?¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. ¡°Xiaoyao, we Yongning have aw that you can¡¯t change concubines into consorts.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. What kind of person thought that up? Just how much of a grudge do they hold against little wives?

    ¡°So a consort-born child will always be consort-born,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°And a concubine-born child will always be concubine-born.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°In other words, even though my old ma¡¯s already the empress dowager, she¡¯ll always be a little wife in her life, right?¡± Ahahahahaha~ The little person in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart began tough uproariously at the idea. After all the empress dowager¡¯s efforts to kill off the empress and crown prince, she was still a little wife, ah! Ah geez, Ning Xiaoyao decided then, If the empress dowager causes a ruckus in front of me next time, I¡¯ll call her ¡®little wife!¡¯ I just wanna abuse her to death, ah! (Author: And if you don¡¯t abuse her to death, what then? ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    Ning Xiaoyao was thinking of Empress Dowager Xie while Lou Zigui finally realized he¡¯d said the wrong thing. How could he speak of consorts and concubines to Miss Ning¡¯s face? Wasn¡¯t he just reminding her of her status as concubine-born? ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that,¡± Lou Zigui hastened to exin.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face stiffened. ¡°So you¡¯re saying that little wives still have the hope of rising to be first wives?¡± How am I supposed to abuse the empress dowager then?

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Lou Zigui quickly rejected that idea again.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared at him, waiting for an exnation.

    ¡°In my heart, there¡¯s no difference whether you¡¯re consort or concubine-born,¡± Lou Zigui said in a small voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked as she pondered his words, before venturing to say, ¡°Thanks, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui was absolutely clueless. ¡°Why are you thanking me?¡±

    ¡°Thanks for not caring that I¡¯m born from a little wife.¡± Ning Xiaoyao rewarded Lou Zigui with a piece of osmanthus honey candy. ¡°Come, I¡¯ll treat you to sweets.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui as his mouth was flooded with the vor of osmanthus flowers. That isn¡¯t what I wanted to say. I wanted to say that Ning Xiaoyao will always be Ning Xiaoyao, which has nothing to do with her birth. Why did it turn into whether or not I ¡®mind¡¯ in her words?

    ¡°I think it¡¯s better to be prudent when ites to matters like this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was now thinking of Grand Preceptor Xie again. ¡°How about this then? Let¡¯s get ahold of all of his sons this time. Supreme Commander, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Invite the Poison Sect head to do something, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested. ¡°Like poison them or whatever?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head.

    Disappointed, Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°So your n wasn¡¯t to have him use poison? Isn¡¯t he the leader of the Poison Sect? Doesn¡¯t he poison people?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°The Xie are a big n. Even if we kill off all of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s sons, what of it?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. ¡°Then the Grand Preceptor will definitely rebel and bite us to death, ah.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not my idea.¡±

    ¡°Oh my God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew impatient. ¡°Then what is your idea, Supreme Commander?¡± Can¡¯t we speak properly for once?

    ¡°My idea is,¡± Lou Zigui was finding it hard to articte as well, ¡°With all of his own sons dead, Xie Wenyuan could simply adopt a male son from one of his rtives, just like how the Tao n found a sessor to Tao Chen. Do you understand what I mean, Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°His sons all die and he just wants to adopt another instead of biting us back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled. ¡°How could that piece of sh** bear to endure all that?¡±

    This has nothing to do with how much he can take. Lou Zigui held his forehead in his hands and replied, ¡°If we want to use Xie Anji and the rest to make Xie Wenyuan suffer, it¡¯ll have some effect, but not an absolute one. Xie Wenyuan still has plenty of candidates to pick from after that.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao polished off another cup of water. ¡°No matter what effects it has, have Xie Anji apany General Tao.¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°When the two armies face off against each other, Tao Yu won¡¯t have any way of guaranteeing Xie Anji¡¯s safety.¡± Taking Xie Anji with the army was a safeguard as well as a burden to Tao Yu. If anything happened to him in the army, how was Tao Yu supposed to exin himself to Xie Wenyuan? Even if Ning Xiaoyao was there to support him, Tao Yu would have no choice but to stay by her side to avoid cmity from the Grand Preceptor. That would be simply ruining his life.

    ¡°Then have Xie Anji follow Prince Fu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t think as deeply as Lou Zigui on such issues. She only felt that it was tiring to both fight a war and protect Xie Anji at the same time.

    ¡°You trust Prince Fu that much?¡± Lou Zigui asked her.

    ¡°Then, then if I can¡¯t trust anyone, how am I supposed to live my days?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was really desperate now. ¡°No matter what, we just can¡¯t let the Grand Preceptor mess things up this time. I want Tao Yu toe back alive.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui quickly grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand when it looked like she was going to run off again. ¡°I understand, I¡¯ll go make arrangements for Prince Fu to bring along Xie Anji.¡±

    Because Ning Xiaoyao had been anxious over the matter, she¡¯d raised her voice when speaking. Now the chubby little fair-skinned Xiaoqiu came trundling over from the courtyard where he¡¯d been ying with Little White Fatty. Seeing this, Lou Zigui let go of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Xiaoqiu shouted at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Be good, eat some candy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed sweets into his mouth and patted his head. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s right here. When Xiaoqiu grows up, the world will be a better ce.¡±

    ¡°Aroo?¡± Little White Fatty came scampering over as well, howling as he saw the candy bag in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. Ning Xiaoyao gave him a piece of osmanthus honey candy too.

    Lou Zigui knit his brows. ¡°Can wolves eat something so sweet?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao simply stuffed another piece of candy into Little White Fatty¡¯s mouth. With her here, why couldn''t this chubby thing eat what he liked? If she could treat humans, she could definitely treat dogs---er, wolves---as well.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Xiaoqiu tugged on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°Xiaoqiu qiu, do you still want candy? Come, Your Majesty will give you another piece,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Xiaoqiu held the sweet candy in his mouth and said, ¡°Your Majesty, when Xiaoqiu grows up, Xiaoqiu, Xiaoqiu will be a general too. And help Your Majesty fight, fight,¡± he paused to nce at Lou Zigui. ¡°And help Your Majesty fight the world!¡±

    ¡°Xiaoqiu qiu~¡± Ning Xiaoyao was very moved by his words.

    ¡°Your Majesty, wait til Xiaoqiu grows up,¡± Xiaoqiu¡¯s chubby face pouted as he vowed, ¡°Xiaoqiu grows very fast!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged Xiaoqiu and gave him a kiss. ¡°If anyone bullies me in the future, Xiaoqiu will go beat them up!¡±

    ¡°Mhm!¡± Xiaoqiu nodded.

    ¡°Good boy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to give Xiaoqiu another kiss, but Lou Zigui suddenly reached out and carried Xiaoqiu from her arms. Or rather, it was more like he tore him from her grasp. Ning Xiaoyao gave a start before sheughed. ¡°Supreme Commander, so you like little kids this much? Then you can hold him, haha. Hold him lots.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui.

 Chapter 222: When can Ning Yu be killed?

    <h4>Chapter 222: When can Ning Yu be killed?</h4>

    The roving rebel bands had taken over 19 of East Ji¡¯s cities, but the royal court was going to send out troops to suppress them. News of this quickly spread throughout the capital and beyond. People who harbored fear of the rebels¡¯ advance began to hold hope in their new sovereign Ning Xiaoyao. Perhaps this emperor will resolve the disaster of the attacking bandits?

    As for Prince Fu, he¡¯d thought things through by the time the Lord Protector¡¯s men brought him to thergest grain shop in the city. He couldn¡¯t be the only one to bleed from this mess, or the sole party to suffer. All of them were brothers of the imperial n and such matters concerned the whole kingdom. Why should he be the only one to sacrifice? Just because his fief was at Fenglin City?

    Prince Fu¡¯s thinking was basically along the lines of ¡®If I¡¯m no good, then no one else should be good, either. If I die, you all have to die with me.¡¯ With this idea in mind, Prince Fu brought Pei Yan and the Lord Protector¡¯s retainers and guards to clear out all the grain shops of the imperial nsmen in the city. Of course, none of the imperial nsmen were going to take this lying down. The skies hadn¡¯t rained money on any of them without effort. The nsmen quickly determined that His Majesty¡¯s orders were behind Prince Fu¡¯s actions and went to find Prince Zhi for help. It was better to get a leader to decide such things for them while they discuss their options.

    Prince Zhi sat in his study and nced at the steward who¡¯de to deliver a letter before looking back at Deng Rong, who was standing in front of him. ¡°This prince is sick,¡± he said, ¡°Within the next few days, I¡¯ll be going back to Qiufeng City, so I¡¯m not seeing any callers today.¡±

    The steward muttered an assent and prepared to pass on the word to the imperial nsmen, but Prince Zhi added after some thought, ¡°Spread word that Prince Fu¡¯s behavior is normal in face of the fact that his home is in Fenglin City. The generals of the rebel bands are killing their way there as we speak. As sons and grandsons of the imperial house, we should do our best to strive for the people¡¯s sake.¡±

    The old steward simply couldn¡¯t believe his ears. For once, his master had spoke such upright, decent words. Prince Zhi simply waved a hand at the steward to tell him to withdraw. Once he was gone, Prince Zhi looked back at Deng Rong. ¡°Do you know the consequences if your Supreme Commander fails to uphold his promise?¡±

    Deng Rong only smiled. ¡°My Supreme Commander¡¯s already said, if he goes back on his word, you can simply ughter that little Fang Tang, Prince.¡±

    Lou Zigui had promised that they would restore everything that Prince Fu told people to take this time. This was why Prince Zhi had agreed not to raise a fuss with the nsmen and bring Fang Tang over to Qiufeng City with him. As Qiufeng was located right by the border of Anyuan¡¯s Six Provinces, Prince Zhi was very clear just how much money Lou Zigui had ess to. He knew that all of the Lou n¡¯s assets had been spent on the ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s armored horses. Despite that, the crack troops of the cavalry were still having difficult days. Lou Zigui had brought over money to bribe passage with him, then promised today to restore everything that had been taken. Just where was he going to get the cash and goods from? Only through the little emperor behind him.

    Between Ning Xiaoyao and Grand Preceptor Xie, Prince Zhi had hesitated before ultimately picking the emperor. For one thing, Xie Wenyuan had once sent assassins after him so he bore a grudge; for another, Prince Zhi had been paying attention when Ning Xiaoyao turned the capital¡¯s dignified and impressive Xie n upside down, earned Lou Zigui¡¯s absolute allegiance (Author: That¡¯s because those two slept together....), control a man like Prince Fu in the palm of his hand, slowly wrest away Xie Wenyuan¡¯s power bit by bit, and raise his own troops and horses. A ruthless, callous, wicked (Author: Hey!) emperor like that was someone Prince Zhi absolutely didn¡¯t want to offend. He was certain that Xie Wenyuan would die by the hands of his grandson sooner orter.

    ¡°You can go back,¡± Prince Zhi told Deng Rong. ¡°Tell your Supreme Commander that I¡¯ll send someone to inform him before I leave the capital. Have Fang Tang make preparations for a long journey.¡±

    Deng Rong muttered an assent.

    Prince Zhi then added, ¡°But Fang Tang was stabbed by Xie Anji. Is he still fit for long travel?¡±

    Deng Rong replied, ¡°After the incident happened, this soldier didn¡¯t get a chance to see Fang Tang and am currently unclear as to his status. But prince doesn¡¯t need to worry. If Fang Tang can¡¯t travel, my Supreme Commander will send people to apany prince on your journey.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Prince Zhi replied, before waving Deng Rong away. Deng Rong bowed and withdrew. As Prince Zhi sat with his eyes shut behind his study table, he decided that he¡¯d have to stop doing business with the Northern Hu temporarily again. If a dayes when Ning Yu grows overweening, who could guarantee that he won¡¯t pin me for the crime of private business deals with the Northern Hu? Once that squirt gets rid of Xie Wenyuan, we imperial nsmen will be the next thorn in his eye. He¡¯ll have to clear out his share of evidence and silence mouths as needed. As for Lou Zigui...

    Prince Zhi opened a drawer to take out the silver drafts that Lou Zigui had gifted him previously. He tapped the neat stack of papers before determining to return them to Lou Zigui soon. Otherwise, I¡¯ll have to resort to begging Lou Zigui for help when Ning Yu takes ultimate power. He didn¡¯t really want to do it, but not everything went as one wanted. Prince Zhi sighed.

    Deng Rong tugged down on his wide hat brim as he walked out of a narrow side door to the property. One of Prince Zhi¡¯s servants handed him a horse as he came out. As Deng Rong flipped onto the horse, he epted the reins from the servant¡¯s hand and whipped the steed in the direction of the imperial pce.

    In the antechamber, the imperial nsmen heard the steward¡¯s message from Prince Zhi and were collectively stunned. Did those words reallye from Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan¡¯s lips?

    The steward remained half-bowed as he put on a smiling face to address the crowd. ¡°My master really is very ill.¡±

    ¡°Very ill,¡± Prince Xi, Ning Guangzong, abruptly rose from his chair with a cold voice. ¡°He certainly picked a time to be sick!¡± So speaking, he spun on his heel and stalked out of the receiving hall.

    Prince Qi quickly stood up as well. ¡°Why are you leaving?¡±

    ¡°Am I supposed to stay and wait on Ning Guangyuan while he¡¯s sick?¡± Prince Xi said mockingly. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I might as well go find Prince Fu or His Majesty myself!¡± As Prince Xi stormed off in a temper, ten or more nsmen followed in his wake. Those left in the receiving hall exchanged nces, unsure of what to do next.

    Prince Qi looked at the steward and said, ¡°Go tell your master prince that I, Ning Guangbei, want to call on him during his illness.¡±

    The steward muttered an assent before hastily running off to see Prince Zhi. Prince Qi looked at the nsmen still sitting there, then thought of Prince Fu, Prince Zhi, and who had left with Prince Xi. He silently sighed. Ning Yu actually broke up the alliance of us nsmen. But I didn¡¯t feel him try any schemes on us at all!

    While Prince Qi was sitting and sighing, Grand Preceptor Xie had ordered men to carry him to Xie Anji¡¯s room. Although Xie Anji hadn¡¯t broken any bones after been beaten up by Fang Tang and the Dragon Guards, then kicked down the steps by Ning Xiaoyao, he was still nursing his injuries. When Grand Preceptor Xie came in, he was currently nursing his wounds in bed. He quickly attempted to rise at the sight of his father.

    ¡°Lie down,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told Xie Anji as he waved a hand to dismiss all of the servants present. They withdrew in a hurry.

    ¡°Clean up your things,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told Xie Anji. ¡°Father has a good friend in the Wu region. Recently, he¡¯s sent me a letter saying he¡¯s seriously ill, so you should go and visit him in my ce.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Xie Anji forgot all about his pains and pushed off the bed to sit upright, startled. ¡°Father, you want to send me to the Wu region right now?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no other choice,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie lowered his voice. ¡°Ning Yu sent Tao Yu to lead the army to East Ji. Prince Fu¡¯s been won over to his side as well. I can almost guarantee that he¡¯ll send you off to the army headed for East Ji just to guard against me.¡±

    ¡°What is father nning to do?¡± Xie Anji asked in reply.

    But Grand Preceptor Xie only countered, ¡°What else can father do? Ning Yu is just being petty.¡±

    Xie Anji thought it over before saying, ¡°Then this son will go to the army. Father, don¡¯t worry, this son won¡¯t lose face for you.¡±

    ¡°You want to go earn military merits?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked coldly at him.

    Xie Anji bore the brunt of his re and nodded. ¡°This son has practiced martial arts before. I---¡±

    ¡°Do you think Tao Yu will give you a chance to gain any merit?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie cut him off harshly. ¡°You¡¯re the son of Xie Wenyuan, but why do you have no brains?¡±

    Xie Anji grew tongue-tied.

    ¡°Father cannot allow Tao Yu to seed,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie lowered his voice to murmur. ¡°Since Prince Fu is standing on Ning Yu¡¯s side, don¡¯t me this old man for being ruthless.¡±

    A chill stole upon Xie Anji¡¯s heart as he asked in a trembling voice, ¡°Father, what are you going to do? Give East Ji over to the rebels? Those are rebels, ah.¡±

    ¡°If Tao Yu and Prince Fu die, the royal court can always send other people to lead troops in their ce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Father will guarantee that the rebel bands won¡¯t make it past Cold Pond Pass.¡±[1. Cold Pond Pass (º®Ôó¹Ø) £­ Han Ze Guan. Passes are usually stationed garrison checkpoints of a country either on or within its borders, usually a gate surrounded by walls or natural features that make it easily defendable against intruders.]

    ¡°How are you going to guarantee that?¡± Xie Anji asked hastily. ¡°Father, once those rebel bands break through Cold Pond Pass, they¡¯ll have nothing but tnds all the way to the capital! It¡¯d be impossible to defend against them then!¡±

    ¡°Then do you want to just watch as Ning Yu destroys our Xie n?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie challenged back.

    Xie Anji fell silent.

    ¡°Father will make all the arrangements,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued. ¡°I have great expectations for you as the only son left of my first wife, so you cannot fall into Ning Yu¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°But what about this son¡¯s job?¡±

    ¡°Father has already sent up a message asking for leave in your ce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied. ¡°You depart tonight.¡±

    Xie Anji grew worried. ¡°And if His Majesty doesn¡¯t approve of the leave?¡±

    ¡°Even if His Majesty doesn¡¯t, you still have to leave,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie had thought it all out. ¡°He can¡¯t kill father, so what are you worried about? Clean up your things and leave as soon as it gets dark.¡±

    Xie Anji could only nod to agree. Faced with Grand Preceptor Xie, the Second Young Master Xie had never said ¡®no¡¯ in his life.

    ¡°Be careful on the road,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie warned again.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Xie Anji replied.

    ¡°If you hear that something¡¯s happened to father, you should never return,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added.

    Xie Anji was shocked by those words and eximed back, ¡°Why not send someone in disguise as refugees to kill their way into the pce and murder Ning Yu instead?!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. ¡°Now is not the time.¡±

    ¡°Then when can we kill that tyrant?!¡± Xie Anji asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie turned towards the window, only to see a little sparrow standing outside. ¡°You prepare yourself,¡± he said as he turned back. ¡°Father will tell you these things in the future.¡±

    Xie Anji could only nod.

    As Grand Preceptor Xie called for his pageboys to carry him away, he looked towards the window again. The sparrow that had been there before had already flown away. He gave a self-deprecatingugh as he left Xie Anji¡¯s room. Have I been reduced to jumping at imaginary fears now? As if a sparrow could ever be Ning Yu¡¯s informant. (Author: Grand Preceptor, it¡¯s best if you never find out the truth.)

 Chapter 223: His Majesty gives up the chance to capture him alive

    <h4>Chapter 223: His Majesty gives up the chance to capture him alive</h4>

    The little sparrow flew straight into the pce and found Ning Xiaoyao in the flower gardens outside the main hall. ¡°Xiaoyao, chirp~¡± Wheat called out as hended on her shoulder.

    Ning Xiaoyao tossed Big Boss ck from her arms to the ground and went to stroke Wheat¡¯s little head. ¡°Wheat, why did youe?¡±

    Wheat¡¯s head bobbed happily under Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s petting as he spoke. ¡°I just went to visit the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, ah.¡±

    Oh my God. Ning Xiaoyao stiffened as her expression grew serious. ¡°What¡¯s the Grand Preceptor nning now?¡±

    Wheat chirped out the entire conversation between the Xie father and son, imitating their voices for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sake.

    ¡°They¡¯re just too wicked!¡± Wheat said with an aggrieved air. ¡°They want to kill you, Xiaoyao, cheep!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the main point,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as her mouth twitched unhappily.

    ¡°Miaow?¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood on end. ¡°That pair of viins is already nning to kill you and it¡¯s still not the main point?¡±

    ¡°ck Tubby,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Do you think that father and son only thought of killing me today?¡±

    Big Boss ck fell silent at that.

    ¡°The main point is,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Xie Anji¡¯s going to run away!¡±

    ¡°Then what do we do?¡± Wheat asked Ning Xiaoyao, who settled to sit beneath the big Wutong tree as she fed him crumbs of egg yolk guoba from her pockets.

    Little White Fatty scampered over and cried, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ll go bite the Grand Preceptor to death!¡±

    ¡°You be good and go run a few moreps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted his head. ¡°Little White Fatty, you can¡¯t keep getting chubby. Otherwise, your mother Peach will definitely bite me death when she sees you!¡±

    ¡°Arooo,¡± Little White Fatty¡¯s head drooped before he went off to runps.

    ¡°How about I go bite the Grand Preceptor to death?¡± Big Boss ck suggested.

    ¡°You¡¯re a cat, alright?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Leaving aside the fact that you can¡¯t kill him, now isn¡¯t even the right time.¡±

    Big Boss ck¡¯s fur wanted to stand on end again.

    ¡°Your Supreme Commander said so,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before adopting Lou Zigui¡¯s unhurried tone. ¡°Now is not the time to kill Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    Big Boss ck stopped protesting with that.

    Wheat ate the delicious crumbs of egg yolk guoba as he asked, ¡°Then what are you going to do, Xiaoyao? I could take my siblings to poop on the Grand Preceptor¡¯s head?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to cry. If it¡¯s not biting people to death, it¡¯s pooping on them instead. Just who did they learn these things from?! (Author: Who do you think? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°How about you ask Supreme Commander?¡± Big Boss ck suggested next. ¡°You¡¯re a stupid human, but Supreme Commander¡¯s very smart.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s stupid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up and dusted off her butt with a snort. ¡°He wants to run away? As if it¡¯s that simple! I¡¯ll go stop Xie Anji this very night. [email protected]#*[email protected]#*([email protected]$, what did I say before? The Grand Preceptor¡¯s a piece of sh**, so of course he¡¯de to meddle in our war ns!¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you¡¯re so smart,¡± Wheat eximed in a reverent tone. Ning Xiaoyaoughed out loud. Big Boss ck just licked the fur by his mouth. He wasn¡¯t going to associate himself with these idiots who¡¯d never seen real intelligent humans before.

    ¡°Wheat, do me a favor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she cupped the sparrow in her hands. ¡°Help me keep an eye on Xie Anji and see which city gate he¡¯s leaving from. Then have some other little pal pass on the message to me, okay? Once everything¡¯s finished, I¡¯ll treat you to guoba. Chef Huang¡¯s making some egg yolk guoba right now, ah.¡±

    ¡°Okay~¡± Wheat agreed.

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°He already said that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s sending Xie Anji to the Wu region. That means he¡¯ll definitely use the south gates, ah.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the type of cat who doesn¡¯t understand Grand Preceptor¡¯s crafty ways,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°For the sake of hiding Xie Anji¡¯s whereabouts, wouldn¡¯t he make his son go through a different door? Doesn¡¯t the Grand Preceptor know how to make a roundabout trip?¡±

    Big Boss ck was forced to admit that the ninny had her shes of brilliance at times, too.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go keep an eye on Xie Anji,¡± Wheat hopped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and nuzzled against her cheek.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to nuzzle him back.

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Wheat then flew away.

    ¡°You¡¯re really not going to tell Supreme Commander a thing that Wheat told you?¡± Big Boss ck asked as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Your Supreme Commander¡¯s busy with transferring troops. That¡¯s a big task, so he can¡¯t be distracted, oh.¡±

    Big Boss ck dug into the ground with his ws as his tone grew vicious. ¡°Fine then. If Xie Anji doesn¡¯t behave, I¡¯ll w him a face full of blood!¡±

    Just like that, Ning Xiaoyao began to make preparations at the pce for stopping Xie Anji even as he packed up his things and made ready to leave. As the skies approached dusk, a mama from the empress dowager¡¯s pce came searching for Ning Xiaoyao until she found her at the little kitchens, then told her that the empress dowager was feeling unwell.

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently holding half a pot full of Chef Huang¡¯s freshly made egg yolk guoba. She nced at the mama, then said, ¡°If she¡¯s not feeling well, go find an imperial physician. What¡¯s the use ofing to me? It¡¯s not like the empress dowager would eat any prescription I gave her, right?¡±

    The mama remained half-bowed as she spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager wanted to see you.¡±

    ¡°For the sake of keeping both of us in a good mood, I think it¡¯s better that I don¡¯t go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°Mama, you can just tell that to the empress dowager.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the mama. Wouldn¡¯t those words only infuriate the empress dowager to death?

    ¡°Come, have a guoba,¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked out a guoba and handed it to the mama. ¡°Chef Huang made them, they¡¯re super delicious.¡±

    The mama bit into a mouthful of guoba in front of Ning Xiaoyao and swallowed it down. She felt fine afterwards and didn¡¯t die, so she silently exhaled in relief. Looks like His Majesty wasn¡¯t nning to poison me to death.

    After the empress dowager¡¯s mama finally withdrew, Ning Xiaoyao forgot all about this incident. She munched on her egg yolk guoba while nning how to give Xie Anji another thrashing. Meanwhile, the mama returned to the empress dowager¡¯s pce and stood in front of her mistress, too afraid to speak. Seeing this, Empress Dowager Xie knew that Ning Yu wasn¡¯t nning toe.

    ¡°Whatever His Majesty said to you, you can tell This Dowager directly. This Dowager won¡¯t fault you for it.¡±

    The mama stammered out Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s exact sentence---for the sake of keeping both of us in a good mood, I think it¡¯s better that I don¡¯t go.

    Hearing this, Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t lose her temper like usual, but only told the mama, ¡°This Dowager understands. Go make some arrangements to have Zhou mama¡¯s head delivered to Iron Buddha Temple.¡±

    The mama hastily epted her orders before asking, ¡°Is there any message for Esteemed Empress?¡±

    ¡°Just say that it¡¯s from This Dowager,¡± Empress Dowager Xie replied breezily. ¡°And that it was His Majesty who did the deed, but This Dowager snatched back that mama¡¯s head on ount of the fact that she¡¯d apanied the empress for all of her life, thus saving part of the corpse from being eaten up by dogs.¡±

    The mama felt afraid upon hearing the empress dowager¡¯s words.

    ¡°And tell the empress that His Majesty has already drawn the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, Tao Yu from the military barracks, and Prince Fu all over to his side,¡± Empress Dowager Xie added. ¡°To His Majesty, the soldiers of the Zhou n are negligible at this point. Of course it¡¯d be best if he had them too, but otherwise he¡¯ll just destroy them.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this servant has remembered empress dowager¡¯s words,¡± the mama epted the decree.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Empress Dowager Xie had her withdraw. Once she was gone, the empress dowager picked up Ning Xin by her side and rocked the baby until heughed. Only then did she smile back in turn and murmur, ¡°Xin¡¯er don¡¯t worry, imperial mother will definitely protect and guard you well.¡±

    As for Ning Yu, Empress Dowager Xie mused as she continued to rock her son into smiles before talking to herself, ¡°I¡¯ve given that girl a chance. If she says she won¡¯t meet me, then she doesn¡¯t recognize me as her mother. She can¡¯t me me for eating her alive, then.¡± (Author: So, His Majesty just gave up her sole chance to live with that rejection just then? (©V_©V) )

    --

    After dusk, all themps were lit in Lou Zigui¡¯s quarters. Tao Yu brought along his trusted subordinates from the military barracks to sit in a circle around Lou Zigui and a portion of his ck Frost Cavalry. All of them were discussing details in low voices. There was brush and paper before Lou Zigui, which he frequently used to take notes and draw diagrams.

    Ning Xiaoyao snuck to the half-open window to watch the people working inside.

    ¡°It looks like Supreme Commander¡¯s very busy,¡± Big Boss ck whispered from her shoulder.

    Ning Xiaoyao perked up her ears to listen to Lou Zigui speak, before sheined, ¡°I don¡¯t recognize a single name he¡¯s saying.¡±

    ¡°Ninny,¡± Big Boss ck said.

    Lou Zigui thought he heard a cat¡¯s meow and quickly nced looked out the window, but all he saw through the half-open screen were a bunch of green trees. There was no sign of a cat or Miss Ning.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Tao Yu called to him softly when he noticed the man looking distracted.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep talking,¡± Supreme Commander turned back to Tao Yu, his expression back to normal.

    --

    In the front hall of Supreme Splendor Hall, Shadowgale had already gathered his fellow brothers. He next addressed Ning Xiaoyao, who had wandered onto the scene mid-way. ¡°Your Majesty, Xie Anji¡¯s really going to run away tonight?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She picked up Little White Fatty, who¡¯d been trailing her the entire way, and asked Shadowgale, ¡°Windy, can I bring along Little White Fatty?¡±

    Shadowgale nced over at the fat ck cat already sitting on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders, then at the chubby little wolf pup in her arms, his mouth twitching. Is she nning to go on an all-out brawl?

    ¡°Arooo~¡± Little White Fatty tried to tter Shadowgale by licking at his clothes.

    Shadowgale¡¯s lips twitched again. Is this a wolf or a dog?

    ¡°Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao called out.

    ¡°If Your Majesty wants to take him along, then go ahead,¡± Shadowgale replied. ¡°Xie Anji¡¯s skills are only so-so and doesn¡¯t need Your Majesty to exert yourself.¡±

    ¡°Hey, you can¡¯t say things like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rebutted him, ¡°The Grand Preceptor will definitely send top-level experts to guard his son.¡±

    Shadowgale was quick to recant himself. ¡°Your Majesty lectures rightly.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was lost. ¡°I didn¡¯t lecture you, ah.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Shadowgale. These are just conventional expressions. All officials and servants say them in the presence of the emperor.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the Poison Sect Head and Yan Hong appeared with Mute Nanny while Shadowgale was still fretting over how to exin the concept of formalities. Shadowgale¡¯s expression fell at the sight of them before he looked back at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± he questioned.

    Ning Xiaoyao told him not to be nervous while she grinned cheerfully at the new duo. ¡°Come,e, the two of you should join me and Windy over here.¡±

    The Sect Head and Yan Hong approached Ning Xiaoyao and kneeled to pay their respects. Shadowgale instinctively stood in front of Ning Xiaoyao to shield her, so she stuck out her head from behind him to say, ¡°Come and rise.¡±

    Shadowgale asked in a small voice, ¡°Your Majesty is going to bring them along?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°We¡¯re not beating up Xie Anji today, but the Poison Sect Head will.¡± She dropped her voice and added, ¡°Once he¡¯s beaten Xie Anji half-dead, he won¡¯t be able to run back to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side again. Windy, do you think this idea will work?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Shadowgale. This idea will work brilliantly!

 Chapter 224: His Majesty says, hello, second uncle

    <h4>Chapter 224: His Majesty says, hello, second uncle</h4>

    At this moment, a gray pigeon flew over Supreme Splendor Hall. When it saw the crowd below him, it resorted to circling the air above them as it called towards Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, Wheat told me to pass on a message. Xie Anji¡¯s going to leave by the north gate, coocoo~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blew a kiss up at the gray pigeon.

    ¡°My name is A¡¯Meng,¡±[1. A¡¯Meng (°¢ÃÉ) - this is also the Chinese spelling for Amon, the Egyptian deity. By itself, A is amon prefix for nicknames while Meng means ¡°ignorance, illiteracy, drizzly, hide the truth.¡±] the pigeon introduced itself.

    Ning Xiaoyao sent A¡¯Meng a few more flying kisses in session.

    ¡°......¡± said everyone else. Is His Majesty raising this pigeon as well?

    Big Boss ck couldn¡¯t bear to watch the show of affection anymore and scratched Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Bad cat!¡± the gray pigeon A¡¯Meng cursed him before flying off.

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Big Boss ck before turning back to Shadowgale and the Sect Head. ¡°Let¡¯s head off. That brat Xie Anji¡¯s leaving from the northern gates.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is certain of this?¡± the Sect Head asked.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Shadowgale scolded. Is His Majesty someone a meremoner like you can doubt?

    ¡°Let¡¯s get along now, let¡¯s all get along. Don¡¯t fight each other,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Shadowgale to stand behind her, before adding to the Sect Head, ¡°Don¡¯t use poison on your own allies, ah. With me here, none of them will work anyway.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the Sect Head. I wasn¡¯t going to use any poisons.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at the Dragon Guards. Everyone formed a row to face the setting sun as they left the pce on horses headed toward the north city gates.

    --

    Meanwhile, Xie Anji had left the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, where he stopped to kneel down and kowtow three times in front of Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Go with care,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told him. ¡°Remember your father¡¯s words.¡±

    Xie Anji stood up. He thought of how defenseless his mother would be now without him at the estate, and braced himself to say, ¡°Father, this son doesn¡¯t know when he¡¯lle back again. Mother¡¯s health isn¡¯t well, so I ask father to look after her more.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression was cold. ¡°The estate¡¯s full of people. You¡¯re still afraid that your mother will be mistreated?¡±

    Xie Anji was left speechless by his father¡¯s words, so he simply turned to board his carriage. Grand Preceptor Xie watched until the guards and horses were out of sight before telling his steward, ¡°Go send people to follow him until he¡¯s safely out of the city. If anything happens, they should hurry back and report to me.¡±

    The steward epted the orders before taking along a few retainers to follow Xie Anji¡¯s group on horseback. Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s two pageboys picked up his chair and turned him back towards the house, just as Madame Mo and her two servant girls approached him.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked coldly as he ordered his pageboys to halt.

    Madame Mo smiled and walked to his side with a bow. ¡°Herdyship heard that second young master was going to pay a call to a family friend for Grand Preceptor¡¯s sake and wanted to see him onest time. What are your thoughts, Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at Madame Mo until the smile on her face grew strained, before replied, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that Xie Anji¡¯s already left?¡±

    ¡°This concubine...¡±

    ¡°Stop your petty schemes,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said coldly. This concubine was simply telling her that n¨¦e Wang was making a row about wanting to see her son, thus smearing her name. The minor struggles and plots between jealous women to vie for favor only seemed loathsome to Grand Preceptor Xie now.

    Madame Mo was left feeling thoroughly embarrassed.

    ¡°If anyone else disturbs the peace of this house,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said ruthlessly, ¡°This old man will take her life.¡±

    Madame Mo lost all strength in her legs and crumpled to her knees. The two pageboys carried Grand Preceptor Xie into the estate with his servants following in his wake, leaving Madame Mo behind. Once they werepletely gone, she had a servant girl help her to her feet.

    ¡°Madame?¡± another servant girl whispered, ¡°What about herdyship?¡±

    Madame Mo straightened out her hair before replying, ¡°I can only give an answer to herdyship, what else?¡±

    By now, n¨¦e Wang had already moved from the main courtyard in Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s estate to a small, no-name residence at the southern end of the estate. The gate to the courtyard wasn¡¯t locked, but the one to her rooms were. Four old female servants sent by Grand Preceptor Xie also took turns in pairs to stand guard over her. When Madame Mo arrived at the courtyard, she simply stood in front of the locked door. None of the servants moved to unlock it for her, but only slid open a slot near the top and announced, ¡°Yourdyship, Madame Mo is here.¡±

    Footsteps sounded from inside before n¨¦e Wang¡¯s face appeared at the slot. ¡°Where¡¯s second young master?¡±

    Madame Mo bent one knee for a bow before replying, ¡°Yourdyship, second young master has already departed. For the sake of passing on your words, this concubine was also scolded by Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Lady Wang pounded a fist against the door as her voice grew shrill. ¡°He¡¯s already left?¡±

    Madame Mo replied simply, ¡°This concubine asks yourdyship to take pity on this concubine and stay at ease in your quarters to nurture your health.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Lady Wang could inly hear the mocking in her tone. ¡°Just who do you think you are?¡±

    Madame Mo turned towards the two female servants guarding the door. ¡°If herdyship has any further business in the future, you should tell the Grand Preceptor directly.¡± She then turned and left with her servants without waiting for their answer.

    ¡°N¨¦e Mo!¡± Lady Wang shouted from inside the house. Madame Mo ignored her shrieks and quickly left the courtyard. The two old servants nced at Lady Wang through the door. Her clothes were still clean, but the hair she¡¯dbed this morning was already disheveled, and there was a bit of grime on her face. As she stood in front of the door and pounded on the wood, they could hear her cursing Madame Mo while begging Grand Preceptor Xie for forgiveness. But soon enough, n¨¦e Wang¡¯s speech had devolved into incoherent mumbling.

    The two servants exchanged worried nces. If they keep her locked up like this, herdyship might really go insane.

    ¡°Madame, will there be trouble for you in the future after talking to herdyship like that?¡± the servant on Madame Mo¡¯s left asked quietly.

    Madame Mo only smiled. ¡°Herdyship won¡¯t resign herself to her fate. She thinks that I don¡¯t know that she¡¯s already sent for help from her maternal n.¡±

    The two servant girls gave a start at the news.

    ¡°Then the Wang n?¡± the servant girl on her right quickly questioned.

    Madame Mo only grinned and shook her head, her voice soft. ¡°She¡¯s a woman who even murdered her own niece. Would the Wang ne save her just to see her hurt their own family members again?¡±

    The two servant girls fell silent at the words. Although Lady Wang was pitiful now, even pathetic people had their hateful sides. When herdyship was in power, many had suffered under her hands. Meanwhile, Madame Mo kept walking towards her courtyard. Lady Wang had given birth to three sons, but now only Xie Anji, the most useless one, was left. Perhaps Heaven had finally opened its eyes to her. Although her own son was concubine-born, he would still have a chance to rise if Xie Anji couldn¡¯t support the family on his shoulders. Then their days could only improve.

    --

    Inside the study, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s aide, Xu Yiming, bowed as he reported, ¡°Grand Preceptor, the people in the army have already been arranged. Does Grand Preceptor want to see him?¡±

    ¡°Sir has exined everything to them?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    Xu Yiming replied, ¡°Only the routes that the troops will take. That wasn¡¯t very difficult.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie nodded. East Ji was full of mountains, so as long as the rebel bands set strategic ambushes for General Tao Yu¡¯s army along the way, they¡¯d be sure to win.

    ¡°Does the Grand Preceptor want to grant him an audience?¡± Xu Yiming asked again.

    ¡°Wait until after Anji leaves the city,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°As long as he can make it out safely, this old man will be free to act as I like.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor is still worried that something might go wrong?¡± Xu Yiming asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face broke into a bitter smile. ¡°Too many things have gone wrong recently. This old man isn¡¯t sure whether this time will go the same way.¡±

    ¡°Second young master departed inplete secrecy. If he hadn¡¯t passed by herdyship¡¯s courtyard to kowtow, she never would have known he was leaving,¡± Xu Yiming replied. ¡°It¡¯s impossible for His Majesty to know, either.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie believed the same thing, but he still couldn¡¯t be absolutely certain.

    --

    A hourter found Ning Xiaoyao and her men blocking the public road outside of the north gates as Xie Anji¡¯s caravan departed the city.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed thest pieces of her apple into her mouth before puffing out her cheeks. ¡°Just where are you lot all going?¡±

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men saw Ning Xiaoyao as their expressions turned nk. Why is he here?!

    Xie Anji emerged from his carriage and felt his vision start to go ck at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Isn¡¯t this Xie Anji? Hello, second uncle.¡±

    Screw you and your ¡®second uncle!¡¯ Xie Anji wanted to curse, but he knew he was no match for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words if even his father couldn¡¯t beat him.

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen His Majesty, but you¡¯re still not kneeling?¡± Shadowgale yelled at Xie Anji.

    The Grand Preceptor estate¡¯s men didn¡¯t even know what to do at this moment, so all of them looked towards Xie Anji. Yan Hong took this chance to move closer to Ning Xiaoyao and murmured, ¡°Your Majesty, there are denizens of the jianghu in that crowd. Their martial skills aren¡¯t half bad, so Your Majesty needs to be careful.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned towards Yan Hong. The woman wasn¡¯t very tall, but she noticed the female¡¯s perky chest at first nce. Damn it, how did she grow them? A sh of jealousy rose in her breast before Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°No worries, I can fight, ah.¡±

    Yan Hong only looked at Ning Xiaoyao with an indulgent smile.

    ¡°Alright, stop grinning,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Don¡¯t try to seduce me with your smile.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Yan Hong.

    ¡°Speaking of which, how¡¯d you get a chest that big for your height?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cocked her head at Yan Hong as she murmured. ¡°Can you tell me about it?¡± If she knew the secret, she could try it out herself.

    Yan Hong was an experienced woman of the world, but Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words were enough to turn her face red. She never thought His Majesty could be so lecherous despite still looking like a child. (Author: She¡¯s asking for her own sake...)

    ¡°You can¡¯t say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pressed.

    ¡°This young woman was born this way, ah,¡± Yan Hong finally managed to answer.

    Born that way? It was all natural?! Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s jealousy towards Yan Hong suddenly rose to fever-pitch. Ning Yu didn¡¯t eat badly at all, so why wasn¡¯t she born that way?! ¡°That can¡¯t be right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly came to a realization. ¡°You must be fooling me. What kind of baby looks like that when they firste out of the womb? Wouldn¡¯t that make them a freak?¡±

    By now, Yan Hong had grown used to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hoodlum ways, so she quirked her lips into a charming smile. ¡°Your Majesty, this young woman grew and grew until she turned into this. Wouldn¡¯t that count as being born this way, too?¡±

    Dangit!

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that the world waspletely unfair in that moment!

    ¡°.....¡± said Shadowgale from the front, where he and the others had already drawn their swords. What time is it now for His Majesty to be fretting over Yan Hong¡¯s chest size? Just what was the point of our trip this time?!

 Chapter 225: Second Young Master Xie says, kill!

    <h4>Chapter 225: Second Young Master Xie says, kill!</h4>

    As Shadowgale and the rest revealed their weapons, Xie Anji realized that he¡¯d be a human hostage against his father if Ning Yu got ahold of him. When he recalled how Grand Preceptor Xie had said that Ning Yu wanted to decimate the Xie n, then the fate of his eldest brother and his half-dead third brother, white hot rage burned through his heart and incinerated the remnants of his reason. Even if he died, he didn¡¯t want to fall into Ning Yu¡¯s hands!

    The Poison Sect Head finally had enough of Ning Xiaoyao and Yan Hong¡¯s conversation. He turned to Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Your Majesty, what would you like to do next?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat and pulled her eyes from Yan Hong¡¯s chest in order to focus on Xie Anji. ¡°Second uncle, where are you going?¡±

    Xie Anji didn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Did you suddenly forget how to speak?¡±

    ¡°Kill,¡± Xie Anji spat out.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was sure that she¡¯d misheard. She hadn¡¯t even started fighting yet, yet Xie Anji was already ordering his men for a ughter?

    Xie Anji faced the stunned cohorts of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate and eximed, ¡°If we don¡¯t kill them, all of us will die instead!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Ning Xiaoyao tried to reason with him. She wasn¡¯t nning on killing any of them.

    ¡°We were secretly leaving the capital. Do you know the implications of such an act?¡± Xie Anji ignored Ning Xiaoyao to address his men.

    Ning Xiaoyao deferred to the Poison Sect Head and Yan Hong instead. ¡°They¡¯re simply seeking death, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    The Sect Head replied, ¡°The second young master has already admitted to his crimes, so he really is seeking death.¡± He had never seen someone so skilled at screwing themselves over. His Majesty hasn¡¯t even said anything yet, but he¡¯s already epted his guilt.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you attacking yet?¡± Xie Anji demanded his men.

    All of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men were in a state of rm and hesitation. They were supposed to be servants in charge of escorting Second Young Master Xie to the Wu regions, but why were they suddenly rebels after the emperor¡¯s life as soon as they stepped out of the city gates? Xie Anji saw that they wouldn¡¯t budge, so he grit his teeth to grab a bow and arrow off the nearest man before shooting it at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Now Yan Hong too, felt that she¡¯d never seen someone so capable of ruining themselves. At least make sure your rebellion takes off before you start shooting at folks, ah.

    ¡°Capture these traitors!¡± Shadowgale ordered the Dragon Guards. Since you want to die, Xie Anji, then why shouldn¡¯t I help you out as the Head Commander?

    Meanwhile, the Sect Head reached out a hand and knocked Xie Anji¡¯s iing arrow down to the ground.

    ¡°Ah geez,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, startled. ¡°Xie Anji¡¯s gone crazy!¡±

    The Sect Head still didn¡¯t understand. Why couldn¡¯t Grand Preceptor Xie beat His Majesty? He seems like nothing more than a fool.

    Shadowgale led the Dragon Guards to start fighting with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. Ning Xiaoyao pushed the Sect Head and said, ¡°Sect Head, it¡¯s time for you to show your skills. Go poison Xie Anji and take him into custody.

    ¡°.....¡± said the Poison Sect Head. I take back my words. This wretch isn¡¯t a fool at all. Once I hurt Xie Anji, I¡¯ll make myself a mortal enemy out of Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Do your best,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ¡®encouraged¡¯ him. ¡°Although I¡¯ve only seen you beaten and fleeing for your life, I still believe in you.¡±

    The Sect Head rushed forward, unable to keep listening. Yan Hong was still standing behind Ning Xiaoyao and spoke up, ¡°Your Majesty, this young woman will protect you.¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Hear my Little White Fatty¡¯s calls?¡±

    Yan Hong cocked her ears and seemed to hear a faint howling in the distance.

    ¡°My Little White Fatty¡¯s discovered someone trying to send a message back to Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. ¡°Miss, why don¡¯t you go poison them?¡±

    Yan Hong¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°That dog, I mean, wolf---he¡¯s sending a message?¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded before patting Big Boss ck on his shoulders. ¡°Don¡¯t just sit there, go capture them with Yan Hong.¡±

    Big Boss ck leapt to the ground and turned to meow at Yan Hong before running off.

    ¡°He¡¯s telling you to hurry up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tranted for her.

    Have they all grown shrewd? Yan Hong had figurative ck lines down the side of her face as she followed after Big Boss ck.

    Ning Xiaoyao dug out an apple from her pocket and prepared to eat it before changing her mind halfway. Little White Fatty did well this time, so I¡¯ll keep it for him instead.

    ¡°You petty traitor!¡± Xie Anji cursed at the Poison Sect Head, who only smiled coldly as he replied.

    ¡°If the Grand Preceptor hadn¡¯t tried to take my life, why would I betray my master in the first ce?¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted from behind them, ¡°Sect Head, don¡¯t pretend that I don¡¯t exist, ah! Don¡¯t make yourself out to be so pitiful and helpless that you were forced to join my side!¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the Sect Head.

    Xie Anji¡¯s face twitched before he hacked at the Sect Head with a sword. The Sect Head silently sighed as he sidestepped the paltry attack before raising his right hand to release a cloud of white powder at the man¡¯s face. Xie Anji only felt his breathing growbored before his body swayed and lost all strength. As the Sect Head gently pushed him with a hand, Second Young Master Xie tumbled to the ground. When the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men saw this, half of them had the mind to run away.

    ¡°All of you, withdraw,¡± the Sect Head told the Dragon Guards, and Shadowgale quickly led them away. The Sect Head swept his right hand in an arc again, releasing more white powder into the air.

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men hastened to cover their mouths and noses. Shadowgale looked at the nearby poison powder cloud and didn¡¯t even think of backing away. Even if this wasn¡¯t the Sect Head but an enemy¡¯s powder instead, he still had no fear. Not with His Majesty here.

    The poison powder settled down towards the ground. The few guards who had already started running towards the city gates felt their exposed hands and fingers grow numb. When they raised their arms to look, they saw that the skin had turned a purplish-ck. As they tried to run away, it felt like something was pinching them in the chests, making it impossible to breathe. Meanwhile, there was a killer headache in their heads.

    The Sect Head exhaled once he saw all the men copse, unmoving. His lost confidence from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s offhand remarks had finally restored itself.

    ¡°Hey, Sect Head,¡± someone called out from behind.

    The Sect Head turned to see Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s broad grin.

    ¡°You get a ¡®Like!¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck her thumbs¡¯ up at him. ¡°Sect Head, all you had to do was wave a hand and everyone was poisoned. Strong!¡±

    The Sect Head only stared at Ning Xiaoyao. If that¡¯s the case, why are you standing in the middle of my poison while still beingpletely unaffected?

    ¡°Are you interested in joining the army?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned cheerfully. ¡°If you do that during a battle---¡± she paused to imitate him spreading his power, ¡°Then won¡¯t we win? Sect Head, I think the military really needs talents like yours!¡±

    The Sect Head¡¯s expression was wooden. ¡°Your Majesty, the army has to face off against thousands of men and horses. How much poison would thismoner need to bring in order to poison them all?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped smiling. ¡°So basically, you¡¯re saying ¡®this concubine cannot do it.¡±

    (#¨F¡ä)Í¹, went the Sect Head. I still want to murder the sovereign, what do I do?

    Shadowgale and the rest simply pretended that they hadn¡¯t heard a thing. What the hell is ¡®this concubine cannot do it?!¡¯

    ¡°Then forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought that the Sect Head¡¯s exnation was very scientific. Humans hadn¡¯t figured out how to create chemical weapons yet, so how could she use them in battle? ¡°Sect Head, it¡¯s better if you follow me. Be a bodyguard or an assassin, aye.¡± She sighed at him. ¡°Looks like your heights areparable to mine.¡±

    Sect Head wanted to murder Ning Xiaoyao again. What do heights have to do with anything?

    By now, all of the poison powder hadnded on the ground, so Ning Xiaoyao asked the Sect Head, ¡°Can Windy and the reste over now?¡±

    Right now, the Sect Head didn¡¯t even want to talk to Ning Xiaoyao. He dug out a bottle from his sleeve and sprinkled it over the poisoned ground before telling Shadowgale, ¡°It¡¯s safe now.¡±

    Shadowgale quickly ran over to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, where should we imprison Xie Anji?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao folded her hands behind her back as she looked at Xie Anji sprawled unconscious on the ground. His exposed skin had been afflicted with the second poison powder as well, turning it a terrifying shade of purplish-ck.

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, if we¡¯re not in a hurry to kill him, perhaps we should treat his poison first?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked towards the Sect Head, who had no choice but to step up and cure the poison.

    ¡°Deliver Xie Anji to Prince Fu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t let General Tao get involved in more things that offend the Grand Preceptor. Have the prince be locked in a life-and-death struggle with the Grand Preceptor instead.¡±

    Shadowgale felt a sh of sympathy for Prince Fu before he said, ¡°This servant epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°Beat it!¡± Xie Anji rushed at the Sect Head as soon as he regained his strength. Ning Xiaoyao stepped forward and simply kicked him unconscious again.

    ¡°Are there any poisons that can leave someone bedridden?¡± she asked the Sect Head. ¡°Give him some of that so he¡¯ll quiet down. Oh, right, and something to turn him mute too. Let¡¯s see how he¡¯ll curse people then!¡±

    The Sect Head silently did as he was told. This wretch looks harmless, but he¡¯s actually so cruel and ruthless. It¡¯s no wonder since he was raised by the Grand Preceptor himself. Strange how Grand Preceptor Xie never managed to make anything of his own sons.

    ¡°Then what about the rest of Xie Anji¡¯s people?¡± Shadowgale pointed at the sprawling forms of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men.

    ¡°Take them to the Hall of Punishment,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. Shadowgale waved a hand for the rest of the Dragon Guards to take their prisoners into custody.

    ¡°But then I¡¯d have to raise them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin as she muttered. ¡°Why should I?¡±

    ¡°Then, kill them?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°Send them to Regional Commander Qin Xuan so they can work in his mines,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°This ce hasn¡¯t been industrialized, so he¡¯ll definitely need lots of manualbor for the digging.¡±

    Shadowgale scratched his head. It¡¯s fine to send the prisoners off asborers, but what¡¯s ¡®industrialized?¡¯

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck meowed from the distance. ¡°Ninny,e quick!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hastened to Big Boss ck¡¯s side. Shadowgale followed after her, but still couldn¡¯t keep up even when using all his strength. Once again, his ego suffered a great blow.

    Ning Xiaoyao arrived by Big Boss ck¡¯s side and saw him perched on a man¡¯s head, biting and scratching at his victim. The man couldn¡¯t shake him off, so he grabbed Big Boss ck¡¯s body and prepared to fling him aside.

    ¡°Just try and throw him!¡± Ning Xiaoyao abruptly lost her temper. You have the gall to toss my family¡¯s ck Tubby?

    The man didn¡¯t realize Ning Xiaoyao had arrived until her sudden shout scared him out of his wits. He quickly looked up to face her. Ning Xiaoyao saw that he still had a death grip on Big Boss ck, so she went in with a flurry of punches. It was obvious that the man had recognized Ning Xiaoyao, because he didn¡¯t dare fight back or defend himself. He only released Big Boss ck to kneel on the ground.

    Big Boss ck gave him another vicious scratch on his head.

    Ning Xiaoyao plucked up the cat and settled him around her shoulders. ¡°That¡¯s enough out of you already. How can you scratch someone like that without even knowing who they are? You can¡¯t act like this next time.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s the scent of blood over there,¡± Big Boss ck raised a w to point at a wooden box on the ground. ¡°Hurry and open it, see what¡¯s inside.¡±

 Chapter 226: I have you and you have me

    <h4>Chapter 226: I have you and you have me</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao walked forward and picked up the box before shaking it. There was obviously something inside and it smelled of blood as well as limestone.

    ¡°Your Majesty, be careful!¡± Yan Hong came back this time with Little White Fatty. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao about to open the box, she had to give her a reminder. ¡°Just in case it has poison.¡±

    ¡°No need to fear,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she opened the box. The human head inside faced her head-on. Because it had been ced in limestone, much of the moisture had been sucked from the sky, distorting its facial features. But Ning Xiaoyao recognized it as Zhou mama all the same---the woman who had served by the empress¡¯s side. Last time, she¡¯d seen her corpse by the edge of the city walls. Why was her head now in this box?

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao knelt down by the man as she held the box in one hand.

    The man lowered his head, refusing to look or speak to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Why is Zhou mama¡¯s head in your hands?¡± Ning Xiaoyao lifted the man by his chin. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t tell me. I¡¯ll just send you to the Hall of Punishment.¡±

    The man opened his mouth a few times.

    ¡°Do you know what they do at the Hall of Punishment?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Once again, the man opened his mouth but didn¡¯t make a sound.

    ¡°They¡¯ll change you into a eunuch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thered on with her nonsense. ¡°Come on. For the sake of keeping your manhood, you should tell me the truth. What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Finally, the man spoke. ¡°Aren¡¯t eunuchs created in the silkworm room?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pped the man upside the head. ¡°You knelt as soon as you saw me, so you know who I am. If I say the Hall of Punishment is where you¡¯ll be a eunuch, then it¡¯s where you¡¯ll be a eunuch. Do you have any objections?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the man. What kind of objections could I even have now?

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao made the man stare at Zhou mama¡¯s head. The man knew he couldn¡¯t afford to aggravate His Majesty, but what about aggravating the empress dowager? He was about to lose it. How did I get discovered by a cat of all things?!

    Ning Xiaoyao saw that the man still wouldn¡¯t speak even after she¡¯d made things very clear, so she took out the dagger hidden in her sleeve and waved it in front of the man¡¯s eyes. ¡°Won¡¯t speak until you¡¯re dead? Fine, I respect you as a real man. I¡¯ll change you into a eunuch this instant.¡±

    She moved the dagger towards the man¡¯s little brother, her expression deathly serious. Seeing this, the man almost peed his pants from fear. He copsed to the ground and rolled away just as Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dagger passed through the ce where he¡¯d been kneeling seconds before. Yan Hong approached him and half-knelt with a smile.

    ¡°His Majesty is personally carrying out the sentence, yet you dare to run away?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the man. If I don¡¯t run, am I supposed to turn into a eunuch for real?

    Yan Hong¡¯s guileless smile remained on her face even as her fingers shed. In an instant, a dagger had appeared in her hands. ¡°Why would we need His Majesty to do these things? This young woman will break you from your root.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao walked toward and folded her arms, standing by Yan Hong¡¯s side. She chuckled at the man and said, ¡°This girl¡¯s skills aren¡¯t as fine as mine. Think it over carefully. If I did the deed, you might be able to live. But if Miss Yan Hong performed the cut, you could die, oh.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Yan Hong. Does castration actually require any special skills?

    ¡°I, I¡¯m only a messenger,¡± the man stammered.

    Yan Hong¡¯s dagger drew a line across the man¡¯s chest. ¡°A messenger who recognizes His Majesty on sight? Is his heavenly countenance something that everyone¡¯s seen before?¡± Blood bled from her cut, soon staining the man¡¯s entire chest area red.

    ¡°Castrate him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ordered.

    Yan Hong thought it over before lightly pressing against the man¡¯s lips. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sharp eyes picked up the ck pill she stuffed into his mouth. Not more than a minuteter, the man began to roll on the ground as he clutched his stomach. A strong and strapping man was soon reduced to sweat-soaked clothes as he cried out in pain.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Do all members of the Poison Sect carry poisons on them at all times?

    Yan Hong looked at the man and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want your intestines to rot away, you better answer everything His Majesty asks.¡±

    The man thrashed about on the ground, his fingernails digging into the dirt as he dug multiple holes. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart softened before she whispered, ¡°Isn¡¯t this too cruel?¡±

    Yan Hong smiled at her. ¡°This young woman believes that Your Majesty isn¡¯t the soft hearted type.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. But I¡¯m feeling soft hearted right now.

    Yan Hong then continued, ¡°What¡¯s the loss if a man like this dies?¡±

    Little White Fatty left Yan Hong¡¯s feet to move towards Ning Xiaoyao instead. My master is still better.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed before walking up to pat the man. ¡°Enough. If you don¡¯t want to speak, then don¡¯t say anything.¡± She could just ask Big Yellow from the city gates about the details since that area was his turf.

    The man had been in excruciating pain before, but his stomach suddenly stopped hurting. He looked up in astonishment at Ning Xiaoyao. His Majesty used an antidote on me?

    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The man shook his head.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°You can run along. If we meet again in the future, let¡¯s just pretend we don¡¯t know each other.¡±

    Yan Hong¡¯s face revealed nothing, but waves were crashing in her heart. How did His Majesty cure my poisons?!

    The man looked nkly at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty is letting me---letting this servant---go?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re not leaving, are you expecting me to treat you to a meal as well?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The man assumed he didn¡¯t understand Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s way of thinking because his life experiences were limited. He¡¯s letting me go just like that? Without asking a single question?

    The sound of hoofbeats began ran out from the distantne. Yan Hong grew rmed again and asked, ¡°Are those the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and narrowed her eyes down thene, before stating, ¡°It¡¯s Supreme Commander.¡±

    Yan Hong could only hear the hoofbeats but didn¡¯t see any people. Just what kind of eyes does His Majesty have?

    ¡°You should really hurry up and leave,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the man. ¡°If yound in Supreme Commander¡¯s hands, you¡¯re done for. He¡¯ll beat you to death.¡±

    The man only looked at the wooden box in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. How am I supposed to leave without this thing?

    Lou Zigui soon reached Ning Xiaoyao on horseback and flipped onto the ground, where he quickly looked her over. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised an arm and flexed it. None of the others knew what she meant, but Lou Zigui did. He rested a hand against his forehead and said, ¡°Yes, no one is a match for Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Xie Anji?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Captured,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, beforeining, ¡°That jerk even wanted to kill me.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face instantly fell.

    ¡°But he couldn¡¯t beat me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added smugly.

    Lou Zigui looked at the box in her hands and asked, ¡°Whose is this?¡±

    ¡°Zhou mama¡¯s head,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said instead as she offered the box to him.

    Lou Zigui furrowed his brows before ordering his men, ¡°All of you, withdraw.¡±

    The imperial guards all shifted back. Yan Hong also retreated to an ample distance so she couldn¡¯t overheard what the two would talk about. Lou Zigui looked at the man still sprawled on the ground and asked, ¡°You¡¯re delivering this box to Iron Buddha Temple?¡±

    The man only trembled in response.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°This is for the empress?¡±

    ¡°Besides the empress, who else would care about this mama?¡± Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head. ¡°She¡¯s one of the empress¡¯s people.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to look at the messenger. ¡°Well dang, why didn¡¯t I think of that?¡±

    The man was currently kneeling on the ground, too afraid to answer her question.

    ¡°What does the empress dowager wish to tell the empress?¡± Lou Zigui asked the man coldly.

    Since Lou Zigui had already guessed what he was doing, the man had nothing more to hide. He quietly repeated the empress dowager¡¯s words. Ning Xiaoyao dug her nails into her palms and whispered, ¡°What a liar.¡±

    Lou Zigui squeezed her hand and replied in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. Since ancient times, the imperial n has always been heartless. You have me.¡± His expression was exceptionally gentle as he spoke these words, his voice slightly husky and hoarse.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui and wanted to say she wasn¡¯t sad at all, but after second thought she simply nodded and said, ¡°Mhm, I have you so I won¡¯t be sad. You shouldn¡¯t be sad if you run into anything, either, alright? You have me, too you know.¡±

    The moonlight shone upon them softly as Lou Zigui smiled and touched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face with a nod. Ning Xiaoyao grinned back, showing all her teeth even as her eyes shrank into twin crescents.

    ¡°......¡± went the man on the ground. Why does something sound off about those words between those two?

    ¡°Then what do we do with him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao swung Lou Zigui¡¯s hand as she asked.

    Lou Zigui finally looked back at the man and said, ¡°You should send him off to Iron Buddha Temple.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± ¡°Whaa?¡± Both the man and Ning Xiaoyao eximed.

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to her side and said quietly, ¡°I¡¯ll exin things to youter.¡± Then he looked at the man and said, ¡°Repeat the empress dowager¡¯s words exactly as they are to the empress.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Then wouldn¡¯t that make the empress hate me to death?

    The man was looking at Lou Zigui nkly as well.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to work for the empress dowager all of a sudden now?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°Or do you want me to kill you right now?¡±

    The man quickly muttered an assent to Lou Zigui¡¯s previous orders and crawled to his feet. Lou Zigui took the wooden box from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands and ced it in the man¡¯s arms. ¡°You didn¡¯t see His Majesty at all tonight.¡±

    The man looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who was still at a loss.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    The man was still standing there spacing out.

    Ning Xiaoyao began, ¡°That¡¯s not...¡±

    Hearing her speak, the man seemed to suffer a jolt to his senses and bolted away. Ning Xiaoyao was confused and asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Why is he running?¡±

    Lou Zigui waited until the fleeing figure was far away before replying. ¡°He¡¯s afraid that you¡¯ll change your mind and take his life right here.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want his life though,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Now it¡¯s the empress dowager who wants mine. Supreme Commander, are you worried that the empress doesn¡¯t hate me enough, either?¡±

    Lou Zigui brought Ning Xiaoyao to a more secluded spot before muttering back, ¡°The empress dowager wants to use the empress to hurt you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao panicked. ¡°Then we can¡¯t let the empress dowager seed. Supreme Commander, why did you let that man deliver Zhou mama¡¯s head to Iron Buddha Temple?¡±

    ¡°Even without a head, the empress dowager can still find other ways to make the empress hate you,¡± Lou Zigui smoothed out the hair by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s temples as he spoke. ¡°But if the empress hurts you now, it¡¯ll be her man kneeling by your feet to beg mercy on her behalf in the future. He¡¯ll even plea for the chance to serve you aspensation.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought over Lou Zigui¡¯s words for a long time before she said, ¡°Leaving aside all the mistakes the empress has already made, I now have to wait for her to make a mortal error, then forgive her or punish her, so she¡¯ll take the initiative toe to our side. Is that what you mean, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled.

    ¡°....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. No matter how much you look like a flower when smiling, I still think you¡¯re wicked to the extreme, Supreme Commander!

 Chapter 227: His Majesty is grief-stricken

    <h4>Chapter 227: His Majesty is grief-stricken</h4>

    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to make any mistakes right now,¡± Lou Zigui pinched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face at the sight of her bitter expression. ¡°Nothing will happen to the empress.¡±

    ¡°And suppose the empress doesn¡¯t be bad guy buddies with the empress dowager?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t that be an even better oue?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. She couldn¡¯t out talk this ck belly, how depressing.

    ¡°Take me to see Xie Anji,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed with her finger. ¡°He¡¯s over there.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui pulled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Seeing the two of them about to leave, Yan Hong quickly spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, what about those men from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°Kill---¡±

    ¡°Send them off to work in the mines!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut off Lou Zigui¡¯s words. Everyone¡¯s human here. Do we need to be so ruthless and kill them off all the time?

    Lou Zigui looked once more at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I think Regional Commander Qin needs more manpower over there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°These men might be reformed through hardbor once they¡¯re far away from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s poisonous influence. Maybe they¡¯ll even improve?¡±

    What the hell is ¡®reformed through hardbor?¡¯ Lou Zigui felt another headacheing on.

    ¡°Supreme Commander agrees,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Yan Hong when Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak. ¡°Send them off to work in the mines.¡±

    Yan Hong nced at Lou Zigui, her eyes seductive as always. Do His Majesty¡¯s words need Supreme Commander¡¯s permission before they pass through?

    Ah geez, those charming eyes of her again. Ning Xiaoyao sniffed, before turning to walk towards Shadowgale and the rest.

    ¡°Why did you think of bringing those two from the Poison Sect with you?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he followed behind her.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, is a girl like Miss Yan Hong excellent in your eyes?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui. Are we even talking about the same thing?

    When Ning Xiaoyao recalled the beauty Yan Hong¡¯s gaze just then, she tried to imitate the same look at Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, do you feel anything?¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to cover Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your eyes? Are they hurting?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    After some thought, Lou Zigui removed his hand and bent down to look carefully at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face in the moonlight. ¡°Did you get some sand in them?¡±

    (¡Ñ¦ä¡Ñ), went Ning Xiaoyao. It¡¯s no good, I can¡¯t have my fun anymore.

    ¡°No sand,¡± Lou Zigui said as he brushed carefully through Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyelids with a murmur. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your eyes?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pped Lou Zigui¡¯s hand aside and start walking forward. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me, I¡¯m very grief-stricken right now.¡±

    ¡°Because of the empress¡¯s affairs?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat furiously. ¡°I¡¯m not her man, so why would I be depressed for her sake? Moreover, she already has a child, while I have nothing!¡± If youpare yourself to others, you¡¯ll anger yourself to death. Who¡¯s in a worse state than me right now?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face reddened at that. This girl wants to have my children? (Author: Cough, cough, the two of you are thinking aboutpletely different things, ah!)

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao huffed and sped up her steps, feeling more grieved by the second.

    A Dragon Guard quietly asked Shadowgale, ¡°His Majesty and Supreme Commander are arguing over the sake of a woman now?¡±

    Before Shadowgale could reply, another guard asked, ¡°Which woman could that be?¡±

    Shadowgale only knitted his brows. ¡°Isn¡¯t it easy enough for His Majesty to get a child?¡±

    Everyone agreed with the Head Commander¡¯s words. His Majesty could have all the women he wanted, so what was so hard about having children?

    ¡°Was Supreme Commander trying to introduce a married woman with children to His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Impossible if she¡¯s married. Maybe he meant a widow?¡±

    The Dragon Guards gossiped amongst themselves, none of them understanding exactly what His Majesty and Supreme Commander had been arguing about. The Poison Sect Head only felt himself suffering after hearing their words. Why are the so called mysterious, cold-blooded, killing machines of the imperial Ning n a bunch of addled-brained weirdos? His impression of them had been thoroughly destroyed, leaving him with only inexpressible feelings.

    Ning Xiaoyao could clearly hear her Dragon Guards talking amongst themselves. She wiped a hand across her face and began to worry for their sake. Their IQ doesn¡¯t feel quite normal. They were perfectly fine a moment ago, but what¡¯s wrong with them now? Anyone who spends time with someone as dashing as the Heavens like me should grow more and more dashing themselves! (Author: Enough, you...)

    Lou Zigui saw multiple eyes sneaking nces his way and simply headed for Xie Anji, who was still unconscious. The man¡¯splexion was gray and he looked half-dead.

    ¡°He fainted?¡± Lou Zigui asked the Dragon Guard standing watch over him,

    ¡°I-it was His Majesty who kicked him,¡± the guard replied hastily.

    Lou Zigui nodded. That¡¯s certainly Miss Ning¡¯s style, all right.

    ¡°It was mostly the Sect Head¡¯s work,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked over with her hands behind her back while clicking her tongue. ¡°Sect Head, you were too brutal on him. I don¡¯t think the Grand Preceptor will forgive you after this.¡±

    The Sect Head didn¡¯t want to say a word. Isn¡¯t this exactly what you wanted?

    ¡°Very good,¡± Lou Zigui quietly praised Ning Xiaoyao.

    A smug Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Typically speaking, people about my height are rarely a match for me.¡±

    The Sect Head clenched his fists, but once he remembered that this was His Majesty, impervious to hundreds of poisons, he decided to endure it instead. Lou Zigui wanted to raise a hand and pat Ning Xiaoyao on the head, but realized everyone was watching. He withdrew his hand and said instead, ¡°Even those taller than Your Majesty aren¡¯t your match.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao grew more smug as her eyes swept over the assembled men. All of the Dragon Guards lowered their heads, not wanting to participate in this conversation. The Sect Head spoke up wickedly, ¡°Then what about you, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Lou Zigui behind her to re at the Sect Head. ¡°Forget about the fact that you¡¯re only as tall as me, why are you so petty as well? You¡¯re supposed to be a man! I¡¯ve broken off rtions with you and the Grand Preceptor, so now you¡¯re sowing discord between me and Supreme Commander? Do you think you¡¯ll get any taller after Supreme Commander and I fight a round?¡±

    For a second, the Sect Head entertained the thought of a full-on brawl with this wretch. We¡¯re both men and about the same height, but he only minds the fact that I¡¯m short, not him? He told himself to bear with it before saying, ¡°How could Supreme Commander ever have the nerve to contest against you, Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a do-you-think-I¡¯m-an-idiot expression as she shot back, ¡°How are Supreme Commander and I supposed to know who¡¯s the stronger one unless we fight a round?¡±

    The Sect Head revealed a so-you-really-are-an-idiot expression. You¡¯re the emperor. Do you think Lou Zigui would really fight you? That¡¯d just bebelled as attempted rebellion on his end!

    ¡°A person like you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued as she pointed at the Sect Head, ¡°Has spent too much time with the Grand Preceptor. Your own humanity¡¯s been infected by his.¡±

    Although the Sect Head didn¡¯t quite understand what being infected with humanity meant, he knew His Majesty was cursing him out. Lou Zigui took this chance to speak. ¡°The Sect Head should deliver Xie Anji to Prince Fu. Before Tao Yu and Prince Fu leave the capital, you¡¯ll be in charge of standing guard over him.¡±

    ¡°Be careful when the Grand Preceptor sends men to rescue his son,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reminded with a grin.

    The Grand Preceptor¡¯s no hero, but are these two any better? The Sect Head felt suffocated by their words, but could only obey themands. He also came to realize a truth: it was just as hard to follow a master like Ning Xiaoyao as it was to follow the Grand Preceptor.

    The Sect Head and Yan Hong left with a group of Dragon Guards and the unconscious Xie Anji in tow. Meanwhile, Shadowgale took another Dragon Guard contingent to bring the rest of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men to the pce first. Lou Zigui was left standing in the empty streets, looking in the direction of Iron Buddha Temple. He asked Ning Xiaoyao in a quiet voice, ¡°Shall I help you slip into Iron Buddha Temple for a look?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes as she stared at the sky. ¡°Just to see how the empress will hate my guts after I ¡®killed¡¯ Zhou mama? And listen to how she¡¯ll curse me to a miserable death? Am I mental? Do I have to abuse myself that much?¡± Besides, Big Boss ck had already gone there in her ce, so why did she have to make herself unhappy in his ce?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°You said it yourself, the empress might not fall for the trick or team up with the empress dowager.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s one possibility out of three,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°How are you so sure we won¡¯t run into the second or the third?¡±

    ¡°Three possibilities?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°Besides epting or refusing an alliance with the empress dowager, what other choice is there?¡±

    ¡°Thest one would be that the empress can¡¯t take the shock andmits suicide, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Lou Zigui felt like he shouldn¡¯t have asked the question at all. Why would the empress kill herself when she¡¯s still pregnant with Xu Feiyu¡¯s child?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bent down to pick up Little White Fatty. ¡°I want to sleep---literally have a sleep, like the noun.¡±

    Lou Zigui watched as Ning Xiaoyao fed an apple to Little White Fatty and asked, ¡°What does ¡®noun¡¯ mean?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°To have a sleep in the noun sense means to just lie under the covers and actually sleep, snores and all.¡±

    ¡°Is there any other meaning to ¡®sleep?¡¯¡± Lou Zigui still ended up asking.

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly broke into a series of coarse chuckles before she rose up on her tiptoes to whisper in Lou Zigui¡¯s ear. ¡°The other is the verb form. That¡¯s where people tumble in the sheets. The two of us, ah, when we...¡±

    Lou Zigui carefully pushed Ning Xiaoyao back on her heels before resting a hand against his forehead. ¡°Alright, I understand now. You don¡¯t need to say any more.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged. ¡°Windy brought me here on his horse. Now that he¡¯s gone ahead, can you bring me along instead, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui brought Ning Xiaoyao to Little Red, his expression a little tight. Once they reached the horse, he suddenly asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You don¡¯t know how to ride horses?¡±

    ¡°Urk, I should know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. I can even hold conversations with them, so how hard is it to ask one to carry me?

    ¡°Then ride on your own horse in the future,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°But I haven¡¯t even found my own Little Ming yet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged at Little Red¡¯s mane, feeling sorry for the horse. Even now, she hadn¡¯t found a mare for him yet.

    Lou Zigui mounted his horse and lightly pulled Ning Xiaoyao up after him. ¡°The imperial stables have their share of good horses, I¡¯ll go pick one out for you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°But aren¡¯t we supposed to send off General Tao and the rest tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I still have enough time to pick a horse,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao towards him a bit. How can I keep letting Shadowgale take her on his horse? The very thought made him dejected. I should¡¯ve picked a horse for her much earlier.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned back to look in the direction of Iron Buddha Temple onest time, hoping that the empress wouldn¡¯t fall for the empress dowager¡¯s tricks. But what if she does? She looked back at Lou Zigui, who was urging on their horse. For the sake of your true love, empress, don¡¯t provoke Supreme Commander Lou. You have to rub your eyes and see clearly, ah!

    ¡°Aroo?¡± Little White Fatty looked up at Ning Xiaoyao.

    She looked back down. In the space of a few steps, the chubby wolf pup in her arms hadpletely polished off her giant apple!

    ¡°Xiaoyao, don¡¯t worry,¡± Little White Fatty stuck out his tongue to lick her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you, arooo~¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Just eat less in the future. You devoured that apple without even stopping to take breaths. If you keep up that appetite, I won¡¯t be able to afford the cost of raising you!

 Chapter 228: I want to live, so you have to die

    <h4>Chapter 228: I want to live, so you have to die</h4>

    Because the messenger with the wooden box had been sent by Empress Dowager Xie, Chen Lu, as the head of the soldiers surrounding Iron Buddha Temple, simply had his men let him in. His trusted deputy general watched the messenger pass through before remarking, ¡°Big bro, Tao Yu¡¯s leaving the capital city tomorrow. This soldier heard that Prince Fu is apany him to East Ji.¡±

    Chen Lu looked at hispatriot, whose name was Chen Fang.[1. Chen Fang (³Â·½) - Fang means ¡°square, ce, upright, method.¡±] ¡°You certainly get your news fast.¡±

    Chen Fang hastily pasted a smile on his face. ¡°Everyone¡¯s simply feeling unhappy that Tao Yu¡¯s got the chance to lead troops. Big bro, has there been any news from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side?¡±

    Chen Lu shook his head.

    Chen Fang began to fret for his sake. ¡°If Tao Yues back victorious this time, will the rest of us fellows need to bow and pay him respects when we see him? Big bro, Tao Yu¡¯s already rising rapidly in his career. Are we supposed to just sit here and stand guard?¡±

    Chen Lu headed for themander¡¯s tent without a second word. Chen Fang only shook his head before giving a long sigh. Chen Lu paused before entering his tent and suddenly turned back. ¡°Go listen in on that messenger, hear what he says to the empress.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Chen Fang assented before running towards Iron Buddha Temple.

    --

    Empress Zhou sat in the living quarters of the temple, staring nkly at Zhou mama¡¯s head before she managed to ask, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    The messenger had no choice but to repeat the empress dowager¡¯s words. The empress felt her whole body grow cold. She couldn¡¯t speak, nor could she turn away from the sight of that head in the box. The messenger bowed his head and asked, ¡°Does empress have any words for this messenger to bring back to the empress dowager?¡±

    The empress¡¯s lips trembled before she croaked out from her throat, ¡°Get lost.¡±

    The messenger bowed towards the empress before backing out of her rooms. The empress¡¯s curse was much more polite than Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s use of knives and poisons. Before long, there were only the empress and her brother left in the room. She looked at him, wanting to cry but finding herself couldn¡¯t.

    Zhou Junqi rose to his feet and approached the table, where he shut the lid on the box. ¡°This wasn¡¯t necessarily done by His Majesty¡¯s hands,¡± he murmured in a low voice. ¡°You can¡¯t fully trust the empress dowager¡¯s words.¡±

    The empress hugged her belly protectively as she continued to stare dazedly at the box.

    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± Zhou Junqi continued, ¡°I¡¯ll see if I can find some way to beg His Majesty for a meeting.¡±

    Hearing this, the empress trembled and grabbed him by the sleeves. ¡°You mustn¡¯t! We can¡¯t go see His Majesty anymore.¡±

    ¡°Little sis!¡± Zhou Junqi looked at her anxiously. ¡°You believe the empress dowager¡¯s words?¡±

    ¡°Of course we can¡¯t trust that woman¡¯s words,¡± the empress replied, ¡°But suppose, she wasn¡¯t lying to us? For the sake of wresting control, His Majesty has beenpletely heartless towards the Xie n. What couldn¡¯t he do to grab the Zhou n¡¯s army as well?¡±

    Zhou Junqi was left speechless by her words.

    ¡°We assumed that His Majesty would want to draw us to his side, but what if we were mistaken? What if his intentions were to kill off our military power from the start?¡± Tears finally spilled over from the empress¡¯s eyes as she looked at her brother. ¡°Remember how Xie Wenyuan acted in the past. How can we be sure that Ning Yu won¡¯t do the same?¡±

    Zhou Junqi¡¯s expression withered.

    ¡°I would rather believe in what¡¯s in front of me than something that doesn¡¯t exist,¡± the empress muttered to herself before bolting upright. She gripped Zhou Junqi¡¯s hands and said, ¡°Big bro, we have to leave. We can¡¯t stay here any longer.¡±

    Zhou Junqi gently pressed the empress back onto her chair, his voice soft. ¡°We can¡¯t leave anymore.¡± He was a cripple, while the empress, despite being knowledgeable in martial arts, was currently pregnant. They had no allies here nor any sense of what was going on in the outside world, so how were they supposed to escape?

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the empress muttered next. ¡°We can¡¯t leave. If His Majesty wants to kill us and we escape, what if he moves against A¡¯Xu instead? No, that¡¯s not right,¡± she stopped to shake her head.

    ¡°His Majesty will definitely make a move against A¡¯Xu. Big bro, we have to leave this ce. We have to tell A¡¯Xu what¡¯s going on before His Majesty tricks A¡¯Xu like how Xie Wenyuan the liar tricked Lou Zigui. If he fools A¡¯Xu intoing back to the capital, he¡¯ll definitely die! B-but how can we get out of here?¡±

    The empress¡¯s distracted state left Eldest Young Master Zhou even more uneasy. Right now, both brother and sister felt that they¡¯d reached a dead end. The empress sat there crying for a long time before she suddenly clutched the box with Zhou mama¡¯s head. Wiping away her tears, she asked, ¡°Why would the empress dowager do this to Zhou mama?¡±

    Zhou Junqi¡¯s expression shifted at her words.

    ¡°Is the empress dowager trying to draw us to her side?¡± the empress asked.

    Zhou Junqi slowly nodded his head.

    ¡°She wants us to join her and face off against His Majesty,¡± the empress continued.

    ¡°Do you trust His Majesty, or the empress dowager?¡± Eldest Young Master Zhou asked. ¡°You can only pick one.¡±

    How was the empress supposed to decide?

    Zhou Junqi took the box from her hands and ced it on a tea table by the window. ¡°I¡¯ll find a ce to put Zhou mama to rest,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Burying her in the temple is better than some ce in the wilds where she¡¯d be a lonely ghost.¡±

    The empress asked, ¡°But who will be the ones to bury us in the future?¡±

    Zhou Junqi¡¯s arms shook at his sister¡¯s words.

    ¡°The empress dowager and the emperor, I don¡¯t trust either of them,¡± the empress said.

    ¡°Then pick the one that won¡¯t take our lives,¡± Zhou Junqi walked back to her side.

    The empress sat there nkly for a moment before looking down at her swollen stomach. She grit her teeth and said in a shaking voice, ¡°If Ning Yu dies, Xie Wenyuan will make Ning Xin emperor. ording to the rules of the imperial n, if the emperor is still a child, then the mother will beid to rest. Then the empress dowager will die, too.¡±

    Zhou Junqi felt his heart tremble at the empress¡¯s words.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor wants to kill His Majesty,¡± the empress continued, ¡°Yet the empress dowager only wants His Majesty to be obedient. That woman¡¯s now trying to draw us over to hurt His Majesty. Then I might as well---¡±

    ¡°Do you have any idea of what you¡¯re saying?!¡± Zhou Junqi eximed.

    ¡°We can beat her at her own game,¡± the empress didn¡¯t stop at her brother¡¯s shout. ¡°The imperial nsmen are all at the capital right now. As long as His Majesty dies one way or another, Xie Wenyuan can make Ning Xin the new emperor without much opposition. The empress dowager will be busy trying to figure out how to stay alive herself. Neither of them will have time to worry about us. Big bro, won¡¯t we be able to leave then?¡±

    Zhou Junqi stared at his little sister as if he was looking at a stranger.

    ¡°If Xie Wenyuan wanted to seize the throne then, he would never leave Chen Lu to guard this ce. No, no, no, that¡¯s not it,¡± the empress suddenly changed her mind. ¡°If the empress dowager wants me to help her, she¡¯ll call me back to the pce. Before I help her, I¡¯ll state my own terms such as letting my big brother out of Iron Buddha Temple. This way, once the pce and capital falls into chaos, the two of us can just slip away.¡±

    ¡°You want to kill His Majesty?¡± Zhou Junqi stared at her, his voice low. ¡°You want tomit regicide?¡±

    The empress shrank back from his words, but soon bolstered her spirits enough to retort, ¡°Our Zhou n served the country loyally, but what did we get back? This is just bad luck for that Ning Yu, that¡¯s all. Who told him to be emperor? I want to live. I want you, big brother, and A¡¯Xu to both be alive and well. If Ning Yu¡¯s the one blocking my way, then he---then he has to die!¡±

    --

    ¡°Then you have to die!¡±

    Four hourster saw Big Boss ck imitating the empress in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bedroom. ¡°The empress was ready to see you dead that very instant, miaow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t describe what she was feeling at this moment. Because you want to live, I have to die? What kind of logic is that? The empress didn¡¯t even ask for any details before condemning me to death. What for?!

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s head drooped sadly. ¡°This cat is out of ideas.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell back on her bed and rolled around a few times while clutching her head. She didn¡¯t have any ideas, either. Big Boss ck jumped onto the bed after her and scratched her on the face. ¡°Go tell the empress that you didn¡¯t kill Zhou mama.¡±

    ¡°Your Supreme Commander said to have the empress thoroughly hurt me once. Then we¡¯re supposed to grab onto her offense and force her General Xu toe to our rescue,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± Big Boss ck said.

    Ning Xiaoyao touched the soft fur on his head as she looked into his bright green eyes. ¡°This is a problem rted to reading human motivations. Actually, I don¡¯t get it much, either.¡± Her life had been in danger when she hacked at zombies, but it¡¯d never tired out her heart like this.

    Big Boss ck¡¯s eyes flickered in thought. ¡°Then you should just listen to Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips at his words. Haven¡¯t I been listening to him already?

    ¡°The empress is no good,¡± Big Boss ckid down next to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°She didn¡¯t even care whether or not it was you who killed her servant before she decided she wanted you dead. She¡¯s a bad woman.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t really say that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she crossed her arms behind her head. ¡°She¡¯s doing all this for the sake of her big brother and General Xu. Yeah, she¡¯s being too savage to me, but we can still understand where she¡¯sing from. Humans have both close and distant ties, isn¡¯t that right?¡±

    Big Boss ck snarled in his throat a few times before going to lick Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. ¡°Then let¡¯s forget about the empress. She has her General Xu, but you have Supreme Commander, after all. You can just worry about your own man instead, miaow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°What do I need to worry about him for?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother,¡± Big Boss ck reminded her.

    ¡°I can¡¯t go to White Wolf Gorge right now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander can¡¯t leave either. We have to put this off ¡®tilter.¡±

    ¡°Then...¡± Big Boss ck thought it over for a long time. ¡°Then how about you bear Supreme Commander a child?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao decided to shut her eyes instead. Go to court assembly with a baby in my tummy? Elder Li would probably want to die. (Author: What time is it now for you to worry about Elder Li instead? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    --

    Meanwhile, dim candlelight illuminated the rooms of Lou Zigui. Through the half-open window, the night breeze sent the flicker of me fluttering, casting moving shadows on his face.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Lou Zigui said after a beat to the man standing before him. ¡°Go back and tell your general that no matter what the empress and Zhou Junqi does, he is to standby and watch.¡±

    The man made a noise of assent before quickly backing out of the room. The two generals on guard outside watched the man run out of the courtyard before they heard their Supreme Commander harshly striking the table inside. They exchanged nces, but remained silent.

    In the wavering candlelight, Lou Zigui slowly raised the fist that had mmed his table, his eyes brutally sharp as he muttered to himself, ¡°You, n¨¦e Zhou, want to live, so Xiaoyao has to die?¡±

    If that was the case, all he had to do was kill the Zhou siblings and push the me onto Xie Wenyuan in order to leave Xiaoyao unharmed. The brother and sister couldn¡¯t me him for being ruthless if they were already dead.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± a general called out softly from outside.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°They¡¯ve found Zhou mama¡¯s headless body,¡± the general reported. ¡°But it¡¯s already decayed.¡±

    Lou Zigui rose to his feet and pushed open the door, before responding to the general in a low voice, ¡°Go find Imperial Physician Gao.¡±

 Chapter 229: A cold and emotionless smile

    <h4>Chapter 229: A cold and emotionless smile</h4>

    Imperial Physician Gao only exchanged a few words with Lou Zigui in his rooms before his face turned ashen white. He then went with one of the ck Frost Cavalry generals in a carriage out of the pce and traveled overnight to the city walls at the south of the capital.

    Zhou mama¡¯s headless corpse had already been dug out of the ground. The robes that Ning Xiaoyao had taken off her own back to drape over her were long gone, while the body itself was thick with the stench of rot and decay. A few Dragon Guards that were stationed to watch over the corpse kept a healthy distance from its overpowering smell.

    The general who brought Imperial Physician Gao here was named Shen Mu.[1. Shen Mu (Éòãå) - Shen is a surname that means ¡°sink, keep down, lower,¡± Mu means ¡°to wash one¡¯s hair, be given/receive kindness, a favor, etc.¡±] As General Shen Mu approached the corpse, he told Imperial Physician Gao, ¡°I still have something to do, so I¡¯ll need to take my leave. Imperial Physician Gao, please wait here a moment.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s face fell. He stared at the decaying mess and muttered, ¡°She¡¯s already rotted away this much. How can we still identify her?¡±

    Shen Mu grinned. ¡°Compare the neck stump with the head. If it matches, then she¡¯s surely that old mama.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Imperial Physician Gao. He¡¯s only a soldier, but his words are very logical.

    Shen Mu turned to leave with two Dragon Guards on horseback. Meanwhile, Imperial Physician Gao covered his mouth with a cloth and crouched in front of Zhou mama¡¯s body. He¡¯d seen this woman before because she was the empress¡¯s most trusted mama who held clout in her court. He never thought that it¡¯d only take a few days before her corpse had been broken apart like this. From his sleeve, he took out a few different colored porcin bottles and sighed. Do people who know more about their masters¡¯ secrets die more wretched deaths? What will be my fate in the future?

    After scattering some medicinal liquids and powders over the body, a strong, fragrant musk rose from the corpse. Of course, it was soon overwhelmed by the rotting stench again. Imperial Physician Gao removed the cloth covering his face and fanned the air in front of his nose until he was sure the smell of musk was gone. Then he stood up and increased his distance from the corpse.

    One hourter, Shen Mu returned with his men, but didn¡¯t get off his horse. ¡°Is everything finished?¡± he asked.

    Imperial Physician Gao nodded. Shen Mu dismounted to inspect Zhou mama¡¯s body, before taking out a wooden hairpin from his robes. He carelessly stuck it into the stump of her neck before rising and beckoning the Dragon Guards forward. They moved to rebury Zhou mama¡¯s body back in the dirt.

    Once that was done, Shen Mu circled the area of the makeshift grave before going back to Imperial Physician Gao. ¡°We¡¯ve done our job, let¡¯s go back to the pce now.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao silently climbed onto his horse. He had anointed Zhou mama¡¯s body with medicine that could induce a miscarriage. It was likely that Shen Mu¡¯s casual addition of the hairpin was no good thing, either. He nced at the general riding by his side and swallowed the question rising to his lips. He didn¡¯t have the guts to ask Lou Zigui the why when the man instructed him to do this task, and he stillcked any courage to question things now.

    --

    Xie Laibao had two pageboys carry him into Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s study. Inside, Grand Preceptor Xie was half lying on the bed. His medicine was finally starting to take effect, making him seem less swollen than before. But Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face still looked terrible. He didn¡¯t even look in Xie Laibao¡¯s way when the man came into the room. Xie Laibao dismissed his pageboys and forced himself to sit up and pay his respects to Grand Preceptor Xie by calling his name, but received no response.

    Xie Laibao said, ¡°Master, General Chen sent someone over who¡¯s waiting right outside the gates. Would you like to meet with him?¡±

    When Grand Preceptor Xie heard that Chen Lu had sent someone over, he finally looked over and asked, ¡°Have the Zhou siblings finally made a move?¡±

    Head Steward Xie replied, ¡°This servant asked, but the messenger said the general told him to only tell you in person.¡±

    ¡°Have hime in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    Soon enough, Chen Lu¡¯s messenger arrived in the study. Grand Preceptor Xie recognized him at once as one of Chen Lu¡¯s bodyguards. The bodyguard bowed in greeting before repeating the words that the empress dowager had presented with Zhou mama¡¯s head. Hearing that, Grand Preceptor Xie simply waved a hand without a word. Seeing the bodyguard just standing there, Xie Laibao hastily spoke up. ¡°You should withdraw first.¡±

    The bodyguard didn¡¯t ask any questions, but obediently left the room. Xie Laibao waited until he was gone before turning back towards his master. Grand Preceptor Xie was currently rubbing his temples, so Xie Laibao pped his thigh and proimed, ¡°What is empress dowager thinking? Something¡¯s just happened with second young master, and yet she---aye!¡± He sighed.

    ¡°She wants to draw the empress to her side,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stated simply.

    Xie Laibao gave a start. ¡°Wait, why didn¡¯t the empress dowager discuss this with you first then, master?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie dropped his hands, his temples red from his recent massage. Xie Laibao feigned carelessness as he remarked, ¡°That mama¡¯s corpse is still buried at the foot of the southern gates. Wouldn¡¯t it had been better to have just sent her the entire body?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked at him. ¡°Zhou mama¡¯s body wasn¡¯t sent out of the city?¡±

    ¡°To reply master, no, it wasn¡¯t,¡± Xie Laibao answered. ¡°It¡¯s buried right at the corner of the south city wall.¡±

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager said that His Majesty threw Zhou mama¡¯s corpse to the dogs,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie intoned.

    Xie Laibao nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what that soldier said.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie stared at the canopy of his bed before silently cursing his eldest daughter in his heart. Idiot. His eldest daughter would never try to take Ning Yu¡¯s life. At most, she only wanted the empress¡¯s help so she could control Ning Yu---perhaps using poison or other methods such as torture to leave her too bedridden to manage court affairs. Yet Ning Yu knew how to treat herself; furthermore, she had a miraculous doctor by her side. How could it be easy to injure her? If the empress dowager failed, her attempts to kill her own son wouldbel her a cruel mother. Ning Yu could use that pretense to seal up the empress dowager¡¯s pce forever and then use any excuse she wanted to raise arms against their Xie n.

    ¡°Master,¡± Xie Laibao asked cautiously, ¡°Should we send someone into the pce to see Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°Send Zhou mama¡¯s corpse to Iron Buddha Temple,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Hand it directly to the empress, but there¡¯s no need to tell her anything else.¡±

    Xie Laibao¡¯s expression grew nk.

    ¡°You¡¯ll take people toplete this task,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Xie Laibao still looked nk, but he simply epted the orders without further questions.

    ¡°Father!¡± a girl¡¯s wretched cries came from outside the study door.

    Hearing this, Xie Laibao remarked, ¡°It¡¯s Second Young Master¡¯s wife.¡±

    ¡°Have her return to her rooms,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said after a twinge of annoyance.

    Xie Laibao quickly muttered an assent before calling for his two pageboys to carry him back out. It wasn¡¯t long afterwards before the second daughter-inw¡¯s cries faded away. Grand Preceptor Xie finally exhaled a sigh of relief and decided to think of other ways to deal with Ning Yu. Instead of killing her, it¡¯s better to make the empress believe she can¡¯t trust His Highness or the empress dowager. Then the empress will have no choice but to kill Ning Yu herself and take advantage of the chaos afterwards to escape with her brother.

    And once Ning Yu is dead, Xie Anji¡¯s situation will be resolved as well. Grand Preceptor Xie massaged his throbbing temples again. I should of thought of this idea much earlier. When he got to the empress dowager, he shook his head. We¡¯re done with each other and out of sorts. It looks like I can¡¯t keep around this daughter of mine anymore.

    --

    Xie Laibao brought a bunch of retainers and Chen Lu¡¯s bodyguard to the south city walls, where they searched around until they found and dug up Zhou mama¡¯s body. After brushing aside the mud and dirt, the rotting stench from the corpse caused everyone to back away. One of the retainers who dug her up examined the body a few times before calling out to Xie Laibao on his chair in the distance.

    ¡°Head steward, there¡¯s a hairpin stuck in the corpse.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Xie Laibao appeared to look rather surprised as he ordered the pageboys to carry him to the corpse.

    ¡°It¡¯s a wooden hairpin,¡± the retainer added.

    ¡°Worthless little thing,¡± Xie Laibao said after ncing at the hairpin stuck in the neck stump, which had been carved to resemble a plum blossom at its end. ¡°It probably belongs to that woman and was only left behind because it was cheap. Leave it there. It¡¯s unlucky to touch a dead person¡¯s things.¡±

    None of the retainers had any interest in the hairpin, so all of them muttered in the assent.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Xie Laibao said. ¡°Take the body out of the grave and move it overnight.¡±

    The retainers bore the brunt of the stink as they lifted Zhou mama¡¯s corpse from the dirt, wrapped it in a straw mat, and ced it onto a cart. Xie Laibo told Chen Lu¡¯s bodyguard, ¡°Sir soldier, please lead the way. Grand Preceptor ordered this item delivered to Iron Buddha Temple.¡±

    The empress dowager had delivered the head, while the Grand Preceptor was now delivering the body. The bodyguard really had no idea what these two masters were thinking.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Xie Laibao tightened his cor beforemanding. A row of men pulled Zhou mama¡¯s headless corpse with them as they headed for the northern gates.

    Once all the humans were gone, a pack of vagrant dogs gathered from different corners of the area to the empty grave. They circled around the ce before one of them asked their leader, Big Yellow, ¡°Last time they cut off the head and took it away. Now they¡¯ve taken the body as well. Big boss, just what do these humans want to do?¡±

    Big Yellow tossed a pawful of dirt at the grave before leading his band of brothers away from the spot. He looked in the direction where Xie Laibao and the rest had left before finally admitting, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the other dogs. If you didn¡¯t know, boss, why did you stare after them for so long?

    ¡°Should we tell Xiaoyao?¡± one doggy asked.

    ¡°Xiaoyao¡¯s the emperor who looks after the living. Would she bother with the dead as well?¡± Big Yellow asked.

    ¡°I know, woof,¡± a mottled dog replied. ¡°It¡¯s King Yan who looks after the dead.¡±

    ¡°Then this has nothing to do with Xiaoyao,¡± Big Yellow proimed. ¡°No need to mention it. I hear that Xiaoyao¡¯s busy preparing for war right now, and that¡¯s more important.¡±

    None of the other dogs objected to their boss¡¯s words.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s set,¡± Big Yellow finished. ¡°Disperse and look for food.¡±

    With the meeting adjourned, the various doggies ran off in different locations to vie for their empty stomachs.

    --

    Xie Laibao¡¯s took out the Grand Preceptor¡¯smand token at the north gates to gain passage. Once they were out of the city, he reminded the men pulling the cart, ¡°Be careful, don¡¯t leave anything behind.¡±

    The gatekeepers shut the gates behind their retreating forms. One hourter when they changed shifts, one of the military officers was seen talking and joking with hispanions all the way back to the barracks. An hour after that, the same officer appeared in a room at Supreme Splendor Hall, where he reported to Lou Zigui, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men have already taken the body out of the city. They brought along everything they should have brought as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°You¡¯ve surely worked harding here to report this.¡±

    ¡°This humble one doesn¡¯t dare ept suchpliments,¡± the officer bowed before quickly withdrawing from the room.

    As themp light on the table flickered, Lou Zigui¡¯s lips curved into a cold and emotionless smile.

    --

    Inside her bedroom, Ning Xiaoyao was sleeping soundly next to Big Boss ck, her stomach a little round from stuffing herself with food. Everyone was busying themselves this night, but His Majesty was the only one who¡¯d fretted herself to sleep.

 Chapter 230: Supreme Commander is an evil vixen

    <h4>Chapter 230: Supreme Commander is an evil vixen</h4>

    The first thing Ning Xiaoyao saw upon opening her eyes in the morning was Lou Zigui sitting by her bed. She grinned at him and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, you came to wake me up?¡±

    Lou Zigui bent down to examine Ning Xiaoyao. Although the girl had just woken up without washing herself at all, she looked perfectly clean and neat. Her cheeks were a little red from being under the covers, as if she¡¯d been dusted with a light covering of blush. He reached out his hand to pinch them as he asked, ¡°Are you feeling all better now?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged her covers as she rolled from the head to the foot of the bed, before suddenly recalling something. ¡°Eh? Where¡¯s my ck Tubby? That jerk, he abandoned me and ran away after we slept together?¡±

    If I didn¡¯t know ck Tubby was a cat, Lou Zigui thought, I¡¯d push this girl down and teach her a thorough lesson. What in the world is she saying?

    ¡°ck Tubby?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s meows came from the flower gardens outside.

    ¡°You¡¯re still in the mood to worry about your cat,¡± Lou Zigui said as he pulled Ning Xiaoyao before him. ¡°Looks like your mood really has improved.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave azy stretch. Of course she was in a good mood. After waking up, she remembered that there were no zombies to fight and free breakfasts to eat in this world.

    ¡°Come and get up,¡± Lou Zigui pulled her up to a sitting position. ¡°We¡¯re sending off Tao Yu and the restter.¡±

    ¡°Mwah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nted a kiss on his cheek before jumping off the bed. ¡°When are General Tao and the rest leaving? Can I eat some breakfast first?¡±

    Lou Zigui personally picked up theb to brushed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair into a bun. Besides his young nephew Lou Nan, she was the only person he¡¯d wait on this way.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, the empress, she---¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly stopped when she saw Lou Zigui¡¯s reflection in the mirror.

    ¡°Mhm?¡± Lou Zigui waited.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dug out a sugar bean and tossed it in her mouth. Let¡¯s take car of the battle stuff first. It¡¯s not like the empress wille along trying to kill me today.

    Lou Zigui finished doing up a perfect bun on top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°After sending off Tao Yu and Prince Fu, we can go stroll about the streets a bit.¡±

    As soon as she heard those words, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s spirits revived. She hastily nodded and said, ¡°Sure, sure! We can eat out for lunch.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui. You haven¡¯t even eaten breakfast yet but you¡¯re already thinking about lunch.

    --

    One hourter, Ning Xiaoyao brought the civil and military officials to the gates of the capital, along with the capital¡¯s denizens, to send off Tao Yu and Prince Fu on their journey.

    ¡°You have to try your best,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Tao Yu. ¡°General Tao, you can definitely do it!¡±

    Tao Yu was serious and solemn. ¡°This official will never betray Your Majesty¡¯s expectations.¡±

    ¡°Mhm!¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted him on the shoulder and turned towards Prince Fu. She thought it over before saying, ¡°Uncle, ah, keep an eye on that bastard Xie Anji. And also, you have to survive.¡±

    Prince Fu didn¡¯t want to talk to her. With Tao Yu, it¡¯s ¡®you can definitely do it,¡¯ but with me it¡¯s ¡®you have to survive?¡¯ Am I that useless?

    ¡°What¡¯s with your attitude?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as Prince Fu rolled his eyes at her.

    Prince Fu replied, ¡°Your Majesty doesn¡¯t need to worry. This official will also use death to repay Your Majesty¡¯s debts of gratitude.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pouted. ¡°You make it sound like I¡¯m really sending you off to fight in the battlefields or something. Don¡¯t fuss about. All you have to do is look after Xie Anji and figure out a way toe out of this alive.¡±

    For the sake of saving Prince Fu¡¯s face, everyone around Ning Xiaoyao simply pretended they hadn¡¯t heard her words at all. Prince Fu himself red at her but found himself unable to retort. It was true---he wasn¡¯t fit for the battlefields.

    ¡°And also,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added after some thought, ¡°Don¡¯t cause trouble for General Tao, ah. When ites to war, General Tao knows more than you. If you don¡¯t know anything, then keep your mouth shut.¡±

    Prince Fu told himself to endure. Now wasn¡¯t the time to get in a life or death struggle with Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°It should be the auspicious hour by now,¡± he said crudely to Lou Zigui. ¡°Can we leave yet?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked towards one of the astrologers from the astronomy department. ¡°Is it the auspicious hour yet? If not, then I want to chat a bit more with my uncle.¡±

    Prince Fu immediately looked towards the astrologers.

    ¡°.....¡± went the astrologers. What¡¯s the use of ring at us when you can¡¯t beat His Majesty in a verbal spar?

    ¡°General Tao, you have to take care, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was now speaking to Tao Yu again. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of your wife and daughter in the meantime, but I¡¯m telling you now, I can¡¯t look after them for the rest of their lives. You have to take back your own life, ah.¡±

    Tao Yu¡¯s eyes turned a little misty as he nodded in assent.

    ¡°The auspicious hour is here!¡± Prince Fu shouted. [email protected]#!!*123(#!)$, I can¡¯t listen to this anymore. The difference between us is too big, this prince just can¡¯t take it.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the head astrologer wanted to tell Ning Xiaoyao that Prince Fu was wrong.

    ¡°Alright then, set out!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. Hearing this, the person in charge of setting off the cannons quickly lit the fuse and allow three sessive booms to ring out loudly in the air. After that, the soldiers began to shout their war chant.

    Tao Yu once more fell to his knees and kowtowed three times to Ning Xiaoyao. Meanwhile, the head astrologer decided to keep his mouth shut. Auspicious hour or not, it doesn¡¯t even matter in His Majesty¡¯s eyes!

    Ning Xiaoyao bid farewell to the generals as they marched off into the distance. ¡°When you guyse back victorious, I¡¯ll be here waiting for your triumphant return!¡±

    The scores of soldiers all chorused back with ¡®ten thousand blessings¡¯ to His Majesty. Someone, Xie Anji found this moments to sit up from the carriage in which he¡¯d been confined. He knocked open the shuttered windows and stuck half his body out. One of Prince Fu¡¯s guards saw this and quickly started to push him back inside.

    Xie Anji wanted to shout. ¡°FATHE---¡±

    Fwoosh!

    A wine cup flew straight into Xie Anji¡¯s face, knocking him back inside the carriage. All of Prince Fu¡¯s guards turned as one towards the force. Which heroic figure threw a cup at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s son right in his face?

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her arm and said casually, ¡°My hand slipped, hahaha.¡±

    Nobody spoke. Or rather, everyone had no idea what to say in reply to herment. (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction asked for his opinion. If we¡¯re going to save Xie Anji, we¡¯ll have to stop the generals themselves.

    Grand Preceptor Xie only shook his head slightly. His son would be fine.

    Ning Xiaoyao was staring at Grand Preceptor the entire time so she could gauge his reaction. When she only saw him shake his head, she muttered to Lou Zigui, ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s actually gone meek. What is this, a miracle?¡±

    Lou Zigui chuckled. ¡°Isn¡¯t it good that he¡¯s learned to submit? Let¡¯s go on back.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin as she narrowed her eyes. ¡°Why do I feel like something¡¯s going to happen? That old man couldn¡¯t be hiding something bad, right?¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled her away. ¡°With Xie Anji in the army, Xie Wenyuan will at least hold back from harming Tao Yu and the rest.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought over Lou Zigui¡¯s words and felt that they made sense. As long as Grand Preceptor Xie kept out of East Ji¡¯s affairs, then she could fight him as much as he wanted in the capital. With this resolved, she stopped worrying as she asked with shining eyes, ¡°Supreme Commander, where are you taking me out?¡±

    ¡°Where does Your Majesty want to go?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. She still wasn¡¯t very familiar with the capital city. ¡°Windy,¡± she said as she sought out Shadowgale. ¡°What other ces in the capital have tasty things that I have yet to eat?¡±

    Shadowgale was currently shooting Lou Zigui an antagonistic look. We¡¯ve just sent off the army to suppress the bandits and now he¡¯s taking His Majesty to y in the streets? Is this the time for that? Does this man want to corrupt His Majesty?

    ¡°What are you looking at Supreme Commander for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked after following Shadowgale¡¯s gaze. ¡°Supreme Commander is still really handsome today, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, where do you say we should go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao defaulted to him again.

    Shadowgale¡¯s gaze on Lou Zigui turned even more unkind. ¡°Evil vixen!¡± he cursed under his breath.

    ¡°........¡± Hearing their big bro curse, the other Dragon Guards could only remain speechless. So men can be ¡®evil vixens¡¯ too?

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui, who was walking shoulder to shoulder with her. Evil vixen? Mhm, she nodded, His looks are like an evil vixen¡¯s for sure. If my willpower wasn¡¯t strong enough, I might really fall to Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s whims and turn out to be a fatuous, self-indulgent ruler. (Author: Where¡¯s your so-called ¡®willpower¡¯ to begin with? (©V_©V))

    --

    One hourter, Elder Li stood in front of the pce staring at Shadowgale. ¡°You mean to say, Lou Zigui took His Majesty to stroll around the city?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale braced himself as he nodded.

    ¡°Is now the time for that?¡± Elder Li asked.

    ¡°Elder, it was Supreme Commander¡¯s suggestion,¡± Shadowgale immediately pushed all the me onto Lou Zigui. In any case, His Majesty¡¯s definitely a wise and brilliant ruler!

    Elder Li looked at Shadowgale.

    ¡°His Majesty has been tired these days, too,¡± Shadowgale said.

    ¡°The army¡¯s just left and their victory is still uncertain,¡± Elder Li said angrily, ¡°But Lou Zigui¡¯s simply treating this like no big deal?¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t say a word. He would never speak up for a man who was trying to corrupt His Majesty.

    Elder Li stared at the pce gates before suddenly giving a curse. ¡°Evil vixen!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the rest of the Dragon Guards. So men really can be ¡®evil vixens.¡¯

    --

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was standing in thene, watching a street vendor make sugar figurines. She cradled two bags of snacks in her hands while her mouth was stuffed with goodies that made her cheeks puff up. Even so, Ning Xiaoyao tried to speak to Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Have him make a lion, it¡¯s got a solid center! That¡¯s more worth it than getting the dragon!¡±

    The sugar figurine seller had never seen someone so stingy about her snacks. He raised his head and said, ¡°This is a qilin, not a lion.¡±

    ¡°Then I want the qilin!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted, nearly spitting out her mouthful of snacks.

    Lou Zigui nodded and lightly pushed the needle on the wheel of goodies avable for making into candy. Both Ning Xiaoyao and the Dragon Guards held their breath as they watched it spin around the circle. As it gradually slowed down, Ning Xiaoyao stared fixedly while it went past Rat, Peach, Basket of Flowers, Monkey, Face Mask, and past Qilin before going another circle.

    ¡°It has to be the qilin, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed.

    Now Lou Zigui was getting a little nervous. It was almost as if he¡¯d let Ning Xiaoyao down if he didn¡¯t get her chosen animal.

    The needle slowly approached the qilin again before stopping just short of it.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    (¡Ñ_¡Ñ ;), went the Dragon Guards. It¡¯s over. If it¡¯s not a qilin, will His Majesty cry?!

    The peddler exhaled and said, ¡°It¡¯s the basket of flowers.¡±

    ¡°Achoo!¡± Ning Xiaoyao took this chance to sneeze at the wheel, causing the needle to move forward two spaces until it stopped on the qilin.

    ¡°It¡¯s the qilin!¡± she cheered.

    ¡°If it moves after stopping again, it doesn¡¯t count,¡± the peddler shot back immediately.

    Lou Zigui took out two copper coins and handed them to the peddler. ¡°This is the money for this turn.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the vendor with a very serious face. ¡°One basket of flowers and one qilin. I never take advantage of people.¡±

    The peddler was utterly floored. You can even do things like this?!

    Meanwhile, all of the Dragon Guards shifted back slightly, feeling a little shame-faced...

    --

    Just for fun, here''s a video of how a vendor makes spun sugar dragon candy!

    [embed]https://.youtube/watch?v=f5-5iSNb0rM[/embed]

 Chapter 231: The mama wonâ€™t be able to rest in peace unless the enemy dies

    <h4>Chapter 231: The mama won¡¯t be able to rest in peace unless the enemy dies</h4>

    As Ning Xiaoyao took her sugar qilin from the peddler with satisfaction, Zhou Junqi set down the spade in his arms at Iron Buddha Temple while two little monks lifted Zhou mama¡¯s corpse into the freshly dug grave. The empress approached her mama, whose head had been reattached by the local monks, while her body was wrapped up in multipleyers of gauze. She looked much better than before, but the empress still felt saddened when she realized Zhou mama didn¡¯t even have a coffin to her name.

    Zhou Junqi propped himself up before leaping out of the grave, then had two more monks pull him upright. One of them asked, ¡°Fellow apprentice, do you need our help to bury this patron?¡±

    Zhou Junqi shook his head. ¡°I can take care of the rest by myself. Many thanks to you both.¡±

    The two monks murmured an Amitabha to Zhou mama¡¯s body before turning to leave. Once they were gone, Zhou Junqi told the empress, ¡°Don¡¯t be sad anymore. Let¡¯s bury your mama.¡±

    The empress nodded.

    Once again, Zhou Junqi picked up the spade and began to level dirt back into the hole. But Empress Zhou then took out a wooden hairpin from her clothes and said, ¡°This needs to go with the mama as well.¡±

    Zhou Junqi nced at the hairpin, which the empress had taken from Zhou mama¡¯s neck stump yesterday.

    ¡°This is what I gave my mama when I was still a child,¡± the empress gently stroked the hairpin as she spoke in a low voice. ¡°She¡¯s always kept it on her person, just like she¡¯s always been by my side. I never thought she¡¯d ever meet with such a bad end.¡±

    Zhou Junqi set down the iron spade and extended a hand towards the empress. ¡°Hand over the hairpin to me. Don¡¯t linger over much on such thoughts.¡±

    The empress still took some time to stare at the hairpin before finally giving it to her brother. Zhou Junqi ced it next to Zhou mama¡¯s body before jumping back out of the grave and filling it in with more dirt. Because he could only use one hand, it took him almost an hour to bury the womanpletely. The entire time, the empress stood watching from the side, her eyes dark. She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about all of Zhou mama¡¯s good points and felt that everyone---His Majesty, the empress dowager, the Grand Preceptor and their entire family---deserved to die.

    Zhou Junqi stuck three sticks of incense in front of the grave, preparing to pay respects to Zhou mama. But the empress only said sadly, ¡°It¡¯s no use.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Junqi turned to face her.

    ¡°The mama won¡¯t be able to rest in peace unless her enemies are dead,¡± the empress said.

    Zhou Junqi was too surprised to utter a word. Meanwhile, the empress turned and walked with quick steps towards the rooms. Zhou Junqi then chased after her and grabbed her by the hand. ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Empress Zhou replied. ¡°Until the empress dowager summons me back into the pce.¡±

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao munched and crunched on her sugar candy before devouring her entire qilin. She turned back to see Lou Zigui and his sugar flower basket, which he handed over easily.

    ¡°Eat,¡± he said.

    ¡°N-no need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao refused even as her eyes fixated on the candy.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like eating things like this,¡± Lou Zigui said. It was already awkward enough walking down the streets with it in his hands.

    ¡°Is that so, ah? Then I won¡¯t hold back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took the flower basket and bit it. Sweet! So good!

    ¡°Fang Tang will be leaving the city with Prince Zhi today at noon,¡± Lou Zigui suddenly murmured. ¡°I¡¯ve sent people to pass on word to Prince Zhi that he doesn¡¯t need toe into the pce and formally bid you farewell.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was wholly focused on her candy.

    ¡°Are you going to me me for deciding things on my own?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Supreme Commander, where are we going to eat next?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Looks like there¡¯s no need to pursue the topic anymore.

    ¡°General Tao will win his battles,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after some thought. ¡°Definitely.¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for the good news of his victory,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the rest of the sugar drawing into her mouth, wishing that she could get the good news as soon as tomorrow.

    --

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, second young master¡¯s been sent off to the army by His Majesty. What should be done?¡± one of the officials from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction asked in his leader¡¯s estate.

    Grand Preceptor Xie only told the assembled men to wait. He wanted to see just how the empress was nning to kill Ning Yu. Just like that, the empress, His Majesty, and Grand Preceptor Xie all said they would wait, and they all ended up waiting an entire month.

    One monthter, a yawning Ning Xiaoyao half-listened as Elder Li petitioned her about something or another at the Hall of Golden Chimes before one of the messengers called out from outdoors.

    ¡°Your Majesty, a battlefield report from East Ji!¡±

    ¡°Quick, send in the messenger with the updates!¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately grew alert. Next came a military officer dressed in armor into the hall, a message cradled in both hands as he entered with bowed head. Shadowgale took the paper and passed it on to Ning Xiaoyao, who opened it up and scanned the contents for words like ¡®victory¡¯ or ¡®win.¡¯

    In the end she delightedly crowed, ¡°General Tao won!¡±

    ¡°We subjects congratte Your Majesty,¡± the officials all fell to their knees posthaste to offer their praises.

    Elder Li asked, ¡°Have the rebel bands withdrawn yet?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked down to read the letter again, then announced, ¡°The rebel bands have withdrawn. General Tao¡¯s already recovered 10 cities, but he said he¡¯ll take back the remaining 9 soon enough.¡±

    Elder Li nodded his approval. ¡°Tao Yu is a talented soldier.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed, ¡°General Tao is super tough.¡±

    Aside from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction, who remained silent, all of the other officials began to sing Tao Yu¡¯s praises. Ning Xiaoyao finished reading the missive before having Shadowgale reading it aloud for the officials to hear. Shadowgale took the paper and raised his voice to read. In the meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao stole a peek at Tao Yu¡¯s father, only to see his face turn from red to purple, then an interesting shade of ashen white. She felt great watching the intery of emotions across his face. That¡¯s what you get for looking down on Tao Yu!

    After Shadowgale finished reading, Ning Xiaoyao looked at Tao Shidong and said, ¡°Your Excellency Tao, what are you feeling right now?¡±

    Multiple eyes shifted to look at Tao Shidong, who only lowered his head in silence. Elder Li gave a cold snort. ¡°Tao Shidong, His Majesty is asking you a question. If you don¡¯t know the answer, just say you don¡¯t know. What kind of logic is not answering at all?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said cheerfully. ¡°Let His Excellency Tao think it through and organize his reply. I¡¯m not in a rush.¡±

    Tao Shidong was pushed to a corner until he had no choice but to copy Elder Li¡¯s words. ¡°Tao Yu is a talented soldier.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie then added, ¡°Your Majesty, those with talent may not necessarily be virtuous men.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you want to talk virtues with me?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie replied, ¡°Is this official not allowed to discuss matters of virtue with Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao only felt that Grand Preceptor Xie was growing more shameless by the day. ¡°That¡¯s not it. I only feel that you have none yourself, so we wouldn¡¯t have anything to talk about.¡±

    The officials at court only felt that His Majesty¡¯s tongue was getting sharper and more venomous by the day.

    ¡°Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t make such jokes with this officials,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    Ning Xiaoyao was very serious. ¡°I¡¯m not joking.¡±

    One of the men from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction coughed lightly before he forcefully changed the subject. ¡°Your Majesty, is there still enough grain for the East Ji troops?¡± Their side couldn¡¯t take it if His Majesty cursed Grand Preceptor Xie all day long.

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at him. ¡°If it¡¯s not enough, why don¡¯t you donate some yourself for the sake of the country and our military?¡±

    The man fell silent.

    ¡°Court adjourned,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rose to her feet and quickly found an excuse before Elder Li could speak again. ¡°I¡¯m going back to Supreme Splendor Hall to further study the battle report. That fellow who brought the message,¡± Ning Xiaoyao paused to beckon to the officer in question, ¡°Come,e,e, return to Supreme Splendor Hall with me. Tell me all about your battles.¡±

    Now Elder Li had no excuse to keep Ning Xiaoyao here for state affairs. War affairs were more pressing. She ran like a streak of smoke out of the Hall of Golden Chimes and into the sunshine, where she felt much morefortable.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui walked over and raised a hand to block the sun shining in her face. He didn¡¯t like girls who were too tanned.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°Every time we have court, I want to go to sleep. Supreme Commander, what should I do?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak but silently walked by her side. That wasn¡¯t something he could help with.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly eximed as she handed over the battle report. ¡°Supreme Commander, take a look.¡±

    Lou Zigui was reading the battle report as he walked while listening to the sound of Ning Xiaoyao crunching sugar beans by his side.

    ¡°Say, Supreme Commander, do you think General Tao can capture that Xiang Nong[1. Xiang Nong (ÏîÅ©) £­ Xiang is a surname that means ¡°nape of the neck,¡± Nong means ¡°farmer.¡± Another way to read this is ¡°Farmer Nong,¡± if they¡¯re referring to the man by his profession rather than his name.] that¡¯s leading them all?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked suddenly.

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Once the rebel bands retreat into the mountain range between North Ji and South Ze, there will be nothing but peaks for miles. The mountains are high and the woods dense, which will make battle difficult.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pouted a bit.

    ¡°Tao Yu is much too prudent,¡± Lou Zigui murmured as he read. ¡°He should push forward faster with his generals.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked.

    Lou Zigui finished reviewing the report and folded it up neatly. ¡°It would be good if I could go.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao realized that Supreme Commander Lou would always grow super confident when talking about war affairs. She didn¡¯t understand war herself, nor if he meant good or bad news by his words. She scratched her head and asked, ¡°This is General Tao¡¯s first time leading troops, so it¡¯s not wrong to be more prudent, is it?¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled at her. ¡°I wasn¡¯t faulting him.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. Yet I didn¡¯t hear you praise him, either.

    Lou Zigui turned back and instructed the officer who¡¯d brought them the letter to join them before he started asking the man all sorts of battle questions. The two of them spoke in the usual manner of military men, sinct and to the point without wasting a single word. Ning Xiaoyao started out listening with an eager ear, but soon lost interest in the conversation. There were things about battle arrays and soldier formations that she didn¡¯t understand at all.

    Shadowgale saw that Ning Xiaoyao was drifting further and further away from Lou Zigui and the military officer, so he quickly stepped forward and asked, ¡°Your Majesty doesn¡¯t want to listen? Should this servant tell Supreme Commander to move their conversation elsewhere?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt rather ashamed. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to, but that I can¡¯t understand them.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Shadowgale.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked forward, looking like she wanted to ask Shadowgale something a few times. But each time she stopped herself before speaking.

    Shadowgale could only ask, ¡°Does Your Majesty have a question for this servant?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I want to ask who they mean by that Xiang Tiange.[2. Xiang Tiange (ÏîÌì¸è) - Tian is ¡°sky, Heaven, celestial,¡± Ge is ¡°song.¡±] The military officer mentioned the name.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Xiang Tiange is the foster son of Xiang Nong.¡± How could His Majesty not know this? Elder Li has been forcing His Majesty to take lessons everyday, but just what is he teaching His Majesty?

    ¡°An adopted son, huh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself.

    Shadowgale continued, ¡°Xiang Nong has no son of his own, just a daughter.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao arched her eyebrows.

    ¡°What does Your Majesty want to say?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Nothing. I was just thinking, would this foster son and that daughter be a couple? That¡¯s what happened to Qin Xuan and Miss A¡¯Xin, oh.¡±

    Shadowgale suddenly felt weary at heart and didn¡¯t want to say anything else anymore.

 Chapter 232: Empress Dowager Xie begans to make her move

    <h4>Chapter 232: Empress Dowager Xie begans to make her move</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a mama in charge of affairs at the empress dowager¡¯s pce along with three doctors from the Imperial Physician Courtyard stopped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group halfway to kneel on the ground.

    ¡°People from the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Shadowgale whispered to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao only rolled her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Esteemed Empress Dowager this time? Is she sick with another incurable illness now?¡±

    The atmosphere grew stagnant. Everyone knew that His Majesty was on bad terms with the empress dowager, but how could a son curse his own mother to death? In an era where filial piety reigned supreme, no one could quite swallow Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. Completely ignorant of their thoughts, Ning Xiaoyao looked at the three imperial physicians and said, ¡°Not speaking? Then I¡¯m going.¡±

    Lou Zigui reached out a hand to hold her back, then asked the doctor, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The one kneeling in the center replied, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager is seriously ill.¡±

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. What did I just say?

    Lou Zigui held fast to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arm and asked, ¡°Where is Esteemed Empress Dowager feeling unwell?¡±

    The doctor choked as he looked up at Lou Zigui. He certainly knows how to talk. I¡¯ve already said that the empress dowager is severely ill, but he only asks where she¡¯s feeling unwell. A serious illness and feeling ufortable are twopletely different things.

    ¡°Are you thinking up lines on the spot?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, not waiting for the doctor to speak.

    ¡°To reply Your Majesty,¡± the physician quickly lowered his head to report, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager is suffering from a high fever than won¡¯t go away. We subjects have already used various medicines on Esteemed Empress Dowager, but---but all of us are useless and couldn¡¯t improve her condition.¡±

    A fever¡¯s just a fever. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s perfectly fine, so why would she be stuck burning up now? Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin in thought, then asked a few of the empress dowager¡¯s mamas, ¡°What has she been doing for the past few days?¡±

    All of the mama shrank back involuntarily at her words.

    Something¡¯s up. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes narrowed at their reaction. She was in no rush to leave now, but stood with her hands behind her back as she circled around the mama and physicians. ¡°Just what did you all find me for?¡± I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not to ask me to treat the empress dowager¡¯s fever.

    A few of the gathered mama exchanged nces before one finally spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager wants to see you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say useless things,¡± Ning Xiaoyao narrowed her eyes. ¡°Get to the point. Just what does the empress dowager want?¡±

    Her tone was extremely impatient, scaring the mama. She opened her mouth nkly, unable to say a word.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± an imperial physician braced himself and spoke up, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager is truly very sick this time.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers twitched. I can make the empress dowager well enough to run around the pce within the span of a few minutes. Do you believe me?

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager wants to see you,¡± another mama said.

    ¡°You¡¯ve all talked it over with her?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Did you juste here to tell me these two things?¡± Just what are they ying at? She was starting to get mad.

    Lou Zigui stepped forward this time and pulled Ning Xiaoyao gently to one side, before murmuring under his breath. ¡°The empress dowager is seriously ill. Logically speaking, you should go wait on her.¡±

    ¡°Say what?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cocked her ear towards Lou Zigui. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°A son or daughter who waits upon an ill parent is expressing their filial piety.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed. ¡°Fine then. I¡¯ll just go treat her illness.¡± I¡¯ll make it so that Empress Dowager Xie can run circles around the pce for fun!

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Then the empress dowager will definitely say that Your Majesty has been busy with affairs of state, and that she couldn¡¯t allow her illness to disrupt Your Highness¡¯s work.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Then let her stay sick.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who scratched her head. ¡°Alright, she¡¯s a good mom who¡¯s deeply conscious on the righteousness of a cause. Then I¡¯ll be the filial son who cries and shouts until the empress dowager lets me treat her.¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead, while Ning Xiaoyao grew vexed. ¡°That¡¯s still not right?¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away to somewhere more secluded before murmuring, ¡°A son can¡¯t always stay by a bedside to treat the parent, though a daughter-inw can.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly understood. So the empress dowager wants to see the empress, ah. After holding back her evil tricks for a month, the empress dowager¡¯s finally begun to make her moves.

    ¡°Just let her see the empress,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. They can meet as they like. Having the empress dowager suppress her evil tendencies all the time isn¡¯t a solution, after all.

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Lou Zigui squeezed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°So I won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. Although she knew this was a trap, she was still jumping in. Only an idiot like her would do something like that.

    ¡°Go see the empress dowager. She¡¯ll surely ask you to have the empress wait on her,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You just have to agree.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to the mama and imperial physicians and said in a worried voice, ¡°Lead the way, I¡¯ll go take a look at the empress dowager.¡±

    Before the imperial physicians could react, the mama were already exhaling in relief. The one who spoke before bowed and said, ¡°Your Majesty, if you please.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, you go ask that officer about the battle situation. I¡¯ll be back at Supreme Splendor Hall very soon.¡±

    Lou Zigui epted the order while everyone else fell silent. Is this the attitude you should put on before visiting a sick mother?

    --

    Empress Dowager Xieid on the bed, her face morphing into an expression of pleasant surprise when she saw Ning Xiaoyao materialize before her. With a trill, she cried out, ¡°Has Your Majestye?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°It¡¯s me. Recently I¡¯ve been busy with the war, so I didn¡¯te to ask after you, Empress Dowager. How did you fall so ill? When people get older, they have to take care of themselves, ah. Empress Dowager, how do you feel right now?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie wiped at her eyes and said, ¡°That¡¯s true, it was imperial mother who was too careless.¡±

    Ah geez. Ning Xiaoyao arched a brow. She¡¯s not even mad that I called her old. Looks like the empress dowager¡¯s upped her strength.

    Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯ve gotten thinner.¡±

    ¡°So have you, Empress Dowager,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°Your Majesty has been busy worrying about the war front these days, yet your imperial mother chose this time to fall ill. Imperial mother¡¯s heart is truly---aye!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Imperial mother has been doing nothing but thinking of me these days, yet Xiang Nong chose this time to rebel. My heart is truly---aye!¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie said, ¡°This Dowager feels sorry towards Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao parroted back, ¡°I feel sorry towards Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Empress Dowager Xie. Ning Xiaoyao blinked at her. You think I can¡¯t y pretend, too?

    Empress Dowager Xie averted her gaze. She needed a breather before she tried to talk to this damned girl again. Ning Xiaoyao stood there, bored. Her eyes swept over the various objects in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s chambers before hearing something overhead. When she looked up, she saw Oil Jar on the ceiling rafters, sticking out his head to peer at them.

    ¡°Hm!¡± Ning Xiaoyao blew a kiss of approval at him, and Oil Jar nodded his head back. If not for Empress Dowager Xie, he¡¯de down himself right now.

    Empress Dowager Xie couldn¡¯t decipher the motions for blowing a kiss, but asked Ning Xiaoyao guardedly, ¡°What is Your Majesty doing?¡± Are Ning Yu¡¯s spies hiding in the ceiling rafters?

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you to speak, ah, empress dowager,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Empress Dowager Xie peered at the rafters for any potential stowaways. But her rooms were constantly filled with people both within and without, so how could anyone sneak in here without being discovered? Oil Jar had quickly withdrawn his head from the edge of the rafter in fright. He was nearly discovered by that super viin, Empress Dowager Xie! (Author: Who¡¯s scaring whom between the two of you anyways...)

    Ning Xiaoyao took a step to the left to block Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s line of vision. ¡°Tao Yu fought a sessful victory so I haven¡¯t had much to dotely. How¡¯s this? I¡¯ll stay at this pce for the next few days and take care of you, Empress Dowager.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s phoenix eyes immediately widened at the suggestion.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice was quite heartfelt. ¡°After bing the emperor, I realized that I don¡¯t show enough care for Empress Dowager. That¡¯s my fault. As the proverb says, a good child is one who can fix their mistakes. That¡¯s why I¡¯ll definitely take good care of you this time, empress dowager.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie only had one word in her mind right now: scram!

    ¡°Empress dowager, are you thirsty? Hungry?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked with concern. ¡°Or do you want to get up and walk around a bit?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie took in a deep breath. Now wasn¡¯t the time to lose her temper.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, that¡¯s fine too. I can even help you run around and climb mountains and so on. Besides bringing imperial father back to life again, or dropping dead myself, or hurting good people, I can do anything you want, empress dowager.¡± You think you can just disgust me without me disgusting you in turn? Ning Xiaoyao looked evilly at Empress Dowager Xie. You¡¯re still not flipping out oring to thrash me yet?

    Empress Dowager Xie wiped her eyes again, then said in a soft and gentle voice, ¡°This Dowager knows that Your Majesty is busy.¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯m not that busy anymore, ah.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, please wait for This Dowager to finish,¡± Empress Dowager Xie requested.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°This Dowager doesn¡¯t know when my illness will recover,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said. ¡°Your Majesty is the sovereign of the entire nation. How could you stay by This Dowager¡¯s bedside day after day? Wouldn¡¯t that simply make This Dowager the scourge of the kingdom?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips pursed. She sure has a big ego if she doesn¡¯t think she¡¯s a scourge already.

    Empress Dowager Xie continued, ¡°The empress has been away from the pce for a while as well. Let here back. As empress, she is the model woman for the nation as well. How can she stay outside the pce all this time?¡±

    ¡°The empress?¡± Ning Xiaoyao feigned surprise even though she knew where Empress Dowager Xie was going.

    Empress Dowager Xie took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s reaction to heart before she nodded and sighed. ¡°This Dowager is ill. It doesn¡¯t matter to me if the empress isn¡¯t here to wait on me, but others will certainly reproach her for it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pretended to be stuck in a hard spot. ¡°The empress, she...¡±

    ¡°There are plenty of courtdies and eunuchs at the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said next. ¡°Would This Dowager really demand the empress to wait on me? If Your Majesty dotes on her, then have her pay a visit to my pce for appearance¡¯s sakes before sending her back out.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°You can just see me. Why do you have to insist on seeing her too?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie saw the key sticking point in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s views and said, ¡°This is called filial piety.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent.

    ¡°If Your Majesty isn¡¯t willing, then just pretend This Dowager didn¡¯t say a thing,¡± Empress Dowager Xie dered. ¡°But if censure against the empress appears in the future, This Dowager won¡¯t be able to protect her.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°I wonder who¡¯s going to be the one spreading rumors?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie only sighed. ¡°Your Majesty, ah. Even the imperial family can¡¯t stop wagging tongues.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°You¡¯ve got plenty of them right here at the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face, which had grown red from her fever, now grew ashen white.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°My arguments lost all merit as soon as you brought up filial piety. I¡¯ll have the empresse back and see you, but you have to agree not to make things difficult for her.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie agreed. ¡°Alright.¡± Why would I hurt her, when I¡¯m hoping she can help me instead?

 Chapter 233: Someone who will soon be suffering a fate worse than death

    <h4>Chapter 233: Someone who will soon be suffering a fate worse than death</h4>

    ¡°Then fine, you can keep on being sick,¡± Ning Xia oyao bid farewell to Empress Dowager Xie before walking out of the room. Most of the residences in the pce were small rooms divided into inner and outer chambers. Ning Xiaoyao had just left the inner chambers to the room outside, where all of the courtdies and eunuchs were standing with their heads bowed. Some of them were even trembling in fright, making Ning Xiaoyao feel like she was some man-eating beast or a freak.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± one of the mama bowed.

    ¡°I...¡± As soon as Ning Xiaoyao spoke, everyone in the room fell to their knees.

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face before walking out, her heart feeling stifled. She was never wee at the empress dowager¡¯s pce. A mama entered the room with Ning Xin in her arms just in time to meet eyes with His Majesty. She shivered in response before turning on her heel to flee. Ning Xiaoyao turned back to look at the mama who was escorting her out. The mama silently cursed the other mama for bringing Prince Cheng here when His Majesty was visiting as well.

    ¡°Your Majesty, t-that servant¡¯s never seen your heavenly countenance before, so she lost her cool. This servant will call her back right away.¡±

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said coldly. ¡°Could anyone who¡¯s been assigned to take care of Ning Xin be someone who¡¯s never seen my face? Mama, you¡¯re trying to fool me.¡±

    The mama instantly fell to her knees and cried repeatedly, ¡°This servant deserves to die.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao only shook her head at the woman before descending the steps. What¡¯s wrong with all the people in this pce? Am I a zombie or something? Why are they all so afraid of me?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called to Shadowgale and the rest, who were all waiting in the courtyard. A few imperial physicians were still present as well. The one who¡¯dst spoken to Ning Xiaoyao stepped forward with a bow to speak.

    ¡°Your Majesty, how is empress dowager¡¯s illness?¡±

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s worked plenty hard to catch a cold in the middle of summer,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked.

    The physician didn¡¯t dare to continue the conversation.

    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to say ¡®Your Majesty is wise and brilliant,¡¯¡± Ning Xiaoyao reminded him.

    The imperial physicians all stood with their heads bowed. If they praised His Majesty now, the empress dowager would skin them aliveter!

    ¡°Just give her some pills or whatever,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told them. ¡°It¡¯s fine, no need to be nervous. Hard-working people rarely die so easily.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the imperial physicians. They couldn¡¯t say anything to that, either.

    Ning Xiaoyao strode forward. While Empress Dowager Xie had been sighing, she¡¯d taken the chance to brush her hand against the strands of the woman¡¯s hair to check the state of her body. As it turned out, the woman really had made herself sick, a feat that Ning Xiaoyao could respect. For the sake of defeating her, Empress Dowager Xie had given her all.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale called out at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s serious face.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned towards him.

    Shadowgale pointed towards the left, where Ning Xiaoyao spotted two Dragon Guards holding the mama who had fled earlier in custody.

    ¡°How does Your Majesty n to deal with her?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°She ran as soon as she saw me, what¡¯s the crime for that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Head Commander Shadowgale was quite ruthless with his reply. ¡°Death penalty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, let¡¯s be a little gentler.¡±

    Both Shadowgale and the Dragon Guards were silent. What does this have to do with being gentle?

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to the mama and stuck her head out to peer at Ning Xin in her arms. The mama instinctively shrank back.

    ¡°Impudence!¡± Shadowgale scolded.

    The mama trembled again, while Ning Xin stopped ying with his finger to burst into tears at Shadowgale¡¯s shout. Shadowgale gave a start after realizing he¡¯d agitated the little Prince Cheng. Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to pinch Ning Xin¡¯s face. His little nose and eyes, along with that wide-open mouth, really looked like an exact copy of the empress dowager. Ning Xin didn¡¯t have many chances to see Ning Xiaoyao since he was born, so his cries only grew more mournful at the pinching. Those who didn¡¯t know any better might even think Ning Xiaoyao was pinching the little prince hard on purpose.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Very quickly, the ¡°seriously ill¡± Empress Dowager Xie was drawn to the scene by the cries. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao touching her son, she couldn¡¯t help but scream.

    Ning Xiaoyao withdrew her fingers, unimpressed. ¡°He¡¯s a boy, so why¡¯s he crying at the mere sight of other people? Can¡¯t he show a little more self-respect?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie nearly went mad at those words. ¡°Don¡¯t you touch him!¡± she shouted.

    Ning Xiaoyao only shrugged. ¡°You make it sound like I actually want to touch him.¡±

    Ning Xin seemed to sense that Ning Xiaoyao was looking down on him, because his cries intensified. It sounded like he¡¯d be out of breath at any minute. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s heart burned, but she didn¡¯t dare to approach. In her mind, Ning Xiaoyao was the vilest of scoundrels. She was afraid that pushing her too far would make her act maliciously against Ning Xin instead.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t good looking to begin with, but he¡¯s even uglier when he cries,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged on her eyelids and stuck out her tongue at Ning Xin.

    ¡°Wahhhhhhhh~¡± Ning Xin¡¯s voice broke from all the wailing.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shrieked.

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped making faces and nced at the mama who was looking at her like she¡¯d seen a monster. She snorted and told Shadowgale and the rest, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyao and her people were gone, Empress Dowager Xie copsed to the ground.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager!¡± her eunuchs and courtdies chorused at the same time.

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at her sobbing son, then at the daughter who didn¡¯t spare a look back at the servants¡¯ shouts of rm. Her gaze shifted from shock and anger to resentment and hate. I¡¯d like to see how long that damned girl can keep being so smug!

    ¡°Pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat at the gates to the empress dowager¡¯s pce once she walked out.

    Shadowgale looked at the empress dowager¡¯s twin gates and suddenly felt like he could read His Majesty¡¯s mind. ¡°Your Majesty thinks these gates are ugly?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was only venting with her spit, but re-examined the gates upon being prodded. ¡°They are pretty ugly, ha.¡±

    All of the Dragon Guards instantly understood that there was no keeping these two gates anymore.

    ¡°Actually, I think the empress dowager¡¯s whole house is pretty ugly too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the Dragon Guards. ¡°Ghastly.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s eyelid twitched. ¡°But this servant doesn¡¯t think there¡¯ll be enough time to tear the whole thing down now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows. ¡°As if this is actually a problem of time!¡±

    Shadowgale felt that time wasn¡¯t exactly the issue here, either. One Dragon Guard spoke up and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, if the empress dowager¡¯s pce is no more, where will she and Prince Cheng live?¡± One can¡¯t just house the empress dowager wherever one pleases!

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands as she turned to Shadowgale. ¡°Without the empress dowager¡¯s pce, where will she and Ning Xin live? The Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Heheh.¡±

    Too cruel~ All of the Dragon Guards and Shadowgale thought as they looked at Ning Xiaoyao. So His Majesty won¡¯t even consider confining the empress dowager in the Cold Pce, because he wants to banish her and Prince Cheng outright!

    Ning Xiaoyao kicked at the gates a few times, then punched it with her fists. After her flurry of attacks, the two gates crashed to the ground with a loud bang.

    ¡°Too ugly!¡± Ning Xiaoyao tossed these words at the dumbstruck servants of the empress dowager¡¯s pce before leading her guards back to Supreme Splendor Hall.

    When Empress Dowager Xie heard that her gates had been knocked down again, she didn¡¯t even feel angry---or any need to get mad. That¡¯s true, she mused as she hugged Ning Xin tightly to her chest, Why should I bother losing my temper at someone who¡¯s sure to suffer a fate worse than death soon?

    ¡°Everything will be fine soon,¡± Empress Dowager Xie murmured as she nuzzled against his cheer. ¡°Xin¡¯er don¡¯t cry, our days will get better very soon.¡±

    --

    Back in Supreme Splendor Hall, Lou Zigui had just finished asking about the battle situation from the military officer. He was about to ask after Tao Yu when Ning Xiaoyao entered and yelled, ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯m back.¡±

    Lou Zigui quickly stood up from his seat while the military officer hastily made to bow. Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand and said, ¡°No need to stand on formalities.¡±

    The officer couldn¡¯t quite understand what Ning Xiaoyao meant. What formalities? It¡¯s Your Majesty.

    ¡°Sit,¡± Lou Zigui told the officer.

    So being allowed to sit means not standing on formalities? The young officer felt he needed more brainpower to figure all this out.

    ¡°Here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao carried over two tes of snacks to the tea table by the officer¡¯s chair. After some thought, she moved over the tea things by Lou Zigui¡¯s side as well and said, ¡°Eat up, we¡¯ve got plenty of snacks.¡±

    The officer was frightened by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s familiarity. He nkly took a pastry and opened his mouth to take a bite, not tasting a bit of it. All he knew was that His Majesty was personally treating him to desserts in Supreme Splendor Hall!

    ¡°How is Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s condition?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked to his side and remarked, ¡°Not serious. She froze herself until she got sick.¡±

    Lou Zigui quickly darted a nced at the dazed officer munching on his snack. Ning Xiaoyao got the message and lowered her voice. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right. You can¡¯t air private scandals in public.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. It¡¯s not a good habit to be so blunt with your speech, either.

    ¡°The gates to the empress dowager¡¯s pce were too ugly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°So I helped the empress dowager fix them.¡±

    ¡°What did you do?¡± Lou Zigui regretted the words as soon as he spoke them.

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed. ¡°I helped her take the doors down. Now she can put up new ones in their ce.¡±

    ¡°Pfft!¡± On one side, the officer spat out the pieces of pastry in his mouth.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at him and said, ¡°Hurry up and drink some water.¡±

    The officer poured himself a drink and drained the cup. Lou Zigui looked at him and realized the fellow was more simple-minded than he saw at first nce.

    ¡°That there, is General Tao doing well?¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran in front of the officer and asked.

    ¡°My general¡¯s doing pretty well,¡± the officer replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s good then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Go visit your general¡¯s wife and young Misster, tell them a bit about what General Tao¡¯s been doing.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the officer obeyed immediately.

    ¡°Is there enough money?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she lowered her voice.

    ¡°Enough,¡± the officer nodded. ¡°Prince Fu has money.¡±

    ¡°Enough grain to eat?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked next.

    ¡°Enough, Prince Fu has grain,¡± the officer replied.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at him. ¡°Then who¡¯s the good guy here, Prince Fu or Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is good!¡± the officer blurted without a second thought. ¡°Without Your Majesty, that prince wouldn¡¯t have given us any money or food!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she patted the man on the shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s be friends.¡±

 Chapter 234: His Majesty says, actually, I do understand

    <h4>Chapter 234: His Majesty says, actually, I do understand</h4>

    ¡°This one¡¯s name is Jiang Peng,¡±[1. Jiang Peng (½­Åô) - Jiang is a surname that means ¡°river,¡± Peng is ¡°roc.¡± So his name can be read as ¡®river roc!¡¯] the officer was simply giving answers to all of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s questions even though he had no idea what was happening right now.

    ¡°Ning Xiaoyao,¡± Ning Xiaoyao extended her arm for a handshake. ¡°In the future, the two of us will be little pals.¡±

    Jiang Peng also extended his hand, looking clueless.

    Ning Xiaoyao sessfully shook their hands before Lou Zigui pulled them apart from the back. His expression was quite ck, his gaze on Jiang Peng rather unkind. ¡°You¡¯re just going to sit and let His Majesty speak to you?¡± he asked coldly.

    Jiang Peng stared at Ning Xiaoyao, then at himself, only to realize His Majesty was still standing while he was sitting down. The two of them had kept up an entire conversation like this...

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you standing up yet?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s brows creased.

    Jiang Peng almost leapt to his feet before Ning Xiaoyao pressed him back down again. ¡°No need. Eat some snacks. These were made just today by Chef Huang. Aren¡¯t they delicious?¡±

    Jiang Peng didn¡¯t know who Chef Huang was, but epted another pastry with a mixture of awe and fear.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have Chef Huang make some other thingster so you can bring them with you on the way back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said cheerfully. She was always generous when it came to her little pals. Jiang Peng looked at Lou Zigui, whose face was still ck.

    ¡°Eat as you will,¡± Lou Zigui said stormily.

    ¡°Is it tasty? Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to ask Jiang Peng about his vor preferences next, but Lou Zigui simply pulled her out of the room. Sitting by himself, Jiang Peng was left to muse alone as he munched on the snacks.

    Ning Xiaoyao? Isn¡¯t His Majesty¡¯s name Ning Yu? What¡¯s going on here? Does our Yongning emperor actually have two names? (Author: Why don¡¯t you think about why the emperor¡¯s made you her little pal instead?)

    In the courtyard outside the pce, Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead before he said, ¡°In the future, don¡¯t just tell people as you please that your name is Xiaoyao.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Because you¡¯ve always been ¡®Ning Yu¡¯ to the people of Yongning,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°Did you forget?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao deted immediately.

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t like that name...¡±

    ¡°Who wants to be named after a shower?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off with an irritable reply.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Ning Yu sounds like linyu (ÁÜÔ¡),¡± Ning Xiaoyao mimed scrubbing her back with her hands. ¡°Which means to shower or bathe.¡±

    ¡°....¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Thete emperor couldn¡¯t have been very educated,¡± Ning Xiaoyao belittled the man again. ¡°Or else he¡¯d never name me something like that.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help but see Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s point after she brought up the shower. ¡°You thought of this long ago?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I only realized it a few days ago.¡± Mute Nanny hade to urge her to take a bath, but all the bathing here and there made Ning Xiaoyao think of linyu instead.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui wanted to take her by the hand, but she simply folded them behind her back.

    ¡°How long do I still have to be Ning Yu?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui gave a start.

    ¡°Fang Tang¡¯s gone off to transfer the troops,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she looked at him. ¡°Can your ck Frost Cavalrye to the capital city this time, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°They can.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao exhaled. ¡°Then can we seize the chance while the empress dowager and empress are plotting against me to get rid of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction once and for all?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked undecided for a minute before he said, ¡°That¡¯s my n, but Xiaoyao, if that happens, there¡¯ll be gunpowder and smoke from all corners of the capital city.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cocked her head to one side. ¡°I know that, ah. It¡¯s the same principle as doing surgery on a sick person. If they¡¯re going to die otherwise, then there¡¯s no choice but to cut into their skin.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°I understand. When the ck Frost Cavalry charges into the capital this time, I¡¯ll definitely eliminate all of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s forces.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I¡¯ll need to find ways to raise money.¡±

    ¡°What are you raising money for?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Are you going to ignore Big Boss Xiang and the Northern Hu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°After taking care of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction, those two are our next problems. Don¡¯t things like that need money?¡±

    Lou Zigui never expected Ning Xiaoyao to consider the problem of the Northern Hu and refugees while she was fighting with Xie Wenyuan day after day. Now Supreme Commander Lou found himself a bit taken aback.

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her nails into her palms. Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother was still at White Wolf Gorge, so they¡¯d have to fight the Northern Hu sooner orter to rescue him and bring him back home. Moreover, there was the issue of the refugees. With the country in such turmoil, it was hard for anyone to find happiness. Even if she preferred to tour around the world instead of being some dratted emperor, she couldn¡¯t do that freely if there was civil unrest all over the kingdom!

    ¡°No rush,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at Lou Zigui. ¡°Meals have to be taken bite by bite, just like problems. We¡¯ll tackle them one by one. First, get rid of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction---they¡¯re the heart of the disease. Once they¡¯re gone, it¡¯ll be easier to take care of everything else.¡±

    Currently, the courtyard was covered in a carpet of green grass and colorful summer flowers. It wasn¡¯t the best ce to talk of murder or wars. Lou Zigui fell silent for a while before he broke intoughter. With his back to the sun, his soft and gentle manner looked almost illusory to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I understand,¡± he murmured softly with his head bowed. ¡°There¡¯s no rush, so we¡¯ll take it slow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao seemed to sense that Supreme Commander Lou wasn¡¯t just talking about battles anymore.

    ¡°What all did the empress dowager say to you?¡± Lou Zigui asked next.

    Once again, his words distracted Ning Xiaoyao from her train of thoughts. ¡°Nothing much. She wants the empress toe back to the pce and I agreed.¡±

    ¡°And then you angrily tore down her gates?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Lou Zigui lightly patted her cheek. ¡°In the future, have others do those things.¡±

    ¡°Are you fretting over the fact that I had to work hard at it myself?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Lou Zigui asked with a grin.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. If I knew, would I be asking in the first ce?

    ¡°Have the empress return to the pce tomorrow,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°She and the empress dowager will need time to discuss their ns and prepare everything.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Do you have any words for Jiang Peng to bring back to Tao Yu?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°You guys can take care of the fighting stuff. It¡¯s not like I understand it anyways.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui assented before turning back towards the pce. Ning Xiaoyao stood in the courtyard and looked around a bit before deciding her business was done. Then she ran out.

    ¡°You---¡± Lou Zigui turned back when he reached the covered walkway, only to find that Miss Ning had disappeared.

    --

    Inside the rooms, Jiang Peng had polished off both tes of snacks and hurriedly rose to his feet when Lou Zigui re-entered.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Lou Zigui said, shooting a cross nce at the empty tes. ¡°You even have the nerve to sit in His Majesty¡¯s presence, so why are you being so reserved with me?¡±

    Jiang Peng stood 1.8 meters tall (approximately 6 feet), but he was now looking at Lou Zigui with pitiful eyes. He was only a trifling military officer who had no experience dealing with important VIPs. Can someone tell me if Supreme Commander Lou is mad at me right now?

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao ran out of the courtyard until she found Shadowgale, who was currently cleaning the little gyrfalcon¡¯s feathers. ¡°Windy, can you take a trip to Iron Buddha Temple tomorrow and bring the empress back to the pce?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to bring back the empress to live in the pce again?¡± Shadowgale asked hastily.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted the little gyrfalcon, who had flown to rest on her shoulders. ¡°Let¡¯s not treat the empress as one of our little pals for now.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s expression grew cold before he lowered his voice. ¡°What did the empress do?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on Shadowgale¡¯s chair as she sighed. ¡°She hasn¡¯t done anything yet, but she has an awful impression of me right now.¡±

    Shadowgale walked to her side and said, ¡°Then on the way back, this servant can do that to the empress.¡± As he spoke, he made a slicing motion as if beheading some unfortunate victim.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hands. ¡°You definitely can¡¯t, I don¡¯t want the empress dead.¡±

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°Your Majesty, what kind of woman are you looking for that you can¡¯t keep?¡±

    The little gyrfalcon pped his wings. Master, Xiaoyao¡¯s a girl! You¡¯re fretting me to death!

    ¡°Come,e,¡± Ning Xiaoyao beckoned for Shadowgale to sit. ¡°Let me tell you the details.¡± Suppose the empress¡¯s plot left her with a face full of blood, and spurred Windy to execute the empress on the spot, then go after Supreme Commander Lou? Then Ning Xiaoyao might as well go die for real.

    The more Shadowgale heard of the n, the uglier his expression grew. By the end, he jumped out of his chair and eximed angrily, ¡°I¡¯m going to find her!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed his arm. ¡°Who are you looking for?¡±

    Shadowgale grit his teeth and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to ask Lou Zigui just what he¡¯s ying at?!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was at a loss. ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you? Supreme Commander¡¯s doing this so he can get rid of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction, ah.¡±

    ¡°Is it worth risking Your Majesty¡¯s safety for the sake of the Zhou n troops?¡± Shadowgale demanded angrily.

    Ning Xiaoyao forced Shadowgale to sit back down and murmured, ¡°Hear me out, won¡¯t you? This isn¡¯t just for the sake of the Zhou n troops. Song Qian and Fang Tang have already gone back to Anyuan, so the ck Frost Cavalry should arrive at the capital city soon. By then we won¡¯t absolutely need the Zhou n troops. Don¡¯t you think so too, Windy?¡±

    Shadowgale replied, ¡°Then Your Majesty has even less reason to take this risk.¡± If it didn¡¯t even matter whether they got the Zhou n troops or not, why should they humor the empress dowager and empress¡¯s schemes? Seriously, Lou Zigui. After getting ridding of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction, it¡¯d be easy enough to topple the Zhou n troops. Shadowgale just couldn¡¯t figure out why they had to endanger His Majesty to aplish these goals.

    ¡°But what if the ck Frost Cavalry can¡¯te?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowgale grew nk at that.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice even further and said, ¡°Supreme Commander has never exined to me exactly why he¡¯s doing things this way. But I feel that he¡¯s leaving himself a way out.¡±

    ¡°You mean to say....?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°In case something unexpected happens and the ck Frost Cavalry can¡¯te, the Zhou n troops will be our backup forces. To put it more seriously, if we want to survive, we¡¯ll need to rely on them then.¡±

    ¡°But the empress is already against you. How could the Zhou n troops agree to help?¡± Shadowgale couldn¡¯t figure it out.

    ¡°Because there¡¯s no way the empress will be able to kill me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips curved into a wicked smile. ¡°After she uses her ¡®fatal¡¯ move on me, the empress dowager will never forgive her. Grand Preceptor Xie wouldn¡¯t shield her either. Besides me, there¡¯s no one else in the capital who can protect her, and that¡¯s even leaving aside the fact that I can cure her older brother¡¯s injury.¡±

    Bearing the guilt for her crime, as well as a debt of gratitude for saving her brother?

    Shadowgale looked nkly at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Supreme Commander thinks that I don¡¯t know anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a finger and waved it back and forth at Shadowgale, still smirking. ¡°Actually, I do understand.¡±

 Chapter 235: Supreme Commander says, all things come in threes

    <h4>Chapter 235: Supreme Commander says, all thingse in threes</h4>

    Shadowgale looked at his silently chuckling emperor and suddenly realized something. His Majesty might be younger than Supreme Commander Lou, but it didn¡¯t mean Supreme Commander was taking advantage of the emperor and monopolizing all his power. Perhaps His Majesty was dressing up as the part of a pig to eat the tiger instead.

    ¡°When you see the empress tomorrow, you have to act more gentle and kindly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged Shadowgale.

    ¡°This servant understands,¡± Shadowgale replied.

    ¡°When we¡¯re talking in private in the future, can you not use ¡®this servant?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this servant...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll simply pretend I didn¡¯t notice a thing if you stop saying it. I¡¯ll also pretend that I¡¯m clueless about your solitary visits to Clearheart Nunnery outside the capital, or the fact that Xie Duoying¡¯s staying there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added as she looked at him.

    Shadowgale was stunned speechless.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted the little gyrfalcon¡¯s stomach. How could I ever miss such details with such a good spy?

    ¦ä(£þ¦á£þ)¦ä went the little gyrfalcon.

    ¡°Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao saw Shadowgale¡¯s head droop, so she went down to look at him. ¡°Say something already.¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°I only went to see if fifth young Miss was...¡±

    ¡°Great, just use ¡®I¡¯ from now on. That¡¯s how it¡¯ll be,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off.

    ¡°This servant...¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Shadowgale submitted.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted him on the shoulder. ¡°At first, I thought Miss Jiang wasn¡¯t a bad choice, either. She¡¯s pretty and knows how to fight. When you became a general someday, Windy, Miss Jiang could even fight shoulder to shoulder with you.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowgale grew anxious at her words. ¡°This servant---no, I mean, I don¡¯t have any such feelings for Miss Jiang, I really don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You like types like fifth young Miss, so of course you wouldn¡¯t be interested in Miss Jiang like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao assumed the air of an experienced elder as she spoke. ¡°Fifth young Miss is a very fine choice as well.¡±

    As for whether Xie Duoying would hate them for decimating the Xie n in the future---Ning Xiaoyao figured it was better to consider that when the situation came to pass. It was too tear-jerking to consider that possibility now.

    ¡°No need to worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder again. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±

    The little gyrfalcon chirped and nuzzled his head against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. Shadowgale was deeply moved, but didn¡¯t know how to express it. Ning Xiaoyao picked up the gyrfalcon on her shoulder and ced him back in Shadowgale¡¯s arms before rising to her feet. ¡°Alright now. Windy, keep waiting on the little gyrfalcon. I¡¯m going to stroll around Chef Huang¡¯s ce a bit.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale called after her. ¡°Have you told Supreme Commander about your worries regarding the ck Frost Cavalry?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath before she said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll hurt Supreme Commander¡¯s feelings if I do. Would he think I¡¯m worrying about such things because I don¡¯t have faith in him? Or confidence in the ck Frost Cavalry themselves? Would he assume I think he¡¯s a good-for-nothing rice bucket for brains who doesn¡¯t have any fighting prowess?¡±

    How can you think up so many reasons from just one sentence? Shadowgale stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Is His Majesty too partial to Supreme Commander Lou?

    ¡°Windy, what do you want to eat tonight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowgale shook his head. How could I be in the mood to think about food at a time like this?

    ¡°Oh, so anything¡¯s fine with you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said confidently as she strode out.

    ¡°.....¡± said Shadowgale go. That¡¯s not it. I just don¡¯t have any appetite for food at all!

    --

    Jiang Peng went to see Tao Yu¡¯s wife and daughter and left the very same afternoon with Lou Zigui¡¯s letter to the general in his pockets. Ning Xiaoyao spent her afternoon in Chef Huang¡¯s kitchens until Lou Zigui found her at nightfall with a set of soft armor.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she weighed the outfit in her hand.

    ¡°Lightweight armor,¡± Lou Zigui said as he took the item and helped her put it on. When he saw that it was a perfect fit, he said with satisfaction, ¡°The empress will be returning to the pce tomorrow. You can keep this on at all times starting then.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re afraid that the empress will stab me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt the somewhat cold armor.

    Lou Zigui sat by her side and murmured, ¡°This is the armor that¡¯s been passed down through generations of my Lou n. I had Old Huo find a craftsman to adjust it to your size.¡±

    ¡°A family heirloom, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. The thing that looked like a sleeveless vest in her eyes suddenly took on new importance. ¡°What¡¯s its name?¡±

    ¡°Golden thread soft armor,¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°It was woven together with threads of gold.¡±

    Gold! The armor instantly skyrocketed to a priceless treasure in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°You have to keep it on,¡± Lou Zigui lifted Ning Xiaoyao by her chin so she was meeting his eyes. ¡°The empress has practiced martial arts before, so you have to be careful in case she attacks you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was unconcerned. ¡°She can¡¯t beat the likes of me.¡±

    ¡°But you still have to pretend to get injured,¡± Lou Zigui reminded her.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. Right, I have to get ¡®injured.¡¯

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told Deng Rong to prepare some blood bags,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°You can just fake being wounded.¡±

    ¡°You even prepared blood bags?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Then how am I supposed to know where the empress will stab me?¡±

    ¡°She wants to kill you, so of course she¡¯ll surely aim for your vital points,¡± Lou Zigui poked the area over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart. ¡°She also knows you have substantial martial arts skills, so she¡¯ll wait until you¡¯re not paying attention to make her move. That¡¯s the easiest way to hurt you.¡±

    That¡¯s true. Ning Xiaoyao could already imagine it in her head. She and the empress would be talking when the empress suddenly says, ¡®Look, there¡¯s a cow flying in the sky!¡¯ And then Ning Xiaoyao would look up and the empress would stab her right in the head, filling the screen with a tragic scene of blood... (Author: Alright, enough already...)

    ¡°You have to be careful,¡± Lou Zigui urged again.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded before she gave a start. ¡°Hold on, that¡¯s not right. The empress¡¯s going to stab me right in the pce? What about her brother and lover? Doesn¡¯t she care about their fates anymore?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I¡¯m guessing she¡¯ll most likely use poison against you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her armor. ¡°Then what¡¯s the point of this?¡±

    ¡°As a countermeasure just in case,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Suppose she loses her mind?¡± And then stabs Miss Ning? Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t bear to imagine it.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her armor. She actually didn¡¯t need such a thing. Unless the empress decided to decapitate her, she could still live even with a single breath left. The only fatal thing against her kind were zombie bites. She nced at Lou Zigui before asking, ¡°How many of these armor sets does you family have?¡± Lou Zigui had a total of four brothers, so would there be four sets between them?

    Lou Zigui only smiled sadly. ¡°This is the only one.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth dropped.

    ¡°I was the youngest son, so all of my brothers yielded the armor to me. Second brother even said that nothing would happen to them---they were more worried that I¡¯d get hurt instead,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s smile grew faint, before he murmured, ¡°But who knew that in the end, I lived while they died.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander.¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt a burst of sadness upon looking at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hands brushed past the cold armor before he sighed and looked up, his expression back to normal. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about the past. Xiaoyao, you have to be careful. Don¡¯t underestimate the empress.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded seriously. ¡°I will.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to do this, we can think of another way,¡± Lou Zigui suddenly spoke up. ¡°The empress hasn¡¯te back yet, so we still have time to make other arrangements.¡±

    Are we still going to hash this out? Ning Xiaoyao shook her head like a rattle drum. ¡°Let¡¯s just do this. If we keep trying toe up with other ns, I¡¯ll go crazy before the empress does!¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui sped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head between his hands. ¡°Then we won¡¯t change the n.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s hands moved to pull her into a hug. ¡°This will be thest time I put you in danger.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯ve put me in danger before?¡± Why don¡¯t I remember anything?

    ¡°There was that time at the brothel, and the other time and the ancestral hall,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Add those to this and it¡¯ll already be three times. All thingse in threes, so I won¡¯t allow a fourth.¡±

    At the ancestral hall, she¡¯d fallen into the poisoned pit, but what was that nonsense about a brothel? Ning Xiaoyao scryed her thoughts before finally recalling how she¡¯d proven Lou Zigui¡¯s innocence by capturing all those Northern Hu spies that night in the redntern district. So, Supreme Commander Lou still remembers that. ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told him. ¡°Even if there¡¯s a fourth, a fifth, or an nth time...¡±

    ¡°There won¡¯t be a next time,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s chin brushed against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s forehead as he cut her off. ¡°I promise, never again.¡±

    Then never it¡¯ll be. Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t the type to haggle over such matters and simply nodded her head. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°You should sleep,¡± Lou Zigui said as he carried Ning Xiaoyao to bed.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°When you say ¡®sleep,¡¯ do you mean the noun form or the verb form?¡±

    ¡°Noun form,¡± Lou Zigui said as he nted a kiss on her lips. ¡°I still have things to do.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then shall we try the verb form together when you¡¯re done?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she drew circles on Lou Zigui¡¯s chest.

    Lou Zigui caught the troublemaking hand that was igniting mes inside him before hugging Ning Xiaoyao for awhile. Then he quickly got off the bed and left before he lost control. Seeing him gone, Ning Xiaoyao hugged her covers and rolled around her bed for a bit.

    ¡°Aroo,¡± Little White Fatty ran to the foot of the bed, where he tried in vain to jump up with his short, stubby legs. Ning Xiaoyao reached out and picked him up instead.

    ¡°Aroo, Xiaoyao,¡± Little White Fatty licked her face.

    ¡°Big Boss ck went out again?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Little White Fatty nodded.

    ¡°You still treat me best of all, Little White Fatty,¡± Ning Xiaoyao kissed the wolf pup, who howled and licked her on the face.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed as she hugged him to her chest. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s another battle. Little White Fatty, I¡¯m so depressed right now!¡±

    ¡°Then Xiaoyao, want to gnaw on some bones? I buried some really yummy ones in the little flower garden~¡± Little White Fatty blinked.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Do wolves have a habit of burying bones?

    --

    Inside Lou Zigui¡¯s chambers, Deng Rong stared at his Supreme Commander as he murmured, ¡°Supreme Commander, are we really going to capture Zhou Junqi tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to rescue him,¡± Lou Zigui raised his eyes as he emphasized. ¡°Remember, the ones who kill him can only be men from the capital¡¯s barracks.¡±

    ¡°Then what about Esteemed Empress?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already talked about her with His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui looked back down at the letter in his hands. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about her.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Xiaoyao say that Supreme Commander was leaving the Zhou n troops as a backup force?¡± Grandfather Sparrow asked Yellow Great Immortal from outside the window. ¡°Why does it sound like Supreme Commander¡¯s nning to kill him off?¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal swished his downy tail and remarked, ¡°Xiaoyao really thinks too highly of Supreme Commander Lou.¡±

 Chapter 236: Whatâ€™s more important than human lives?

    <h4>Chapter 236: What¡¯s more important than human lives?</h4>

    Supreme Commander Lou wanted Xu Feiyu to believe that the Zhou siblings both died at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s hands so he¡¯d seek revenge against the man with all his might. It would be best he and the Grand Preceptor killed each other off in the process, but injuring each other was also a good oue. By now, Yellow Great Immortal had finally figured out Lou Zigui¡¯s end goals.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Grandfather Sparrow asked. ¡°Why has Xiaoyao thought too highly of the Supreme Commander?¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal only scurried into the flower bed, because Lou Zigui chose this moment to open the unlocked window. When he saw the sparrow on the ledge fly away, his brows furrowed slightly before his eyes swept the courtyard beyond. The trees and flowers took on a faint white glow beneath the moonlight, but there wasn¡¯t a single human to be seen.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Deng Rong moved to step behind him.

    ¡°Did you hear someone cough just now?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Deng Rong looked out the window before murmuring, ¡°This soldier did hear signs of movement. Was it someone coughing?¡±

    ¡°Go search around,¡± Lou Zigui ordered.

    Deng Rong hastily left the room. Soon afterwards, a dozen or so Dragon Guards had arrived at the courtyard. One of them used his scabbard to brush aside the flowers below the window, revealing Yellow Great Immortal as he fled towards the gates. The Dragon Guard swung his arm aside and remarked, ¡°It¡¯s a yellow weasel.¡±

    Lou Zigui moved away from the window and back to his desk instead. He¡¯d heard the cries of weasels before, and recalled they were very simr to a human¡¯s cough. The noise he caught before must havee from that creature.

    Ning Xiaoyao was oblivious to all this because she slept all the way until daylight broke. After eating breakfast the next morning, she went to sit and wait in Supreme Splendor Hall for Shadowgale to bring the empress back. By her side, Shadowrain ate her offerings of sugar beans before asking, ¡°Your Majesty, why did Supreme Commander go off to the capital barracks?¡±

    Early this morning, Lou Zigui had taken a few of the ck Frost Cavalry generals and headed to the military barracks.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Today¡¯s the day that the Lord Protector assumes his post at the barracks. Supreme Commander¡¯s there to help him keep up appearances.¡±

    Both Shadowrain and Shadowthunder felt their mouth twitch at thement. They¡¯d never thought someone needed to keep up appearances just to take up a post.

    ¡°But Chen Lu shouldn¡¯t be at the barracks today, right?¡± the secondmander of the Dragon Guards asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Shadowthunder. ¡°Mm, Chen Lu¡¯s still guarding Iron Buddha Temple. Supreme Commander says we have to seize the chance while he¡¯s gone to let the Lord Protector take up his official post. This is---what do you call it?--- showing the ¡®severity of a newly-appointed official with a disy of strength.¡¯ In other words, we¡¯re face pping him.¡±

    Without the chiefmander at their base, a new officer taking up a post in the barracks under His Majesty¡¯s imperial decree showed that they didn¡¯t ce any importance on Chen Lu at all. If this wasn¡¯t starting off with a bang, then what was? Shadowrain and Shaodwthunder exchanged nces and privately resolved never to offend Supreme Commander Lou. He was just as bad as Grand Preceptor Xie when it came to making people miserable.

    Ning Xiaoyao munched on her sugar beans as she waited for the empress to arrive, but Shadowgale still hadn¡¯t returned by noon.

    ¡°Even if they¡¯re walking, they should¡¯ve reached here by now, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned towards the window as she asked Shadowthunder and Shadowrain. ¡°Or did they stroll around the streets beforeing back here?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the twomanders. Our big bro, spending time with the empress to stroll around the streets? Wouldn¡¯t he be sick of living by then?

    Shadowrain was worried. ¡°Maybe something¡¯s happened to them?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start. Something could have happened? The scheming hasn¡¯t even started yet, so what could happen?

    Shadowthunder added, ¡°Why didn¡¯t big bro send us a message if he wasn¡¯ting back on time?¡±

    ¡°Second Thunder, Third Rain, you two bring some men and go take a trip to Iron Buddha Temple,¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided after some thought. ¡°See what¡¯s happened to our Windy.¡±

    Since Shadowbolt was still at the pce, both Shadowrain and Shadowthunder left without a second thought after epting their orders. They took a group of Dragon Guards each and rushed towards Iron Buddha Temple. Ning Xiaoyao waited for nearly another hour before Shadowbolt came to report that Empress Zhou had returned to the pce.

    ¡°What about Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Everyone had close and distant rtions. To her, Shadowgale¡¯s safety was more important.

    Shadowbolt replied, ¡°Big bro said he¡¯lle to Supreme Splendor Hall as soon as he¡¯s dropped off the empress at the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡±

    If Windy can still escort the empress, then he should be unharmed. Ning Xiaoyao exhaled and said, ¡°Then we can just wait a bit longer.¡±

    Shadowbolt asked, ¡°Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you going to summon Esteemed Empress to Supreme Splendor Hall?¡±

    If I do, I¡¯d just be asking her to kill me outright, won¡¯t I? Ning Xiaoyao sniffed. ¡°N-no need. It¡¯s the empress dowager who missed her. As for me---I don¡¯t really miss her at all.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Shadowbolt. If word of this gets out, everyone will start thinking His Majesty¡¯s nning to depose his empress, won¡¯t they?

    ¡°Fourth Lightning, go pick up Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowbolt. ¡°The empress dowager doesn¡¯t like the sight of him, so make sure he¡¯s not being bullied.¡±

    Shadowbolt epted the decree and hurried off to the empress dowager¡¯s pce. Ning Xiaoyao dug out another sugar bean and prepared to toss it into his mouth when Big Boss ck suddenly jumped in through the window with a cry. ¡°Xiaoyao!¡±

    ¡°Hey! Where¡¯d you spend the night yesterday?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck¡¯s fur was all wet and he seemed out of breath as he huffed, ¡°Someone wants to kill the empress¡¯s big brother!¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was shocked. Who did Zhou Junqi offend? ¡°Who is it?¡± she picked up Big Boss ck and asked. ¡°Who wants to kill Zhou Junqi, ah?¡±

    ¡°Those people said they were from the capital¡¯s barracks,¡± Big Boss ck replied, ¡°But this cat has seen them in the pce before, miaow.¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu¡¯s spies in the pce, then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°But one of them was Deng Rong, ah,¡± Big Boss ck replied. ¡°Isn¡¯t he supposed to be one of Supreme Commander¡¯s generals?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what does this mean? Meow,¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not ask about the whys right now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°If it¡¯s Deng Rong, that means Supreme Commander wants the empress¡¯s brother dead. ck Tubby, is the brother dead or alive right now?¡±

    ¡°He hid away,¡± Big Boss ck replied, ¡°That Great Master monk called Kumu concealed him underground.¡±

    Underground? Then that means a secret chamber, Ning Xiaoyao mused as she rubbed her chin. ¡°Great Master Kumu, why does this name sound so familiar?¡±

    Big Boss ck scratched her. ¡°He¡¯s the monk who read your fortune as a baby, you ninny! He¡¯s the reason you were barred from the pce for all these years. How could you forget? Miaow!¡±

    So it¡¯s that jerk. Ning Xiaoyao came to a realization.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Big Boss ck asked next.

    ¡°Why does Grand Master Kumu want to help the empress¡¯s big brother?¡± Ning Xiaoyao mused.

    Big Boss ck grew nk before wing her again. ¡°How is this cat supposed to understand your human affairs?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. Seems like Supreme Commander has a different idea in mind than me.

    Big Boss ck was anxious. ¡°The empress¡¯s big brother was injured. Xiaoyao, do you want him dead or alive?¡±

    ¡°He got injured?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was stunned again.

    ¡°General Deng shot him with an arrow,¡± Big Boss ck struggled free from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s grasp and leaped onto the ground, before standing on his hind legs to mime the motion of someone drawing a bow. ¡°Just like this with a whoosh, miaow.¡±

    If this was any other day, Ning Xiaoyao would be snuggling the fat ck cat cutely miming the actions of a human archer. But now wasn¡¯t the time for that. Things had gone wrong again. Meanwhile, Yellow Great Immortal, who had been eavesdropping on Supreme Commander Loust night, now ran in through the open door.

    ¡°Great Immortal, why have youe?¡± Ning Xiaoyao crouched down to ask.

    Yellow Great Immortal didn¡¯t waste any words as he exined how Supreme Commander Lou was nning to kill off the Zhou siblings while framing Grand Preceptor Xie for the deed. At the end he added, ¡°Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander is most certainly doing all this for your sake, but do you want to kill the empress¡¯s big brother?¡±

    By now, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting on the ground next to Yellow Great Immortal, clutching her head in her hands. Big Boss ck cried out unhappily, ¡°You¡¯re making things up! My Supreme Commander isn¡¯t that kind of man!¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal raised his eyes at Big Boss ck, unimpressed. ¡°If I had the time to smear Supreme Commander, why wouldn¡¯t I use it to catch a chicken to eat instead?¡±

    Big Boss ck was rendered speechless.

    ¡°We can save the chicken talk forter,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Does Supreme Commander have to be so brutal?¡± Plotting against the siblings to leave us a way of retreat is one thing, but killing them outright is something else altogether!

    Yellow Great Immortal asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Things had gone against her expectations, leaving her at a loss.

    Big Boss ck scratched her again and eximed, ¡°How could you not know?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao whapped him in exchange. ¡°Don¡¯t talk, let me think.¡±

    Big Boss ck still wanted to meow, but Yellow Great Immortal scratched him next.

    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to talk about life with Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself. ¡°What¡¯s the most important thing right now?¡±

    Big Boss ck and Yellow Great Immortal both stared at Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s right, what¡¯s the most important thing right now?

    Human lives. What¡¯s more important than that? Ning Xiaoyao rose to her feet. Murdering someone, then shifting the me, could earn Grand Preceptor Xie one more enemy to contend with. But if it wasn¡¯t absolutely necessary, she would go save the empress¡¯s brother.

    ¡°You¡¯ve thought this through?¡± Big Boss ck chased after Ning Xiaoyao once she dered her intentions.

    Ning Xiaoyao tightened her waistband and replied, ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? We can still negotiate if everyone¡¯s still alive, but if Zhou Junqi dies, I won¡¯t be able to revive him even if I regret it in the future.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to save him by yourself?¡± Big Boss ck asked. ¡°Why not have the little gyrfalcon¡¯s master do it?¡±

    ¡°My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°I¡¯m still stuck in an endless struggle with the Grand Preceptor and empress dowager. Am I supposed to throw Windy into a fray against Deng Rong next? Let me save the guy first, then talk with Supreme Commander in private.¡±

    ¡°Why in private?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked askance at him. He¡¯s turned full of questions after wandering off for a single night. ¡°ck Tubby, tell me the truth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Do you really want me to argue with your Supreme Commander in public, then beat him up, then have him pressed to the ground while I take off his pants and give him a spanking?¡±

    Big Boss ck¡¯s fur all stood on end. Of course that wouldn¡¯t do!

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Yellow Great Immortal called after her. ¡°But the empress wants to kill you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked

    ¡°She treats you like that, but you¡¯re still saving her elder brother?¡± Yellow Great Immortal asked.

    ¡°T-that¡¯s right, ah,¡± Big Boss ck chimed in. ¡°Supreme Commander must have been angry about the empress trying to kill you, so he went to kill her brother instead, meow!¡±

 Chapter 237: His Majesty goes to the rescue at Iron Buddha Temple

    <h4>Chapter 237: His Majesty goes to the rescue at Iron Buddha Temple</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s something between the empress and myself. What does it have to do with her brother?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand what the two animals were ying at. ¡°I admit that I¡¯ve inherited my muddle-headed father¡¯s status and properties, so I have no choice but to shoulder the weight of his crimes. But is that the case with the empress¡¯s brother?¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal looked uprehendingly at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°He¡¯s still the empress¡¯s older brother, ah.¡± It counts already if they¡¯re one family. What does inheriting titles and properties have to do with any of it?

    So just because he¡¯s her older brother, he has to pay for his life if his sister turns murderous? What kind of logic is that? Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Forget it, it¡¯s more important to save lives than to think about something I don¡¯t understand. ¡°I¡¯m going now. When Windy and the reste backter, ck Tubby, tell them that I went out to buy some snacks in the streets.¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s legs and crawled all the way up to her shoulders. ¡°Will your Windy be able to understand this cat¡¯s words?¡±

    That¡¯s true, Ning Xiaoyao mused before ncing towards Yellow Great Immortal. Big Boss ck only scratched her in turn. This ninny, she¡¯s so stupid it makes a cat depressed!

    ¡°Mm, Windy and the rest won¡¯t understand Great Immortal¡¯s words either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked as she stroked Big Boss ck¡¯s furry head. She walked to the table and picked up a brush, before writing a message on a strip of paper. Then she told Yellow Great Immortal, ¡°I don¡¯t know where the secret chamber is, so ck Tubby will have toe with me to Iron Buddha Temple. Great Immortal, do me a favor and deliver this message to Windy and the rest.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Yellow Great Immortal. A weasel like me is going to interact with humans now? (Author: Hey hey! When you put it that way, it sounds like Xiaoyao isn¡¯t a human!)

    ¡°Help me out, will you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao sped her hands at him. ¡°Otherwise, Windy and the rest will worry if I just disappear.¡±

    ¡°A-alright,¡± Yellow Great Immortal nodded in the face of her pleas.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave the paper on the table. Great Immortal, you can eat some of the snacks there too---no need to stand on courtesy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her paper, then pointed at the te of snacks, before flipping out the window with Big Boss ck.

    Yellow Great Immortal jumped onto the table and ate a pastry before reading Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s message. He was a somewhat cultured weasel, so the sight of her ugly handwriting only made him shake his head. But wait, Yellow Great Immortal suddenly came to a realization. Supreme Splendor Hall is full of humans. Why do I have to be the one to pass on her message? (o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Ning Xiaoyao brought Big Boss ck with her as she ran straight out of the pce gates. Once she vanished in a gust of wind, the head imperial guard on gate duty looked with confusion at his subordinates. ¡°What did His Majesty just say he was going to do?¡±

    One imperial guard said, somewhat hesitant, ¡°His Majesty said he was going to buy some snacks off the streets?¡±

    All of the guards exchanged nces before nodding in unison. His Majesty¡¯s voice had been loud and clear, so they¡¯d all heard the words exactly.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s gone off to buy snacks on his own?¡± the head of the imperial guards echoed as he stared off in the direction where Ning Xiaoyao had disappeared. After spacing out for a spell, he turned on his heel and bolted back into the pce. Shadowgale and the rest of the Dragon Guards had to be informed. Otherwise, he¡¯d be in big trouble in His Majesty ran into danger beyond the pce!

    While Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck were madly racing to Iron Buddha Temple, Deng Rong arrived on horseback to the location of the military barracks. He walked briskly inside one of the buildings to meet with Lou Zigui and whisper in his ear, ¡°Great Master Kumu rescued Zhou Junqi.¡±

    Lou Zigui creased his brows.

    ¡°But that monk won¡¯t admit he¡¯s hiding him,¡± Deng Rong continued. ¡°Supreme Commander, what¡¯s that monk scheming by rescuing Zhou Junqi like this?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°Since you dressed up as men from the military barracks, Kumu must have assumed that Xie Wenyuan wanted to kill Zhou Junqi and did this to win some favor from His Majesty¡¯s side.¡±

    ¡°Then will that monk release Zhou Junqi if we give up our disguises?¡±

    ¡°If that happens, it¡¯ll be hard to exin exactly who killed Zhou Junqi,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°Who knew? That Grand Master Kumu knows how to behave with tact in delicate situations.¡±

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Deng Rong asked anxiously.

    Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Did you at least manage to injure Zhou Junqi?¡±

    ¡°He was shot with one of my arrows,¡± Deng Rong replied, ¡°Straight in the middle of his back. But this soldier saw him still running after being shot, so I expect it won¡¯t be fatal.¡±

    Lou Zigui rose to his feet.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, what are you doing?¡± Deng Rong asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m taking a trip to Iron Buddha Temple,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to personally kill Zhou Junqi?¡± Deng Rong asked hastily.

    ¡°There will be chances to kill him in the future,¡± Lou Zigui spoke as he strode outside. ¡°I just want to see whether or not he¡¯s still alive. If not, I want to convince him to stay elsewhere.¡±

    If Eldest Young Master Zhou hides away forever, we won¡¯t be able to kill him again. Deng Rong mused as he nodded his head and followed behind Lou Zigui.

    At this moment, the Lord Protector and a few of his bodyguards, as well as some military officers who had arrived at the capital recently to be by his side, all entered the courtyard.

    ¡°Supreme Commander is leaving already?¡± the Lord Protector asked, before hastily putting on a grin. ¡°I was thinking of preparing some wine and preparing to drink a few cups with you.¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled and cupped his fist at the Lord Protector. ¡°His Majesty still has business to take care of, so I need to go back. Lord Protector, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to take care of the military barrack¡¯s affairs.¡±

    The Lord Protector nced over at Deng Rong, who was standing behind Lou Zigui, before returning his gesture with a cupped fist of his own. ¡°Since it¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s business, I won¡¯t keep you. Let¡¯s feast again another day, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled and nodded, both towards the Lord Protector and the men behind him, then prepared to leave. But he suddenly stopped and added, ¡°For the morning court assembly on the day after tomorrow, all of you can enter the pce and pay your respects to His Majesty so he can see your faces.¡±

    The various men behind Lord Protector all quickly muttered their assent. It was all one could wish for to meet the emperor in person. Deng Rong only privately esteemed his Supreme Commander for having the mood to talk andugh about unrted matters when he was setting off on a murder mission.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be taking my leave now,¡± Lou Zigui cupped his fist against before departing with Deng Rong.

    ¡°That¡¯s Lou Zigui?¡± one of the officers by the Lord Protector piped up once he was gone.

    The Lord Protector felt his forehead before turning to the uncle-like man by his side. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s Lou Zigui. Uncle Wei, are you thinking that he¡¯s too young?¡±

    The so-called military officer named Uncle Wei shook his head. ¡°Age doesn¡¯t mean much. Lou Zigui¡¯s fame came about when he was young to begin with. I just never expected him to have such a pleasant smile.¡±

    The Lord Protector opened his mouth to speak, but ended up chuckling instead. ¡°Uncle Wei, you¡¯ll see what kind of man Lou Zigui is if you keep looking.¡± Him, an amiable and pleasant man? Just wait until you see his gloomy moods and icy res. You¡¯lle to know exactly what he¡¯s like.

    Lou Zigui mounted his horse at the entrance of the military barracks and whipped it towards the direction of the northern city gates.

    By now, Ning Xiaoyao had already arrived at Iron Buddha Temple. After punching five soldiers from the military barracks unconscious, she flipped over the wall and jumped inside.

    ¡°This way,¡± Big Boss ck pointed with his paw from atop her shoulder.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the temple hall before her and saw that it was arge and magnificent building that was no less splendid than the pce.

    ¡°God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked, ¡°Are all the houses here this big?¡±

    One of the monks inside heard her voice and walked out to take a look, only to start at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao. Right now the entire Iron Buddha Temple was surrounded by troops, so how had this person slipped in?

    ¡°Who are y---¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao punched him. The poor monk fell to the ground, out cold.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Big Boss ck eximed. ¡°Ninny, how could you hit a monk?¡±

    ¡°Idiot,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shot back. ¡°We¡¯re on a rescue mission. What if his shout gives us away? Hurry and show me the way, where should I go? Eh? Why does that Buddha statue look so fierce? Just what kind of Buddha is that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to peer at the four towering statues inside the hall.

    Big Boss ck looked askance at her. ¡°You just came here to fool around, didn¡¯t you?¡± Is this the attitude of someone on a rescue mission?

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a tch and remarked, ¡°Will the empress¡¯s big brother die if we¡¯rete by a few minutes? Don¡¯t joke with me.¡±

    ¡°These are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings,¡± Big Boss ck licked his whiskers as he exined, ¡°You don¡¯t even know as much as me, a cat. Ninny, aren¡¯t you a bit ashamed?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at him and said, ¡°To this day, you still haven¡¯t convinced Jiao Jiao to make kittens with you yet. Should you go die by now?¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood on end. ¡°You haven¡¯t bore any whelps for Supreme Commander either! Why haven¡¯t you gone and died yet?¡±

    The human and cat red at each other. At the critical moment, Ning Xiaoyao sniffed and said, ¡°Point out the way, I¡¯m in a rush to save people.¡±

    Big Boss ck extended his w and said, ¡°Straight ahead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ran past the monks¡¯ living quarters before reaching the very back wall of the temple. Here, Big Boss ck pointed at a patch of empty ground by the wall and said, ¡°It¡¯s right under here.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out to touch the ground and saw that it was actually a stone lid. Although it looked identical to the ground around it, Ning Xiaoyao could still tell the minute differences in the rock.

    ¡°But this cat doesn¡¯t know how to open it,¡± Big Boss ck added.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied before digging out a dagger. She pried at the lid a bit before sticking the edge of the de into a crack, then pushed upwards to easily lift the stone covering. Big Boss ck licked her on the face. This ninny might be a fool, but she¡¯s super, super strong, ah.

    ¡°I smell blood,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she descended onto the flight of endless winding steps below. She turned back briefly to rece the stone lid over the opening before heading into the darkness.

    --

    In the stone room at the foot of the stairs, the ground was littered with blood-soaked bandages. Grand Master Kumu and his two disciples were at their wit¡¯s end before Zhou Junqi¡¯s body. They¡¯d used all the medicine they could, but the man was still bleeding from his wound.

    ¡°Is senior brother dying?¡± one of the little disciples sobbed.

    Great Master Kumu murmured an Amitabha under his breath, utterly helpless.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked through the door at this moment and saw Zhou Junqi lying on the bed. ¡°You can¡¯t stop the bleeding?¡±

    Both of the little monks screamed with fright at the stranger appearing out of thin air. They hugged each other tight, while a badly startled Grand Master Kumu forced himself to calm down. This person shouldn¡¯t be here to kill Eldest Young Master Zhou. Otherwise, he would have done the deed already instead of asking after his wound.

    ¡°That¡¯s Kumu,¡± Big Boss ck whispered to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Why does that holy fraud look so kindly?

 Chapter 238: You donâ€™t know why Iâ€™m angry?

    <h4>Chapter 238: You don''t know why I''m angry?</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao ced her hand on Zhou Junqi¡¯s chest as she examined Grand Master Kumu from head to toe. Because her expression was too conflicted and her gaze too strange, Grand Master Kumu felt his hairs stand on end.

    ¡°Amitabha. Patron, you...¡±

    ¡°Stop ¡®Amitabha-¡¯ing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said in an affected tone as she randomly felt Zhou Junqi up and down. ¡°Why weren¡¯t you thinking any benevolent thoughts when you screwed me over in the past?¡±

    Now Grand Master Kumu didn¡¯t even have to guess to know that this person was Ning Yu, Yongning¡¯s current emperor. When Ning Xiaoyao saw that he was about to bow, her mouth twitched. She waved a hand and said, ¡°Don¡¯t. If I ept this bow from you, you¡¯ll feel ufortable in your heartter too. If you end up iming I¡¯m ipatible with everyone in Yongning as a result, what will I do then? Find a ce to die?¡±

    Most people were unused to Ning Xiaoyao upon their first meeting. Grand Master Kumu was no exception and stared at her nkly before said, ¡°This monk doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯ve screwed me over once, you can screw me over twice,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her blood-stained hand against the sheets, then tucked in Zhou Junqi. ¡°Come on, give me another fortune reading for free. Grand Master, where do you think I came from?¡± I¡¯ll know whether or not he¡¯s a holy fraud by his answer.

    Great Master Kumu looked at Ning Xiaoyao, his face hesitant. ¡°Your Majesty is of the imperial Ning n. For you to rise to your position, you must be none other than the Violet Star Sovereign descended down to Earth. You...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that I came from Heaven?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at herself.

    Great Master Kumu nodded.

    Ning Xiaoyao had no idea what a Violet Star Sovereign was, but she was obviously from the apocalypse. Now this monk was iming she came from the skies? As expected, he¡¯s a holy fraud.

    ¡°Your Majesty honors us with your grand presence---¡±

    ¡°Nothing grand about it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised a hand to cut him off again. ¡°Zhou Junqi¡¯s injury been healed. Grand Master, your medical skills seem only so-so, ah.¡±

    Great Master Kumu quickly looked over at Zhou Junqi, who was still unconscious. However, hisplexion seemed much healthier than before. When he lifted the covers, it was to see that the arrow wound that had pierced through Zhou Junqi¡¯s chest from the back was nowpletely healed over.

    ¡°H-how is this possible?¡± Great Master Kumu cried in shock.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Great Master, why don¡¯t you rub your eyes and check again?¡±

    Great Master Kumu exhaled, before looking at Ning Xiaoyao. She put on a respectable, dignified expression that was somewhat ruined by her childish face.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck meowed viciously at Great Master Kumu. Typically speaking, he¡¯d be scratching anyone who wronged him silly by now. Why waste so many words?

    ¡°Calm down,¡± Ning Xiaoyao petted Big Boss ck¡¯s head.

    Great Master Kumu stared at Big Boss ck. ¡°Your Majesty is actually raising a ck cat. This cat---¡±

    ¡°Great Master, if you want to say things like he¡¯s unlucky, he¡¯ll definitely bite you to death,¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted again. ¡°If not that, then scratch you half dead.¡±

    As if in response to her words, Big Boss ck lifted his bloody ws for Great Master Kumu to see.

    ¡°........¡± said Great Master Kumu.

    ¡°We can leave our stuff for another day,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Great Master, let¡¯s talk about the here and now.¡±

    Great Master Kumu asked, ¡°Is Your Majesty talking about Esteemed Empress¡¯s matters?¡±

    ¡°Great Master,¡± a voice came from an opening in the secret chamber just then, that of a young monk. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s arrived at Iron Buddha Temple. He¡¯s currently facing off against General Chen from the military barracks.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and Big Boss ck exchanged nces. Why did Supreme Commandere?

    Great Master Kumu nced hastily towards Ning Xiaoyao. With His Majesty here, it was impossible for him to decide what to do. Ning Xiaoyao took Big Boss ck to a corner and crouched on the ground, where the two of them held a quiet conference.

    ¡°Howe Supreme Commander¡¯s here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck replied, ¡°Supreme Commander must havee to find you.¡±

    ¡°But I left a message saying I went out to buy snacks, ah.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s so smart, you think he¡¯ll fall for that?¡± Once again, Big Boss ck put his Supreme Commander on a pedestal while belittling Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the tubby furball on her shoulders. ¡°Are you trying to say that Windy is an idiot?¡±

    Big Boss ck choked before he snarled, ¡°Stop nitpicking to sow discord.¡±

    ¡°Heh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chortled coldly, ¡°You¡¯ve be more cultured. Now you can even use idioms when you speak.¡±

    Big Boss ck didn¡¯t know what an idiom was, but he did know he wanted to scratch this ninny to death. The two little monks went to hide behind Great Master Kumu as they saw an imminent fight about to break out between human and cat. ck cats are unlucky and his Majesty---His Majesty doesn¡¯t seem all that normal, either.

    ¡°Great Master?¡± the voice from above called again, sounding panicked. ¡°The switch for the stone entrance is broken, I can¡¯t open it!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Great Master Kumu hastily turned towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, you broke the switch to the stone door when you came down?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tossed Big Boss ck to the ground and looked at him. ¡°There was a switch? I didn¡¯t even know, ah.¡±

    ¡°Then, this---¡± Great Master Kumu knew that things had gotten troublesome. ¡°Then aren¡¯t we simply trapped down here?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave him a sideways nce. ¡°Great Master, you should keep General Zhoupany. I¡¯ll find Supreme Commander for a chat.¡±

    ¡°If the switch breaks, there¡¯s no way we can get out. Your Majesty, this monk will order the rest to dig us out instead,¡± Great Master Kumu tried negotiating.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head and started to climb up the steps. ¡°Great Master, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take responsibility for fixing that stone door.¡±

    Great Master Kumu fell silent. He¡¯d been talking about nothing but the switch this whole time. Didn¡¯t His Majesty hear him? Big Boss ck meowed at him a couple of times before chasing after Ning Xiaoyao. Great Master Kumu could only continue to stay mute. Just what kind of person is this? And that cat, too---what¡¯s with him?

    The two younger monks exchanged nces as well, before bracing themselves to follow behind Ning Xiaoyao. But she walked so quickly that the two monks soon lost sight of her and her cat. By the time they reached the exit, the stone door was already open. The sudden flood of sunlight momentarily blinded them.

    ¡°His Majesty made it out?¡± Great Master Kumu asked when the two monks returned.

    Before the monks could speak, they heard the sound of a heavy stone falling into ce above them.

    ¡°His Majesty f...fixed the switch,¡± one of the little monks stammered out.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Zhou Junqi suddenly woke up in a start. All Great Master Kumu could think of now was, how is this possible?!

    --

    In front of the gates to the temple, Chen Lu gave way to Lou Zigui as he spoke. ¡°Since Supreme Commander insists on paying his respects to the Buddha today, please go in.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that General Chen wanted to let him in, but that he had no way to keep him out. Even though Lou Zigui had only brought along Deng Rong, the man was perfectly prepared to kill him while he had to hesitate in turn. His Majesty would protect Lou Zigui to the death if anything happened, but would Grand Preceptor do the same for him? Chen Lu found the very idea impossible.

    But the next second saw Ning Xiaoyao opening the temple gates from the inside. She stuck out her head and asked, ¡°Is everyone here?¡±

    Chen Lu thought he was seeing things. How could His Majesty be here?!

    Lou Zigui creased his brows and covered the distance between them with a few steps. ¡°Why did youe here?¡± he asked Ning Xiaoyao in a low voice.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I came to pay my respects to the Buddha.¡±

    Lou Zigui pushed Ning Xiaoyao inside as he entered the temple grounds, conveniently mming the gates in Deng Rong¡¯s face when he moved to follow. Poor General Deng was left to rub at his throbbing nose before he nced back at Chen Lu.

    Chen Lu said, ¡°Shadowgale has alreadye to escort Esteemed Empress back to the pce.¡± What General Chen meant to say was, the empress is already going back, so what¡¯s His Majesty doing running over to Iron Buddha Temple?

    Deng Rong only scowled at him. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s right inside, so you can ask him yourself.¡±

    Chen Lu looked at the shut gates of the temple. Even if I want to ask, I need to wait for His Majesty to summon me first, ah.

    On the other side of the doors, Lou Zigui had his hands pressed against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Why did youe here?¡±

    ¡°I told you already, I¡¯m---¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say you¡¯re here to pay respects, that¡¯s the excuse I used,.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders at him. ¡°To tell you the truth, I¡¯m here to rescue Zhou Junqi.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hands trembled minutely before he immediately pressed down harder against her shoulders. Indifferent to the added force, Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and added, ¡°You can¡¯t kill people.¡±

    Lou Zigui nced around the courtyard. They were standing in front of the hall for the Four Heavenly Kings, where two bodhi trees stood facing each other with their thick branches and leaves covering the entire space above them to block them from sight.

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged at Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve and added, ¡°I said that you can¡¯t kill people. Give me a reaction or something, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his head and asked, ¡°You know already?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know, I wouldn¡¯t have ran all the way here.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a good thing to kill off the Zhou n siblings?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao pondered over that before pulling Lou Zigui to sit beside her on the steps leading to the prayer hall. She cocked her head to one side and said, ¡°We can clearly manage this without killing anyone, so why do you insist on murdering them, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Because they want to kill you,¡± Lou Zigui answered.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t all of this a big farce anyways?¡± Ning Xiaoyao spread out her arms.

    ¡°But those siblings are taking it seriously.¡±

    ¡°Then---then if the person who wants to kill me is the empress, what does General Zhou have to do with it?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao before he suddenly burst intoughter. ¡°How could it have nothing to do with him? If he hadn¡¯t agreed, the empress would never be so determined to kill you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s not right. It was the empress who steeled her heart first.¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t Zhou Junqi agree with her?¡± Lou Zigui was sounding a little pushy by now. ¡°Since they want to kill you, then I¡¯ll kill them. What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. It looks like we can¡¯t chat about life anymore.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui grabbed her hand with a murmur, ¡°You don¡¯t have to get involved with this. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    ¡°Then fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander, you tell me. Can that General Xu beat the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°And if he could?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°If?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed. ¡°So it¡¯s not a certainty? We can¡¯t even kill off the Grand Preceptor ourselves, but you¡¯re pushing General Xu to try the same? Do you have to treat others like that?¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Lou Zigui eximed quietly.

    ¡°Xiaoyao--¡¯Little Yao?¡¯ It won¡¯t make a difference even if you call me Dayao---¡¯Big Yao.¡¯ I¡¯ll still think the same way,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°The empress wants to murder me, but I¡¯m not even angry. So why are you, Supreme Commander? It¡¯s not like she could really kill me.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression grew dark. ¡°You don¡¯t know why I¡¯m angry?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips.

    ¡°Tell me, do you really not know?¡± Lou Zigui held Ning Xiaoyao by the chin, refusing to let her look away.

 Chapter 239: The disaster star versus the one who never dies

    <h4>Chapter 239: The disaster star versus the one who never dies</h4>

    ¡°I know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded at Lou Zigui. ¡°I know you¡¯re doing this for my sake.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression softened.

    ¡°If there¡¯s anyone who¡¯s a jerk in all this, it¡¯s me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stated as she scratched at Lou Zigui¡¯s palms. ¡°I can¡¯t me the Grand Preceptor for forcing me either. If I hadn¡¯t agreed to wed the empress, would the marriage have happened in the first ce?¡±

    Although it was done by Ning Xiaoyao, now that she was Ning Yu, she needed to shoulder the girl¡¯s burdens. Ning Xiaoyao wore a pained expression at the thought.

    ¡°You¡¯re still young and your life is in Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hands. What else could you have done?¡± Lou Zigui exonerated her.

    ¡°You only think that way because we¡¯re on good terms, Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°The first time we met, you even called me a fatuous ruler.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui. She still remembers that?

    ¡°The empress¡¯s true love is Xu Feiyu, ah. When General Zhou ran into trouble, he could only think of the best way to help his sister first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Murder is definitely wrong, but I can understand where they¡¯reing from.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad anymore, alright?¡± Ning Xiaoyao nuzzled her head against Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder.

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Do you think the Zhou siblings will ept your feelings?¡±

    ¡°Why do I need them to care about what I do?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged, unconcerned. ¡°It¡¯s not like I have to live with them for the rest of my life.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you...?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao poked Lou Zigui¡¯s palm. ¡°As long as we have a clear conscience, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve made the empress suffer over the past few years too, right? If I can fulfill her wish to be with General Xu this time, it¡¯ll count as repayment for my wrongs. In the future, we¡¯ll each go our own ways and never have to meet again.¡±

    Lou Zigui made a nomittal noise at her remark.

    ¡°They¡¯re not people who have to die,¡± Ning Xiaoyao started nuzzling his shoulder again. ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t be angry anymore. Isn¡¯t it better to find a solution that will work for everyone?¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to stroke her face. ¡°Work for everyone? Right now, those people think the only solution that works for them is to have you dead.¡±

    ¡°Hahah, but I can¡¯t die, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed merrily. ¡°It¡¯s not bad if they all aim for me, either. I can keep thempany with the fighting and never die. Isn¡¯t that great?¡±

    ¡°Are you stupid?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao red at him. ¡°I¡¯m not stupid at all. I¡¯m a superbly skilled person who does the whachamacallit.¡±

    ¡°Boldness of execution stems from superb skill,¡± Lou Zigui quoted the proverb as he rested a hand against his forehead.

    ¡°Urk, right, that¡¯s what I meant. Haha, when the empress and the rest finds out that I can¡¯t die no matter what, they¡¯ll definitely feel depressed, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to grin happily.

    Lou Zigui pinched her cheek ruthlessly.

    ¡°Ouch.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped smiling.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want the Zhou siblings to die?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lou Zigui relented.

    ¡°Oh yeah~¡± a happy Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head to peck Lou Zigui on the cheek. ¡°Love ya!¡±

    Wind whistled through the courtyard, noisily shaking the leaves on the bodhi trees. Their dappled shadows flickered against the ground before one heart-shaped leaf fell tond on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. She took the leaf and used it to tease Big Boss ck by her feet, earning a scratch from the cat.

    Lou Zigui sat in a trance on one side, half-doubting what he¡¯d just heard.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after she finished ying with the cat. She rose to her feet and pulled Lou Zigui after her. ¡°I¡¯ve already cured Zhou Junqi¡¯s injuries. He should be awake by now, so let¡¯s pay him a visit.¡±

    Lou Zigui was dragged off by Ning Xiaoyao while wishing he could ask her just what she had said. But the question stopped at the tip of his tongue. If I really heard what I think I heard, how am I supposed to reply? Love?

    Ning Xiaoyao took Lou Zigui past temple after temple, allowing him to catch glimpses of the various half-smiling Buddha statues on the way. He had once prayed before a statue just like these, one who seeminglymented the state of the world and yet only chose to watch its fate from a distance. The vision of his father and brothers, their corpses riddled with war wounds, once again rose before his eyes. The white mourning streamers trailing down from the ancestral hall, the loud sobs of Lou Nan as he cried for his father and mother---all of it chilled Lou Zigui to the heart.

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao paused to look at the hand she was holding. ¡°Supreme Commander, it¡¯s summer. Why is your hand so cold?¡±

    When he felt the warm puffs of air against his hand, Lou Zigui recovered his wits and saw Ning Xiaoyao blowing on his skin.

    ¡°Why would your hand get cold?¡± Ning Xiaoyao puffed a few more times before rubbing the back of his hand. It was still a bit chilly, causing her to tilt her head in thought. Forget about doing this physically, I might as well use my powers instead.

    But Lou Zigui took this chance to pull Ning Xiaoyao into his arms.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked up at him. ¡°Supreme Commander, what are you doing n---¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips closed abruptly over hers, his movements somewhat aggressive. Ning Xiaoyao only peered at the Buddha statues behind Lou Zigui with a start. Dang it, are we allowed to kiss in a temple? Will we incur divine retribution from the skies? (Author: If you¡¯re afraid of being struck with lightning, why not push Supreme Commander aside?)

    ¡°Give me a little more time,¡± Lou Zigui remained hugged Ning Xiaoyao after he¡¯d finished his kiss.

    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. What kind of time is Supreme Commander asking from me anyways?

    ¡°I¡¯m a star of disaster,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked up at him again. People believe nonsense like that? She mused a bit before dering, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m thest person in this world that anyone could kill. A star of disaster versus one who never dies, mm, it¡¯s a perfect match.¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao with an unreadable expression. She blinked and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, are you still mad?¡± Is he unhappy because I don¡¯t want to kill the empress and her brother?

    ¡°I¡¯m not mad,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°I¡¯d never be mad at you.¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t kill the empress and General Zhou, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°The things I agreed to do for you, I¡¯ll definitely see through ¡®til the end,¡± Lou Zigui smiled.

    Then everything¡¯s alright, Ning Xiaoyao thought privately. She stroked his hand, which was no longer cold, and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t believe nonsense like that ¡®star of disaster¡¯ business. Just then I met with Great Master Kumu and asked him where I came him. He actually said that I fell from Heaven. Hear that? Those were even the words of a Great Master. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t you think anyone who falls from the skies would be long dead by now?¡±

    ¡°What he meant to say was that you¡¯re the emperor, and the emperor is the Violet Star Sovereign of the Heavens,¡± Lou Zigui exined.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth pursed as she muttered to herself, ¡°So Violet Star Sovereigns can be females too, huh.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Truthfully, he¡¯d never heard of such a thing.

    ¡°See that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was all scorn. ¡°You call that a Great Master? Who was the bastard who read your fortune? Was it a Great Master as well?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui had no more desire to continue the topic.

    ¡°When I said we were a perfect match just then, all of the Bodhisattvas were smiling, oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added as Lou Zigui pulled her away.

    ¡°Those are only statues polished to look like people,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Do you think they¡¯re really smiling?¡±

    ¡°Then look,¡± Ning Xiaoyao drew back the corners of her mouth into a grin. ¡°See here? I¡¯m smiling.¡±

    Miss Ning was ever stuck with wide, gaping grins whenever she smiled, showing her mouthful of white teeth while her eyes were reduced to curved lines. Lou Zigui felt that her smile looked exceedingly foolish as he went to pinch her cheek. But I still like this smile regardless.

    Big Boss ck followed quietly behind Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui. Supreme Commander actually told the ninny to give him more time. Isn¡¯t he worried that she¡¯ll run off with another man instead? His heart was almost broken from worrying.

    By the time Ning Xiaoyao brought Lou Zigui to the secret chamber, Zhou Junqi was already awake. When he saw the pair standing before him, he only recognized Lou Zigui.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit sad, hah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at him. ¡°But I¡¯m the one who married your little sis, Ning Xiao---Ning Yu, ah.¡±

    Zhou Junqi gave Ning Xiaoyao an embarrassed look. Lou Zigui addressed Great Master Kumu instead. ¡°Great Master, you should withdraw first.¡±

    Great Master Kumu left the room with his two young disciples.

    ¡°You still know to feel shame,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly to Zhou Junqi once the monks were gone. ¡°Looks like you have some morals after all.¡±

    Zhou Junqi¡¯s expression shifted from embarrassment to rm. Had his sister already attacked His Majesty?

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged at Lou Zigui¡¯s hand. ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t get angry. Can¡¯t we just talk normally?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Zhou Junqi rolled off the stone bed to kneel on the floor by her feet.

    ¡°Ah geez, hey, what are you kneeling for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled him upright and sat him back on the bed. ¡°I already know everything the empress is nning.¡±

    Zhou Junqi¡¯s face turned ashen at her words.

    ¡°To tell you the truth,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Even though I¡¯m not innocent, this is still hurtful to me.¡±

    Zhou Junqi hung his head before he finally muttered, ¡°I¡¯m the one who deserves to die.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about death,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said hastily. ¡°If we can all live, then none of you should spend your days going dying and death and dead. It annoys me just to hear it all the time.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty isn¡¯t going to kill Esteemed Empress?¡± Zhou Junqi asked instantly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I won¡¯t kill anyone.¡±

    ¡°Just then, there were men from the military barracks after my life,¡± Zhou Junqi said in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Lou Zigui before she said, ¡°Ah, the military barracks? Then it¡¯s the Grand Preceptor who wants your life. But you don¡¯t have to worry, Supreme Commander and I will protect you.¡±

    When Zhou Junqi next looked up, it was to see a genuine smile on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face.

    ¡°If the empress attacks His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly as he pulled Ning Xiaoyao behind him, ¡°Do you and your sister think you¡¯ll be able to escape the capital in the wake of his death?¡±

    The hint of hope in Zhou Junqi¡¯s heart died out and turned to ice at Lou Zigui¡¯s cutting words.

    ¡°His Majesty is merciful and benevolent, so he doesn¡¯t n to publicly disclose the matter,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°His Majesty has been nothing but magnanimous towards the empress and your Zhou n.¡±

    Zhou Junqi wanted to kneel at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet, but his body was currently refusing to obey hismands.

    ¡°You should hide out in these secret chambers for awhile,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°Once everything blows over, His Majesty will let you both go.¡±

    Zhou Junqi looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who nodded and said with a dignified air, ¡°I have someone I like already---someone I like very, very much. I¡¯d like to plea with the empress to let me go.¡±

    For some reason, Lou Zigui inexplicably felt his face grow hot.

    Big Boss ck only looked uprehendingly at Ning Xiaoyao. How does this ninny do it? She¡¯s turned a perfectly respectable speech into pure gibberish.

 Chapter 240: His Majesty is an exceptional case

    <h4>Chapter 240: His Majesty is an exceptional case</h4>

    Zhou Junqi remained dazed for a while before he looked at Ning Xiaoyao again. He still had an awkward expression on his face, but at least he wasn¡¯t looking for a crack to disappear to in the ground. If His Majesty already has someone in his heart, then my little sister doesn¡¯t...doesn¡¯t seem quite guilty of the most heinous crime against her husband.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a meaningful look at Lou Zigui. See? Now everyone won¡¯t be so embarrassed when we¡¯re together. Isn¡¯t that good?

    Lou Zigui nced between Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smug face and Zhou Junqi¡¯s rxed mood and more or less guessed what she was saying with her eyes. Besides sighing, he couldn¡¯t think of any other reaction to her expression.

    ¡°Say something, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged at his hand. Now that she¡¯d expressed her views on the matter, it was Supreme Commander¡¯s turn to speak.

    ¡°Once everything¡¯s over, you cane out of the secret chamber,¡± Lou Zigui told Zhou Junqi coldly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about Esteemed Empress. His Majesty doesn¡¯t want her life, so she can keep on living.¡± As for that baby... Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze dropped as his eyes filled with ice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao vouched, ¡°Nothing will happen.¡±

    Zhou Junqi nodded and prepared to kneel again, but Ning Xiaoyao quickly pressed a hand against his shoulder, making it impossible for him to move.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the ground and picked up the arrow that Great Master Kumu had discarded on the ground. She peered at the insignia on the shaft and saw that it was from the capital¡¯s barracks. Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. Supreme Commander¡¯s team has really given it their all to frame them, ah.

    ¡°Is there anything else you want to say?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he took the arrow from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at the missing limb on Zhou Junqi¡¯s left side and scratched her palms. She resolved to take care of General Zhou¡¯s arm when everything was over. If she really wanted to recover the entire limb, she¡¯d probably have to use all her powers and then faint from exhaustion. Now wasn¡¯t the time and ce for knocking out.

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao out of the secret chamber.

    ¡°Goodbye!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved onest time at Eldest Young Master Zhou.

    Only after they had left did Zhou Junqi remembered that he forgot to send off the emperor with a formal bow. He got off the bed and walked to the foot of the stone steps before standing there nkly. Even now, he still couldn¡¯t quite believe the good luck that had befallen him and his sister. His Majesty¡¯s really going to let us off just like that?

    Lou Zigui brought Ning Xiaoyao out of the room and nced at Great Master Kumu, who was standing by the entrance. ¡°Great Master, we¡¯ll have to trouble you to take care of Zhou Junqi. If the Grand Preceptores asking, just say that we took him with us.¡±

    Great Master Kumu replied, ¡°Supreme Commander, the soldiers of the military barracks have surrounded the temple. With so many eyes watching, I¡¯m afraid the Grand Preceptor won¡¯t believe me if I said you took Zhou Junqi away.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve stopped calling him ¡®Zhuo Xing,¡± Lou Zigui remarked with a chuckle.

    ¡°Amitabha,¡± Great Master Kumu replied. ¡°Eldest Young Master Zhou has no fate with the Buddhist path in this lifetime. This humble monk only gave him a Dharma name of Zhuo Xing in the past as a makeshift measure.¡±

    ¡°Great Master, I think you¡¯re pretty venomous,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked. ¡°You named General Zhou ¡®Zhuo Xing¡¯ after he lost an arm? Doesn¡¯t Zhou Xing mean someone who has trouble moving?[1. Zhuo Xing (×¾ÐÐ) - Zhuo means ¡°clumsy, awkward, dull,¡± Xing means ¡°behavior, conduct, to move/walk/travel.¡±] When you hit people, you shouldn¡¯t aim for the face. But Great Master, you¡¯ve soundly face-pped Eldest Young Master Zhou.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Great Master Kumu. It feels like it¡¯s impossible for His Majesty and I to speak properly.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any hair yourself, so why look down on someone else for missing an arm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    Great Master Kumu still found himself speechless. What does having no hair have to do with having no arm?

    ¡°You two little kids...¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to lecture the two younger monks too, but Lou Zigui simply pulled him away. If they kept talking here, Great Master Kumu might defect to Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side instead. Miss Ning¡¯s words really were unpleasant to the ear and a sound p to the face.

    ¡°Does the temple have any carriages?¡± Lou Zigui asked Great Master Kumu, who had to send them off despite being denounced today. Great Master Kumu could read Lou Zigui¡¯s intentions. With a carriage in tow, they could im that Zhou Junqi was riding in it when people came looking for him. He had his two young disciples go prepare one while he followed behind Lou Zigui and Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Do we need to return it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    It took Great Master Kumu a while before he realized that His Majesty was asking about the carriage.

    ¡°If we do, I¡¯ll help raise the horses for you a few days. Great Master, you¡¯ll have to pay me the cost of their fodder,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°Keeping horses takes a lot of money.¡±

    Great Master Kumu simply wanted to stop speaking to Ning Xiaoyao altogether now. Despite being a monk for all these years, this was the first time he¡¯d ever met someone like Ning Xiaoyao. As the emperor, didn¡¯t he feel embarrassed haggling with others over horse feed money?

    ¡°Great Master, give me an answer,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pressed. Lou Zigui tactfully kept silent, because anyone who drive Miss Ning towards bankruptcy was her mortal enemy!

    ¡°The carriage is a tribute gift to Your Majesty from the temple.¡± No matter what Great Master Kumu was thinking, he maintained his image as a virtuous monk. By tribute gift, he meant to say that he¡¯d give the carriage, horses and all, to Ning Xiaoyao.

    She found him far more pleasing to the eye now, and said, ¡°Alright. Great Master, is there anything else you don¡¯t need? If you don¡¯t want it, I¡¯ll have it.¡±

    Great Master Kumu managed to eek out, ¡°This humble monk doesn¡¯t know if anything else from Iron Buddha Temple caught Your Majesty¡¯s eye?¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I think your rooms are pretty big.¡± During the wintertime, they can be let out to refugees, she mentally calcted in her head.

    Great Master Kumu felt on the verge of his breaking point. His Majesty wants to take over the entire Iron Buddha Temple?!

    ¡°No good? Then forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said after surveying his expression. She sniffed and added, ¡°It¡¯s not like you can give me any Buddha statues, either, hah.¡±

    ¡°Amitabha,¡± Great Master Kumu chanted again, before asking, ¡°Your Majesty wants to take a Buddha statue back to the pce?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, your statues here are either made of gold or silver. Even the lesser ones are crafted from bronze. You can sell them for quite a bit of money, oh~¡±

    Great Master Kumu stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Has there ever been anyone who sells such statues for money? Here was his first such specimen.

    ¡°Alright, looks like you don¡¯t want to do that either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Then fine. Goodbye, Great Master.¡±

    Great Master Kumu felt liberated by those words. Atst, this wastrel is leaving!

    --

    ¡°Brother Deng, sit on the carriage,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck out her head to call for Deng Rong by the gates. Deng Rong took the reins from Lou Zigui¡¯s hands and took charge of driving the ride. Meanwhile, Lou Zigui climbed onto Little Red while holding onto the reins of Deng Rong¡¯s battle horse to lead the way up front.

    ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said to Chen Lu as she perched on the carriage window. ¡°If you keep working like this, you might as well find the Grand Preceptor directly for your sry.¡±

    Chen Lu didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°I had the Lord Protector go to the military barracks,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°You already know, right, General Chen?¡±

    Chen Lu quickly bowed. ¡°Yes, this subject already knows.¡±

    ¡°I was forced to a point of no return too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°You¡¯re so busy working for the Grand Preceptor that I had to trouble the Lord Protector to work for me.¡±

    Chen Lu¡¯s lips moved, but no words came out.

    ¡°Just wait for the Grand Preceptor¡¯s orders,¡± Ning Xiaoyao went on. ¡°Fortunately, it¡¯s cool in the mountains during the summer. You can just spend the entire season here.¡±

    ¡°Go,¡± Lou Zigui told Deng Rong before riding on ahead. Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Chen Lu with her finger.

    Chen Lu bowed and said, ¡°This subject respectfully sends off Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Forget about that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. What ¡®respectfully sending off?¡¯ He¡¯d probably rather wish I was dead.

    Chen Lu waited until the trio were out of sight before raising his head again. All of the soldiers could see that his expression looked awful, so none of them said a word.

    ¡°Go report to the Grand Preceptor,¡± Chen Lu ordered one of his guards after a beat. ¡°Just say that His Majesty and Lou Zigui havee to Iron Buddha Temple and left with one of the temple¡¯s carriages.¡±

    The guard obeyed and ran off on horseback with the report. Chen Lu looked left and right, causing all of his troops to scatter in fear. Only his deputy general Chen Fang scooted closer and whispered, ¡°Big bro, His Majesty¡¯s just left, ah. Wouldn¡¯t he find out if we send out messenger now?¡±

    Chen Lu simply waved a hand at him. ¡°I have no other choice now.¡± He had helped the Grand Preceptor against His Majesty so many times that it was now a path of no return.

    --

    ¡°Are we supporting the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Inside Iron Buddha Temple, a few of the head monks approached Great Master Kumu with the question.

    Great Master Kumu chanted another Amitabha before he shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s better if monks don¡¯t ask after worldly affairs.¡± He could tell at a nce at Ning Yu wasn¡¯t someone who believed in Buddha. Otherwise, he¡¯d never say things like selling the statues for money. Generations of Yongning emperors had worshipped Buddha, but now there was an exception. Great Master Kumu muttered ¡®an exception¡¯ under his breath multiple times before heading back to the underground chamber. Ning Yu had left Zhou Junqi in his hands. By that logic, he¡¯ll have to hand him over perfectly healthy when Ning Yu summoned the man in the future.

    Currently, the ¡®exceptional case¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in the carriage and stroking Big Boss ck¡¯s fur while tossing sugar beans into her mouth. She was still wondering whether the empress had formed her alliance with the empress dowager yet.

    Big Boss ck felt sofortable from her stroking that he shut his eyes and started to purr.

    ¡°ck Tubby,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°How do you think the empress dowager will curse me, ah?¡±

    ¡°The empress dowager will definitely say that you deserve an unnatural death,¡± Big Boss ck replied.

    ¡°Do you have to be so savage?¡±

    ¡°Then make it ¡®you deserve to die young so you can reincarnate quicker.¡¯¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned over until she was lying on her belly to face Big Boss ck. ¡°Where did you learn these things from? Do you cats curse each other the same way when you¡¯re cussing each other out?¡±

    ¡°We just use our ws. We never stop to argue,¡± Big Boss ck replied. ¡°This is how Jiao Jiao¡¯s mistress denounces those little demonesses.¡±

    ¡°Little demonesses?¡±

    ¡°The concubines at the estate,¡± Big Boss ck exposed his stomach so that Ning Xiaoyao could scratch there too. Ning Xiaoyao indulged him as she mused over learning a random bit of trivia from the Ministry of Works¡¯ household. These are domestic power struggles, ah.

    ¡°Stop worrying about how the empress dowager will curse you,¡± Big Boss ck now turned over to sprawl by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°You¡¯ll be sad if you know, meow.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. She wasn¡¯t sad, but anyone would feel rotten if they had to go back to the pce and wait to get stabbed.

 Chapter 241: Empress Dowager Xieâ€™s plot

    <h4>Chapter 241: Empress Dowager Xie''s plot</h4>

    Inside a small room within the empress dowager¡¯s pce, Empress Dowager Xie sat patting the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. Her face had a hint of rouge and a self-mocking smile as she gazed at Empress Zhou with a sigh. ¡°This Dowager never expected that I had to help you out while you were pregnant. Something like this ispletely unreasonable, both in the face of power and the imperial n.¡±

    Empress Zhou was still cradling her stomach with her hands as she sat in the wide chair in front of the bed. It was obvious that she felt uneasy. Over the past few days, she couldn¡¯t help but feel paining from her womb. Though she¡¯d yet to see any signs of blood, she knew this wasn¡¯t a good sign. But with Zhou mama dead and her brother a man, there was no one she could consult with on the matter.

    ¡°Empress?¡± Empress Dowager Xie called out. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Empress Zhou replied, ¡°Will Esteemed Empress Dowager let me and my brother go once everything is over?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie smiled at her. ¡°Changing your tune already? No matter. Since you don¡¯t want to be the empress, then there¡¯s really no need to call This Dowager your imperial mother.¡±

    ¡°My brother and I can really leave?¡± the empress was in no mood to talk civilities with the empress dowager.

    ¡°Naturally,¡± Empress Dowager Xie nodded.

    ¡°How can I be sure that Esteemed Empress Dowager won¡¯t go back on your word?¡± the empress asked.

    ¡°This matter is a conspiracy between the two of us,¡± Empress Dowager Xie replied. ¡°If This Dowager goes back on my word, you could simply sell me out and have us die together. This Dowager still has Prince Cheng to consider so I don¡¯t want to die.¡±

    Empress Zhou only smiled coldly. ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager will have plenty of excuses to get out of trouble then. How could I have to skill to identify Esteemed Empress Dowager as my partner in crime?¡±

    ¡°Then there¡¯s no helping it,¡± Empress Dowager Xie casually ced her handkerchief by her side. ¡°If you want to hang around the pce doing nothing, This Dowager can¡¯t chase you out, either. But This Dowager doesn¡¯t know how long His Majesty will tolerate your presence here. For a red plum tree that juts over the courtyard walls---a woman unfaithful to her husband,¡± Empress Dowager Xie smiled coldly, ¡°What makes you think you can negotiate terms with me, n¨¦e Zhou? Right now, our current circumstances outweigh any personal affairs. This Dowager has no choice but to spare you, or else I¡¯d never leave you alive.¡±

    Empress Zhou¡¯s hands shook before she turned to look at the y jar sitting on the tea table. ¡°His Majesty is highly skilled in the medical arts. Esteemed Empress Dowager, wouldn¡¯t he be able to cure the effects of your drug?¡±

    ¡°Does being skilled in medicine make him impervious to all poisons?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    Empress Zhou didn¡¯t speak, but she hadn¡¯t heard of anyone like that either.

    ¡°This is medicine of the imperial harem,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said as she pointed to the little jar. ¡°After eating it, the victim willpletely lose their mind. This Dowager has seen its victims first hand. Even the most skilled of imperial physicians couldn¡¯t save them.¡±

    The empress picked up the little ck bottle.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need This Dowager to teach you what to do,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said imperiously. ¡°You should go back to your pce now.¡±

    Empress Zhou stood up before bidding Empress Dowager Xie farewell by bowing on one knee. Then she turned and left. Empress Dowager Xie grew listless as soon as she was gone. She was still a bit feverish now and had no energy in her limbs. Despite this, her mood was quite good. Soon enough, she¡¯d have control over that damnable girl Ning Yu again, a most happy thought.

    One of her mamas entered the room at this moment to report, ¡°Empress Dowager, Esteemed Empress has left.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie beckoned towards the mama, who hurried to her side. ¡°Empress Dowager, Esteemed Empress agreed?¡±

    ¡°She agreed,¡± Empress Dowager Xie confirmed. ¡°People are naturally selfish. No matter how well His Majesty treats her, he can¡¯t win that woman¡¯s heart. She doesn¡¯t feel for him at all.¡±

    The mama¡¯s face grew stiff. ¡°Empress Dowager, this servant can¡¯t help but worry. If she uses the Lostsoul Pill, there¡¯ll be no turning back.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie nced at her. ¡°This Dowager gave His Majesty a chance, but did he pay me any attention? What now, are you speaking up in His Majesty¡¯s defense now?¡±

    The mama fell to her knees as she murmured repeatedly, ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°Rise,¡± the empress dowager smiled at the mama. ¡°This Dowager knows that you¡¯re loyal. If this doesn¡¯t seed, you only need to keep your mouth shut and have the empress say what she pleases. The me won¡¯t fall on us in the end.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Empress Dowager is wise and brilliant,¡± the mama ttered hastily.

    ¡°Stand up to speak,¡± the empress dowager beckoned towards the mama.

    The mama rose to her feet and asked cautiously, ¡°Empress Dowager, even if His Majesty loses his mind, there¡¯s still Lou Zigui. How is Empress Dowager nning to take His Majesty out of his hands?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie had already thought it all out. ¡°If he says His Majesty is seriously ill, he can dy things for a day or two. But if it drags on to 10 days or half a month, the major officials of the court won¡¯t stand for Lou Zigui monopolizing Supreme Splendor Hall. This Dowager won¡¯t need to do anything, and we can simply watch him battle it out with the ministers. You can¡¯t wrap fire with paper just as you can¡¯t conceal the truth. Lou Zigui might have escaped death by a thousand cutsst time, but the crime of forcing the Son of Heaven to submit to his will merits the same punishment.¡±

    The mama didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Forcing the Son of Heaven to submit to his will?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s only a subject, and yet he¡¯ll hide the truth of His Majesty¡¯s illness when it happens,¡± Empress Dowager Xie exined as she muffled a cough. ¡°If that¡¯s not forcing the emperor to submit to his will, then what is it?¡±

    The mama finally understood that Empress Dowager Xie had calcted both His Majesty and Lou Zigui into her scheme.

    Empress Dowager Xie stared at the floor, which had been washed and polished so thoroughly that it showed her reflection, then said coldly, ¡°Ning Yu was unfilial first, so she can¡¯t me This Dowager for being unfair.¡±

    ¡°Pahpahpah!¡± From under the cupboard, Oil Jar spat at the empress dowager in his rage. ¡°She makes it sound like she¡¯s actually treated Xiaoyao well before, peh!¡±

    Grandpa Ashy unmoving by his side.

    Oil Jar proimed, ¡°Ancestral Grandfather, I want to bite that woman to death, squeak!¡±

    Next to Grandpa Ash were a few more younger mice. Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t neglected them when she fed Oil Jar, so they all nodded in agreement to the idea of biting the empress to death. Seeing them all stirred up, Grandpa Ash finally spoke. ¡°Xiaoyao is immune to all poisons, so what are you lot worried about?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said the little mice. That¡¯s right, she¡¯s immune to all poisons. What do we need to be afraid of?

    ¡°Imbecile,¡± Grandpa Ash cursed towards the direction of the bed.

    ¡°The empress even told her that Xiaoyao was immune to all poisons,¡± another little mouse perked up, ¡°But that bad woman didn¡¯t believe her then.¡±

    Now Oil Jar was starting to feel some schadenfreude. He happily cried, ¡°I¡¯m going to wait and see that bad woman¡¯s reaction when she¡¯s doomed, squeak~¡±

    ¡°Mm, we¡¯ll see.¡± Grandpa Ash was as cool and unruffled as ever.

    Empress Dowager Xie sat up from her bed and had the mama support her to walk out of the room. Seeing that, Oil Jar bid Grandpa Ash farewell and ran off to look for Xiaoyao. The little mice followed in his wake, hoping that there would be peanuts for them today, too. (O(¡É_¡É)O)

    --

    After the empress returned to her pce, none of the servants dared to ask too many questions. They hastened to wait on her and have her rest while a few mama and eunuchs stood on standby for further orders. Empress Zhou looked at them with a slight smile and said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to wait around here any longer. Will His Majesty be at Supreme Splendor Hall right now?¡±

    All of the mama and eunuchs shook their heads. One mama spoke up and said, ¡°Empress, none of the servants dare to go to Supreme Splendor Hall without official business, nor did we dare to ask around.¡±

    Another eunuch offered, ¡°Empress, shall this servant make an announcement to His Majesty?¡±

    Empress Zhou thought it over before shaking her head. ¡°It was Shadowgale who brought this consort back. It¡¯s been half a day since the headmander¡¯s returned to Supreme Splendor Hall, so His Majesty definitely knows that I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°Then will Empress go to Supreme Splendor Hall?¡± another mama asked.

    ¡°Prepare food and wine,¡± Empress Zhou ordered them. ¡°When His Majestyester, this consort will apany him for a simple meal.¡±

    Traditionally speaking, an empress who left the pce and returned again should seek out the emperor proactively, but none of the mama and eunuchs could very well go against Empress Zhou¡¯s wishes now. They busied themselves with preparing her meal instead.

    ¡°Help this consort run a message,¡± Empress Zhou told the little eunuch by her side. ¡°And tell His Majesty that this consort has prepared food and wine to await his arrival.¡±

    The eunuch murmured an assent before scurrying off to Supreme Splendor Hall. He ran into Shadowbolt who was standing guard in front of the gates. Rather unhappily, Shadowbolt said, ¡°His Majesty is in the middle of dealing with national affairs. You should go back.¡±

    The little eunuch shot him a timid nce.

    ¡°You still have business?¡± Shadowbolt asked.

    The little eunuch quickly shook his head and scampered off. Shadowbolt paced back and forth in front of the gates while deep in thought. It¡¯s been so long, but His Majesty¡¯s still not back yet. Neither is there any news from big bro. Just where did His Majesty go to buy snacks?! When Shadowbolt recalled the image of the yellow weasel crouched on His Majesty¡¯s desk, holding a message between its paws, he soundly pped himself upside the head. His Majesty actually keeps a weasel as a pet? Can those things even be domesticated?!

    --

    After the little eunuch returned to the pce, he reported everything that Shadowbolt had said. Empress Zhou waved at him to withdraw. What kind of national affairs could Ning Yu be busying himself with now? He¡¯s probably thinking of counter-schemes against the empress dowager. She felt in her sleeve for her hidden dagger and made sure it was still there before she felt a bit better. Then she raised a hand to smooth out her hair and slowly went to sit down at the dressing table. The face in the mirror was wan and sallow, the skin an unhealthy yellow. The empress dabbed some rouge on her dry lips to spruce up her appearances. No matter what, she couldn¡¯t face His Majesty looking dirty or unkempt.

    Ning Xiaoyao ended up returning to the pce near dusk, bringing along Shadowgale and his team, who had nearly scoured the entire capital city trying to look for her. Lou Zigui even bought her a bag of egg yolk guoba, which Ning Xiaoyao had half-polished off in the carriage.

    When Shadowbolt saw Ning Xiaoyao return, he quickly went forward and reported the empress¡¯s wishes to her ear.

    ¡°Right now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowbolt replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Have all the preparations been finished on our side?¡±

    Lou Zigui told Shadowbolt, ¡°Send someone to tell Esteemed Empress that His Majesty will see her at her pce three dayster. For now, she should just rest well there.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded at Shadowbolt. ¡°Listen to what Supreme Commander says.¡±

    Shadowbolt summoned one of the Dragon Guards and had him report to the empress¡¯s pce.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui whispered as he stood behind Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Three dayster...¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself, before entering Supreme Splendor Hall.

 Chapter 242: Toxic syrup, venomous dagger

    <h4>Chapter 242: Toxic syrup, venomous dagger</h4>

    Three dayster, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t go to the empress¡¯s pce, but did as Lou Zigui instructed and invited her to Supreme Splendor Hall instead. Empress Zhou came bearing a covered tray which she gently set in front of Ning Xiaoyao. In a small voice, she said, ¡°This is syrup soup personally prepared by this consort. I put in yacon, lilum, treme, and wolfberries. Your Majesty, have a taste.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately felt depressed. Why is she using the same tactics again? Last time it was sweet soup, this time it¡¯s syrup soup---both of them were drugged!

    Empress Zhou backed away from the table a few steps before she smiled. ¡°This consort thanks Your Majesty for letting me go to Iron Buddha Temple. This consort¡¯s brother has been living rather well, so this consort¡¯s heart is at peace now.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao could only nod. ¡°Since your brother¡¯s alright, I can stop worrying as well.¡±

    Empress Zhou hesitated before circling around the table to stand by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. She uncovered the tray and took out the bowl of syrup soup. It was in a jade lotus-shaped bowl, so the contrast of white soup against pale green was quite pretty.

    Two possible pictures of the lotus-themed jade bowl.

    Empress Zhou said, ¡°This consort went to see the empress dowager on the day I returned to the pce.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°What did she say to you?¡±

    ¡°Only a few domestic trivialities,¡± Empress Zhou replied simply.

    ¡°The empress dowager didn¡¯t make any trouble for you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The empress smiled and shook her head. ¡°This consort is Your Majesty¡¯s empress. Who in the world would dare to make trouble for this consort?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched as she listened. She hadn¡¯t been sure whether the empress could keep up an act, but now she found herself slipping out of character. If we keep pretending like that, I¡¯ll want to throw up! This isn¡¯t how you yact a loving husband and wife!

    ¡°I heard that Your Majesty likes to eat egg yolk guoba?¡± the empress asked next.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that she¡¯d pretended enough by now. It¡¯d be easier to just drink the poison now before the empress ruined egg yolk guoba for her forever. Life was hard enough!

    ¡°This consort will learn how to make them. Whatever Your Majesty likes, this consort will learn to make,¡± the empress added with a small smile.

    Ning Xiaoyao circted her breathing as she prepared to polish off the bowl of drugged syrup soup. But Empress Zhou suddenly rested her hand over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s and murmured in a soft voice, ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    Hm?

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start before looking up at the empress. What¡¯s wrong with this girl¡¯s baby? It was growing into a perfectly healthy fetus, but now it¡¯s about to miscarry after taking a single trip out of the pce?

    Empress Zhou felt antsy from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze as her smile turned strained. She rubbed her face and asked, ¡°Why is Your Majesty looking at this consort like that?¡±

    If you lose your baby, will you give rise to a rebellion? Ning Xiaoyao creased her brows at the empress, making her even more flustered.

    Has His Majesty noticed something wrong with the soup?

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes dropped to the empress¡¯s hands, which were resting on her shoulder, before grabbing one with her own. The sudden movement seemed to burn Empress Zhou, who instinctively tried to draw back. Ning Xiaoyao released the empress before briefly pressing her fingers against the woman¡¯s stomach and sending a few balls of pale green light streaming into her womb.

    The empress wanted to cry out after Ning Xiaoyao touched her stomach, but she next felt a warm current moving within her womb, finally easing some of the difort she¡¯d been feeling over the past few days.

    Someone wants to hurt the empress¡¯s child! When Ning Xiaoyao thought of this, she raised the jade-lotus bowl and downed all the contents of the syrup soup. The empress opened and closed her mouth, feeling a twinge of reluctance as her expression shed guiltily. But soon it was reced with a ruthless look. Ning Xiaoyao set down the bowl and smacked her lips. Actually, this syrup soup really does taste pretty good. It¡¯s very sweet, but it has a faint astringent note from the lilies that perfectly pairs with the little squares of yacon. If the empress really made this by herself, then she¡¯s got pretty good cooking skills.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Zhou called out.

    You¡¯ve got to make it realistic when you¡¯re acting. Thus, Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t started self-healing as soon as she downed the soup. Now she looked up at the empress and said, ¡°Hm?¡±

    Empress Zhou asked, ¡°How does Your Majesty feel about the vor of this syrup soup?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very...¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt stabbing pain as soon as she spoke before she felt liquid rising up her throat. She opened her mouth to spit out a mouthful of blood on the table. Empress Zhou backed away a few steps, her lips pursed shut.

    ¡°You,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to speak, but couldn¡¯t form any words between heaving up more mouthfuls of blood. Soon enough, she¡¯d stained the entire table and half the bowl red. Ning Xiaoyao then sprawled on the table and yed dead. The empress definitely didn¡¯t put the empress dowager¡¯s Lostsoul Pill into that soup. This is something much more fatal. Really, she isn¡¯t showing me any mercy at all.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Zhou tried when she saw that Ning Xiaoyao had stopped moving.

    Ning Xiaoyao pretended she was an animal offered up for sacrifice while she quietly healed the poison. Empress Zhou called out a few more times before determining to approach her. She pushed Ning Xiaoyao slightly and asked, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    You¡¯ve already acted enough, aren¡¯t you leaving yet? Ning Xiaoyao thought.

    Empress Zhou shot a nce at the closed doors before looking down at the ¡°dead¡± Ning Xiaoyao. Then she suddenly screamed in rm, ¡°Who are you?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao almost leapt out of her seat. What¡¯s going on now!?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Empress Zhou shrieked before stabbing the dagger in her hands towards Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck. The de coated in poison sliced across Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s skin before Empress Zhou turned her wrist to twist the de into her neck, forming a gaping hole. Blood poured from the wound, dying half of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s robes a bright red.

    At the same time, footsteps sounded from outside the room. The empress sobbed and cried out for ¡®Your Majesty¡¯ as she moved to stem the blood flowing from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck.

    [email protected]#[email protected]*Sja-#$%, she¡¯s too vicious!

    If Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t ying dead right now, she would¡¯ve hauled the empress by her cor and demanded, ¡®Poison¡¯s already enough, but you have to stab my neck too? Just how much of a grudge do you have against me now?!¡¯

    --

    The first one to kick open the doors was Shadowgale, while the first one to enter the room was Lou Zigui. Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s first sight of the room Ning Xiaoyao soaking in a pool of her own blood on the scarlet-dyed table. All sound and sight disappeared from his mind except that single figure lying prone. He rushed to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side without sparing the empress a single nce except to shove her out of the way. Once her hand was knocked aside, the stab wound on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck began to gush with fresh blood.

    ¡°Assassin! There was an assassin!¡± Empress Zhou fall back onto the ground. Her robes were stained with blood as she pointed a finger at the windows to the left. Lou Zigui pressed his hand tightly against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injury, his face expressionless. But he was already having trouble breathing at the sight. It seemed like no matter what he did, he just couldn¡¯t get enough air into his lungs.

    ¡°Hurry and catch the assassin!¡± Empress Zhou cried shrilly at the Dragon Guards. Yet, all they did was circle her on all sides with cold eyes.

    ¡°Xiao, Xiaoyao?¡± Lou Zigui half knelt on the ground, cradling Ning Xiaoyao in his arms as he whispered into her ear.

    ¡°I-Imperial,¡± Shadowgale shouted towards the doors, ¡°Imperial physician!¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao rushed into the room with his medical chest on his back, before being stunned by the bloody scene before him. He stood rooted to the spot, at a loss for what to do. Shadowgale lost all strength and sank to his knees in front of Ning Xiaoyao. This time, he was really kneeling in disbelief. Lou Zigui stared fixedly at the girl as his body began to tremble.

    Then, Ning Xiaoyao stuck out her tongue until it was lolling out of her mouth like a dead animal. We already discussed this. I¡¯m supposed to y dead while you and Windy mourn my loss, Supreme Commander. Don¡¯t just leave me acting by myself! If our cover gets blown, I would¡¯ve bled all over the ce for nothing!

    Lou Zigui sucked in a breath at the same time Shadowgale reacted to choke out in half-sobs, ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Seeing him, Imperial Physician Gao took his cue and stammered in a shaking voice, ¡°His Majesty has...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Lou Zigui rebuked him sternly, joining in on the act. ¡°Hurry and treat His Majesty¡¯s injury!¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao all but threw himself at his medical chest before busying himself with its contents and Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s injury.

    ¡°Escort Esteemed Empress back to her pce,¡± Lou Zigui ordered with a cold look at Empress Zhou.

    The empress sat unmoving on the ground, unable to get up.

    ¡°Shadowgale,¡± Lou Zigui shouted.

    Shadowgale was still kneeling, so he slowly picked himself up and walked over to the empress. With an icy tone, he said, ¡°This servant asks that Esteemed Empress go back to the empress¡¯s pce.¡±

    The empress still couldn¡¯t get up. Just then, she had killed the emperor with her own hands, but now she didn¡¯t even have the strength to stand.

    Lou Zigui took off his outer robes and draped them over Ning Xiaoyao before picking her up in his arms. Then he headed for the doors withrge strides.

    ¡°How is His Majesty doing?!¡± Empress Zhou cried after him.

    Lou Zigui neither paused nor looked back, instead walked straight out of the room.

 Chapter 243: His Majesty says, thatâ€™s how human nature works

    <h4>Chapter 243: His Majesty says, that''s how human nature works</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to see how Shadowgale would try to take Empress Zhou back to her pce. ording to the rules of etiquette between men and women in this world, her Windy wasn¡¯t even supposed to touch the empress with his hand. But as soon as she started to stir, Lou Zigui¡¯s hands tightened around her as he muttered in her ear, ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked at him.

    Lou Zigui half choked before he managed to say, ¡°Don¡¯t move. I¡¯ll carry you back. Let me, let me hold you for awhile so---so don¡¯t you move.¡± His hands gripped Ning Xiaoyao like pincers as he rambled on incoherently until she felt pain from his pinch.

    ¡°It hurts,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered. Don¡¯t you strangle me half dead after I¡¯ve survived the empress, Supreme Commander.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s grip eased up a bit, but he still didn¡¯t stop muttering by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ear. ¡°Don¡¯t move, don¡¯t you move...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could only allow him to princess carry her all the way out. She was feeling quite puzzled---didn¡¯t they say they¡¯d only be acting? What was wrong with Supreme Commander Lou now? Had he lost himself in his role?

    When they finally reached the door to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bedroom, Lou Zigui kicked it open with his foot and headed straight for its inner chambers. Imperial Physician Gao huffed and puffed behind them with his medical chest on his back. When he saw Lou Zigui stride into the inner chambers, he froze in shock, too afraid to go any further. Supreme Commander¡¯s face is far too terrifying right now. (TOT)

    Lou Zigui set Ning Xiaoyao lightly on the bed before staring unblinkingly at her face. Then his eyes moved to the wound by the side of her neck.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯m fine now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move! Let me take a look,¡± Lou Zigui held down Ning Xiaoyao before she could turn over.

    Look as you like, Ning Xiaoyaoid still.

    Most of the stab wound had already healed over, but the patches of blood over and around the wound still made Lou Zigui¡¯s breath catch in his throat. It was a long time before he asked, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui and felt like if she said it did, he might end up crying. So she shook her head and dered resolutely, ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    ¡°That bi**h,¡± Lou Zigui cursed.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Although it was bad to curse others, she really wanted to curse the empress too! Did she have to treat me like this!?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s fingers felt Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck, where the site of the wound was still seeping blood slightly. He¡¯d seen his share of things from the battlefield, but Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s blood being spilled made his heart seize tight with pain. It felt worse than being stabbed himself. Ning Xiaoyao raised her own hand to carelessly brush against the wound.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, ah. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m really okay.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to cry!¡± Lou Zigui shot back.

    Not expecting her words to set off his temper like that, Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms and tried again. ¡°Alright, you¡¯re a man so you can¡¯t cry. It¡¯s me who wants to cry, alright? I¡¯ll cry over the fact that I¡¯m still alive, ah. Wahwahwah.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    Ning Xiaoyao faked crying a bit more before she stole another peek at him. Lou Zigui was taking a deep breath as he sighed. Then he said, ¡°How does this count as crying? There weren¡¯t even any tears.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao grew incensed at his words. Does he think I¡¯m some sort of movie queen or acting expert? ¡°I was endowed with unique gifts when I was born,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a roll of her eyes. ¡°So I naturally have no tears. I don¡¯t even care about that, but do you, Supreme Commander?¡±

    How was Supreme Commander supposed to follow up with that?

    ¡°Although I¡¯m not a man, but I¡¯ve always bled more than I¡¯ve cried,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    Hearing Miss Ning ramble on like usual slowly calmed Lou Zigui down. If she can still prattle on about nonsense, then that proves that she¡¯s alright. (Author: Hey hey, Supreme Commander! You can¡¯t be like that!)

    ¡°What do we do next?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Do I have to keep pretending to y dead while you stop up the bullets from the front lines, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui had never heard of ¡®stop up the bullets,¡¯ but he could understand what she meant. He stroked her hair and said, ¡°Rest well. You have me here to take care of pce matters.¡±

    ¡°So we¡¯ll just leave the empress in the pce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face instantly fell at the mention of that woman.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t get angry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said hastily. ¡°Don¡¯t you start gnashing your teeth as soon as you hear about the empress, ah.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll just have her stay at the pce,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate to send her away after you¡¯ve met with trouble.¡±

    ¡°Mm, okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°They¡¯ll start searching for the ¡®assassin¡¯ within the pce,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°I¡¯m preparing to have Shadowgale and the rest capture the killer at the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re just going to make up an assassin out of thin air? Supreme Commander, who are you going to make into the unlucky scapegoat?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hands brushed lightly across Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair. ¡°There are eunuchs in the empress dowager¡¯s pce who know martial arts. Any one of them will do for the assassin.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not very good, is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Suppose they have proof that they weren¡¯t at the scene of the crime? Moreover, they¡¯re not all bad guys just because they follow the empress dowager, right?¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have all the eunuchs who know martial arts at the empress dowager¡¯s pce captured instead,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I won¡¯t cause trouble for these people. I just want to chop off the empress dowager¡¯s hands and feet.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao knew that Lou Zigui meant it in a figurative sense, but she still gave a shiver as she asked carefully, ¡°You still think the empress dowager is the most hateful one of all?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°I won¡¯t forget about n¨¦e Zhou, either.¡±

    N¨¦e Zhou? I see, Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s not even referring to her as empress anymore. Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°The empress is still pregnant, so you should go torment the empress dowager instead, Supreme Commander. For the sake of Ning Xin, the empress dowager will try all ways to stay alive, so you can bother her as you like.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head stopped. ¡°I won¡¯t torment her. The empress...¡± He suddenly stopped.

    ¡°What did you want to say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I heard the imperial physicians say that her baby wasn¡¯t doing too well.¡±

    ¡°Not just doing unwell,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips, ¡°But extremely unwell. Still, everything¡¯s fine now. With me here, nothing will happen to her baby!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, looking somewhat smug.

    Supreme Commander Lou fell silent at that.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±

    Lou Zigui broke into a chuckle as he gazed warmly at her. ¡°That woman n¨¦e Zhou wanted to kill you, but you still saved her child?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°Isn¡¯t this all a y? You can¡¯t take everything in it as reality, right?¡±

    ¡°We might be yacting, but the empress was still behaving in earnest,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent for awhile. Without acting things out, she never would have known how brutal the empress could actually be. ¡°Maybe the empress will stop acting this way once we¡¯ve exined everything to her.¡± She considered it carefully before remarking, ¡°It felt like she, her brother, and her true love would all die unless she killed me off. If the empress hadn¡¯t tried to murder me, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to face them.¡±

    ¡°Stop talking about killing like that,¡± Lou Zigui ced his hand over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth.

    Ning Xiaoyao shifted his hand aside and held it in her own. ¡°I¡¯ve thought this through, so I¡¯m just exining Empress Zhou¡¯s point of view now.¡±

    Lou Zigui held onto his patience as he said, ¡°Do you have to keep talking about n¨¦e Zhou with me?¡±

    ¡°Compared to her elder brother and her true love, I¡¯m someone she can throw away,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she looked at Lou Zigui. ¡°So the empress decided to kill me without mercy to prevent the slightest possibility of my survival.¡±

    After bleeding and being hurt, Ning Xiaoyao had suddenly understood the empress¡¯s intentions. The empress wasn¡¯t a veryplicated woman at all. This was simr to fighting zombies in the apocalypse, because there were always people you could afford to keep or sacrifice in your group. In the empress¡¯s eyes, Zhou Junqi was her own brother while Xu Feiyu was her beloved. What did Ning Xiaoyao count for? She was definitely a disposable element.

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s heart seized up again to hear Ning Xiaoyao talk about being ¡®thrown away¡¯ so casually.

    ¡°It¡¯s likingparing a day when only I or Lou Nan could live,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and continued exining. ¡°If you could only pick between one of us, Supreme Commander, who would you choose?¡±

    Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t immediately answer the question.

    ¡°See that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao spread out her arms. ¡°So you shouldn¡¯t be mad at the empress. That¡¯s just how human nature works.¡±

    Lou Zigui fell silent again.

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the canopy of her bed and wonder if she should eat a few sugar beans to recover from her shock. She¡¯d lost quite a bit of blood today. Lou Zigui rose to his feet to sit by the edge of her bed, staring at Ning Xiaoyao for awhile. Finally, he bent down and took her into his arms, his voice somewhat hoarse. ¡°Nothing like that will ever happen.¡±

    ¡°You mean choosing between me and Lou Nan?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°That will never happen. I¡¯ll be sure to protect both of you.¡±

    ¡°Hahah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew amused. ¡°I was only specting, ah. Who could ever hurt me?¡± The empress had both poisoned and stabbed her without sess. Who could ever hold the skills to kill her?

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before, this will be thest time,¡± Lou Zigui shot back. ¡°Xiaoyao, I promise you, this is the veryst time something like this happens.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could sense that Lou Zigui¡¯s mood was shifting again, so she patted his back. ¡°Mhm, I remember that. We said that there¡¯d be no more than three times.¡±

    Lou Zigui held her tighter before lowering his head to kiss the injury on her neck. Ning Xiaoyao felt a little ticklish from that and said, ¡°Hey! My body¡¯s covered in blood, you know. Supreme Commander, let me go first. I¡¯ll change into another set of clothes.¡±

    ¡°Have a bath,¡± Lou Zigui suggested instead.

    ¡°That works too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°But only if you let me go first.¡±

    ¡°Is there any water in the rooms?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°None, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I can go wash up in the pond in the gardens.¡±

    Go wash up in broad daylight out there? Lou Zigui let go of Ning Xiaoyao and sat bolt upright to stare at her, incredulous.

    ¡°Would anyone be in the mood to spy on me bathing now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked him in surprise. No way, right?

    ¡°I¡¯ll go fetch some water for you instead,¡± Lou Zigui stood up, suddenly feeling very hot.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms before blurting out, ¡°Hold on, something¡¯s not right. Supreme Commander, if you¡¯re going to deal with the empress dowager, wouldn¡¯t she be expecting you already if she nned this ahead of time?¡±

    Lou Zigui bent down to look at her again. ¡°The empress dowager only nned for the empress to hurt you so you could be controlled, not kill you outright.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked, ¡°And so?¡±

    ¡°The empress dowager gave the empress a slow-acting poison, its effects won¡¯t be apparent immediately,¡± Lou Zigui exined. ¡°She did that to buy time for the empress to escape from me.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was shocked. ¡°So after the empress dowager and empress teamed up, they became friends who looked out for each other too?¡±

 Chapter 244: Thereâ€™s too much lack of love in this world

    <h4>Chapter 244: There''s too muchck of love in this world</h4>

    ¡°So the empress dowager wouldn¡¯t have expected an ¡®assassin¡¯ to appear today, either?¡± Ning Xiaoyao caught a hint of Lou Zigui¡¯s thinking before mentally lighting a candle in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s name. Looks like she¡¯s due for abuse again.

    ¡°Wait here for me,¡± Lou Zigui turned to leave.

    ¡°I can fetch my own water to bathe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao called after him. ¡°Supreme Commander, you should do what you have to do. Go pick on the empress dowager, bully her good.¡±

    ¡°I want to do something for your sake,¡± Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head as he strode out the door.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Then you might as well bring me back a bag of sugar beans instead, ah!

    Imperial Physician Gao saw a bloodstained Lou Zigui emerge from the inner rooms and quickly stepped to greet him in an urgent tone. ¡°How is His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°You should go take a look,¡± Lou Zigui tossed back before circling around him and heading out.

    Imperial Physician Gao all but ran into the room. His Majesty might have superb medical skills, but by principle, doctors weren¡¯t supposed to treat themselves!

    As soon as Ning Xiaoyao saw Imperial Physician Gao rush in, she waved a hand at him from her perch on the bed. ¡°Little Gao, so you¡¯vee, ah.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao dashed right to the bed and almost wanted to yell at her. Is now the time to wave hello?! But he only looked doubtfully at her face and asked, ¡°Is Your Majesty alright now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed. ¡°Did I scare you?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao drew a nk before he cried, ¡°This is impossible!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stoppedughing and asked, ¡°Did you want me to be seriously injured?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao quickly shook his head. How could I ever think that?

    ¡°Then what do you mean by that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Imperial Physician Gao pointed at the blood all over her body.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took out a blood bag from inside her robes and tossed it on the bed. ¡°See that? A blood bag. The blood on my body¡¯s all fake.¡±

    The blood bag was made of some thin, unknown animal skin that would burst with the slightest force. It wasn¡¯t transparent like modern blood bags, so Imperial Physician Gao couldn¡¯t even tell if the contents held actual human blood. But as he looked at the intact bag, his gaze drifted back to Ning Xiaoyao again. This bag isn¡¯t even broken, yet you¡¯re saying that your blood is fake? Do you take me for an idiot?

    ¡°I had two blood bags with me, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s face was wooden. ¡°Your Majesty, the stab wound on your neck is still there.¡± It hasn¡¯t even healedpletely yet. Does Your Majesty think I¡¯m blind?

    ¡°Oh, that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°The empress was too moved when she saw me, so she hugged me and bit me on my neck. Heheh, her kisses were a little too strong.¡±

    (#¨F¡ä)Í¹ , went Imperial Physician Gao. Do you even trust what you¡¯re saying right now?!

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, rx,¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t reach out to pat Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s shoulder from the bed, so she ended up patting his chest. ¡°Supreme Commander should have told you everything already, right?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao nodded. ¡°Yes, Supreme Commander told me, but he never mentioned you¡¯d be covered in blood, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed with feeling. Who knew the empress could be so callous?

    ¡°Your Majesty, can this subject take your pulse?¡± Imperial Physician Gao asked. He was still uneasy at the sight of so much blood.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao offered her arm.

    Imperial Physician Gao half knelt by the bed as he held his breath and took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pulse. Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Little Gao, whatever happens after this, just do as Supreme Commander says.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this subject obeys the decree,¡± Imperial Physician Gao replied.

    ¡°And to outsiders, Little Gao,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Just cry if they ask you how I¡¯m doing.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao gave a start. ¡°Your Majesty, does this subject need to cry every single time?¡±

    ¡°Hm? You can¡¯t do that? Then just show a pained expression,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Why would I wear a pained expression out of the blue for no reason? Imperial Physician Gao wondered privately.

    Ning Xiaoyao pondered before asking, ¡°That needs acting skills too. Little Gao, do you know how?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao shook his head. He was only a doctor, so how would he know how to act?

    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a burst of enthusiasm. ¡°When you¡¯re acting, just think about this: my wife¡¯s been snatched away and doesn¡¯t love me anyone, but that other bastard!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Imperial Physician Gao.

    ¡°If that doesn¡¯t work, you can think of this too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued. ¡°I worked so hard to raise my daughter, such a cute and adorable girl, such a gentle and soft girl, but now she¡¯s running away with that bastard!¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao could finally speak up. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject has no daughters.¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression grew grave. ¡°Then make it your son that¡¯s run off with someone else?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao was mute.

    ¡°Other things like patricide and n extermination feels too cruel to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she thought of more possibilities.

    As if the first three aren¡¯t cruel enough?! Imperial Physician Gao said, ¡°Your Majesty, can you let this subject take your pulse in peace?¡± Can you shut up and let me see where you¡¯re ill?!

    Ning Xiaoyao creased her brows. ¡°You still haven¡¯t finished yet?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao decided that it¡¯d be better if he didn¡¯t talk. Speaking with His Majesty was torture!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowrain¡¯s voice called from outside the room.

    ¡°Speak on my behalf and let Third Rain in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered quickly.

    ¡°Your Majesty can¡¯t speak?¡± Imperial Physician Gao asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m ying dead, ah. What if a spy overhears me talking? Can you guarantee that Supreme Splendor Hall doesn¡¯t have any agents, Little Gao?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Imperial Physician Gao as if he was a fool.

    Imperial Physician Gao simply pretended not to notice before he turned towards the door. ¡°Come in.¡±

    Shadowrain heard Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s voice instead of His Majesty and felt greatly rmed. He pushed open the door and sprinted inside. There, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting on the bed and waving at him. In the span of a few seconds, Shadowrain had dropped to Hell and climbed to Heaven all over again.

    ¡°Third Rain, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said in a low voice.

    Shadowrain ran to the bed and stared at the blood on her clothes before he shrank back and trilled, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Fake, it¡¯s all fake,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said hastily. ¡°The injury and blood¡¯s both fake. Don¡¯t cry, Third Rain.¡±

    Shadowrain¡¯s eyes were turning red, but he rubbed them in response to her words.

    ¡°Come, sit and talk.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Shadowrain was too distraught to think straight, so he did exactly as he was told. The differences between master and servant didn¡¯t matter now as he settled on the bed and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re really alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If I was really in trouble, Supreme Commander wouldn¡¯t leave me and busy himself about.¡±

    Shadowrain started at the stab wound on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck. She sighed in response. Because she¡¯d saved the empress¡¯s baby first, then detoxified both the poison from the soup and dagger, then stopped her bleeding and mended up her tissues, she¡¯d used too much powers at once and lost her energy. Otherwise, she¡¯d be perfectly scar-free by now!

    ¡°You¡¯re really okay?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a minor injury. See? The skin¡¯s almost grown back already,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck out her neck so Shadowrain could CHECK for himself.

    Imperial Physician Gao stared at Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s not what you told me just then.

    The healing injury did nothing to alleviate Shadowrain¡¯s fears. He still looked at Ning Xiaoyao with red eyes, his heart filled with distress as he grit his teeth. If possible, he¡¯d go to the empress¡¯s pce right now and murder that woman.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao coaxed him. ¡°Come on, give Your Majesty a smile.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao looked up to stare at Shadowrain. It¡¯d be absurd for anyone to smile under these circumstances, right?

    Shadowrain rubbed at his eyes again before he spoke. ¡°Big bro and the rest sent me here to check on Your Majesty. Supreme Commander said Your Majesty was alright, but n-none---none of us could stop worrying.¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯ve seen me now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with hasty nods. ¡°See? I¡¯m really alright.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowrain replied. ¡°I¡¯ll tell big bro and the others.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the situation outside now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Shadowrain reported, ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s leading the imperial guards to search the pce. He had Fourth Lightning surround the empress¡¯s pce on all sides.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°He surrounded the empress¡¯s pce first?¡±

    Shadowrain said, ¡°The empress was shouting how Your Majesty had been attacked by an assassin on her way back to her own pce.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Mute Nanny couldn¡¯t stop her, so she knocked the empress unconscious,¡± Shadowrain said, but only felt a sh of hatred at the thought. Mute Nanny was too soft on her!

    ¡°My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fretted, ¡°The empress is still pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t worry,¡± Shadowrain said. ¡°The little prince is unharmed. We, we¡¯ll definitely ensure that nothing ill befalls him.¡± No matter how much the empress deserves to die, her baby is still an imperial son of the first wife!

    Alright. Ning Xiaoyao habitually scratched her palms. The Dragon Guards have no idea that the baby belong to that Xu fellow. ¡°Suppose it¡¯s a daughter instead?¡± she managed to ask.

    ¡°Whether it¡¯s a prince or a princess, it¡¯s still Your Majesty¡¯s first child,¡± Shadowrain said seriously. ¡°Even if I die, I¡¯ll protect the little master.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know how to continue the conversation anymore. She didn¡¯t dare to imagine Shadowrain¡¯s reaction once he found out the truth.

    ¡°How long are you nning to hold onto His Majesty¡¯s hand?¡± Shadowrain barked at Imperial Physician Gao next. ¡°Are you capable or not? If not, just speak up instead of pretending!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Imperial Physician Gao. Just who did I tick off today?

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao consoled him. ¡°Third Rain, don¡¯t vent your anger on Little Gao, he¡¯s innocent. Tell me, what else did Supreme Commander do?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander brought big bro and the others to the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Shadowrain finally stopped ring at Imperial Physician Gao. ¡°Big bro said that the assassin is over there.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. It¡¯s good that Supreme Commander didn¡¯t kill his way to the empress¡¯s pce instead.

    Imperial Physician Gao couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Supreme Commander went to the empress dowager¡¯s pce? To meet with the empress dowager? But he¡¯s not one of the inner ministers.¡±

    Shadowrain red at him again. ¡°Which is more important, a rogue assassin or the empress dowager?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Third Rain, you should ask him this way: which is more important, my life or the empress dowager¡¯s reputation?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Imperial Physician Gao. Of course Your Majesty¡¯s life is important, but the empress dowager would much rather choose death if she loses her reputation, right? All of a sudden, Imperial Physician Gao felt that he¡¯d understood something. Was this all part of a n to ally with the empress and ruin the empress dowager¡¯s good name so as to force her to death? (Author: Is your emperor really that vicious? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°I want to eat sugar beans,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said next.

    Shadowrain hurriedly ran off to get some. Forget about sugar beans, he¡¯d be willing to hunt down a dragon if His Majesty wanted dragon meat right now!

    Imperial Physician Gao raised his eyes to look at Ning Xiaoyao. Is eating sugar beans all you can think about at a time like this?

    ¡°How¡¯s my pulse?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. If he keeps staring at me like that, I¡¯ll want to beat him up. What does he mean by looking at me like I¡¯m some viin?

    Imperial Physician Gao ducked his head. ¡°Your Majesty is fine.¡±

    ¡°Mm, your medical skills aren¡¯t bad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao praised him.

    ¡°Is Your Majesty going to kill Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡± Imperial Physician Gao asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled. She¡¯d just praised him, but here he was ruining her mood. There¡¯s too muchck of love in this world!

 Chapter 245: Supreme Commander says, for His Majestyâ€™s sake

    <h4>Chapter 245: Supreme Commander says, for His Majesty''s sake</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing that serious,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Imperial Physician Gao. ¡°Why would I kill my own mother?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao just stared at her. So you do realize the empress dowager¡¯s your mother.

    ¡°It¡¯s just that the empress dowager has never viewed me as her daugh---as her son, that¡¯s all,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    Imperial Physician Gao fell silent again. That¡¯s true, too.

    Shadowrain soon ran back with a gust of wind and gave Ning Xiaoyao two bags of sugar beans. ¡°Your Majesty, are two bags enough?¡±

    ¡°They are,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded, before tossing one promptly in her mouth. As she munched on the candy, she remarked, ¡°Eating too many sweets is bad for your teeth.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is right,¡± Shadowrain agreed. ¡°Your Majesty is wise and brilliant.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao stared at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouthful of sugar bean and didn¡¯t feel like saying a word.

    ¡°Your Majesty, can I go to the empress dowager¡¯s pce?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    ¡°Mhm, go ahead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded again. ¡°Tell Windy and the others that I¡¯m alright so they don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    Shadowrain muttered an assent and ran back out.

    ¡°Your Majesty, then this subject?¡± Imperial Physician Gao asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at him. ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t know,¡± Imperial Physician Gao replied.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t, either.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao just stared at her again. Right now, I just want a ce by myself to think a bit.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly remembered, ¡°Supreme Commander said he¡¯d fetch water for my bath.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao leveled a calm stare at Ning Xiaoyao as he reminded her, ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander¡¯s already left for the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared back.

    Imperial Physician Gao had no choice but to ask, ¡°Shall this subject fetch water for Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t even rely on Supreme Commander, so how could I rely on you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Imperial Physician Gao immediately felt like leaving again. Ning Xiaoyao swayed her way off the bed and said, ¡°Forget it. Nowadays, it¡¯s better to rely on yourself, ah.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re still supposed to be faking your death,¡± Imperial Physician Gao pointed out.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s re turned vicious. ¡°So just because I¡¯m ¡®dead,¡¯ I can¡¯t even leave my room?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao braced himself as he intoned, ¡°What if a spy sees Your Majesty looking perfectly well? That wouldn¡¯t be good, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I just said. Now you¡¯re using my words against me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze sharpened.

    ¡°......¡± said Imperial Physician Gao. You were worrying about spies just a minute ago, but now you don¡¯t care anymore?

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began, before her expression suddenly shifted. The next second she had fallen back on the bed and told the stunned doctor, ¡°Quick, someone¡¯sing. Little Gao, hurry and pretend you¡¯re heartbroken.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s head darted around the imperial bedchambers, seeing nothing but stillness in the room.

    ¡°Hurry up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pressed.

    Imperial Physician Gao was left at a loss by her urgency. ¡°W-what should this subject do?¡±

    ¡°Pretend I¡¯m your father! ¡° Ning Xiaoyao hissed. ¡°And that I¡¯m dying!¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Imperial Physician Gao.

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard noisesing from outside the window, she shut her eyes andy stiffly on the bed, pretending she was dead. Imperial Physician Gao nudged the bags of sugar beans under the covers before kneeling by the bedside and began to imagine his father dying...

    A rather short eunuch appeared outside the window on the right, holding a broom in his hand. He lightly pushed against the window. Catching the minute change of light seeping in through its crack, Imperial Physician Gao immediately dropped his head and broke into quiet sobs. With a mournful cry, he eximed, ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt goosebumps on her skin. As shey there like a corpse, she couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the fact that Imperial Physician Gao was really treating her like his dead dad.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± a Dragon Guard soon appeared by the window and soundly boxed the eunuch by his ears. Imperial Physician Gao immediately shut up and ran towards the window. There, he saw the eunuch sprawled on the ground, a trickle of blooding out of his lips.

    ¡°Who let you in here?¡± the Dragon Guard came forward and ced his foot over the eunuch¡¯s chest, voice cold.

    Imperial Physician Gao moved to shut the window before demanding, ¡°Who is it?!¡±

    The eunuch was trembling in fear as he pointed at the broom in his hand. The Dragon Guard knitted his brows before replying, ¡°Someone on clean up duty.¡±

    ¡°Chase him off!¡± Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s voice was hoarse from obvious crying.

    ¡°Scram!¡± the Dragon Guard kicked the eunuch, who rolled on the ground before crawling to his feet and fleeing with the broom in his arms. ¡°He¡¯s gone,¡± he added after the eunuch had vanished.

    Imperial Physician Gao returned to the bed. Ning Xiaoyao was tossing another sugar bean into her mouth. ¡°See that? What did I say? There are spies in Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao sat quietly on the stool by her bed, and Ning Xiaoyao offered him a few sugar beans as well. ¡°Eat. This world is pretty savage, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao silently ate the beans. Yes, this world is plenty savage.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. Forget about baths. She got off the bed and prepared to change her clothes instead. Imperial Physician Gao saw her digging through her wardrobe and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, shall this subject help you change clothes?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at him. ¡°That¡¯s the job of concubines or eunuchs. Little Gao, you still want to do it?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao fell silent.

    Ning Xiaoyao carried a bundle of clean clothes behind a folding screen and began to change as she talked. ¡°Say, how do you think Supreme Commander¡¯s doing over there?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao thought it over before replying, ¡°If he gets physical, Supreme Commander won¡¯t lose.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stiffened in the middle of taking off her robes. Supreme Commander getting physical with the empress dowager? Is that possible?

    --

    Currently, Empress Dowager Xie was sitting in her bedroom at the empress dowager¡¯s pce with a mama cradling Ning Xin standing by her side. Both mistress and servant were ashen faced and nearly scared out of their wits.

    ¡°The empress was shouting that His Majesty died?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked the mama beside her.

    The mama couldn¡¯t say anything beyond nodding her head. Empress Dowager Xie felt her whole body turn cold as she sat there nkly. Then she muttered to herself, ¡°N¨¦e Zhou wouldn¡¯t dare. How could that slut have the guts to kill His Majesty?¡±

    Weren¡¯t you the one who gave her the guts in the first ce? The mama looked at Empress Dowager Xie but kept her thoughts to herself. She tried tofort her next, but no words came out from her trembling lips. A team of imperial guards had long surrounded their pce. asionally, the sobs of an errant courtdy or eunuch would reach their ears between the flurry of guards¡¯ boots running through the building. They would upbraid the servants for making noise, their loud voices passing through the shut doors and windows. Empress Dowager Xie could only listen dazedly as they talked. Lou Zigui had suddenly brought an entire contingent of imperial guards into her pce,pletely taking her by surprise. Before she could recover, she¡¯d been trapped in the inner chambers of her bedroom. As time trickled by, Empress Dowager Xie suddenly sprang to her feet.

    The mama gave a start.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face was turning green as she grit her teeth. ¡°N¨¦e Zhou only went to Supreme Splendor Hall today. If His Majesty took the drugs, they wouldn¡¯t have reacted so quickly.¡± Her face seemed to contort at the thought, badly scaring the mama who backed away with Ning Xin in her arms.

    Ignoring her servant, the empress dowager said, ¡°N¨¦e Zhou didn¡¯t use the drugs on His Majesty at all. She must have conspired with him to use This Dowager of plotting against the emperor. Ning Yu wants This Dowager dead. That bastard actually wants me dead?!¡±

    The mama grew even more fearful at Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s words. She held on tightly to Ning Xin as if he was herst life-saving straw. Because her grip was too tight, Ning Xin woke up from his nap and burst into tears. Hearing him wail, the mama narrowly dropped the baby in her arms. But his sobs calmed Empress Dowager Xie down. She reached out to hold him before remembering that she was still ill. It¡¯d be bad to infect her son as well, so she chided the mama, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you set His Highness down tofort him yet?¡±

    The mama quickly ran to the bed and carefully set Ning Xin on its surface. She knelt by his side and began to coax the baby. Empress Dowager Xie stared at her son before deciding she couldn¡¯t wait any longer. She had to change the situation to her favor.

    Outside the building, Lou Zigui entered the courtyard and was met with Shadowgale, who murmured, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager has been inside the whole time. She hasn¡¯te out or said a word.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui murmured back, his icy eyes sweeping over the courtdies and eunuchs kneeling on the ground.

    ¡°All of these are the servants who wait on Esteemed Empress Dowager in her quarters,¡± Shadowgale exined.

    ¡°Take them away,¡± Lou Zigui said simply.

    Shadowgale nodded before turning to bark orders. ¡°Take all them to the Hall of Punishment!¡±

    The servants broke into sobs and screams as soon as they heard those words. One eunuch even wanted to run up the steps and into the building, but an imperial guard caught up to him and kicked him to the ground.

    ¡°Empress Dowager!¡± the eunuch tried to shout, but more imperial guards drew in and hit and beat him until he fell unconscious.

    ¡°All of you, be quiet!¡± one of the imperial guard captains shouted. The sobs stopped momentarily before starting up again.

    ¡°Make them shut up,¡± Shadowgale said coldly.

    An imperial guard stepped forward with his sword still in its sheath and smacked the loudest crying mama on the face. Blood burst from the wound as she tumbled backwards andy still, out cold. The other guards prepared to follow suit, but the servants all fell silent when they saw them move.

    At this moment, someone pounded on the door. Lou Zigui looked towards the building, where a few sessive knocks sounded loudly. Nobody moved to open the doors, but Empress Dowager Xie was standing right on the other side. Lou Zigui signaled the two imperial guards standing by the door, who quickly opened it up for the woman. Because Empress Dowager Xie was still healing from her broken leg, she could only hobble her way over the threshold.

    The imperial guards saw that Lou Zigui didn¡¯t bow or pay her any respects, so they simply stood there unmoving. Empress Dowager Xie reached the covered walkway before demanding from Lou Zigui, ¡°Where is His Majesty?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°His Majesty was attacked by an assassin and injured. This subject and the rest are currently hunting down the assassin. Empress Dowager, that killer was from your pce.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s nail sheaths dug into the palms of her hands. She sucked in a deep breath and cried, ¡°Where is your proof?¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t interrogated the assassin yet,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Once we get some results, this subject will tell Empress Dowager right away.¡±

    ¡°This is the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Empress Dowager Xie replied. ¡°Lou Zigui, you¡¯re an outer official. How could you bring troops with you into the empress dowager¡¯s quarters? Who gave you the gall?¡±

    Lou Zigui bow slightly towards her before he said, ¡°This is a matter of utmost urgency that rted to His Majesty¡¯s safety. May Esteemed Empress Dowager pardon this subject for charging in with soldiers.¡±

    ¡°This is the empress dowager¡¯s pce!¡± Empress Dowager Xie raised her voice.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was as cold as ever. ¡°For the sake of His Majesty, this subject is willing to charge through all nine gates of Heaven to the celestial pce itself, to say nothing of this pce.¡±

 Chapter 246: Supreme Commander adds details mid-way

    <h4>Chapter 246: Supreme Commander adds details mid-way</h4>

    Empress Dowager Xie knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to retreat. Even if she was more to me than that slut n¨¦e Zhou, she couldn¡¯t admit defeat. For the sake of her son, she had to stand firm.

    ¡°This Dowager wants to see His Majesty,¡± Emrpess Dowager Xie said.

    Lou Zigui nodded slightly. ¡°This subject will report your request to His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°When has This Dowager¡¯s desire to see His Majesty ever needed the likes of an outer official like you to take part?¡± Empress Dowager Xie immediately questioned sternly.

    Lou Zigui knew what she was thinking. Mothers rose in strength in ordance with their sons. Even if this woman had hit a dead end, she would fight to thest for the sake of Prince Cheng, Ning Xin. Still, Lou Zigui thought as his eyes shed sinisterly, If you want to live, it¡¯ll only be after I let you.

    ¡°This Dowager wants to see His Majesty!¡± Empress Dowager Xie pointed her finger at the imperial guards. ¡°This Dowager is His Majesty¡¯s mother. What are you all doing? Are you nning to revolt just because His Majesty was attacked by an assassin?!¡±

    ¡°Kill.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was soft, but it sounded unmistakably cold beneath the summer sun.

    ¡°What?¡± Empress Dowager Xie was astonished.

    Shadowgale suddenly raised his sword and sliced the two eunuchs by his feet, killing them both. As shrill screams filled the air, the imperial guards all attacked with their swords to silence the cries. Corpses soon littered the grounds of the courtyard, soaking its ornamental bs with blood. The brilliant hues of the summer flowers paled inparison with the crimson liquid, which seemed to dye the entire world scarlet. Its raw, metallic stench filled Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s nostrils and made her gag.

    Lou Zigui was still standing as still as a quiet pine,pletely indifferent to the blood pooling at his feet. He looked at Empress Dowager Xie and stated, ¡°This subject suspected these servants to be aplices of the assassin. For the sake of Esteemed Empress Dowager and Prince Cheng¡¯s safety, this subject had them all executed. Now His Majesty can tend his wounds in peace.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Empress Dowager Xie backed away a few steps.

    ¡°They might be assassins too,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°This subject had no other choice.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie held onto a pir for support as she stared at him, then at the dead bodies on the ground and the troops who refused to kneel at the sight of her. She suddenly realized that now wasn¡¯t a matter of retreat, but of what Lou Zigui was nning to do to her instead.

    ¡°Drag the bodies away,¡± Lou Zigui ordered.

    The imperial guards picked up the corpses by one ankle and hauled them off with no fanfare.

    ¡°All of you withdraw,¡± Lou Zigui told the rest of the soldiers. Shadowgale took the lead to take them out of the courtyard.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Empress Dowager Xie managed to keep herself upright with the pir as she spoke. ¡°This Dowager wants to see His Majesty!¡±

    Lou Zigui took a few steps forward, causing her to back away again. Meanwhile, the mama holding Ning Xin was still scared speechless.

    ¡°What are you nning?¡± Empress Dowager Xie backed all the way into the rooms before quickly retracing her steps again, her voice shrill. ¡°Lou Zigui, you dare to kill This Dowager?!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips curved up into an icy smirk.

    He¡¯s not the one who wants to kill me, the empress dowager suddenly thought, It¡¯s Ning Yu. ¡°Where¡¯s Ning Yu?¡± she cried desperately. ¡°Does he n on killing his mother?!¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at her without a word.

    ¡°He wants This Dowager dead,¡± Emrpess Dowager Xie grew agitated. ¡°Then he better not n on surviving, either. He¡¯s---¡±

    ¡°Wahhhh! Wah, wahhh!¡±

    The words ¡®a girl¡¯ died on Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s lips as Ning Xin¡¯s wails filled the air. Her son¡¯s voice was like a bucket of ice water over the empress dowager as she recovered her wits. If she got in a life-and-death struggle with Ning Yu now, what would be of Ning Xin? Was he supposed to die with them?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand was resting on his sword. If the empress dowager had really blurted out the emperor¡¯s true gender, he was prepared to kill her right then and there. Now that Empress Dowager Xie had stopped talking, he quirked another grin and murmured, ¡°What fine skills, Esteemed Empress Dowager.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s eyes flickered.

    ¡°His Majesty was severely injured,¡± Lou Zigui continued. ¡°The empress didn¡¯t use poison, but a dagger to stab His Majesty in the neck.¡±

    ¡°W-what?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty refused to let any doctors treat the wound,¡± Lou Zigui went on. ¡°And shut himself in his bedroom, refusing toe out. Right now, the only thing I know is that he¡¯s seriously injured, because I smelled a lot of blood.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie suddenly lost all energy from her body and toppled back against the wall.

    ¡°If His Majesty doesn¡¯t make it this time,¡± Lou Zigui continued murmuring with a level stare, ¡°Then I believe Esteemed Empress Dowager should know who stands to benefit the most.¡±

    Inside the rooms, Ning Xin¡¯s wailing continued.

    Who benefits the most if Ning Yu dies? If Ning Xin takes the throne as a baby, then the mother will be killed to leave the son. With him so young, the Grand Preceptor will act as regent and be the sole ruler at court. Who benefits the most? Of course, it¡¯ll be my father.

    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing that Empress Dowager might not be aware of,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°The Grand Preceptor delivered Zhou mama¡¯s headless body to Iron Buddha Temple.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie first assumed that the empress was conspiring with Ning Yu, but now she assumed that the woman could only have been instigated by the Grand Preceptor.

    ¡°If the Grand Preceptor promised to protect the safety of the Zhou siblings,¡± Lou Zigui went on, ¡°Then I believe the empress would have trusted him.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie slowly straightened up with a curse. ¡°Slut.¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager better pray that His Majesty can survive this unharmed. Otherwise, no one will be able to protect you.¡±

    ¡°If something happens to His Majesty, would any goode to you?¡± Empress Dowager Xie challenged.

    ¡°Worsees to worst, I could simply leave,¡± Lou Zigui said calmly. ¡°Before the new emperor takes the throne, I could depart the capital city for Anyuan. With its six provinces and the ck Frost Cavalry under my hands, the Grand Preceptor wouldn¡¯t be able to touch me even if he ims all power in court.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie just shook her head and mocked, ¡°This is the extent of your loyalty?¡±

    Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t affected. ¡°As long as His Majesty is still alive, my life is his. Even if His Majestymands me to die, I will do it without objections.¡±

    ¡°Do it without objections?¡± Empress Dowager Xie echoed coldly. ¡°And if His Majesty dies instead, you¡¯ll just choose to walk away from the problem?¡±

    ¡°Naturally, I¡¯ll seek revenge for His Majesty¡¯s sake,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°But that means I¡¯d have to survive first. A dead man can¡¯t do anything, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    Inside the rooms, Ning Xing¡¯s sobs had dwindled to soft whimpers. Empress Dowager Xie heard this and suddenly said, ¡°Why should This Dowager believe you? You said His Majesty¡¯s been attacked, but what makes that fact?¡± Here was the man who¡¯d just ordered 20 or so of her servants killed. How could she trust him?

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether or not Empress Dowager believes me,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I¡¯m not concerned with Empress Dowager¡¯s future.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie choked.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor will enter the pce very soon,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°I¡¯ll block his way. That¡¯s the only thing I can do for His Majesty now.¡±

    He won¡¯t let the Grand Preceptor seize the chance to control the courts while Ning Yu¡¯s injured, then? Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s thoughts were currently in a mess. She couldn¡¯t trust anyone or see through anything anymore.

    ¡°As long as His Majesty is fine, then Empress Dowager can continue to live,¡± Lou Zigui finished before turning to leave.

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Empress Dowager Xie called after him and stepped forward. ¡°This Dowager wants to see His Majesty once.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned back.

    ¡°If things really are as you say, then This Dowager will help you keep the Grand Preceptor out,¡± Empress Dowager Xie added.

    Lou Zigui creased his brows.

    ¡°But before This Dowager helps you, This Dowager must see His Majesty once,¡± Empress Dowager Xie insisted.

    ¡°Empress Dowager isn¡¯t afraid that the Grand Preceptor will bring his troops into the pce as well?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Even if His Majesty can¡¯t speak, This Dowager can,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said coldly. As long as Ning Yu has o single breath of air remaining, the Grand Preceptor can dream on about leaving the son and killing its mother!

    Lou Zigui¡¯s body turned sideways as he acknowledged her words. ¡°Alright. This subject invites Esteemed Empress Dowager toe with me to Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    Now he¡¯s ¡®this subject¡¯ again, Empress Dowager Xie stared at Lou Zigui before descending the steps.

    ¡°With the imperial guards here, nothing will happen to Prince Cheng,¡± Lou Zigui promised before the empress dowager could mention it. She headed out the courtyard at that.

    --

    ¡°So, is Supreme Commander teaming up with the empress dowager now?¡± Oil Jar asked Grandpa Ash in confusion from the flower beds. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Supreme Commander hate the empress dowager?¡±

    Grandpa Ash only shook his head. ¡°This is called a mutual deception. They¡¯ll try hook and crook for the sake of their goals and even turn friends into enemies, enemies into friends.¡±

    Oil Jar only felt dizzy at the words. ¡°Ancestral Grandfather, doesn¡¯t this mean Supreme Commander¡¯s a viin now?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not a viin,¡± Grandpa Ash answered. ¡°But he¡¯s not a hero, either.¡±

    Now Oil Jar was even more confused. Not a viin or a hero? Then what is he?

    ¡°Oil Jar,¡± Grandpa Ash¡¯s paw patted him on the head. ¡°After living a while, you¡¯ll discovered that humans can¡¯t simply be divided into ¡®good¡¯ and ¡®bad.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Humans are tooplicated,¡± Oil Jar sighed. A little mouse like me doesn¡¯t get it.

    --

    Shadowgale and the rest were astonished to see Empress Dowager Xie emerge from her courtyard.

    ¡°Escort Esteemed Empress Dowager to Supreme Splendor Hall,¡± Lou Zigui ordered Shadowgale. ¡°Empress Dowager wants to visit His Majesty.¡±

    By now, Shadowrain had already reached them as well. All fourmanders of the Dragon Guards red at Lou Zigui at the same thing. This wasn¡¯t part of the n.

    ¡°Does This Dowager even need the permission of you servants now before I can see His Majesty?¡± Empress Dowager Xie actually burst outughing from her fury.

    The Wind, Thunder, Rain and Lightningmanders all exchanged nces. Should we join Supreme Commander in his insanity?

    --

    After changing into new clothes, Ning Xiaoyao went back to lying on the bed and snacking on sugar beans. When she wanted to talk, she could find all sorts of topics to talk about, so Imperial Physician Gao had no choice but to keep herpany despite wanting to find a quiet corner to adjust his thoughts. Their chats ranged from who would win in a fight between Supreme Commander and Shadowgale, to which restaurants were the most famous in the capital city, to why Imperial Physician Gao had yet to beget a daughter despite being married for so long with a son already in the family.

    Imperial Physician Gao first thought of dying when they first started talking, then thought of killing Ning Xiaoyao first before himself as time went on. Just when he was about to give out, Shdaowrain rushed in with an urgent tone. ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander¡¯s decided to ally with the empress dowager to face off against the Grand Preceptor. He¡¯s bringing her here to check on your injuries!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked, then asked Imperial Physician Gao, ¡°Did I hear wrong? Third Rain just said that Supreme Commander¡¯s allying with the empress dowager?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao nodded woodenly at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty didn¡¯t hear wrong. This subject heard the exact same words.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head. What¡¯s going on now? How can we add details to our y mid-way?!

 Chapter 247: His Majestyâ€™s master

    <h4>Chapter 247: His Majesty''s master</h4>

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Imperial Physician Gao asked Ning Xiaoyao. Shadowrain was looking at her nkly, too.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Third Rain, Supreme Commander didn¡¯t tell you what to do?¡±

    Shadowrain shook his head. Big Boss ck took this chance to scurry out from under the bed while holding something in his mouth. He meowed at Ning Xiaoyao, who looked down and saw the blood bag she¡¯d taken from her robes between his jaws.

    ¡°Hurry, meow!¡± Big Boss ck urged.

    Ning Xiaoyao red at Imperial Physician Gao before she dered, ¡°Little Gao, you¡¯re not even as smart as my ck Tubby!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Imperial Physician Gao. You make it sound like you had some grand n yourself when you were just as clueless as me!

    Big Boss ck jumped onto the bed with the blood bag and knelt by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    ¡°My clothes, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyaomented over the fact that she¡¯d changed to fresh ones already before pping the bag against her body. Once again, the scent of fresh blood filled the room, and Ning Xiaoyao plopped back down on the bed, pretending to y dead again.

    Shadowrain asked uncertainly, ¡°Is this enough?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao opened one eye to re at him. ¡°Then what else you do want me to do? Stab myself again?¡±

    Shadowrain hastily shook his head. If His Majesty really stabbed himself in front of his guard, then his big bro and the rest would definitely stab him as well.

    ¡°Third Rain, Little Gao, both of you should get out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°When you see the empress dowager, just stand there wiping away tears. If you can¡¯t make yourself cry, at least make your eyes red. Little Gao, you can just pretend that I¡¯m your---¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao spun on his heel and left. He still wants to take advantage of me. My father at home is perfectly fine!

    ¡°Take your acting seriously,¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a fist pump at Shadowrain to encourage him. Shadowrain rubbed his eyes in response. Fine, I¡¯ll alright. As a follower of His Majesty, I should be able to do anything!

    Once Shadowrain had left as well, Ning Xiaoyao met eyes with Big Boss ck, who scooted forward and licked the wound on her neck. ¡°It must hurt a lot, right?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not too bad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao breathed. ¡°Any pain was only fleeting at most. The empress really was brutal when she stabbed me.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to bite her to death?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao just sighed. ¡°ck Tubby, let me remind you again. You¡¯re a cat. Can¡¯t you be a cute little kitty instead?¡±

    Big Boss ck wanted to w her, but seeing that she¡¯d just been injured, he held back. ¡°The empress is a viin.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t answer, but she patted his head silently. He¡¯d never understand if she tried to exin things like human nature to him.

    After the length of time it took to burn a stick of incense, Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s carriage stopped before the entrance to the courtyard of the main pce. She raised her head and peered at the grand sleeping quarters of Yongning¡¯s generations of emperors and empresses. When the Yuanzong Emperor was still on the throne, she used toe here often. But now, she thought with a mocking smile, This ce has turned so foreign that I don¡¯t even recognize it, just with a change in masters. It¡¯s as if I¡¯ve never been here before.

    Shadowrain stood expressionlessly by Lou Zigui¡¯s head and gave a slight nod. Lou Zigui told Empress Dowager Xie, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager, His Majesty refuses to meet anyone, so we subjects can only wait here.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie took a step towards the stairs. Outside the royal bedroom, Imperial Physician Gao was kneeling by the door. Once he caught sight of Empress Dowager Xie, he hastily lowered his head and bowed in greeting. Empress Dowager Xie stared at his red-rimmed eyes and asked, ¡°Have you seen His Majesty?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao shook his head and said in a voice choked with sobs, ¡°His Majesty won¡¯t let anyone inside. This subject didn¡¯t get to see him.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie walked to the door and pushed it open. It swung in with a creak, but only revealed a crack. Immediately, the strong stench of blood assaulted her nostrils.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Dowager Xie called.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched as sheid on the bed. Big Boss ck licked his ws.

    Empress Dowager Xie called out a few more times without response, then told Imperial Physician Gao, ¡°Call for someone to force this door open.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao looked up in rm at the empress dowager, whose expression turned cold. ¡°This is This Dowager¡¯s decree. If His Majesty reproaches you for this, This Dowager will shoulder the me.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao bowed towards Empress Dowager Xie before rising to run into the courtyard. He would need to have Supreme Commander Lou decide whether the woman could enter the chambers. Empress Dowager Xie stood alone in front of the bedroom door, her face finally showing traces of fear. If Ning Yu dies, what will I do then?

    Ning Xiaoyao asked Big Boss ck, ¡°Will Supreme Commander let the empress dowager in?¡±

    ¡°This cat doesn¡¯t know,¡± Big Boss ck replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms before saying, ¡°If the empress dowageres in, I¡¯ll have to pretend I¡¯m almost dead. That¡¯s pretty hard.¡±

    Big Boss ck grew perturbed. ¡°How about this cat goes out right now and bite that empress dowager to death?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cradled her head in her hands. There¡¯s no helping this fat cat.

    Big Boss ck said, ¡°Just give this cat a word. If you want the empress dowager dead, this cat will go out right now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could only reply listlessly, ¡°Let me think it over first.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just too full of good intentions,¡± Big Boss ck expressed his disappointment. ¡°You¡¯re clearly the emperor, but now look! Anyone can bully you if they want! You¡¯re a disgrace, miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao red at him. ¡°Do you think I wanted to be emperor?¡±

    Big Boss ck bared his fangs at her. ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t, you still took the position. What¡¯s the use of bringing up such pointless things with this cat now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyaoid on the bed and thought furiously over how to break through this obstacle!

    Meanwhile, Imperial Physician Gao had already reached Lou Zigui and reported in a low voice, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager wants to go in and see His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°How can that be allowed?!¡± Shadowrain blurted out first.

    Imperial Physician Gao looked up at Lou Zigui. Whether or not it¡¯s permissible, you should say something ah, Your Excellency Supreme Commander.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go over to have a look,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Imperial Physician Gao said, ¡°If Supreme Commander goes in, Esteemed Empress Dowager will want to go in too.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± an imperial guard ran over just then with a report. ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s here. He¡¯s requesting to see His Majesty by the gates.¡±

    ¡°So fast?¡± Imperial Physician Gao was stunned.

    Lou Zigui told the guard, ¡°Tell yourmander to block him as long as you can.¡±

    The military officer muttered an assent and ran off. Shadowgale next spoke, ¡°If the Grand Preceptor¡¯s kept out, he¡¯ll definitely transfer the troops from the military barracks to enter the pce. What will we do then?¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°We only need to defend Supreme Splendor Hall when the timees.¡±

    All fourmanders of the Dragon Guards felt doubt at this decision. The military barrack soldiers outnumbered them multiple times over. Could they really hold the fort at Supreme Splendor Hall?

    ¡°Miaow,¡± came a sound from his feet. Lou Zigui looked down and saw Big Boss ck holding a handkerchief in his mouth while staring at him. Shadowthunder crouched down and tried to take the cloth, but earned a nasty scratch in response.

    ¡°Miaow~¡± Big Boss ck meowed at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui knelt down and offered his hand to Big Boss ck, who opened his mouth and plopped the handkerchief in Lou Zigui¡¯s hands.

    ¡°.....¡± said the scratched Shadowthunder.

    Lou Zigui lightly petted Big Boss ck¡¯s head and stood up to read the words on the handkerchief.

    Hurry and find someone to impersonate my master.

    The writing on the cloth was crooked and ugly, but they were unmistakably Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°His Majesty really does have a master?¡± Shadowthunder murmured.

    ¡°Who¡¯s going to impersonate him?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    Imperial Physician Gao said, ¡°Not me. The empress dowager¡¯s already seen me.¡±

    ¡°Who amongst us hasn¡¯t the empress dowager seen?¡± Shadowbolt asked Imperial Physician Gao. Schrs are supposed to be smart, but why¡¯s this one so foolish?

    ¡°It has to be someone she¡¯s never seen before,¡± Shadowgale agreed.

    ¡°Who do you think is appropriate?¡± Lou Zigui asked them.

    All of them stared back at him instead. You¡¯re the one who made this mess, but now you don¡¯t have any ideas?

    Lou Zigui nced at the Dragon Guards behind them, who all felt flustered by the sudden attention.

    Imperial Physician Gao said, ¡°Supreme Commander, hurry and pick someone. It¡¯s no good if Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s kept waiting, right?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°She doesn¡¯t have the strength to kick apart the door bolt.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said everyone else. Now isn¡¯t the time for you to look down on the empress dowager¡¯s strength!

    ¡°Meow~¡± Another meow came from the covered walkway, earning everyone¡¯s attention. Now the long-furred Little White ran over with another handkerchief in its mouth. Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth twitched before taking the cloth from Little White¡¯s mouth. Everyone gathered around to read the new message written on the handkerchief.

    I¡¯ve already found a candidate for my master. Hurry and get over here, the empress dowager¡¯s already pounding on the door!

    ¡°Who did His Majesty find to impersonate his master?¡± the secondmander of the Dragon Guards asked.

    ¡°Well, it can¡¯t be an outsider, that¡¯s for sure,¡± the thirdmander of the Dragon Guards remarked.

    ¡°You,e with me,¡± Lou Zigui told Imperial Physician Gao before heading off. Big Boss ck and Little White both darted off towards the main pce as well.

    --

    Inside the bedroom, Ning xiaoyao was trying to calm down a trembling Chef Huang. ¡°Just pretend the empress dowager is a te of vegetables. Don¡¯t be afraid of her.¡±

    ¡°But she¡¯s the empress dowager!¡± Chef Huang eximed with a shiver.

    ¡°You¡¯re already my master, so what does the empress dowager count for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she stretched the folding screen out to cover his figure. ¡°Pretend she¡¯s some vegetables, bring out your imposing manner as a chef.¡±

    Chef Huang felt like peeing in his pants right now. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant is only a chef.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m only an emperor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she straightened out the folding screen. ¡°But I¡¯m still acting all the same! Chubs Huang, you can do it!¡±

    Chef Huang was still shaking. ¡°If Esteemed Empress Dowager recognizes who I am, I¡¯ll die.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao corrected, ¡°We¡¯ll all die.¡±

    Now Chef Huang really was going to pee his pants.

    ¡°You¡¯re a high-level master,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she set Chef Huang in an old-fashioned wooden armchair. ¡°Just imagine you¡¯re facing some vegetables. What would you do to them?¡±

    Chef Huang replied, ¡°Wash them first, then chop them, then---then put them in a pot to boil.¡±

    Bingo.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave him a big thumbs up. ¡°Right now, the empress dowager is a bunch of vegetables. Wash her and chop her, then put her in a pot to boil.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Chef Huang. But the problem is, Esteemed Empress Dowager isn¡¯t any vegetables at all!

    ¡°Just say that I¡¯m at death¡¯s door,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rehearsed his lines with him, ¡°And that you can¡¯t guarantee that I¡¯ll survive.¡±

    Chef Huang stared at the bloody clothes that Ning Xiaoyao had piled by his feet and grew even more afraid.

    ¡°After that, you can just toss these clothes outside the folding screen,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to coach.

    ¡°T, then what if Esteemed Empress Dowager wants toe in?¡± Chef Huang refused to believe that a single folding screen would be enough to keep her out.

    ¡°Even if she does, you just sit there and don¡¯t move,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Remember, she¡¯s just some vegetables. Do you need to pay respects to your vegetables before you boil them in a pot?¡±

    Chef Huang shook his head. He¡¯d never heard of any chef who did such things with their ingredients.

    ¡°Then isn¡¯t that fine?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave him an earnest look. ¡°You¡¯ve said it before, the empress dowager¡¯s never seen you before. What¡¯s there to be scared of?¡±

    Chef Huang wanted to cry. If he had known he was being summoned to do something like this, he¡¯d never have admitted that the empress dowager had never seen him before! Was it already toote to take back his words? £¨¨i©n¨i¡£)

 Chapter 248: Iâ€™m a high-level master, sheâ€™s just some vegetables

    <h4>Chapter 248: I''m a high-level master, she''s just some vegetables</h4>

    Chef Huang sat in his armchair and watched as Ning Xiaoyao ran to the window, reached out to grab something, and scurry back to his side.

    ¡°S-snakes?!¡± Chef Huang almost leapt out of his seat at the two slithering things in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Bamboo vipers,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she ced them on his body. ¡°The one on the left is named A¡¯Ruan, while the one of the right is A¡¯Liang.¡±[1. A¡¯Ruan, A¡¯Liang (°¢Èí£¬°¢ÁÁ) - Ruan means ¡°soft,¡± Liang means ¡°bright.¡±]

    Chef Huang could only recall woodenly that bamboo vipers were poisonous.

    ¡°They¡¯re both my little pals,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said cheerfully. ¡°Now they¡¯re going to act as your pets. High-level masters need an air to match, right?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Chef Huang. But do high-level masters have to raise snakes for pets?

    A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang stuck out their tongues at Chef Huang, turning him stiff with fear at the sight.

    ¡°Act well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted the snakes¡¯ heads.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± A¡¯Ruan hissed at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I¡¯ve troubled you both,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before lowering her head to kiss both snakes. Then she ran back to the bed and yed dead again. Chef Huang stared at the two bamboo vipers on his body andmented. What to do? I want to pee...

    It was then that Lou Zigui and Imperial Physician Gao arrived at the door. Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s hair was all in disarray by now, evidence of her efforts to force open the door.

    ¡°Did His Majesty call for the empress dowager?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Empress Dowager Xie shook her head. Lou Zigui raised his head to push again the door.

    ¡°High-level master, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao called towards Chef Huang from her bed.

    TOT, went Chef Huang. I want to go back to my little kitchen.

    It only took two tries for Lou Zigui to shatter the door bolt, which ended up in two halves on the floor. A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang exchanged nces before slithering down Chef Huang¡¯s body and quickly heading for the entrance.

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added in a softer voice. ¡°When the empress dowager screamster, you just have to say e back,¡¯ and A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang wille back. I¡¯ve already discussed how to act it out with them but forgot to give you a heads up, Chubs Huang.¡±

    Chef Huang wore a long face. ¡°Is there anything else you forgot to tell me?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Nothing else,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said before falling back on the bed to officially y dead.

    Lou Zigui and Imperial Physician Gao walked in one after the other. Meanwhile, the smell of blood assaulted Empress Dowager Xie full force with the open door, causing her to dry heave.

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager?¡± Lou Zigui called towards her from inside.

    Imperial Physician Gao saw two bamboo vipers slither out the door and almost shouted, but Lou Zigui dragged him aside, choking the scream in his throat. He looked worriedly at A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang before stammering, ¡°Th, those are bamboo vipers, aren¡¯t they?¡± Green eyes and yellow eyes, they have to be it.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Empress Dowager Xie took this moment to step over the threshold. Imperial Physician Gao held his breath at the sight of the two snakes by her feet. Before the woman could step on one, A¡¯Ruan suddenly leered into sight and bobbed forward.

    ¡°YaaHHHHHhhh!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shrieked.

    ¡°.......¡± said Shadowgale and the others from the door. Why are the empress dowager¡¯s cries so piteous? Did the y fail and force Supreme Commander Lou to attack her? (Author: Why does the attacker have to be Supreme Commander?)

    Chef Huang pinched his throat and did his best to calm himself down before calling from behind the folding screen, ¡°Come back.¡±

    A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang stuck out their tongues a few times at Empress Dowager Xie, who had copsed by the door, before slithering back into the inner room. The empress dowager was left reeling in shock. Imperial Physician Gao was badly shaken as well, and murmured to Lou Zigui, ¡°Did His Majesty raise those as well?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°If His Majesty can raise weasels, he can certainly raise snakes, too.¡±

    Looking at the unruffled Supreme Commander Lou, Imperial Physician Gao began to wonder whether he¡¯d gotten worked up over nothing.

    ¡°Empress Dowager,¡± Lou Zigui returned to the door. ¡°Shall this subject call for two courtdies to assist you?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie sat nkly on the ground before suddenly calling out, ¡°Who¡¯s in the room?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sat up on her bed and pulled up the corners of her lips, hinting that Chef Huang shouldugh.

    ¡°Heh,¡± Chef Huang managed a stiff chuckle.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± Empress Dowager Xie demanded.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued to tug at her lips.

    ¡°......¡± said Chef Huang. If I keepughing, won¡¯t I just bebeled a fool?

    Empress Dowager Xie had already climbed to her feet by now. Ignoring Lou Zigui, she simply strode straight towards the inner room. Hearing this, Ning Xiaoyao immediatelyid prostrate on her bed again. Chef Huang trembled. If His Majesty¡¯s going to y dead, who¡¯s going to tell me what to do?

    A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang crawled back onto Chef Huang¡¯s body and entwined themselves around him before they stopped moving.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted.

    Unable to escape or retreat, Chef Huang bolstered his courage and picked up the bloody clothes by his feet before tossing them over the folding screen. Empress Dowager Xie halted at the sight of the bloodstained clothing. These bright yellow robes were exclusive to the emperor, Ning Yu. By now, Lou Zigui and Imperial Physician Gao had also caught up to her in the room.

    ¡°Neither of you enter!¡± Empress Dowager Xie barked at them.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui tried hailing. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t reply in the midst of ying dead. Empress Dowager Xie picked up a piece of clothing from the ground. The fabric was soaked in so much blood that it had clotted all together. Her hands shook, and she dropped the clothes again.

    Chef Huang told himself, don¡¯t be nervous, don¡¯t be nervous. I¡¯m a high-level master and the empress dowager is just some vegetables!

    Empress Dowager Xie steadied her heart before striding past the folding screen.

    ¡°Gulp,¡± Imperial Physician Gao was finding it hard to breathe at this critical moment!

    Empress Dowager Xie passed the screen and saw Chef Huang sitting in his armchair before narrowly screaming again. Both A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang stuck out their tongues at her, their heads high in the air as they stared at the woman. Chef Huang was a tall, strapping man with a face full of muscles. Although he was only a chef, he had ferocious. Combined with the fact that he was sitting in an impressive armchair, he resembled a solid mountain of meat. The two hissing bamboo vipers entwined around his body only made him seem more savage and evil.

    Empress Dowager Xie felt her face pale. Even though she was a sinister woman who¡¯d done no end of bloodless killing, at this moment she felt afraid. Chef Huang was frightened too. Despite his scary face, he didn¡¯t have much courage. Fortunately, his dark skin and piles of meat on his face made it impossible for anyone to tell that he was about to pee his pants.

    ¡°You,¡± Empress Dowager Xie took a step back before she managed to speak. ¡°Just who are you?¡±

    Chef Huang saw Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s shaking legs and realized she was scared too. The fact made him feel less flustered than before, so he said, ¡®His Majesty is my disciple.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie knitted her eyebrows. She and the Grand Preceptor had long convinced themselves that His Majesty must have found a master in secret. She never expected to see him in the flesh today. Meanwhile, A¡¯Ruan turned his head to lick Chef Huang¡¯s hand in a show of affection. The snake¡¯s tongue was both wet and slippery, making Chef Huang stiffen in response.

    He keeps poisonous snakes as pets and knows how to treat injuries as well. He must know poisons as well, Empress Dowager Xie concluded after watching A¡¯Ruan¡¯s intimate actions. She began to calcte Chef Huang¡¯s potential abilities.

    A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang exchanged nces again. Xiaoyao had told them that they had to show how close they were to Chef Huang, like lifelong friends. When had poisonous snakes like them ever befriended any humans?

    ¡°What do we do next?¡± A¡¯Liang hissed at A¡¯Ruan.

    ¡°What if you curl yourself up on top of this fatty¡¯s head?¡± A¡¯Ruan suggested. ¡°I see Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty doing things like that all the time.¡±

    A¡¯Liang thought that made sense. It wasn¡¯t just Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty, but various birds and mice who did the same thing. All of them liked to perch on Xiaoyao¡¯s head, so he followed suit to curl up on top of Chef Huang.

    ¡°......¡± said Chef Huang. I want to go back to the kitchens again. What to do?

    Empress Dowager Xie took an experimental step forward. ¡°You know His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is my disciple,¡± Chef Huang pinched his thigh to keep his voice from shaking. ¡°What don¡¯t I know?¡±

    So he already knows that Ning Yu is female? Empress Dowager Xie sucked in a cold breath.

    I¡¯m a high-level expert, she¡¯s just some vegetables, Chef Huang chanted in his head.

    ¡°How is His Majesty doing?¡± Empress Dowager Xie began walking towards the bed.

    A¡¯Ruan suddenly leaped to the ground and blocked her way, arching up with a stare at Empress Dowager Xie. She turned to look towards Chef Huang instead.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s at death¡¯s door,¡± Chef Huang said dully, ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee that he¡¯ll survive this time.¡±

    ¡°W-what?!¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice was shaking.

    ¡°It all depends on fate,¡± Chef Huang said.

    [email protected]#@*!(ADF. On the bed, Ning Xiaoyao mentally roasted Chef Huang. It¡¯s supposed to be ¡®One can only do all that is possible with little chance of sess, but in the end it¡¯s all up to Heaven¡¯s will.¡¯ It¡¯s so depressing when people don¡¯t have any culture, the things they say aren¡¯t literary or graceful at all. (Author: Enough, you...)

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao lying on the bed. This damned girl. She¡¯s lying face-up and her face doesn¡¯t look injured, but there¡¯s blood all over her body. I can¡¯t get close enough to see where she¡¯s been wounded.

    I¡¯m a high-level master, she¡¯s just some vegetables. Chef Huang chanted the same mantra in his head before he said, ¡°Those I can¡¯t cure have no choice but to die.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie shook her head. Ning Yu can¡¯t die.

    Chef Huang thought that her action meant that she didn¡¯t believe him, so he added, ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager can invite other experts, but I only hope that His Majesty will still be alive by the time they arrive.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s your disciple,¡± Empress Dowager Xie trilled. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to save him?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Esteemed Empress Dowager hear my words just then?¡±

    ¡°He can¡¯t die!¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice rose again.

    Chef Huang¡¯s expression was wooden.

    ¡°This Dowager is talking to you!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted.

    ¡°Hisssss~¡± A¡¯Liang threatened from the top of Chef Huang¡¯s head. If you keep shouting, be careful that I don¡¯t bite you!

    Empress Dowager Xie instantly deted. Chef Huang managed to spit out, ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one who injured His Majesty.¡± His expressionless face, coupled with his ample jowls and monotone delivery, served to make his words sound merciless and cold.

    Empress Dowager Xie continued to shake her head. This can¡¯t be happening. Ning Yu can¡¯t die right now!

    She still doesn¡¯t believe me? Chef Huang recalled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s directions and gave a bark ofughter while waving his hand at the window.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck, who had already ran into the room, suddenly meowed out the window. At the same time, Little White Fatty took the rope tied to the top of the window and started running like mad.

    Bang! The embroidered wood cover of the window mmed open harshly against the wall. Simultaneously, the cat Yellow Fatty led a few other kitties to shake all the nts in the flower beds. In the distance, Yellow Great Immortal knocked aside a piece of broken wood (courtesy of Ning Xiaoyao) that had been used to prop up a small tree, which now crashed to the ground.

    Chef Huang was stunned. What did I just do?!

    Empress Dowager Xie simply stared at him with wide eyes. This is a high-level master!

    (Author: He¡¯s only a chef...)

 Chapter 249: The woman who collapsed in front of His Majesty

    <h4>Chapter 249: The woman who copsed in front of His Majesty</h4>

    ¡°Right now all we can do is wait and leave it to fate. Esteemed Empress Dowager, you should go back,¡± Chef Huang braced himself to say.

    Empress Dowager Xie pointed at the prone Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How is His Majesty¡¯s condition now?¡±

    Chef Huang looked at a certain emperor who was feigning death and said, ¡°More dead.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Chef, you should at least add on ¡°than alive¡± to those words! Theplete saying goes, ¡°more dead than alive!¡± (Author: Are you still haggling over details like that at a time like this?! ¨r(¨s_¨t£©¨q)

    Empress Dowager Xie stopped trying to approach the bed. For one thing, she didn¡¯t want to see her daughter; for another, A¡¯Ruan was still hissing at her from the foot of the bed. She wasn¡¯t quite brave enough to offer herself to a poisonous snake. Chef Huang stared at her unmoving form and couldn¡¯t help but fret. Why isn¡¯t the Empress Dowager leaving yet? I want to go back to my kitchens!

    ¡°This official will go out a bit first,¡± Imperial Physician Gao murmured to Lou Zigui from their position outside of the inner chambers.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression was t. ¡°What for?¡±

    After some internal struggles, Imperial Physician Gao ended up telling the truth, ¡°This official wants to go to the restroom.¡±

    Hearing this, Lou Zigui turned to stare at him. Imperial Physician Gao grit his teeth in response, his cheeks tightening with tension. That¡¯s right, I did pee my pants in fear. Are you going to ughter me for that, Lou Zigui?

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand why Imperial Physician Gao was ring at him like a hated enemy over something as trivial as a restroom break. Just then, the door to the inner rooms open, and he turned back to see Empress Dowager Xie standing by the door with her hand gripping the frame.

    ¡°......¡± said Imperial Physician Gao. Now I can¡¯t leave at all!

    Empress Dowager Xie took some time to recover by the door before collecting her strength and standing upright. Then she walked towards Lou Zigui. Meanwhile, Imperial Physician Gao gradually backed away until he was hiding behind Supreme Commander Lou. Thanks to the power and influence of the empress dowager, Imperial Physician Gao still nursed a healthy fear of her.

    ¡°Do you know about His Majesty¡¯s master?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui nodded once.

    ¡°He said there¡¯s no guarantee that His Majesty will survive past this tribtion,¡± Empress Dowager Xie said.

    Lou Zigui remained calm. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie lost her temper at his attitude and raised her voice. ¡°Is this all you can say to This Dowager?!¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°Empress Dowager, what¡¯s the use of getting angry now?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie gave a start.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s respected master said that there was no guarantee, but that means it¡¯s possible for the emperor to live past this trial,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s meticulously plucked eyebrow arched up in response. Lou Zigui¡¯s words make sense.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say what I said before. As long as I¡¯m alive, I¡¯ll definitely get revenge for His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui continued. ¡°But please forgive this subject for being unable to do the same for Esteemed Empress Dowager and Prince Cheng.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie smiled coldly. She hadn¡¯t expected this man, who was the bane of others¡¯ existence, to pledge loyalty to her anyways.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s already arrived at the pce gates,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°I¡¯ve ordered the imperial guards to hold him back, but he has the military barrack soldiers under hismand. I¡¯m afraid the imperial guards won¡¯t be able to hold out long.¡±

    ¡°And the empress?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked.

    ¡°The empress has already been surrounded,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°But she¡¯s still Esteemed Empress in the end. It¡¯ll be more appropriate for His Majesty to make the judgment call after he regains consciousness. What does Empress Dowager think?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at Lou Zigui. ¡°Lou Zigui, are you trying to negotiate with This Dowager? In my opinion, that n¨¦e Zhou should be executed.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips drew up into a rather dull smile. ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie walked past Lou Zigui. Since you¡¯re not going to listen to me, why should I waste time talking with you at all?

    Imperial Physician Gao watched her leave the room before venturing to ask Lou Zigui in a small voice, ¡°Is Esteemed Empress Dowager going to leave just like that?¡±

    ¡°Your Excellency Gao, weren¡¯t you going to the restroom?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Once again, Imperial Physician Gao red at him with gritted teeth. Do you think now is the time for me to run off to the restrooms?

    Lou Zigui began to leave the room as well, but Imperial Physician Gao rushed to catch up and say, ¡°Are we going to let Esteemed Empress Dowager just leave?¡±

    ¡°Esteemed Empress Dowager knows what to do,¡± Lou Zigui murmured back, ¡°There¡¯s no need for Your Excellency Gao to fret.¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao could only titter. Do you think I want to worry about these kind of things?

    Empress Dowager Xie was standing right outside as they emerged. Seeing them appear, she asked Lou Zigui, ¡°You¡¯re not going to see His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s respected master didn¡¯t allow us in,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°I don¡¯t care why you want to leave the empress alive. But Lou Zigui, you cannot let her out of the pce.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Empress Dowager Xie turned and walked down the steps, her leg still awkward from thest time she broke it. Still, she kept her back straight for the sake of winning a piece of the world for her son. Imperial Physician Gao looked with admiration at Lou Zigui. He never expected such a decent, respectable-looking man could spew tant lies without so much as a blink.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send off the empress dowager,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to the restroom, you can stand guard here.¡±

    ¡°Just who was pretending to be His Majesty¡¯s master?¡± Imperial Physician Gao asked.

    Lou Zigui sighed. ¡°Chef Huang from the little kitchens.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Imperial Physician Gao couldn¡¯t believe it. He¡¯d seen Chef Huang before, and aside from looking a little fierce, the man had less courage than a mouse. How could he have the skills to trick a woman like the empress dowager?

    Lou Zigui kept walking, but tossing back a parting remark. ¡°I knew as soon as I heard his voice. Imperial Physician Gao, you couldn¡¯t tell?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao remained silent. Supreme Commander Lou hadn¡¯t looked at his face during their entire conversation. Can you stop treating me like nothing all the time? And also, what do you meant I ¡®couldn¡¯t tell?¡¯ Why would I remember what a chef¡¯s voice sounds like when I have nothing better to do?!

    Empress Dowager Xie got onto her sedan chair by the courtyard gates and looked coldly towards Shadowgale and the rest. ¡°If anything happens to His Majesty, none of you should think about living.¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest were all silent. Even if we all died, His Majesty would still survive!

    ¡°You¡¯ve captured all the people from the empress dowager¡¯s pce,¡± Empress Dowager Xie looked to Lou Zigui again. ¡°How is This Dowager and Prince Cheng supposed to live our days there now?¡±

    Lou Zigui was neither haughty nor humble with his answer. ¡°Empress Dowager, those people couldn¡¯t be kept anymore. I¡¯ll make other arrangements for servants to wait on Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re taking control of inner pce affairs as well?¡± Empress Dowager Xie mocked him. ¡°For the sake of His Majesty, Supreme Commander Lou has certainly spared no efforts.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an exceptional case,¡± Lou Zigui maintained his tone. ¡°May Empress Dowager forgive me.¡±

    ¡°Go,¡± Empress Dowager Xie ordered the two eunuchs in charge of carrying her seat. The pair lifted up the sedan chair and quickly strode off.

    Lou Zigui told Shadowgale, ¡°It¡¯s fine now. All you have to do is guard well Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    Shadowgale nodded before turning to withdraw. Lou Zigui headed towards the covered walkway and suddenly stopped. He swerved and beckoned towards Mute Nanny, who had been almost invisible despite standing right in the courtyard. She went to his side and bowed before furiously signing with her hands.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s wounds are very serious,¡± Lou Zigui told her in a low voice.

    Mute Nanny grew agitated at his words. But Lou Zigui just shook his head and said, ¡°With things like this, it¡¯s useless for us to panic now. Bring some trusted people with you to wait on Esteemed Empress Dowager in her pce.¡±

    Mute Nanny pointed in the direction of the emperor¡¯s pce instead. If I go, what about His Majesty?

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s respected master is looking after him,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°He won¡¯t allow any of us into the inner rooms.¡±

    Mute Nanny already knew that His Majesty had a master. Now that he was here, she felt more reassured. His Majesty¡¯s master was a miracle doctor and a secluded high-level expert. With him here, His Majesty was sure to be saved.

    ¡°Right now, the empress dowager can even be a shield for His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°Do your best to serve her well.¡±

    Mute Nanny nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s good for you that I¡¯m sending you over, too,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°The empress dowager will assume that I¡¯m seizing the chance to send away the agent she¡¯s nted by His Majesty¡¯s side. This will ensure that she doesn¡¯t suspect you of betraying her in the days toe.¡±

    Mute Nanny leveled a steady stare at Lou Zigui before falling to one knee for a bow.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui waved at her. Mute Nanny backed out of the covered walkway and scurried off. Once she was gone, General Shen Mu[1. Shen Mu (Éòãå) - Shen is a surname meaning ¡°sink,¡± Mu is ¡°be given (a kindness/favor), to bathe/cleanse.¡±] entered the courtyard. The two of them walked until they met mid-way, upon which Lou Zigui asked, ¡°How is the situation by the pce gates?¡±

    General Shen Mu shook his head. ¡°More and more ministers areing. All of them are crying to see His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°And Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°After he saw others making a ruckus, that old Xie withdrew to the back of the crowd,¡± Shen Mu answered. ¡°Supreme Commander, we can block Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s faction, but what if Elder Li¡¯s mene?¡±

    ¡°Elder Li isn¡¯t there?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°No, but this soldier thinks it won¡¯t take long before he reaches the gates as well,¡± Shen Mu said. ¡°As long as news of His Majesty¡¯s situation spreads beyond the court, the whole capital will find out sooner orter.¡±

    ¡°Stop him,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°If Elder Li and his mene, stop them as well.¡±

    Shen Mu nodded. That makes sense. You can¡¯t let Elder Li¡¯s faction in while keeping Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s faction out. That¡¯ll just lead to a fight right in front of the gates.

    ¡°Have Deng Rong go find the Lord Protector,¡± Lou Zigui added in a small voice. ¡°The Lord Protector and Pei Yan should enter the pce, but not through its front gates.¡±

    Shen Mu epted his orders and rushed off. By now, two Dragon Guards had been standing in waiting before Lou Zigui for awhile.

    ¡°How¡¯s the situation?¡± Lou Zigui asked them,

    One Dragon Guard replied, ¡°That eunuch passed on a message to a courtdy. Then this one did as Supreme Commander ordered and killed him off.¡±

    ¡°That courtdy didn¡¯t go far either,¡± the other Dragon Guard replied. ¡°She could hear us when we murdered the eunuch.¡±

    ¡°Did someone follow her?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the two Dragon Guards nodded at the same time.

    ¡°Good, you¡¯ve worked hard,¡± Lou Zigui said warmly. ¡°Withdraw for now.¡±

    The two Dragon Guards wanted to ask about Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s condition as well, but Lou Zigui had already turned and left. They didn¡¯t have the nerve to stop him, so they simply watched as he rounded a corner and vanished before their eyes.

    --

    Imperial Physician Gao dawdled in front of the bedroom for awhile until he saw no signs of Empress Dowager Xieing back, then ran into the rooms himself. Ning Xiaoyao had been worrying about the same thing, so she was still dressed in her bloodstained clothes as she sat on the edge of bed to y with A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang in her hands. Imperial Physician Gao came in and stared at Chef Huang, who was still sitting in his armchair.

    ¡°It really was you?¡± he eximed.

    Chef Huang¡¯s legs currently felt like jelly, so he was unable to leave the room.

    ¡°The sage presented as an ordinary man,¡± Imperial Physician Gao sighed with feeling as he quoted an idiom. Empress Dowager Xie isn¡¯t an easy woman to deal with.

    Chef Huang¡¯s face twitched. I¡¯m not some sage presented as an ordinary man, just someone forced into this by His Majesty!

 Chapter 250: Even cats look down on His Majestyâ€™s IQ

    <h4>Chapter 250: Even cats look down on His Majesty''s IQ</h4>

    ¡°Little Gao, did you go to the restroom already?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked form the bed. He said he wanted to but he still hasn¡¯t gone, isn¡¯t he afraid of peeing his pants?

    Imperial Physician Gao didn¡¯t dare to re at Ning Xiaoyao, so he red at Chef Huang instead.

    ¡°If you want to go the restroom, why are you ring at me?¡± Chef Huang asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go anymore,¡± Imperial Physician Gao said as he continued to re.

    ¡°You can decide whether you want to or not for things like that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Imperial Physician Gao finally turned towards Ning Xiaoyao. Is now the time to worry about my bathroom preferences?

    ¡°Hiss~¡± A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang both stuck out their tongues at Imperial Physician Gao, who backed up a healthy distance as he stared at the snakes.

    Finally, he told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject will take his leave first. This subject wants to use the restroom.¡±

    ¡°Ah? Oh, okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Imperial Physician Gao turned and fled. Chef Huang wanted to go to the restrooms too, but he stillcked the strength to stand right now.

    ¡°That little imperial physician¡¯s afraid of us, hiss,¡± A¡¯Ruan told Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao finally understood. Imperial Physician Gao hadn¡¯t wanted to go to the restroom at all. He had just been scared into peeing his pants.

    Chef Huang suddenly pointed outside the window and said with a trembling voice, ¡°Y-Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned and saw Yellow Great Immortal perched on the windowsill.

    ¡°A yellow weasel,¡± Chef Huang eximed.

    Ning Xiaoyao smiled. ¡°That¡¯s Yellow Great Immortal.¡±

    ¡°........¡± said Chef Huang. Looks like His Majesty¡¯s raising this animal too.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao blew two kisses at Yellow Great Immortal. ¡°Tonight I¡¯ll treat all the little pals to a meal!¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal nodded before jumping off the ledge and leaving.

    ¡°He can---he can understand what Your Majesty¡¯s saying?¡± Chef Huang stammered.

    ¡°Foolish Fatty,¡± A¡¯Liang looked scornfully at Chef Huang. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t we be able to understand human speech?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why he¡¯s a Foolish Fatty, hiss,¡± A¡¯Ruan chimed in with his tongue.

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched as she petted the snakes¡¯ heads. ¡°Humans really don¡¯t know, ah.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, what are you saying?¡± Chef Huang asked.

    ¡°Foolish Fatty,¡± A¡¯Ruan mocked Chef Huang before he rose up to nuzzled against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek. ¡°Xiaoyao, A¡¯Liang and I will be leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Mmkay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nuzzled him back. ¡°Remember toe back with Little Liang Liang tonight for the feast.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Little Liang Liang!¡± A¡¯Liang grew unhappy.

    ¡°Alright, Little Liang Liang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°......¡± said A¡¯Liang.

    Chef Huang looked woodenly at Ning Xiaoyao. His Majesty¡¯s talking to poisonous snakes. I didn¡¯t see wrong, His Majesty really is talking to poisonous snakes!

    A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang crawled out the window just as Lou Zigui stepped in. ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at him.

    ¡°Why are you still wearing those bloodstained clothes?¡± Lou Zigui walked to the bed and stroked her head, his gaze trailing down towards her neck.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°I¡¯m wearing them so the empress dowager could see, ah. Why did you bring her over here?¡±

    ¡°Is your neck injury alright now?¡± Lou Zigui bent down and lifted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head for a better look at her neck.

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to one side. ¡°It¡¯s fine, look.¡±

    The skin around the stab wound was still a little red, but it was much better than the hints of pink flesh Lou Zigui had seen before. He gently touched the spot before asking softly, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Lou Zigui straightened up and finally saw Chef Huang sitting on the side. The man wore a bitter expression as he spoke. ¡°Supreme Commander, this one¡¯s legs feel like jelly right now. I can¡¯t---I can¡¯t move.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was stunned. ¡°You¡¯re scared? A¡¯Ruan and A¡¯Liang don¡¯t bite people, ah. Moreover, they¡¯re already gone.¡±

    But what¡¯s the difference between Esteemed Empress Dowager and another poisonous snake? Chef Huang didn¡¯t dare to voice his thoughts, so he kept quiet.

    ¡°In the future, stay in the little kitchens and don¡¯te out as you please,¡± Lou Zigui told him. ¡°If the empress dowager discovers the truth, I don¡¯t need to tell you the consequences. You should know yourself.¡±

    Chef Huang really lost all strength to stand then. Then Esteemed Empress Dowager will not only take my life, but grind my bones to dust!

    ¡°You can leave,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged on his clothes. ¡°Chubs Huang can¡¯t move right now, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak, but simply looked at Chef Huang. Although his gaze was calm and bright without a trace of hostility, a nameless air emanated from his being. Somehow, Chef Huang managed to jump out of his chair and mechanically bow to Ning Xiaoyao before preparing to bolt.

    Lou Zigui added, ¡°If you see the empress dowager in the future, just know that you¡¯ll be His Majesty¡¯s respected master.¡±

    Chef Huang¡¯s legs grew weak again as he almost bowed to Lou Zigui. You mean to say there might be a next time?!

    ¡°Can you remember my words?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Will our Chubs Huang run into the empress dowager again?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Just in case,¡± Lou Zigui turned back to look at her before patting her head again.

    Chef Huang said hastily, ¡°This one will never let Esteemed Empress Dowager see me again.¡±

    ¡°If you do, just tell her that you like to cook with His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°A man skilled in martial arts could also be good at cooking, isn¡¯t that right?¡±

    Chef Huang wanted to cry, but he had no tears.

    ¡°That¡¯s true, hah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was suddenly enlightened. ¡°Skilled martial artists can be divine chefs too.¡±

    ¡°This one understands,¡± Chef Huang replied. Without a chance to struggle free, he could only yield to his fate.

    ¡°Make something for His Majesty that will enrich his blood,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±

    Chef Huang really did feel that he¡¯d put in massive effort, but he still used self-deprecating words to reply. ¡°This humble one hasn¡¯t worked hard at all. This one will go to the little kitchens promptly and make His Majesty some nourishing soup.¡±

    ¡°Sure, sure!¡± With food on the horizon, Ning Xiaoyao could only feel happy.

    Chef Huang walked out of His Majesty¡¯s bedroom and stared at the courtyard full of summer flowers before his legs gave out beneath him. He plopped on the ground. O Heavenly Father, just what did I do, ah...

    Inside the rooms, Lou Zigui opened the wardrobe and took out some clean clothes for Ning Xiaoyao to wear.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the bath you promised to draw for me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked while she stripped.

    Lou Zigui nced at her undone shirt before quickly turning aside. Ning Xiaoyao stopped stripping. ¡°Are you embarrassed?¡±

    ¡°Because things were urgent at the empress dowager¡¯s pce, I went there first just then,¡± Lou Zigui coughed once. ¡°I¡¯ll go fetch hot water for you now. You should clean yourself up before changing into new clothes.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began, ¡°My body is...¡±

    Lou Zigui turned and walked towards the door.

    ¡°...already clean,¡± Ning Xiaoyao finished by the time he was out of the inner chambers. She flopped back onto the bed and pursed her lips. All we did was sleep together twice. Does he have to be so shy?

    Big Boss ck ran in without a word. The first thing he did after jumping on the bed was to inspect Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck. Ning Xiaoyao tossed a few more sugar beans into her mouth and said, ¡°The skin¡¯s grown over it already, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Little White went to the empress dowager¡¯s pce to spy on her,¡± Big Boss ck said as he settled next to her head. ¡°Chubby Yellow and the rest went to the pce gates to keep their eye on Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I¡¯ll treat them to a big feast tonight.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Big Boss ck replied, ¡°They had nothing else to do anyways.¡±

    Hm? Ning Xiaoyao turned over and looked at Big Boss ck. ¡°Then you guys aren¡¯ting to the feast tonight?¡±

    ¡°Of course we are, miaow!¡± Big Boss ck said fiercely. ¡°You want to go back on your word again!?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao deted before turning to sprawl on her back again.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you going to do next?¡± Big Boss ck extended a paw to gently scratch her face.

    ¡°Next I¡¯ll have to keep ying dead, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Until Supreme Commander¡¯s ck Frost Cavalry arrives. Then Supreme Commander will kill off the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°Where is that ck Frost Cavalry now?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao admitted. ¡°Supreme Commander didn¡¯t say.¡±

    ¡°So you didn¡¯t think to ask him?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    This world doesn¡¯t have Inte or cell phones, so I bet Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t know where they are either. Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head in thought. ¡°Supreme Commander shouldn¡¯t be sure, either.¡±

    ¡°So are you two just going to wait until the mousees out of its hole by itself?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°Whaa?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with this cat,¡± Big Boss ck grew stern.

    ¡°That there, Supreme Commander and I would never do something we¡¯re not sure of,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°But you don¡¯t know where the ck Frost Cavalry is.¡±

    ¡°Where else could they be? They must be on the road to the capital city,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said carelessly.

    ¡°And if they¡¯re not?¡± Big Boss ck challenged.

    ¡°Then isn¡¯t there the empress and her beloved General Xu¡¯s Zhou n troops?¡± Ning Xiaoyao still didn¡¯t care.

    Big Boss ck swished his tail. ¡°The empress hates you so much, would she ever help you?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that because we haven¡¯t talked it out yet?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she recalled how the empress had stabbed her neck with that dagger.

    ¡°So will the empress still hate you after you¡¯ve talked things out?¡± Big Boss ck kept asking.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You can¡¯t say anything, can you?¡± Big Boss ck looked disdainfully at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned over again. It was very possible that the empress wouldn¡¯t forgive her even if she died.

    ¡°What now?¡± Big Boss ck asked. ¡°Maybe you should discuss things with Supreme Commander again?¡±

    ¡°ck Tubby, is there any way to find out the whereabouts of the ck Frost Cavalry?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck licked his paws. ¡°I¡¯ll ask around the city and see if there¡¯s been any cats who¡¯vee from Anyuantely.¡±

    ¡°Can you also find A¡¯Ming¡¯s group as well?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cupped her hands at him. ¡°He and those wild geese always fly south to north and north to south, they must have plenty of news on them.¡±

    Big Boss ck scratched Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re scratching me again?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao fumed.

    ¡°A¡¯Ming¡¯s group are the geese that fly farthest north,¡± Big Boss ck said. ¡°They left before summer, didn¡¯t you know?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. That¡¯s true. After it gets warm, the geese will all go back north.

    ¡°This cat has no hopes of you getting any smarter!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood on end at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This cat will take care of things, so you can keep ying dead here!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Big Boss ck. I¡¯m always being looked down on by cats for my IQ. Could it be that I¡¯ve really gotten dumber since dying and transmigrating again? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o

    ¡°I¡¯m off.¡± Big Boss ck jumped off the bed and ran towards the window.

    ¡°And the feast tonight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°This cat will be present at the gathering!¡± Big Boss ck called back.

    It¡¯s just a meal, what¡¯s with ¡®present at the gathering?¡¯ Ning Xiaoyao felt the corners of her mouth twitch again.

    Lou Zigui came back with a giant wash tub. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao, he walked over and drew the covers over her body. ¡°Wait for me a bit longer, I¡¯m going to get some water.¡±

    ¡°Mmkay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded docilely. ¡°Can you also bring back a bag of sugar beans?¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui said softly as he reached out to gently stroke her hair.

 Chapter 251: Iâ€™ll live and die with this house

    <h4>Chapter 251: I''ll live and die with this house</h4>

    Lou Zigui made a total of three more trips before getting enough water for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bath along with her bag of sugar beans. Ning Xiaoyao had never taken a bath in a tub before. She circled around the giant wooden tub once before sighing with emotion.

    ¡°This tub is so big, there¡¯ll still be room even if we bathed in it together.¡±

    Lou Zigui neither spoke nor looked at Ning Xiaoyao. She noticed the tips of his ears turning red and suddenly realized something. ¡°You want to bath with me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Hurry and wash up,¡± Lou Zigui said with another dry cough. ¡°I¡¯ll be right outside, so call me when you¡¯re finished.¡±

    Afraid that Ning Xiaoyao would say something else to provoke his body and heart rate again, Lou Zigui strode quickly out of the bedroom without another word. Ning Xiaoyao just shrugged. If you don¡¯t want to do it, just say it. Why are you being so bashful?

    Lou Zigui went to sit in a chair in the outer chambers, his heart still beating fast. He poured himself a cup of tea and drained its contents before feeling a little more normal. Ning Xiaoyao soaked in the hot water while humming a tune. Giant sabers hack zombie heads~ As she hummed, she realized that this world was still a beautiful ce if you ignored all the annoying things. You could soak in hot baths and didn¡¯t have to worry about zombies biting you, how nice.

    --

    Meanwhile in front of the pce gates, General Shen Mu was feeling that the world just wanted to let him die. Scores of officials and ministers crowded around the entrance, making him wonder whether all the government offices in the city had sent out their officials to the pce.

    ¡°I feel like we can¡¯t hold them back,¡± one of the imperial guardmanders said with a pained expression.

    Shen Mu said, ¡°Would these men dare to force their way in?¡±

    ¡°Who knows?¡± themander¡¯s expression turned even more pained.

    ¡°If they really do force their way in, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re just a bunch of civil officials. Are you afraid you won¡¯t be able to best them in a fight?¡±

    ¡°Can we use killing strikes against them?¡± themander asked.

    ¡°......¡± said Shen Mu. My Supreme Commander didn¡¯t tell me that part.

    ¡°There are swords and spears everywhere. Who can guarantee that we won¡¯t lose a few lives when we really start fighting?¡± themander muttered to himself.

    ¡°Why are there so many people here?!¡± Shen Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask. ¡°Do we have this many officials serving the dynasty?¡±

    Themander shook his head. ¡°A lot of them I don¡¯t even recognize.¡±

    Shadowbolt managed to squeeze his way over then and told the pair, ¡°I saw Elder Li and Grand Preceptor Xie standing together and talking. They couldn¡¯t have decided to team up, right?¡±

    Themander of the imperial guards immediately looked towards Shen Mu. Will your Supreme Commander stand for it if those two formed an alliance?

    Sweat broke out on Shen Mu¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°Let¡¯s shut the pce gates,¡± the fourthmander of the Dragon Guards suggested.

    Shen Mu thought it over and decided that he couldn¡¯t call the shots. ¡°I¡¯ll go back and consult with my Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°Should we ask him over here instead?¡± the imperial guardmander asked. ¡°Isn¡¯t it better to rify the situation to everyone?¡±

    If my Supreme Commander wanted toe, he would havee long ago. Shen Mu looked at themander before muttering that he¡¯d pass on the word, then turned to run back into the pce.

    --

    ¡°You know what kind of personality that Lou Zigui has, Elder,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said to Elder Li. ¡°Right now, His Majesty¡¯s injuries are still unknown, but Lou Zigui¡¯s taken over the pce. Just what does he want to do?¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s face was serious. ¡°How much do you know about His Majesty¡¯s wound?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head with worry. ¡°Not a thing.¡±

    Elder Li nced towards the pce gates, where the imperial guards were standing fast. It was far from his present location and separated by a crowd of people, so he couldn¡¯t even recognize the faces of the various sentries. All he could see was the summer sun glinting off their armor and weapons. Although the sight was blinding, Elder Li only felt ice in his heart.

    ¡°Elder,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°If you still believe in Lou Zigui¡¯s loyalty, then this old man has nothing more to say.¡±

    Elder Li withdrew his gaze and looked at him. ¡°What does Grand Preceptor want to do?¡±

    ¡°Naturally, to see His Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied.

    Elder Li pointed a finger at the pce gates.

    ¡°If Lou Zigui won¡¯t give us passage, then we have no choice but to force ourselves in,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stated.

    Elder Li ran a hand through his white hair.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°If His Majesty¡¯s unharmed, then this old man will immediately ept the death penalty for trespassing into the pce.

    Elder Li¡¯s heart was waging a battle against itself. He trusted neither Lou Zigui nor Xie Wenyuan. If he let Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s capital barracks soldiers fight their way into the pce, how was he supposed to keep his military power in check? But what if Lou Zigui harbored ill intentions this time as well?

    This matters concerns His Majesty¡¯s life. I can¡¯t afford to gamble. Elder Li furrowed his brow, stuck between the two men. Studying his expression, Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°His Majesty has always respected you. If His Majesty was leading the pce right now, wouldn¡¯t he have ordered someone to inform you of his condition?¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s eyes flickered.

    ¡°His Majesty is severely injured,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°But Lou Zigui won¡¯t let us in to find out what happened. What is he nning?¡±

    ¡°The amount of soldiers in Lou Zigui¡¯s hands are limited,¡± Elder Li murmured back, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t be stupid enough to rebel at a time like this.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± one of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s stewards ran over to report. ¡°Someone¡¯se out of the pce.¡±

    ¡°Who was it?¡± Elder Li asked immediately.

    The steward gave a start at Elder Li¡¯s question and took a step back, before looking towards his own master. Grand Preceptor Xie just sighed. ¡°If Elder wants to know, thene with this old man.¡±

    Elder Li followed Grand Preceptor Xie to his carriage, were a young eunuch about 15 years old was waiting for them. At the sight of both men, he quickly kneeled on the ground. Grand Preceptor Xie stopped before him and asked without letting him get up, ¡°How is His Majesty doing?¡±

    ¡°To reply Grand Preceptor¡¯s question,¡± the eunuch began, ¡°His Majesty¡¯s body was covered in blood. Imperial Physician Gao from the Imperial Physician Courtyard was kneeling in front of his bed and crying.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie fell silent before he asked, ¡°There was only Imperial Physician Gao in front of His Majesty¡¯s bed?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the young eunuch replied. ¡°Only Imperial Physician Gao was by the bed, and the Dragon Guards standing outside.¡±

    ¡°Where was Lou Zigui?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    The eunuch shook his head. ¡°This servant only works in the clothing department, so I don¡¯t have permission to enter Supreme Splendor Hall. This servant doesn¡¯t know what Supreme Commander was doing.¡±

    ¡°What about the person who passed on the message from Supreme Splendor Hall?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked.

    ¡°He was killed by a pursuing Dragon Guard right after he passed on the message,¡± the young eunuch trembled as he spoke.

    ¡°Imperial Physician Gao was watching over His Majesty and crying instead of treating his wounds?¡± Elder Li asked sternly.

    The eunuch replied, ¡°His Majesty was wearing clothes soaked in blood. Imperial Physician Gao didn¡¯t---he didn¡¯t treat His Majesty¡¯s wounds.¡±

    If Imperial Physician Gao was treating Ning Yu¡¯s wounds, then the truth about her gender would already be out. Grand Preceptor Xie slowly circled around the eunuch. Looks like the empress killed Ning Yu on the spot. The dead need no treatment from physicians. Meanwhile, Lou Zigui must have been too busy arranging his retreat in the wake of Ning Yu¡¯s death to worry about putting her body in a coffin.

    He looked at Elder Li and asked, ¡°Elder, how do you see this?¡±

    Imperial Physician Gao was crying over His Majesty instead of treating his wounds. His Majesty¡¯s clothes were soaked in blood, but nobody bothered to change them. What did this mean? Elder Li could only think of the worst scenario. Blood drained from his face as he stared at the eunuch on the ground. ¡°Do you know the consequences if you¡¯re making this up?¡±

    The eunuch quickly kowtowed to Elder Li. ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare to make anything up.¡±

    Elder Li felt his body sway as he sank to sit on the ground. Grand Preceptor Xie watched coldly from the side as he began his calctions. Before Lou Zigui gets his hands on Ning Yu¡¯s corpse, I have to find a way to turn that girl¡¯s body into ashes. He beckoned to the steward and whispered in his ear, ¡°Tell Chen Lu to hurry over and meet with me.¡±

    The steward obeyed and galloped off on horseback. Elder Li was helped to his feet by various people at his side. Tears streamed down his face as he muttered to himself, ¡°It can¡¯t be.¡± He had finally found a bright and brilliant ruler. His Majesty was still young. How can he be gone just like that?!

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao climbed out of the tub and haphazardly threw on her clothes before rushing into the outer rooms to talk to Lou Zigui. ¡°I suddenly discovered a plot hole!¡±

    ¡°Plot hole?¡± Lou Zigui echoed. ¡°Is there a leak somewhere?¡±

    ¡°Not a leak in the house,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander, look, ah. I¡¯m dead.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face fell at her words. ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let me put it this way. Aren¡¯t I still pretending to be dead?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°They can¡¯t just leave my body out like that, right? I wanted to ask, do you guys need to re-dress the dead so that they¡¯re wearing clean clothes?¡± The apocalypse didn¡¯t have customs like that, but Ning Xiaoyao had remembered Old Madame Xie wearing brand new clothes in her coffin.

    ¡°We do,¡± Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°That¡¯s a problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Won¡¯t that expose my identity as a girl? Supreme Commander, how are you nning to exin things to the Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyoa a little closer and murmured, ¡°That¡¯s why I ordered people to start a fire.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Once the body¡¯s been burnt to ashes, no one will need to worry about that problem anymore,¡± Lou Zigui added.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui. So you¡¯re saying that I¡¯ve not only been poisoned and stabbed, but have to lose a house as well? She felt unwell all over.

    ¡°The fire won¡¯t start until a bitter,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Right now I should be hurrying to arrange my own retreat first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms before plopping to sit on Lou Zigui¡¯s legs. ¡°Can we not burn anything? Or just light some torches for show so the Grand Preceptor and the rest can see some smoke from outside the pce? Wouldn¡¯t that do as well?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t bear the loss?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°This is a house!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said desperately. ¡°How much money do you think this is worth? And you¡¯re going to burn it down just like that?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak. By his standards, a y should be done realistically to the end. If they burnt down the imperial bedchambers now, they could always rebuild itter.

    ¡°Don¡¯t burnnnn it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged Lou Zigui¡¯s neck as she swayed back and forth. ¡°I¡¯m poor to begin with, so where am I supposed to get the money to build another house if you burn it down? Don¡¯t do it, donnnn¡¯t. Can¡¯t you just not burn it?¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao...¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t! ¡° Ning Xiaoyao switched tactics when she realized charming him wouldn¡¯t work. With a re, she dered, ¡°I¡¯ll live and die with this house. Nobody should even think of burning what¡¯s mine down!¡±

    ¡°What if the Grand Preceptores into Supreme Splendor Hall?¡± Lou Zigui tried to reason with her.

    Ning Xiaoyao had her rational side too. After a long time of thought, she said with a pained look, ¡°Then just burn down the smallest one, please.¡±

 Chapter 252: I like you like this

    <h4>Chapter 252: I like you like this</h4>

    ¡°That won¡¯t do,¡± Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s body can¡¯t be casually moved away just like that. It would be impossible for me to let too many people know of your secret, so this is the only solution: burn down the entire pce with your body in it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao red at him. ¡°Think of another way. I¡¯ve said it before, I¡¯ll live and die with this pce!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what you said before.¡±

    ¡°A pce is a house all the same. What¡¯s wrong with what I said?¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to re.

    Lou Zigui knit his brows. ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll pay for the reconstruction of your pce, how¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Do you have money?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Did you say you couldn¡¯t even afford to raise your own soldiers? Were you lying to me?!¡±

    Lou Zigui knew he couldn¡¯t admit to that even if he died, so he said, ¡°After getting rid of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s faction and clearing up the courts, I won¡¯t be too poor to raise my own troops.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wore a ¡®are you trying to trick me¡¯ expression. ¡°We still have to fight Big Boss Ding and the Northern Hu after that. Supreme Commander, are you pocketing the money for those expeditions for yourself?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°So tell me, where are you going to get the money?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any money,¡± Lou Zigui was forced to admit.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook Lou Zigui by the neck as she continued to speak. ¡°You can¡¯t burn down the house. You can¡¯t burn down the house. Wahhhhhh, you can¡¯t burn my house!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s head hurt. He decided to try another idea, or else this girl would never forgive him for burning her house down.

    ¡°Are you going to stop burning it now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped shaking him.

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but worry. The man in front of her was a scheming ck belly, after all.

    ¡°Really,¡± Lou Zigui wrapped his arms around Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t want to be emperor, so you wouldn¡¯t care about this pce.¡±

    ¡°What does not wanting to be emperor have to do with houses?¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at him. ¡°Just because it¡¯s not mine, I don¡¯t have to appreciate it? This is a house, ah! Not a piece of paper, ah pah, ah!¡±

    Lou Zigui found himself rendered speechless by her words.

    ¡°You promised you wouldn¡¯t burn the house, ah. Don¡¯t lie to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added worriedly.

    ¡°As a man, a word once spoken cannot be taken back even by a team of four horses,¡± Lou Zigui vowed.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. Look at him, talking like he¡¯s never cheated anyone in his life.

    Lou Zigui saw the motion and knew that Ning Xiaoyao must be having thoughts about him again. He lifted her chin and asked, ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°In any case, you can¡¯t burn down my house.¡±

    ¡°If I leave your body intact, I could use that to pressure Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    ¡°But if you do that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°The Grand Preceptor will do his best to burn down my house instead, right?¡± The best way to cleanly get rid of a corpse was to reduce it to ashes, after all.

    Lou Zigui hugged Ning Xiaoyao in silence. In truth, it would be better for his men to set the fire than the Grand Preceptor¡¯s scouts. While his side would only burn a few of therger pces, Grand Preceptor Xie could end up submerging the entire Supreme Splendor Hall in a sea of mes. He nced at Ning Xiaoyao, who was already anxiously biting her nails, and kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, he took her fingers and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll think of a solution.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed, looking rather pitiful. If he says he¡¯ll think of a solution, that means Supreme Commander Lou doesn¡¯t have one right now!

    ¡°I promise you,¡± Lou Zigui said as he stroked her head with a caox, ¡°I definitely won¡¯t let Xie Wenyuan burn your house down.¡±

    ¡°You make it sound like you never intended to burn my house down either,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered faintly.

    ¡°.....¡± said Lou Zigui. So now I can¡¯t even coax her properly, either?

    ¡°If he burns my house, I¡¯ll burn his,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned vicious. ¡°I¡¯ll burn down the entire Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate!¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui agreed immediately. He didn¡¯t mind doing that at all.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back and lie down,¡± Ning Xiaoyao huffed. This time, she really was sacrificing it all! But Lou Zigui just held onto her.

    ¡°Let me check your injury.¡±

    ¡°Here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tilted her neck so Lou Zigui could see. The wound had recovered further, and most of the skin had healed. Lou Zigui felt it with his fingers before lowering his head to softly blow on the spot.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re fine,¡± he said.

    ¡°I told you ages ago that I was fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she looked at him. ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t you trust in my powe---urk, my medical skills?¡±

    ¡°I trust them,¡± Lou Ziguiughed. Reality was right before his eyes. Why would he still doubt the truth?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Shen Mu called from outside the door.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°The pce gates are swarming with people. Should this soldier shut the gates?¡±

    ¡°Has the military barrack¡¯s soldiers arrived?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Shen Mu said, ¡°But Elder Li and Xie Wenyuan are standing together and talking about something.¡±

    ¡°Shut them,¡± Lou Zigui said simply. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao realized that she¡¯d forgotten yet another detail---to tell Elder Li their ns ahead of time! Completely floored, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder: will old gramps beat me to death after he finds out the truth?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± General Shen Mu called, ¡°Should youe to the pce gates yourself?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°After the military barracks soldiers show up, you can send someone to tell me then.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shen Mu obeyed. After a pause, he still asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, how are His Majesty¡¯s wounds?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t speak.

    Hearing nothing but silence, Shen Mu didn¡¯t dare to ask any more, but simply turned and left.

    ¡°We¡¯re doomed,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said wretchedly once Shen Mu was gone. ¡°Will old gramps bite me to death?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Lou Zigui said as he fixed her hair. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bun-tying skills were never up to par in his eyes.

    ¡°You should drop old gramps a word,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested.

    ¡°No need,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°If we want to convincingly trick Xie Wenyuan, the less people that know about you the better.¡±

    That¡¯s true. So now he¡¯s even hiding the truth from his own subordinates. Ning Xiaoyoa rubbed her nose. ¡°Then are you just going to watch old gramps team up with the Grand Preceptor? Let me tell you, ah, old gramps has a strong fighting spirit too.¡±

    Lou Zigui chuckled and shifted Ning Xiaoyao until he was princess carrying her back to the inner chambers.

    ¡°Don¡¯t regret it when old gramps bullies you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao warned.

    Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t go so far as to hit me.¡±

    ¡°He would have to be able to beat you first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was very unsatisfied with Lou Zigui¡¯s current attitude. ¡°Supreme Commander, old gramps is fierce when he yells at people.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of being yelled at.¡±

    If he¡¯s not afraid of that, then Supreme Commander Lou has nothing to worry about, Ning Xiaoyao mused silently. In any case, it¡¯s not like old gramps can beat him in a fight.

    Lou Zigui set Ning Xiaoyao on the bed before sitting next to her. ¡°You should move to a different ce to live.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll live and die with my house,¡± Ning Xiayao sat up and crossed her legs, ring back at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If it really catches on fire, I¡¯ll escape the mes.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s voice dropped. ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t others see you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll cover up my face,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze trailed downwards. Who else in Supreme Splendor Hall is as short as you? Or runs as fast as you?

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down at herself too, then looked back at Lou Zigui with a ferocious re. ¡°What do you mean by that? Are you trying to say my short, t-chested self is easy to recognize at a nce?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. Although this girl really is short, and her chest not very....never mind. He said instead, ¡°I¡¯m only thinking how I have no reason to stay here at all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao harumphed. He¡¯s obviously trying to humor me.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to leave?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said resolutely.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t go,¡± Lou Zigui followd up.

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged at her clothes. It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t grow taller, either. If I used a little less of my powers, I could grow to staggering heights. You can just look at my own mother. Her gic makeup is right there as proof. (Author: So now of all times, you¡¯ve decided to recognize Empress Dowager Xie as your mother? (©V_©V) )

    ¡°They¡¯re not small,¡± Lou Zigui suddenly spoke up.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up. Instead of being coaxed into a good mood by Lou Zigui, she felt even more depressed. ¡°I know you¡¯re trying to make me feel better, but you can¡¯t take me to be blind, you know.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still young, so they¡¯ll still grow,¡± Lou Zigui could only reply.

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. ¡°And if they don¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen.¡±

    ¡°So if mine don¡¯t grow, you¡¯ll find someone with assets like that Ji n girl?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked askance at him.

    What does this have to do with Ji Yuerong? Supreme Commander Lou felt another headacheing on. ¡°Nothing like that will happen.¡± He patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head and said rather ingeniously, ¡°I like you like this. Whether or not you grow, I¡¯ll still like you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped ring at him and broke out into a grin.

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui was feeling a little awkward after admitting his feelings. He hesitated briefly before stating, ¡°I¡¯ll go out and see if the Lord Protector and his brother¡¯s here yet.¡±

    With a woosh, Ning Xiaoyao rushed forward and gave him a kiss. ¡°You said it yourself, ah. No matter what I grow into, you can¡¯t go back on those words.¡±

    Lou Zigui gave a start before breaking into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s favorite type of smile. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Oil Jar and the sparrow Wheat were both perched on the windowsill when they saw Lou Zigui lower his head to kiss Ning Xiaoyao again. Oil Jar asked Wheat, ¡°They¡¯re about to break out into a fight at the pce gates, so how could Supreme Commander still have time to flirt and romance Xiaoyao?¡±

    Wheat was very serious. ¡°Because Xiaoyao is more important, ah.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Oil Jar understood. Of course kissing Xiaoyao on the lips is more important than the fighting at the pce gates! (Author: Hey! That¡¯s not a properparison!)

    ¡°The atmosphere is so good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said somewhat dizzily. ¡°Why don¡¯t we do it once together?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s body stiffened as he released her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured in disappointment.

    ¡°You¡¯re injured,¡± Lou Zigui stood up as he said in a soft voice. ¡°I¡¯ll owe you one for now.¡±

    As Ning Xiaoyao watched Lou Zigui walk away with quick steps, she couldn¡¯t help but pout. That¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard of anyone owing ¡®that¡¯ kind of thing! There sure are a lot of customs I don¡¯t understand in this world. (Author: Only your Supreme Commander has a custom like that...)

    --

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± the young Dragon Guard on duty at the door quickly bowed as Lou Zigui emerged. ¡°The Lord Protector and His Excellency Pei have arrived.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°I¡¯ll go see them.¡±

    The Dragon Guard hurried to lead the way.

    --

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Oil Jar and Wheat each ran or flew to pounce on Ning Xiaoyao once Lou Zigui was gone.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao opened her arms to ept them both. ¡°Wheat, why did you enter the pce today?¡±

    Wheat said, ¡°All the people in the city are saying you¡¯re dead, Xiaoyao. I came to take a look, chirp~¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. I¡¯ve only died recently. Howe news spreads so fast?

 Chapter 253: Itâ€™s rather nice to have Lou Ziguiâ€™s protection

    <h4>Chapter 253: It''s rather nice to have Lou Zigui''s protection</h4>

    The Pei brothers were waiting in a side hall when Lou Zigui entered the room. Both of them hastily stood up from their chairs. The Lord Protector had a personality that made him wear his heart on his sleeve, so this was to be expected. But Pei Yan had never let anything affect him before, so his face of worry was a new one. Before Lou Zigui got any closer, the Second Young Master Pei asked, ¡°Just what happened?¡±

    Lou Zigui gestured for both brothers to sit down before taking a seat before them. In a low voice, he said, ¡°His Majesty was only lightly injured, neither of you needs to worry.¡±

    The Lord Protector exhaled in relief at those words, but Pei Yan asked, ¡°Then can we see His Majesty?¡±

    While the Lord Protector trusted Lou Zigui, he didn¡¯t. Lou Zigui might look calm now, but who knows whether he was pretending or not? If anything happened to His Majesty, then his favorite, Lou Zigui, would be the man in most danger right now. Who could guarantee that the man wasn¡¯t already looking for a way out and covering up any disaster that might have befallen the emperor instead? That way, he¡¯d have more time to escape if necessary.

    Lou Zigui nced at Pei Yan, who asked, ¡°We can¡¯t? Didn¡¯t you say His Majesty was only lightly injured?¡±

    ¡°You can,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Once we finish speaking, I¡¯ll take you both to see His Majesty.¡±

    Hearing this, the Lord Protector felt even more at ease. Although he wasn¡¯t a doctor, he could still tell at a nce if His Majesty¡¯s injuries were really serious or not. Pei Yan¡¯s expression warmed as well. ¡°If His Majesty¡¯s unharmed, then why hasn¡¯t he met with the courtiers yet? The officials have blocked the front gates. If the citizens see this, they¡¯ll only get worried and anxious.¡±

    ¡°Soon enough, the ck Frost Cavalry will arrive at the capital,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°I want to get rid of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s faction all at once when that happens.¡±

    The Pei brothers exchanged nces as they grew tense again. Pei Yan asked, ¡°Is Supreme Commander certain that the ck Frost Cavalry is on its way here now?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. ¡°My officer gave me a letter, they¡¯re already on their way.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor doesn¡¯t know about this?¡± the Lord Protector asked doubtfully. How could Grand Preceptor Xie overlook the presence of arge killing forceing down to the capital city from Anyuan Province?

    ¡°It¡¯s only 5,000 horses and men,¡± Lou Zigui answered. ¡°They¡¯re disguised as merchants and refugees anding here via different paths.¡±

    The four gates of the capital city saw tens of thousands of travelers everyday. It would truly be hard to pick out 5,000 soldiers and horses from the crowd. But the Lord Protector still creased his brows and asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t 5,000 men a little sparse?¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s any more, Xie Wenyuan will catch on,¡± Lou Zigui murmured back.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor has at least 100,000 troops and horses under hismand,¡± Second Young Master Pei had already done his calctions while the Lord Protector was fretting about the cavalry forces. ¡°No matter how skilled the ck Frost Cavalry might be in battle, can you really pit 5,000 soldiers against a 100,000 strong army?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Supreme Commander,¡± the Lord Protector fretted. ¡°The area surrounding the capital city is nothing but a wide expanse of grasnds. There are no ces to hide from danger, much less areas for ambush. All you can do is fight sword to sword or spear to spear. 5,000 men is really too few.¡± That¡¯s enough for Xie Wenyuan¡¯s 100,000 troops to grind their teeth on, isn¡¯t it?

    ¡°It would be impossible for Xie Wenyuan to transfer all his soldiers to the capital,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°Only the most loyal troops are kept by his side. I¡¯ve made calctions and I estimate that the number of faithful, capable fighting forces at his disposal are no more than 40,000 men.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, do you think you could win in a battle of 5,000 against 40,000?¡± the Lord Protector asked.

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°5,000 would naturally be insufficient if we fought in a wide and open space.¡±

    ¡°Then Supreme Commander, what are your intentions?¡± the Lord Protector waspletely lost.

    On the other hand, Pei Yan gave a start, ¡°You¡¯re going to open war on Xie Wenyuan within the capital city?¡±

    A trace of admiration came to Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes as he studied Pei Yan. Miss Ning really had insight in choosing this younger Pei sibling. Pei Yan¡¯s much brighter than his brother.

    ¡°The streets in the capital are all connected and break off into numerousnes and alleys,¡± Pei Yan told his brother. ¡°To those unfamiliar with itsyout, it¡¯ll just be like entering a maze. Furthermore, to wage battle between these streets, the advantage won¡¯ty in numbers, but on which side has the better killing force.¡±

    No matter how many men one had, the narrow city streets could only hold a limited number of people. In this way, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s superior numbers would be a moot point. As for killing force, the capital barracks soldiers were mainly stationed as defense throughout the city and hadn¡¯t engaged any enemies for years. Meanwhile, the ck Frost Cavalry were frequently fighting skirmishes on the borders against the Northern Hu. How could the capital¡¯s forces be a match against their ughter skills?

    When the Lord Protector finished thinking things through, he looked at Lou Zigui in admiration. This was a man who had been forced to shoulder the burdens of his n ever since he was young. He certainly hadn¡¯t made it this far on pure luck.

    ¡°But how many people will die in the capital as a result?¡± Pei Yan asked next. ¡°Supreme Commander, have you considered how the citizens are supposed to survive once the armies start fighting?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand was resting on his armrest, but now he lifted it briefly. ¡°I can promise that my men and horses won¡¯t hurt any of the people in the city.¡±

    His words were worth nothing. Even if your men doesn¡¯t hurt them, what about Xie Wenyuan¡¯s soldiers? The Pei siblings wanted to call him out, but the words died on their lips. People always suffered when war broke out. Could you really use either side of being wrong? With every war, the losers were decried as the enemy while the winners stood as kings atop a mountain of bones.

    The Lord Protector heaved a long sigh and told Pei Yan, ¡°Ol¡¯ second, don¡¯t fret over the people. Count them lucky if they survive, and unlucky if they don¡¯t. No one can be med for their fates.¡±

    Pei Yan looked at Lou Zigui instead. ¡°Did His Majesty agree to this?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°What?¡± the Lord Protector was shocked.

    ¡°This is something I¡¯m doing, it has nothing to do with His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui said in a heavy tone. ¡°Once it¡¯s done, I¡¯ll find His Majesty to mete punishment.¡±

    The Lord Protector still wanted to speak, but his brother pped the back of his hand to keep him quiet. ¡°Opening war in the city streets will lead to the countless deaths of its citizens,¡± Pei Yan¡¯s handsome face had turned sinister as he spoke. ¡°If someone starts a fire, who knows how many more will lose their homes and fortunes? His Majesty cannot do such a thing.¡±

    No sovereign could take on the name of a ruthless and hard-hearted ruler. The Lord Protector nodded. There was no doubt to Lou Zigui¡¯s loyalty if he was willing to do this much in His Majesty¡¯s ce.

    ¡°When will Xie Wenyuan start transferring his troops?¡± Pei Yan asked next.

    ¡°Very soon,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Before that happens, Lord Protector, how possible is it for you to kill Chen Lu?¡±

    The Lord Protector considered the idea. ¡°I don¡¯t have as many soldiers as Chen Lu, but if I can catch him unawares, I can kill him. His martial arts can¡¯tpare to mine.¡±

    ¡°Your Excellency Pei,¡± Lou Zigui moved on, ¡°You need to help the Lord Protector.¡±

    Pei Yan nodded.

    ¡°After the military barracks soldiers turn useless,¡± Lou Zigui added, ¡°Xie Wenyuan will transfer the rest of his troops into the capital.¡±

    ¡°Why not kill Xie Wenyuan now?¡± the Lord Protector suggested.

    ¡°If we kill him now, his soldiers won¡¯t need toe to the capital,¡± Pei Yan replied. ¡°Better to kill them all at once. If we limit all our battles to this bout in the capital, it¡¯ll be easier than putting down errant skirmishes in the future.¡±

    The Lord Protector grew speechless. He wasn¡¯t good at stratagems to begin with, so Lou Zigui and Pei Yan¡¯s words had long left him muddle-headed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to see His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui rose to his feet. ¡°I don¡¯t want His Majesty to hear about the things I just said.¡±

    The Pei brothers stood up and nodded back.

    --

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was listening to Oil Jar finish his story while lying on the bed.

    ¡°General Song even has an older brother,¡± Oil Jar exined as Ning Xiaoyao fed him and Wheat sugar beans. ¡°I heard Supreme Commander calls him Fifth Song.¡±

    Fifth Song, Ning Xiaoyao mused. Song Jin¡¯s nickname is Seventh Song, so this one must be his fifth brother.

    Wheat swallowed the sugar bean in his mouth and added, ¡°General Song even wrote a letter back, so the ck Frost Cavalry must be on its way here already.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Now she didn¡¯t have to worry. If they still couldn¡¯t kill off Grand Preceptor Xie with the ck Frost Cavalry here, then she might as well make Grand Preceptor the emperor instead and run away with Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± the little gyrfalcon flew onto the windowsill. ¡°Supreme Commander is bringing the Lord Protector and his brother over here.¡±

    Oil Jar immediately spoke up, ¡°Xiaoyao, then I¡¯ll leave first. We¡¯ll meet again tonight.¡±

    Wheat added, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ll spread the news that you¡¯re still alright.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stroked both Oil Jar and Wheat before they left. Not longter, Lou Zigui entered the room and saw that Ning Xiaoyao was already dressed.

    ¡°You knew I was bringing the Lord Protector and Pei Yan over?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she got off the bed and walked over. ¡°You¡¯re not hiding the truth from them?¡±

    ¡°They need to exert themselves for our ns,¡± Lou Zigui said as he helped her with her hair.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had no objections to that. She followed him out of the room. When the Pei brothers saw Ning Xiaoyao in lively form appear in front of their eyes, they felt much better. As long as His Majesty wasn¡¯t dead, then their family would be safe. Otherwise, Xie Wenyuan would definitely screw them over.

    ¡°Listen to what Supreme Commander says,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said cheerfully. ¡°We¡¯ll strive to kill off the Grand Preceptor this time.¡±

    ¡°This subject awaits the decree,¡± the two brothers chorused.

    ¡°Protect the old madame well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged after some thought. ¡°When you start fighting, don¡¯t let her suffer a shock.¡±

    The Lord Protector was quite touched by those words. Even at these harrowing times, His Majesty could still think of his family¡¯s old madame. Pei Yan stared at Ning Xiaoyao with some concern. ¡°Your Majesty must be careful too.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°I will. I won¡¯t die unless the Grand Preceptor dies, too.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the Lord Protector. Is there anything that requires special effort from you when ites to dealing with Xie Wenyuan?

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui saw that everyone had spoken their piece. ¡°Let His Majesty rest.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao decided that now wasn¡¯t the time for idle chat, so she nodded and said, ¡°All of us should work hard. Our goal is to kill Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    Both Pi brothers bowed before withdrawing from the room. After exiting the pce from a small side door, the Lord Protector told Pei Yan, ¡°I think this is pretty good.¡±

    Pei Yan looked at his brother.

    ¡°Having Lou Zigui protect His Majesty, I mean,¡± the Lord Protector rified. ¡°It¡¯s pretty nice.¡±

    His Majesty looked both too young and too short, a weak and skinny thing. It didn¡¯t fit his tastes to have the fate of an entire kingdom resting on his shoulders, especially when the kingdom wasn¡¯t even flourishing at the moment. Having someone like Lou Zigui stand by His Majesty¡¯s side to protect him made things much better.

    Pei Yan turned back to peer at the zed rooftops and vermillion walls of the impressive pce grounds before murmuring in a small voice, ¡°I only hope that Lou Zigui will always remain a loyal subject.¡±

 Chapter 254: Great General Chen stains the streets with blood

    <h4>Chapter 254: Great General Chen stains the streets with blood</h4>

    After the Pei siblings left the pce, the front gates shut as well, much to the surprise of the assembled officials before it. Grand Preceptor Xie saw the angry displeasure written all over Elder Li¡¯s face and murmured, ¡°Elder, it looks like Lou Zigui isn¡¯ting out.¡±

    ¡°How can this be?¡± Elder Li muttered to himself.

    ¡°This old man doesn¡¯t need to be Elder¡¯s antagonist now,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said as he shook his head, one hand resting against his forehead. ¡°Lou Zigui is simply a vicious dog who keeps quiet until he decides to bite.¡±

    ¡°What does he want to do?¡± Elder Li asked.

    ¡°Stall for time,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie dered. ¡°Without His Majesty protecting him, the only thing that can save him now is to flee to Anyuan¡¯s six provinces.¡±

    Suppressing the grief in his heart, Elder Li said, ¡°It¡¯s only going back to Anyuan. How could he...¡± Elder Li suddenly stopped mid-sentence. With Grand Preceptor Xie here, there was no way Lou Zigui could leave the capital in peace.

    ¡°This old man will never allow Lou Zigui to leave the capital,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie swore.

    Elder Li only feltpletely listless at the moment. How could he and a bunch of schrs be able to turn the tide?

    ¡°This old man wants to transfer the military barracks soldiers into the pce,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie dered. ¡°Elder, what do you think?¡±

    Elder Li stared at the tightly shut gates before nodded quickly. ¡°This old man wants to see His Majesty in person.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie sighed. ¡°I only hope that His Majesty¡¯s fortune is asrge as the skies.¡±

    Nobody would say anything like seeing His Majesty¡¯s corpse before they saw the emperor for themselves.

    --

    Chen Lu had heard the news that His Majesty might have passed away even before rushing from Iron Buddha Temple to the pce gates. After seeing Grand Preceptor Xie, he asked, ¡°Grand Preceptor His Majesty is...?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie only said, ¡°Hurry and get to the military barracks. Fight and conquer the pce for this old man.¡±

    Chen Lu was astonished. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you¡¯re going to attack the imperial pce?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie began to walk to a ce with no people. Chen Lu hurried after him and heard him say in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s very possible that His Majesty¡¯s already passed away.¡±

    Chen Lu¡¯s face paled.

    ¡°This old man will bear all consequences for everything that happens after this,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie added. ¡°You only need to do as you¡¯re told.¡±

    Chen Lu¡¯s lips trembled before he asked, ¡°Grand Preceptor, has His Majesty truly...?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s expression turned solemn. ¡°Would this old man joke about things like this?¡±

    Chen Lu was powerful and imposing within the military barracks, but he was simply a blind yes-man before Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°This soldier understands,¡± he nodded at Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°The imperial guards and the Dragon Guards,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued, his expression warming up again, ¡°Have real skill. How certain are you of beating them?¡±

    Chen Lu turned to look at the towering buildings of the pce before sucking in a deep breath. Quietly, he murmured, ¡°Theirbined numbers aren¡¯t more than 10,000 men. This soldier can take the pce within a single day.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie patted him on the shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll be troubling you.¡±

    ¡°This soldier will go to the barracks and transfer troops and horses right away,¡± Chen Lu bowed before turning to mount his horse and gallop to the barracks with his bodyguards in tow.

    In the watchtower, Lou Zigui sat watching Chen Lu ride off into the distance. Next to him stood two ck Frost Cavalry generals, whose expressions were solemn and respectful. ¡°Chen Lu must be returning to the military barracks to transfer the troops,¡± one murmured softly. ¡°Supreme Commander, can the imperial guards hold the fort there?¡±

    Lou Zigui muttered back an assent. As long as the Pei siblings moved fast enough, Chen Lu would never get the battle started. In less than the time it took to brew a cup of tea, a bodyguard went on one knee in front of the Lord Protector in front of a tea shop that bordered the road to the military barracks.

    ¡°Master, Chen Lu ising with nine guards.¡±

    The Lord Protector nodded and told him, ¡°Go to the intersection up ahead and alert the archers. They¡¯re to shoot on sight and kill Chen Lu without mercy.¡±

    The guard muttered an assent before leaving to pass on the message. The Lord Protector then called for another guard and told him, ¡°You go to the gates of the military barracks. Tell second young master that I¡¯ve made my move.¡±

    The second guard hastily epted the orders and hurried off. The Lord Protector rose to his feet and drained the contents of a wine bowl sitting on the table. He then wiped his lips and told the rest of his men, ¡°I don¡¯t bear any deepset grudges against Chen Lu, so I¡¯m not killing him out of personal vendettas, but as a move against his master. My Lord Protector¡¯s estate has been oppressed by Xie Wenyuan¡¯s hand for years. All of you have followed my Pei n despite your unsessful careers throughout these same years. Fortunately, His Majesty recognized our worth and gave us this chance to strive for something better. Killing Chen Lu this time is for the sake of pledging loyalty to His Majesty, and a chance for I, Pei Yi, to express my gratitude.¡±

    The crowd fell silent at his words before an old subordinate cupped his fist and said, ¡°Lord Protector, don¡¯t worry. We will all do our best.¡±

    The Lord Protector nodded before striding out of the tea shop. Rumors of the emperor¡¯s death had spread all throughout the capital. To the people who treated him as their world, there was nothing but dread at the news. All of the streets were empty and the shops sealed tight. Everyone was locked in their homes, refusing toe out. The homeless refugees in the streets had all huddled away in the back streets and alleyways, making the bustling city that was even lively at night a silent and soundless ce.

    Chen Lu galloped through the streets on his first. He had caught asional glimpses of people hurrying to and fro, but they all but disappeared when he was two blocks away from the barracks. Seeing this, he halted his horse. His guards followed suit.

    ¡°Master?¡± one of them asked in a small voice.

    Chen Lu swept his eyes across the streets. This was a marketne, so it was always busy and bustling no matter the time of day. But now it waspletely deserted. From what Chen Lu could see, there were only a few stray dogs that had settled beneath the eaves of a shop stall, splitting the remains of some meal.

    ¡°Not a single person¡¯s here,¡± one of his bodyguards sighed. The sight made the hair on the back of their necks stand on end even though it was broad daylight out.

    Chen Lu felt his heart itching, but hid his unease. He told his guards to keep moving before stirring his horse forward. Usually, thenes were so busy that all they could hear were voices and indistinct conversations. This was the first time Chen Lu and his men realized how noisy hoofbeats could be on an empty street. When they were about to reach the intersection, Chen Lu exhaled in relief. It looks like I was feeling uneasy for nothing.

    At the exact same moment, he heard the sound of an arrow being unleashed. Dozens of them suddenly flew towards him from the shop roofs on both sides of the street. None of the guards expected an attack from above in the middle of the capital city. They didn¡¯t have time to react---and all nine of them were clustered close to their master, so six of them were hit and fell from their horses. Chen Lu used his saber to deflect the weapons and prepared to jump off his horse when a fresh storm of arrows assailed him anew. His remaining three guards were all struck and sent toppling off their horses. One arrow buried itself by Chen Lu¡¯s corbone, but its tip stopped any blood from flowing out.

    Another one of Chen Lu¡¯s guards braced himself against the pain to climb to his feet and run for the intersection, hoping to call for reinforcements from the barracks. The two teams of archers had their orders to focus on Chen Lu, so none of them pursued the straggler. As Chen Lu¡¯s horse suffered the next arrow, it gave a whinny and sprinted furiously forward. But a coarse hemp ropeid across the ground as a cheval-de-frise suddenly rose up in the air, stirring up the dust that had disguised it on the ground. Chen Lu¡¯s battle horse tripped on the rope and crumpled forwards, the momentum sending Chen Lu flying into the air. He tumbled harshly to the ground in pain.

    By now, his bodyguard had reached the doors to the barracks, but lost his head to Lord Protector¡¯s de as he suddenly appeared on horseback. Death came so quickly that the man hardly had time to react; his body even managed to run a few more steps before it crumpled to the ground, its head behind him. Chen Lu grit his teeth at the sight of his guard¡¯s tragic death, then crawled to his feet and took up his saber.

    A single arrow struck Chen Lu from behind.

    Great General Chen didn¡¯t even turn back, but half staggered, half ran. If he could get close enough to Pei Yi, the archers on the roof would naturally stop shooting for fear of hurting theirmander. The Lord Protector only smiled coldly. You want to fight me even though you¡¯re still injured? Does Chen Lu really think he has the best martial arts skills in the capital after being babied by the Grand Preceptor all these years?

    As Chen Lu ran, another arrow struck his left shin. Meanwhile, the Lord Protector approached Chen Lu while sitting astride his horse and hacked at him from above. But Chen Lu took this chance to make an unexpected attack. Instead of blocking the Lord Protector¡¯s de, he sprawled on the ground and rolled beneath the man¡¯s horse.

    The Lord Protector hastily pulled on the reins.

    ¡°Neighhhh!¡± the Lord Protector¡¯s gray stallion reared up on its hind legs before stomping towards the ground at Chen Lu¡¯s body.

    Chen Lu rolled to the left and avoided the deadly hooves before running into a narrow alleyway. At the same time the horse¡¯s hooves hit air, the Lord Protector swiped out with his sword and caught Chen Lu in the back, staining his clothes crimson. Chen Lu stumbled a few steps, but didn¡¯t stop running. Instead, he quickened his pace and scurried into thene. Though the opening was guarded by the Lord Protector¡¯s men, Chen Lu¡¯s martial arts skills was still strong enough to kill his way through the guards and carve a path through. This proved that while his fighting skills weren¡¯t the best, they were still far from being subpar.

    ¡°Chase him!¡± the Lord Protector roared. How can I let Chen Lu escape after all that?!

    Seeing the human vanish into the alley, the stray dog A¡¯Wang asked his boss, ¡°Should we tell Xiaoyao about this?¡±

    Big Yellow chewed on the meaty bone in his mouth before swallowing it to reply, ¡°Chase after him and take a look. That human who was sliced and shot is called Chen Lu, the Great General of the military barracks. He works for the Grand Preceptor, so we should check to see if he¡¯s still alive.¡±

    A few stray dogs followed Big Yellow into the alley after their new quarry.

 Chapter 255: Truth reversed

    <h4>Chapter 255: Truth reversed</h4>

    The military barracks soldiers still hadn¡¯t shown up at the pce gates two hourster, but Grand Preceptor Xie still managed tofort Elder Li with the words that transferring troops took time. But when there was still no sign of the soldiers four hourster, Grand Preceptor Xie lost any words offort for either of them. Something must have gone wrong.

    ¡°Go to the barracks and take a look,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered one of his guards. ¡°You must make sure to find Chen Lu.¡±

    The guard obeyed and left on horseback.

    --

    Shadowbolt entered the watchtower and leaned down by Lou Zigui to whispered, ¡°The Lord Protector¡¯s messenger came to report. Chen Lu was rescued by four masked men in the Wenjia Lane.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to look at him.

    ¡°The Wenjia Lane is located off Wufu Street, close to the main military barracks of the capital,¡± Shadowbolt added hastily.

    ¡°Where does thisne lead to?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Many different ces,¡± Shadowbolt shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve never been there, so I¡¯m not very clear.¡±

    ¡°Map,¡± Lou Zigui said simply.

    A ck Frost Cavalry general quickly took out a map of the city streets and spread it out for Lou Zigui on the table.

    ¡°There¡¯s Wenjia Lane,¡± Shadowbolt pointed at the spot.

    Lou Zigui stared at the maze of lines on the map and furrowed his brows. ¡°All of these alleyways are interconnected,¡± the general on his right said softly. ¡°If we want to track someone down, we¡¯ll have to sweep the entire area.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s almost the entire southern region of the capital,¡± another general fretted. ¡°How many men can we spare right now?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mind wasn¡¯t on capturing Chen Lu anymore. He asked Shadowbolt, ¡°Did the Lord Protector¡¯s messenger say anything about the identity of those four men?¡±

    Shadowbolt shook his head.

    ¡°They must be skilled, to wrest a man from the Lord Protector¡¯s hands,¡± one of Lou Zigui¡¯s generals remarked.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, what are your orders?¡± Shadowbolt asked.

    Who would be able to know of Chen Lu¡¯s ambush ahead of time? Lou Zigui stared at the map in thought. Which person in the city would want to save Chen Lu¡¯s life? Moreover, to have the skills to perform a sessful rescue? Lou Zigui¡¯s finger moved over the map before he suddenly came to a stop. His heart gave a thus. If it was Xie Wenyuan who rescued Chen Lu, then...

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Shadowbolt asked again.

    ¡°Go call in that messenger,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°I want to question him personally.¡±

    Shadowbolt muttered an assent and soon brought in the guard from the Lord Protector¡¯s side. He was a little nervous in front of Lou Zigui and tried to go down on his knees.

    ¡°No need for formalities,¡± Lou Zigui waved a hand at him. ¡°Was Chen Lu injured?¡±

    The guard nodded. ¡°Yes, and quite seriously. He was struck with three arrows and a cut from my master¡¯s sword across his right shoulder.¡±

    ¡°And his guards?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The messenger replied, ¡°All of Chen Lu¡¯s guards were shot by arrows. Six of them died, but the three still living were taken on my master¡¯s orders to the Nine Gates Infantry Commander¡¯s estate. This one saw that two of them were seriously injured, they probably won¡¯tst past the night.¡±

    ¡°Before you released the arrows, did Chen Lu take any precautions?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The messenger thought back before replying, ¡°No. If he did, Great General Chen should have avoided them, right?¡±

    ¡°Tell me everything that happened back then,¡± Lou Zigui requested.

    Both the two ck Frost Cavalry generals and the fourthmander of the Dragon Guards were at a loss to Lou Zigui¡¯s methods. Why was he asking about so many details? Could it be that Chen Lu had gotten injured on purpose? Or did Lou Zigui suspect that the Lord Protector had let him go on purpose? But that was impossible, ah.

    The messenger exined how Chen Lu was injured and escaped to the narrow alleyway, then how the four masked men had saved him, all in fine detail.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like Chen Lu prepared for this ahead of time,¡± one of the generals remarked.

    It certainly doesn¡¯t, Lou Zigui mused as his fingers ran over the map again. If Xie Wenyuan was expecting this move from us, why wouldn¡¯t he remind Chen Lu to be careful before he left? Or is rescuing Great General Chen in his moment of peril supposed to strengthen his loyalty to Xie Wenyuan? Lou Zigui shook his head again. There¡¯s no need for Xie Wenyuan to bestow any more favors to Chen Lu. The man¡¯s already offended His Majesty, so his only way out is to follow Xie Wenyuan. Why would Xie Wenyuan take any extra pains for his sake?

    If Xie Wenyuan was nning in advance against my moves, then that old slippery fox could simply seize the chance to send men against the Lord Protector. Lou Zigui knit his brows. Something¡¯s wrong.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± the two ck Frost generals grew tense at theirmander¡¯s strange expression.

    When Lou Zigui looked up again, his face had already returned to normal. He smiled at the anxious messenger and said, ¡°Go back and tell your master that I understand now. Forget about catching Chen Lu, it¡¯s more important to bring the military barracks under our control.¡±

    The messenger obeyed and looked at Lou Zigui before daring to ask, ¡°Supreme Commander, what if Chen Lu doubles back to the military barracks?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s severely injured,¡± Lou Zigui said slowly, ¡°For now, he won¡¯t show up again. Your master will have nothing to fear if he gets the barracks under hismand by the time Chen Lu reappears.¡±

    Hearing this, the messenger grew at ease and bowed before withdrawing.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, has something happened?¡± one of Lou Zigui¡¯s generals asked once he was gone.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lou Zigui waved at them before looking at the open window by his side. The scene beneath him was as clear as day. Because he fell silent, Shadowbolt withdrew as well. The two generals tried to ask more questions, but Lou Zigui only stared out the window. In the end, they shut up and realized now wasn¡¯t the time to talk.

    It could only have been Xie Wenyuan who sent the rescuers after Chen Lu. Lou Zigui made flying calctions in his head. If Xie Wenyuan could guess that I wanted Chen Lu dead, then he should already guess that I don¡¯t fear him transferring his troops to the capital or meeting him in battle. What does this mean? Lou Zigui¡¯s hand on the map shook. This means that Xie Wenyuan already knows that the ck Frost Cavalry ising.

    But Chen Lu¡¯s rescuers hadn¡¯t seized the chance to kill the Lord Protector, which meant that Xie Wenyuan didn¡¯t want to cause amotion with his ns. What did that mean? He knows my ck Frost Cavalry ising, but he¡¯s mystifying things on purpose to raise my suspicions against his knowledge. This way, he can upset my ns? But what advantages does that give Xie Wenyuan?

    He sat down to think deeper on the subject. Suppose it isn¡¯t Xie Wenyuan trying to blindside me at all? If anything changes with the ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s ns to infiltrate the capital and stop those 5,000 men from entering the capital, it would be simple enough for Xie Wenyuan to transfer his troops and kill everyone in the Lord Protector¡¯s estate. Why should he be in a hurry to kill the Lord Protector now? So in that case, did he decided to prioritize Chen Lu¡¯s life first?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s breathing hitched as he broke out into cold sweat beneath the summer sun.

    Xiaoyao is a girl.

    By now, the entire capital knows that His Majesty¡¯s passed away after the empress shouted about the assassin. Even if Xiaoyao re-appears unharmed in the public eye again, Xie Wenyuan could expose her gender to the world. What would be better than this to prove that Ning Yu was already ¡®dead,¡¯ and Xiaoyao was just a fake recement? Even if the empress dowager speaks up, she¡¯ll simply be used of trying to favor a fake emperor just to preserve her own life if her baby son takes the throne.

    And if people question why I, Lou Zigui, would be so idiotic to put a girl on the throne, Xie Wenyuan could simply point at Xiaoyao¡¯s face and said I used her looks to do something of the highest treason.

    In the end...

    Lou Zigui slowly spread open his hand and pressed it against the map. Xie Wenyuan can even use me and Xiaoyao of stealing the throne and killing the original emperor?

    The whole situation seemed preposterous, but Lou Zigui was in no mood tough. He had forced himself and Xiaoyao onto a dead end. When he realized this fact, his first thought was to get her out of the city as soon as possible.

    --

    Meanwhile, the guard that had ridden off to search for Chen Lu had returned to kneel at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, bad news! Great Genearl Chen was ambushed at the Wufu intersection and has currently gone missing. The military---the military barracks have fallen into the L-Lord Protector¡¯s hands.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie grew rmed.

    Elder Li asked sternly, ¡°Is this true?¡±

    ¡°This one dare not speak nonsense,¡± the guard muttered back.

    ¡°Without Lou Zigui, how could the Lord Protector have possibly caught His Majesty¡¯s eye?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told Elder Li, who gave a start.

    He countered, ¡°But there are many subordinates of Chen Lu within the barracks. How could Pei Yi have taken over within such a short amount of time?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face was grave. ¡°Did Elder forget? The Lord Protector¡¯s former subordinates were all summoned to the capital. They aren¡¯t kindly types at all.¡±

    Elder Li felt absolutely helpless at those words.

    ¡°This old man wants to transfer troops to the capital,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°Otherwise, we won¡¯t only lose the chance to see His Majesty, but probably see this entire capital be named after the Lou instead.¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s body swayed as he looked speechlessly at Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Just waiting here won¡¯t yield us any results,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said before he turned to get on his sedan chair. His eight men picked it up and 20 or so attendants swarmed around him as the whole ensemble left the pce gates.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan has left,¡± a general reported to Lou Zigui from the watchtower.

    Lou Zigui had been sitting there unmoving for half a day now. His low hn could be counted as an answer before he finally said, ¡°Call over Fifth Song.¡±

    The general didn¡¯t dare ask questions and went to do as he was told. He went downstairs and into Supreme Splendor Hall to find Song Jin¡¯s fifth brother, Song Xu. Soon enough, the man was standing in front of Lou Zigui.

    ¡°The rest of you withdraw,¡± Lou Zigui told his two generals, who quickly left the room.

    Song Xu bowed towards Lou Zigui, looking natural and at ease rather than conscience-stricken. Lou Zigui gestured for him to sit and said, ¡°How are your wounds doing?¡±

    Song Xu smiled. ¡°Many thanks to Supreme Commander for your care. I only obtained some minor injuries on the road and I¡¯m alright now.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded. Song Xu and Song Jin were both born from the same mother and looked very simr. But this fifth young master of the Song n was too weakly to do any martial arts, so instead of entering the army, he went to be a tutor for the rest of his brothers. Since he and Song Jin were brothers by blood, they got along very well. Lou Zigui had finally figured out his own unfavorable plight, but still couldn¡¯t figure out what excuses Song Xu had to betray him.

    TLer''s Note: Sorry for the disappearance, guys! I''ve fixed work stuff but just got in a car ident yesterday, so it''ll be like a while longer before I return! Thanks.

 Chapter 256: The Grand Preceptor is Supreme Commanderâ€™s jinx

    <h4>Chapter 256: The Grand Preceptor is Supreme Commander''s jinx</h4>

    ¡°What did Supreme Commander find me for?¡± Song Xu asked. He didn¡¯t serve under Lou Zigui¡¯smand, but was still on good terms with the man. Thus, he didn¡¯t feel restrained or awkward in the other man¡¯s presence.

    Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°I never got to ask you how Seventh Song was doing. Today I¡¯m sitting in the watchtower and watching the show, so I found you for a chat.¡±

    Song Xu smiled back at his words. ¡°Old Seventh¡¯s in the army as well. Supreme Commander will be able to see him in a few days.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui nodded slightly. ¡°It¡¯s good that he¡¯s unharmed.¡±

    ¡°Old Seventh¡¯s martial arts skills aren¡¯t bad. Whatever could happen to him?¡± Song Xu asked. ¡°Supreme Commander, you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    ¡°Something happened to Fang Tang,¡± Lou Zigui said suddenly as he looked at Song Xu.

    Song Xu gave a start. ¡°Fang Tang?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded and lowered his voice. ¡°I can¡¯t verify the news, but I¡¯m still investigating.¡±

    Song Xu grew concerned. ¡°What kind of news is it?¡±

    ¡°I received word that Fang Tang might have been captured by Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui murmured.

    Song Xu grew rmed.

    ¡°Perhaps not,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°So that¡¯s why I¡¯m still looking into it. If Fang Tang was captured, then the ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s advance towards the capital would have been exposed.¡±

    Song Xu asked, ¡°And if it is?¡±

    ¡°If it is exposed, then we¡¯ll have to give up the idea of the ck Frost Cavalry invading the city. I¡¯ll think of another way,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Fortunately, it¡¯s still not toote to withdraw the men.¡±

    Song Xu asked, ¡°Where did Supreme Commander get word that Fang Tang was captured?¡±

    ¡°I asked if you saw Fang Tang before,¡± Lou Zigui wiped his face, seemingly looking exhausted. ¡°And you said no, which was when I began to suspect. Fang Tang followed right after Seventh Song¡¯s footsteps, so he should have returned to Anyuan like normal.¡±

    ¡°So Supreme Commander sent someone out to investigate?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Lou Zigui said as he continued to stare at Fang Tang. ¡°I have to thank you for that. If you hadn¡¯t mentioned it to me, I would never had thought to investigate Fang Tang¡¯s whereabouts. No matter what, I owe you big for this.¡±

    Song Xu¡¯s expression changed minutely, but he recovered within the next second. Still, Lou Zigui noticed the micro changes and took it to heart. Is he afraid that the situation¡¯s changed and he¡¯ll be credited with making it happen, thus making Xie Wenyuan think he¡¯s defected to my side again?

    Song Xu rose to his feet and approached Lou Zigui with a murmur. ¡°How is Supreme Commander nning to investigate this?¡±

    ¡°I have my own methods,¡± Lou Zigui smiled at him. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    Song Xu nodded. ¡°I hope Fang Tang¡¯s alright.¡±

    ¡°I feel the same way. Alright, your injuries haven¡¯t recovered yet, so you should go rest,¡± Lou Zigui waved a hand at him.

    Song Xu didn¡¯t dawdle but left after a bow.

    ¡°Shadowbolt,e in,¡± Lou Zigui called after he was gone. Shadowbolt entered the room.

    ¡°Follow after Song Xu,¡± Lou Zigui ordered him in a low voice. Shadowbolt grew rmed.

    ¡°No matter what you see, make sure not to alert him,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°Be careful, don¡¯t let him catch you.¡±

    Shadowbolt nodded and hurried out.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in the great hall, staring at the rather skinny calico cat in front of her. She asked Big Boss ck, ¡°Is this one of your new little pals?¡±

    ¡°Blossom,¡± Big Boss ck said, ¡°She came to the capital from Anyuan to look for food.¡±

    ¡°Hello Blossom, I¡¯m Xiaoyao,¡± Ning Xiaoyao extended her hand in greeting. Blossom nced at her before licking her lips and cing her paw in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm. ¡°Hello Xiaoyao, I¡¯m Blossom.¡±

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a thorn in your paw,¡± Ning Xiaoyao realized as soon as they touched. She quickly grasped Blossom¡¯s paw and sent a small ball of faint green light into her foot.

    Oblivious to what had just happened, Blossom asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Try running around,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Blossom¡¯s head. She did and found that her aching paw had stopped hurting all of a sudden! When she lifted it for a look, she remembered the thorn she couldn¡¯t get out no matter how she licked. Now it was gone! Blossom meowed in excitement and began to run around in circles chasing her tail.

    Seeing her so happy, Big Boss ck sighed and said, ¡°Chase your tailter, Blossom. Tell Xiaoyao your news first.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Big Boss ck scratched Ning Xiaoyao, then told Blossom, ¡°The important news.¡±

    Blossom settled on her haunches in front of Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, I didn¡¯t see the Anyuan troops head their way to the capital.¡±

    (¡Ñ_ ¡Ñ;), went Ning Xiaoyao.

    Both Grandfather Sparrow and Wifey Magpie began to panic from their perch on the windowsill and flew tond on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s table. Wifey Magpie asked Blossom, ¡°Supreme Commander said the ck Frost Cavalry disguised themselves as civilians. Blossom, is it possible you didn¡¯t recognize them, cheep?¡±

    Blossom scratched her head in confusion. ¡°Really? But their horses couldn¡¯t have disguised themselves as civilians¡¯ horses, right?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao exchanged nces with her animal pals. That did seem like a difficult feat.

    ¡°Do you know any of the ck Frost Cavalry horses?¡± Grandfather Sparrow asked.

    ¡°I do,¡± Blossom replied. ¡°Mommy gave birth to me in their stables, meow~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Blossom in a new light. Here was a cat born from a military family. (Author: At a time like this, shouldn¡¯t you be thinking of something more useful?! o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°What if you didn¡¯t run into them?¡± Grandfather Sparrow asked.

    Blossom shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m familiar with the paths to the capital. Blossom didn¡¯t see any big horses on the way.¡±

    ¡°Maybe they haven¡¯t reached the city yet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao guessed.

    ¡°But Supreme Commander said they¡¯d only take three more day,s¡± Grandfather Sparrow reminded. ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry should have long reached the borders of the capital by now.¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯s not just Blossom,¡± Big Boss ck said with his head hung. ¡°I even ran to look for caravans, horses and mules from Anyuan, as well as one single parrot. None of them saw the ck Frost Cavalry, meow.¡±

    With the brutal reality before her, Ning Xiaoyao suddenly lost all desire to continue the topic.

    ¡°We¡¯re doomed,¡± Wifey Magpie pped her wings and cawed. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s been tricked!¡±

    ¡°So I drank the poison and got stabbed for nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said nkly. ¡°Now what?¡±

    ¡°Hurry up and tell Supreme Commander!¡± Big Boss ck cried.

    ¡°Even if I do, can Supreme Commander summon the ck Frost Cavalry out of thin air?¡± Ning Xiaoyao retorted.

    Big Boss ck red at her. ¡°At least Supreme Commander¡¯s smarter than you. He¡¯ll think of another way, miaow!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at him before digging her nails into her palms. She sighed and said, ¡°I discovered a tragic truth.¡±

    What was it? All of the little animals looked to Ning Xiaoyao. She wore a serious expression as she stated, ¡°The Grand Preceptor is Supreme Commander¡¯s jinx. Supreme Commander¡¯s already been cheated by him twice. If he seeds this time, I think he¡¯ll beat the Supreme Commander in their next bout, too!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the little animals. That really is tragic.

    ¡°Don¡¯t have your fur stand on end. Even if you¡¯re like that, it won¡¯t change the truth.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Big Boss ck, who was baring his fangs. Utterly depressed, the cat clutched his head and started to roll around on the ground.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what do we do now?¡± Grandfather Sparrow asked.

    Ahhhhhhhhhhhh-- Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. ¡°Destiny tells me that we can¡¯t release Supreme Commander if we want to deal with the Grand Preceptor!¡±

    ¡°Is Supreme Commander a dog? What do you mean by re-leashing him?!¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood up on its end again.

    ¡°Aroo?¡± Little White Fatty took this chance to scamper into the room. Ning Xiaoyao and the other animals all sighed all the same time. Should they consider him a wolf or a dog at this point? After that, Ning Xiaoyao patted herself on the chest and decided to stop worrying about that for now. She had to think of a solution, a definite solution, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

    Outside the back walls of Supreme Splendor Hall, Shadowbolt stood on a branch of the wutong tree. Summer was the perfect season for it to be filled with lush leaves, thus hiding him from even passerby underfoot. Nearby, Song Xu was speaking with one of the head eunuchs.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have sought me out,¡± the eunuch that Shadowbolt had never seen before said with a disapproving look.

    Song Xu replied, ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s already suspecting that something¡¯s happened to Fang Tang. If he realizes the news of the ck Frost Cavalry is false, he¡¯ll think of a different solution. From what I¡¯ve heard, he already has a backup n.¡±

    The head eunuch stared at Song Xu, who sighed and added, ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to lie at this point.¡±

    ¡°What made Lou Zigui suspect?¡± the eunuch ask.

    ¡°Me,¡± Song Xu replied. ¡°I said the wrong thing.¡±

    If the head eunuch had asked for more details, such as what did you say wrong, then Song Xu would have exined how Lou Zigui had asked if he¡¯d seen Fang Tang and how the man had left the capital in the footsteps of Song Jin. Eventually he would have exposed the Supreme Commander¡¯s lies, but this head eunuch wasn¡¯t interested in the details. He only nodded at Song Xu and hurried off. Two gray doves hooted a couple times from the treetops before flying towards the audience hall. Song Xu stood by himself for a while before slowly turning to walk in the direction of Supreme Splendor Hall. Shadowbolt grit his teeth and waited until the man was far away before flying out of the tree and heading towards the pce watchtower.

    Ning Xiaoyao was still fretting over what to do when the two gray doves arrived calling for her name. They told her everything about Song Xu and the eunuch¡¯s conversation.

    Oh God. Ning Xiaoyao waspletely dejected. She had a sliver of hope before that her animal friends might have missed the soldiersing in disguise, but now that was all gone. There was no ways about it, they weren¡¯t showing up!

    ¡°Xiaoyao, Shadowbolt was listening in on them too,¡± the doves bobbed their heads.

    ¡°Then where did Fourth Lightning go after that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Did he beat up that Song Xu?¡± If she was there, she¡¯d definitely thrash the traitor to death!

    ¡°Xiaoyao, Shadowbolt went to find Supreme Commander Lou,¡± a little sparrow chirped from the window.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Big Boss ck cried, ¡°Supreme Commander knows too? I¡¯ll see if he has any ideas.¡± So speaking, he shot off like a streak of smoke.

    Blossom saw him leave and wanted to follow, but stopped when she saw Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Blossom said, ¡°Xiaoyao, can you be my owner?¡±

    Although Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t sure whether she could survive the oing chaos, she still nodded with a noise of agreement. ¡°Yes.¡± At least she still had the means to feed an extra kitty.

 Chapter 257: His Majesty says, there are two paths

    <h4>Chapter 257: His Majesty says, there are two paths</h4>

    After listening to Shadowbolt¡¯s report, Lou Zigui sat unmoving in his chair for a long time. Anxious with waiting, the fourthmander of the Dragon Guards opened his mouth and asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, will the ck Frost Cavalry still make it¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head once.

    ¡°.....¡± Shadowbolt felt like the skies had copsed.

    Lou Zigui next looked at the gathered officials outside and said expressionlessly, ¡°The most pressing matter now is to escort His Majesty out of the city.¡±

    ¡°Escort His Majesty out of the city? Can¡¯t we give up on the farce?¡± Shadowbolt asked.

    Lou Zigui shook his head again.

    Shadowbolt paced nervously in a circle before dering, ¡°There aren¡¯t many troops in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s hands at the moment.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we need to seize this chance to get His Majesty out of here fast,¡± Lou Zigui was fretting as well, but it didn¡¯t show on his face. His tone was calm and even, making him lookpletely nonplussed.

    ¡°Then, then how do we do it?¡± Shadowbolt asked. He had already fallen over shock over the fact that His Majesty couldn¡¯t even stay in the capital city anymore. It was like someone had stuffed his brains with cotton or grass instead, leaving himpletely unable to think.

    Lou Zigui sat there unspeaking as his fingers tapped the map on the table. Shadowbolt knew he wasing up with ideas, so he had no choice but to shut up and wait. Big Boss ck ran in at this moment to meow a few times. Lou Zigui looked down at him.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s cat,¡± Shadowbolt said.

    Lou Zigui beckoned to Big Boss ck, who jumped onto his leg, wild with joy.

    ¡°What is your master doing right now?¡± Lou Zigui asked Big Boss ck.

    ¡°She¡¯s in the midst of confusion, ah,¡± Big Boss ck meowed back. ¡°She¡¯s heard that the ck Frost Cavalry can¡¯te, so Xiaoyao looks like she wants to die, miaow~¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as she¡¯s uninjured,¡± Lou Zigui said as he stroked Big Boss ck¡¯s head.

    ¡°Ninny¡¯s not fine. Ninny wants to die right now!¡± Big Boss ck meowed back.

    ¡°Are youforting me?¡± Lou Zigui asked Big Boss ck, who suddenly felt like dying too.

    ¡°You should be apanying your master right now,¡± Lou Zigui said as he stroked Big Boss ck¡¯s head again. How could that ninny be lonely?! Big Boss ck rolled his eyes.

    ¡°What should I do?¡± Lou Zigui asked Big Boss ck.

    ¡°Meow?¡± Big Boss ck was floored. You can¡¯t be out of ideas at a time like this, Supreme Commander!

    ¡°......¡± said Shadowbolt. Supreme Commander¡¯s actually talking to a cat. Did he go crazy from worry?!

    --

    Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was taking out the sugar beans from her pockets and sharing them with all her animal friends piece by piece. She felt a bit better with food in her stomach. After standing up and walking around the room a few times, Ning Xiaoyao told them, ¡°The chubby Chef Huang said he¡¯d make nourishing soup for me. Howe I still haven¡¯t seen it yet?¡±

    Yellow Great Immortal, who just arrived recently, swallowed his sugar bean and said, ¡°Xiaoyao, you should think of how to survive first, not worry about the soup.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao deted. That¡¯s true. If I die, how I can drink any soup?

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any ideas?¡± Yellow Great Immortal asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao paced around a few more circles before gritting her teeth. ¡°I want to run.¡±

    ¡°Then what about Supreme Commander?¡± Wifey Magpie asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take him with me and run,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Then what about my master and the rest?¡± the little gyrfalcon piped up.

    ¡°Them too, together,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°Then what about all the other people in the pce, and the Lord Protector¡¯s family, and Elder Li and the rest?¡± Grandfather Sparrow asked.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Is it reasonable to expect everyone to run away together?

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor will send bad guys to pursue us, right?¡± the little gyrfalcon said worriedly. ¡°Xiaoyao, can we beat him and his viins?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pouted. We can¡¯t.

    All of the little animals fell silent as well. None of them had any ideas, either. Ning Xiaoyao circled the room a few more times before gritting her teeth and running out the doors. ¡°Windy!¡± she yelled, ¡°Call Supreme Commander and Second Thunder and the rest over for a meeting!¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Shadowgale from the door. What¡¯s going on now?

    ¡°If His Majesty can shout, that means he¡¯s recovered from his injuries?¡± a young Dragon Guard asked carefully. He and rest all looked towards Shadowgale. Isn¡¯t His Majesty severely injured? Esteemed Empress even said that he was dead. Howe he¡¯s fine after just a little while again?

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted from the covered walkway. ¡°I¡¯mpletely unharmed!¡±

    The Dragon Guards silently agreed that His Majesty must be alright if he could shout like that. Shadowgale pointed at a few of them before running into the courtyard. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t wait, but told him with a long face, ¡°Windy, we¡¯re screwed.¡±

    Shadowgale was still in the dark, so he asked in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Ahhhhhh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged at his hand. ¡°Supreme Commander was tricked by that old Grand Preceptor again!¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s heart gave a lurch as he dropped his voice. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry didn¡¯te,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°The person who delivered their missive to Supreme Commander was Song Xu, who betrayed us for the Grand Preceptor!¡±

    Shadowgale knew that Song Xu had delivered a letter to the pce. When he heard this, his handsome face turnedpletely ck.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a meeting,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We have to discuss what to do next. We can¡¯t just wait for our deaths, right?¡±

    Of course not. Shadowgale tore out of the pce gates with a dark expression, heading for the watchtower. Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before running to the small kitchens, where Chef Huang was busy working at the counter. The sight of her gave him a fright before he asked, ¡°Your Majesty, why did youe out?¡±

    ¡°Chubs Huang, how¡¯s the nourishing souping along?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked back.

    ¡°It still needs another two hours,¡± Chef Huang replied. Ning Xiaoyao puffed up her cheeks in response. Knowing that His Majesty was unhappy, Chef Huang quickly carried over a tter of freshly steamedrge white mantou.

    ¡°Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you afraid of being seen from running over here?¡±

    ¡°The y was all for nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered.

    ¡°What?¡± Chef Huang grew startled. ¡°Someone¡¯s already discovered the lie?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. It¡¯s obviously Supreme Commander who got tricked, alright?

    ¡°Your Majesty, you have to tell Supreme Commander, ah,¡± Chef Huang said anxiously. ¡°Perhaps he still has some way to change the situation?¡±

    ¡°Tell Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander will definitely have a way, ah,¡± Chef Huang blurted out.

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up the tter of mantou and prepared to leave, but Chef Huang chased after him and said, ¡°Your Majesty, just stay in the bedrooms. Then nothing will happen!¡±

    A flock of sheep were galloping wildly through Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart. See this? Everyone has so much faith in Supreme Commander Lou. Why am I always the one at fault? Can¡¯t they respect me as an emperor? Do they really think I¡¯m some ninny?

    ¡°Your Majesty, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Chef Huang asked. Is he feeling guilty because he did something wrong? Looking at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s petite frame, Chef Huang felt his heart ache before heforted her. ¡°It¡¯s alright, ah, Your Majesty. Who hasn¡¯t made mistakes before? Don¡¯t let it weigh on your heart, it¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore, it¡¯s tiring. Give me another tter of mantou, my bad mood will disappear after I eat some more.¡±

    Chef Huang¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Your Majesty, you already have 30 mantou on that tray.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in a bad mood,¡± Ning Xiaoyao repeated.

    Chef Huang went to get another tter of mantou from the stove. Although he had no skills to help His Majesty face off against Grand Preceptor Xie, he could at least do this.

    --

    At the watchtower, Shadowgale looked bitterly at Lou Zigui. ¡°How could something like this happen?!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face was still expressionless as he admitted his wrongs. ¡°It was my fault.¡±

    What¡¯s the use of admitting that now? Shadowgale red at Lou Zigui as he took deep breaths with fists clenched. He forced himself to suppress the urge to beat the man to death and said coldly, ¡°His Majesty wants you to go to the main audience hall.¡±

    Lou Zigui gave a start before he blurted out, ¡°His Majesty already knows?¡± He assumed that Shadowgale learned the news from Shadowbolt.

    Shadowgaleughed coldly. ¡°What? Did Supreme Commander n on hiding the facts from His Majesty, even at a time like this?¡±

    Lou Zigui suddenly realized that Shadowbolt could tell both Shadowgale and Miss Ning the news if he wanted. Shadowgale turned to leave, but stopped to grab Big Boss ck, who was sitting on Lou Zigui¡¯s legs.

    ¡°Miaow?¡± Big Boss ck¡¯s fur stood on end. Why are you taking me away?!

    Shadowgale left the watchtower behind him as he descended the steps and scolded Big Boss ck. ¡°You¡¯re His Majesty¡¯s cat. How could you spend your spare time hanging out with Lou Zigui? Just who¡¯s your real master? If I see you getting close to him again, I¡¯ll cut you!¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Big Boss ck. Head Commander, you¡¯ve lost your temper.

    ¡°Walk faster!¡± Shadowgale turned to shout at Shadowbolt behind him. Shadowbolt¡¯s head hung with drooped shoulders as he followed obediently.

    By the time Supreme Commander Lou arrived at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bedroom, all four of the Dragon Guardmanders, Deng Rong, and the other generals were all present.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯ll go kill Song Xu!¡± Deng Rong cried as soon as Lou Zigui appeared.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, Lil¡¯ Bro Deng, don¡¯t be mad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a mantou in his hand. ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time for anger. We have to think about how to survive first, alright?¡±

    Deng Rong fell silent and viciously bit a piece of mantou. Lou Zigui walked to Ning Xiaoyao and said quietly, ¡°I...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a mantou in his hand too and said, ¡°Sit down and talk. Eat your mantou. I¡¯ve sent people to invite the Lord Protector and his brother too, they¡¯ll arrive shortly.¡±

    ¡°What now?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    All of the ck Frost Cavalry generals looked towards their Supreme Commander, who looked at Ning Xiaoyao and said, ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll think of a way to send you out of the capital city first.¡±

    ¡°To flee?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s only a temporary absence,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and settle things with Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°There are 100,000 soldiers, oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°When they kill their way here, how are you going to deal with them, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll think of a n then,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°You can¡¯t think of a n then, but right now.¡±

    Shadowthunder finished his mantou and asked, ¡°Then does Your Majesty have any ideas?¡±

    ¡°We have two paths,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised up two fingers for the crowd. ¡°The first one has us all escaping together. The second one has us all staying to fight against Grand Preceptor Xie!¡±

    Shadowgale grew agitated. ¡°Your Majesty, you just said that Xie Wenyuan has 100,000 soldiers under hismand, ah.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao bit a mouthful of mantou. ¡°I know. Heheh, 100,000 soldiers.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said everyone else. Don¡¯tugh like that!

 Chapter 258: His Majesty says, Iâ€™ll go chat with the empress

    <h4>Chapter 258: His Majesty says, I''ll go chat with the empress</h4>

    ¡°Supreme Commander, tell me. What¡¯s the most number of soldiers that the Grand Preceptor can transfer to the capital?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Will he really bring all 100,000 troops here?¡±

    ¡°At least 40,000 of them,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    40,000. Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms. Too many people, I can¡¯t beat that much. (¨i¨s^¨t¨i)

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Shadowgale said. ¡°If the ck Frost Calvary can¡¯t make it to the city, can¡¯t Your Majesty stand in front of the pce and said that everything before was a product of hearsey? Won¡¯t it all be over then? With Your Majesty unharmed, Xie Wenyuan will only bebeled a rebel if he brings troops to the city.¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Can¡¯t I just take a trip outdoors?

    Lou Zigui rose and walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side, before whispering in her ear. ¡°What happens if Xie Wenyuan ims you¡¯re a fake? How are you supposed to prove that you¡¯re a man?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    Lou Zigui stood up and gave her a remorseful look before apologize. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her palms again, then said. ¡°It¡¯s fine. A star of disaster is linked to fate and has nothing to do with intelligence or ability.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand what she meant.

    ¡°Nothing, ah. Nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted his hand. ¡°The Grand Preceptor is your unlucky star. But I believe I¡¯m his and the empress dowager¡¯s unlucky star. Those two definitely won¡¯t kill me this time!¡±

    So that¡¯s what the star thing is all about. Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth moved as he tried to exin himself, but in the end he gave up. Forget it. As long as it makes you happy, Miss Ning.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°Revealing myself won¡¯t solve the problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a deep feeling of grief. ¡°As for the reason---Windy, do you mind if I exin it to you another time?¡± It¡¯d be too hard toe up with a recement excuse for the gender issue right now.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale obeyed and stopped asking questions.

    ¡°Then shall we hurry and find a way to get His Majesty out of the city?¡± a ck Frost Cavalry general asked.

    ¡°You should leave the capital,¡± Lou Zigui said as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    She bit her lip and replied, ¡°If I¡¯m going to run, then we all run together.¡±

    ¡°Someone has to hold back the rear,¡± Lou Zigui murmured.

    ¡°Then who do you want to be that unlucky bastard?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui smiled a little awkwardly. ¡°Naturally, that¡¯d be me.¡±

    ¡°Uneptable,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be that bastard.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, ah,¡± Lou Zigui sighed.

    ¡°If we run, then everyone escapes together. No one¡¯s going to be the unlucky one left behind,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered.

    Everyone¡¯s heart warmed at her words. His Majesty treasured their lives. As a subject, what more could they want? Many of them wanted to volunteer to be the unlucky bastard right then, but a Dragon Guard¡¯s voice abruptly sounded from outside the door, announcing the arrival of the Lord Protector and his brother.

    ¡°Hurry inside!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted.

    The Lord Protector and Pei Yan came in one after the other. The former knelt down to pay penance as soon as he saw Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject was useless and allowed Chen Lu to escape. This subject deserves death.¡±

    Behind him, Pei Yan kneeled on the ground as well without speaking up for his brother.

    ¡°Come and rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to help them up personally, but Lou Zigui pressed her shoulder back down. She remained sitting and added, ¡°It¡¯s not important whether Chen Lu¡¯s dead or alive right now.¡±

    The Lord Protector shot Ning Xiaoyao a quizzical look after he stood up. ¡°Your Majesty, did something else happen?¡±

    Pei Yan looked at the faces of everyone present and knew that something big had happened. Ning Xiaoyao sniffed before she said, ¡°Yep, the ck Frost Cavalry can¡¯te.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± the Lord Protector almost jumped into the air.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get excited,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    How could the Lord Protector do that? He red at Lou Zigui and shouted, ¡°What happened? If the ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s noting to the capital, then where are they going?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not going anywhere,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said weakly. ¡°It¡¯s that they never left Anyuan in the first ce.¡± Ah geez, the Lord Protector¡¯s eyes are turning red. Ning Xiaoyao shrank back into her seat. If this goes on, he might even bite Supreme Commander Lou to death.

    ¡°You were tricked?¡± Pei Yan hit the nail on the head as he questioned Lou Zigui, who nodded.

    ¡°How can this be?!¡± the Lord Protector eximed again. All of the ck Frost Cavalry generals felt inmed at seeing him shout at their Supreme Commander, but they couldn¡¯t even speak up for the man when he was at fault. All they could do was feel oppressed.

    ¡°Right now, the most important thing is to see His Majesty out of the city,¡± Lou Zigui dered.

    ¡°Out of the city?¡± Pei Yan echoed. ¡°At most, we can just stop with this y. Why does His Majesty have to leave the capital?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head. Can we not bring that up now? Lou Zigui saw her pretending to be invisible and said, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about that in the future.¡±

    ¡°Urk, right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added quickly. ¡°I¡¯ll exin everything another time.¡±

    The Lord Protector said, ¡°So even if His Majesty shows himself now, it¡¯ll be of no use?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded, her expression pained. The Lord Protector sucked in a breath at those words.

    ¡°Everyone sit down,¡± she added. ¡°We need to discuss a solution now.¡± The Lord Protector remained standing nkly until Pei Yan pulled him down to a seat.

    ¡°You can all speak you views,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took another mantou in her hand. It was the only thing that could calm her down now. The people present exchanged nces, some of them more res than looks. No one spoke up, making the whole atmosphere depressing beyond belief. Ning Xiaoyao swallowed a mouthful of mantou and looked at the crowd.

    ¡°If none of you are talking, does this mean no one has any ideas?¡±

    Shadowgale said, ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll take the Dragon Guards to the back of the pce.¡± That was the same as saying they¡¯d bring up the rear. This Ning Xiaoyao understood, so she rolled her eyes at him.

    ¡°You want to die?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowgale grew agitated and rose to his feet. ¡°My life is Your Majesty¡¯s, my...¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had him sit again. ¡°No need to worry about who has your life. I won¡¯t allow you to throw it away.¡±

    Pei Yan asked, ¡°Then who does Your Majesty think is suited for bringing soldiers to the rear?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯s suitable,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°Forget it. Looks like the first way won¡¯t work. We¡¯ll have to try the second instead.¡±

    The Lord Protector and his brother hade toote to heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s earlier words. He asked, ¡°What are these first and second ways?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°The first way is for everyone to run away together. The second is for all of us to stay and fight Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said the Lord Protector. No matter how I hear it, the first way seems more reliable!

    ¡°You should just leave the city,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao.

    She shook her head. ¡°I said I wouldn¡¯t let you die, so I won¡¯t. I¡¯ll go chat with the empress.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Multiple people leaped to their feet at her remark.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Xu Feiyu has troops in his hands. Since we¡¯re ying with our lives on the line, can¡¯t I go find some reinforcements?¡±

    Lou Zigui knitted his brows. ¡°What could you possibly have to chat with the empress?¡±

    ¡°You guys can help me analyze that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered. Everyone looked at her and waited for her to speak.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor has tricked both me and Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began in a small voice. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this prove that old man was watching us yact from the start and thinking to himself, ah, these imbeciles are really idiots? It¡¯s like that, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said everyone else.

    ¡°They were waiting for us to be aughingstock,¡± Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°In other words, the empress is an idiot to them too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Since we¡¯re all imbeciles, why would the empress still hold a grudge against me?¡±

    ¡°The empress holds a grudge against you?¡± the Lord Protector was stunned.

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lip. ¡°Lord Protector, don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t know what happened between the empress and the Zhou n before she married me.¡±

    The Lord Protector fell silent because he really did know.

    ¡°The empress¡¯s true love is Xu Feiyu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued. ¡°Things have reached this critical point already, so I won¡¯t hide that from you guys anymore.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill her!¡± Shadowthunder dered in rage.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get excited,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°She¡¯s not my true love, so it doesn¡¯t matter to me who she loves.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right,¡± Shadowgale said, ¡°The empress is pregnant, ah.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°That baby of hers isn¡¯t mine.¡±

    Once again, the entire room fell silent.

    After a long time, Pei Yan looked sympathetically towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°That child belongs to Xu Feiyu?¡±

    ¡°Huh? You can even guess something like that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Pei Yan with renewed respect.

    Pei Yan had no idea what kind of expression to wear on his face right now.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she looked at the faces of the men around her. ¡°We¡¯re all one family, which is why I¡¯m not hiding this from you guys.¡±

    Her words made everyone suddenly feel closer to their Majesty once again. If His Majesty could share such an intimate secret with them, then he really wasn¡¯t treating them as outsiders!

    ¡°For the sake of her own life, the empress both poisoned and stabbed me...¡± Before Ning Xiaoyao could finish, more people jumped to their feet and hotly dered that they¡¯d kill the empress. ¡°Wait until I finish,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up herself, handing mantou to every man. ¡°Eat your mantou and calm down.¡±

    The Lord Protector huffed as he polished off his mantou in a few mouthfuls. He looked up at Ning Xiaoyao sitting docilely in her chair, scratching her palms with her nails, and suddenly asked, ¡°Did the empress seed?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The Lord Protector said, ¡°In poisoning and stabbing you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao promptly shook her head. ¡°No. Lord Protector, don¡¯t you go killing the empress too.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the Lord Protector.

    ¡°.....¡± said everyone else. Doesn¡¯t yourst line prove that she seeded after all?

    ¡°I¡¯ll go talk with the empress,¡± Ning Xiaoyao after seeing everyone ready to rise up and sic the woman. ¡°If she¡¯s willing to go to such lengths against me just to survive, then she¡¯ll probably want to poison and stab the Grand Preceptor too after learning how he¡¯s treating her as an idiot and doesn¡¯t care whether she lives or dies.¡±

    ¡°Possibly,¡± Shadowrain nodded. The empress is crazy enough. What wouldn¡¯t she try?

    ¡°Then fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ll talk with the empress and you guys wait for updates from me.¡±

    Lou Zigui spoke up. ¡°How will you be certain that the empress will just sit and watch us fight the Grand Preceptor until we¡¯re both exhausted?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. ¡°Supreme Commander, I¡¯ll only know what the empress thinks after I question her myself, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°I just don¡¯t want you begging her.¡±

    At the thought of His Majesty humbling himself before the empress, everyone¡¯s expressions turned ugly again.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved airily. ¡°You guys just wait for me here.¡± As long as they could live, she wouldn¡¯t just beg, but hug the empress¡¯s thigh, too!

 Chapter 259: The empress learns of the truth

    <h4>Chapter 259: The empress learns of the truth</h4>

    ¡°I know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as soon as she saw the empress. ¡°You¡¯re looking at me right now like you¡¯re seeing a ghost.¡±

    The empress stared nkly at Ning Xiaoyao. She looked at her too. Actually, His Majesty Ning felt a bit hesitant facing the woman who hated her so thoroughly right now.

    ¡°H-how can this be?¡± the empress muttered to herself. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao pulled out a chair and sat by her side.

    ¡°How about you pinch yourself once?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested. The empress actually did as she was told. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth quirked into a grin at the sight. She sure pinched herself hard just then. That¡¯s gotta hurt.

    Once she was sure she wasn¡¯t dreaming, the empress looked hopelessly towards Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How are you nning to kill me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°You¡¯re still pregnant with child. Do you really want to die?¡±

    The empress clutched at her stomach with both hands as her hopeless gaze turned vicious again.

    ¡°Save yourself the energy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°You can¡¯t beat me in a fight. You couldn¡¯t even kill me with poison and a knife, so empress, do you think you¡¯ll ever seed in murdering me in this lifetime?¡±

    The empress stared at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck, the same one she¡¯d plunged her dagger in with her own hands. There was no way she¡¯d forget that. Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head so the woman could have a better view. ¡°See, the wound¡¯s healed over by now.¡±

    Now Empress Zhou felt even more hopeless.

    ¡°Speaking of which, how were you nning to leave the pce after killing me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. She¡¯d been curious about the answer the entire time. Wasn¡¯t the empress afraid of Supreme Commander Lou or Windy killing her first?

    ¡°Once you died, the pce would have devolved into chaos. Someone would get me out of there in the middle of the mess. But,¡± the empress wavered there.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at her with an are you really that naive expression. ¡°Did the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men show up?¡±

    The empress froze.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Allow me to tell you what¡¯s going on outside right now It¡¯s prettyplicated. Empress, have some patience and wait until I¡¯m finished.¡±

    The empress sat listening to Ning Xiaoyao speak, her body turning stiffer by the minute.

    ¡°So you see,¡± Ning Xiaoyao finished, ¡°We¡¯re nothing but idiots in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s eyes. He¡¯s probably beside himself with joy at home right now.¡±

    For a long time, the empress didn¡¯t speak.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in front of her and sighed, looking as if she couldn¡¯tst another day and was ready to die on the spot.

    ¡°That old, old knave,¡± the empress finally cursed Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Yeah, that old knave. A bastard who deserves to die,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± the empress said next, looking at her.

    ¡°Which part don¡¯t you understand?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Ask me and I¡¯ll tell you again.¡±

    ¡°If you just go outside the gates and show yourself to the ministers, everything will be over,¡± the empress said. ¡°Why did you say that¡¯s difficult?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± the empress shook her head.

    Ning Xiaoyao listened carefully. There were no people around, but Grandfather Sparrow was sitting on the branch of the white birch tree outside, while Big Boss ck and his brothers were hiding beneath the windows. Looking up, she could see Grandpa Ash with Oil Jar in the rafters. So much for hiding any secrets, every human had a bunch of little spies in wait!

    The empress followed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze to stare up at the ceiling. Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Don¡¯t look at the rafters, look at me instead.¡±

    The empress looked back at her in surprise. Is he going to kill me?

    Ning Xiaoyao sat up straight and suddenly tore open her robes. The scene before the empress turned her mind nk. Ning Xiaoyao shed her a brilliant smile. ¡°They¡¯re not very big, but you can still tell, right?¡±

    The empress was still staring.

    Ning Xiaoyao quietly redid her robes and stared at the empress¡¯s chest instead. Dammnit, I can¡¯t even began topare.

    The empress abruptly rose from her seat and ran out of the room.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Well, that was a intense reaction.

    --

    Empress Zhou reached as far as the doors before stopping to clutch the frame from support. Then she turned to look at Ning Xiaoyao, who quickly rose to stand at attention, military style. Empress Zhou slowly walked back to her side.

    ¡°Calmed down now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked her carefully.

    ¡°Let me take another look,¡± Empress Zhou said with a nk face.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew unhappy. You¡¯re an ample-bosomed girl to begin with. What¡¯s with finding a sense of superiority from my t chest?

    (Author: You¡¯re overthinking things. The empress is just having trouble epting the truth. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°Let me take another look,¡± the empress repeated expressionlessly.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao conceded, and opened her robes again. The empress scrutinized her closely and even reached out to cop a feel. Ning Xiaoyao obediently stood there without moving.

    Once the empress was sure she hadn¡¯t dreamed everything up again, she withdrew her hand as if scalded and rubbed it furiously against her robes.

    ¡°.....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Do you have to do that? Do you think I have poop on me or something?

    ¡°You,¡± Empress Zhou pointed a finger at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Don¡¯t point. Speak properly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°You, all of you,¡± Empress Zhou lost her temper. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of being punished by the Heavens?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath. ¡°If I say I had no choice, would you believe me, empress?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me empress!¡± Empress Zhou shrieked.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Should I call you younger sister instead?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not your younger sister!¡±

    But you are a girl. Why is it so hard to get along with you? Ning Xiaoyao watched the empress¡¯s trembling form and decided to hold back this time. ¡°Then I¡¯ll call you---that¡¯s right, what was your name again?¡±

    We¡¯re supposed to be husband and wife, but you don¡¯t even know my name? Now Empress Zhou was even more furious. Ning Xiaoyao sensed that the woman was ready to kill them both and quickly spoke up. ¡°Let me remind you of two things. One, you can¡¯t beat me in a fight, and two, if you¡¯re too angry it¡¯ll hurt the fetus in your womb.¡±

    The empress¡¯s breathing quickened.

    ¡°Take deep breaths,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Think of all the wonderful things in this world.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± the empress shouted. Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face from all the spittle.

    ¡°You deserve to die,¡± Empress Zhou kept cursing. ¡°All of you deserve to die! You petty bastards, you¡¯re all....¡± For a second, she didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°We¡¯re all wretches who deserve a miserable death,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested. ¡°Lady, I understand your feelings right now. Actually, I¡¯m in a bad mood too. Can¡¯t we both sit down and talk about the situation at hand first?¡±

    ¡°The situation at hand?¡± the empressughed coldly. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the courts right now and expose you. Ning Yu, you can take Xie Wenyuan n¨¦e Xie, and the Xie n to the grave together!¡±

    ¡°Urk,¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°It¡¯s already toote. Even if you expose me, it¡¯ll be no use.¡±

    The empress looked at her in disbelief.

    ¡°Did you forget you shouted to the entire pce that I was already dead?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Now the whole capital knows. If I say I¡¯m not dead now, the Grand Preceptor will just point at me and say ¡®Strip!¡¯ Lady, do you think I should strip or not strip then?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± the empress couldn¡¯t catch up to her train of thought.

    ¡°Ning Yu¡¯s dead, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m a faker. I¡¯d be the one who burnt Ning Yu in a fire and reced her or whatever. Isn¡¯t that exactly what the Grand Preceptor will im?¡±

    The empress grew listless again.

    ¡°I told you all that stuff just then, but it looks like you weren¡¯t listening,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    Empress Zhou walked to her seat and sat back down again. Ning Xiaoyao decided to give her some time to calm down untli the woman raised her head and looked at her.

    ¡°Have you calmed down now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I could say you¡¯re a fake and that His Majesty¡¯s already dead,¡± the empress said.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked to her side. ¡°But in that case, you¡¯ll have to remain a widow in the pce for the rest of your life. Don¡¯t you want your General Xu anymore?¡±

    The empress onlyughed. ¡°It¡¯s also possible that my son will be emperor instead.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll kill the son and kill the mother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sympathetically. ¡°The empress dowager loves Ning Xin, but even she has to wait until he grows up before finding a way to kill me. Are you sure you want your son to be emperor? An infant doesn¡¯t understand a thing. If some imperial prince decides to kill him off, are you going to haunt him as a ghost for your revenge?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± the empress screamed again.

    ¡°If I could solve my problems by shutting up, then I would, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I wronged you in the past and wasted your youth, preventing you and your sweetheart General Xu from getting together. But I¡¯ve already eaten your poison and taken your knife and was still preparing to let you leave with General Xu. Lady, look. Can¡¯t you lighten your grudge against me a bit?¡±

    The empress stared at Ning Xiaoyao for a long time before bursting intoughter. It wasn¡¯t cold anymore, but filled with grief. ¡°You still trust me?¡± she asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯ll stab you again? Or that I¡¯ll find an even more potent poison to hurt you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said sincerely. ¡°Once we pass through our trials together, I¡¯ll stand here and let you stab me all you like.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re that tough, you can just go kill Xie Wenyuan,¡± the empress said.

    ¡°Killing him won¡¯t solve the problem, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spread open her arms. ¡°Supreme Commander said that he¡¯ll be bringing at least 40,000 soldiers to the capital this time. 40,000, you know!¡±

    Empress Zhou could understand Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. It was useless to target the head of a hundred year old prominent family unless you had the skills to eradicate their entire n with it.

    ¡°Can we join hands?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the empress.

    ¡°You still have the guts to trust me?¡± the empress asked.

    ¡°I do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve always felt that you¡¯re not a bad guy.¡±

    Hearing this, Empress Zhou suddenly felt the urge to burst into tears.

    ¡°Really,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said frankly. ¡°You¡¯re savage and cruel to me, but you¡¯re definitely a good girl in front of General Xu. In the future,¡± she paused to look at her stomach, ¡°You¡¯ll be a good mother, too.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say any more,¡± Empress Zhou still had a nasty tone to her voice, but she¡¯d stopped telling Ning Xiaoyao to shut up.

    ¡°Help me out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯ve thought of escaping, but if I run away by myself, what about Supreme Commander, Windy, Elder Li, the Lord Protector estate¡¯s old madame, and a whole bunch of other people? I want everyone to be okay.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s silence, Empress Zhou said, ¡°The Zhou n army doesn¡¯t number past 30,000 men. Only 20,000 of them are capable of battle. You said that Xie Wenyuan will bring around 40,000 men and horses to the capital? Do you think 20,000 against 40,000 will still stand a chance of winning?¡±

 Chapter 260: Supreme Commander says, Iâ€™ll listen to you

    <h4>Chapter 260: Supreme Commander says, I''ll listen to you</h4>

    ¡°There¡¯s also the imperial guards, the Dragon Guards, and the Lord Protector¡¯s men. They should be able to gather about 10,000 more there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had already made her calctions beforeing to visit the empress. ¡°With the Zhou n¡¯s 20,000 brothers, I think a difference of 10,000 to the enemy forces is still eptable.¡±

    The empress wanted to tell Ning Xiaoyao that counting numbers like this was wrong for war strategies, but she never got a chance to lecture her before the doors were forcefully kicked open from outside. Lou Zigui strode into the room the next second.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao hurried to ask. ¡°Why did youe?¡±

    Lou Zigui approached Ning Xiaoyoa and inspected her from head to toe to make sure she was alright, then looked towards the sitting empress. She had calmed down by now, but Lou Zigui charging in made her break out into coldughter again. ¡°What?¡± she asked as she stared at him. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s worried that I¡¯ll bully His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t happen,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily waved her hands at her. ¡°You can¡¯t beat me.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the empress. Can you stop repeating that already?

    ¡°I¡¯ve already settled things with the emp---with Miss Zhou,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Lou Zigui over the hand in high spirits. ¡°The Zhou n army can help us, oh~¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Empress Zhou with a searching look, while the empress was busy staring at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand on Lou Zigui. She¡¯s a girl, while Lou Zigui¡¯s an unmarried man. What is she doing holding his hand?

    Lou Zigui asked the empress, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    The empress looked at him.

    Please don¡¯t say it¡¯s money! Ning Xiaoyao silently prayed.

    Empress Zhou stared at Lou Zigui at said, ¡°That¡¯s between His Majesty and myself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the same if you tell Supreme Commander, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said quickly. ¡°Just that we¡¯re both really poor.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you and Supreme Commander?¡± the empress asked.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the empress, then at Supreme Commander Lou by her side, and realized what she was asking. She admitted it openly, ¡°The first time you gave me sweet soup, I fed it to Supreme Commander. Since I was by his side back then, we ended up, ah. You understand, Miss Zhou.¡±

    Lou Zigui had drank the bowl of drugged ginseng lily soup while His Majesty was by his side. How could the empress fail to understand the meaning behind those words?

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± the empress asked Lou Zigui. You knew His Majesty was female as early as that, but still remained by her side to y the part of a loyal subject. What are you nning, Lou Zigui?

    Lou Zigui understand that the empress knew Ning Xiaoyao was a girl, but replied without a hint of misgiving. ¡°That¡¯s between His Majesty and me.¡±

    The empress was rendered mute.

    ¡°What are you two doing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Shouldn¡¯t we be discussing how to get past our current obstacles? Just what are they talking about?

    The empress mentally reviewed everything that had happened so far before realizing there was no need for her to get involved. In other words, she had nothing to do with the situation at hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you out of the city,¡± Ning Xiaoyao let go of Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and sat in the chair in front of the empress. ¡°You can go find your General Xu.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. You can just write him a letter. Why are you letting her go, too?

    Empress Zhou fell silent for a while after Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words before she asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t Your Majesty worried that I¡¯ll just run away and nevere back?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s lips split into a grin. ¡°I need to show my goodwill somehow. But the road will be dangerous, so you have to be careful, Miss Zhou.¡±

    ¡°Then can I bring my brother with me?¡± Empress Zhou asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to nod when Lou Zigui spoke up. ¡°N¨¦e Zhou, don¡¯t be too demanding.¡±

    The empress raised her eyes to look at Lou Zigui again.

    ¡°D-don¡¯t fight,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said quickly. Everyone says girls and boys save time on work when paired together. Why isn¡¯t that the case here? (Author: These two aren¡¯t meant for working together, alright?)

    ¡°We don¡¯t absolutely need the Zhou n troops,¡± Lou Zigui told the empress. ¡°I still have the skills to safely escort His Majesty out of the capital city.¡±

    ¡°But,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grew anxious. What¡¯s the use if I¡¯m the only one who runs away?

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk,¡± Lou Zigui said as he pulled her behind him.

    Ning Xiaoyao deted. Fine, I¡¯ll stop talking. Why are you acting so fierce?

    Xie Wenyuan¡¯s troops hadn¡¯t reached the capital yet. It wasn¡¯t impossible for Lou Zigui to send Ning Xiaoyao away now. As long as those two could return to Anyuan, then the winner of theing struggle would still be a mystery. The only reason they weren¡¯t doing that now was because they didn¡¯t want to leave themrades behind. But that was His Majesty¡¯s wish, not Lou Zigui¡¯s. When she figured that out, n¨¦e Zhou knew that she had little room to talk terms with him.

    ¡°When night falls, I¡¯ll arrange for someone to send you away,¡± Lou Zigui told the empress. ¡°If you forgot about your ties of siblinghood with Zhou Junqi after that, then I have nothing else to say.¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help but butt in.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even look at her, but he did squeeze her hand. Ning Xiaoyao could only shut up again.

    ¡°Even with the Zhou n troops, your men and horses still won¡¯t outnumber Xie Wenyuan¡¯s forces,¡± Empress Zhou replied. ¡°Lou Zigui, how certain are you of winning against him?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll write Xu Feiyu a letter,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you to take it to him personally.¡±

    Is he bypassing me to discuss tactics with A¡¯Xu instead? The empress stared at Lou Zigui for awhile before finally nodding her head. She didn¡¯t have much choice.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui turned to face Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°No rush,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood unmoving. ¡°I want to say a few more words to Miss Zhou.¡±

    Lou Zigui murmured a noise of assent before leaving the rooms first.

    Once he was gone, the empress lowered her voice to ask, ¡°Are you going to be the emperor forever? If the world finds out, the people won¡¯t forgive you whether you¡¯re innocent or not.¡±

    ¡°I-it¡¯s not that serious,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat in front of her again. ¡°At most, the ministers, officials, and imperial nsmen will react. Themon people are still busy worrying about their own lives. Why would they care about the imperial family? They¡¯ve got enough problems to deal with.¡±

    Empress Zhou fell silent. That¡¯s true.

    ¡°No matter what happens to me in the future, I¡¯ll still live on,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered. ¡°Miss Zhou, you just go live happily ever after with General Xu instead. No need to worry about me.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Empress Zhou. I¡¯ve never worried about you.

    ¡°Sorry about what happened in the past,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added after some thought.

    Empress Zhou was somewhat moved. ¡°I¡¯ve hurt you as well, so don¡¯t bring this up anymore. You haven¡¯t wronged me.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± The weight in her chest vanished, leaving Ning Xiaoyao with a smile. ¡°Then can we be pals when we meet again?¡±

    ¡°You really look foolish when you smile like that,¡± the empress scoffed instead.

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile stiffened. My figure¡¯s no good and my face is chubby. Now even my smiles look foolish? Isn¡¯t there anything good about me?

    ¡°Do you like Lou Zigui?¡± the empress asked.

    Such a direct question made Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression stiffen further.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid he¡¯ll curse you to death?¡± the empress asked next.

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s super good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said unhappily at the words. ¡°He doesn¡¯t curse people.¡±

    The empress only nodded her head in silence. So she does like him.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the unlocked door behind them before scooting forward and dropping her voice. ¡°Supreme Commander just has a bad reputation, that¡¯s all. But think about it. If he had a good rep, how would a man like him ever end up as my subordiante?¡±

    The empress grew dazed at her words.

    Ning Xiaoyao grinned at her. ¡°Speaking of which, Miss Zhou. Who¡¯s more handsome, your General Xu or Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s A¡¯Xu,¡± the empress replied without a second thought.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s even someone more handsome than Supreme Commander?¡±

    The empress rolled her eyes at her. Only you would treat the bane of others¡¯ existence as a precious treasure.

    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯llpare them myself when I meet your General Xu in the future,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand, before looking cheerfully at the empress. ¡°You¡¯re going to see him, oh. Are you happy?¡±

    The empress felt very happy, but she didn¡¯t want Ning Xiaoyao to see her smile.

    ¡°You have to be happy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said confidently. ¡°I can see you smiing.¡±

    The empress quickly felt her face. I¡¯m smiling?

    ¡°Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rose to her feet. ¡°Just teasing. You¡¯re not smiling at all. Be careful on the road. If we have a chance, let¡¯s meet again.¡±

    As she turned to leave, Empress Zhou inexplicably reached out to grab her by the sleeve.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped and turned around. ¡°Is there something else?¡±

    The empress let go, uncertain of what to say.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s a man of his word. If he says he¡¯ll deliver you to General Xu, then he¡¯ll definitely get you there. If you¡¯reparing who¡¯s more despicable, neither him nor I canpete with the Grand Preceptor. Otherwise, how would we have fallen for his trap in the first ce?¡±

    ¡°Leave the fighting to Lou Zigui,¡± Empress Zhou said quietly. ¡°You should get out of the city and avoid all this for awhile.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked uncertain. ¡°Miss Zhou, are you worrying about me?¡±

    The empress immediately mmed up.

    ¡°Nothing will happen to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled at her. ¡°Let¡¯s be pals when we meet again. It¡¯s decided!¡±

    As Ning Xiaoyao scampered out, Empress Zhou was left sitting by herself in the pce. After some time had passed, she suddenly chuckled, then burst intoughter. Eventually theughs gave way to long, painful sobs. She never thought that the person to send her to Xu Feiyu in the end would turn out to be Ning Yu herself.

    --

    Ning Xiaoyao joined Lou Zigui in the empress¡¯s flower gardens. As they walked, she tilted her head to look up at him and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, can we get serious against the Grand Preceptor with the Zhou n troops?¡±

    ¡°Suppose they don¡¯t show up at all?¡± Lou Zigui challenged back.

    ¡°Then we run away, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll ask my little pals to follow the empress. If General Xu doesn¡¯t want to help, we¡¯ll know very soon.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao.¡± Lou Zigui gripped her hand.

    ¡°If we really can¡¯t afford to fight the Grand Preceptor for real, then we flee,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We¡¯ll have as many of us survive as we can. I can ept it if some of us die.¡± Who hasn¡¯t seen theirpanions die in the apocalypse? She sighed, then added, ¡°But before that happens, we still have to try our hardest first, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui stroked her cheek, his voice soft. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±

 Chapter 261: His Majestyâ€™s not familiar with causing chaos

    <h4>Chapter 261: His Majesty''s not familiar with causing chaos</h4>

    ¡°Then what do you n to do with Lil Big Bro Song¡¯s big brother?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui as they headed for Supreme Splendor Hall. ¡°Just what happened? Do you know, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to worry about that,¡± Lou Zigui murmured. ¡°After we deal with the consequences, we¡¯ll look into the cause.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought over his words. ¡°That makes sense. But Supreme Commander, aren¡¯t you even a little bit curious about it all?¡±

    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to interrogate Song Xu,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°He¡¯s still useful.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was very disappointed. ¡°So it¡¯s like that, ah. I wanted to go beat him up, too.¡±

    Lou Ziguiughed and pinched her cheek. ¡°I suspect that news of Fang Tang ¡®getting into trouble¡¯ should have spread by now. I¡¯d like to see Xie Wenyuan¡¯s reaction.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s reaction?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± As the path before them turned, sunlight shifted to shine on Ning Xiaoyao instead. Lou Zigui stepped to her left to shield her from its rays before he murmured, ¡°Later I¡¯ll tell Song Xu that Fang Tang¡¯s unharmed.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand his intentions. ¡°How will the Grand Preceptor react to that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have eyes and ears in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Lou Zigui turned to look at her.

    ¡°Urk, yes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She had lots of little pals there.

    ¡°Keep an eye on Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°If he sends anyone to Anyuan, then it¡¯ll prove that Fang Tang really is unharmed.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Am I missing some brain cells or something? I never understand Supreme Commander¡¯s words.

    ¡°If Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s still sending men to Anyuan at a time like this, then it¡¯ll be to check whether the ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s really made their way to the capital. This would mean that Fang Tang never fell into their hands,¡± Lou Zigui exined.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned over the words in her mind before she sputtered, ¡°But what if the Grand Preceptor¡¯s just putting on another show to trick us again? He knows you¡¯ll reason like that, Supreme Commander, so he¡¯ll follow your train of thought to lower your guard against him.¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know we already know that Song Xu¡¯s betrayed us, so why would he put on an unnecessary show?¡± Lou Zigui smiled. ¡°Moreover, with your little pals keeping an eye on him, we¡¯ll know everything he says and does. Why should I be afraid of him?¡±

    ¡°Even my little pals didn¡¯t know about Song Xu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao knitted her brows. How did the Grand Preceptor manage to hide that from an estate full of animals? I¡¯ll need to investigate this.

    ¡°So please have them put in extra effort this time,¡± Lou Zigui stopped, brushing aside the willow tree branches that hade to rest against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°Xiaoyao, we can¡¯t afford to make any more mistakes.¡±

    ¡°If Fang Tang¡¯s untouched, then doesn¡¯t that mean the ck Frost Cavalry still has a chance of showing up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui gave a bitterugh. ¡°There¡¯s the possibility, but we can¡¯t rely on them now. If we gamble all our prospects on Fang Tang and lose, then I...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rested a hand over Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth. ¡°Then we won¡¯t do that.¡± She didn¡¯t like it when he looked so hopeless. Supreme Commander Lou should never be like that.

    Lou Zigui nodded and shifted his gaze to look ahead. Only then did Ning Xiaoyao realized they were standing in front of argeke. Five or six wild ducks were currently swimming in its waters.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± one of the ducks quickly headed towards her. Ning Xiaoyao knew this one--it was Fivehue, who liked to chat with her back at Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Lou Zigui saw the ducke closer and brushed his sleeve, where he¡¯d hidden some darts. ¡°Do you want to eat wild duck?¡± Miss Ning was a foodie, so he wanted to do something to make her happy aspensation for such a big failure.

    Ning Xiaoyao froze with her hand half raised in the air. She was going to toss some food to Fivehue, but now...

    ¡°Quack?¡± Fivehue turned nk at Lou Zigui¡¯s words before he cried out. ¡°The idiot who can¡¯t even beat the Grand Preceptor wants to eat us, quack!¡±

    o(¨s¡õ¨t)o, went Ning Xiaoyao. The other ducks heard Fivehue¡¯s cry and all flew into the air. Lou Zigui felt a hint of regret. He hadn¡¯t even raised his hand, much less attack a duck. Ning Xiaoyao turned to look at him. ¡°Do you feel like even the ducks are bullying you now?¡±

    Lou Zigui was feeling sorry because the ducks had flown, but her words turned his face ck.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted his chest. ¡°This time I¡¯ll definitely keep an eye on the Grand Preceptor. No worries, Supreme Commander. With me here, no one can pick on you.¡±

    Lou Zigui stared down at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s petite form and sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll grow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously.

    Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead. ¡°Whether or not you grow, I¡¯ll still like you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely grow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao insisted. Once she dealt with the Grand Preceptor and had easier days ahead, she¡¯ll definitely grow, both in height and her you-know-what size!

    Lou Zigui could only nod. ¡°Yes, you¡¯ll grow.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like to eat duck,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    ¡°There are even things you don¡¯t like to eat?¡± Lou Zigui blurted out.

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed her cheeks. What does that mean? Do you think I¡¯m some sort of glutton? (Author: You mean you don¡¯t think so yourself? (©V_©V))

    ¡°Alright, I know now. Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui tugged at Ning Xiaoyao, who nced at Fivehue flying in the air before docilely following along.

    As they walked, she said, ¡°Supreme Commander, are we really going to keep up our act with Song Xu?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Motherf***ing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed. This really is ¡®life¡¯s a stage and all its men are merely yers.¡¯ We¡¯re relying on our acting to live on.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± It wasn¡¯t the first time Lou Zigui had heard her say such words, but he¡¯d never understood them. Now was the time to ask.

    ¡°Urk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I was cursing someone just then.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Let¡¯s just pretend I didn¡¯t ask a thing.

    Ning Xiaoyao returned to Supreme Splendor Hall, where Wheat met her at the door bynding on her shoulder. ¡°Xiaoyao, Big Yellow who¡¯s in charge of the dogs at the south gates wanted me to pass on a message. Chen Lu is currently hiding in the seventh courtyard on the left of Fangqi Lane in the south of the city.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at Supreme Commander Lou, then the Dragon Guardsing to wee her back, and said, ¡°Supreme Commander, Wheat here is hungry. I¡¯m going to find him some food, so you go chat with Windy and the Lord Protector first.¡±

    One of the Dragon Guards saw His Majesty dart past and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s Wheat?¡±

    ¡°Wheat is a sparrow,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    The Dragon Guards felt their mouths twitch. So does this mean His Majesty¡¯s keeping that whole nest of sparrows in the wutong tree from the back gardens as his pets?

    Ning Xiaoyao found a deserted corner before crossing her legs to sit on the ground. ¡°Come on, tell me what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Wheat said, ¡°Big Yellow didn¡¯t find me directly. He wanted to find a dog first, but none of them were capable of slipping into the pce. Elder Li¡¯s dog, ck Panther, told him that it¡¯s more useful to find Big Boss ck, but Big Yellow¡¯s on bad terms with Big Boss ck. So in the end he found the head of the crows in the south city....¡±

    ¡°Wheat, Wheat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut him off, a little dizzy from it all. ¡°I know already, the news spread one by one until it reached you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Wheat hopped a few times on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Xiaoyao, you¡¯re so smart!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt like her missing IQ had returned!

    ¡°Chen Lu was rescued and taken to that big courtyard,¡± Wheat continued. ¡°Big Yellow was ready to help you out by biting him to death, but the masked man who took him was too powerful. Big Yellow was afraid that he and his brothers would be bitten to death instead, so they retreated first.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder Big Yellow is head of all the dogs south of the city. Doing that was the right decision. If you¡¯re unsure about the enemy, you can¡¯t attack them indiscriminately.¡±

    ¡°Big Yellow even heard them say that they¡¯d take Chen Lu to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to meet him after dark,¡± Wheat added. ¡°Big Yellow suggests that you meet him tonight at Fangqi Lane and join hands to bite Chen Lu to death.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. ¡°I do want to bite that jerk to death.¡±

    ¡°But Xiaoyao, you¡¯re not a doggie. How are you going to bite Chen Lu to death?¡± Wheat tilted his head at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it over before deciding. ¡°Then I won¡¯t bite him, but beat him to death!¡±

    Wheat thought that was reasonable, so he continued. ¡°A doctor went to look at Chen Lu¡¯s wounds and said they were very serious. It¡¯s uncertain whether he¡¯ll live or die. Big Yellow said he heard Chen Lu say he wanted to see his family.¡±

    ¡°Did the masked man take Chen Lu¡¯s family to see him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao guessed.

    Wheat shook his head. ¡°No. The masked man said wait until they reach the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate before meeting with his family.¡±

    ¡°Then let him have hisst reunion with his family,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°He¡¯s almost dead. Wheat, tell Big Yellow that we won¡¯t take pains with Chen Lu. I¡¯ll owe him and his brothers a meal of bones in exchange.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Wheat agreed.

    Leaning against the wall beneath the dappled shade of the trees above her, Ning Xiaoyao began to trace circles in the ground with her fingers. Tonight the empress was scheduled to leave the pce. There was no way they could let Grand Preceptor Xie find out. What was the best way to distract his subordinates away from Supreme Splendor Hall? Looks like making a ruckus at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate isn¡¯t a bad idea.

    Should I start a fire?

    No, Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. There¡¯s plenty of people there to put out the mes. That won¡¯t distract that old Xie enough.

    What if I pretend to be a ghost and scare him? That wouldn¡¯t work either. Suppose he doesn¡¯t believe in ghosts?

    Tear down his door? Again, Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. That¡¯s no more useful than setting the ce on fire.

    ¡°What should I do?¡± Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head in thought. She didn¡¯t have any experience in causing chaos.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Hearing a voice, Ning Xiaoyao looked up and waved a hand at Ji Yuerong. ¡°Miss Ji.¡±

    Ji Yuerong looked around them before asking, ¡°Your Majesty, why are you by yourself here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking over a problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ji Yuerong settled to sit by her side. ¡°Did something happen?¡± she asked in a low voice. ¡°Supreme Commander called my grandfather in to discuss things.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to worry about their men¡¯s affairs,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I have a conundrum on my hands right now.¡±

    Ji Yuerong only looked at her in silence. That¡¯s an awkward way to phrase things. Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you a man yourself? (Author: Actually, she¡¯s really not....)

    ¡°I want to cause chaos at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Miss Ji, what kind of trouble should I raise to capture the Grand Preceptor and his men¡¯s attentionpletely tonight?¡±

    Ji Yuerong smoothed out her sleeves. ¡°That¡¯s easy, we¡¯ll just go raise a row at their doors.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. This woman¡¯s so violent. How¡¯s she supposed to find a husband in the future like this? (Author: You still have the time to worry about that? (¨s_¨t))

 Chapter 262: His Majesty wears a flowery dress

    <h4>Chapter 262: His Majesty wears a flowery dress</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ji Yuerong finished smoothing out her sleeves and looked back at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re unhurt?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. Miss Ji¡¯s reaction time is really something else. It took her this long to ask that question.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ji Yuerong suddenly got it. ¡°Your Majesty, you were ying dead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at her. ¡°Whether I¡¯m dead or alive isn¡¯t important right now. The main point is that I need to send someone out of the city tonight without the Grand Preceptor finding out.¡±

    ¡°How about putting them in disguise?¡± Ji Yuerong suggested.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°That kind of stunt won¡¯t pass someone at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s level.¡±

    ¡°That old crook!¡± Ji Yuerong cursed.

    ¡°It¡¯s mostly because I¡¯m inexperienced,¡± Ning Xiaoyao admitted. ¡°I¡¯ve never caused chaos in the past before.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ji Yuerong. Why would an emperor like you need to do that in the first ce?

    Ning Xiaoyao clutched her head in thought, bitterly wishing for a solution. Meanwhile, Wheat returned from his flight. With Ji Yuerong around, he avoided Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and perched on a branch above her head instead to shout, ¡°Xiaoyao,test news! Chen Lu might not live until tomorrow. The Grand Preceptor will be visiting him in Fangqi Lane tonight instead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up at Wheat and blew him a flying kiss. Wheat chirped at her twice before flying off. Ji Yuerong stared at the empty branch and said, ¡°Your Majesty, why do I feel like that sparrow was talking to you just now?¡±

    It¡¯s not just a feeling. Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°That¡¯s not the important thing. Let¡¯s worry about the present first.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll make a row at their door,¡± Ji Yuerong dered again.

    Looks like that¡¯s the only trick she¡¯s got. Ning Xiaoyao had no choice but to hug her head and keep thinking. Soon enough, a cloth ball rolled to a stop at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet. Following that, Xiaoqiu appeared like a missile from the stone path and dove into herp. The next second, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s clothes were soaked in the little boy¡¯s tears. Everyone had heard about the sad death of their emperor in the city streets, so Xiaoqiu had caught wind of it in the pce too. He had been scared to death by the news.

    ¡°Xiaoqiu be good, don¡¯t cry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao coaxed the child as she hugged him. ¡°I¡¯m fine. See? I¡¯m really okay, ah.¡±

    Xiaoqiu clutched tightly at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s clothes, afraid that she¡¯d disappear as soon as he let go. Erya caught up soon afterwards and immediately turned teary-eyed when she saw Ning Xiaoyao herself. Ning Xiaoyao hastily beckoned towards the girl, who ran over and rested her head against a shoulder before she started to bawl.

    Ning Xiaoyao really felt that she¡¯d suffered a big loss this time. Not only did she bleed for nothing, she even scared her own people half to death. In the end, it was Grand Preceptor Xie, that jerk, who got to watch a big show!

    Ji Yuerong patted Xiaoqiu¡¯s head and said, ¡°Xiaoqiu¡¯s looking better and better these days.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Xiaoqiu wasn¡¯t the yellow-skinned, skinny bean sprout he used to be, but white and plump. His arms and legs were like the stout joints of a lotus root, his tummy round as a ball just like his name. Ning Xiaoyaoforted Erya and Xiaoqiu for awhile before the siblings stopped crying. Looking at the little boy clinging to his side, Ning Xiaoyao suddenly asked Ji Yuerong, ¡°Actually, how many children does Chen Lu have?¡±

    Ji Yuerong grew astonished. ¡°Your Majesty, you don¡¯t know?¡±

    Seeing this, Ning Xiaoyao was certain she¡¯d missed out on some gossip. ¡°Tell. What¡¯s up?¡± Her eyes were positively gleaming.

    ¡°Chen Lu doesn¡¯t have any children,¡± Ji Yuerong said.

    ¡°Whaa?¡±

    ¡°Everyone in the world knows that Great General Chen only has a single wife who can¡¯t bear a child, He Dongshi.¡±[1. He Dongshi (ºÓ¶«Ê¨) - He is a surname that means river, Dongshi means ¡°eastern lion.¡±]

    ¡°He Dongshi?¡± Ning Xiaoyao echoed.

    ¡°She¡¯s a scary woman,¡± Ji Yuerong exined. ¡°A literal tigress. They say in a duel she can even best Chen Lu himself.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never understood why Chen Lu sacrifices himself for Xie Wenyuan so much when he¡¯s got a woman like He Dongshi back home. What¡¯s up with him?¡± Ji Yuerong remarked. ¡°If I was him, I¡¯d long go to my next reincarnation instead.¡±

    So that¡¯s what Chen Lu¡¯s life is like. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes spun in thought before ncing at Erya leaning by her side and Xiaoqiu nestled in herp. A lightbulb went on in her head as she thought up an idea.

    ¡°Miss Ji, does Chen Lu¡¯s wife know what you look like?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Ji Yuerong shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve never met that tigress.¡±

    ¡°Then can you help me out?¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled coaxingly at Ji Yuerong.

    ¡°No problem,¡± Ji Yuerong agreed easily. ¡°I¡¯ll go make a ruckus at the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate this very night.¡±

    ¡°Nonono,¡± Ning Xiaoyao protested. ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s going to Fangqi Lane to see Chen Lu tonight. His wife ising along too, so let¡¯s block her way instead.¡±

    Ji Yuerong knitted her brows. ¡°We¡¯re going to beat up his wife?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted Erya. ¡°Tonight, Erya is going to be your firstborn daughter.¡± Then she patted Xiaoqiu and added, ¡°Xiaoqiu will be your son.¡±

    Ji Yuerong grew nk. ¡°Then who¡¯s going to be the father?¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ji Yuerong.

    ¡°Why would Chen Lu be in cahoots with the Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao challenged. ¡°Because he¡¯s helping him supporting his mistress and children, of course. Miss Ji, what do you think Chen Lu¡¯s wife would do in a situation like this?¡±

    Ji Yuerong gulped. ¡°Kill me, then Chen Lu. If she has the skills, she¡¯d even kill Xie Wenyuan, right?¡±

    ¡°Then have his wife be the one causing chaos,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a snap of her fingers. ¡°No need to fear. I¡¯ll protect you. Tonight I¡¯ll be your little sister and together we¡¯ll block off Chen Lu¡¯s wife.¡±

    Ji Yuerong thought she¡¯d misheard. ¡°My sister?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to be the mistress,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°But with looks like mine, I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to convince his wife.¡±

    ¡°Then you could be my little brother,¡± Ji Yuerong was a little confused. She¡¯d never met a man who wanted to crossdress willingly.

    ¡°Then what if someone discovers I¡¯m His Majesty? What will I do then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    True enough, Ji Yuerong thought as she observed Ning Xiaoyao. For some reason, she suddenly wanted to see what His Majesty looked like in drag!

    ¡°Are you game?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m game,¡± Ji Yuerong replied. If His Majesty¡¯s even willing to crossdress, why can¡¯t I pretend to be a mistress, too?

    ¡°Erya, Xiaoqiu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said to the children. ¡°Are you two alright with this? Remember to call Miss Ji mother tonight, and me as auntie.¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Xiaoqiu¡¯s face was filled with determination.

    Erya was more worried. ¡°But Miss Ji said that woman was really fierce. Will we get beaten?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty will be there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she thumped her chest. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely make sure no one beats you up.¡±

    ¡°Then does Your Majesty mean I have to be the one who¡¯s beat up?¡± Ji Yuerong asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao paused, then added, ¡°I¡¯ll be there getting beat up right with you.¡±

    Ji Yuerong breathed in before nodded. ¡°Fine then.¡± She felt a lot better if she wasn¡¯t the only one earning a smacking.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s start,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she picked up Xiaoqiu and rose to her feet. ¡°Make some preparations, we¡¯ll set out tonight.¡±

    The two tall and small figures both left for their rooms, all of them wearing serious expressions. It looked like they were about to undertake some monumental task.

    It was easy enough to find jewelry and dresses that would fit Ning Xiaoyao in the pce. She had Mute Nanny help her out and even reb her hair before slipping into a flowery dress. After adding a few simple essories, Ning Xiaoyao twirled in front of the mirror and asked, ¡°Granny, what do you think?¡±

    Mute Nanny quickly nodded in approval. Although His Majesty¡¯s looks can¡¯t bepared to the empress dowager, she¡¯s a beauty, too!

    Ning Xiaoyao was very happy to get her affirmation. She ran out of the rooms and jumped out in front of Ji Yuerong, Erya, and Xiaoqiu. ¡°Ta-da, look!¡±

    Ji Yuerong was stunned. The almond-eyed, pouty-lipped, and perky-nosed figure with the tender, snow-white skin faintly tinged with pink looked every inch an adorable little beauty. Erya and Xiaoqiu were shocked as well, staring at Ning Xiaoyao in a daze.

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at them. ¡°Give a reaction or something, don¡¯t just stare.¡±

    Ji Yuerong recovered her wits and leveled Ning Xiaoyao with aplicated look. She never realized His Majesty was such an androgynous type. ¡°Very convincing,¡± she said. ¡°If not for your t chest, Your Majesty, I would have really thought you were a---¡± She caught herself then. Suspect His Majesty was a girl? Am I sick of living for thinking such things?

    t chest---

    F l a t--

    Ning Xiaoyao was grievously injured by those words. I¡¯m going to stuff two mantous down thereter! (Author: Hey hey, what¡¯s the point of doing something like that? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°We¡¯ll set out as soon as it gets dark,¡± Ning Xiaoyao covered her chest with her arms before leaving for the courtyard, her head drooping.

    Ji Yuerong stood dumbfounded for a long time before she turned to ask Erya and Xiaoqiu, ¡°What did I say to make him so unhappy?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is so pretty,¡± Erya only muttered back.

    ¡°A beauty,¡± Xiaoqiu dered.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ji Yuerong. Wake up, you two! That¡¯s a man!

    (Author: Actually, she¡¯s not...)

    --

    Meanwhile, a group of angry men were currently sitting together in a room.

    ¡°Unless we can summon a bunch of men by magic,¡± the Lord Protector said hopelessly, ¡°We¡¯ll have no way of avoiding Xie Wenyuan¡¯s eyes and ears.¡±

    ¡°If we can¡¯t do that, how are we supposed to escort the empress out of the pce?¡± one of the ck Frost Calvary generals asked. ¡°It¡¯s almost dark now, what do we do?¡±

    Pei Yan spoke up next. ¡°It¡¯s impossible to hide from his scrutiny, but if we distract Xie Wenyuan with something else, we might have a chance.¡±

    ¡°Besides rebelling, what else does Xie Wenyuan have to worry about?¡± the Lord Protector asked his brother.

    Pei Yan looked towards Lou Zigui instead. ¡°Supreme Commander, what do you think we should do?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao knocked on the door at this moment before stepping over the threshold. ¡°I have an idea.¡±

    Everyone turned to face the little girl that had suddenly entered their ranks with shock. She¡¯s not wearing any clothes from the pce. Who is she?

    Ning Xiaoyao stopped at their stares. ¡°It¡¯s me, ah. You guys don¡¯t recognize me anymore?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty?!¡± Shadowthunder was the first to cry out.

    The chairs moved in unison, and everyone except for Lou Zigui rose to their feet. They stared at Ning Xiaoyao in shock. Her voice was unmistakable, as was the face. This was their Majesty!

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui with an ear-splitting grin. Lou Zigui had always wanted to see Ning Xiaoyao dressed as a girl, but never imagined she¡¯d be standing before him this instant in a flowery dress. His heart grew chaotic, both with surprise a pleasure. There was a hint of unhappiness too, because his treasure was being stared at by so many other people now...

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head when she saw Lou Zigui sitting there without a single reaction. Does he not like it?

 Chapter 263: Mother, I want daddy

    <h4>Chapter 263: Mother, I want daddy</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty, you...¡± Shadowgale walked to Ning Xiaoyao and stared at her in her dress, his gaze frozen.

    Ning Xiaoyao swept her eyes over the crowd. Everyone else was reacting more or less like the headmander. She cleared her throat and told the men, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. Tonight I¡¯m going to pretend to be Miss Ji¡¯s little sister. That¡¯s why I dressed up like this.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± old General Ji Jiu eximed when he realized his granddaughter Yuerong was involved as well.

    ¡°It¡¯s like this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began to exin her ns with Ji Yuerong, Erya, and Xiaoqiu tonight. When she was halfway done, Ji Yuerong entered the room herself and added a few things here and there.

    ¡°So Miss Ji will be Chen Lu¡¯s mistress, and I¡¯ll be her younger sister. Erya is Miss Ji¡¯s eldest daughter, while Xiaoqiu is her son,¡± Ning Xiaoyao concluded.

    Old General Ji was floored by the n. He only managed to ask, ¡°Who¡¯s the father?¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu, ah,¡± Ji Yuerong answered.

    Old General Ji nearly toppled backwards. Although he knew this was all an act, it was still intolerable to hear such words from her mouth! ¡°You,¡± the general looked between his granddaughter and Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Can¡¯t a pce maid do something like this instead?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°None of them can afford to shoulder a thrashing.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said everyone else. That¡¯s right. Chen Lu¡¯s wife is a tigress. If a delicate pce maid yed the role instead, she¡¯d never be able to take a p.

    ¡°I was originally nning to y the mistress myself,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°But I¡¯m not beautiful enough. I¡¯m afraid Chen Lu¡¯s wife won¡¯t believe me if I tell her.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t believe what?¡± the Lord Protector asked dazedly.

    ¡°She would think, how could a girl who looks like this ever have seduced Chen Lu in the first ce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a shrug.

    ¡°The face is convincing enough,¡± Ji Yuerong got straight to the point. ¡°But not the figure.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao only looked at her in silence.

    So you¡¯re doing it in his ce instead? Old General Ji looked at his granddaughter with a pained expression. A girl running off to y someone else¡¯s mistress. If news of this spreads, how will my granddaughter ever marry?

    ¡°Are you displeased?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked after studying Old General Ji¡¯s expression. He didn¡¯t answer, because he knew his granddaughter wouldn¡¯t heed his words anyways.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s set,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped. ¡°Tonight we¡¯ll only aim for sess, not failure.¡±

    All of the men nodded their heads, then went back to staring at Ning Xiaoyao. They¡¯d probably never get a chance to see their Majesty like this again after today. Lou Zigui strode forward and had Ning Xiaoyao sit on a chair. But the men¡¯s gazes followed her there. Supreme Commander Lou tried to block them, but discovered it was impossible. In the end, he began to divvy up tasks for them instead to get them out as fast as possible. Once everyone left to fulfill their orders and Old General Ji took Miss Ji away, only he and Ning Xiaoyao remained in the room. Finally, he turned to look at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao unconsciously straightened up in her seat. Lou Zigui¡¯s expression wavered between nothing and a smile, leaving her feeling uncertain.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± she asked.

    ¡°You have to be careful tonight,¡± Lou Zigui finally spok

    ¡°Ah? Oh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. How could I not be careful when I¡¯m taking Erya and Xiaoqiu for a beating?

    ¡°Chen Lu¡¯s wife might be rough, but it¡¯s impossible to hope that she¡¯ll kill Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lou Zigui said lightly. ¡°This doesn¡¯t just involve her and Chen Lu, but the Chen n and her own maternal n. She wouldn¡¯t have the guts to pay for Xie Wenyuan¡¯s life with the lives of both ns.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. ¡°Am I as malicious as that? Even if that wife wants to kill him, I¡¯ll have to stop her myself. An emperor like me can¡¯t even kill the Grand Preceptor whenever I want, so how could I let her steal that chance from me?¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui amended quickly. ¡°I know. Xiaoyao, you¡¯re not that kind of viin.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Lou Zigui bent down and kissed her on the forehead, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll go write a little to Xu Feiyu. Tonight I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said hastily. ¡°The Grand Preceptor will recognize you even if you¡¯ve burned to ashes. Supreme Commander, you should escort the empress out of the city instead. That¡¯s important, too.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that Xie Wenyuan will recognize you instead?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m short, so I¡¯ll vanish from sight as soon as I stand into a crowd. Moreover, how could my face be this clean after I tussle with Chen Lu¡¯s wife? When the timees, I¡¯ll have apletely dirty face. The Grand Preceptor would be a monster if he recognized me then.¡±

    Lou Zigui knit his brows. ¡°You¡¯re going to take a beating?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best not to,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m a miracle doctor. Even a stabbing couldn¡¯t kill me, so what does a thrashing count for?¡±

    Lou Zigui forced his worries down before brushing at the stray hairs on her forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll have Old Huo and the rest make preparations.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed. ¡°The more people we have, the bigger row we can make. Our goal is to trap the Grand Preceptor at Fangqi Lane until he¡¯s forced to call his subordinates for help.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand trailed down until it stopped Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. It almost looked as if he was going to kiss her on the lips before he turned to leave.

    ¡°Looks like charm only leads to grief,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself from her chair. What to do? I¡¯m not happy. She decided to take a trip to the little kitchens and see if Chef Huang had finished making her nourishing soup yet.

    Two hourster, Ning Xiaoyao ate herself half full of soup straight from the point before leaving with Ji Yuerong, Erya, and Xiaoqiu out of the pce. At a street near Fangqi Lane, they stopped to eat Chef Huang¡¯s pastries while waiting for thest of the sun to set and the citynterns to go on.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed Ji Yuerong and Erya towards the western end of thend as she spoke with a mouth full of sugar beans.

    ¡°You¡¯re still looking?¡± Ji Yuerong pulled Ning Xiaoyao behind the wall. What would they do if Xie Wenyuan discovered them early? Erya used one hand to muffle her own mouth while the other cover Xiaoqiu¡¯s. Meanwhile, the row of people from the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate strolled past them, never noticing the four figured huddled in the shadows of the alleyway.

    ¡°Eight people are carrying his sedan chair,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said in dissatisfaction. ¡°He¡¯s only a skinny old man. Does he need that many carriers?¡±

    ¡°In the future, he¡¯ll need eight coffin bearers instead,¡± Ji Yuerong said even more viciously. ¡°That¡¯s why he needs those eight to get used to carrying him while he¡¯s still alive. Otherwise, what would he do if they startle his ghost with their carry after death?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s round face twitched in response to Ji Yuerong¡¯s words. This girl is even blunter than me!

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ji Yuerong asked.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face and changed the topic. ¡°I wonder when Chen Lu¡¯s wife will show up?¡±

    Who knows?

    ¡°That¡¯s right, what¡¯s her name, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s from the Xu n,¡± Ji Yuerong replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    ¡°N¨¦e Xu is the eldest daughter of Xu Jing,[1. Xu Jing (Ðí¾¸) - Xu is a surname that means ¡°promise, praise/approve, allow permit,¡± Jing means ¡°make tranquil, pacify.¡±] ah.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Who¡¯s Xu Jing?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a powerful and mighty general,¡± Ji Yuerong said with a wooden face. ¡°He controls thergest military barracks amongst the 36 battalions stationed in the capital city and its environs. Hemands the most soldiers in Xie Wenyuan¡¯s faction. Your Majesty, you don¡¯t even know Xu Jing?¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. I didn¡¯t even know the capital had 36 battalions to begin with, so how would I know Xu Jing?

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ji Yuerong suddenly sighed as she came to her own conclusions. ¡°I suppose Xie Wenyuan wouldn¡¯t have let you known these things. Mm, that must be it.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded with a straight face. ¡°It¡¯s all the Grand Preceptor¡¯s fault.¡±

    Ji Yuerong stopped fretting over the details, while Ning Xiaoyao spat in Grand Preceptor¡¯s direction. That old man¡¯s too vile! (Author: Do you think the Grand Preceptor could have hide something like this? Don¡¯t me the Grand Preceptor when it¡¯s you yourself not being thorough enough. o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°I¡¯m really worried that n¨¦e Xu will beat us to death,¡± Ji Yuerong said nervously as the night grew darker. She couldn¡¯t help but confide her fears to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°She really will, you know.¡±

    ¡°Girl, you¡¯re a soldier too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand why Ji Yuerong would get anxious now. You weren¡¯t afraid thest time you fought in a war, so why fear fighting with somebody¡¯s wife now?

    ¡°I can¡¯t beat Chen Lu in a fight,¡± Ji Yuerong finally admitted. ¡°And Chen Lu can¡¯t beat n¨¦e Xu, so I definitely won¡¯t be able to defeat n¨¦e Xu either.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted herself on the chest. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°But can we even fight back?¡± Ji Yuerong mused. ¡°If we beat up n¨¦e Xu too badly, how is she supposed to kill her way to Chen Lu and make him pay?¡±

    (¡Ñ¦ä¡Ñ) , went Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s right, we¡¯re supposed to get beat up.

    ¡°Someone¡¯sing,¡± Erya called out softly. Ning Xiaoyao and Ji Yuerong quickled turned to look into the street, where stewards, servant girls, and old nanny types were clustered around a small sedan chair carried by two peopleing down thene.

    ¡°Is n¨¦e Xuing?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Should be,¡± Ji Yuerong answered.

    ¡°Then shall we go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Ji Yuerong steadied her breathing before picking up Xiaoqiu and dashing into the middle of the street. Ning Xiaoyao took Erya by the hand and slowly followed behind her. She could feel her body aching for the expected beating again.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± the foremost steward in front called out when he saw people blocking the road.

    ¡°I forgot to ask, what should myst name be?¡± Ji Yuerong asked Ning Xiaoyao. How am I supposed to be a mistress without a proper name?

    ¡°Yourst name is Ji, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°I can¡¯t use Ji, change it to something else,¡± Ji Yuerong was insistent on that point.

    ¡°How about Ning?¡±

    Ji Yuerong shook her head. She didn¡¯t dare borrow that one, either.

    ¡°The audacity! You have some nerve!¡± the steward crowed again when neither of the two woman answered him.

    ¡°Try Xiang,¡± Erya said, offering her ownst name.

    ¡°This little woman is surnamed Xiang,¡± Ji Yuerong said immediately.

    ¡°Which Xiang?¡± one of the head nannies stepped forward and surveyed Ji Yuerong and Ning Xiaoyao from head to toe. ¡°We don¡¯t recognize it. What business have you here?¡±

    Ji Yuerong had never done something as shoddy as this and found herself speechless before the nanny¡¯s questions. Ning Xiaoyao stuck her nose in the air and gave a snort. ¡°My big sister is Great General Chen¡¯s wife. A servant like you should treat us with more respect!¡±

    The group before them fell silent.

    ¡°Xiaoqiu, call for mother,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged on Xiaoqiu¡¯s pant leg.

    ¡°Mother,¡± Xiaoqiu hugged Ji Yuerong around the neck before added like a natural, ¡°I want daddy.¡±

    The group before them remained silent, but now expressions of fright were on their faces. The general not only had a mistress, but a son with her as well?!

 Chapter 264: The authentication token of the Chen family head

    <h4>Chapter 264: The authentication token of the Chen family head</h4>

    The curtains of the sedan chair went up before a noble women with willow-shaped brows and phoenix eyes stepped out and looked in their direction.

    ¡°My God,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered with a tremulous sigh. ¡°There¡¯s killing intent!¡±

    Ji Yuerong held Xiaoqiu tighter before telling Erya, ¡°When we start fightingter, Erya, you take Xiaoqiu and run as fast as you can.¡±

    Erya felt that she¡¯d have no sense of loyalty if she fled on the eve of a battle, so she remained uncertain. Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Erya, have you turned into a fool? Which one do you think is more worthwhile, two people getting beaten or all four?¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s the one with two,¡± Erya replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s not I think, it¡¯s definitely!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°Big bro Windy and the rest are hiding in the end of the alleyway yonder. You should run away with Xiaoqiu and hide over there.¡±

    ¡°N¨¦e Xu ising!¡± Ji Yuerong warned in a soft voice. Ning Xiaoyao examined Lady Xu as she approached them and discovered that even her way of walking took big steps. It was a very valiant and heroic stride.

    Ning Xiaoyao breathed in again before tugging at Erya. ¡°Erya, call for mother.¡±

    ¡°Mother,¡± Erya called out fearfully for Ji Yuerong, her voice trembling.

    The Chen estate servants looked even more fearful at the sound. Our general has a daughter, too?!

    ¡°Big sis, don¡¯t be afraid of her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Ji Yuerong next. ¡°You and the general already have children. Why are you afraid of that barren thing at all?¡±

    The Chen family servants looked at Ning Xiaoyao as if they were watching a dead girl. N¨¦e Xu¡¯s steps faltered at thement before sheughed and kept walking forward. Ji Yuerong shot desperate winks in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s direction.

    ¡°It¡¯s enough if we get the point across. Aren¡¯t you afraid that woman will beat us to death?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t even die if someone stabs me, so why would I fear a thrashing?¡± Since Ning Xiaoyao had decided to risk everything, she was prepared to be beaten half dead by n¨¦e Xu as well.

    By now n¨¦e Xu had stopped about ten meters apart from the two tall and small figures. ¡°Which family are you from?¡± she asked. It was a normal question, but sounded high and lofty when asked from those lips. Both His Majesty Ning and Jie Yuerong felt that they¡¯d instantly shrunk in her eyes.

    ¡°This little woman¡¯s maternal n is the Xiang,¡± Jie Yuerong managed to force out.

    ¡°Maternal n? Sounds like you¡¯re a married woman,¡± n¨¦e Xu remarked.

    Ning Xiaoyao held up her head and threw out her chest. ¡°That¡¯s right, ah. She even has a daughter and son.¡±

    N¨¦e Xu asked, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, who was your matchmaker? Do you have a marriage certificate?¡±

    Ji Yuerong and Ning Xiaoyao exchanged nces. This is going differently from what we expected. Why is n¨¦e Xu standing there talking to us instead? Isn¡¯t she supposed to beat us up by now?

    ¡°Looks like you have none,¡± n¨¦e Xu waited a while before splitting her lips in a grin. ¡°You must have indulged in those rtions without a matchmaker at all.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°A runner is only a concubine, you understand things like that, right?¡± n¨¦e Xu asked as she looked as Ning Xiaoyao, who only scratched her head. That didn¡¯t sound like apliment, but a runner is only a concubine? A runner was someone who ran, so is she saying women who run will end up nothing more than concubines?[1. A runner is only a concubine (±¼ÕßÎªæª) benzheweiqie, idiom that roughly means any man who takes a wife without the approval of a matchmaker, or just for a private affair, cannot have that wife officially recognized by either family. She would at most, only be a concubine.] What kind of logic is that? (Author: If you don¡¯t understand it, don¡¯t think up wild exnations, ahhhh!)

    ¡°What did you find me for?¡± n¨¦e Xu asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave up on puzzling out the idiom and shrugged her shoulders instead. ¡°Nothing much. I just wanted to tell you, my brother-inw---¡±

    ¡°What gall!¡± n¨¦e Xu¡¯s expression abruptly shifted at her words. ¡°Who¡¯s your brother-inw?¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu, ah. Who else could it be?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wore a I know you¡¯re ying dumb with me expression as she looked at n¨¦e Xu. ¡°The Grand Preceptor sent his head steward to tell us that my brother-inw is in Fangqi Lane, and to have my big sistere over with the children.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor?¡± n¨¦e Xu didn¡¯t believe it.

    ¡°Oh, right. Who said my big sister didn¡¯t have a matchmaker?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly came to her senses. ¡°The Grand Preceptor was the matchmaker between my big sis and my brother-inw. The marriage certificate is in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    N¨¦e Xu looked at Ning Xiaoyao for a moment before she asked, ¡°Who sent you? You¡¯re trying such meager attempts to sow discord in front of thisdy¡¯s face?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°......¡± said Ji Yuerong.

    We¡¯re screwed. We haven¡¯t even started fighting yet and she¡¯s already called us out.

    ¡°Cheep.¡± a little mouse¡¯s cry rose up from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet. She looked down and saw none other than Oil Jar. Noticing the nce, he quickly scampered up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s leg and climbed onto her shoulder, before opening his mouth. Ning Xiaoyao held out her hand and caught a small copper fish. It wasn¡¯t very big, but it was very heavy. The eyes of the fish were made out of cat¡¯s eye stones. As Ning Xiaoyao ran her finger down the length of its body, she could feel words etched into its scales.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Oil Jar said as he panted, ¡°This is what my Ancestral Grandfather told me to bring you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quietly backed up a few steps until she was standing behind Ji Yuerong.

    ¡°.......¡± said Ji Yuerong. Is His Majesty leaving me to take on the tigress alone, now that we¡¯ve been exposed?!

    Ning Xiaoyao stood behind her and asked Oil Jar quietly, ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°The copper fish of the Chen n,¡± Oil Jar exined. ¡°Ancestral Grandfather had my uncle on my third cousin¡¯s side take it from Chen Lu. Xiaoyao, this is good stuff, ah.¡±

    ¡°H-how is it good?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°This is the authentication token of the Chen n, oh~¡± Oil Jar exiend. ¡°Ancestral Grandfather told Oil Jar that anyone who has this is the head of the Chen n in Jiangyin County.¡±

    ¡°Well, shoot!¡± The copper fish seemed to feel even heavier in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. ¡°This fish sounds super important, ah!¡± She sighed with feeling.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Oil Jar nodded.

    ¡°Speaking of which, how did that third uncle get this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked curiously.

    ¡°Chen Lu is staying in my third uncle¡¯s house, ah,¡± Oil Jar exined. ¡°He took it off Chen Lu¡¯s body.¡±

    ¡°Ah geez,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed again, impressed. This time the third uncle had taken a huge risk.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t hard at all,¡± Oil Jar raised a paw to stroke Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek. ¡°My third uncle said that Chen Lu was sleeping like a dead pig.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao brushed a hand across her twitching lips. He¡¯s not sleeping. Great General Chen¡¯s almost dead, so that¡¯s more like aa.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, my Ancestral Grandfather said that you¡¯d find a use for this, oh,¡± Oil Jar continued. ¡°I haven¡¯te toote, right?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cocked her head to one side so her chin could nuzzle against Oil Jar¡¯s face. ¡°When you go back, remember to introduce me to your third uncle sometime.¡±

    ¡°Will there be peanuts?¡± Oil Jar asked.

    ¡°More than enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said haughtily.

    ¡°Mm, okay!¡± Oil Jar was thrilled as he hopped a few times on her shoulder.

    Erya tugged on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand then and whispered, ¡°Big sister Ji¡¯s about to cry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up and saw that Ji Yuerong was already suffering a crushing defeat before n¨¦e Xu¡¯s verbal abuse. She hastily had Oil Jar hide in her sleeve before stepping forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with her partner. ¡°Big sis, stop wasting words with her. Even if you pity her, that woman won¡¯t ept your feelings.¡±

    Ji Yuerong wanted to cry, but had no tears. Right now it¡¯s her pitying me, alright?

    N¨¦e Xu onlyughed as she looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Just what kind of thing are you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly stuffed the copper fish into Ji Yuerong¡¯s hands. ¡°Big sis, why are you still talking to her? Take out the thing that brother-inw gave you so she can scram already!¡±

    Ji Yuerong stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Let her see,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Ji Yuerong rxed her hand until the golden loop attached to the fish was dangling from her fingertips. The copper fish that had turned pitch-ck with age revealed itself before n¨¦e Xu¡¯s eyes. Her mocking, superior expression immediately shifted.

    ¡°Looks like this is it. Erya, prepare to run,¡± Ning Xiaoyao instructed Erya quietly. The girl nervously nodded her head and got ready to grab Xiaoqiu and run for the headmander¡¯s hiding ce.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± n¨¦e Xu muttered to herself.

    ¡°When my big sister takes this to enter the Chen estate¡¯s gates,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with her nose in the air, ¡°You can beat it.¡±

    ¡°This is impossible!¡± n¨¦e Xu shouted.

    Ji Yuerong¡¯s face was cold. ¡°N¨¦e Xu, I wanted to meet with you on cordial terms since you¡¯re the great general¡¯s consort, but I never thought you¡¯d treat me like this. I have nothing else to say now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao piped in. ¡°Hurry up and get out of here.¡±

    All of the Chen family servants couldn¡¯t help but think, why do these two sisters look so much like they deserve a thrashing?

    ¡°Where¡¯s Chen Lu?¡± n¨¦e Xu demanded.

    ¡°Big sis,¡± Ning Xiaoyoa tugged at Ji Yuerong. ¡°After this, you should have brother-inw write divorce papers and cast off that woman!¡±

    After this, divorce papers? In other words, Chen Lu isn¡¯t on his deathbed after all? Then all the sadness and rm I felt, and my ns to die with him, were nothing more than a joke? N¨¦e Xu stared coldly at the sisters before her. The older one was stunning and gorgeous, while the young one was lively and cute. These pair of fresh blooming flowers was probably where Chen Lu found sce in feminine warmth and tenderness, right? (Author: Your suspicions are too intense...)

    ¡°Go snatch those children,¡± n¨¦e Xu ordered coldly. ¡°And beat those two sluts to death.¡±

    As soon as Ji Yuerong heard those words, she stuffed Xiaoqiu into Erya¡¯s arms and said desperately. ¡°Hurry, go find your father!¡±

    Erya hugged Xiaoqiu and fled. The Chen estate servants immediately gave chase. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao stood heroically in front of Ji Yuerong and cried, ¡°Big sis, don¡¯t be afraid! I¡¯ve fought before!¡±

    Before Ji Yuerong could reply, the pair of ¡°sisters¡± werepletely surrounded by the other Chen estate servants on all sides.

    ¡°Throw away the copper fish,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered while fighting off some servants.

    Ji Yuerong was dedicated to her act, so she faked being kicked to drop the fish from her hands. Quickly, one of the nannies ran forward, picked up the fish, and took it to n¨¦e Xu¡¯s hands. Under thentern light, n¨¦e Xu inspected the item: cat¡¯s eye stone irises, one purple, one green; the Diamond Sutra carved perfectly into its scales, the historical name of the Jiangyin Chen n¡¯s head etched in the high backed fins---none of the essential details were missing. This was indeed the Chen n¡¯s copper fish token!

    ¡°Give that back to me!¡± Ji Yuerong cried out in a sad, shrill voice.

    ¡°Tigress!¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped in front of n¨¦e Xu and prepared to snatch it back herself.

    ¡°......¡± said the servants and nannies by n¨¦e Xu¡¯s side. Where did this shameless girle from?

    N¨¦e Xu avoided Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s greedy ws and stared at her coldly. Ning Xiaoyao sensed that she was going to get a beating soon. N¨¦e Xu raised her hand, and Ning Xiaoyao stood there stoically before the woman pped her soundly on the face.

    Oh, God.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were filling with tears as she cradled her cheek.

    That hurts! £¨¨i©n¨i)

 Chapter 265: With me here, he wonâ€™t die

    <h4>Chapter 265: With me here, he won''t die</h4>

    When n¨¦e Xu raised her hand for a second p, Ning Xiaoyao quickly fell on the ground and rolled out of the way. Seeing this, n¨¦e Xu lifted her leg for a kick, but Ning Xiaoyao only cried out and rolled towards the side of the road like a giant ball.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time, right?¡± Beneath the eaves of a storefront down the street, a Dragon Guard asked Lou Zigui, who had stolen Shadowgale¡¯s job here tonight. ¡°His Majesty even got a big p to the face.¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at the man, who shrank back and shut up.

    ¡°Erya and I will wait here,¡± Lou Zigui ordered. ¡°You guys go rescue the emperor. Remember, you have to say that you¡¯re Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men.¡±

    The Dragon Guards were all dressed in the uniform of the Grand Preceptor estate guards. All of them nodded in response to the orders.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lou Zigui pointed ahead of him. All of the Dragon Guards ran out towards Ning Xiaoyao and the rest, shouting for the beating to stop. By now, Ning Xiaoyao herself had already ran to a corner of the wall to crouch down and cradle her head.

    Oil Jar stuck out his head from her sleeve and asked with trepidation, ¡°You, you¡¯re getting beaten for real?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s swollen face was already healing, but now she felt a few teething loose in her mouth and quickly went to heal that next.

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Oil Jar asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t be afraid, Oil Jar, hah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Oil Jar¡¯s head. ¡°You have to make sacrifices if you want to cheat people. All I got was a p, which isn¡¯t serious at all.¡±

    Oil Jar only bared his teeth at n¨¦e Xu. He wanted to go get revenge for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sake, but the memory of her p scared him as well. ¡°Xiaoyao, that person¡¯s so fierce. I can¡¯t beat her.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed and patted his head again. ¡°Oil Jar, be good. Don¡¯t be at odds with humans all the time.¡± A little mouse wanting to beat up humans, now what¡¯s up with that?

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men,¡± n¨¦e Xu said coldly as she saw a new wave of people hurrying their way.

    The Dragon Guards saw the noble woman with the willow brows scrunched up in fury. Yikes, she really does look brutal...

    All of the Chen estate servants retreated behind n¨¦e Xu and red at the Dragon Guards and Ji Yuerong, who were now shielding Ning Xiaoyao behind them as she cradled her head.

    One of the Dragon Guards put on an act and said, ¡°Mydy, we¡¯ll escort you safely out of here.¡±

    Ji Yuerong nodded. Right now she was nothing but wretched. Her face was unharmed, but her clothes were full of footprints. Who knows how many times she had been kicked and stepped on?

    ¡°I want to see brother-inw!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hollered. Jie Yuerong and the Dragon Guards collectively looked at Ning Xiaoyao with one thought in their heads: please, don¡¯t make another ruckus!

    ¡°M-miss,¡± the same Dragon Guard who spoke up now stammered again. ¡°My master has orders to escort you and herdyship back home. Miss, it¡¯d be best if--if you go home now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao only shot n¨¦e Xu a hateful re and dered, ¡°This isn¡¯t over!¡±

    N¨¦e Xu stared icily back. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately grew rmed. It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t.

    | ©n¡£)£©

    ¡°Hurry and go,¡± Ji Yuerong urged the Dragon Guards. She never wanted to face that Xu woman again! Seeing this, the Chen estate servants moved to stop them.

    ¡°Let them leave,¡± n¨¦e Xu ordered.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still staunchly turning up her nose at n¨¦e Xu.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Ji Yuerong threw away the rules of propriety between men and women and simply took Ning Xiaoyao by the hand. Like that, their group slipped away under the tigress¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Mydy?¡± one of the nannies called out carefully once Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group was out of sight.

    N¨¦e Xu hadn¡¯t spared Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group a nce, but was simply standing in ce for a long time in silence. Finally, she said, ¡°Go back to the estate and call for my people. I want to find Chen Lu.¡±

    She¡¯s not even calling him general now, but by his full name. The nanny knew that things were bad. She wanted to coax her mistress a bit, but the woman¡¯s ck expressionpletely stole away her nerve. She muttered a yes and hurried back to the Chen estate with a few stewards in tow. None of the other servants dared to say a peep. When n¨¦e Xu had married into the family, her dowry included a team of bodyguards that were handpicked and trained for their mistress by her father. Now she was bringing those guards with her, which only made them fret for their own General Chen. Is our general doomed?

    --

    Once Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group was certain no one was following them, they ended up making their way through the twists and turns of the back alleys before doubling back to spy on n¨¦e Xu from another alley.

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t left yet,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to Ji Yuerong.

    ¡°She¡¯s definitely waiting for her backup to arrive,¡± Ji Yuerong dered.

    ¡°She¡¯s a really fierce person,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remarked.

    ¡°Everyone says she¡¯s a tigress, after all.¡± Ji Yuerong could only grit her teeth as she stared at n¨¦e Xu.

    Meanwhile, all the Dragon Guards stared at Ning Xiaoyao and Ji Yuerong still holding hands while they exchanged knowing looks. Looks like Miss Ji is going to be our Majesty¡¯s woman in the future.

    Soon enough, Lou Zigui came over with Xiaoqiu in his arms and Erya leading the way. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked Ning Xiaoyao with concern as soon as he saw her.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Why did youe? Where¡¯s Windy?¡±

    Lou Zigui just stared at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. When she¡¯d been pped, he had vowed never to forgive n¨¦e Xu. ¡°Shadowgale left the city,¡± he exined simply.

    Ning Xiaoyao pinched her face. ¡°Don¡¯t stare anymore. See this? I¡¯m not missing a single piece of skin from my face.¡±

    Seeing that her cheek was still white and tender without being red or swollen, Lou Zigui¡¯s expression warmed slightly. ¡°It¡¯s good that Your Majesty¡¯s unhurt.¡±

    Ji Yuerong only rolled her eyes. Why doesn¡¯t he ask after my welfare instead. I was kicked about!

    ¡°You guys should go back now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°I¡¯m going to check out Fangqi Lane.¡±

    Hearing this, the Dragon Guards all sucked in a collective breath. You¡¯ve already earned yourself a p. Your Majesty, are you still asking for another beating?

    ¡°What are you all thinking?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked them. ¡°I¡¯m going to see Chen Lu and the Grand Preceptor fight. Did you forget who I am?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re His Majesty,¡± many of the Dragon Guards chorused back.

    Ning Xiaoyao red at them.

    ¡°Your Majesty is dashing enough to pierce the Heavens,¡± another Dragon Guard offered with sped hands.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°You have to have faith in the dashing and handsome me.¡±

    Ji Yuerong rolled her eyes again. If you were really dashing enough to pierce the Heavens, would you have gotten pped as soon as someone saw you?

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯lle with you,¡± Lou Zigui said after handing over Xiaoqiu to a Dragon Guard.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say it wasn¡¯t necessary, but after seeing Lou Zigui¡¯s gaze, she relented. ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°The rest of you, escort Erya, Xiaoqiu, and Miss Ji safely back to the pce,¡± Lou Zigui ordered the Dragon Guards.

    ¡°How about Ie along too,¡± Ji Yuerong was getting worried again. ¡°Suppose something unexpected happens again?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°If anything like that happens, Supreme Commander and I will run away. If we can¡¯t eat them, we can still flee, right?¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the rest. If you say things like that, we¡¯ll worry even more!

    ¡°I¡¯m off, see ya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved dashingly at her pals before slipping into the darkness with Lou Zigui behind her.

    --

    In one of the courtyards at Fangqi Lane, Grand Preceptor Xie was sitting in the main hall before ten famed doctors sent to treat his patient. ¡°Is there really no hope for Chen Lu¡¯s injuries?¡±

    The doctors all shook their heads. They¡¯d expended their greatest abilities just to keep Great General Chen alive to this point. Grand Preceptor Xie knit his brows and asked the steward by his side, ¡°N¨¦e Xu still hasn¡¯t arrived yet?¡±

    The steward replied, ¡°Judging by the time, Lady Xu should arrive at any minute.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand at the doctors. ¡°You should all go watch over Chen Lu instead.¡±

    The doctors were were grateful for the general pardon for not saving the general, and hurried to retreat from the hall.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± the steward said, ¡°Will you go back to the estate first?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved his hand again. He had to wait for n¨¦e Xu to show up before leaving. With Chen Lu on death¡¯s door, he hadn¡¯t done much more than check in a few times. If he left the man to die just like that and alienated n¨¦e Xu¡¯s heart because of it, that would be a big mistake.

    --

    Outside Chen Lu¡¯s bedroom, Lou Zigui used a small branch to prop open one of the back windows while Ning Xiaoyoa tossed in some rocks to knock out the young pageboys waiting on his bedside. Then she jumped through the window and picked them up before handing them to Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui ced the two boys in the flowerbed. That wasn¡¯t enough to ease his worries, so he hit them on the back of their necks to make sure they were really unconscious, then tied them up with rope and gagged them. Finally, he returned act as Miss Ning¡¯s lookout outside the window.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of Chen Lu¡¯s bed while a team of doctors were currently discussing his prognosis in the room beyond. She listened keenly to their diagnosis, but couldn¡¯t understand much of the medical terms or medicine names they were throwing around. Oil Jar stuck his head out of her sleeve again to stare at the unconscious Chen Lu on the bed.

    ¡°Is he almost dead?¡± he asked her.

    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    Oil Jar always believed Ning Xiaoyao without fail, so he believed that Chen Lu wouldn¡¯t die as well. Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand and ced it on Chen Lu¡¯s chest. She could sense his life force flickering within and knit her brows. It¡¯ll take a lot of energy to save this guy.

    ¡°At most, Great General Chen canst another hour,¡± one of the doctors outside said with a heavy heart. The rest all sighed--they¡¯d really tried their best.

    Pale green light began to gather in a small orb at the tip of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers. Oil Jar watched curiously as the balls of life-filled light floated into the air before settling down in Chen Lu¡¯s chest. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face paled with the exertion. She paused to raise her hand for a break and wipe away her sweat, before pressing her fingers back down against his chest and continue the treatment.

    Gradually, Chen Lu¡¯s ashen pale face regained its color. His wound began to mend itself, the pain causing him to knit his brows even while unconscious, then smooth out as the pain abruptly vanished. Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand when she was done, the short effort costing her forehead to be covered in sweat.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, is he alright now?¡± Oil Jar asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s fine now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she tucked the covers over Chen Lu¡¯s body. ¡°With me here, he won¡¯t die.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you look really tired,¡± Oil Jar looked up in worry.

    Ning Xiaoyao furiously rubbed her face until her paleplexion turned rosy again, then rxed enough to murmur back, ¡°What happened just then was a secret. Oil Jar, you have to hide it for me sake, oh.¡±

    Oil Jar quickly nodded his head. He wouldn¡¯t even tell Ancestral Grandfather about this!

 Chapter 266: The unscathed Great General Chen

    <h4>Chapter 266: The unscathed Great General Chen</h4>

    About an hourter, Grand Preceptor Xie was close to losing his patience in the main hall. Meanwhile, n¨¦e Xu had finally arrived at the front gates with her guards clustered around her. The guards of the Grand Preceptor were surprised to see her arrive with so many men in tow. Do you need that many servants just to see your husband? Then he looked behind Lady Xu at the people in question and saw that they were all strong and powerful men. Immediately, he began to suspect whether the Great General¡¯s wife was preparing to seeking vengeance for Great General Chen as soon as she checked on his status? (Author: You¡¯re overthinking it...)

    ¡°Yourdyship, please enter,¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s stewards invited as he stepped outside.

    ¡°Lead the way,¡± Lady Xu said calmly. The steward hastened to take Lady Xu inside.

    Inside the main hall, Grand Preceptor Xie sat in a wooden armchair until Lady Xu walked in. He beckoned to her with his hand, gesturing for her to step forward. She politely bowed to her in exchange.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯vee. You should take a look at Shenyan[1. Shenyan (É÷ÑÔ) - together this means ¡°discretion in speech.¡±] now.¡±

    On the roof, Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui. ¡°Who¡¯s Shenyan?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s Chen Lu¡¯s courtesy name,¡± Lou Zigui exined in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows before she finally understood. Then she whispered back, ¡°Howe she¡¯s not thrashing him yet? This is really nerve-wrecking!¡±

    It was impossible for Supreme Commander Lou to follow up after that statement. N¨¦e Xu might be a tigress, but that didn¡¯t mean she could just saunter in and make a scene in front of Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Inside the hall, n¨¦e Xu asked Grand Preceptor Xie in a voice choked with sobs. ¡°Grand Preceptor, how is my husband doing?¡±

    The Grand Preceptor only had a grieved expression. ¡°Shenyan¡¯s prognosis is very bad. The doctors have already given their best. But, aye, you should see for yourself. At a time like this, you should be by his side.¡± In other words, he was telling n¨¦e Xu that Chen Lu was already on the verge of death.

    N¨¦e Xu scrutinized Grand Preceptor Xie, but aside from sadness, there was no other expression on his face. It seemed as if her actions against the Xiang sisters had nothing to do with this old man at all.

    ¡°You¡¯re still not going?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie narrowed his eyes when n¨¦e Xu only continued to stared at him. ¡°Is there something else?¡± he asked.

    N¨¦e Xu began to harbor suspicions in her heart again. If those guards weren¡¯t sent by the Grand Preceptor, then the Xiang sisters might still be a ploy to trick me again. Who¡¯s the Grand Preceptor¡¯s current enemy? It could only be His Majesty who sent those women.

    In other words, n¨¦e Xu thought as she suddenly felt her soul leaving her body. My husband¡¯s really on his deathbed?

    ¡°Someonee,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie called hastily when he saw that Lady Xu was growing unsteady on her feet.

    ¡°Hurry in,¡± the steward called for two of the Chen estate¡¯s nannies still waiting outside the door. The two old women entered just as Grand Preceptor Xie spoke up.

    ¡°Support your mistress and help her to your master¡¯s side.¡±

    The two women hastened to help Lady Xu, but they¡¯d hardly touched her arm when she pushed them aside. As they reeled back in shock, Lady Xu turned on her heel and ran towards her husband¡¯s quarters.

    ¡°She¡¯s out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to Lou Zigui from the roof. ¡°Hurry, we need to switch spots to catch the show.¡±

    Before Lou Zigui could react, Ning Xiaoyao had already pulled him along to ¡®fly¡¯ into the back courtyard. Supreme Commander Lou could only stare in silence at their joined hands as his feet left the ground in the wake of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dash. Meanwhile, the steward had to run for his life to catch up with Lady Xu and lead the way. By the time he arriving huffing and puffing at Chen Lu¡¯s quarters, all of the doctors emerged from the room. Seeing them all at once made Lady Xu lose all nerve to enter the bedroom.

    Lou Zigui crouched on the wall and asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, Chen Lu¡¯s wounds are really alright now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao only chortled as she waited to see a good show. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Chen Lu should be waking up about now.¡±

    ¡°He got lucky,¡± Lou Zigui muttered.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao questioned.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t a man like him deserve death?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin as her expression turned somber. ¡°How do I put this? Regarding Chen Lu, I¡¯ve already looked into his case.¡±

    ¡°What did you find?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Now Chen Lu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao began, ¡°Might be the Grand Preceptor¡¯s number one subordinate in the capital, but he wasn¡¯t as heavily used as Tao Chen. Still, we can understand that, right? Tao Chen was the Grand Preceptor¡¯s son-inw and part of his own family. Chen Lu is that Xu guy¡¯s son-inw instead.¡±

    Lou Zigui was already feeling lightheaded. ¡°Just what are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to say that Chen Lu¡¯s never done any awful, despicable, atrocious, absolutely unforgivable beneath Heaven deeds,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied quietly.

    Hearing this, Lou Zigui understood what she meant atst. ¡°But it¡¯s impossible for Chen Lu to turn his back on Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s forsaking the darkness to turn towards the light,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. ¡°There¡¯s no issue of betrayal when ites to the Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Lou Zigui corrected himself. ¡°I don¡¯t think Chen Lu will forsake the darkness to turn towards the light.¡±

    ¡°We have to give him a chance at least--both for him and ourselves,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed at her itchy nose. ¡°Moreover, he¡¯s the son-inw of Xu Jing! Xu Jing, oh!¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou only felt that her goal seemed very difficult to aplish!

    ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try and see, Ning Xiaoyao gave herself a fist pump for encouragement. ¡°Viins will get their retribution eventually. We¡¯re basically saving him from his fate, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    Lou Zigui only felt that he had nothing to say after thinking things over. It was impossible for him to stop anything this girl wanted to do.

    ¡°Oho,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged at his hand. ¡°Look, Lady Xu¡¯s entered the bedchambers!¡±

    Now even Oil Jar was sticking his head out of the sleeve to peek. Lou Zigui nced at Lady Xu walking inside before turning to Ning Xiaoyao to speak, only to catch sight of Oil Jar instead. His first instinct was to smack the mouse, who squeaked in response to his fists.

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily looked down and stroked his head. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°He wants to beat me up!¡± Oil Jar pointed at his paws towards Lou Zigui.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked back and saw Lou Zigui¡¯s fists. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± she said in a hurry. ¡°This is my little Oil Jar, he¡¯s one of us.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Say hello,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted Oil Jar¡¯s head.

    ¡°Squeak~¡± Oil Jar gave a friendly hello towards Lou Zigui. He promptly turned away. Can someone raise a mouse while raising a cat at the same time? Sometimes I really don¡¯t understand what Miss Ning is thinking.

    ¡°This is a bit far from the main event. Supreme Commander, I¡¯ll take you to the roof,¡± Ning Xiaoyao before hauling him handily over. Since all of the doctors and Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants were clustered in front of the bedroom door to listen for sounds inside, none of them notice the pair slip onto the roof. Afterning, Ning Xiaoyao quickly lifted a roof tile and sprawled down with Oil Jar to peer inside the room. Both mouse and human had sparkling eyes.

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui.

    Inside, Lady Xu couldn¡¯t help but feel that her general didn¡¯t look like a dead man at all. His face was ruddy and his breathing normal. Was this really someone at death¡¯s door?

    ¡°Husband?¡± Lady Xu cried.

    Chen Lu remained with his eyes shut.

    Lady Xu reached out a finger to test his breathing, then raised her voice. ¡°Husband?¡±

    Chen Lu¡¯s eyelids fluttered, but he still didn¡¯t wake. Lady Xu pulled aside his covers. There was a strong stench of medicineing from Chen Lu¡¯s body, but once she undid his clothes, she discovered that he wasn¡¯t wounded at all!

    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Chen Lu waking up yet?¡± Lou Zigui asked by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    ¡°He will very soon,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was staring fixedly at the scene.

    ¡°Chen Lu!¡± Lady Xu shouted before she shoved the man, who rolled off the bed and crashed head first onto the ground. Outside, the listeners heard Lady Xu¡¯s shout and assumed that Great General Chen had passed away. Quickly, some of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men ran off to report the news to their master while the rest followed the doctors into the room. Some of the more clever, quick-witted servants who wanted to curry favor with their superiors were already bursting into tears before they ever entered the room, wailing for the Great General. The rest picked up on the sobs and joined in naturally.

    Inside the room, Chen Lu was sitting on the bed with only a nightshirt on, looked at Lady Xu in confusion.

    ¡°Great General, ah, sooobbb---¡± The crying masses immediately stopped at the sight of him sitting up,pletely floored by the sight.

    ¡°W-why did youe?¡± Chen Lu asked his wife.

    Hearing his voice, many of the spectators were frightened to death. This doesn¡¯t look like hisst sh of lucidity before impending death! The doctors ran to the bed and nearly crowded Lady Xu to the side. Eyes wide, they stared at Chen Lu and saw his spotless skin and bare thighs. The old wounds there had all disappeared! Some of them even reached out to shove him experimentally. Since Chen Lu was still groggy, he didn¡¯t dodge in time and fell sideways from the force. At this, the doctors all saw his bare back, the skinpletely whole and free from all signs of injury...

    On the roof, Oil Jar murmured to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, quick. Look at Lady Xu.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced over and saw that the woman¡¯s eyes were turning red. ¡°Is she getting ready to eat someone whole, or skin them alive?¡± she muttered back.

    Lou Zigui added, ¡°Lady Xu¡¯s got a sword on her.¡±

    ¡°....¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. So she¡¯s going to hack them instead?!

    ¡°How could this be?!¡± one of the doctor finally shouted. None of the others could speak. They couldn¡¯t have all been experiencing the same nightmare, right? That was impossible. Chen Lu sat back up, somewhat back to his senses. When he recalled how he¡¯d been first shot, then sliced by the Lord Protector, he quickly looked down at his body and found the whole situation absurd!

    He was perfectly fine without a speck of injury to his skin. Now thoroughly confused, he began to wonder whether he¡¯d dreamed up the murder attempt in the first ce.

    ¡°Shenyan, ah!¡± Outside the doors, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s sorrowful voice floated in. ¡°Shenyan!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and Oil Jar both held their breaths. Even Lou Zigui had stopped to fixate on the scene inside the room. Chen Lu opened and closed his mouth a few times, trying to get a handle on the situation. Even if he wanted to speak, he didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Heh,¡± Lady Xu chuckled coldly. Are they taking me for a monkey to be fooled?

    ¡°Shenyan, how could you leave just like that? You...¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was in the throes ofmenting Chen Lu¡¯s passing as he hurried into the room when he suddenly stopped at the sight before him.

    Just who was the bastard that told me Chen Lu was guaranteed to die?!

 Chapter 267: For the sake of world peace

    <h4>Chapter 267: For the sake of world peace</h4>

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked the doctors. None of them could offer an exnation, because all of them still felt like they were dreaming.

    ¡°Speak!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s tone grew severe then. The terrified doctors all backed away to opposite sides of the bed.

    One of the older ones finally piped up, ¡°The Great General¡¯s wounds, Grand Preceptor, you---you¡¯ve seen them with your own eyes a-as well.¡±

    ¡°Many others have, too,¡± another doctor spoke up. ¡°None of us would have dared to hide this from you.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie walked to Chen Lu¡¯s bedside. He had indeed witnessed the man¡¯s injuries, but now he waspletely healed just like that? How could that happen? While he was puzzling over the impossibilities and shaking his head, the image of Ning Xiaoyao suddenly appeared in his head. It¡¯s not like this hasn¡¯t happened before...

    ¡°Aside from you, who else has the abilities to bring someone back from near death?¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°Xiaoyao, Xie Wenyuan can figure out that you were the one who saved Chen Lu.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders carelessly. ¡°The Grand Preceptor¡¯s always wanted to bite me to death. If he finds out, he¡¯ll just want to bite me even more. What¡¯s so scary about that?¡±

    Lou Zigui raised a hand to rub her head. What she says makes sense for once.

    ¡°N¨¦e Xu,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie attempted to exin himself, but Lady Xu never gave him the chance to finish.

    She looked at Chen Lu and said, ¡°Weren¡¯t you on death¡¯s door?¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Chen Lu began, ¡°I ran into the Lord Protector Pei Yi during the day. He--he wanted to kill---no, his men shot me with arrows, then he hacked me with his shoulder on my shoulder. I remember I was...¡±

    ¡°I heard your injuries were severe,¡± Lady Xu continued. ¡°Tell me, where are your arrow wound and sword injury? If the Lord Protector dared to kill you, I¡¯ll kill him in turn!¡±

    Chen Lu looked down at his body again before sending a pleading nce towards the Grand Preceptor. This was all too incredible for him to take in.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°His Majesty has a miracle doctor at his side.¡±

    Neither the doctors nor Lady Xu took kindly to his words. Could any doctor heal an almost dead man in the blink of an eye? That wasn¡¯t a miracle doctor, but an outright immortal!

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lady Xu said simply. She didn¡¯t look at Grand Preceptor Xie, but stared at Chen Lu instead. ¡°So there was a miracle doctor. His Majesty tried to kill you, then sent his doctor to save you. Just what is His Majesty doing?¡±

    Chen Lu was still looking towards Grand Preceptor Xie. Just what is His Majesty doing?

    ¡°Naturally, to win his goodwill,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie replied easily.

    ¡°Goodwill,¡± Lady Xu echoed. ¡°Why would His Majesty want a man who couldn¡¯t even defeat the Lord Protector inbat?¡±

    ¡°.....¡± said everyone else. You might as well call Great General Chen a useless good-for-nothing directly instead. Going around in circles like this is tiring to hear.

    ¡°Youngdy, ah,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sighed, ¡°You¡¯re Xu Jing¡¯s daughter.¡±

    Lady Xu finally looked at Grand Preceptor Xi. ¡°So it¡¯s this consort who hurt Great General Chen.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what the Grand Preceptor meant,¡± Chen Lu waved his hands at n¨¦e Xu so she could stop talking.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the copper fish?¡± Lady Xu asked.

    Chen Lu looked around the bed, then at Grand Preceptor Xie. Where¡¯s the Chen n copper fish I keep hidden on my person?

    ¡°Who was in charge of changing clothes for Great General Chen?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked the servants.

    The servants exchanged nces before discovering that the two pageboys in charge of waiting on Great General Chen had disappeared.

    ¡°It must have been His Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered. There was no question. Ning Yu must have sent someone to kidnap the pageboys. But what does she need them for?

    ¡°So it¡¯s gone, ah,¡± Lady Xu said while looking at Chen Lu.

    Chen Lu only felt jumpy as he faced his wife with a sheepish smile.

    Lady Xu said, ¡°This consort has to congratte the general for having both a son and daughter now.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Chen Lu was bbergasted. Where did thise from? If they had a son and daughter, would they have spent thest few years asking doctors for medicine to treat her body?

    ¡°The n¨¦e Xiang sisters, ah,¡± Lady Xu said.

    ¡°W, what n¨¦e Xiang sisters?¡± Chen Lu asked Grand Preceptor Xie again. Did something happen while I was unconscious?

    ¡°Where did these n¨¦e Xiang sisterse from?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked Lady Xu.

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor was their matchmaker and even has the marriage certificate in your estate,¡± Lady Xu said as she smiled at him. ¡°You can¡¯t forget a pair of flowers like them so easily, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s mind spun fast before he finally realized what was going on. ¡°Lass, don¡¯t fall for others¡¯ attempt to sow discord. Think about it yourself, His Majesty---the rest of you, withdraw,¡± He stopped halfway to address the crowd in the room.

    The doctors and all of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants immediately left the bedroom.

    ¡°There is no n¨¦e Xiang,¡± Chen Lu red up. ¡°I don¡¯t know any woman surnamed Xiang!¡±

    Lady Xu only smiled coldly.

    Grand Preceptor Xie said, ¡°Lass, think it over carefully. His Majesty ordered men to kill the pageboys, then stole Chen Lu¡¯s copper fish. What use does this fish have for him? You and Chen Lu are both here, so he can use it to support another member of the Chen n with the authentication token. Anyone with the fish will be recognized as the head of the Jiangyin Chen n members, yes?¡±

    Chen Lu suddenly said, ¡°Didn¡¯t something happen to His Majesty?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie only lowered his voice. ¡°Nobody saw what happened. It¡¯s hard to verify whether anything really did.¡±

    ¡°.......¡± said Chen Lu. Could there be anything fake about the death of an emperor?!

    Lady Xu didn¡¯t reveal her thoughts beyond staring at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Then it¡¯s still His Majesty who wants to break apart the rtions between me and the general?¡±

    ¡°As long as you understand, that¡¯s good,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said.

    At this point, Ning Xiaoyao whispered a few words in Lou Zigui¡¯s ear. Then the two of them flew off the roof tond in the flower gardnes, where they untied the pageboys and undid their gags. Ning Xiaoyao patted them both once to wake them up. At the sight of Lou Zigui, both boys prepared to scream.

    ¡°You¡¯re actually cking off by napping here?!¡± Lou Zigui beat them to it. ¡°Damned things, you deserve to die. Aren¡¯t you afraid of the Grand Preceptor beating you to death?¡±

    The two pageboys were stunned into silence. They exchanged nces, neither of them clear on how they¡¯d ended up in the flower gardens in the first ce. Before this, they were clearly waiting in front of the general¡¯s bed. Seeing their silence, Lou Zigui was certain the two didn¡¯t recognize him by appearances alone and added, ¡°If you want to live, thene with me and don¡¯t say a word.¡±

    Right now, Lou Zigui was dressed in the guard costume of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men, so the two pageboys only stared at him before one asked, ¡°Why do you want to help us?¡±

    ¡°Five taels of silver,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Give me the money and I¡¯ll tell the Grand Preceptor that you went to the kitchens to help Great General Chen boil some hot water.¡±

    ¡°B-but nobody ordered us to do that,¡± the pageboy stammered.

    ¡°Then add in 15 more taels,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°And I¡¯ll help you two bribe a doctor.¡±

    20 taels of silver. For a servant, these were monumental sums. The two pageboys looked at Lou Zigui with expressions of despair.

    ¡°Do you want to keep the money or your lives?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Of course their lives were more important. The pageboys felt their hearts dripping blood with pain as they nodded in agreement. Ning Xiaoyao only watched Lou Zigui cheat the pair out of 20 taels of silver with her eyes nearly popping out of her sockets. That works too?

    Lou Zigui began to bring the two to the door of the courtyard. The two pageboys inspected themselves and found no injuries, just a few splotches of mud on their clothes.

    ¡°Y-you¡¯re the one who tricked us?¡± one of the them asked Lou Zigui. There was no way they¡¯d run to the flowerbeds for no reason. This man must want our silver, so he knocked us out and brought us there! At this, the pageboy suddenly wished that Lou Zigui could die right that instant!

    Lou Zigui only kept walking without looking back. ¡°Do you want to keep the money, or your lives?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re only servants and don¡¯t have much money, ah,¡± the more docile-looking of the pair spoke up pitifully. ¡°We really don¡¯t have any at all.¡±

    ¡°So you want to keep the money,¡± Lou Zigui said simply.

    ¡°......¡± said the two pageboys.

    Lou Zigui brought the two pageboys to the exit before suddenly adding in a small voice, ¡°If anyone asks you in the future, just say the people sent to wait on Great General Chen already died. Got it?¡±

    The two pageboys felt lightheaded at his words. What¡¯s this all about? Why haven¡¯t we made heads or tails of it from the beginning to the end?

    Lou Zigui brought the pair far away before a few of the Chen Estate servant girls and nannies rounded the corner from a different direction.

    ¡°What did that guard mean?¡± one of the nannies murmured. ¡°Nobody died, but they have to insist that someone did?¡±

    ¡°We should tell herdyship about this, right?¡± a servant girl piped up.

    A few of the nannies exchanged nces. Yes, they¡¯d have to do that. Something about it didn¡¯t feel right.

    --

    Inside the bedroom, Grand Preceptor Xie was doing his best to coax Lady Xu while Ning Xiaoyoa eavesdropped from the window. The more she listened, the more sick at heart she felt. This old man¡¯s too gifted with his gab! It feels like Lady Xu¡¯s going to revolt and find me for revenge at any second!

    Meanwhile, one of the Chen Estate nannies approached the entrance to the room and silently called for Lady Xu. She walked out and mistress and servant began to talk in the covered walkway outdoors. The nanny repeated Lou Zigui¡¯s words to Lady Xu, then added, ¡°Mistress, this is moreplicated than it appears.¡±

    ¡°Two little pageboys?¡± Lady Xu asked.

    The nanny nodded. ¡°And a guard was leading them in the front. It looks like he holds some status in the household, probably as one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s personal men. The two little ones were nothing buy pageboys.¡±

    This nanny had followed Lady Xu from her n to the Chen household, so she was extremely loyal to her mistress. The reality of the situation was that no matter how well your birthright might be, or what position you held in the Chen n, even as head mistress, that n¨¦e Xiang had already birthed a son and daughter to the general. Behind her was even the support of the almighty Grand Preceptor. How was her mistress supposed to face off against such a woman? Leaving aside the possiblity of a concubine, those two children were definitely of the Xiang n. Once the general grew old, wouldn¡¯t they end up as the new masters of the household? Who would they favor then? A dead husband passed on his holdings to his son. Her mistress would only suffer in the days toe, ah!

    Lady Xu¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Call everyone inside. If Chen Lu doesn¡¯t give me a proper exnation by today, this isn¡¯t over.¡±

    ¡°Mistress, what are you nning to do?¡± the nanny asked.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s Chen Lu¡¯s offpsring,¡± Lady Xu said, ¡°It naturally falls to me to raise them.¡±

    The nanny exhaled. Looks like my mistress hasn¡¯t lost her wits despite her anger. She knows what she has to do first.

    Ning Xiaoyao stuck her hand inside her mouth. God, she¡¯s even nning to steal the children away! That¡¯s brutal!

    The nanny obeyed Lady Xu¡¯s orders before going to call for the other servants. Once they were all assembled, Lady Xu looked at them with a disdainful eye. Worthless things. Both the doctors and the Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants were only bewildered by her re. Did we offend herdyship somehow?

    Ning Xiaoyao brought Oil Jar back to the rooftop, where she pushed aside another tile to peek into the hall. Finally, the battle was about to begin. She mentally lit a candle in memory of Chen Lu. As for Grand Preceptor Xie---she was only anticipating how that Lady Xu could beat him to death instead!

    For the sake of world peace, do your best, heroine!

    Ning Xiaoyao saw Lady Xu walk into the room before clenching her hands into a fist pump.

 Chapter 268: Great General Chen wants to die in all sorts of ways

    <h4>Chapter 268: Great General Chen wants to die in all sorts of ways</h4>

    Lou Zigui brought the two pageboys into the kitchens where a cook was overseeing the stove. Seeing the trio, he asked, ¡°Is there any business?¡±

    Lou Zigui approached the cook and said nothing beyond raising his sword to the man¡¯s neck. The cook didn¡¯t even scream before he fell back into a dead faint on the ground.

    ¦²(¡ã¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, went the two pageboys. What¡¯s going on?!

    Lou Zigui then turned back and knocked them out too, then tied them all up and gagged their mouths, leaving them in the kitchen.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Old Huo ran out, garbed in the guards¡¯ clothes of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. He quickly gave a respectful greeting with hands sped.

    ¡°Have you brought everyone?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Remember not to hurt any of the kitchen staffter,¡± Lou Zigui urged once more.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Old Huo obeyed. Lou Zigui patted his shoulder and headed for the back courtyard. Meanwhile, Old Huo nced inside at the unlucky chef and pageboays. It looked like they¡¯d be unconscious for a while, so he clicked his tongue and shut the door before silently slipping away.

    Lou Zigui retraced his steps back to the courtyard door leading to Chen Lu¡¯s quarters, where there was already a hubbub of voices within. Afraid of being caught, he remained standing in the shadows outside while listening to Grand Preceptor Xie flip out. ¡°N¨¦e Xu, don¡¯t be too impudent!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what the Grand Preceptor means by those words,¡± Lady Xu didn¡¯t back down. ¡°I am the Great General¡¯s wife and official consort. Whether it¡¯s for sentimental values or a legal standpoint, what¡¯s wrong with me raising his mistress¡¯s son and daughter?¡±

    ¡°There is no mistress!¡± Chen Lu cried out helplessly.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly appeared in front of Lou Zigui and almost patted his shoulder before he caught her hand first.

    ¡°How¡¯s the situation inside?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao was jubnt as she imitated Lady Xu tearing Chen Lu a new one. ¡°She pped him so hard that Chen Lu¡¯s face is swelling up, ah.¡±

    Lou Zigui had heard of Lady Xu¡¯s fearsome reputation, but he still found it hard to imagine a wife beating her husband swollen.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to haul Lou Zigui atop the walls so they could see more of the show.

    ¡°Where¡¯s that pet mouse of yours?¡± Lou Zigui asked absently after catching a glimpse of her empty sleeve.

    ¡°Oil Jar¡¯s watching the show from the roof,¡± Ning Xiaoyoa said. ¡°Originally, he was nning to take advantage of the chaos and bite the Grand Preceptor, but I stopped him. There are too many guards down there, he¡¯d be no match for them all if they got snappy.¡±

    A single mouse can be trampled with one foot. Does verbal warfare y into the mix at all? Once again, Supreme Commander Lou found it impossible to follow up with Miss Ning¡¯s words.

    ¡°ppp,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still imitating Lady Xu beating Chen Lu. As Lou Zigui watched her hand waved back and forth, he felt a breeze ssh against his own cheeks and suddenly started to worry. This girl¡¯s still young. What if that tigress Lady Xu has a bad influence on her? (Author: Hey hey, Supreme Commander, did you already forget the superhuman scene of Miss Ning whacking people with bricks?!)

    ¡°Don¡¯t learn from her,¡± Lou Zigui said as he caught her hand. ¡°Do you know why she has no sons or daughters?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. When Lady Xu had pped her, the physical contact allowed her to discover that the woman had a small tumor in her uterus that was preventing her from getting pregnant. But Lou Zigui only lowered his voice and said, ¡°It¡¯s because she beats her husband. Because she was too fierce, she incurred retribution and turned barren.¡±

    (£þ¡÷£þ£»), said Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that,¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°It¡¯s what a Daoist said once.¡±

    ¡°A-and then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°I heard that Lady Xu gave that Daoist a thorough beating,¡± Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Then one of her brothers brought men to the Daoist¡¯s temple and burned it down.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. That¡¯s a big price to pay for having a loose tongue.

    ¡°Mydy, aiYAH!¡± Inside the courtyard, Chen Lu¡¯s pained cries rose once again into the air.

    ¡°Aiya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Lady Xu¡¯s getting physical again.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, you can¡¯t learn from n¨¦e Xu,¡± Lou Zigui said.

    She only shook her head in confusion. ¡°Me learn from her? I¡¯m such a reasonable person. Why would I hit anyone? Supreme Commander, are you worried that I¡¯ll beat someone?¡±

    Lou Zigui was put on the spot and made a face: ‡å. Why am I even worrying about this? Am I afraid that Miss Ning will beat me up in the future if she gets ruthless? That thought made him unwell all over.

    ¡°N¨¦e Xu!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie roared.

    ¡°My God.¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed Lou Zigui and jumped onto the wall, then the roofs above. Is Lady Xu finally going to make her move against Grand Preceptor Xie?

    Right now the courtyard was aglow withnterns. There clearly two sides to the conflict: the Chen estate servants and the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men and soldiers. Lady Xu, Chen Lu, and Grand Preceptor Xie stood in the clearing between the two sides in a faceoff. Lou Zigui surveyed Chen Lu and found that his nose was bleeding.

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°Chen Lu looks even more wretched than before.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t have a mistress,¡± Chen Lu said while muffling his nose. ¡°Really.¡±

    Lady Xu said, ¡°Looks like you¡¯re not nning to tell the truth.¡±

    ¡°Mydy,¡± Chen Lu shouted. ¡°I--¡±

    p!

    Ning Xiaoyao unconsciously cradled her own face as the p ran out. Too cruel! Chen Lu only felt that he¡¯d rather die in this instant. The feeling of being wronged felt worse than death itself. The n¨¦e Xiang sisters, Chen Lu vowed as he held his swollen face, When I find them, I¡¯ll kill them both. Then I¡¯ll tear their skins off! They¡¯re too shameless and brazen!

    ¡°You¡¯re actually grinding your teeth?¡± Lady Xu asked Chen Lu.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Chen Lu hastily shook his head.

    ¡°Then I must be going deaf,¡± Lady Xu replied.

    ¡°N-no, that¡¯s not it,¡± Chen Lu said, ¡°Mydy, I was just thinking, when I find that Xiang pair, I¡¯ll definitely kill them both in front of your eyes!¡±

    ¡°Heheh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to Lou Zigui. ¡°His thought is impossible.¡±

    Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head. When he withdrew his hand, it was to pull her into his arms and mutter a soft noise of assent. In the courtyard, Lady Xu wasughing coldly again. She raised her hand for a p again. Last time she¡¯d boxed his ears, so this time she thrashed him for real.

    ¡°Mydy, you!¡± Chen Lu panicked. ¡°Just why are you doing this?!¡± So he supposedly had a mistress. His wife beat him, so he said he¡¯d kill the vixens, but she was still trying to hit him dead!

    All of the men in the crowd wanted to know the same thing.

    ¡°That n¨¦e Xiang¡¯s already had a son and daughter with you and you still want to kill her?¡± Lady Xu raised a foot and kicked Chen Lu into a flowerbed in rage. ¡°Chen Lu, I misjudged you. So you¡¯re the type of man who uses the woman as a scapegoat after getting into trouble!¡±

    Great General Chen was in tears. He really wanted to die, ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a start at Lady Xu¡¯s words and suddenly realized she wasn¡¯t a bad woman at all.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Lady Xu turned to look at Grand Preceptor Xie. In haste, various guards hurried to defend the old man, afraid that she¡¯d strike against their master, too.

    ¡°Withdraw,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered his guards. ¡°This old man would like to see what she¡¯d do to the likes of me!¡±

    All of the guards backed off, but stood shaking with fear not far from Grand Preceptor Xie. As soon as Lady Xu made a move, they would rush to protect their master.

    ¡°I¡¯m only a childless woman. What could I possibly do?¡± Lady Xu asked. ¡°I only ask that the Grand Preceptor stand as judge and have Chen Lu divorce me. He can wee that pair of blossoming sisters into the estate instead.¡±

    ¡°This old man can guarantee,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said as he smoothed out the wrinkles between his brows with a coaxing tone, ¡°That these n¨¦e Xiang sisters don¡¯t exist at all. If this old man really did such a thing, I would naturally admit to it. N¨¦e Xu, you¡¯ve been with Shenyan up to this day. Has he ever bullied you?¡±

    Before Lady Xu could reply, the sound of knocking came from the door.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked his steward, who shook his head. He didn¡¯t know either.

    ¡°Hurry and take a look,¡± the Grand Preceptor ordered. But then the doors opened with a bang as someone kicked it in, the sound reverberating in everyone¡¯s ears.

    ¡°I had someone send a letter to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Zigui whispered to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Telling them that someone was going to kill Xie Wenyuan. These are his mening to the rescue.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Is it that easy to trick the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men?¡±

    ¡°I gave Xie Laibao a head¡¯s up ahead of time,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Head Steward Xie was one of Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s men now and spying for them in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. With this, the ploy would¡¯ve worked.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s subordinates ran into the courtyard to report, ¡°The head steward brought men here to---to apprehend all of the Chen estate¡¯s servants.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie had expected Ning Yu¡¯s people toe. If that was the case, he¡¯d only suffer a bit of torment in her hands since she couldn¡¯t kill him outright, and earn back n¨¦e Xu¡¯s trust in the process instead, thus gaining an advantage from the misfortune. But now that it was his own estate¡¯s mening to capture n¨¦e Xu¡¯s servants, he felt his vision go ck.

    Lady Xu looked at him coldly. ¡°So the Grand Preceptor was intending to kill me.¡±

    ¡°This is a misunderstanding,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sounded unconvincing even to himself.

    Chen Lu crawled out of the flowerbed then, almost pleading with Grand Preceptor Xie now. ¡°Grand Preceptor, n¨¦e Xu is a married woman. You shouldn¡¯t treat her so casually.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t want to say any more.

    ¡°Will the head steward get beaten by the Grand Preceptor for this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was fretting on the roof.

    ¡°Yes, but he won¡¯t die,¡± Lou Zigui said. ¡°He would only be the party that was tricked in all of this.¡±

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered, ¡°Escort Lady Xu back to the Chen Estate.¡±

    None of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards said a word at the orders, but exchanged their thoughts through nces instead. Then all of them rushed forward at once. Lady Xu could beat Great General Chen silly with her bare hands. If they didn¡¯t mob her together, they¡¯re never be able to bring her under control.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± Chen Lu lost his temper.

    ¡°She won¡¯t listen to words or reason right now,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie grabbed Chen Lu by the hand to mutter. ¡°Let her calm down first. This old man will talk to her personally in the future.¡±

    Lady Xu simply raised her hands to fight against the soldiers as she smiled icily at Chen Lu.

 Chapter 269: His Majesty says, Iâ€™ve committed a sin

    <h4>Chapter 269: His Majesty says, I''vemitted a sin</h4>

    Chen Lu protested, ¡°Grand Preceptor, I¡¯ll find a way to...¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s face was grave. ¡°You want to act stubborn against this old man, too?¡±

    Chen Lu fell silent.

    ¡°Afraid of the Grand Preceptor, afraid of his wife,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head at the sight. ¡°How did a jerk like him end up being a Great General? Was he like Tao Chen, gaining favors through back doors?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, ¡°I¡¯ve never interacted with Chen Lu before.¡±

    In other words, he¡¯s not familiar with the man. Ning Xiaoyao nodded and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine, you¡¯ll get to know him in the future.¡±

    Lou Zigui turned to look at her. ¡°You¡¯re so certain that Chen Lu will forsake the darkness for the light?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched Lou Zigui¡¯s palms in amusement. ¡°I can make it so that Lady Xu can bear children again. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s enough of a advantage?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Lou Zigui wanted to say that this wasn¡¯t a joking matter, but on second thought he simply asked, ¡°Is Lady Xu ill?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a serious issue,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she patted her stomach. ¡°Her womb¡¯s just grown a little thing, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said Lou Zigui. Isn¡¯t that a really serious problem?

    ¡°What¡¯s more,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to mutter, ¡°As long as Chen Lu and that General Xu Jing don¡¯t want to be emperor, does it matter who they follow in the end? If the Grand Preceptor can pay them money and give them official titles, so can I. I can give them even more and cure Lady Xu¡¯s illness so she can have children again. Why do they have to follow Grand Preceptor Xie to the death?¡±

    ¡°How could anyone who betrays his master be ced in an important position again?¡± Lou Zigui challenged.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°My father was a stupid bastard, so they had no choice but to follow the Grand Preceptor. Otherwise, they¡¯d be as wretched as the Lord Protector¡¯s family. Now that I¡¯m the emperor and not some idiotic jerk, why can¡¯t they choose to follow me instead?¡±

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll write them a note. All the bad deeds they¡¯ve done under the Grand Preceptor before won¡¯t count against them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered. ¡°Xu Jing¡¯s a powerful and mighty Great General, isn¡¯t he? I¡¯ll make him an Extremely Powerful and Mighty Great General instead!¡±

    What the hell¡¯s an Extremely Powerful and Mighty Great General? Lou Zigui rested a hand against his forehead.

    ¡°And I¡¯ll had them lead two more barracks¡¯ worth of soldiers,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°Are those terms enough? If not, I can add more things. I¡¯m the emperor, so why can¡¯t I give them anything I want?¡± Well, this is all talk in the end, she added internally.

    Lou Zigui just stared at her. You¡¯ve said everything already, so what else can I say?

    ¡°I have confidence,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said resolutely.

    Lou Zigui simply turned to survey the courtyard again. ¡°You can try it.¡± Even if Xu Jing doesn¡¯t forsake the darkness for the light, I can still protect this girl by my side.

    Lady Xu stopped talking to her husband and Grand Preceptor Xie as she turned on her heel to leave the courtyard. Chen Lu wanted to chase after him, but Grand Preceptor Xie called him back. Once his wife was out of sight, Chen Lu asked, ¡°Is HIs Majesty really behind the scenes of this matter?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled coldly. Quickly, Chen Lu expressed his loyalty once again. ¡°Grand Preceptor, this soldier is utterly faithful to you, ah.¡±

    ¡°Pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go ahead and say you love him instead?!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth twitched before he patted her head. ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense.¡±

    Inside the courtyard, Grand Preceptor Xie waved a hand at Chen Lu and said, ¡°This old man believes you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was still spitting at Grand Preceptor Xie from the rooftop as she stuck out her tongue and made faces. Meanwhile, Oil Jar bared his teeth at him. Lou Zigui could only pretend that he didn¡¯t see a thing. Lady Xu reached the front courtyard of the estate, where various injured bodyguards were sitting on the ground.

    Xie Laibao was sitting amongst them and ordering, ¡°Keep an eye on these men!¡±

    Lady Xu knitted her brows before she strode to Xie Laibao and kicked him to the ground. As he fell, he cried out in pain. His broken bones were still healing, so it was impossible for him to pick himself up. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men standing on the side wanted to help, but the sight of Lady Xu cowed them. Xie Laibao finally turned over to face the woman and prepared to curse, but realized his bad luck as soon as he saw her face. Instead of speaking, Lady Xu simply kicked him two more times, causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood. He forced himself to swallow it back down and take it. Anyone who earned the ire of this tigress was only asking for trouble.

    Lady Xu continued to head for the door. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men parted ways for her as she walked, respectfully sending her off. One of the Chen estate nannies opened the curtains of her sedan chair and asked in a low voice, ¡°My Lady, we¡¯re not waiting for the general?¡±

    ¡°Why should we wait for him?¡± Lady Xu asked coldly. The nanny fell silent.

    Lady Xu raised a foot to get on her ride, causing the Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants to collectively exhale in relief. She was already bending to sit when she heard a whoosh from behind--the sound of an arrow leaving its bow. Instead of raising her head, she simply moved to kneel on the ground. A ming arrow buried itself into her sedan chair, lighting the drapes on fire before the entire carriage was swallowed up by fire.

    ¡°Ah--!¡± All of the Chen n servant girls cried out in rm.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guard and hismanding men ran towards the source of the arrow. Someone wanted to kill Her Ladyship!

    At this thought, all of the bodyguards moved to surround Lady Xu protectively in a circle.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Xie Laibao asked as he was helped off the ground and moved to the front door.

    ¡°No one¡¯s there,¡± the head guard announced loudly after tracing the arrow to its source in a corner.

    ¡°If no one¡¯s there, then where did the ming arrowe from?¡± one of the nannies asked Lady Xu in a murmur.

    Lady Xu simply stared indifferently at the ming sedan chair.

    ¡°Him,¡± the nanny who had called Lady Xu out of her boudoir dered as she stared at the back of the head guard. ¡°He¡¯s the one who took those two little pageboys away!¡± (Author: They only have the same physique, you should check their faces first! o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°You¡¯re certain?¡± Lady Xu asked.

    The old woman nodded her head. In her eyes, all of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men were suspect right now. Lady Xu nodded in turn.

    ¡°M-madam,¡± Xie Laibao wanted to speak up.

    But Lady Xu simply ordered her guards, ¡°Set this courtyard on fire.¡±

    ¡°......¡± said the Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. Looks like someone¡¯s bound to die again tonight.

    ¡°My Lady?¡± the various older female servants all chorused in rm. Their general and His Excellency Grand Preceptor were still inside!

    ¡°Light it,¡± Lady Xu repeated. The bodyguards moved to act.

    ¡°You¡¯re all still standing around?!¡± Xie Laibao eximed to his men. ¡°You¡¯re just going to watch them set the ce on fire?!¡±

    Lady Xu tossed out a scabbard, which hit Head Steward Xie on the head and knocked him to the ground, bleeding.

    ¡°Set this courtyard on fire!¡± Lady Xu shouted. Her guards nodded before throwing a torch inside the walls. Old Huo was standing inside and saw the thingnd, then moved to set a few flowers and trees on fire as well with his bamboo lighter. Once the mes were burning, he tossed his lighter through the window of the building next to him.

    It was a hot summer night filled with wind, so the mes were soon borne by the breeze until the entire ce was raging with fire.

    ¡°Fire!¡± one of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s servants cried out.

    ¡°Put, put it out!¡± Xie Laibao eximed from the ground as he clutched his head.

    Lady Xu had no idea how many torches her men had thrown inside the walls, so she was startled by the magnitude of the congration as well. In that moment, her men broke into an all out brawl with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards. The Grand Preceptor¡¯s men were resolute that she shouldn¡¯t escape after trying to burn their master--what a grave sin that would be! Meanwhile, the guards were determined that they had to protect Her Ladyship. If Grand Preceptor Xie really burned to death tonight, they¡¯d still protect her all the way back home!

    ¡°Protect Her Ladyship!¡± someone shouted in the chaos

    Xie Laibao was helped to his feet by a pageboy. He pointed a finger at Lady Xu and dered, ¡°Just you wait.¡±

    Instead of speaking, Lady Xu only graced him with an icy smile. Her nannies were just about terrified to death. Since when had things devolved to the point of arson and murder?!

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor wants to kill me,¡± Lady Xu stated.

    Now the nannies were truly frightened out of their wits.

    ¡°He knows how much my father dotes on me and how much my younger brothers look to me,¡± Lady Xu continued. ¡°After Chen Lu treated me like that, my father and brothers would definitely want his life, then revolt against Grand Preceptor Xie himself. If that¡¯s the case, he might as well kill me first, then the rest of you, to seal our lips.¡±

    ¡°The Grand Preceptor can be that ruthless?¡± a nanny asked.

    ¡°What can¡¯t he do as Xie Wenyuan?¡± Lady Xu was still smiling coldly.

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a cold breath from her vantage point on the roof with Lou Zigui. ¡°So she knew Grand Preceptor Xie was a bad seed all along!¡±

    ¡°Everyone in the world knows what kind of person Xie Wenyuan is,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. Everyone in the world that is, except that muddle-headed ex-emperor.

    The shouts and sounds of fighting carried over from a distant alleyway.

    ¡°Pei Yan and his men areing,¡± Lou Zigui muttered to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°With this, Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men will alle out too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at his face. It was ruddy red under the glow of fire. He¡¯s a bad seed too, she thought.

    ¡°N¨¦e Xu!¡± Chen Lu ran into the front courtyard, where he was faced by a wall of mes. Then he saw the two troops of guards fighting each other and nearly tripped over his feet. Lady Xu stared at him as if he was a stranger, making his heart feel uneasy. ¡°Why are you doing this?!¡± he cried in desperation.

    ¡°If we can¡¯t be husband and wife, you can simply write me a letter of divorce,¡± Lady Xu answered. ¡°Why are you trying to take my life as well?¡±

    ¡°Take your life?¡± Chen Lu eximed. ¡°Who wants to kill you?¡±

    Lady Xu looked past him to Grand Preceptor Xie, who was walking their way.

    ¡°What does Grand Preceptor Xie want to kill you for?¡± Chen Lu stamped his feet impatiently. Has my wife gotten possessed?

    Lady Xu said, ¡°Chen Lu, I couldn¡¯t birth you a son or daughter. That¡¯s my fault. But a single day as husband and wife still means 100 days of affection. We¡¯ve been married all these years, yet you still treated me so heartlessly?¡±

    ¡°Wife, I---Grand Preceptor!¡± Great General Chen whirled back to call towards him. What to do now?!

    On the roof, Ning Xiaoyao tugged at Lou ZIgui¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Supreme Commander, I feel like I¡¯vemitted a sin.¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu, our love ends today!¡± Lady Xu dered. Hearing this, Chen Lu grew nk before his legs gave way. The Great General fell listlessly to the ground and lost consciousness.

    ¡°......¡± said Ning Xiaoyao. Ah geez, I really didmit a sin.

    Please read this notice for thetest updates regarding UPX''s future!

 Chapter 270: Bloody battle of a summer night

    <h4>Chapter 270: Bloody battle of a summer night</h4>

    Witnessing the scene before him, Grand Preceptor Xie couldn¡¯t help but feel that women from military backgrounds were a bunch of fools. Clearly, Ning Yu was the one trying to drive a wedge in between them; yet Lady Xu hadpletely fallen for the trap.

    ¡°Lady Xu.¡± Although deep down Grand Preceptor Xie was burning with fiery, he had enough self control to suppress it. He wanted Lady Xu to realize that this was all part of Ning Yu¡¯s trick.

    Lady Xu disregarded the unconscious Chen Lu and grudgingly stared at the Grand Preceptor. She was not in the mood to listen to him. She had just broken all ties with her husband. Right now, Lady Xu only wanted to find a spot to sulk.

    ¡°You state that Chen Lu has no affection or you,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie tried to talk reason into her. ¡°But has Chen Lu ever mistreated you all these years? You two have been married for so long. Now, because of these false rumours and gossips, you¡¯re suspecting Chen Lu of having another woman on the side. Not only that, you¡¯re using him of having other children with someone else. You even went as far as using your husband of attempt murder. You have no trust in Chen Lu at all. Lady Xu, this old man wants to ask you, where is your affection for Chen Lu?¡±

    Lady Xu coldly replied, ¡°Then who wants to kill me?¡±

    ¡°The assassin could¡¯ve been sent by anyone from the capital. It could have been this old man, Chen Lu, or anyone who has some type of power or influence.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie reasoned. ¡°Lady Xu, you don¡¯t believe a word of what this old man had said to you earlier?¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Lady Xu refuted, ¡°Let¡¯s assume the assassin was sent by someone else. How would you exin the two pageboys your guard had instructed to im the people sent to wait on Great General Chen had already died? Give me an exnation for that, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie looked to his left and right. Steward Xie¡¯s head was wrapped with white bandages. His face was a bloody mess as he exchanged looks with the Grand Preceptor.

    The Grand Preceptor shifted his eyes away. That man is an idiot.

    Lady Xu sneered. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? The Grand Preceptor can¡¯te up with a response?¡±

    ¡°The guards and the pageboys are all here. Lady Xu, please tell this old man which guard and pageboys you are referring to.¡±

    ¡°Him.¡± the nanny pointed at themander officer.

    Themander officer gazed around his surroundings. When he was certain he was the used, he instantly got down on his knees and cried out grievance. ¡°Master, this servant has been wrongly used!¡±

    All the other guards immediately backed up their leader. After all, their leader was with them the entire time. How could he have been the one to order the pageboys to lie?

    Lady Xu brisklyughed. ¡°Obviously, your people will be on your side.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao heatedly muttered from the roof.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t understand why Ning Xiaoyao sounded so irritated. I thought she was upset aboutmitting a sin just momentarily ago?

    ¡°Are you determined to set this old man and Chen Lu as the culprits?¡± the Grand Preceptor asked.

    Lady Xu didn¡¯t respond, but her face was filled with contempt.

    Grand Preceptor Xie sighed out loud. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take the next few days to recuperate at my estate?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was stunned. He couldn¡¯t convince Lady Xu with reason, so now this old man wants to imprison her?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth curved upwards. His smile was filled with disdain. This is totally Xie Wenyuan¡¯s style. He would only do what was the most favourable for him. Right now, he wants to bring out his army. He couldn¡¯t afford to let Lady Xu ruin his ns. Since he couldn¡¯t convince her, he might as well put her under house arrest and deal with her after the battle.

    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Lady Xu retaliated.

    Grand Preceptor Xie drawled, ¡°If this old man were to make a request, even your father, Xu Jing, wouldn¡¯t dare to not show up.¡±

    Lady Xu felt her chest tightening.

    On the roof, Lou Zigui whispered to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°The reason why Lady Xu is so daring is because she is banking on the fact that Xie Wenyuan wants to use her family¡¯s military power. As long as her father and brothers have control over the military, Xie Wenyuan wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to her.¡±

    ¡°But now, the Grand Preceptor is revealing his true colours.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was starting to feel agitated. What if the Grand Preceptor harms Lady Xu during the house arrest? She wants to ensure the empress could safely exit the capital. Furthermore, she wants to bring the mighty general Xu Jing onto her side. She didn¡¯t want Lady Xu to die.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan would never let a woman threaten him.¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice.

    ¡°Someone,e,¡± Grand Preceptor ordered. ¡°Bring Lady Xu back to my estate.¡±

    At this moment, sounds of chaotic horse hooves could be heard from a distance. The Nine Gate Infantry Commander and the generals from the military barracks dismounted from their horses one after another.

    Two pageboys carried Xie Laibao over to the Grand Preceptor. He whispered, ¡°Master, we should continue the talk at your estate. The fire will spread here soon.¡±

    The houses that have caught on fire had already copsed. If it weren¡¯t for the man-made pond in the front courtyard, the fire would¡¯ve already swallowed everything.

    The Grand Preceptor curtly stated, ¡°We can¡¯t leave anymore.¡±

    Pei Yan stood right in front of the Grand Preceptor in hismander uniform. The uniform concealed his feminine features and made him appear much more masculine.

    ¡°Oh my God!¡± Ning Xiaoyao gushed, ¡°Second Young Master Pei is so hot!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face turned ck.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± The Grand Preceptor asked Pei Yan.

    Pei Yan replied, ¡°Grand Preceptor, this ce is on fire and everyone has their weapons out. If this subject doesn¡¯te, this subject would be neglecting his duties.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie responded, ¡°This old man heard screams. Was it because of you and the military barracks guards?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Pei Yan admitted instantly.

    ¡°Who gave you the nerves? Just because you¡¯re the Nine Gate Infantry Commander, you think you can use your army wherever you choose?¡±

    ¡°Pei Yan was the one who started it.¡± a general from the military barracks snitched.

    Pei Yan harshly stared at the man and taunted. ¡°You look like an upstanding man. Were you bullied by someone? You have to tattletale to your parents? Is your surname Xie?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± the officer was speechless.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± After firing shots, Pei Yan aimed at the Grand Preceptor. ¡°Based on what you¡¯re saying, it was wrong of me toe out with an army even though there are people ughtering each other and setting ces on fire?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie asked, ¡°Is this the crime of the military barracks?¡±

    ¡°If we do not investigate, how would we know? Pei Yan dares to question the Grand Preceptor. The military barracks are leading their troops in the middle of the night, barging through the city streets. Who gave them the nerves to do this?¡±

    ¡°Pei Yan, stop being a troublemaker!¡± a general from the military barracks roared.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a battle of who has a louder voice. Where¡¯s the imperial edict that grants you the permission to take the troops out?¡± Pei Yan¡¯s eyes remained cold and merciless.

    Grand Preceptor Xie lifted his hand to dismiss the generals. He turned to Pei Yan. ¡°His Majesty has been stabbed...¡±

    ¡°Did you see His Majesty being stabbed?¡± Pei Yan interrupted, ¡°As a subject, you dare to curse our present emperor. Xie Wenyuan, what is your motive?¡±

    ¡°Presumptuous!¡± the head steward Xie shouted.

    Pei Yan didn¡¯t even look at him. ¡°It¡¯s the middle of the night. Which dog is howling?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± the head steward choked.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, as a dog owner, you should take better care of your dogs. Don¡¯t let them bark everywhere. Others wouldn¡¯t me the dog. Instead, they would fault the owner. Of course, if you¡¯re inferior to your own pets, no one is going to say anything. Humans aren¡¯t going to bother arguing with a dog. Why would they bother with you?¡±

    ¡°Wow. His tongue is so poisonous!¡± Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath and murmured.

    Grand Preceptor Xie remained silent. Just as his people were waiting for his orders to take Pei Yan¡¯s life, the Grand Preceptorughed. ¡°Pei Yan, this old man will gloss over the slip of tongue.¡±

    ¡°So what happened here? This subject has a duty to find out. Please speak the truth, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not qualified to question me.¡±

    Pei Yan turned to Lady Xu. ¡°Lady Xu?¡±

    ¡°I want to return to the Chen Estate. Please bring me back, Commander Pei.¡±

    ¡°Lady Xu!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s tone definitely sounded more menacing.

    ¡°Someone take Lady Xu back to the Chen Estate.¡±manded Pei Yan.

    All of Grand Preceptor¡¯s people pulled out their weapons and blocked the exit.

    ¡°Charge!¡± Pei Yan gave the order.

    Another fight was about to break out. Chen Lu suddenly woke up from themotion. He saw that Pei Yan was about to take his wife away. The entrance was blocked by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards. Chen Lu climbed up and knelt in front of Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Grand Preceptor, Lady Xu has a moment of foolishness. Please forgive her this time.¡± he pleaded.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie and Lady Xu simultaneously yelled.

    ¡°Kill!¡± Pei Yan ruthlessly dered.

    Cries rose in the air and the Nine Gate Infantry and the Chen Estate men were against the Grand Preceptor and the military barracks¡¯ men. The two sides fought right by the entrance. Soon, the whole alley was filled with sounds of ughter.

    Those living nearby weren¡¯t sure what was happening. But they didn¡¯t dare to look out. The old and the young had hidden themselves within the house. No one dared to light amp.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui turned to Ning Xiaoyao.¡± By now, the empress should be out of the capital.¡±

    -----

    At this moment, Shadowgale was standing by the horse carriage at the south doors. He turned to Empress Zhou. ¡°This servant will bid you farewell here.¡±

    ¡°Will His Majesty be alright?¡±

    ¡°Please be on your way, empress.¡±

    This woman has an illicit lover. Why would she care for His Majesty? Shadowgale bitterly thought to himself.

    Empress Zhou could tell this dragon guard disliked her. After Shadowgale¡¯s crisp reply, she closed her curtains.

    ¡°Be safe.¡± Shadowgalemanded the dragon guards. They were in charge of bringing the empress to the Zhou barracks.

    The dragon guards epted their orders. Shadowgale raised his hand and pped the side of the horse.

    The horse galloped and the empress experienced a bumpy ride. Along the way, she couldn¡¯t help but feel depressed. She couldn¡¯t understand why. Soon, she¡¯ll be reunited with Xu Feiyu. So why is she feeling unhappy?

    When the empress had disappeared from his field of vision, Shadowgale brought his people back to the capital. He was greeted with a pile of dead bodies. They were all guards that defended the city wall.

    ¡°She¡¯s gone?¡± Deng Rong appeared in front of him.

    Shadowgale nodded as he stepped into a pool of blood. The gruesome scene didn¡¯t bother him.

    ¡°We killed them all,¡± Deng Rong pointed at the bodies. ¡°In order to prevent Xie Wenyuan from figuring out our n, we killed everyone at all four city gates.¡±

    Aside from Supreme Commander¡¯s trusted men, all the guards on duty tonight were killed.

    -----

    Ultimately, Pei Yan won the bloody battle in Fangqi alley and took Lady Xu away. Chen Lu got down on his knees in front of the Grand Preceptor. He was motionless like a wooden figure.

    ¡°Get up.¡± Grand Preceptor Xiemanded.

    Chen Lu didn¡¯t dare to get up. Instead, he continuously mmed his forehead to the ground. ¡°Grand Preceptor, please spare Lady Xu this time.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie felt wronged. ¡°If this old man had wanted to take her life, did you think Pei Yan would¡¯ve been able to take her away?¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Let her figure it out.¡± snapped Grand Preceptor. He looked at the bloody alley and lowered his voice. ¡°She will regret it.¡±

    Chen Lu shivered. The Grand Preceptor reached out and helped him up. Suddenly, Chen Lu gritted two words through his teeth. ¡°His Majesty!¡±

    He has never seen an emperor who is so good at tormenting his subjects!

    I hope you guys like my trantions. I am not Ruyi, but I''ll try my best. If you''re reading this anywhere but vrenovels dot, this trantion has been stolen.

 Chapter 271: Beating up His Majestyâ€™s subjectâ€™s wife

    <h4>Chapter 271: Beating up His Majesty¡¯s subject¡¯s wife</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna have a chat with Lady Xu.¡± When Ning Xiaoyao returned to the Supreme Splendor Hall, she quickly changed back into her male attire. She got up to leave before the seat was warm.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to have breakfast?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Everyone stared at the empty basket of mantous. Supreme Commander, are you sure His Majesty can stuff more in his stomach?

    Ning Xiaoyao had a moment of hesitation but ultimately decided, ¡°Nah, I¡¯m not eating. I¡¯m gonna talk about life with Lady Xu.¡±

    Some of the dragon guards were concerned. ¡°Your Majesty, would Lady Xu resort to violence?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was unruffled. ¡°If she tries to hit me, I¡¯ll just beat her up!¡±

    Now, everyone including Lou Zigui, felt at ease. His Majesty (Lady Ning£©was an audacious fighter!

    Ning Xiaoyao invited Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, would you like to join me?¡±

    Lou Zigui gazed at Ning Xiaoyao with his teacup in hand.

    ¡°Well dang, if you don¡¯t wanna go, I¡¯ll just drag Windy with me. If I fail at our talk, another hot guy can continue the convo. Maybe Lady Xu will reassess her life. Ah!¡± Suddenly, Ning Xiaoyao smacked the table. ¡°I should drag Second Young Master Pei with me!¡±

    Lou Zigui put down his cup and stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced her hands behind her back and walked out with swag. Second Young Master Pei is handsome, but Supreme Commander isn¡¯t bad himself!

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± a general dressed in armour ran out of the pce hall and chased after Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, what about the deployment of the troops?¡±

    ¡°Wait until after I return.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s tone was cool. Then, he departed with Ning Xiaoyao.

    The general stood there in a daze. Deploying the troops was something that could wait? Anyone else could¡¯ve gone with His Majesty to see Lady Xu! Why must their Supreme Commander be involved? (Author: General, you¡¯ll understand your Supreme Commander¡¯s heart in the future. \(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    ----

    In the meantime, Grand Preceptor Xie was in his study listening to the general in front of him. Last night, all the guards at the city gates were killed.

    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± the general was furious, ¡°Logically speaking, this should be the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s doings. But Pei Yan...¡±

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t be in charge of something like this,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t let the general finish.

    ¡°This old man knows now. Give me the list of names and take some silver taels from my estate for their rtives.¡±

    The general knelt down and bowed to the Grand Preceptor.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie sighed and personally helped the general up. ¡°This old man will transfer the military barracks to your location. You must be extra careful from now on.¡±

    The general was suffering from an unspeakable bitterness. Would they be fine if they were extra careful? His brothers must have died under a familiar de. They died because it was an unexpected attack. Who sent the assassins? In the entire city, who has the ability and dares to go against Grand Preceptor Xie? The general had an idea, but didn¡¯t dare to ask.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make assumptions about His Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie told the general. ¡°Just do your job.¡±

    The general lifted his head and stared at the Grand Preceptor. Grand Preceptor Xie wouldn¡¯t mention His Majesty for no reason. His Majesty wasn¡¯t actually hurt. Couldst night¡¯s assassins really be sent by His Majesty?

    ¡°Go. Remember this old man¡¯s words. Be careful.¡±

    The general left the study. When he arrived, he was filled with fury. But now, he was filled with instability. Regardless of ranking, more than half of the military officers guarding the city were Grand Preceptor¡¯s men. Based on that alone, it was enough for His Majesty to send assassins to ughter them. Who knows if His Majesty ns to kill the rest of them?

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Xu Yiming came out from behind the screen and stood in front of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Last night, someone from His Majesty¡¯s side must have left the capital,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie wrote on a piece of paper.

    Assistant Xu also took a brush and wrote on another piece of paper. ¡°It could also be Lou Zigui¡¯s people.¡±

    ¡°For Fang Tang,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie wrote back.

    ¡°If they wanted to investigate Fang Tang, why did they kill all the guards at the four city walls?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xi shook his head and lifted the brush to write. ¡°They think they¡¯re clever. They don¡¯t want us to predict their moves.¡±

    Xu Yiming wrote on the paper. ¡°We can¡¯t keep Song Xu.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s eyes flickered.

    ¡°The longer he remains in Supreme Splendor Hall, the higher the chances he will mess up. Grand Preceptor, if Lou Zigui is prepared and leaves the capital with His Majesty, we won¡¯t be able to forecast the future.¡± Assistant Xu¡¯s strokes were flying across the paper.

    Grand Preceptor Xie scratched his finger across the table. If he lets Ning Yu go and says His Majesty is dead and that Ning Yu was a fraud this whole time, who would believe him? He has no concrete evidence.

    ¡°Your thoughts?¡± Xu Yiming wrote on the piece of paper.

    ¡°Send someone to investigate Fang Tang,¡± Grand Preceptor wrote, ¡°If he has already returned to Auyuan, this old man will need to be vignt regarding the ck Frost Cavalry entering the capital.¡±

    Xu Yiming wrote down a ¡°yes¡± on the paper.

    ¡°As for Song Xu,¡± At this point, Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s brush paused in mid air. A few momentster, he continued, ¡°If he dies now, it will arise Lou Zigui¡¯s suspicions. Why would the man suddenly die in the pce? Howe this old man knows of Song Xu? Assistant Xu, do not underestimate His Majesty and Lou Zigui.¡±

    Assistant Xu bowed with his hands held in front. ¡°Grand Preceptor, I stand corrected.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t take longer than five days,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie gestured Xu Yiming to look at his words, ¡°We have to take the risk and let Song Xu live. If anything slips during these five days, then His Majesty and Lou Zigui are destined to thrive and this old man is destined to fail.¡±

    Assistant Xu held in his breath and revealed a worrisome expression. Deep down, he couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy.

    Grand Preceptor Xie gave Xu Yiming a look and wrote another two words on the paper. ¡°Don¡¯t fear.¡± He pointed at the words.

    Xu Yiming bowed and thanked Grand Preceptor Xie again. He tried to reassure himself. Since this involves the imperial power, it¡¯s normal for amoner like him to be anxious.

    Outside the window, Cousin Magpie was stubbornly waiting on the tree branch. He didn¡¯t believe the evil old man Xie and his subordinate could discuss their evil ns without speaking! £¨o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    Likewise, Xie Laibao was also trying to eavesdrop on the conversation. But since the two weremunicating through writing, he barely heard any dialogue.

    ¡°Head steward,¡± a pageboy ran to report to Xie Laibao. ¡°Great General Chen is creating a scene. He wants to see Grand Preceptor Xie.¡±

    Xie Laibao turned his head and faced the doors. ¡°Master, Great General Chen calls for an audience.¡±

    ¡°Let him wait.¡± Grand Preceptor¡¯s voice echoed from within.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± Chen Lu¡¯s voice could be heard through the courtyard. He was shouting himself hoarse.

    ¡°You should see him,¡± Xu Yiming urged Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°Lady Xu is a woman. Shecks experience. Don¡¯t be angry over a married woman, Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie pinched the space between his brows. His arrow is already on his bow, but side issues keep arising. How could he not have a headache?

    ¡°Grand Preceptor!¡± Chen Lu was still screaming his head off.

    Grand Preceptor Xie ruthlessly mmed on the table and surprised his assistant. ¡°Let him in.¡± he coldly stated. After venting on the table, Grand Preceptor Xie appeared calmer.

    Lady Xu stared nkly at Ning Xiaoyao, in disbelief. She gradually stood up from her couch. ¡°Y-you¡¯re.....?¡±

    ¡°Haha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Lady Xu sized up Ning Xiaoyao from head to toe. She wished her eyes could bore a hole through the body. ¡°You¡¯re not female?¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt sullen after saying this.

    Lady Xu looked up and noticed Lou Zigui standing next to Ning Xiaoyao. She wanted to back up, but the couch was behind her. She had nowhere to go and fell right back down on her seat.

    ¡°Um, sorry?¡± Ning Xiaoyao apologized to Lady Xu.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Lady Xu asked glumly.

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m Ning Xiao......¡±

    Lou Zigui interrupted coldly. ¡°Lady Xu, you are in the presence of the emperor. Where are your manners?¡±

    Lady Xu was bewildered. This is His Majesty? He disguised as a womanst night? He joined hands with another woman to pretend to be a pair of beautiful sisters? To fool her?

    ¡°Can we have a chat?¡± asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Lady Xu pointed her finger at Ning Xiaoyao, trembling.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ¡° Ning Xiaoyao first apologized, but then rushed to ruin the Grand Preceptor¡¯s name. ¡°But, Lady Xu, Grand Preceptor Xie revealed his true coloursst night! He even wants to lock you up! I think he has ns to *Ning Xiaoyao dramatically makes the hand chop gesture* kill you after he imprisons you at his estate!¡± she eximed.

    ¡°You...! Who was the other woman with youst night?¡±

    If that person also turned out to be a man in disguise, Lady Xu felt like she might as well jab her eyes out. If she¡¯s blind with open eyes, what¡¯s the point of having eyes?

    ¡°That was Miss Ji.¡± Ning Xiaoyao proudly sold out Ji Yuerong.

    ¡°Ji Yuerong?¡± Lady Xu asked.

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡±

    ¡°The imperial bodyguard and the pageboys were also impersonated by Your Majesty¡¯s people?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander was themander officer. The pageboys weren¡¯t ours. They are really Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s pageboys. Great Preceptor Xie screwed them over.¡± exined Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Also, the fire was started by us. Er, we arranged Pei Yan toe ahead of time too. Is there anything else you wish to know, Lady Xu?¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao behind him. He was afraid Lady Xu will go insane and p her.

    Lady Xu stared at Ning Xiaoyao and then at Lou Zigui. One was His Majesty and the other one was the Supreme Commander. A General¡¯s daughter was also involved. This group of people actually got together to use such shameless tactics to ruin her rtionship with Chen Lu?

    ¡°We were wrong,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to admit and ruin Grand Preceptor¡¯s name. ¡°But Grand Preceptor Xie is a bad guy too, agreed?¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu is innocent,¡± Lady Xu muttered to herself, dumbfounded.

    ¡°Uh, yeah! Although Great General Chen is on Grand Preceptor¡¯s side, he is very loyal towards you! He¡¯s a loyal dog!¡± beamed Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You¡¯re calling Chen Lu a dog?¡± Lady Xu stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Not a dog,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily shook her head, ¡°Lady, you must¡¯ve misheard.¡±

    Lady Xu stood up from her couch. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Aye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand to indicate she¡¯s His Majesty.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s fun to y tricks on your subject¡¯s wife?¡± Lady Xu red at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°How was I ying tricks?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked wronged, ¡°I delivered myself and was beaten up by you.¡±

    Lady Xu recalled how she had repeatedly punched His Majesty in the mouthst night....

    -----

    If you''re dying to read more shameless MC. Please consider the following below:

    Your Highness, I know my wrongs <-- Lin Shan transmigrated into the ancient times and has to pretend to be a man (even though the body is female). But now she has to marry the princess! What will she do?? (Note: This girl loves money and hot men).

    Supernatural Girlfriend <-- Suyang is a super shameless male MC. However, the novel is generally written in the female MC''s perspectives. This is full ofedy, drama, suspense, and romance. Use your detective skills to see if you''re able to solve the mysteries! Lin Yixin has the ability to see ghosts and she uses this to help her solve crime.

    The Eunuch is Pregnant <-- This is what you want to read if you like smut and sexy stuff. The novel gets extremely NSFW as you keep reading. Birds, bunnies, and radishes will no longer be innocent words. If you wanna see the big bird, what are you waiting for? ;) LOLOLOL

    All the novels above are tranted by me and they''re COMPLETED. So you can binge while you wait for more UPX. It is going to take me some time to figure out all these names and characters. Ruyi will be editing the glossary to help me. Please be patient. <3

 Chapter 272: If a man is too outstanding, it can cause a woman a lot of headache

    <h4>Chapter 272: If a man is too outstanding, it can cause a woman a lot of headache</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty isn¡¯t hurt?¡± After a long period of silence, Lady Xu suddenly asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s a rumour,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dragged two seats over and made herself at home. She looked at Lou Zigui and Lady Xu. ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and chat. It¡¯s a long story.¡±

    Lady Xu knew she couldn¡¯t beat up Ning Xiaoyao anymore and sat back down. However, she continued to assess the man in front of her. For some reason, she couldn¡¯t sense any imperial superiority aura from him. If Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t acting all protective next to Ning Xiaoyao, Lady Xu would seriously send someone to investigate whether this childlike individual was truly His Majesty.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to shorten the long story and get to the point. But, she realized the limit of hernguage abilities. It was an impossible task for her. So, she tugged Lou Zigui¡¯s hand. ¡°Supreme Commander, exin.¡±

    Lou Zigui said what he could say, and told Lady Xu the story.

    ¡°It¡¯s a revolt, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao emphasized to Lady Xu.

    Ever sincest night, Lady Xu had experienced waves of shock over and over again. She barely had time to breathe. It was a bit too much to handle, even for someone strong like her.

    Ning Xiaoyao could see Lady Xu turning pale. She was empathetic. ¡°Scared?¡±

    Lady Xu¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°What are your motives?¡±

    ¡°Defeat Grand Preceptor Xie and help themon people eliminate evil!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted.

    ¡°W-what does that have to do with me?¡± Lady Xu stuttered.

    ¡°How could you be unrted?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave Lady Xu a pitiful look. ¡°You¡¯re Chen Lu¡¯s wife, and the daughter of Xu Jing ah!¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie will definitely transfer your father to the capital.¡± replied Lou Zigui.

    Lady Xu sat in a daze. Suddenly, she downed the entire cup of tea and stared at Lou Zigui. ¡°Grand Preceptor has always been extra careful and secretive with every move. How did you guys find out?¡±

    ¡°That, I cannot disclose.¡±

    ¡°Why should I trust you?¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor has already sent out the secret message. If you¡¯re still unconvinced, why would His Majesty appear in front of you right now?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao puffed out her chest. Although Supreme Commander was spewing a bunch of crap, she must not tear down his stage.

    Lady Xu sank in silence again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind using the ck Frost Cavalry to fight against your father¡¯s Roaring Tigers Camp.¡± Lou Zigui coolly stated.

    ¡°I mind!¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand. ¡°Right now, we need to fight the Northern Hu people. We also need to fight Xiang Nong (the leader of the rebel forces). We already have limited people for war!¡±

    Lady Xu remained seated and expressionless.

    ¡°Name your conditions. Let¡¯s negotiate.¡± urged Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m only a married woman,¡± answered Lady Xu.

    ¡°How about this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°I can help you get pregnant. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lady Xu was bbergasted.

    ¡°Pssst.¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered as her eyeballs began to swirl, ¡°Do you wanna know why you and Great General Chen have never been able to have kids?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I grew up in the Grand Preceptor Estate. So I definitely have an idea of all the bad stuff the Grand Preceptor did.¡±

    Lady Xu¡¯splexion turned dark. ¡°Grand Preceptor? This is rted to him?¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor has drugged you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lied without batting an eye.

    Lady Xu was about to explode.

    ¡°Dont,¡± Ning Xiaoyao blocked her. ¡°Don¡¯t be so emotional. It¡¯s in the past. There is no point of getting all stirred up, right?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡± Lady Xu asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pretended to look innocent. ¡°If I could figure it out, I would¡¯ve already been able to crush Grand Preceptor Xie. Why would I still be dealing with him to this day?¡±

    ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± retorted Lady Xu.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll bring you a woman and let her give birth to Chen Lu¡¯s babies to prove it isn¡¯t his issue. You¡¯re the one with the issue!¡±

    Lady Xu¡¯s eyebrows were turning vertical.

    Ning Xiaoyao rushed, ¡°Heyyyy, we said we weren¡¯t gonna resort to violence!¡±

    Lady Xu...When did I agree to that?

    ¡°Return to your estate. Chen Lu is still at Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Lady Xu, do you know what that means?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Lady Xu red at Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao was also wondering. What¡¯s he going toe up with now?

    ¡°If you had a son or daughter of your own, do you think Chen Lu would neglect you and remain at Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    Lady Xu coldly replied, ¡°That¡¯s because Grand Preceptor won¡¯t let him see me.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s tone was even colder than hers. ¡°Did he protect youst night?¡±

    ¡°Eh, I saw him begging the Grand Preceptor...but he wasn¡¯t that sincere.¡± Ning Xiaoyao casually chirped in.

    ¡°What does he have to do to be considered sincere?¡± asked Lady Xu.

    ¡°Ahhhhh!!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cried. Suddenly, she slipped down and knelt in front of Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao hugged his thigh and started to howl with grief. ¡°Supreme Commander! You can¡¯t be like this! You can¡¯t abandon me. I¡¯m so pitiful! My wife is also pitiful.... Wahhhhhhh!!!!¡±

    Lou Zigui: ...

    Lady Xu: ...

    ¡°That¡¯s what you called begging! Now that¡¯s sincerity!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up with her nose in the air and returned back to her seat. She gave Lady Xu a solemn expression. ¡°He didn¡¯t even hug a big thigh. And you consider that begging?¡±

    Lou Zigui ced his hand against his forehead.

    After a long period of silence, Lady Xumented, ¡°The General faintedst night.¡±

    ¡°Ehh? Who doesn¡¯t know how to fake a faint? Also, you only need to bite a small hole in a package and you can vomit blood. Aaiiii, Lady, it¡¯s obvious that youck experience in dealing with residential battles.¡±

    Lady Xu couldn¡¯t hold back and fired a shot. ¡°So His Majesty has experience?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave her a ¡®you have limited experience, I don¡¯t me you¡¯ look.

    ¡°Lady, do you think a person who has to fight internal pce battles wouldn¡¯t know how to fight residential battles? My opponent is the empress dowager. The Empress Dowager, ah!!¡± Ning Xiaoyao dramatically eximed.

    Lady Xu was speechless.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you take over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted Lou Zigui to continue the story. She was having trouble keeping it up.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t immediately speak. Why wouldn¡¯t Grand Preceptor Xie allow Lady Xu to bear a child? (Author: Yeah, why?)

    ¡°You have nothing else to say?¡± Lady Xu coldlyughed.

    Ning Xiaoyao smacked the table. *pa!*

    Lou Zigui quickly gave her a look. Woman, don¡¯t overdo it with the nonsense!

    ¡°At this point, I might as well tell you what happened back then.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pretended to be in deep suffering. ¡°Of course, I must first confirm that you and Chen Lu are truly in love.¡±

    Lady Xu couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath as she prepared herself for another wave of trauma.

    ¡°Chen Lu and Tao Chen are rtively close in age.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice. ¡°Your Chen Lu is a tall and handsome man. His martial arts abilities are very high too. As for Tao Chen, he¡¯s not as tall as Chen Lu. Although he isn¡¯t ugly per se, he isn¡¯t as good looking as your Chen Lu either. Also, sources say Chen Lu has better martial arts than Tao Chen.¡±

    Lady Xu nodded. It¡¯s true.

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed on the inside. She knew it! That¡¯s what you call lover observation! ¡°Lady Xu have you ever seen Grand Preceptor¡¯s daughter? As in, Tao Chen¡¯s wife?¡±

    Lady Xu responded, ¡°I¡¯ve seen her before.¡± She was the young miss of Xie n¡¯s first wife. As an influential upper ssdy, how could she not have seen her before?

    ¡°From the beginning, she had her eyes set on your general.¡± Ning Xiaoyao bullshitted without a change in expression.

    Lady Xu: ...

    Lou Zigui turned his head and looked out the window. It was getting hard to listen to.

    ¡°It¡¯s true! When I was little, I stayed at the Grand Preceptor Estate. Everyone knows about it there. Even the head steward Xie Laibao took her to Iron Buddha Temple and got the Grandmaster Kumu to divine the fortunes for her and your general.¡±

    Lady Xu was feeling unwell all over.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, go ask Xie Laibao. Or you can ask Grandmaster Kumu! Out of curiosity, how have you been treated by the Xie n? How¡¯s their attitude?¡±

    ¡°Not good!¡± Lady Xu resolutely affirmed. That fake bi*ch!

    Ning Xiaoyao kind of figured. The Xie n looked down on those from a military background. Obviously, they wouldn¡¯t treat Lady Xu with respect.

    ¡°Grandmaster Kumu?¡± asked Lady Xu.

    ¡°Yeah, that trash. Because of him, I couldn¡¯t enter the pce for over a decade.¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered.

    Lady Xu¡¯s brows were turning vertical again.

    ¡°Grandmaster Kumu said their fortunes werepatible. And something about a bird taking over someone else¡¯s nest.¡±

    ¡°The magpie taking over the cuckoo¡¯s nest?¡± Lady Xu suggested.

    ¡°Yah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded like a madman. ¡°That¡¯s it! I didn¡¯t say it because I didn¡¯t want to hurt you, mydy!¡±

    Lou Zigui rubbed his forehead.

    ¡°And then?¡± Lady Xu asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°And then? Then I overheard...¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered in a super low voice, ¡°If you can¡¯t give birth to children, Chen Lu could reasonably file a divorce. Then, the Xie n can... you know... there¡¯s no need for me to say the rest. Or else, we¡¯ll just cry together. Aaaiii!¡±

    Lady Xu stayed silent for a while. ¡°So I should thank Chen Lu for not abandoning me?¡±

    ¡°Later on, Tao Chen came into the picture. But they¡¯ve already drugged you. Plus, even if Chen Lu is childless, it wouldn¡¯t affect the Xie n.¡±

    Lady Xu violently pped the handrail. Her seat shook like it was about to copse.

    Ning Xiaoyao pretended to be a kind soul. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad. Anger harms the body. We shouldn¡¯t get mad at dead people.¡±

    Lady Xu red at Ning Xiaoyao. Why are you using we?

    ¡°If a man is too outstanding, it can cause a woman a lot of headache. Ipletely understand your pain.¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°Lady Xu, why don¡¯t we work together? Just name the position or money you want.¡±

    Lady Xu coldlyughed. ¡°So I can have any amount that I want?¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart began to shudder. ¡°How about I write you an IOU?¡± (abbreviated from the phrase I owe you)

    Lady Xu: ...

    ¡°Alright?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°How do I know you¡¯re not lying to me?¡± asked Lady Xu.

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged on her sleeve. ¡°I¡¯ll write you one right now!¡±

    ¡°I want a child,¡± Lady Xu stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Who wants your IOU?

    ¡°Oh, child,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced down her sleeve. ¡°So are you on our side?¡±

    ¡°It takes ten months to get pregnant. There¡¯s so much time. Let¡¯s assume you end up winning but my poison remains in my body. At that time, I won¡¯t be able to do anything to you, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you beat me up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao generously dered.

    ¡°But I want a child,¡± protested Lady Xu.

    Finally, Lou Zigui spoke again. ¡°By the time you give birth, the entire country would already be under the Xie n. Don¡¯t even bother dreaming of having your own child.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm.. That¡¯s definitely an issue!¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave Lady Xu a grave look.

 Chapter 273: Supreme Commanderâ€™s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea

    <h4>Chapter 273: Supreme Commander¡¯s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea</h4>

    Lady Xu was feeling fidgety. She wanted someone she could trust to discuss with, but there was nobody around.

    Ning Xiaoyao paused for a moment. ¡°How about this? Do you have any slow poison?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lou Zigui instantly hollered.

    Lady Xu narrowed her eyes at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Bring it over, I¡¯ll eat it.¡± Ning Xiaoyao flung Lou Zigui¡¯s hand away and sincerely made eye contact with Lady Xu. ¡°You can give me the antidote after you and Great General Chen have your baby. How does that sound?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, are you for real?¡±

    ¡°Real! More real than pearls!¡±

    Lou Zigui carried Ning Xiaoyao away.

    ¡°Hey! Hey!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled from his arms. ¡°Show some respect, will you? Show Your Majesty some respect, ahhhhhh!!!¡±

    Lady Xu: ...

    Lou Zigui carried Ning Xiaoyao to the corner of a corridor and confined her in between a pir and himself. He stared at her without saying a word.

    *Gulp* Ning Xiaoyao swallowed down a mouthful of saliva. She was nervous for some odd reason.

    ¡°Am I really useless?¡± Lou Zigui asked dejectedly.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth wide. Uh, should we be talking about this right now?

    ¡°I¡¯m useless. I¡¯m unable to protect you. Is that what you think?¡± Lou Zigui demanded.

    ¡°No!? What¡¯s wrong, Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gently touched Lou Zigui¡¯s face.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t reply.

    The silence was causing Ning Xiaoyao to panic. ¡°No!? What¡¯s the matter? Right now we¡¯re dealing with our country¡¯s affairs! It¡¯s not the time to talk about life, right?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression softened. Now, he seemed a little upset.

    Seeing this, Ning Xiaoyao rolled up her sleeves. She growled, ¡°Who called you useless? Tell me and I¡¯ll go beat them up!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was so agitated that she puffed her cheeks like a bun. Now, she looked like a white stic steamed bun. Although Lou Zigui was in a foul mood, he couldn¡¯t help but poke the bun a few times. It was rather squishable andforting.

    Ning Xiaoyao: (£þ¡÷£þ£») What¡¯s wrong with him? Supreme Commander¡¯s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea!

    Lou Zigui removed his hand and gazed at Ning Xiaoyao. He coughed awkwardly.

    ¡°Are you really hurt?¡± Ning Xiaoyao carefully probed, ¡°Who¡¯s that bi*ch?! Supreme Commander, tell me! I¡¯m here. There¡¯s no need to be afraid!¡±

    ¡°Deep down, is this how you view me?¡± Lou Zigui solemnly asked.

    ¡°Ah? You¡¯re asking what I think deep down? Deep down, I think Supreme Commander is the best! Amazing!!!¡± grinned Ning Xiaoyao.

    Lou Zigui... can he trust her words?

    ¡°It¡¯s true!¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t look like she was lying at all. ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re so amazing. Which blockhead dared to call you useless?¡±

    Lou Zigui fixedly stared at Ning Xiaoyao and decided to drop the topic. ¡°Do you know that the Xu n has an army of death squad*?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. She just found out about the prominent figure Xu Jingst night. How would she know about this?

    ¡°Xu n uses a secret poison to control the death squad.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand the big deal.

    ¡°So you can¡¯t take their poison.¡± Lou Zigui stated sternly.

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Lou Zigui. ¡°Will taking the poison cause us to roll in the bedsheets?¡±

    The tip of Lou Zigui¡¯s ears began to turn red. He quietly mumbled, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing to fear!¡± Ning Xiaoyao dismissively waved her hand in the air. ¡°I am immune to hundreds of poisons. They got nothin¡¯ on me!¡±

    ¡°Xu n¡¯s poison is different!¡± Lou Zigui anxiously seized Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand again.

    Ning Xiaoyao seriously thought about it. Poisons that could control people were probably morphine rted. Future drugs such as opium, methamphetamine, and so on were also part of this category.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, do these death squads have a long lifespan?¡±

    ¡°How could death squads have a long lifespan?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao made a face. ¡°These poisons are useless against me. Later when I have time, I¡¯ll help them dissolve the poison.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re really useless against you?¡± Lou Zigui was still holding onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arm. He only heard the first sentence. Thetter was unrted to Ning Xiaoyao so he automatically disregarded it.

    ¡°Of course! It¡¯s not like I wanna die,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood on tiptoes and gave Lou Zigui a pat on the shoulder. ¡°Have you forgotten? The empress failed at killing me!¡±

    Lou Zigui wished that never happened to begin with!

    His palm was covering half of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. Lou Zigui lightly murmured, ¡°Even without Xu Jing, I can still get us through this. Don¡¯t take the poison. Do it for me. I don¡¯t want you to continue on like this.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and rubbed the tip of her foot against the ground. But this method would give them another troop.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Lou Zigui eximed.

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head. ¡°If we have another troop, we can prevent more deaths on our side. Supreme Commander, can you not be like this?¡±

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao. He had a conflicting expression.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood on tiptoes and gave Lou Zigui a kiss on the lips. Then, her anklended back on the ground. ¡°Lady Xu¡¯s behaviour is understandable. Right now, we¡¯re all talk. Why should she trust us? This will set her mind to rest. I¡¯ll be fine. Eh, we¡¯ll all be fine. Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips were pale and tightly pursed.

    ¡°Just imagine it as a sugar bean,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought about it and tried to coax Lou Zigui.

    ¡°She has no idea that you¡¯re giving the Xu n another way out.¡± Lou Zigui growled.

    ¡°Who says it¡¯s easy to do good things?¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled. ¡°We may think this is good, but in Lady Xu¡¯s eyes, she¡¯s risking her life.¡±

    A creaking sound indicated someone wasing out. Lady Xu pushed open the door and walked out of her bedroom. Previously, she had warned all the servants of the Chen Estate not to bother her. As a result, there were no one else in the courtyard. On such a windless day, none of the flowers and trees moved. The huge silence in the courtyard was a bit intimidating.

    Lady Xu walked over to Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui. ¡°Have you two finished discussing about how to deal with me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat. ¡°Lady Xu, I feel like you should be more respectful towards me.¡±

    Lady Xu scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not even afraid of death. Why would I need to respect anyone?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like this. Your parents are still alive. If you don¡¯t want to respect me, you should at least respect them, right!?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao caused Lady Xu to choke again.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the poison?¡± Ning Xiaoyao disyed her palm. ¡°Give it to me. I¡¯ll take it.¡±

    Lady Xu took out a ck porcin bottle and ced five pills on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm. ¡°Your Majesty, are you certain about this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certain. Don¡¯t tell me you wanna back out already?¡±

    ¡°The Xu n¡¯s promises are worth one thousand in gold.¡±

    ¡°This is rted to countless of lives! What would I do with your one thousand in gold?¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned.

    ¡°Your Majesty can also give me a poison.¡± Lady Xu spoke in a matter of fact.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought about it and took two sugar beans out of her pocket. She nted it on Lady Xu¡¯s palm. ¡°Here, one is the antidote and one is the poison. We¡¯ll eat them at the same time. You alright with that?¡±

    Lady Xu stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her neck and gulped down the five pills. Then, she immediately opened her mouth to show Lady Xu. ¡°Look! I ate it!¡±

    Lady Xu also devoured the two sugar beans. ¡°It¡¯s sweet?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to harm people in the pce! How am I gonna get people to eat it if it tastes bad?¡±

    Lady Xu thought that made sense.

    ¡°The poison used on you was also taken from pce. The empress dowager took it.¡± In order to make her story sound more perfect, Ning Xiaoyao added another line. ¡°That¡¯s why I have the antidote. Lady, you sure have a good life.¡±

    Lady Xu thought His Majesty was being ridiculous with his words again. This is called a good life?

    ¡°Contact your father. If you don¡¯t keep your word, I promise you, you won¡¯t be the only one dead.¡± Lou Zigui cruelly threatened.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for General Xu ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned harmlessly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui dragged Ning Xiaoyao. But Ning Xiaoyao remained where she was. She touched Lady Xu¡¯s hand and whispered, ¡°This month, your Great Aunt Flow will be normal again.¡±

    ¡°What Great Aunt Flow?¡±

    ¡°Your menstruation ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°You know? The time of the month when you bleed! What¡¯s that called here?¡±

    Lady Xu¡¯s face turned so red, she looked like she was about to drip blood. His Majesty is truly shameless!

    Lou Zigui carried Ning Xiaoyao away.

    Ning Xiaoyao... hey, show me some respect!

    ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting someone from your father¡¯s side,¡± Lou Zigui took a few steps but stopped and turned to Lady Xu. ¡°I expect to see him within two days.¡±

    ¡°What about Chen Lu?¡± asked Lady Xu.

    ¡°If he won¡¯t listen, just beat him up!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hollered. ¡°Just like how you didst night! Supreme Commander and I saw everything from the roof. Lady, you¡¯re pro!¡±

    Can he just get out of here?

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan would never lock Chen Lu up. Just let him know.¡±

    ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t agree?¡±

    ¡°Then go beat...¡±

    Lou Zigui smacked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s butt to make her shut up. He continued, ¡°Then let him choose between Xie Wenyuan or the Xu n. Lady Xu, you¡¯re on your own.¡±

    ¡°Remember, after you guys have your talk, you gotta roll in the bedsheets!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled. ¡°You can¡¯t have babies without some rolling yo!¡±

    Lou Zigui put Ning Xiaoyao over his shoulder and carried her out.

    Lady Xu¡¯s face was flushed from embarrassment. She really wanted Ning Xiaoyao to get out as soon as possible!

    Lou Zigui was about to flip over the wall with Ning Xiaoyao. When they got to the wall, Ning Xiaoyao turned to wave to Lady Xu with one hand. With her other hand, she made a fist arm to indicate ¡®good luck at baby making¡¯!

    After they left, Lady Xu went back to her room. Before she could reach her couch, she already lost all her strength and fell to the floor. She had just risked her life. She had no idea whether she would win or lose this enormous gamble.

    She knew early on that Xie Wenyuan wasn¡¯t a good master. But the country wasn¡¯t well governed. In order to gain a high position and great wealth, one must soak themselves in sewage. Perhaps, this was an opportunity for them to break away from Xie Wenyuan.

    Lady Xu slowly stood up and took tiny steps towards her seat. She didn¡¯t give His Majesty poison. Perhaps after everything is over, His Majesty could spare her, Chen Lu, and her Xu n. Even if His Majesty wants to settle scores, he coulde after her alone.

    She didn¡¯t want the Xu n to be associated with evil and have a ruined reputation. Lady Xu sat down on her couch and touched her stomach. For this, she was willing to pay any price. (Author: His Majesty knows what you¡¯re thinking. She cries too! Why do you think she¡¯s trying so hard for? Also, His Majesty didn¡¯t give you poison either! o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    *death squad = warriors/crack troops who aren¡¯t afraid of death

 Chapter 274: If I canâ€™t eat

    <h4>Chapter 274: If I can¡¯t eat</h4>

    ¡°What do you think?¡± After flipping over to the other side of the wall, Lou Zigui immediately asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao was still lying on Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Can you put me down first?¡±

    Lou Zigui released Ning Xiaoyao and gawked at her. Right now, the two of them were in the back alley of the Chen Estate. Since the wall was facing a back street, it was very dested.

    Now that the capital was in panic mode, themon people avoided going out as much as possible. So, the back alley was even more empty than usual. It waspletely deserted.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked away from the dark shadow around the perimeter wall and stared at the radiant sun. She wiped off the sweat forming across her forehead and muttered, ¡°She didn¡¯t give me poison. The pills taste like ash. It¡¯s not poison.¡±

    Lou Zigui was astonished.

    Ning Xiaoyao smacked her lips to reflect on the taste. She confirmed, ¡°Mmhmm. This is the taste of incense ash. It¡¯s exactly the same as what I have tasted in the pce.¡±

    ¡°Why were you eating ash?¡± Lou Zigui was bbergasted.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined. ¡°I was just thinking in case we have a famine one day. I wanna be prepared so I tried out the incense ash in advance. It won¡¯t kill you and it¡¯s edible.¡±

    Lou Zigui... he can never keep up with how Miss Ning¡¯s mind works. How bored is she to be worrying about things like this?

    ¡°Lady Xu is a good person,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sniffed emotionally. ¡°Even though she tried to beat me up before.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s mind returned to reality when Ning Xiaoyao mentioned Lady Xu. He was back on track. ¡°Really? It¡¯s only ash?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ash.¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, don¡¯t insult my profession.¡±

    ¡°Profession?¡±

    ¡°As in, my job.¡±

    ¡°The emperor?¡±

    ¡°A physician, duh!¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Lou Zigui again.

    Lou Zigui awkwardly coughed and pulled Ning Xiaoyao along with him. ¡°It looks like the Xu n is also trying to find an opportunity to detach from Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    At first, Ning Xiaoyao only uttered an ¡®oh¡¯. But as she continued walking, something suddenly exploded in her mind. She halted her steps. ¡°What did you say? You¡¯re telling me this entire time Xu Jing didn¡¯t wanna mingle with Grand Preceptor Xie?¡±

    Lou Zigui exined, ¡°The reason why Lady Xu didn¡¯t give you poison is because she¡¯s thinking into the future. She¡¯s hoping after you eliminate Xie Wenyuan, you won¡¯t crack down on the Xu n and Chen n.¡±

    Ayer of mist appeared over Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes and she looked as if she was about to burst into tears.

    Lou Zigui felt an indescribable heartache. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wailed, ¡°If I had known this from the beginning, we wouldn¡¯t have to scheme so hard. We nned all thatst night! I even got punched in the mouth!¡±

    They could¡¯ve gotten what they wanted simply through talking about life and reaching out. Instead, they got a bunch of actors to act out a scene and were beaten up. They set ces on fire and had a rowdy quarrel. What was the whole point?

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t actually realize it until Ning Xiaoyao brought it up. Indeed, it was a waste of effort and time.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to cry. They were so foolish. How will she sleep tonight? She might as well go to the kitchen and eat something good.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s heart throbbed when he noticed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were glistening with tears. He rushed, ¡°What are you doing? Are you crying?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m upset,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whimpered.

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault,¡± Lou Zigui apologized to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately raised her head and gave Lou Zigui a chilly stare. ¡°You knew early on that General Xu didn¡¯t want to work alongside with Grand Preceptor Xie?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. He seriously didn¡¯t know. But even if he did, he would never admit to it.

    ¡°Then how is it your fault?¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head again and continued to mope.

    Lou Zigui lightly patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head. He wanted to cheer her up but didn¡¯t know what to say. After a long period of silence, he suggested, ¡°Do you want to eat guoba?¡±

    Huh? Ning Xiaoyao looked up again. ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re gonna treat me?¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Yeah! Yeah!¡± Just a moment ago, Ning Xiaoyao felt as if the world was filled with evil. But her world instantaneously became fantastic when she imagined a new batch of crispy egg yolk guobaing out of the pan.

    So what if she wasted a night and was punched in the mouth? At least they weren¡¯t zombies! There¡¯s no need to be upset!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Ning Xiaoyao beamed. Her eyes were curved like crescent moons as she yanked Lou Zigui with her. ¡°I recognize the store! Let¡¯s go now!¡±

    Seeing how Ning Xiaoyao was in great delight, Lou Zigui grinned. He was quite proud of himself. He was talented at cheering up women. (Author: Supreme Commander, you¡¯re not talented. Miss Ning is just easy...)

    An hourter, Ning Xiaoyao stood on the unupied street. Facing her was a closed door. Actually, to be more precise, none of the stores were open.

    Ning Xiaoyao had a nk expression on her face. She turned to Lou Zigui. ¡°They¡¯re closed.¡±

    Lou Zigui went ahead and knocked on the door. As long as the boss was home, he was willing to pay any price for the guoba.

    Instead, their knocking drew the attention of the next door store owner. ¡°That family has already left the capital,¡± A rather chubby, amiable woman informed them. ¡°There¡¯s too much uncertainty in the capital. Those who could leave are already gone.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you still in the capital, Miss?¡± Lou Zigui asked out of curiosity.

    ¡°Our household manager is away. I must wait for him to return,¡± the store owner didn¡¯t conceal information from Lou Zigui. ¡°I have already sent the old and the young out. As a full grown adult, I¡¯m not afraid.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for letting us know.¡±

    During their friendly exchange, the store owner noticed a small figure standing behind Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao had her head drooped down, so the store owner wasn¡¯t able to see her face.

    Wow, this boy is too frail looking. The store owner made a brief assessment of Ning Xiaoyao. Then, she curtsied at Lou Zigui and returned back home.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui turned around and grabbed her hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao was very moody. She¡¯s too foolish. The country is about to go to war. Who would be in the mood to make guoba?

    ¡°We¡¯ll go back to the pce and get Chef Huang to make it for you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Supreme Commander, why didn¡¯t you suggest that from the beginning?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t consider the current state of our country.¡±

    They had wasted a night, and now they had wasted another trip. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mood couldn¡¯t get any worse. With her head hung low, she turned to the direction of the pce. But a few stepster, they heard the sounds of horse hoovesing from behind them. Ning Xiaoyao was about to turn around when Lou Zigui pulled her to stand underneath the roof of a store.

    Chen Lu wasing from the south side of the street with four other soldiers. Since there were practically no one on the streets, the five of them rode as fast as lightning and swiftly passed Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui.

    Ning Xiaoyao had her eyes set on Chen Lu. She pushed Lou Zigui out of the way and picked up the table next to her and tossed it straight ahead.

    By now, Chen Lu was actually quite a distance from Ning Xiaoyao. After all, he was the one leading the soldiers. Nheless, he still received a direct hit from the wooden table. Chen Lu screamed and fell off his horse. Blood spurted from his head and he couldn¡¯t get up from the ground.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao wrapped her handkerchief around her face and dashed out from her spot. In a blink of an eye, she was standing right in front of Chen Lu. She began to beat him up.

    Everything happened too fast. Lou Zigui and the four soldiers couldn¡¯t react in time. By the time they realized what was happening, Chen Lu had already been beaten like a pig head. Several of his teeth fell out.

    ¡°General!¡± A soldier yelled, his voice was abination of anger and concern. He waved his sword on the horse and was going to fight Ning Xiaoyao as if his life depended on it.

    Lou Zigui rushed out to help Xiaoyao fight. But by the time he arrived at the scene, the four soldiers were already on the ground. Their faces were so swollen that their parents and wives would probably fail at recognizing them.

    Lou Zigui ced his hand on his forehead and hauled Ning Xiaoyao to one side. In a low voice, he asked, ¡°Why are you beating Chen Lu up?¡±

    ¡°Humph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was still raging. ¡°He¡¯s on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side!¡±

    Lou Zigui thought about it. True, Chen Lu deserves to be beaten up. Even death wouldn¡¯t be too excessive.

    ¡°He¡¯s the reason why we wasted a night!¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to list out Chen Lu¡¯s crimes. ¡°He¡¯s the reason why I was punched in the mouth. He¡¯s the reason why Miss Ji had to endure so many kicks. He¡¯s the reason why I can¡¯t eat guoba! Aooow!!!¡±

    The moment Ning Xiaoyao thought of her beloved guoba, she went frenzy and kicked Chen Lu two more times. You¡¯re destroying innocent civilians¡¯ lives with Grand Preceptor Xie! You scared off the store owner! Who can tell her when the guoba store owner will return? (Author: So, in the end, you¡¯re doing this for guoba, aren¡¯t you? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Despite looking like a pig head, Chen Lu was still conscious. After two more kicks from Ning Xiaoyao, his head was spinning like crazy. In spite of that, he sat up and was going to fight back.

    Lou Zigui kicked Chen Lu from behind and directly stepped on him. ¡°You can hit him.¡± She couldn¡¯t eat her guoba, so she can beat Chen Lu up instead -as long as it made her happy.

    ¡°You dare to fight back?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled up her sleeves and continued to beat him up. When she knew it was too much, she would secretly use her ability to heal him before continuing to punch.

    However, from Lou Zigui¡¯s perspective, Chen Lu didn¡¯t sustain any tremendous damage even though Miss Ning was raining down her fists and kicking repeatedly. Chen Lu only looked bad on the surface. She¡¯s too soft-hearted. Lou Zigui sighed on the inside. ¡°Do you want to switch?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head and wiped away her sweat and continued her attack.

    ¡°Who are you guys?¡± Chen Lu shrieked.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Lou Zigui deliberately altered his voice.

    Chen Lu thought he was going to die today. Yet, before his death, he was tortured by two assassins. Who hates him so much and wants his life? Aside from His Majesty, Chen Lu couldn¡¯t think of a second person.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s men are right behind us. You guys better stop while you¡¯re ahead. If I die, you won¡¯t have a ce to bury your corpses either!¡± Chen Lu threatened them.

    This time, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t wait for Ning Xiaoyao to punch. He lifted his leg and kicked Chen Lu in the mouth. ¡°Aren¡¯t you trying too hard to match with the Grand Preceptor? Where are his men that were supposed to protect you?¡± he icily mocked.

    Chen Lu¡¯s lips were swollen like two sausages. He couldn¡¯t speak. Furthermore, his eyes were punched by Ning Xiaoyao, so he had trouble seeing too. Right now, he was faced up but the two assassins weren¡¯t standing within his field of vision. Since he couldn¡¯t move, Great General Chen couldn¡¯t even see the lower hem of their outfits.

 Chapter 275: Please donâ€™t leave me

    <h4>Chapter 275: Please don¡¯t leave me</h4>

    Sounds of distant horse hooves were approaching their way. Lou Zigui turned and nced over. He spoke in a low tone, ¡°The officials areing. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao and ran. However, Ning Xiaoyao was confused. ¡°It¡¯s Second Young Master Pei though! So why are we running?¡±

    ¡°If we let Pei Yan save Chen Lu, perhaps Chen Lu will think we were sent by Xie Wenyuan.¡± Lou Zigui whispered.

    Ning Xiaoyao stretched her long ¡®ohhhhhh¡¯. This guy seriously has evil tricks up his sleeves all the time!

    Pei Yan came over with his people and stood in front of Chen Lu and his guards. At first nce, he didn¡¯t recognize Chen Lu. Out of the five, Chen Lu was the only one still conscious. So, he asked, ¡°Who are you guys?¡±

    Chen Lu didn¡¯t say a word. When he saw that it was Pei Yan, he had lost all hope. Pei Yan would never save him. But thinking on a deeper level, puzzlement swept across his face.

    Pei Yan was clearly His Majesty¡¯s people. If His Majesty had sent the assassins, why would they run after seeing Pei Yan? Were those two assassins sent by His Majesty or not? (Author: It¡¯s good you¡¯re thinking this way...)

    The deputy general next to Pei Yanmented, ¡°This looks like Chen Lu¡¯s horse.¡±

    Pei Yan and Chen Lu had never really crossed path before. Pei Yan stared at the horse with a greenish ck fur that possessed a hint of purple. ¡°Are you certain?¡±

    The deputy general was firm. ¡°His horse has a very unusual colour. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s Chen Lu¡¯s.¡±

    Pei Yan crouched down and found the general badge of the capital city barracks. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that the almighty Great General Chen would be beaten up like this?¡± Pei Yan kneaded the golden general badge in his hand and spoke in a condescending tone. ¡°Did your wife beat you up again?¡±

    Chen Lu¡¯s eyes were swollen like a line. As a result, his resentful re was thoroughly hidden.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t speak, then write it on the ground,¡± Pei Yan stated, ¡°Who did this to you?¡±

    Chen Lu could move his fingers and there was a thickyer of dust around him. Writing a few characters was no problem, but he refused tomunicate with Pei Yan.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Grand Preceptor Xie now?¡± Pei Yan smirked as he tossed the general badge. ¡°Could it be that Xie Wenyuan finds you useless and wants to get rid of you?¡±

    Pei Yan¡¯s words stabbed through Chen Lu¡¯s heart and increased his insecurities. Previously, Grand Preceptor Xie had mentioned that His Majesty would probably attempt to kill him. Grand Preceptor Xie had assured him that he would send guards to back him up. But where were the guards now?

    ¡°At this moment, this old man cannot give you any proof,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie had told Chen Lu, ¡°So this old man will let you see for yourself. His Majesty is the type that will crush those opposing him. He will kill you. Even if you live today, one day, he will ughter you. This old man will send people to protect you from a distance. This is to prevent His Majesty from not making a move. If His Majesty thinks you¡¯re well protected, he won¡¯t do anything. Also, this will prevent you from getting killed and assuming I¡¯m scaring you with frightening words.¡±

    Chen Lu reflected on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s speech while Pei Yan ordered his people to send him and his guards back to the Chen Estate. Chen Lu thought to himself. What if His Majesty isn¡¯t the one who wants him dead? Could it be true that he¡¯s no longer useful to Grand Preceptor Xie?

    At this moment, Xie Laibao, the head steward of Grand Preceptor Estate, had arrived with a bunch of their own guards. They were at the very end of the street. From a distance, they could see the Nine Gate Infantry guards standing in the middle of the road. Xie Laibao quickly lifted his hand from his sedan to halt his people.

    ¡°It¡¯s Pei Yan,¡± A sharp-eyed guard recognized Pei Yan from the group and informed Xie Laibao right away.

    ¡°There are peopleying on the ground.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s blood.¡±

    ¡°Great General Chen¡¯s horse is over there. Is he one of the victims on the ground?¡±

    ¡°We were toote!?¡±

    ...

    The guards were all making their own observations and discussing quietly amongst themselves. Xie Laibao secretly sighed in relief. He had slowed down their arrival on purpose.

    Looks likeingte was the right thing to do. As expected, His Majesty made a move on Chen Lu. Since he didn¡¯t ruin His Majesty¡¯s ns, the demonic Lou Zigui isn¡¯t going to make his life difficult.

    ¡°Should we head over and save Great General Chen?¡± a guard asked Xie Laibao.

    ¡°Can you guys guarantee you¡¯ll be able to defeat the Nine Gate Infantry troops?¡± Xie Laibao asked.

    Who would dare to give Xie Laibao a guarantee?

    ¡°So we¡¯re not going?¡± another guard asked.

    Xie Laibao acted like it was a painful decision to make so his people would think he actually wanted to fight, but was helpless under the current circumstances.

    Meanwhile, their opposition also noticed them. A subordinate alerted Second Young Master Pei. ¡°Second Master, Xie Laibao has brought some guards with him.¡±

    Pei Yan looked over, unconcerned. ¡°If they don¡¯te over, we¡¯ll pretend we didn¡¯t see them. If theye over, we¡¯ll kill them.¡±

    The subordinate panicked. ¡°Second Master, they are Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s people though.¡±

    ¡°I know. So what?¡±¡± Pei Yan challenged.

    The subordinate didn¡¯t say anything else. The Lord Protector''s estate held a strong grudge against the Grand Preceptor''s men. It wouldn¡¯t be surprising even if Second Young Master Pei exterminated the whole Xie n.

    Pei Yan got on his horse andmanded. ¡°Head over to the Chen Estate.¡±

    A row of people lifted Chen Lu and his four soldiers and headed in the direction of the Chen Estate.

    When Pei Yan and the others had gone a far distance, Xie Laibao sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s return and quickly tell Master about this.¡±

    ¡°What should we say?¡± a guard asked Xie Laibao.

    ¡°We¡¯ll state exactly what we saw,¡± Xie Laibao educated his guards. ¡°In front of Master, we must not lie. As servants, we need to act ording to our roles.¡±

    All the guards immediately nodded. Who would dare to lie in front of Grand Preceptor Xie?

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back,¡± Xie Laibao instructed. In regards to Chen Lu¡¯s well-being, head steward Xie didn¡¯t give a shit. Tao Chen¡¯s family consisted of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s daughter, son-inw, and grandchild. But they still ended up dying a tragic death. How much could Chen Lu¡¯s life be worth?

    Pei Yan took the five victims back to the Chen Estate. The moment they arrived at the front door, Lady Xu¡¯s personal guards aggressively stormed out with their weapons in the air.

    Seeing their ill intentions, the Nine Gate Infantry troops also pulled out their weapons.

    When the leader of the guards saw that it was the Nine Gate Infantry troops, he was surprised. However, his shock quickly turned into anger. He shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t be such an unbearable bully!¡±

    Chen Lu was lying on a wooden board. From the leader¡¯s tone, he could tell something was wrong. In a moment of panic, Great General Chen fully rolled off the board.

    Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui were hunched over and watching from a nearby rooftop. Ning Xiaoyao was rm. ¡°Something happened in the Chen Estate? No way!?¡± They only left for a brief moment!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Lou Zigui calmly replied, ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see.¡±

    ¡°You are?¡± the leader of the guards stared at Chen Lu. The change was beyond recognition. He didn¡¯t dare to make any guesses.

    Chen Lu was freaking out. He forcefully opened his mouth to speak. Although his voice didn¡¯t sound human, it was understandable to some extent. ¡°Did something happen to Lady Xu?¡±

    The leader of the Chen guards stood there, baffled.

    Pei Yan coolly pointed out, ¡°You can¡¯t recognize the person. But don¡¯t tell me the people of the Chen Estate can¡¯t recognize the horse either?¡±

    All the guards turned their attention to the greenish ck horse.

    ¡°What happened to Lady Xu?!¡± Chen Lu was so anxious that he was practically hysterical. However, since his mouth was severely injured, his scream caused him to drool out of control.

    The leader recognized the horse and ran back to report to Chen Lu. ¡°Someone wants to kill Lady Xu. L-Lady Xu... is seriously hurt!¡± he blurted out.

    Chen Lu nearly fainted from the news. Pei Yan¡¯s brows crinkled as he leaped off his horse. He ran up the steps and stood in front of the stoop. ¡°What happened?¡±

    The leader of the guards didn¡¯t trust Pei Yan and gave him a cautious re.

    With difficulty, Chen Lu took a deep breath andmanded his guard, ¡°Tell him.¡±

    On the roof, Ning Xiaoyao turned to Lou Zigui. ¡°Is this Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s fault?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Most likely, it¡¯s self harm.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was in disbelief.

    ¡°If she doesn¡¯t do that, how will Chen Lu make up his mind to rebel against Xie Wenyuan?¡± Lou Zigui whispered.

    ¡°Well dang...she¡¯s renouncing the dark and seeking the light.¡± Ning Xiaoyao murmured. (Author: Wow, why are you suddenly so serious?)

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope Lady Xu carries enough importance in Chen Lu¡¯s heart.¡± Lou Zigui was talking to himself. If his wife could easily be reced like clothes, then even if Lady Xue died, it would be useless against Chen Lu.

    Ning Xiaoyao remarked, ¡°Too foolish. I would never make that type of move.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words evoked Lou Zigui¡¯s curiosity. ¡°What would you do instead?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes. ¡°Why did she have to self-harm? She wants Chen Lu to feel a heartache so that he would renounce the dark and seek the light? Why must she do that? If Chen Lu refuses, Lady Xu can simply be on her own. It may be hard to find a two legged frog, but the streets are full of two legged men. She could just find another guy!¡±

    Suddenly, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t feel too good. He gazed at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°They¡¯ve been married for so many years. If Chen Lu disagrees, Lady Xu could just walk away?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand what the issue was. ¡°If the paths are different, I can¡¯t continue to apany you. Why is it necessary we stay together?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not us,¡± Lou Zigui overreacted a little and emphasized.

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Why is he turning weird again?

    ¡°If one day, we¡¯re walking on separate paths, will you leave me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scrunched up her brows.

    Lou Zigui was suddenly afraid. The words had already came out, but he didn¡¯t really want to hear her response.

    Ning Xiaoyao crooked her head at an angle and stared at Lou Zigui. ¡°You don¡¯t want to kill Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do,¡± replied Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Then, you don¡¯t want to defeat the Northern Hu people?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do! I have to avenge for my father and brother!¡±

    ¡°Then... you don¡¯t want to deal with Xiang Nong and his rebel forces?¡±

    ¡°We have to deal with the rebel forces and the refugees. Or else, the entire country will never be at peace.¡± Lou Zigui was adamant.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. ¡°Then we¡¯re on the same path, Supreme Commander. Why are you so worried?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s heart was in chaos but he squeezed out a smile. ¡°I was just asking.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re faking it.¡± Ning Xiaoyao drew blood on the first prick. ¡°What¡¯s going on your mind now?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head and gazed at the front door of the Chen Estate. Pei Yan had left half his troop to guard the door while he entered the Chen Estate with the remaining half.

    ¡°Do you wanna chat?¡± Ning Xiaoyao tugged Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°In the future,¡± Lou Zigui turned back to look at Ning Xiaoyao. He lowered his voice. ¡°Xiaoyao, if I ever do something that makes you unhappy, I hope you¡¯ll tell me. You can yell at me, hit me, get mad at me, but please.. don¡¯t l-leave me.¡±

    Lou Zigui stuttered when he uttered thest five words ¡®but please don¡¯t leave me¡¯. He looked rather embarrassed and awkward. Clearly, this was the first time Supreme Commander had ever said such words. He had never made a request like this to anyone else before.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked her almond-like eyes and thought it over. The only reason why she would leave is if Supreme Commander found his true love that isn¡¯t her. If that happens, Supreme Commander would probably want her to GTFO* as soon as possible. ¡°Mmhmm. I won¡¯t leave!¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded and agreed.

    Even if she broke a promise like this, it wasn¡¯t a big deal. Meh, she¡¯ll just promise for now. (Author: Do you dare to tell Supreme Commander your true thoughts?)

    *For those who don¡¯t know, GTFO stands for ¡°get the f**k out¡±

    Wow, poor Supreme Commander...I included a teaser of 276 this time! If you don''t see it, it''s because you''re reading on an AGGREGATOR SITE. *res* (I feel really bad for Chen Lu though :P)

 Chapter 276: Is Xie Wenyuan your biological father?

    <h4>Chapter 276: Is Xie Wenyuan your biological father?</h4>

    ¡°Can we be a spectator at the Chen Estate?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°You can announce Pei Yan to the pceter. Then, we will naturally find out what happened at the Chen Estate.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go see anyway,¡± Ning Xiaoyao responded. In case Chen Lu decides to follow Grand Preceptor Xie, she could help Lady Xu beat him up together.

    What else can Lou Zigui do if Miss Ning insist? ¡°Alright, but you¡¯re only allowed to watch. Later, no matter what happens, you can¡¯t step in.¡±

    ¡°Mm. I won¡¯t step in,¡± Deep down Ning Xiaoyao had already thought of a hundred and one ways to beat Chen Lu to death, but she immediately promised Lou Zigui.

    Once again, they were back on the rooftop. Lou Zigui sighed. How many times have they been on the rooftop sincest night?

    In the bedroom, all the maids and older female servants were wiping their tears. Lady Xuid on the bed with white muslin wrapped around her rib area. Underneath the thin nket, a huge blotch of bloodstain could be seen on Lady Xu¡¯s night clothes.

    Chen Lu was carried into the room. When he saw his wife in that dreadful state, everything turned ck and he almost lost consciousness again.

    Lady Xu could hear the shocking cries of her maids. She opened her eyes and saw Chen Lu¡¯s beaten face. She was startled and automatically tried to sit up. But the moment she moved, it teared her injury. Lady Xu groaned from the intense pain and her face was instantly covered in cold sweat.

    ¡°Mah ldy...¡± Chen Lu shouted in unclear artiction.

    ¡°Who beat you up?¡± Lady Xu anxiously asked while lying down.

    ¡°Who tried to kill you?¡± Chen Lu asked, distressed.

    ¡°Physician!¡± Lady Xu bellowed. ¡°Hurry and send the physician in right now!¡±

    ¡°A-a-a-all of y-you, retreat!¡± Chen Lu stuttered and ordered all his servants to leave the room. Sadly, he sounded like he was about to draw hisst breath.

    ¡°Do you want me to die from concern?¡± Lady Xu yelled.

    ¡°I won¡¯t die,¡± replied Chen Lu. ¡°My bones aren¡¯t even broken.¡±

    ¡°Physician!¡± Lady Xu ignored Chen Lu and screeched.

    The physician was waiting by the door. Since Lady Xu was shrieking like a maniac, he immediately rushed in with his junior disciple. The junior disciple carried his medical box and the two entered in the bedroom once more.

    ¡°Hurry, take a look at our general!¡± Lady Xu urged.

    Chen Lu was trying his best to stretch his neck and look at his wife. Lady Xu¡¯splexion was white as a paper. Furthermore, her voice sounded weak and feeble. Yet, deep down, she was looking out for his best interest. Great General Chen was both touched and sorrowful.

    The physician was stunned to see Chen Lu in such devastation. Secretly, he was curious to know who the culprit of this crime was.

    ¡°How are his injuries?¡± Lady Xu restlessly asked.

    After the physician inspected Chen Lu, he spoke the truth. ¡°Great General Chen is only injured externally. His internals are fine. So, he should be properly healed within ten to fifteen days. There is no need to worry too much, Lady Xu.¡±

    ¡°H-how¡¯s mydy¡¯s injuries?¡± Chen Lu umted his strength to ask his question.

    The physician caught the cautionary look and nod Lady Xu gave him.

    ¡°Thedy¡¯s injuries are severe, They were extremely close to her vital organs. Herdyship is lucky she avoided death. But she must take proper care in order to heal.¡± stated the physician.

    Chen Lu ground his teeth so loud that everyone inside the room heard him. On the rooftop, Ning Xiaoyao turned to Lou Zigui. ¡°Chen Lu is gritting his teeth. I think he¡¯s really mad ah!¡±

    Lou Zigui quietly made an acknowledgement sound and patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head. ¡°Lady Xu has bribed the physician.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...

    ¡°At this point, how could Lady Xu allow herself to lie and rest on the bed doing nothing? The physician made eye contact with Lady Xu before he spoke. Xiaoyao, didn¡¯t you see? The physician didn¡¯t speak until Lady Xu nodded and gave him the approval.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palm. She didn¡¯t notice, but she wasn¡¯t going to admit it.

    In the bedroom, the physician was applying medication on Chen Lu. But before he could give Chen Lu more medical advice, Chen Lu dismissed everyone in the room. After everyone left, Chen Lu anxiously questioned his wife. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t die.¡± Lady Xu curtly answered.

    ¡°Who were the assassins?¡±

    ¡°They escaped. I have no proof. What¡¯s the point of telling you?¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Chen Lu pressed. ¡°Tell me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not the type to sit around and wait for death,¡± Lady Xu finally revealed. ¡°I teared off the assassin¡¯s cloth he used to mask his identity. I¡¯ve seen that man by the Grand Preceptor¡¯s side before.¡±

    Although Chen Lu already had a feeling, he still froze over Lady Xu¡¯s words.

    ¡°I guess Grand Preceptor Xie only sees me as a married woman living in the back residence,¡± Lady Xu bitterlyughed, ¡°Or else, why would he send his people to kill me? Look at the table.¡±

    Chen Lu turned to the small table by the bed. There was a wooden box lying on top.

    ¡°Open it,¡± instructed Lady Xu.

    Chen Lu opened the box. Inside, there was half a piece of brocade.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Lou Zigui narrowed his eyes and stared at the piece of fabric. He whispered, ¡°It¡¯s the pouch where the dragon guards use to put their badge.¡±

    ¡°Whaa? Why does Lady Xu have Windy or one of the dragon guards¡¯ stuff?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was dumbfounded.

    ¡°It¡¯s not real. It just looks like it.¡± Lou Zigui analyzed. ¡°Or else, it wouldn¡¯t only be half of it.¡±

    The corners of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. So deceiving?

    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been able to see the assassin¡¯s face with my slight ability, I would¡¯ve thought His Majesty was the one who wanted me dead.¡± Lady Xu spoke in a low voice whileying t on the bed.

    Chen Lu closed the box aggressively. *pa*

    ¡°Who beat you up like this?¡± Lady Xu continued, ¡°They didn¡¯t bother to kill you but wasted efforts to do something like this? What an idiot.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not sure.¡± Chen Lu replied.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know. So does that mean we¡¯ll sit around at home and wait for death?¡±

    Chen Lu lowered his voice. ¡°Why don¡¯t you return back to the Xu Estate?¡±

    Lady Xu¡¯s eyebrows turned vertical. Just as she was about to explode, her facial expression loosened. She wordlessly stared at Chen Lu.

    ¡°The capital is about to turn into a mess. It¡¯s best you leave now. Mydy, after everything is over, I¡¯lle pick you up. If for some reason I fail to make it, the Xie n will take good care of me. Even if I die, I¡¯ll be able to die at peace.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed. Chen Lu¡¯s words made her feel so sad.

    On the contrary, Lady Xu reacted the opposite. She endured the pain and sat upright as she pped Chen Lu across the face.

    ¡°Aii motherf**ker!¡± Ning Xiaoyao subconsciously held onto her face.

    ¡°Mydy,¡± Chen Lu was beaten up again. He knew his face was even more unpresentable now, but he didn¡¯t mind. Instead, he gently gazed at his wife. ¡°This is not the time to be angry. Pack up and I¡¯ll think of a way to send you back to the Xu Estate.¡±

    ¡°Is Xie Wenyuan your biological father?¡± Lady Xu icily sted.

    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m the son of the Chen n, from Jiangyin!¡±

    ¡°If he¡¯s not your biological dad, why are you trying so hard to throw away your life for him?¡±

    Chen Lu didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°You¡¯re a subject. You should be loyal to the monarch. Why are you so loyal to the Grand Preceptor? If the current emperor was a fatuous and self-indulgent ruler, then fine. But General, do you think His Majesty is a fatuous ruler?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao secretly clenched her fists. If Chen Lu dares to call her a fatuous ruler, she will definitely go down and beat him up!

    Chen Lu sighed and shook his head. ¡°Of course not.¡±

    ¡°Then why must you follow Xie Wenyuan until death? Oh? Perhaps after Grand Preceptor Xie gets rid of me, you can find another woman to bear your children?¡± Lady Xu provoked.

    ¡°Xinghua!¡± Chen Lu screamed. Since he already sounded abnormal to begin with, his words sounded like howl.

    Lady Xu¡¯s body trembled from the sound.

    ¡°I already told you! If we can¡¯t have children, we could always adopt one in the future. Aren¡¯t there children we can adopt within our ns? I don¡¯t have another woman. Can you stop using me? It¡¯s obvious that someone was trying to drive a wedge between usst night!¡± Chen Lu raged.

    ¡°Fine. Last night, someone tried to drive a wedge between us. How about today?¡±

    Lady Xu¡¯s question instantly dissipated Chen Lu¡¯s anger.

    ¡°When great catastrophe approaches, each respectfully flies off on their own.¡± Lady Xu smiled cynically. ¡°I guess that line is true.¡±

    ¡°I already said after everything is over, I¡¯lle pick you up. We¡¯ll continue living how we were. How are we flying off individually?¡± Chen Lu patiently expressed.

    ¡°What if you die?¡±

    ¡°The Xu n will...¡±

    ¡°I would be an unemployed widow freeloading from my parents¡¯ home?¡± Lady Xu¡¯s volume increased substantially.

    ¡°Father-inw wouldn¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°I am part of the Chen n now. Yet, you want me to return to the Xu n for thetter half of my life. Chen Lu, do you want me to be a joke?¡± Lady Xu¡¯s tears rolled down her face.

    Lady Xu¡¯s tears caused Chen Lu¡¯s heart to be in a disarray. He wanted to hold his wife in his arms and wipe her tears away, but he couldn¡¯t move. So, he could only rush his words. ¡°No, of course not! I¡¯m just worried the elders will bully you if I¡¯m not around.¡±

    Lou Zigui quietly exined to Ning Xiaoyao on the roof. ¡°A married woman with no sons or husband will have to obey the arrangements of elders.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao understood now. Lady Xu¡¯s temper was probably the result of her treatment from the Chen n.

    Initially, Lady Xu was faking her cries. But hearing how Chen Lu was afraid she would be mistreated by the elders, she burst into real tears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry! I¡¯ll give you all my fine, soft valuables to take with you. That way, you won¡¯t be freeloading.¡± Chen Lu soothed.

    ¡°Go join His Majesty¡¯s side.¡± Lady Xu wiped away her tears. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be a rich or broke widow. If you die, I¡¯ll die too. If you¡¯re in the underworld, I¡¯ll definitely catch up to you.¡±

    Chen Lu was speechless.

    ¡°This is so touching.¡± Ning Xiaoyao whimpered.

    Ning Xiaoyao was observing the scene before her, while Lou Zigui was observing Ning Xiaoyao. He lifted his hand and lightly rearranged Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s disheveled hair at the front.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie...¡± After a long pause, Chen Lu struggled to speak. ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s n is well thought out. As for His Majesty...¡±

    ¡°I have already decided.¡± Lady Xu cut Chen Lu off. She didn¡¯t have much strength left in her voice. ¡°I have sent someone to get my father. The Xu n cannot continue following Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°W-what are you going to tell your father?¡± Chen Lu stuttered.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan wants to kill us.¡± Lady Xu made direct eye contact with Chen Lu. ¡°After we¡¯re dead, Xie Wenyuan will ughter the Xu n.¡±

    ¡°For what reason?¡±

    ¡°One of thedies from the Xie n fell for you. You didn¡¯t want to be a heartless person and divorce me. So we have to die.¡± exined Lady Xu. ¡°Besides, now that Tao Chen is dead, Xie Wenyuan wants our military power. They want someone from the Xie n to control the Roaring Tigers Camp.¡±

    Chen Lu: ...

    ¡°Is it really ok to say so much rubbish?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lou Zigui. Would General Xu believe this?

 Chapter 277: Supreme Commander, endure a few more days

    <h4>Chapter 277: Supreme Commander, endure a few more days</h4>

    ¡°General,¡± After Lady Xu was finished with the nonsense she nned to tell her father, Xu Jing, she lowered her voice again. ¡°Xie Wenyuan has no trouble abandoning his own biological children. What makes you think you¡¯re so special?¡±

    Chen Lu couldn¡¯t think of aeback.

    ¡°I heard Second Young Master Pei saved you?¡± Lady Xu continued asking.

    Chen Lu nodded.

    ¡°Let him in. I want to thank him personally.¡±

    ¡°You want Pei Yan to enter your bedroom?¡± Chen Lu was about to lose his temper again. Even if Pei Yan had gotten his xx semi-chopped when he was a child, he¡®s still an outsider male! How could he casually enter their bedroom?

    ¡°You won¡¯t allow him?¡±

    ¡°His injury is cured,¡± Chen Lu mumbled.

    Lady Xu stared at Chen Lu as if he was an idiot. ¡°How am I going to send out my father¡¯s letter without the help of Commander Pei? Do you think we can rely on ourselves? What makes you think our people will be able to leave the capital sessfully?¡±

    Chen Lu was stupefied. ¡°You¡¯re going to write a letter now?¡±

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s something we can dy?¡±

    Of course it wasn¡¯t something that could be dy. But Chen Lu couldn¡¯t make up his mind. Xie Wenyuan maybe not be a phnthropist, but that doesn¡¯t make His Majesty one either?

    ¡°Servants,e!¡± Lady Xu shouted at the door. ¡°Invite Commander Pei in.¡±

    One of the older maidservants in charge responded with a yes and ran to the courtyard to get Pei Yan. Pei Yan stared nkly at the older maidservant when he found out Chen Lu and Lady Xu had invited him into their bedroom. ¡°They want me to enter their bedroom?¡± he was baffled.

    The older maidservant had a very awkward expression on her face. She knew it was inappropriate etiquette, but that was her order and she had toply. ¡°Yes, please head to the bedroom.¡±

    Pei Yan followed the older maidservant. As a prominent figure, if the couple doesn¡¯t mind, why should he care so much?

    Everyone who were initially standing right by the bedroom door were dismissed out of the courtyard. A manager bowed when he saw Pei Yan. ¡°Commander, our General is waiting for you inside.¡±

    Pei Yan entered the courtyard on his own. Ning Xiaoyao threw a small rock and struck Pei Yan on the shoulder. Pei Yan hastily lifted his head and noticed Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui sitting on the roof. Before he could react, the two were already standing in front of him.

    ¡°In a bit, Lady Xu will ask you to help deliver a letter. Agree to help her.¡± After Lou Zigui¡¯s feetnded on the ground, he quietly informed Pei Yan.

    Pei Yan gazed at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°They want to renounce the dark and seek the light?¡±

    ¡°Yep!¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded enthusiastically. ¡°If Chen Lu had this attitude from the beginning, I wouldn¡¯t have beaten him up.¡±

    Pei Yan dipped his head. As expected, Chen Lu was beaten up by you.

    ¡°No need to disclose too much.¡± Lou Zigui told Pei Yan.

    ¡°I understand. But is Chen Lu actually willing to betray his biological dad?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... even you think so too?

    ¡°He¡¯s hesitating. But Lady Xu is adamant about it.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm. We have already spoken to Lady Xu earlier. In order to show our sincerity, I even ate the poison she gave me.¡±

    Pei Yan¡¯s face instantly turned dark. He was well aware that the Xu n raised the death squad. ¡°How could you let His Majesty eat poison from the Xu n?¡± he retorted furiously.

    ¡°D-don¡¯t argue with Supreme Commander. It¡¯s not real poison. It¡¯s incense ash! I recognized the taste right away.¡±

    Pei Yan stared at Ning Xiaoyao, stunned. ¡°How do you know what incense ash taste like?¡±

    ¡°We can talk about it next time.¡± Lou Zigui stepped in front of Ning Xiaoyao and blocked Pei Yan. ¡°Go see the couple first.¡±

    ¡°What about us?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go back up.¡±

    ¡°Oh, ok.¡± Then, Ning Xiaoyao pulled Lou Zigui and they flew back onto the roof.

    Pei Yan didn¡¯t get it. There¡¯s no one else in the courtyard anyway. You two could stand by the door or hide under the windows. Why must you both be on the roof?

    ¡°Commander Pei?¡± Lady Xu¡¯s voice echoed from the bedroom.

    ¡°This subject is Pei Yan.¡± Pei Yan walked over to the bedroom door and replied.

    Lady Xu quickly invited him in and Pei Yan pushed opened the door. Instead of looking at Lady Xu, he sized up Chen Lu. ¡°Your face isn¡¯t going to permanently look like this from now on, right?¡±

    Chen Lu knew Pei Yan had a poisonous tongue, so he decided to swallow the insult.

    ¡°Thank you for saving our General, Commander Pei.¡± Lady Xu expressed her gratitude.

    ¡°Lady, you¡¯re too courteous.¡± Although Pei Yan was speaking to Lady Xu, his eyes wandered elsewhere. ¡°Is there a reason you called for me?¡±

    Lady Xu wasn¡¯t the type to beat around the bush. She directly told Pei Yan she needed his help to deliver a letter.

    Pei Yan gazed at Chen Lu. ¡°Is this also Great General Chen¡¯s wish?¡±

    Chen Lu didn¡¯t reply. Deep down, he was torn by conflicting thoughts.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lady Xu responded for Chen Lu. ¡°This is also our General¡¯s wish.¡±

    ¡°Then please write your letter, Lady Xu. I will instruct someone to send out the letter tonight.¡± Pei Yan readily agreed to help.

    ¡°You,¡± Chen Lu raised his head and stared at Pei Yan.

    ¡°If Xie Wenyuan wins this round, our Lord Protector Estate will be consigned to eternal damnation. So if the Xu n is willing to support His Majesty, I would naturally offer all the support I could give.¡± Pei Yan stated briskly.

    ¡°The paper and brush is on the table by the window. May I trouble Commander Pei to bring it to me?¡±

    ¡°Get a servant to serve us instead.¡± Chen Lu muttered. How could they let Pei Yan assist them with the letter?

    ¡°This is concerning a significant issue. Can you tell which servants are Xie Wenyuan¡¯s spies?¡± Lady Xu demanded.

    Once again, Chen Lu failed to think of a response.

    Pei Yan lifted the small table and carried it over to the bed. He also grabbed the paper, ink, and paper for Lady Xu. However, due to proper etiquette, Second Young Master Pei still tried his best to avoid looking at Lady Xu¡¯s figure.

    Lady Xu started to write a letter to her father.

    ¡°General, Lady Xu.¡± Lady Xupleted the letter and stamped it with their personal seal. Suddenly, they heard the older maidservant¡¯s anxious voice from outside. ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie is here.¡±

    The three in the room were shocked. ¡°Why did Grand Preceptore?¡± Lady Xu asked.

    The servant in charged replied, ¡°Mydy, the Grand Preceptor heard you have been injured by an assassin, so he deliberately came by to visit.¡±

    Lady Xu instantly stared at Chen Lu while Pei Yan jeered, ¡°I guess everything that happens in Chen Estate is no secret to Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°Y-you...go hide somewhere.¡± With difficulty, Chen Lu told Pei Yan.

    ¡°Do you seriously think Xie Wenyuan doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m here?¡± Pei Yan thought Chen Lu was being ridiculous. ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a direct fall out with Xie Wenyuan instead?¡± he suggested.

    Chen Lu shook his head. If they have a fall out now, Grand Preceptor Xie will really take their lives.

    ¡°Shenyan, are you inside?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s voice could be heard beyond the doors. Pei Yan picked up Lady Xu¡¯s finished letter without reading it. He folded and tucked it into his sleeve.

    ¡°Shenyan?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was still yelling. Pei Yan turned around to walk out.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Chen Lu was freaking out. Pei Yan acted as if he didn¡¯t hear him. He didn¡¯t even bother turning around and walked straight out of the room.

    ¡°Let him see Xie Wenyuan.¡± Lady Xu whispered. ¡°His Majesty wants to use us, so Pei Yan isn¡¯t going to harm us.¡±

    This time, Chen Lu didn''t have conflicting thoughts anymore. He had no other choice. He¡¯s actually betraying Grand Preceptor Xie. Chen Lu ced his hand against his chest. Surprisingly, he wasn¡¯t as nervous as he thought he would be.

    Pei Yan pushed open the door and saw Grand Preceptor Xie outside. He curved into a cold smile. ¡°Why are you here, Grand Preceptor? Are you also here to capture Lady Xu¡¯s assassin?¡±

    ¡°Why were you in the couple¡¯s bedroom?¡± Xie Wenyuan was bewildered.

    ¡°Well, if I¡¯m catching the assassin, obviously I need to do a thorough search. Or else, if the assassin escapes, whose responsibility would it be?¡± Pei Yan stood by the door.

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Lady Xu screamed from inside her room.

    Pei Yan shot a nce behind him and stepped outside the room, blocking Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s path. ¡°Why are you here, Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too unbridled. You need to learn when to retreat.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie threatened.

    ¡°When you forced my father¡¯s death, did you think of a route of retreat for yourself?¡± Pei Yan coldly smirked. ¡°Grand Preceptor, you are a two-faced individual. Smiling and killing simultaneously is a skill I¡¯m incapable of.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie lightly nodded. ¡°Alright. This old man will remember your words.¡±

    ¡°Commander!¡± The deputy general ran into the courtyard but was stopped by Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards. He wasn¡¯t able to get to the corridor.

    ¡°Let him pass.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered.

    The guards stepped aside and the deputy general ran to the flight of steps and loudly announced, ¡°To report to themander, we have searched the entire Chen Estate but found no traces of the assassin.¡±

    Pei Yan walked down the steps. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie coldly red at the two individuals as they left the courtyard. Then, he flung his sleeve and entered the bedroom.

    -----

    ¡°Supreme Commander came looking for me.¡± the deputy general whispered behind Pei Yan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it here.¡± Pei Yan waved his hand. The deputy general immediately covered his mouth and looked around his surroundings. He wasn¡¯t sure if Supreme Commander was still here or not.

    Currently, Lou Zigui was standing behind the back wall of the Chen Estate. He forcefully removed the brick from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and threw it onto the ground. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to cause more problems. You will have an opportunity to beat him up in the future.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was grumpy she couldn¡¯t smash Grand Preceptor¡¯s head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s return back to the pce.¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao with him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to eavesdrop on what they¡¯re talking about?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stubbornly refused to move.

    ¡°He¡¯s just going to say you failed at ruining their rtionship, so you sent the assassin.¡± Lou Zigui wouldn¡¯t let go of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t these words anger you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao began to walk. Who would want to listen to people cursing her?

    ¡°After we return back to the pce, you can get Chef Huang to make you some guoba.¡±

    ¡°The Xu n doesn¡¯t wanna follow the Grand Preceptor. Supreme Commander, do you think Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s subordinates also feel the same way?¡±

    Lou Zigui was astonished. For once, this girl isn¡¯t putting guoba as a priority.

    ¡°What kind of look at you giving me?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Lou Zigui continued to lead Ning Xiaoyao out of the alley. ¡°We can¡¯t do it. It is hard to fathom a person¡¯s mind. If we end up attracting Xie Wenyuan¡¯s spy, it would ruin all our ns.¡±

    ¡°Mm. In order to pull Chen Lu and Xu Jing over to our side, we were busy sincest night. I don¡¯t have time to pull in more people.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s only a few days left.¡± Lou Zigui stood looking down from the entrance of the alley. ¡°Xiaoyao, just endure a few more days. Perhaps this time, we will get rid of Xie Wenyuan and his faction once and for all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded slowly. ¡°Mm.¡± A breeze came through the alley and messed up her hair. A few strands of hair were poking in her eye. Lou Zigui hugged Ning Xiaoyao and switched positions with her. He blocked the sudden wind and fixed her hair with his hands. Then, Supreme Commander bent down and kissed her eyelids.

    No teaser, guys. Sorry. My brain turns to mush by the time I''m done the chapter. T_T. It''s sooooo long. X_X Merry Christmas!

 Chapter 278: Grand Preceptor Xie arranges an escape route

    <h4>Chapter 278: Grand Preceptor Xie arranges an escape route</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t enter the bedroom. He ordered the servants to carry Chen Lu out to speak. When he noticed how Chen Lu¡¯s face was beyond recognition, his brows furrowed. He was all fired up. ¡°Did Pei Yan do this?¡±

    ¡°It was two assassins. When Pei Yan arrived with his men, the two assassins fled. I¡¯m not sure why.¡±

    The assassins fled when they saw Pei Yan? They weren¡¯t sent by Ning Yu? Grand Preceptor Xie was unconvinced.

    Chen Lu didn¡¯t dare to lie about his attack. Grand Preceptor sent the assassins. If he insisted putting the me on Pei Yan, Grand Preceptor would definitely suspect him. Why would he defend the assassins?

    Suddenly, the outer room turned silent. The two sat face to face with heavy loads on their minds. They were not in the mood to speak. After a long pause, Grand Preceptor Xie spoke again. ¡°How is Lady Xu?¡±

    ¡°Her injuries are very severe.¡± Chen Lu spluttered with his head down. ¡°The physician said the assassin nearly stabbed her vital organs. I-I¡¯m lucky my wife didn¡¯t die.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie noticed Chen Lu was speaking with his fists clenched. He was shaking from anger. ¡°It¡¯s good it isn¡¯t life threatening. Don¡¯t worry, this old man will make sure to catch the assassins for you.¡± he sighed in a low voice.

    ¡°Thank you, Grand Preceptor.¡± Chen Lu thanked Grand Preceptor Xie and lowered his head even more.

    ¡°Was Pei Yan making things difficult for you?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie continued on with his questions.This time, Chen Lu didn¡¯t reply. He wasn¡¯t good at making up nonsense. During his moment of panic, his hand identally knocked against the back of a chair and turned red. As a result, Grand Preceptor Xie assumed Chen Lu was boiling mad.

    ¡°That arrogant Pei Yan. We¡¯ll let the bastard enjoy hisst few days. After this old man gets rid of the monarch, I will let you personally handle Pei Yan.¡±

    When Chen Lu heard the part about ¡®getting rid of the monarch¡¯, his five vital organs started to tremble. If Grand Preceptor Xie really gets rid of the monarch, both him and his wife will be dead for sure.

    ¡°Take proper care and heal. This old man has already spoken to the physician. He said you¡¯re only injured externally. You¡¯ll be fine in a few days.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie stood up and approached Chen Lu, speaking softly.

    Chen Lu wanted to get up, but failed after multiple attempts. Grand Preceptor Xie patted him on the shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s no need to follow so many social etiquette in private. I need you to get better as soon as possible. This old man will need to rely on you for what¡¯s toe.¡±

    Chen Lu nodded. ¡°Grand Preceptor, His Majesty is actually fine?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie lightly patted Chen Lu on the shoulder again and turned to leave.

    Chen Lu howled incoherently. ¡°Grand Preceptor!!¡±

    With his back facing Chen Lu, Grand Preceptor Xie waved his hand and pushed opened the door. Originally, Chen Lu didn¡¯t feel nervous. But after watching Grand Preceptor leave, he realized his hands and legs were icy cold on a hot summer day.

    When Grand Preceptor Xie left the Chen Estate, a guard came up and quietly notified him. ¡°Pei Yan is heading in the direction of the Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    ¡°Return to my estate.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie entered his sedan andmanded.

    -----

    ¡°General, Grand Preceptor has left.¡± one of Chen Lu¡¯smander officers alerted him. Chen Lu made an acknowledgement sound and held onto the armrests with both his hands as he painfully stood up. The way he was slowly taking his steps made it appear as if he had just came out of the torture chamber.

    Seeing this, Lady Xu¡¯s eyes turned red. She wanted to cry, but managed to suppress it. At this time, what can tears do?

    The bed sank a little as Chen Lu sat down next to Lady Xu. ¡°Grand Preceptor has left.¡±

    Lady Xu nodded.

    ¡°Your father may very likely be on his way with his troops. Would your father believe a letter he receives on the road?¡± Chen Lu was stressed out.

    ¡°If my father isn¡¯t already on his way, then the letter that I wrote would be useless.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°If they are still chilling at home, by the time they get my letter and rush to the capital, we would probably already be dead.¡± Lady Xu stated in a matter of fact.

    ¡°If the Roaring Tigers Camp doesn¡¯t show up, then technically, we didn¡¯t really...¡± Chen Lu spilled his thoughts.

    ¡°...didn¡¯t really betray Xie Wenyuan?¡± Lady Xu helped Chen Luplete his sentence. Chen Lu nodded with great effort.

    ¡°There¡¯s something else I haven¡¯t told you yet.¡± Lady Xu looked at Chen Lu and regurgitated what happened between her, Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui. After listening to his wife, Chen Lu felt as if he was standing at the top of an overhanging cliff. Regardless if he took a step forward or back, he would be crushed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if Xie Wenyuan really poisoned me or not. As long as His Majesty is able to cure my illness, he is my benefactor.¡±

    ¡°How could you eat poison?¡± Chen Lu was appalled.

    ¡°How else would His Majesty and Supreme Commander trust us?¡± Lady Xu countered, ¡°This is regarding the rise or fall of our country. Verbal promises mean nothing.¡±

    ¡°Xinghua, ah!¡±

    ¡°General, what would you do?¡±

    Chen Lu revealed a bittersweet expression. ¡°Even if we try our best, we might not get the happy ending that we want in the end.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll die together.¡± Lady Xu remained firm. Chen Lu sighed in agony.

    ¡°The letter is in Pei Yan¡¯s hands. His Majesty will definitely take a look before sending it out of the capital. Our proof of betraying Grand Preceptor Xie will be in His Majesty¡¯s hands. So, General, His Majesty must be the ultimate winner.¡±

    ¡°If you clearly knew that His Majesty is going to keep the original letter, why did you let Pei Yan deliver it?¡±

    Lady Xu raised her brows and gave Chen Lu a look.

    Chen Lu:...my wife did it on purpose to demonstrate her loyalty? Is it really necessary to gamble your life to show loyalty?

    Lady Xu could hear Chen Lu panting loudly. To prevent him from experiencing greater anxiety, she decided not to tell him about her punching His Majesty in the mouth.

    ¡°General,¡± the older maidservant¡¯s voice could be heard behind the doors. ¡°Grand Preceptor sent another physician over to look after ourdy¡¯s injuries.¡±

    Lady Xu coldlyughed. ¡°Trying to buy his way into people¡¯s hearts again?¡±

    -----

    Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Xie had returned back to his estate. Currently, he was sitting in his study. After he drank half a cup of tea, he wrote on paper for his assistant, Xu Yiming. ¡°Go make arrangements for this old man to leave the capital.¡±

    When Assistant Xu read the words on the paper, he was shocked and quickly reconfirmed, ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s strokes were flying across the paper. ¡°Chen Lu and Xu Jing may betray us.¡±

    Xu Yiming breathed out loud.

    ¡°This old man doesn¡¯t have solid proof, but my intuition tells me that Chen Lu is hiding something. I saw him just now. He didn¡¯t ask me why my backup guards didn¡¯t show up.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie wrote on the paper.

    Xu Yiming picked up the brush and wrote back. ¡°Maybe he forgot?¡±

    ¡°This is regarding his life. How could he forget?¡±

    Xu Yiming¡¯s brows crinkled as Grand Preceptor Xie continued to write. ¡°If Ning Yu wanted him dead, the assassins would¡¯ve already killed him. Why did they only beat him up?¡±

    Xu Yiming wrote, ¡°To create misunderstanding between you two?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s fingers clenched into a fist and he pounded the table twice.

    Xu Yiming continued writing, ¡°Lady Xu is hurt. Chen Lu is so worried about her that he overlooked his own troubles. It is excusable.¡±

    ¡°This old man is only suspicious.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie picked up his brush again. ¡°Just in case. During the war, it is best that this old man isn¡¯t in the capital.¡±

    Xu Yiming nodded and wrote on paper. ¡°So does that mean we don¡¯t need the Roaring Tigers Camp?¡±

    ¡°If you want a person to do a job, you can¡¯t be so concern about their loyalty. Plus, the arrow is already on the bow. Now is not the time to change the general before the battle.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie spoke out loud.

    Xu Yiming put down the brush and bowed. ¡°Your subordinate will go make the arrangements now.¡±

    ¡°Do you think these two lines will be useful to Xiaoyao?¡± Outside the window, Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife asked Cousin Magpie on the tree.

    Cousin Magpie replied, ¡°I have no idea. Chirp! Old man Xie is too evil! He used writing instead!¡± Cousin Magpie¡¯s wife agreed. He¡¯s bullying them magpies for being illiterate!

    ¡°What a scoundrel!¡± A¡¯mo cursed at his corner. Ants are illiterate too!

    -----

    In the Supreme Splendor Hall, Lou Zigui had just finished reading the letter Lady Xu wrote for the mighty Great General Xu Jing. He lightly ced the letter on the table.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao held onto her bowl of noodles. ¡°Are there any issues with the letter?¡±

    ¡°The letter is fine.¡± Lou Zigui picked up a brush and copied the letter, word for word. Pei Yan was sitting next to him. ¡°It¡¯s not the original. Wouldn¡¯t Xu Jing be suspicious?¡±

    ¡°I know, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao added. ¡°There¡¯s no personal seal either. Would General Xu believe this?¡±

    ¡°When he sees the letter, it wouldn¡¯t matter whether the content is real or fake. Xu Jing will send someone to the capital to investigate on the matter.¡± Lou Zigui ced the counterfeit letter into an envelope and handed it to Pei Yan. ¡°I¡¯m not going to get my dragon guards to do this. Get someone from the Lord Protector¡¯s estate to send it please.¡±

    Pei Yan put away the letter and turned to leave.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a bowl of noodles before you go? The soup is bone-based ah!¡±

    Pei Yan smiled at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject doesn¡¯t eat garlic. It tastes bad.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked inside her bowl. The onion and garlic smell was strong.

    ¡°Go do your thing,¡± Lou Zigui rushed Pei Yan to leave. But Pei Yan didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Your Majesty, if one overeats, one will get fat.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the bowls next to her. There were only two empty ones. She was on her third bowl of noodles. It was a big bowl too.

    ¡°Your Majesty, do you remember what Prince Fu looked like previously?¡± Pei Yan pressed.

    Ning Xiaoyao finally understood. Pei Yan didn¡¯t want her to enjoy her noodles.

    ¡°Eat,¡± Lou Zigui peeled a boiled egg and ced it in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bowl. ¡°The noodles won¡¯t taste good if it turns cold.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t mind me, why do you mind?¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked up the egg with her chopsticks and unted it at Pei Yan. ¡°Supreme Commander never thinks I eat too much!¡±

    Pei Yan felt like there was something wrong with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. What does this have to do with Lou Zigui?

    ¡°You¡¯re dismissed. Make sure you send out the letter by today.¡± Lou Zigui told Pei Yan. Pei Yan was still staring at Ning Xiaoyao. Lou Zigui stood up to pour Xiaoyao a cup of water. Then, he remained standing and blocked Pei Yan¡¯s view on purpose.

    Pei Yan: ...is this a battle between subjects striving for favour?

    After Second Young Master Pei felt slightly light-headed and left the room, Lou Zigui sat down next to Ning Xiaoyao again.

    ¡°No matter how much garlic I eat, I won¡¯t have bad breath. Also, no matter how much I eat, I won¡¯t get fat.¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought it was necessary reassure Lou Zigui.

    ¡°But you can¡¯t binge eat.¡± Lou Zigui handed the cup of water to Ning Xiaoyao. Xiaoyao gulped down the water and reevaluated Supreme Commander¡¯s words. So he does mind me eating too much?

    ¡°Are you still eating?¡± Lou Zigui pointed at the bowl.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a waste if I don¡¯t eat it?¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re not eating it?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought of a tactful way to protect her noodles. ¡°I can¡¯t waste food. Or else I¡¯m gonna get hacked by lightning.¡±

    Lou Zigui chuckled and picked up his chopsticks. He took Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bowl of noodles and began his feast. ¡°Then I¡¯ll eat it. That way, you won¡¯t be hacked by lightning.¡±

    Ning Xiao was (¨t_¨s)#! This guy dares to steal her noodles? She really wants to beat him up! What to do?

    Lou Zigui lowered his head to eat. Miss Ning had already eaten two huge bowls. Witnessing it was enough to give him anxiety. If she keeps eating, wouldn¡¯t her stomach swell too much?

    (Author: You two are never on the same page...)

 Chapter 279: Supreme Commander Lou arranges an escape route

    <h4>Chapter 279: Supreme Commander Lou arranges an escape route</h4>

    Since Lou Zigui was the one who snatched her noodles, Ning Xiaoyao decided to hold back. Snatching my food? Humph! I¡¯ll endure it for now.

    She waited until after Lou Zigui left to deal with the war affairs before she ran to the kitchen to gobble up the rest of the noodles from the pot.

    Chef Huang was a spectator from the beginning to the end. Ultimately, he was so terrified that he ran to get a digestion pill from Imperial Physician Gao. He was prepared to give His Majesty the pill in case he fell ill.

    However, because Chef Huang was so traumatized by what he saw, he decided to eat something to alleviate his stress. Unfortunately, Chef Huang resulted in overeating and had to take the pill for himself. So, Physician Gao¡¯s secret recipe pill ended up in Chef Huang¡¯s stomach and never got to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth. £¨o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    Lou Zigui waspletely oblivious he had narrowly missed a beating from Ning Xiaoyao. He was so busy the next few days that he practically didn¡¯t see her at all.

    Likewise, Ning Xiaoyao kept herself busy as well. She helped Erya and Xiaoqiu pack their bags and ordered Shadowgale to send the two siblings out of the pce. ¡°Also, don¡¯t forget to bring the Xie n¡¯s fifth young miss. Send her as far as you can. We¡¯re about to go to war and thedy doesn¡¯t know martial arts! How would she protect herself ah?¡±

    When Ning Xiaoyao mentioned Xie Duoying, Shadowgale felt slightly ufortable. But after giving it some thought, he couldn¡¯t think of a reason not to help her.

    ¡°Go now.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Shadowgale on the shoulder. ¡°Since you¡¯ve decided to like someone, then like you must.¡±

    Shadowgale made a salute. ¡°I understand.¡±

    After Ning Xiaoyao had finished convincing Windy, she turned to the sobbing Erya. Erya was refusing to leave. ¡°Erya, Xiaoqiu is the only son and heir of your family! What if something happens to him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao reasoned.

    Erya cried, ¡°Then just send him alone!¡±

    ¡°Then what if something happens to you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked up Xiaoqiu and pushed him into Shadowgale¡¯s arms. Currently, Xiaoqiu had tears and snots streaming down his face. ¡°Who will take care of Xiaoqiu then? During the battle, I¡¯ll be risking my life on the front-line. I wouldn¡¯t be able to take care of you two. Erya, help lessen my worries, alright?¡±

    Erya was silenced by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°Good girl,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed a purse into Erya¡¯spel. ¡°Take good care of Xiaoqiu. I¡¯ll be fine. Don¡¯t cry!¡±

    ¡°Make sure youe get us afterwards.¡± Erya wiped her tears and requested.

    ¡°Mm. After we¡¯re finished here, I¡¯lle pick you both up.¡±

    After Erya received Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s promise, she reluctantly left with Shadowgale. She was still sobbing and sniffling. As for Xiaoqiu, he was desperately twisting and turning his body like a fried dough twist to break out of Shadowgale¡¯s grip. He shrieked, ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave!¡± But how could a small figure like himselfpete against one of the greatmanders of the Dragon Guards? Xiaoqiu tried his best to resist, but was taken away by Shadowgale nheless.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood by the courtyard gate. Xiaoqiu¡¯s cries caused her to sniff and wipe her eyes. Deep down, she wanted to toss Grand Preceptor Xie to a horde of zombies.

    While Ning Xiaoyao was grieving at the courtyard gate, Lou Zigui was sitting and listening to the Lord Protector. They were in one of the pce rooms where the Lord Protector was temporarily residing in. ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s people left the capital to Anyuan. Supreme Commander, since you warned us not to beat the grass and startle the snake, my people didn¡¯t touch him.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Is there any news from Fang Tang?¡± asked the Lord Protector.

    ¡°None,¡± replied Lou Zigui, ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s people are probably already keeping an eye on the road between the capital and Anyuan. Even if my men were to send us a message, it probably won¡¯t get to us.¡±

    The Lord Protector anxiously wiped his forehead. ¡°My men have also gone to Anyuan. But based on what they have sent back, the ck Frost Cavalry shouldn¡¯t have entered the capital.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at him.

    ¡°My point is, are we sending His Majesty out of the capital? During the actual battle, our numbers are at a disadvantage. If an ident urs, it may be toote to regret.¡±

    Lou Zigui paused for a moment before speaking. ¡°What are your ns for the Old Madam and your other family members?¡±

    The Lord Protector immediately turned distress. ¡°My old mother says she isn¡¯t going anywhere. She only allowed me to send the little ones out.¡±

    Lou Zigui was surprised. ¡°She won¡¯t leave?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said the Lord Protector, ¡°My mother said if we lose, she will go find Xie Wenyuan to die together.¡±

    ¡°If Old Madam have to step in, then we¡¯re truly too useless.¡± Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sure His Majesty is unwilling to leave as well.¡±

    The Lord Protector sighed. It feels like he¡¯s used up his entire quota of sighs in this lifetime.

    ¡°I want to send His Majesty down south,¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice.

    The Lord Protector immediately reacted. ¡°Are you thinking of sending His Majesty to the navy in Jiangnan? To find Qin Xuan?¡±

    ¡°If we lose, Qin Xuan can guard His Majesty out to the sea.¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s words caused Lord Protector to feel a chill down in his heart. Lou Zigui is already thinking of an escape route for His Majesty after their deaths.

    ¡°Go and tell the Old Madam that His Majesty needs people to take care of him. We will be on the front-line fighting, so aside from her, there isn¡¯t anyone else I can think of right now to watch over His Majesty.¡± Lou Zigui instructed.

    Lord Protector was hesitant. ¡°My old mother can take care of His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Obviously she can¡¯t.¡± Lou Zigui coldly replied.

    Lord Protector felt as if he had been pped across the face by Lou Zigui. His face hurts!

    ¡°With the Old Madam around, even if His Majesty hears of our defeat and death, he will look after those alive first. He won¡¯t return here to die.¡± Lou Zigui exined. ¡°Lord Protector, as long as His Majesty is here, the Old Madam, your wife and children will be fine.¡±

    Lord Protector heaved a deep sigh. ¡°I see.¡±

    Lou Zigui will hand the responsibility of caring for his old mother and family members to His Majesty. His Majesty isn¡¯t the type that would abandon the old and young. Even if they are met with a mishap, His Majesty won¡¯te back to die.

    ¡°We won¡¯t necessarily get to that point,¡± Lou Zigui offered a smile. ¡°This is the worst case scenario.¡±

    Lord Protector stood up and cupped his fist. He said he understood and left. Although it may be the worst case scenario, Lord Protector felt like his heart was going to break the moment he imagined all of them dead in battle, the emperor protecting the old and young on his own to Jiangnan, and ultimately being forced to take refuge in the sea by Xie Wenyuan.

    After Lord Protector left, Lou Zigui raised his hand to stroke Big Boss ck. Big Boss ck was crouching on the table. Lately, the ck cat had been following him everywhere. As a result, Lou Zigui was used to having the fat cat as hispany.

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck called out to Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, if you die, Xiaoyao would be very sad! Miaow!¡±

    ¡°From now on, be good and stay by her side.¡± Lou Zigui patted Big Boss ck¡¯s head and whispered.

    Big Boss ck wanted to cry. What¡¯s the use of apanying that ninny?

    -----

    While the Lord Protector was walking out of the pce gate in a daze, Pei Yan and another man dismounted from their horses. When Pei Yan saw his elder brother, his brows crinkled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? You just cried?¡±

    Lord Protector rubbed his eyes and denied. ¡°Why would I cry? Sand got in my eyes.¡±

    The corner of Pei Yan¡¯s mouth twitched. His lie may be good enough to fool a child.

    Lord Protector observed the man that stood behind Pei Yan. He was wearing a wide-brimmed hat that concealed everything but the chin.

    ¡°It¡¯s Xu Jichang¡± Pei Yan spoke in a low voice.

    Lord Protector¡¯s eyes immediately widened. Xu Jichang was Xu Jing¡¯s eldest son. The Xu n has finally arrived to the capital!

    ¡°Please,¡± Pei Yan stood sideways and gestured the young man to enter the pce.

    Xu Jichang slightly nodded at the Lord Protector as a greeting. Then, he followed Pei Yan to the small pce gate. There was no hesitation from Lord Protector at all. He quickly followed behind Xu Jichang. He wanted to hear the talk between Lou Zigui and Xu Jichang!

    Lou Zigui stood in the corridor waiting for Xu Jichang. Since they were unfamiliar with each other, they cupped their fists as a greeting. Lou Ziguimented, ¡°Your journey must have been exhausting.¡± Xu Jichang replied, ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re too courteous.¡± That was the end of the polite exchange.

    Pei Yan wanted to speak, but the Lord Protector pulled him back. The moment his brother opens his mouth, he will offend someone! Right now, those from the Xu n is the boss! They cannot afford to offend anyone!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in and talk.¡± Lou Zigui invited Xu Jichang in.

    However, Xu Jichang replied, ¡°Supreme Commander Lou, I would like to see His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to wait until His Majesty summons you. His Majesty is the country¡¯s ruler. He doesn¡¯t see just anyone. Just because you want to see him doesn¡¯t mean he will see you.¡±

    Xu Jichang:...he¡¯s trying to show off his dominance now? Isn¡¯t it a bit of a rush?

    Lord Protector was nervous for Lou Zigui. Can you speak in a nicer tone to the Xu n? Whatever issues you have, deal with it after we get rid of Xie Wenyuan please!?! After we get rid of Xie Wenyuan, you can torment the Xu n whichever way you like!

    ¡°I¡¯ve sent people to pick up Chen Lu and his wife. If Eldest Master doesn¡¯t want to speak inside, then we¡¯ll speak out here in the courtyard.¡± Lou Zigui curtly stated.

    ¡°I could go to the Chen Estate.¡± Xu Jichang coldly retaliated.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan has eyes in and out of the Chen Estate. Are you sure you want to go there, Eldest Master?¡±

    ¡°I could say that I came to the capital under my esteemed father¡¯smand to see the Grand Preceptor first.¡± said Xu Jichang.

    ¡°But you¡¯re already in the pce. Eldest Master, could it be that you¡¯ll say I forcefully dragged you here?¡± Lord Protector didn¡¯t have to look to know it was Pei Yan who spoke up. Fury shed across Xu Jichang¡¯s face.

    ¡°Is this the time to show arrogance?¡± Pei Yan jeered. ¡°Do you think His Majesty is begging your Xu n?¡±

    Xu Jichang sneered, ¡°Who dares to let His Majesty beg?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell what you¡¯re actually doing?¡± Pei Yan retorted.

    Lord Protector braced himself and dragged Pei Yan behind him again. It¡¯s a miracle those two didn¡¯t fight on their way here.

    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the matter at hand.¡± The Lord Protector spoke as a peacemaker. ¡°Right now is not the time to bicker. Supreme Commander, Elder Master, let¡¯s focus on the matter instead.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander Lou, are you acting as the regent for the monarch? Are your words equivalent to the Emperor?¡± Xu Jichang asked.

    ¡°The Emperor is here!¡± Ning XIaoyao¡¯s voice rang from outside the courtyard gate.

    Lord Protector breathed a sigh of relief. They¡¯re saved.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face turned dark. He had ordered his subordinates not to let Miss Ning see Xu Jichang at the very beginning. He wanted to avoid the misconception that His Majesty was begging the Xu n for help. Who¡¯s the damn snitch? (Author: That¡¯d be the fat, ck cat next to you...)

    Xu Jichang turned around. Ning Xiaoyao slipped through the courtyard door and entered. Despite wearing the dragon robe, she still didn¡¯t look like an emperor.

    ¡°Your subject, Xu Jichang, greets His Majesty. May the emperor live on for tens of thousands of years.¡± Eldest Master Xu got down on his knees.

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to reach out her hand to pull him up, but Lou Zigui coughed on the side. So, she withdrew her hand and order Xu Jichang to get up. ¡°Rise. At this point, who knows who¡¯ll be the emperor? Hahaha!¡±

    Xu Jichang:... you can stillugh so happily even though you might lose your throne?

 Chapter 280: Time waits for no man

    <h4>Chapter 280: Time waits for no man</h4>

    The group went inside a pce room and sat down. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui and told Xu Jichang, ¡°Supreme Commander will inform you of all the specifics. I only came to rify his position.¡±

    Xu Jichang made eye contact with Ning Xiaoyao and stated, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject doesn¡¯t seek schrly honour or official rank...¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t seek position or wealth. Who would throw away their life for no reason?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand and interrupted Xu Jichang. ¡°Right now, we¡¯re running out of time. It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re full of shit. Let¡¯s not talk about it.¡±

    Pei Yan coldlyughed at Xu Jichang. ¡°Just tell us what you want.¡±

    ¡°Before we begin, let me make it clear. I have no money, but I can offer you an official title. But I can¡¯t let you be the emperor. I have asked before but my ancestors made it a rule that the emperor must be under the surname Ning. Is your Xu n ok with an Extremely Powerful and Mighty Great General?¡±

    Xu Jichang didn¡¯t expect Ning Xiaoyao to be so blunt. What type of subject would directly tell the emperor what they want? Or what government position they want? Eldest Master Xu was rendered speechless by Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I can help your sister Xinghua get pregnant. I can also ensure Chen Lu doesn¡¯t get forced into another marriage by Grand Preceptor Xie. From now on, your n will be on a path of bright future outlook. What else? Oh yeah, as I have mentioned, I can give you the position of Extremely Powerful and Mighty Great General, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao proposed and cracked her knuckles.

    Xu Jichang stared at Ning Xiaoyao, dumbfounded.

    ¡°Eldest Master, give me a sentence!?¡±

    Xu Jichang remained silent.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head and turned to the person next to her, Lou Zigui. She whispered, ¡°What¡¯s going on? The benefits aren¡¯t good enough? I really don¡¯t have money ah!¡±

    Lou Zigui lightly patted Ning Xiaoyao on the hand. It¡¯s not that the benefits aren¡¯t enough. Most likely, this is Xu Jichang¡¯s first encounter with you and he isn¡¯t used to your style of speech. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao could see Xu Jichang digging his fingers into his palm. Fine, it¡¯s an important decision. She should give him some time to think about it.

    After a long period of silence, Xu Jichang finally spoke again. ¡°Your Majesty is very straightforward.¡±

    ¡°This is regarding the lives of people! Why would I be in the mood to talk about the wind, flowers, snow, and the moon with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned.

    Eldest Master Xu turned quiet again. What does being direct have to do with the wind, flowers, snow and moon?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Deng Rong¡¯s voice could be heard behind the doors.

    ¡°Your sister Xinghua and Chen Lu are here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao could tell who they were based on the sounds of their footsteps. She turned to Xu Jichang. ¡°Do you want us to go somewhere else to give you guys some privacy?¡±

    Deng Rong could hear Ning Xiaoyao and stood behind the door without making a sound.

    Xu Jichang stood up. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s words are too serious. This subject does not dare.¡± How could anyone ever ask the emperor to step out? That¡¯s preposterous!

    ¡°No need to be so courteous.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up on her own and dragged Lou Zigui up as well. ¡°You¡¯re not even scared of Supreme Commander¡¯s icy face. What else would scare you? Eldest Master, you can chat with your sister and Chen Lu.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tugged Lou Zigui with her and walked out of the room. The Pei brothers followed closely behind. Now, Xu Jichang was the only one left in the room....Weren¡¯t they supposed to discuss serious matters? How can they all leave just like that?

    ¡°Oh!¡± Lady Xu was standing in the courtyard dressed in a military uniform. Ning Xiaoyao ran over with jolting buttocks and sized up Lady Xu. ¡°Lady, you¡¯re here!¡±

    Quite frankly, Lady Xu didn¡¯t want to see Ning Xiaoyao. But she reluctantly bowed.

    ¡°No need.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand and hastily touched Lady Xu¡¯s shoulder. No baby yet...

    ¡°How can you not make your salutations when you see His Majesty?¡± Pei Yan icily sted.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Chen Lu on the shoulder. After a few days of rest, his face was still swollen, but at least he looked more like human now.

    Chen Lu bowed and yelled out, ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Yelling Your Majesty isn¡¯t going to help.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and focused on the lower region of Great General Chen¡¯s body. ¡°In regards to having babies, Your Majesty can only help you guys dissolve the poison. Do you understand, Great General?¡±

    Chen Lu¡¯s face instantly turned boiling red. What does he need to understand?

    Everyone who were present avoided to look at Lady Xu. They didn¡¯t dare.

    ¡°Lady, let me tell you...¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned her head to speak to Lady Xu. Aiya! Motherf**ker! Lady Xu was giving her the killer re the night she got beaten up again!

    Ning Xiaoyao retreated back to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and pointed into the room. ¡°Xu Jichang is inside. You guys chat first.¡±

    Chen Lu wiped his sweaty face with his hand and reluctantly bowed. ¡°This subject obeys His Majesty¡¯s decree.¡±

    ¡°You gotta work harder!¡± After thinking about it, Ning Xiaoyao added.

    He would be much better off if he didn¡¯t understand His Majesty¡¯s hints!

    Lou Zigui dragged Ning Xiaoyao with him. This girl has no filter! How can she be so nosy about the status of another couple¡¯s baby!?

    Now, there were only Lady Xu and Chen Lu left in the courtyard. Suddenly, Lady Xu burst outughing. Chen Lu hurriedly reminded her, ¡°This is the pce. You have to be respectful to His Majesty, mydy.¡±

    Lady Xu gave Chen Lu a thoughtful look. Then, she shook her head and walked into the room.

    Chen Lu:...what does that mean? Is his wife looking down on him? She also thinks he¡¯s not trying hard enough?

    ¡°Elder sister?¡± Xu Jichang stood by the door and called out. Ever since Lady Xu married Chen Lu, she had remained in the capital. Thest time these siblings saw each other was six years ago. In their respective minds, her younger brother was still young and distinguished, while his elder sister Xinghua was still the pretty daughter of the general. But after six years of separation, there were more hardship and wrinkles disyed on Xi Jichang¡¯s face. As for Xinghua, she now had some strands of white hair mixed with her fine ck hair. They were no longer the same image from their memories.

    ¡°First brother,¡± Lady Xu went up to Xu Jichang and spoke in a low voice. ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    ¡°I heard you were injured. Why are you walking around?¡±

    Lady Xu sighed. ¡°That was bad timing on my part.¡±

    Eldest Master Xu angrily red at Chen Lu. ¡°This is how you¡¯re taking care of my older sister?¡±

    Chen Lu felt wronged but also guilty. It¡¯s true he wasn¡¯t able to take good care of his wifey this time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in and talk.¡± Lady Xu headed in the direction of the room and stood up for Chen Lu. ¡°Don¡¯t me him. One is His Majesty and the other is Grand Preceptor Xie. Which one can he offend?¡±

    ¡°Older sister,¡± Xu Jichang didn¡¯t look at Chen Lu again and followed Lady Xu into the room. He whispered, ¡°Is it true what you wrote in the letter? You really wrote the letter?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lady Xu sat down and replied, ¡°It¡¯s true. Do you think I would joke about something like this?¡±

    ¡°F**k!¡± Xu Jichang immediately used foulnguage.

    ¡°What did father say?¡± Lady Xu asked.

    ¡°Father said he will protect both Grand Preceptor and His Majesty.¡± Xu Jichang sat down next to his sister and muttered quietly. Chen Lu entered the room and went to sit across the siblings. He had no status on the Xu n¡¯s side. Chen Lu knew this the day he married his wife.

    Lady Xu looked withered and tired after Xu Jichang¡¯s reply. She forced herself to smile. ¡°I guess father still tries to look out for me.¡±

    Xi Jichang rushed. ¡°What do you mean, older sister? When has father ever not look out for you?¡±

    ¡°Xu Jing¡¯s wife was sick a lot. Lady Xu is the eldest daughter of the family. After Xu Jing¡¯s wife gave birth to Xu Jichang, she passed away.¡± Lou Zigui exined to Ning Xiaoyao in the courtyard.

    ¡°Oh, so the mistresses gave birth to the rest of the sons of the Xu n. Got it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. This has nothing to do with the first wife or concubines.¡± Lou Zigui asserted.

    ¡°Then what are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°When Xu Jichang was four, it was rumoured that Xu Jing went to fight bandits with armed forces. The n members of the Xu family all fled respectively. In addition, all the mistresses ran away with belongings from the home. Lady Xu was the one who took care of her five younger brothers and drifted around the wild for a year until Xu Jing returned back victorious.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°For a year, ah?¡±

    ¡°Lady Xu was seeking her father with her siblings. But they went the wrong way. Xu Jing sent people to find them, but they failed.¡± Pei Yan disclosed while leaning against the wall.

    Ning Xiaoyao was silent. What a sad story.

    ¡°After that, the members of the Xu family saw Lady Xu as their mother. She was the one who raised them up. So Lady Xu¡¯s words have the most impact in the family.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought about it. ¡°Alright then, forget about offering them the official title.¡±

    ¡°Forget it?¡± Lord Protector squeaked.

    ¡°Dude, the sry of an Extremely Powerful and Mighty Great General is so high!¡± Ning Xiaoyao red. ¡°Even if we don¡¯t give Great General Xu Jing the position, he¡¯ll help me. So why should I pretend to have money?¡±

    Lord Protector¡¯s mouth and eyelid both twitched. If Xu Jing found out he wasn¡¯t getting his title because of the sry cost, he would probably cry himself to death. Do you believe me, Your Majesty?

    After the time it took to burn half an incense, Chen Lu came out with a heavy-hearted expression. When he saw the four people standing outside of the courtyard, Great General Chen headed straight to them. ¡°Your Majesty, we¡¯re done talking.¡±

    ¡°So what¡¯s the consensus?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°The Xu n will follow Your Majesty¡¯s assignment no matter what.¡±

    ¡°How about you?¡± Lou Zigui asked Chen Lu. Chen Lu dipped his head. ¡°This subject will also follow His Majesty no matter what.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao slightly nodded and turned to Lord Protector. ¡°Lord Protector, from now on, don¡¯t try to kill Great General Chen, ok?¡±

    Chen Lu:...

    Lord Protector gazed at Lou Zigui. Could they trust Chen Lu¡¯s words?

    Lou Zigui turned to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, why don¡¯t you go in and talk to the Xu siblings?¡±

    ¡°What about Great General Chen?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Chen Lu.

    Pei Yanughed out loud. ¡°Your Majesty, can¡¯t you tell? Great General Chen has no authority on the matter.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Chen Lu. He was a tall and sturdy fellow. But he wore such a pitiful expression. Not only that, he shrank his body like a quail. ¡°Pah, what were you and your wife doing at home thesest several days? I''ve already helped your wife dissolved the poison. Why isn¡¯t she pregnant yet?¡± Ning Xiaoyao criticized and smacked her lips.

    Chen Lu¡¯s face flushed once more. Can we not talk about this?

    ¡°Go in.¡± Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away.

    ¡°Dang, you have one job and you can¡¯t even do it right? Why should Lady Xu keep you around? Wow! Following the Grand Preceptor is screwing you over to the point where you don¡¯t even know how to get your wife preggo?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth was vicious.

    Chen Lu couldn¡¯t hold back and refuted a line. ¡°Lady Xu is injured right now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...oh yeah. Xinghua stabbed herself.

    Lou Zigui was a bit irritated that Chen Lu tried to retaliate Ning Xiaoyao. When Ning Xiaoyao remained silent, Supreme Commander coldly added, ¡°You have a reason even though you¡¯re the onecking the skill?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s right!¡± With someone backing her up, Ning Xiaoyao became spirited again. ¡°You have a reason for yourck of skill!?¡±

    Chen Lu truly wanted to quarrel with these two. They make it sound like they have children of their own! Pssh! One who retreats fifty stepsughs at the one who retreats a hundred*. Do they think it¡¯s funny?

    *This basically means ¡°You have your own faults. Perhaps it¡¯s not exactly on the same level but you dismiss your own problems andughs at mine.¡±

    Happy New Year, guys!

 Chapter 281: Without you in this world

    <h4>Chapter 281: Without you in this world</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao entered the room and shook hands with Xu Jichang. "I hope we''ll work well together."

    Lou Zigui stepped forward and soundlessly pulled Ning Xiaoyao''s hand away. He rubbed her palm with his own.

    Xu Jichang:...somehow, something feels off.

    "Whatever you need, just talk to Supreme Commander about it. I don''t know anything about fighting wars, so I''m not gonna get involved." Ning Xiaoyao told Xu Jichang as she gave Lou Zigui a look while rubbing her nose.

    With that, Ning Xiaoyao walked off. It was as if there was wind under her feet, and she disappeared in the blink of an eye.

    "Now can we sit down and talk?" Lou Zigui asked Xu Jichang.

    ¡°Brother,¡± Lady Xu yelled.

    Xu Jichang sat down. "This subject is listening. Go ahead, Supreme Commander."

    Lord Protector silently let out his breath. Looks like His Majesty won¡¯t have to be chased out to sea by Xie Wenyuan after all.

    Just as Ning Xiaoyao was about to leave the courtyard and head to the kitchen, she saw Shadowthunder rushing over.

    ¡°Second Thunder!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved enthusiastically at Shadowthunder.

    Shadowthunder ran before Ning Xiaoyao, wiping his sweatden face, and panted, ¡°Your Majesty, Xu Feiyi has dispatched people, they''re outside the pce doors.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao''s eyes widened in an instant.

    "I guess the empress arrived at Xu Feiyi''s." Shadowthunder lowered his voice.

    "Bring him in," Ning Xiaoyao asserted. "Great timing. Supreme Commander and Eldest Master Xu are chatting right now. They can all discuss together."

    Shadowthunder indicated his obedience to Ning Xiaoyao''smand, and turned to dash off in the direction he hade.

    ¡°Aow,¡± Little White Fatty burrowed out of the bamboo grove opposite the courtyard, and ran to Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao picked up Little White Fatty and strolled into the bamboo grove. She found a stone stool and sat down. "Where''s ck Tubby?"

    ¡°With Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao''s lip curled. Looks like ck Tubby wants to wriggle his way into getting some food from Supreme Commander.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Little White Fatty jumped onto the stone table and licked Ning Xiaoyao''s hand, before repeating Lou Zigui''s conversation with the Lord Protector. ¡°I heard everything,¡± Little White Fatty mumbled. ¡°Xiaoyao, will Supreme Commander and the rest die?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao bit her lip.

    ¡°ck Tubby is very upset,¡± Little White Fatty continued. ¡°Will Supreme Commander and the rest really die?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed Little White Fatty¡¯s head and sighed, ¡°People die in wars.¡±

    ¡°Aow?¡± Little White Fatty looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Supreme Commander wants me to live,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Little White Fatty remarked, ¡°Supreme Commander is very good to Xiaoyao, aow.¡±

    ¡°It''s okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao did some calctions in her heart. ¡°I¡¯ll take the old madam and the rest to a safe ce beforeing back. With me around, there¡¯ll be fewer people dying.¡±

    Little White Fatty asked, ¡°Then, where''s a safe ce?¡±

    ¡°That''s the problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged Little White Fatty and stood up. ¡°Let me go back and analyse the map.¡±

    Xu Feiyi''s men were led into the pce by Shadowthunder. The bunch of them sat together in discussion until the sky turned dark. That very night, Xu Jichang and Xu Feiyi''s men departed and left the city.

    When Lou Zigui entered Ning Xiaoyao''s bedroom, she had her head buried in a pile of maps. Ning Xiaoyao briefly lifted her head to nce at Lou Zigui before returning to her maps.

    Lou Zigui walked over and sat down next to Ning Xiaoyao. He scanned his eyes across the mess. "Why are you looking at these maps?"

    ¡°Just casually looking,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bit the brush in her hand. ¡°Did you guys settle everything, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Mm," Lou Zigui plucked the brush from Ning Xiaoyao''s hand and carelessly ced it aside. ¡°Xiaoyao, the Xu n''s Tigers Roaring Camp will reach the capital in two days.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath. ¡°Does that mean the war will begin in two days?¡±

    ¡°Can you escort the old madam and the family members of Lord Protector''s estate out of the capital first?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao pretended that she didn''t know anything and stared at Lou Zigui. ¡°Apart from me, can no one else send them?¡±

    "If the old madam thinks you don''t need her to take care of you, she won''t leave." Lou Zigui pressed, "You don''t want them toe to harm, right?"

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°But the capital has many more old madams, I don¡¯t want any of them toe to harm either.¡±

    Lou Zigui was unable to refute her point, and instead coaxed, ¡°The other old folks in the capital won''t be harmed.¡±

    This was obviously a lie, how could Miss Ning believe it?

    "I''ve studied the maps." Ning Xiaoyao showed Lou Zigui. "There are no safe ces in this capital for me to take and hide them."

    ¡°Head north,¡± advised Lou Zigui. ¡°Go to Qin Xuan.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡±

    ¡°In the worst-case scenario, Qin Xuan will know what to do.¡± Lou Zigui muttered.

    ¡°Go out to sea?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed. ¡°Where would we go then? Without you in this world, where can I go? Does the other end of the ocean have another Lou Zigui?¡±

    Lou Zigui was stunned silent by Ning Xiaoyao once again.

    ¡°I''ve thought about it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced her hand on Lou Zigui''s and whispered, ¡°I want to stay.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao......¡±

    ¡°Let me finish,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pressed her hand firmly over Lou Zigui''s mouth.¡°The old madam won''t leave, so I''ll convince her. I''ll be responsible for convincing her to go.¡±

    ¡°That''s the worst-case scenario.¡± Lou Zigui murmured, looking at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°No matter what the oue is, I can''t go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao emphasized. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it for a day, and I finally understood something. This is the capital city of Yongning, and I''m the emperor; how can I simply run away?¡±

    ¡°But are you really the emperor?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°I''m wearing the dragon¡¯s robes, sitting on the dragon¡¯s throne, how can I not be the emperor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao huffed. ¡°Supreme Commander, tell me, how are you going to fight this war? I''ve thought about it, we are outnumbered, so you can''t just take people outside the city to sh at Grand Preceptor¡¯s men head on.¡±

    Lou Zigui:...woman, how many thoughts went through your mind today?

    ¡°I''m very smart,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her brain.

    "Xie Wenyuan''s main troops are allied." Lou Zigui exined. "Although they are selected troops, there are still different skill levels amongst them. Since we are disadvantaged in terms of numbers, the best way for us to fight is to gather all our forces and attack our opponent''s weakest spots."

    "Do you know which troop is the weakest?" Ning Xiaoyao questioned.

    Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°Then that''s it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°We''ll lure them into the city.¡± At this point, Lou Zigui didn''t want to hide it from Ning Xiaoyao anymore. He softly spoke, "The city''s streets are interlocked. Xie Wenyuan''s cavalry will be useless then.¡±

    ¡°What about the people in the city?¡±

    Lou Zigui was silent.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Ning Xiayao understood. Whether the people in the city survive will depend on their luck.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯m not...¡±

    "I understand. There''s no way people won''t die in a war." Ning Xiaoyao cut Lou Zigui off. "We have bad luck. Who told us to be alive during this time period?" Just like her previous life, she had lived in a post-apocalypse world. Who could she reason with?

    Lou Zigui held Ning Xiaoyao''s hand and gazed at her. ¡°You don''t me me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows. ¡°Are you doing this on purpose?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. Of course it wasn''t intentional.

    ¡°Then why would I me you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°We''re in a war, it''s not like we''re doing charity. If we don''t want people to die, then we shouldn''t be fighting a war.¡±

    The corner of Lou Zigui''s mouth quirked up, and he smiled.

    ¡°I''m staying in the city.¡± Ning Xiaoyao''s next words immediately wiped the smile from Lou Zigui''s face. ¡°Let them fight to the pce. The roads of the pce are zigzagged, we can do street fighting.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡±

    "First, let them burn the pce. Ning Xiaoyao dered. "Then, they can burn the capital. I don''t want my citizens to die just like that. Nothing will happen to me. Plus, the person they really want to kill is me. Let theme here instead."

    Lou Zigui thought to himself. Should I just knock her out and take her out of the city?

    ¡°You can''t knock me out,¡± Ning Xiaoyao snickered upon seeing his face.

    Lou Zigui: ...

    ¡°I can see the ominous glint in your eyes. You¡¯re definitely up to no good. Supreme Commander, I want you guys to leave the capital.¡±

    ¡°I''m staying in the city.¡± Lou Zigui rubbed his eyes.

    ¡°Wouldn''t the city be even safer the more enemies you kill outside?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was close to losing her temper. ¡°Are you going to be my bodyguard in the city? Hey hey, Supreme Commander, where exactly is your battlefield?¡±

    Lou Zigui felt like he had no way of arguing.

    "I already got Windy to take Erya and Xiaoqiu out of the pce." Ning Xiaoyao continued, "When the timees, I will tell everyone in the pce to gather at Empress Dowager''s pce. On the ount that the Empress Dowager is a Xie and assuming Grand Preceptor Xie still wants to put Ning Xin as the emperor, Empress Dowager''s pce should be the safest ce."

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I''m gonna go all out with my enemies,¡± shouted Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Xie Wenyuan better not let me see him, or I''ll dice him!¡±

    Lou Zigui was silent. He was still contemting ways to take the Miss Ning out of the city.

    "Why don''t we have a fight right now?" Ning Xiaoyao suggested. "Supreme Commander, in my opinion, you may not be able to defeat me."

    Lou Zigui sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t hit women.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had no other choice. She gazed at the table, but felt her heart ached. After all, it cost money. So, Ning Xiaoyao crouched down and gathered all her strength and punched the ground.

    *rumble*

    The whole bedroom shook. The doors and windows made swishing noises, and some wood shavings fell from the rafters.

    Shadowthunder, Shadowrain and Shadowbolt raced into the bedroom. The threemanders and the Supreme Commander were stunned.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at therge hole under her feet. ¡°Ai ma[1], why is this leaking water?¡±

    The water in the pit looked to be rising higher and higher. Finally, it rose above the pit, and overflowed onto their feet.

    ¡°It''s flooding,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed out to Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui rubbed his forehead.

    Shadowthunder and the other two ran over and stood by Ning Xiaoyao, gazing into the water-filled pit.

    ¡°Is it water from the earth?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with this pit?¡± Shadowbolt queried.

    ¡°I made it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dipped her head and admitted in shame. She merely wanted to make a hole to disy her prowess before mending it, and that would''ve been that. Who would''ve known that she would raise water from the earth?

    ¡°No,¡± Shadowrain asked. ¡°Your Majesty, why on earth did you make a hole for no reason?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to have a fight with Supreme Commander, but he said that he doesn''t hit women,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whimpered. ¡°So I hit the ground instead.¡±

    The threemanders turned their unfriendly gazes onto Lou Zigui. After such a hubbub, it turned out to be your fault? Why does nothing good evere out of you being with His Majesty?!

    Lou Zigui sat down, and refused to say a word.

    ¡°It has reached our ankles.¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled.

    After submerging their instep, it was submerging their ankles...

    ¡°Let''s go,¡± Lou Zigui stood up. They have to find another ce to talk. After all, they can''t stand there and soak their feet, right?

    [1] Literally, it means ¡°Emma¡±. In this context, it is used as a colloquialism, and indicates dismay or annoyance, simr to ai ya (°¥Ñ½).

 Chapter 282: Supreme Commander wants to buy a skirt for Xiaoyao

    <h4>Chapter 282: Supreme Commander wants to buy a skirt for Xiaoyao</h4>

    Standing outside the bedroom door, Ning Xiaoyao tugged Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve as she watched the floodwater in the room began to flow out onto the courtyard. "Supreme Commander, my fighting abilities are good, right?"

    Lou Zigui lowered his head and observed Ning Xiaoyao''s hand. Those hands were small, very fair, with tender flesh. How could such hands have the strength to pop the groundwater out? It was iprehensible to Supreme Commander Lou. In any case, he did not have such ability.

    "Supreme Commander?" Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes blinked her eyes at him.

    No matter what, Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t going to say no. If he says no, this girl might just create another mouth of a fountain!

    ¡°Say something, ¡±urged Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter.¡± Lou Zigui only gave a curt answer.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s squishy cheeks sunk. "Supreme Commander, you¡¯re not taking me seriously me again." The war is about to break out, who has time to discuss it with youter? Lou Zigui stroked her forehead and changed the subject. ¡°If we don¡¯t fill this hole, this building will not hold out."

    "Whaa?" asked Ning Xiaoyao. In an instant, Lou Zigui got her attention again."The room will copse if it¡¯s flooded for some time." Shadowthunder remarked next to her.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt pain. Her room was not burned down by Grand Preceptor''s men. Instead, it was drowned in water by her very own hands. Why¡¯s there underground water beneath her bedroom? Ahhhhhhhh!!!! (Author: Well, who can you ask? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    "Should I go find some people to fill the pit?" Shadowrain asked. Based on the damage, they probably need some extra help. The water was flowing out like a flood. Heaven knows how deep a pit His Majesty could form ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled up her sleeves. "Let me do it." Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t be able to fix this. She should take care of it. In her case, she could fill the huge pit within a minute. She shook her head and looked around her surroundings. Ning Xiaoyao stared at the flower bed in the courtyard.

    "Let it be," Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao away.

    "Whaa?"

    "What?"

    Emperor Ning and the threemanders red at Lou Zigui together. He wants them to let the bedroom copse?!

    "When the enemy troops enter the pcepound, they will certainly besiege the imperial pce," Lou Zigui said. "The pce¡¯s bedroom is the most important ce for them to attack. Without it, they will divide their forces.¡±

    "If that¡¯s the case, we can destroy them separately," Ning Xiaoyao touched her chin. When the enemy is superior in number, only fools would give them the opportunity to concentrate their forces against them!

    "Do you want the room or leave the city?" Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao by the hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao was silent. She wanted to keep the room but she also didn¡¯t want to leave the capital. "Choose only one of the two," Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her meat ached, her heart ached, her liver ached. Basically, everywhere ached.

    Shadowthunder wanted to speak. What other options do they have? Can filling a pit dy His Majesty''s departure from the capital? But the moment the second shadowmander was about to speak, he was stopped by the third and the fourthmanders. Clearly, His Majesty is refusing to leave, while Supreme Commander Lou is forcing the emperor to go! During the war, they should think of how His Majesty could safely leave the capital. Therefore, Shadowrain and Shadowbolt implored Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, you should leave the city.¡±

    "I''m not going." Ning Xiaoyao stated in one breath. She spoke as if someone was trying to slice a piece of flesh off her.

    If the house was gone, they could build another. But if a life was gone, where would she find another?

    Lou Zigul lightly nodded his head. He even threw the room into the equation, but he was still unable to convince Miss Ning. The only solution would probably be to knock her out. But Lou Zigui was stressed. This woman is immune to hundreds of poisons and she¡¯s a fighter. How could he knock her out?

    "I have discussed with Supreme Commander," Ning Xiaoyao exined to his three Dragon Guardmanders. "When the battle breaks out, I will whittle down Grand Preceptor¡¯s force in the pce while Supreme Commander leads the troops to annihte Grand Preceptor outside of the city."

    The threemanders looked at each other and then red at Lou Zigui. You want to leave His Majesty on his own in the pce to fight against Xie Wenyuan''s military forces? What kind of subject are you? When something goes wrong, you let His Majesty risk his life?!

    Although Shadowthunder and the othermanders did not say a word, Lou Zigui could understand what they wanted to convey from their stares. Lou Zigui made a gesture at them, indicating they may go ahead. He had already tried his best.

    "Your Majesty," Shadowrain eximed, "Let''s leave the city. It''s fun to ride horses and kill enemies."

    "Yes," agreed Shadowthunder, "it''s cool to kill people like that!"

    Shadowbolt added, "Your Majesty, a handsome man that can pierce through the Heavens should ride horses to kill his enemies. There¡¯s no way you can do that in the pce."

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the three men, shook her head and said, "You guys don''t know how to fight in a battle."

    The three Dragon Guardmanders:... We don''t understand, but you do?¡±

    "It''s all right, I''ll protect you," Ning Xiaoyao patted her chest and assured Shadowthunder and the others, "With me here, we won¡¯t die."

    Lou Zigui looked at the three Dragon Guardmanders. The three men looked like they wanted to drop down dead. If His Majesty has to protect the Dragon Guards, what¡¯s the point of their existence?

    "Alright," stated Ning Xiaoyao. She looked at her bedroom and felt pained psychologically. Then, she looked up at the sky again. "So we¡¯ve pleasantly decided. Supreme Commander, you will leave the pce as soon as possible to prepare for the war. I will make preparations in the pce and send everyone off to the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce."

    Looking at the water-soaked ground under his feet, Lou Zigui found that he could not do anything about Miss Ning.

    "Go get ready," Ning Xiaoyao ordered Shadowthunder and the othermanders. ¡°Gather all the people together and send them to the Empress Dowager''s pce."

    Shadowrain said with a pained expression, "What should I tell the Empress Dowager?"

    "Just say that Grand Preceptor is rebelling. He wants to kill me. Then he wants to kill her and make Ning Xin the emperor." Ning Xiaoyao casually said, "If the Empress Dowager does not want to leave her fate in the hands of Grand Preceptor, she should believe me once. Don''t ask anything, just stay at the Empress Dowager''s Pce."

    Shadowrain was worried. "Would the Empress Dowager believe this?"

    "Either she believes me or Grand Preceptor," Ning Xiaoyao said. "Let her choose. If she thinks Grand Preceptor is a good father, let her bring Ning Xin out of the pce, I definitely won¡¯t stop her."

    Shadowrain was not convinced. He still wanted to ask more questions. Shadowthunder impatiently spoke, "Why are you dawdling? Just follow what His Majesty said."

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao beamed. ¡°Listening to me is the right thing to do.¡±

    Shadowrain ran to do his task. Lou Zigui saw that the other twomanders were still standing idly, "You¡¯re His Majesty¡¯s people, too. Why is Shadowrain the only one working?¡±

    Shadowthunder and Shadowbolt fled.

    In the courtyard, the Emperor and Supreme Commander were the only ones left. The water flowed out noisily from therge pit and continued to spread. Ning Xiaoyao trod on the water while thinking about her room. She felt the pain acutely.

    "Xiaoyao," Lou Ziguo made onest attempt. Ning Xiaoyao stood on tiptoes and kissed Lou Zigui¡¯s dry lips. "Supreme Commander, I promised you that if I¡¯m losing, I¡¯ll run away. I''ll go find you, and then we''ll escape together."

    Lou Zigui... Who¡¯s the person who said earlier that he¡¯s the Yongning Emperor and that he¡¯s going to be with dynasty in life or death?

    "We can only think of ways to kill Grand Preceptor if we¡¯re alive, right?" Ning Xiaoyao said, "So I won''t die. If Grand Preceptor is not drawing hisst breath, I definitely won¡¯t draw myst breath."

    Lou Zigui raised his hands to caress Ning Xiaoyao''s face. The moonlight was silvery and cold. The light spread across thend like mercury. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui, "So you can¡¯t die either, Supreme Commander."

    Ning Xiaoyao''s eyes reflected the starry sky. Lou Zigui responded with a low voice, "Alright." Ning Xiaoyao grinned, "So we agreed."

    "Promise me this," Lou Zigui gazed into Ning Xiaoyao''s eyes. "If you can¡¯t beat them, go find me. I''ll be outside the capital. As long as we return to Anyuan, we can start from scratch.¡±

    "Mm," Ning Xiaoyao nodded earnestly.

    "Switch to another room to rest," Lou Zigui pulled Xiaoyao to leave.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, "My luggage is still in the room. They are worth money ah!"

    Lou Zigui:...

    "Wait for me," Ning Xiaoyao ran back into the room. She had lost her room for no reason. But she was not going to lose the furniture and all her clothes too!

    Lou Zigui followed. Now the water had reached his calves. Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of the bed, ready to rescue her bed.

    Lou Zigui waded to the front of the bed, the skirt worn by Ning Xiaoyao was still on the bed. Lou Zigui reached out and picked up the skirt, "You still kept this?"

    Ning Xiaoyao said, "I can wear it in the future. Isn''t it pretty?"

    "Very," assented Lou Zigui, recalling her wearing the dress. Supreme Commander suddenly pulled Ning Xiaoyao onto the bed.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui "This room will copse."

    "It won¡¯t copse overnight," said Lou Zigui.

    ¡°So earlier, when you told me to choose between my room or leaving the capital, you were trying to fool me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao reacted to Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s ¡°evil¡± motive. This person had wanted her to run away, ah!

    Lou Zigui¡¯s lips curled in a smile.

    "Speak properly," Ning Xiaoyao puffed her cheeks. "Don''t smile. Now is not the time for you to use the honey trap. You still won¡¯t give up? Are you still trying to get me to leave? Didn¡¯t we agree?"

    "I¡¯ve never stayed in a flooded room,"ughed Lou Zigui.

    "That¡¯s not my intention," Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled. If she had known this would happen, she would have smashed the ground outside. No, that¡¯s not correct either. Maybe she would¡¯ve drown the whole courtyard instead.

    Lou Ziguiid down on the bed and gazed at Ning Xiaoyao. "I like the way you look in a skirt."

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyeballs were swirling. Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s behaviour isn¡¯t suitable right now. Momentarily ago, this man was worried about the war. Now, he''s in the mood to chat about a floral skirt with her? The scenery is changing too fast!

    "In the future, I will take you with me." promised Lou Zigui. "We¡¯ll leave the pce, and I''ll buy you lots and lots of skirts."

    "Can you buy me food first?" Ning Xiaoyao wondered. Food is more important than skirts!

    "OK, we¡¯ll buy food." In the room with no lighting, Lou Zigui¡¯s teeth were blindingly white under the moonlight.

    "You said so," said Ning Xiaoyao. "Get up, Supreme Commander. I''ll carry the bed out first. Windy once said this is the dragon bed. It''s very valuable!" The bedroom may be a goner. But if she sold the dragon bed, maybe she couldpensate for the loss.

    Lou Zigui reached out and pulled Ning Xiaoyao into his arms. Supreme Commander¡¯s heart was like a needle at the bottom of the ocean.

    While the bed was swaying and shaking, Ning Xiaoyao frowned, deep in thought. Aren¡¯t they about to go to war? Is it really okay to be out of line at a time like this?

    "I''m not going to let anything happen to you," Lou Zigui mumbled in a husky voice, "Xiaoyao, I can''t let anything happen to you again."

    Thunder rolled across the sky, and the moon was suddenly hidden. The sound of heavy rain echoed. The torrential rain came unexpectedly.

 Chapter 283: Empress Dowager Xieâ€™s tears

    <h4>Chapter 283: Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s tears</h4>

    After a night of torrential rain, it got rid of the scorching summer heat. The sky was rinsed into a dark blue colour.

    Despite thisfortable weather, Ning Xiaoyao was grumpily standing outside the courtyard. The groundwater wouldn¡¯t stop flowing out. With the additional rainstorm fromst night, her entire bedroom was submerged.

    ¡°Is this ce going to be a pond from now on?¡± Shadowthunder quietly asked. He had just returned from the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.

    Shadowgale stared at the furniture that were being carried out for sun exposure. ¡°Your Majesty, the furniture have been soaked in water. If you want to sell it, the prices would be lower.¡±

    Shadowrain asked out of curiosity. ¡°Your Majesty, you and Supreme Commander spent the whole night talking in a flooding room?¡±

    We were rolling in the bedsheets...

    Right now, Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk. This is a huge loss of profit for her!

    ¡°Supreme Commander has left the capital.¡± Shadowgale informed Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth looked deted. ¡°It¡¯s not his fault. It¡¯s because Icked willpower.¡± She wasn¡¯t able to resist Supreme Commander¡¯s charm. As a result, she didn¡¯t immediately rescued her assets. It was her own fault. No matter how painful, she had to bear the burden herself.

    Shadowgale turned his head and whispered to the other three. ¡°What happenedst night?¡±

    The threemanders: ....who knows?

    Ning Xiaoyao patted her dragon bed and sighed in despair. Her money ah!!

    Shadowbolt could hear Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sorrows. After thinking about it, he still decided to notify His Majesty. ¡°His Majesty, Empress Dowager wants to see you. Um, she also wants to see your master.¡±

    *bang*

    It was the sound of an iron cooking pot smashing against the ground. Ning Xiaoyao and the fourmanders turned around simultaneously. Chef Huang looked like he wanted to die. Next to his feet was a pot of porridge.

    ¡°Aow!¡± Little White Fatty quickly ran to Chef Huang and dug his head in to eat.

    ¡°F**k!¡± Ning Xiaoyao swore under her breath. She has already lost her house and furniture. Now, she lost another pot of porridge? ¡°This isn¡¯t going to get any better.¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered in her shaky voice as she stared at the spilled porridge.

    ¡°I-I still have to see the Empress Dowager?¡± Chef Huang wailed. His mood wasn¡¯t any better than Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s. ¡°Your Majesty, I still have to pretend to be your master?¡± Please spare me! Even an extra nce at a woman like the empress dowager could cost him his life!

    ¡°A pot of porridge is gone!¡± Ning Xiaoyao harped on.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna see the Empress Dowager!¡± Chef Huang repeated.

    ¡°Little White Fatty can eat so much. Do you think he¡¯ll burst?¡± Shadowthunder watched as Little White Fatty wolfed down his food. He was very concerned.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to leave. Her heart was bleeding. She couldn¡¯t bear to watch anymore.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Chef Huang cried.

    ¡°See the Empress Dowager!?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly halted her steps and turned to scream at Chef Huang. ¡°See the Empress Dowager!? If you don¡¯t want to see her, why did you waste a bowl of porridge huh? Those who wastes food will be hacked by lightning!¡±

    Chef Huang: ... as long as he doesn¡¯t have to see the Empress Dowager, he¡¯s willing to be hacked by lightning!

    ¡°Humph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stomped her feet and ran.

    ¡°So you¡¯re not going to see the Empress Dowager?¡± Shadowgale chased after Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°No!¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran to a small stone pavilion of the Supreme Splendor Hall and sat down. ¡°At this point, what would I have to say to the Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°The Empress Dowager wants you to take Prince Cheng out of the pce.¡± Shadowrain quietly murmured.

    Ning Xiaoyao gazed at Shadowrain. ¡°Where can Ning Xin go right now? You want Supreme Commander to protect him?¡±

    ¡°I highly doubt Supreme Commander would be willing to do so?¡± Shadowbolt interrupted.

    ¡°Even if Supreme Commander wants to, he¡¯s too busy. We¡¯re fighting a war. How is he gonna go all out if he¡¯s carrying a baby in his arms?¡± muttered Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°True,¡± agreed Shadowthunder. ¡°Supreme Commander can¡¯t even protect Your Majesty. Why would he be in the mood to care for Prince Cheng?¡±

    ¡°You should still go see the Empress Dowager,¡± Shadowgale persuaded. ¡°At this time, Your Majesty should make the Empress Dowager feel calm. Otherwise, when the troops invade, we may have issues on the Empress Dowager¡¯s side. What would you do then, Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought about it while sitting down. Shadowgale took another step forward. ¡°What if Grand Preceptor convinced the Empress Dowager to help him again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in a terrible mood today.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied with a grouchy expression. Based on her current mood, if she sees Empress Dowager Xie, she may not be able to hold back her anger. What if she beats her up?

    ¡°So you¡¯ll go tomorrow?¡± Shadowthunder asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go now.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up. ¡°Who knows if the war will happen sooner than we expected?¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll apany you, Your Majesty.¡± Shadowgale was nning to join Ning Xiaoyao to Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go alone,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand to reject Shadowgale¡¯s offer. ¡°It¡¯s not a good idea if I let you guys see me beat up the Empress Dowager.¡±

    Shadowgale and the group stood and watched as Ning Xiaoyao walked away. The second ranked Dragon Guardmander was feeling uncertain. ¡°What did His Majesty just say? He wants to beat the Empress Dowager?¡±

    The rest of themanders: ... His Majesty did say something like that.

    -----

    In one of the pce rooms, Empress Dowager Xie was sitting on her couch with Ning Xin her arms. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao flipping in through the window, she was bewildered. ¡°You can already get off the bed and walk around?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of Empress Dowager Xie and rubbed her nose. ¡°Tell me, why are you looking for me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question stopped all the caring questions Empress Dowager Xie would have had. She lightly ced Ning Xin on the couch. ¡°What did the three Dragon Guards say? How did they pass This Dowager¡¯s words?¡±

    ¡°Taking Ning Xin out of the pce is unrealistic. You should give up.¡± replied Ning Xiaoyao.

    Empress Dowager Xie red at Ning Xiaoyao and was about to lose her temper.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor is about to revolt. Where do you want to send Ning Xin?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a safe ce outside the capital?¡± asked Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°Nope.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s response was crisp.

    ¡°You!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared that your son will end up in Grand Preceptor¡¯s hands?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Did you turn stupid because you can¡¯t fight pce battles? If Ning Xin ends up in Grand Preceptor¡¯s hands, want to bet Grand Preceptor will make him the emperor right away?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡°Plus, why should the Dragon Guards and our military men die for your son?¡±

    ¡°What rights do those servants...¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut off Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s words, ¡°Right now, you¡¯re alive because of them. You need to respect your benefactors. Either go pick up a weapon and join the battle, or shut up if you don¡¯t have the ability.¡±

    Tears welled up in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s eyes. ¡°Is this how you speak to your mother?¡±

    ¡°Mother?¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed. ¡°When you and the empress worked together to screw me over, why didn¡¯t it ur to you that you¡¯re my mother? You want to chat using affection? Well, we got none.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was rendered speechless by Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I won¡¯t continue doing this forever either.¡± Ning Xiaoyao gazed at Empress Dowager Xie and spoke in a low tone. ¡°When Ning Xin gets older, he can be the emperor.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s eyes flickered.

    ¡°You can choose to believe it or not.¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked like she didn¡¯t give a shit. ¡°Between Grand Preceptor and myself, you have to choose one to trust. No matter how I see it, I¡¯m much more of a person than he is.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie coldlyughed.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor wants you dead.¡± Ning Xiaoyao bent her waist and whispered in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s ear. ¡°The Empress joined forces with the Grand Preceptor. How does it feel to be treated like a monkey by them?¡±

    If looks could kill, Ning Xiaoyao would probably have already died seventeen to eighteen times by now.

    Ning Xiaoyao straightened her body and continued, ¡°No matter how bad I am, I won¡¯t let you die. But I can¡¯t say for sure about Grand Preceptor.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me this.¡± Empress Dowager Xie coldly refuted. ¡°This Dowager doesn¡¯t need you to teach her what to do.¡±

    ¡°Hey hey, you¡¯re the one who wants to see me, alright?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Empress Dowager Xie.

    Empress Dowager Xie was speechless again. After waiting for a bit with no response, Ning Xiaoyao turned to the window. She still hasn¡¯t eaten her breakfast yet!

    ¡°What arrangements do you have for the two children by your side?¡± Suddenly, Empress Dowager Xie appeared behind Ning Xiaoyao and asked in a low voice.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already sent them out.¡±

    ¡°Ha!¡± Empress Dowager Xie icilyughed. They were back to facing each other.

    ¡°You could send those two unrted children away to take refuge. Yet, you refuse to do anything for your biological younger brother?¡± Empress Dowager Xie suddenly turned hysterical. ¡°This Dowager may have wronged you, but when did your brother offend you?¡±

    ¡°If he wants to offend me, he has to have the abilities to do so.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was clearly running out of patience. ¡°Erya and Xiaoqiu could survive on their own outside. But wouldn''t your son need someone to take care of him? Put him on the ground and let him run a circle for me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re treating your brother as a dog?¡± Empress Dowager Xie screeched. Run a circle?

    ¡°Don¡¯t look down on dogs. During a life and death situation, dogs can run. Can your son run?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Empress Dowager Xie was so mad that she couldn¡¯t utter another word.

    ¡°Plus,¡± It was as if Ning Xiaoyao felt like she hadn¡¯t triggered the Empress Dowager enough. She added another line, ¡°You think Ning Xin canpare to Erya and Xiaoqiu? You think your treasure is automatically be my treasure?¡±

    ¡°N-Ning Yu!¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice was trembling.

    ¡°Hope we¡¯ll all be able to survive.¡± After this line, Ning Xiaoyao pushed open the windows and flipped over.

    Empress Dowager Xie looked down at the sleeping Ning Xin. Unconsciously, tears began to stream down her face. When she thought of the sister and brother getting along together now, it was easy to disregard Ning Xin since he was still too young to understand anything. But how much care could Ning Yu really spare for Ning Xin?

    Ning Xiaoyao was standing outside the window. She could hear Empress Dowager Xie sobbing and she reexamined her behaviour. Were her words too harsh?

    ¡°Ah, pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat on the ground. So many lives have perished under Empress Dowager¡¯s hands. Feel sorry my ass!?!

    Ning Xiaoyao flipped over the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce walls. By now, most of the people from her pce had gathered at the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce. Those who weren¡¯t at the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce were ordered not to leave their residence. As a result, there were no one else in Xiaoyao¡¯s pce right now. Ning Xiaoyao walked with her hands behind her back and swayed back to Supreme Splendor Hall.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Cousin Magpiended on her shoulder.

    ¡°Mm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to touch Cousin Magpie¡¯s little head. ¡°What brings you here, Cousin Magpie?¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie is still not talking. He¡¯s only writing. After he writes his messages on paper, he burns them.¡± chirped Cousin Magpie.

    ¡°That bastard!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what are we going to do?¡± Cousin Magpie was stressed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Cousin Magpie on the head, ¡°I¡¯m not going to y with him. In two days, we¡¯re gonna go to war. I¡¯m going topete with our fists, not intellects.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Xiaoyao, make sure you don¡¯t let the evil man get away!¡± Cousin Magpie immediately added.

    ¡°Mm! If I can¡¯t kill him this time, I¡¯ll kill myself.¡± dered Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise Supreme Commander that you would run if you can¡¯t beat them?¡± Big Boss ck drilled himself out of the grove and stood in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How could you lie to Supreme Commander? I¡¯m going to go tell Supreme Commander. You¡¯re a liar! Miaow gah!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... why does ck Tubby always appear everywhere?

 Chapter 284: Extra 30,000 troops

    <h4>Chapter 284: Extra 30,000 troops</h4>

    After the storm, it took half a day for the sky to go back to normal. But by the afternoon, the sky was dark again and the burning sun was blocked by thunderous clouds. Although the sun was blocked, the air was incredibly still. The decreasing air pressure made it difficult for people to breathe.

    The escaping elderly stood by the city gates, looking back on the city sighing, ¡°There¡¯s going to be another storm ah.¡± At the same moment, Ning Xiaoyao sat on the roof of the Supreme Splendor Hall and muttered, ¡°The silence before the storm.¡±

    Still hugging a bag of sugar beans, Ning Xiaoyao sat on the roof with Big Boss ck lying on his left and Little White Fatty crouching on his right. Oil Jar was on her shoulder. Just like that, Ning Xiaoyao remained on the rooftop for a day, two days, then three days. It wasn¡¯t until the morning of the fourth day that she received news of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s army reaching the city.

    ¡°There are close to 70,000 troops and horses,¡± reported Shadowrain. He had gone out of the city to seek information. Third Commander¡¯s face was pale. Nearly 70,000 troops were on the way. This number far exceeded Lou Zigui¡¯s predictions. It was also beyond thefort zone of Shadowrain and the others.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    ¡°Supreme Commander didn¡¯t say there would be so many troops ah!¡± Shadowrainined.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at those standing before her. ¡°I''ve said this before, Grand Preceptor Xie is Supreme Commander¡¯s unlucky star. This is fate. With matters pertaining to Grand Preceptor Xie, Supreme Commander can¡¯t win.¡±

    ¡°Then what did Supreme Commander say?¡± Shadowthunder urgently asked.

    Shadowrain looked at Ning Xiaoyao and revealed, ¡°Supreme Commander said with him around, there¡¯s no need for His Majesty to worry.¡±

    ¡°There are almost 70,000 troops here and he¡¯s telling His Majesty not to worry?!¡± Shadowbolt shouted. Deep down, he seriously wondered if Supreme Commander wanted to ruin His Majesty ah?!

    ¡°Calm down. Fourth Lightning, we have to calm down,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed him down to sit. ¡°When ites to war affairs, Supreme Commander is more knowledgeable than us¡±.

    ¡°Your Majesty!!!¡± The threemanders Shadowthunder, Shadowrain and Shadowbolt eximed at the same time.

    ¡°Actually, it doesn¡¯t matter how many people they have. If I want to run, I still can,¡± she coaxed the three, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! We can¡¯t panic before the battle. Comee, take deep breaths.¡±

    The threemanders were in no mood for deep breathing exercises. They were almost worried to death!!

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan hasn¡¯t left the city,¡± said Shadowrain, ¡°Your Majesty, the old traitor is so certain you won¡¯t kill him?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m still here too.¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat down and popped a sugar bean in her mouth. ¡°I can¡¯t help but feel that Grand Preceptor Xie is up to no good.¡±

    ¡°He has rebelled ah!!¡± Shadowbolt shouted.

    ¡°Your Majesty, are you going to leave the capital to meet Supreme Commander?¡± asked Shadowrain, ¡°This matter can¡¯t simply be resolved with a simple ¡®He¡¯s here and all will work out¡¯ right?¡±

    Shadowbolt added, ¡°Yeah! There are still so many people in the city that have no ces to go. Once the battle starts, we can run, but what will happen to themon people?¡±

    Shadowthunder and Shadowrain red at Shadowbolt. It¡¯s already difficult enough for us to escape in this situation and you still want His Majesty to save all themon people in the city?

    Shadowbolt blinked quickly at his two brothers.

    Shadowrain immediately realised that His Majesty did not care about other things and would only feel anxious when it concerned themon people. He then stopped Shadowthunder from saying anything.

    As expected, Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t sit still and thought to herself, with so many enemies, I¡¯ll be fine but what about themon people in the city?

    ¡°I¡¯d better go look for Supreme Commander,¡± she stood up preparing to run off.

    Shadowrain quickly blocked her path with his hand. ¡°You¡¯re just going like that? Elder Li and his men have closed all the doors in the pce ah!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao spun on her heels thinking, oh yeah! Elder Li and the rest also have yet to be sent out of the city.

    ¡°Should we tell Elder Li and his men the truth?¡± asked Shadowthunder.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. If she could, she would already have. ¡°I¡¯m going to hide my face. I will discuss these matters with Supreme Commander. You all can wait for me in the pce.¡±

    Then she turned and ran while Shadowrain and the others frowned unhappily. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to follow her, but with His Majesty¡¯s speed, the wouldn¡¯t be able to catch up even if they ran with their lives!

    Ning Xiaoyao ran back to her new bedroom and took a veil to cover her face. But after looking out of the window, she thought, wouldn¡¯t covering her face on a normal day bring about more attention?

    After thinking carefully, she took out the flowery skirt and dressed as ady with a veil. In this day and age, this is more eptable ah.

    Giving herself a ¡®like¡¯, Ning Xiaoyao changed into the dress.

    In a military tent outside the South Wall, Lou Zigui finished his breakfast and ced down the empty bowl before speaking to the generals before him. ¡°What is 30,000 extra men? The greater the number, the bigger mix of good and bad soldiers. Wouldn¡¯t that make this battle much easier?¡±

    The generals of the ck Frost Calvary were not worried about rushing into battle. ¡°We are just worried after they have attacked our capital, our horses and men wouldn¡¯t be able to enter the city,¡± Deng Rong said, ¡°Supreme Commander, that extra thirty thousand troops will deter thirty thousand of our own troops ah!¡±

    ¡°That is why I have decided to station a troop in the city,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    The generals looked at each other thinking, did they still have anyone avable to go in and out of the city freely?

    ¡°Xu Feiyu will arrive today.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s bringing the troops personally?¡±

    ¡°He still has the audacity toe?!¡± Deng Rong and Shen Mu replied simultaneously.

    Lou Zigui looked at the two of them. ¡°At this juncture, there are some matters that we should not mention anymore.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s finish this battle first,¡± another general said.

    ¡°In Xu Feiyu¡¯s message, he said he¡¯s bringing all of the Zhou Family¡¯s troops,¡± Lou Zigui said quietly.

    ¡°He¡¯s not afraid of Xie Wenyuan knowing?¡± a general asked.

    ¡°Things have already reached this point, so what if Xie Wenyuan knows?¡± Lou Zigui pushed the empty bowl aside. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯ve never gone to war. Has gathering here caused all of you to panic?¡±

    The generals would never admit that they were panicking. They¡¯ve already fought many wars with the Northern Hu people.

    ¡°This is thend of the Emperor,¡± Deng Rong reminded Lou Zigui, ¡°Not thends outside Wushuang City ah.¡±

    ¡°War is war no matter where it¡¯s fought, you guys...¡± Lou Zigui was cut off when he heard a very familiar voice outside the door shouting, ¡°Supreme Commander?¡±

    For a second, there was silence in the military tent. A few generals then shouted loudly, ¡°Who?!¡±

    They have heard the voice of the door guard and this voice did not belong to him!

    ¡°Enough, stop yelling,¡± Lou Zigui quickly walked out.

    ¡°Has Xue Feiyu arrived?¡± a general asked, stunned.

    ¡°Xue Feiyu¡¯s voice sounds like that? You can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s a woman or a man?¡± Deng Rong was unconvinced.

    ¡°Based on Supreme Commander¡¯s expression, it¡¯s obviously not Xu Feiyu,¡± another general said, chasing after him.

    The other generals agreed. Their Supreme Commander would never run to receive Xu Feiyu.

    ¡°You!¡± Lou Zigui walked out of the tent and was shocked when he saw Ning Xiaoyao in the flowery dress.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± the door guard stammered, ¡°She... she suddenly appeared. This inferior one didn¡¯t have the time to announce.¡± He didn¡¯t watch the tent properly. Would Supreme Commander punish him ording to the military punishments ah?

    Lou Zigui waved his hand to the guard and looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Why did youe?¡±

    She tugged on her cor. ¡°I¡¯vee to find you for some matters ah. Ai, this hot weather is killing me!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Lou Zigui could hear the generals rushing out from inside the tent. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s exposed cor showing her slim neck and vicle. Lou Zigui immediately took off his outer robe and wrapped her up.

    ¡°I¡¯m warm...¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to shout.

    ¡°Stop yelling,¡± Lou Zigui covered her mouth with his hand.

    All the generals who exited the tent were stunned. Their Supreme Commander was actually hugging ady! And his outer robe was actually on thisdy! Not only that, his hand was covering her mouth! Did their Supreme Commander finally find a girl while they weren¡¯t paying attention?

    ¡°All of you, leave to do your own thing,¡± Lou Zigui ordered while pulling Ning Xiaoyao back towards the tent.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Deng Rong stood in front of him and stared at Ning Xiaoyao saying, ¡°Who is thisdy ah?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t afraid of being seen by Deng Rong and the rest. After all, this wasn¡¯t her first time wearing a dress. But Lou Zigui did not let go of her mouth. Since he wouldn¡¯t allow her to speak, she could only y dead.

    Lou Zigui frowned and icily red at the curious men before him.

    Deng Rong and the others retreated. Lou Zigui was disying his icy face. This meant that Supreme Commander was giving them a warning. It¡¯s best not to provoke him, or who knows what he would do to you.

    After the generals left, Lou Zigui nced at the door guard and soldiers.

    The soldiers lowered their heads and wished that they could bury themselves underground. Supreme Commander was actually not fierce and quite polite to them. However, for reasons unknown to them, they were very afraid of him.

    The soldiers have privately discussed this amongst themselves and concluded that Supreme Commander Lou probably killed too many people. In addition, he was also the star of misfortune. Hence, his killing intent was too strong. (Author: Hey! Don¡¯t be like that ah!)

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao into the tent. She looked at all the empty porridge bowls. ¡°You¡¯ve eaten.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s still one mantou, do you want it?¡± Lou Zigui pointed to the te.

    Ning Xiaoyao gulped down her saliva. ¡°No, I''m not going to eat. Supreme Commander you¡¯re about to fight a war, you eat it.¡±

    Lou Zigui smiled, pulling Ning Xiaoyao to sit. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    Taking off the outer robe, she replied, ¡°There are 70,000 of Grand Preceptor¡¯s troops on their way here. I¡¯vee to ask about it.¡±

    Lou Zigui reached out and buttoned up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cor. He murmured, ¡°Since you¡¯re already here, just stay outside the capital then.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re talking about the 70,000 troops,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously.

    ¡°Almost 70,000.¡±

    ¡°Fine, almost 70,000. Supreme Commander, can we really win this war?¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan is only a schr,¡± Lou Zigui took the mantou from the te and ced it in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. He lightly exined, ¡°There are only less than 30,000 elite soldiers. With nearly 70,000 horses and men, I only need to ambush one of his battalions and his army would be defeated.¡±

    ¡°Really???¡± Ning Xiaoyao was shocked.

    ¡°In a battlefield, the biggest concern is to have deserters,¡± Lou Zigui said while pouring her a cup of water, ¡°That is because deserters will cause chaos within the army. This time, Xie Wenyuan¡¯s soldiers are invading the city. They are rebelling. The soldiers would definitely feel uneasy to begin with. If a military ambush urs, his troops would be finished.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s words made sense.

    ¡°War is not only aboutpeting in numbers,¡± Lou Zigui smiled briefly.

    Ning Xiaoyao bit into the mantou, This isn¡¯t as good as the one made by Chef Huang. Deep down, she still felt uneasy. For some reason, she felt like something bad was about to happen.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui walked over.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back, your beauty trap is useless against me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed the beautiful face that was in front of her. Ning Xiaoyao was suddenly feeling very restless. It looks like I¡¯ll have to make a trip to the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to investigate my enemy¡¯s ns.

 Chapter 285: His Majesty yells, Big Brother Ning

    <h4>Chapter 285: His Majesty yells, Big Brother Ning</h4>

    ¡°I''m leaving.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuffed the mantou into her mouth and stood up to leave.

    ¡°Xu Jichang will arrive by today.¡± Lou Zigui informed Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed down the mantou. ¡°What about the empress?¡±

    ¡°Zhou n¨¦e will definitely stay at a safe ce.¡± Lou Zigui thought to himself, what other methods could I use to get Ning Xiaoyao to stay? ¡°Don''t you want to see Xu Feiyu?¡±

    ¡°Well, if the empress told him the truth, then that''s all good.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said. ¡°But if she didn''t, aren''t you afraid General Xu would beat me up, Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°He dares to?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s face darkened right away.

    ¡°Right now is not the time to create more internal drama,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Lou Zigui¡¯s face. ¡°I won¡¯t see General Xu. He¡¯s the empress¡¯ true love. He has nothing to do with me.¡±

    Lou Zigui thought of another way to convince her. ¡°Shadowgale and the rest are in the pce. Without you there, it won''t make a huge difference during the war.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao kissed Lou Zigui. ¡°I¡¯m going back.¡±

    The scattered flower pattern on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s skirt flew up as she turned around. It looked like a half bloomed flower. Lou Zigui sighed and finally softened his gaze. Fine, he''ll let it be. This woman is different from the mass. He couldn''t control her, but he liked it.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran to the tent entrance, and then ran back to face Lou Zigui. She boldly dered, ¡°You are my true love.¡±

    Lou Zigui wasn''t sure if it was because the happiness came too fast, or if Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words caught His Excellency Supreme Commander off guard, but he was stunned.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth split into a smile, and she ran away again. Lou Zigui ran after her, but only saw the corner of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s skirt.

    The soldiers didn¡¯t dare to look up. Deng Rong and the others watched from a distance. They wished they could catch up to Ning Xiaoyao to have a few words.

    Miss Ning disappeared before his eyes, and Lou Zigui looked at his troops.

    When Lou Zigui looked at them, the generals felt goose bumps. Supreme Commander was looking at them so tenderly. Is this really their Supreme Commander?

    ¡°Supreme Commander.¡± Just then, one of Lord Protector¡¯s officers hurried over and reported quietly, ¡°Xu Jing, the Great General Xu, has arrived. He wishes to see you.¡±

    The warmth in Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes vanished. He nodded and muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll go wee him.¡±

    Deng Rong and the other generals followed Lou Zigui. Even though they were dealing with official matters now, they were still extremely curious. They wanted to probe, but didn¡¯t dare to ask.

    Lou Zigui walked briskly towards the main gates and pretended as if nothing had happened.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran out of the camp and grabbed a few weeds to y with. As she walked, she heard someone talking nearby.

    ¡°First Young Master, the capital¡¯s gates haven¡¯t been sealed, but themon people are all fleeing the city. If we just enter like this, wouldn''t it arise Xie Wenyuan''s suspicions?"

    ¡°Big Brother, why don¡¯t we go find Lou Zigui first?¡±

    Eh?

    Ning Xiaoyao halted her steps. The one who spokest sounded very familiar. She was positive she had heard his voice from somewhere before.

    ¡°Big Brother, say something.¡± the young voice continued. ¡°Whenever you have a n, can''t you share it with me too?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes lit up. She remembered who it was. ¡°Ning Xiaoluo!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted and jumped out.

    Just as the Third Young Master of the Duke of Yue''s estate was about to continue, he was caught off guard by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shout. His teeth clicked together, and he violently bit down on his tongue.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Xiaoluo howled, holding his face. He was about to hop up and down, but was frightened by Ning Xiaoyao, who had leaped in front of him.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her almond-like eyes at Ning Xiaoluo. ¡°Don''t tell me you couldn¡¯t find your way home?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo also stared back at Ning Xiaoyao with his equally huge almond-like eyes. A skirt with the scattered flower pattern... ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Ning Xiaoluo screamed.

    ¡°Shh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hissed. ¡°Stop screaming! What¡¯s up with you?¡±

    ¡°I...this subject...no...¡± Ning Xiaoluo circled Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You¡¯re a woman?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down at herself. She¡¯dpletely forgotten that she was wearing the flower-patterned skirt!

    Ning Xiaoluo stood beside Ning Xiaoyao and was about to reach out to check if this person was male or female. However, he recalled how he was beaten up by those exact same hands. So Third Master Ning changed his mind and lowered his hands. He whispered, "You''re a woman?"

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao solemnly stated. ¡°I¡¯m a guy dressing up as a girl. We''re about to fight a war. If I don¡¯t pretend to be a girl, I wouldn''t have been able toe out.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao drew a breath, and eyed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s small stature again. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can touch?¡± As Ning Xiaoyao spoke, her hands formed fists. If this guy dares to extend his paws, she will beat him up.

    Ning Xiaoluo shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t need to touch, you look as t as a board.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...I still want to hit this idiot.

    ¡°Your Majesty, why are you here alone?¡± Ning Xiaoluo failed to detect the danger of being beaten up, and shifted closer to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Are you dressing up as a woman to escape?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in a breath and asked, ¡°Are you capable of human speech[1]?¡± Does she really seem like a wuss who would run at the first sign of danger?

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoluo was at a loss. Did he say something wrong?

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fists. ¡°Before I hit you, let¡¯s rify some things. How did you get here? Didn¡¯t Supreme Commander say that you went home?¡±

    ¡°I went home, and then I came back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Your Majesty, why do you want to hit me?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re about to fight a war here, why would youe?¡± Ning Xiaoyao moved her fist behind her back. ¡°Speaking of which, are you skilled at martial arts?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo immediately smacked his chest and shouted, ¡°I¡¯m the Third Young Master of the Duke of Yue''s estate ah! The Duke of Yue''s estate ah!¡± As the Young Master of the Duke of Yue''s estate, how could he not know how to fight?!

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head and looked at Ning Xiaoluo. ¡°I know that you¡¯re the Third Young Master of the Duke of Yue''s estate, but you can¡¯t beat me, nor can you beat Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo:... He was speechless.

    Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me why you came to the capital this time?¡±

    A hand reached out from behind Ning Xiaoluo. The person grabbed his head and pulled him aside.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the person standing in front of her. He looked quite young, definitely less than thirty years of age. Furthermore, he was about Supreme Commander¡¯s height. He looked pretty and gentle. Although he was obviously a stranger, Ning Xiaoyao felt very close to him at first nce.

    His Majesty had actually noticed his surroundings for once! The men were thrilled; this was something they had hardly seen before -if ever.

    ¡°This subject!¡± the young man rushed to greet Ning Xiaoyao formally.

    ¡°Save it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hurried to grab this person¡¯s hand. ¡°Please don¡¯t kneel, we¡¯ll just talk, okay?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re His Majesty ah,¡± Ning Xiaoluo piped up from a side.

    The man turned his head to give Ning Xiaoluo a look. Ning Xiaoluo hurriedly lowered his head and shut up.

    ¡°This subject is Ning Xiaomu, the eldest son of the Duke of Yue''s estate. Ning Xiaomu greets His Majesty.¡± Although he couldn''t kneel because His Majesty was holding his hand, the First Young Master still bowed to greet Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth pped open. Ai ma! She nearly punched this man¡¯s younger brother right in front of him!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Ning Xiaomu smiled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ai yo. Why does this big brother look so gentle when he smiles?

    Ning Xiaomu looked at the hand grasping onto his. It was difficult to tell if this hand was male or female. Shifting his gaze downwards, he looked at the flower-patterned skirt. First Young Master Ning lifted his head and grinned, ¡°We didn¡¯t expect to see Your Majesty here.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, what a coincidence!?" Ning Xiaoyao liked seeing Ning Xiaomu smile. So, she kept staring at him. ¡°Big Brother Ning, why did youe to the capital at this time?¡±

    ¡°Big Brother Ning?¡± Ning Xiaoluo yelped. How did his big brother be His Majesty¡¯s big brother?

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at Ning Xiaoluo. ¡°Can¡¯t your brother be my big brother?¡±

    ¡°What about Lou Zigui?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao humphed, but didn¡¯t say anything. A true love and a big brother weren''t the same thing, ok?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I came either,¡± Ning Xiaoluo ran to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°My parents told my big brother to take me here.¡±

    ¡°Eh, is it to thank me for being your saviour?¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a guess.

    Ning Xiaoluo shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know ah.¡± He went through so much trouble in order to return home. In fact, he even dressed up as a refugee. Surprisingly, the moment he went home and mentioned how much he resembled His Majesty, his parents spent the entire night discussing with his two older brothers. Then, the next day before the sun even came up, his older brother dragged him by the neck and they left home for the capital. ¡°The whole time we were on our way to the capital, I kept asking my brother why we wereing back. But my big brother just ignored me.¡± Ning Xiaoluo felt very wronged.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head, and looked at First Young Master Ning, before looking at Third Young Master again. Ning Xiaoyao eventually decided to take the side of First Young Master Ning. ¡°It¡¯s probably because you¡¯re stupid. Big Brother Ning is scared you¡¯ll ruin things if you know the truth, so he didn¡¯t tell you.

    Ning Xiaoluo felt like there was absolutely no way he could ever be friends with His Majesty during this lifetime! Fate may have coincidentally made them look alike, but there was just no way to make them friends!

    Ning Xiaomu coughed quietly. His Majesty really hit the nail on the head. His little brother may have gotten older, but his mind hadn¡¯t aged with him. He didn¡¯t say a word because he really was afraid his stupid little brother would ruin things.

    ¡°Supreme Commander¡¯s camp is just back there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed out the camp. ¡°At the earliest, the war will begin at the capital tomorrow. Big Brother Ning, you guys should head to Supreme Commander, it¡¯s safer there.¡±

    Ning Xiaomu smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, you don¡¯t have to worry about your subjects¡¯ safety.¡±

    ¡°I am worried,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. ¡°Grand Preceptor wants to kill Ning Xiaoluo. What if he finds out that you¡¯re here and tries to hurt you again?¡±

    ¡°Big Brother,¡± Ning Xiaoluo tugged his brother¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Since we¡¯re already here, we should just kill Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    Before First Young Master Ning could say anything, Ning Xiaoyao made the shape of a seven and warned, ¡°There are seventy thousand enemy troops ah!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoluo was shocked. ¡°There are seventy thousand rebel troops?¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Looking at the men around her, they were all tall and strong, but there were only about a hundred of them. How could they fight against seventy thousand people?

    First Young Master Ning looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How does Supreme Commander intend to deal with it?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander said that it¡¯s fine.¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°He said that the more people there are, the more good-for-nothings there are. He told me not to worry about it.¡± (Author: Are you sure that¡¯s what Supreme Commander Lou told you?)

    ¡°What are your thoughts, Your Majesty?¡± First Young Master Ning asked.

    ¡°Me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao inhaled. ¡°I¡¯ll just listen to Supreme Commander.¡±

    Everyone:...Just how big is your heart? At this point, you still have no concerns, Your Majesty?!

    [1] This is a figure of speech meant to express contempt or disapproval; in essence, she¡¯s questioning the insensibility of his question.

 Chapter 286: First Young Master Ningâ€™s discovery

    <h4>Chapter 286: First Young Master Ning¡¯s discovery</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty, can we have a talk in private?¡± Ning Xiaomu asked Ning Xiaoyao in a soft voice.

    As long as it wasn¡¯t to whisper sweet nothings, Ning Xiaoyao felt like she could talk at any given ce. However, Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t bear to reject such a handsome man. After all, First Young Master Ning¡¯s smile was so gentle and his appearance could rival that of the Supreme Commander. After taking one look, Ning Xiaoyao nodded, ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Stay here with the rest and wait for me.¡± After getting approval from Ning Xiaoyao, Ning Xiaomu turned around to instruct his little brother.

    Ning Xiaoluo was displeased as he questioned, ¡°I can¡¯t listen?¡±

    First Young Master Ning instantly replied, ¡°You won¡¯t be able to understand what I say anyway.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao chipped in, ¡°Little Luoluo, even your big bro Ning knows that I¡¯m smarter than you.¡±

    ¡°......¡± Everyone was speechless. What the hell is Little Luoluo?

    ¡°You!¡± Third Young Master Ning wanted to roared at Ning Xiaoyao after having suffered a gigantic blow to his ego, but he immediately shut up at the sight of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s waving fist. He would lose face big time if he were to be beaten up in front of those he was acquainted with. (Author: So it¡¯s fine to beat you up when your acquaintances aren¡¯t around? ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q)

    ¡°Your Majesty, please.¡± Ning Xiaomu patted his little brother¡¯s head before he led Ning Xiaoyao toward the depths of the woods.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded and followed Ning Xiaomu.

    Third Young Master Ning stood unmoved and watched the two of them go. Only when they were out of sight did he mutter, ¡°As the Son of Heavens, he was actually forced by an old rascal to run around with a floral dressed on. Does he still have any face left?¡±

    The soldiers of the Destruction Prisoner Army all looked at their third young master with sympathy. If you have the guts, why don¡¯t you say this to His Majesty¡¯s face? Don¡¯t think we didn¡¯t notice, we know you¡¯re afraid of His Majesty¡¯s fists ah!

    Ning Xiaomu brought Ning Xiaoyao to stand under a cedar tree. He let thetter have the windward spot so she could enjoy the fresh breeze of the forest, while he himself took the lee side. He cupped his fist with nothing but solemnity to pay obeisance towards Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject would like to thank you for saving my little brother.¡±

    ¡°Ah? No problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed hahaha, ¡°I was just passing by that day and happened to lend a hand.¡±

    First Young Master Ning nearly choked. So basically, his little brother survived because His Majesty happened to lend a hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Big bro Ning, are you guys aware of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s true face now?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± First Young Master Ning replied with a nod, ¡°This subject has been ignorant, this subject is ashamed to face Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said offhandedly, ¡°If we must me someone, we can only me Great Preceptor for being too good at acting. His face alone looks much more amiable than old gramps Li.¡±

    First Young Master Ning was puzzled, ¡°Old gramps Li?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Elder Li, ah.¡± replied Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Oh.¡± First Young Master Ning smiled. He noticed he had a bit of trouble keeping up with the emperor¡¯s words. (Author: You¡¯re definitely not the only one who feels that way...)

    ¡°Just imagine Empress Dowager¡¯s face,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Compare to her, the Grand Preceptor actually looks like a decent person, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    In response to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question, First Young Master Ning could only say, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject has never seen the Esteemed Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°So do you want to meet the Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°This subject does not.¡± First Young Master Ning hastily shook his head. What would he want to see the Empress Dowager for?

    ¡°Then big bro Ning, why did you and Little Luoluoe to the capital?¡±

    ¡°Naturally, we wanted to directly thank Your Majesty for your grace.¡± First Young Master Ning said, ¡°Also, there are things I want to make clear, face to face, with Xie Wenyuan as well. But now that Xie Wenyuan is deemed a subject against the state, this subject had bettere inside the prison to question him someday.¡±

    Inside the prison. Ning Xiaoyao pondered over First Young Master Ning¡¯s words and suddenly became overly excited, ¡°Yeah! Yeah!! Let¡¯s throw Xie Wenyuan into prison. I¡¯ll lock him up for life sentence!¡±

    First Young Master Ning inquired with a hint of smile on his lips, ¡°Your Majesty, may this subject hear about the overall situation of the capital?¡±

    ¡°Oh, right now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao instantly told First Young Master Ning everything she knew without the least bit of hiding and holding back.

    First Young Master Ning listened to Ning Xiaoyao talk with gravitas. Whenever His Majesty Ning was about to go off-topic or spew nonsense, First Young Master Ning would always smoothly steer back to the main point with one or two sentences.

    ¡°So that¡¯s that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao concluded, ¡°If there¡¯s anything else, big bro Ning, you can go ask Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaomu smiled, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject believes that Your Majesty will not lose this time.¡±

    ¡°Really? Hahaha!¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed and made a loud p with her hands, ¡°I knew Supreme Commander could do it.¡±

    A gust of wind suddenly picked up and sent the dust flying through the woods. First Young Master Ning hastened to move himself to the windward position and shielded Ning Xiao from the gale of sand. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao rub her eyes, he softly patted her shoulders and exined, ¡°Your Majesty, there is dust here on your shoulders.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned around, wanting to check her shoulders.

    First Young Master Ning tightened up Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s robe cors a little. It looked like he was doing it inadvertently.

    ¡°No dust, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled as she looked at her own shoulder.

    Noryngeal prominence. (I didn¡¯t use Adam¡¯s apple because ancient Chinese people sure don¡¯t know who Adam is) First Young Master Ning quickly loosened his fingers and withdrew his hands. He ced his hands behind his back and smiled at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°That¡¯s because this subject has brushed it off for Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t doubt First Young Master Ning¡¯s words at all. She squinted to look at his shoulders, then tiptoed to brush his shoulders as well. ¡°Alright, now we are both clean.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Ning Xiaomu addressed Ning Xiaoyao. First Young Master Ning reached out to grab thetter¡¯s hand from his shoulder and rested his fingers against her wrist arteries.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked at Ning Xiaomu.

    First Young Master Ning released his hand. The words he wanted to say were rolling around his tongue but never left his lips. Eventually, First Young Master Ning said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°This subject would like to ask Your Majesty¡¯s favor to bring this subject¡¯s little brother into the city. This subject would like to meet with Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°You want me to bring Little Luoluo into the city?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was puzzled, ¡°Big bro Ning, why are you guys choosing to enter the city now?¡±

    ¡°This subject has brought 120 soldiers from the Destruction Prisoner Army,¡± Ning Xiaomu exined to Ning Xiaoyao in a soft voice, ¡°They are the army¡¯s very best. Although few in number, they can still follow Your Majesty as personal bodyguards.¡±

    ¡°Eh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was hesitant. Little Luoluo is already like this and they n to protect her instead?

    ¡°Your Majesty is the Son of Heavens, nothing must happen to you,¡± Ning Xiaomu slightly leaned over and took a protective stance when he looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, now that this subject is here in the capital city, please allow this subject to carry out his responsibility as Your Majesty¡¯s subject.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. For some reason, she felt like First Young Master Ning was looking at her with eyes filled with an inexplicable sadness. It was as if he was seeing someone else through her. Ning Xiaoyao found herself unable to shoulder his gaze and nodded in assent, ¡°Okay, alright.¡±

    ¡°This matter should not be dyed,¡± First Young Master Ning said, ¡°Your Majesty, please return to the city and be careful. Don¡¯t let Xie Wenyuan trace your steps.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, understood,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She was wearing a floral dress at the moment. Who would figure out her identity once she covers up her face?

    ¡°Does Xie Wenyuan truly want to fight Your Majesty to death?¡± First Young Master Ning asked Ning Xiaoyao right before they were about to leave..

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fumed with rage at the mention of Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°That old fogey is bad to the core! His life goal is to kill me, then put Ning Xin up as the emperor!¡±

    ¡°Then Your Majesty, do you know why he is so adamant on making Prince Cheng the emperor?¡± First Young Master Ning asked again.

    Because I¡¯m a girl.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled as she heaved a long sigh, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°This subject won¡¯t pry anymore,¡± First Young Master Ning said while he gestured his hand to motion Ning Xiaoyao to go first, ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t be sad.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at First Young Master Ning. ¡°How do you know that I¡¯m feeling sad?¡±

    First Young Master Ning only smiled and didn¡¯t reply.

    What a gentle person. Ning Xiaoyao thought as she gazed at First Young Master Ning and opened her mouth to ask, ¡°Big bro Ning, are you a general?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± First Young Master Ning nodded.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look it.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was honest about her judgement. She couldn¡¯t imagine the sight of such a gentle person hacking at zombies, no wait, hacking at the enemies in the battlefield.

    ¡°This subject studied literature during childhood,¡± First Young Master Ning replied as he followed behind Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°But as the first son, this subject has to take over the family business, so this subject ultimately had to be a brute soldier to lead the army and fight our enemies.¡±

    ¡°Brute is good,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took a few steps back and said, ¡°I like brute men, Supreme Commander is a brute man too, ah.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty likes Supreme Commander?¡± First Young Master Ning asked with unchanging expression.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face stiffened while thoughts and ideas swirled around in her little head. His Majesty Ning immediately remedied her own speech, ¡°I also like big bro Ning!¡± she blurted.

    First Young Master Ning once again smiled. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was very dazzled by First Young Master Ning¡¯s smile. In fact, it was so impactful that she couldn¡¯t help but question Third Young Master Ning on their way back to the capital, ¡°How did you grow up to be totally different from your big brother? Are you sure you weren¡¯t adopted?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo rolled his eyes at Ning Xiaoyao and rebuked, ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Your Majesty just say that I¡¯m your brother?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. If Empress Dowager Xie already had a son before giving birth to her, why would Empress Dowager Xie and Grand Preceptor Xie bother tormenting her?

    ¡°Both my big brother and second brother resemble my father, while I take after mother.¡± Ning Xiaoluo replied honestly, he wasn¡¯t about to im himself a royal kinsman either.

    ¡°Alright, good baby of the Duke of Yue¡¯s Lady,¡± Ning Xiaoyao teased Third Young Master Ning, ¡°This time, I¡¯ll still protect you all the same.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be alright with my big brother here,¡± Ning Xiaoluo proudly stated, ¡°My big brother will protect me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. So she doesn¡¯t need to worry about this guy, that¡¯s good news.

    The soldiers of Destruction Prisoner Army couldn¡¯t look straight at their third young master. You¡¯re expecting the First Young Master to protect you. Do you still have any face left?

    First Young Master Ning watched as Ning Xiaoyao took his idiotic little brother and left. After that, he lingered alone at the entrance of the path leading into the woods for a while. From time to time, light breezes would pass by him. Since he was standing under the shade, no sunlight shone on him. However, Ning Xiaomu could feel his chest aching in a way that prevented air into his lungs. It was still difficult to breathe with his mouth open.

    Fifteen years ago in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, his mother - the Duke of Yue¡¯s wife Lady Li - went intobor at the same time as the Empress Dowager Xie. Empress Dowager Xie went through a difficultbour and gave birth to Prince Ning Yu. Meanwhile, just briefly before that, Lady Li gave birth to a baby girl. However, the baby girl couldn¡¯t be treated and died two hourster. Now, the current emperor¡¯s face bore a striking resemnce to Lady Li. In addition, Xie Wenyuan was set on killing Ning Xiaoluo who took after his mother, and His Majesty was not a man. What did all of this indicate?

    First Young Master Ning could no longer remain standing and fell down onto his knees. He didn¡¯t tell Ning Xiaoyao, the literature he¡¯d read were actually medical books. From looking at her neck and checking her pulse, he could tell Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t male.

    Mother had cradled that baby girl. His father had also cradled that baby girl from outside thebour room. First Young Master Ning half knelt underneath the tree. He dug his fingers into the soil as his face turned ashen. Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t give birth to a prince fifteen years ago. That woman gave birth to a princess, and this princess¡¯s ashes are currently held within a cinerary urn buried under their Ning n¡¯s ancestral grave in Fengzhou. As for their Fourth Young Miss Ning, she is now wearing the Dragon Robe and the ruler of the country...

    Isn''t this like OHHHH SHITTTTTT??? Dun dun dun. Note: The chapters are so long and taking forever. Please be patient!!! <3 And please read on vrenovels (dot). Don''t support aggregator sites.

 Chapter 287: Lou Zigui and Young Master Ningâ€™s faceoff

    <h4>Chapter 287: Lou Zigui and Young Master Ning¡¯s faceoff</h4>

    Should I thank Xie Wenyuan for not killing Fengzhou¡¯s Ning n to silence us?

    Ning Xiaomu knelt under the leafy tree. His face formed various facial expressions beforeing to a chilling smile. His icy smile transformed the warm and handsome Young Master into a cold and merciless general.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan,¡± First Young Master Ning spat his name out as he dug his fingers into the soil. It¡¯s alright if you want to stir up trouble, Fengzhou¡¯s Ning n is far from the capital and would only observe from the sidelines. But you cannot treat our Young Miss Ning of the Ning n as a toy or a chess piece.

    Ning Xiaomu stood up and brushed the soil off his clothes. Flipping onto the horse, he left for Lou Zigui¡¯s military camp.

    Inside the camp, Xu Jing ced down his teacup. ncing at Lou Zigui opposite him, he called Lou Zigui by his other name, ¡°Chengying, in regards to military and warfare, Xie Wenyuan is not your opponent. I just want to remind you, don¡¯t let Xie Wenyuan escape.¡±

    Lou Zigui enquired, ¡°Where else could Xie Wenyuan could go aside from the capital?¡±

    ¡°Even if your Lou n doesn¡¯t go to Anyuan, you would surely have ces to hide, no?¡± Xu Jing looked at Lou Zigui, ¡°If Xie Wenyuan doesn¡¯t die this time, he would definitely bring about endless troubles.¡±

    After a pause, General Xu added, ¡°Obviously, in regards to this, I also have my own agenda. Since I¡¯ve betrayed him, I would not wish for him to be alive.¡±

    If Xie Wenyuan gets away, who knows whether Grand Preceptor would find another opportunity to rise again? If he ever regains his powers, the Xu n would not be able to escape his wrath. Lou Zigui understood Xu Jing¡¯s concerns.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± a soldier reported outside the tent. ¡°There¡¯s a man iming to be here under the Emperor¡¯s orders. He wishes to see Supreme Commander.¡±

    Miss Ning had just left, just who did this person get orders from? Lou Zigui frowned upon hearing the soldier¡¯s words.

    Although Xu Jing was a martial artist, he was a general with tact. He rose. ¡°I will retire for now, you can meet with the visitor first.¡±

    Lou Xigui ordered the soldier to bring Xu Jing to a nearby tent to wait temporarily.

    Ning Xiaomu entered the tent with Deng Rong. After a long journey from Fengzhou to the capital, First Young Master Ning was covered in dust and dressed inmoner¡¯s clothes. Nheless, it was impossible to hide the extravagant air he had as a young master.

    After he entered the tent, he walked towards Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui was a bit stunned and stood up. ¡°You are?¡±

    First Young Master Ning greeted Lou Zigui with a cupped fist and replied, ¡°This subject is the Duke of Yue¡¯s Ning Xiaomu.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± When Deng Rong heard First Young Master Ning speak of his origins, he was startled. ¡°You are the Duke of Yue¡¯s heir? The Destruction Prisoner Army¡¯s Marshal Ning Xiaomu? The Ning Xiaomu that had massacred half of Southwest barbarians??¡±

    First Young Master Ningughed, looking the part of a honorable young master. ¡°I am the Duke of Yue¡¯s First Young Master, as well as the Marshal of the Destruction Prisoner Army. However, I didn¡¯t kill that many barbarians.¡±

    Deng Rong gave a disbelieving expression, You almost killed all the Southwest barbarians. The survivors even ran all the way to the city, scared out of their wits, and begged the Yongning Emperor for mercy.

    ¡°If those people didn¡¯t appear more pitiful, would the previous Emperor have pardoned them?¡± First Young Master Ning chuckled.

    General Deng was speechless, Could it be that the deaths of the people really did not amount to that much? First Young Master Ning really doesn¡¯t look like a butcher ah!

    ¡°Enough,¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t continue watching this farce any longer and signalled to Deng Rong. ¡°You may retire first.¡±

    Deng Rong made a sound of assent and bowed at First Young Master Ning before dismissing himself. General Deng felt that he was especially important. And while having small talk with hisrades, he told them how the legendary Butcher Marshal did not seem like a butcher at all.

    ¡°Please sit.¡± Lou Zigui invited Ning Xiaomu to sit.

    The military tent was empty but there were still a few chairs and teacups lying around. First Young Master Ning and Supreme Commander Lou filled a cup of tea and sat down. Lou Zigui poured First Young Master Ning a cup of tea that looked didn¡¯t look too good.

    Deng Rong was fooled by the appearance of First Young Master Ning but Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t. When the 81 tribes of barbarians in the Southwest decided to start a war and rebel, Ning Heng of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate was heavily injured. At that time, Fengzhou city was no longer safe -even their personal safety was not guaranteed. If Ning Xiaomu hadn¡¯t used some crazy tactics, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to survive; let alone pacify a rebellion.

    First Young Master Ning became famous because of the war against the barbarians. In that war, the people he had killed would only be more, not less.

    ¡°Did Duke of Yue¡¯s Third Young Master get back home safely?¡± Lou Zigui ce down the teapot and asked Ning Xiaomu quietly.

    ¡°That brat is fine. This time, I came on my father¡¯s orders. I brought him into the city to thank the Emperor.¡± Ning Xiaomu drank a sip of the tea, the tea was nd but First Young Master Ning still treated it as an exquisite special blend.

    After finishing the tea, he let out a breath before looking at Lou Zigui. ¡°For the matter regarding my third brother, we should also thank Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°The person who saved him is His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui answered. ¡°I was merely following his orders by sending people to guard Third Young Master Ning out of the city. Being forced into the situation, the third young master must have suffered on the road back.¡±

    First Young Master Ningughed. ¡°How could that brat be called Third Young Master in front of Supreme Commander? Supreme Commander can just speak freely and refer to him by his name.¡±

    Lou Zigui also chuckled, but hisugh was not as tender as First Young Master Ning¡¯sugh. Instead, it was more courteous. ¡°I remember Third Young Master¡¯s name is Dongfu*?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± First Young Master Ning replied. ¡°When he was born, Father brought an astrologer to read his fortune. The fortune teller said that his fortune ising from the East. Therefore, he was given the name Dongfu. Supreme Commander, this one¡¯s name is Moyuan. Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t have to call me First Young Master, just call me Moyuan.¡±

    ¡°My name is Chengying¡± Lou Zigui added. ¡°First Young Master can also call me by my name instead of calling me Supreme Commander.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± First Young Master Ning smiled and nodded his head.

    Unable to see through the thoughts of the person in front of him, Lou Zigui lowered his head and poured himself a cup of tea.

    First Young Master Ning also felt that he couldn¡¯t see through Lou Zigui. After exchanging a few words, the mighty Supreme Commander Lou could sit around and make small talk with him, as though they were close friends. How is he the rumoured cold and merciless star of misfortune?

    ¡°Moyuan, you are probably aware that the city is about to turn into a bloody battlefield.¡± Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°This is not a good time for you two to be here.¡±

    ¡°Yes ah. Not a good time.¡± Ning Xiaomu sighed. ¡°All along, the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate¡¯s only wish was to stand aside. We had never thought of meddling with the court affairs.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Loh Zigui said. ¡°Do you still think this is merely court affairs?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± First Young Master Ning hurriedly waved his hand at Lou Zigui. ¡°This time, Xie Wenyuan has gone too far. This old traitor is rebelling. Chengying, I have brought over a hundred Destruction Prisoner Army men. The numbers are too few to help in the ambush, so I feel that we should be stationed to protect His Majesty instead.¡±

    Lou Zigui swirled the cup of tea in his hands.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan sent my father a letter. The contents said that His Majesty killed my third brother.¡± Ning Xiaomu lowered his voice. ¡°He asked my father to be more wary of His Majesty. And in the event of his death, he advised my father to not enter the city and to stay in Fengzhou for his own safety.¡±

    Lou Zigui snickered. ¡°Fake words of love and concern.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± replied First Young Master Ning, ¡°He is very shameless. My father tore the letter into shreds. He even wanted to kill the messenger that sent it, but I stopped him.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at First Young Master Ning.

    ¡°When ites to dealing with a shameless person like Xie Wenyuan, I¡¯d suggest you to stay further away from him until you¡¯re absolutely sure you can get rid of him. It¡¯s best not to let him hurt you.¡± First Young Master Ning lightly flicked the teacup, ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that our Duke of Yue¡¯s estate would be able to stop pretending to be fools so quickly.¡±

    Upon being flicked, the teacup made a ¡°dang¡± sound.

    Lou Zigui continued. ¡°There¡¯s one thing that I don¡¯t understand. Why would Xie Wenyuan want to kill Ning Xiaoluo?¡±

    Is it really just to prevent him from meeting His Majesty and also to cause misunderstandings between them and the Duke of Yue?

    First Young Master Ning¡¯s brows furrowed as he stared at Lou Zigui. ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s birthday was arriving and initially, my father arranged for my second brother to send the gifts to the city. However, just before leaving for the city, my brother¡¯s wife had a serious illness. Thus, my father sent Dongfu into the capital instead.¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t be Xie Wenyuan¡¯s reason to kill someone.¡± Lou Zigui replied, ¡°If he just wanted to create a misunderstanding, he should¡¯ve understood that in the event of it failing, it would cause the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate to have a change of heart. The Duke of Yue¡¯s estate and the Xie n had friendly rtions for over two generations. There was no need for Xie Wenyuan to take this risk.¡±

    ¡°My father have had some things to say about Xie Wenyuan¡¯s actions in the past few years. Could this count as a reason?"

    ¡°From my memory, the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate doesn¡¯t meddle with court affairs.¡± Lou Zigui murmured.

    ¡°But father would still censure in private.¡±

    ¡°That would mean that there are Xie Wenyuan¡¯s spies in the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. Xie Wenyuan is not that petty.¡±

    First Young Master Ning shook his head. ¡°This is also one of my objectives foring to the capital. I want to personally ask Xie Wenyuan how the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate had offended him.¡±

    Lou Zigui drank a mouthful of tea and thought to himself. Is Ning Xiaomu unwilling to tell the truth, or is he truly unaware of the truth?

    First Young Master Ning saw Lou Zigui drinking the tea and brought his cup to his mouth as well. ¡°There is one thing I don¡¯t understand. Xie Wenyuan is His Majesty¡¯s grandfather, why would he rebel?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty has nothing to do with that traitor,¡± Lou Zigui curtly stated.

    ¡°But Xie Wenyuan had put in a lot of effort to ce His Majesty on the throne.¡±

    ¡°This was so that he could control the court through His Majesty.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s tone chilled, ¡°In his eyes, His Majesty is only a chess piece.¡±

    ¡°Then what did His Majesty say about that?¡±

    Frowning, Lou Zigui shot Ning Xiaomu a look. ¡°I would never dare to question His Majesty¡¯s thoughts.¡±

    ¡°Then the saying of the chess piece?¡±

    ¡°Everyone in the pce can tell. His Majesty does not need to say anything and neither do I need to specte. Are you worried that this is not what His Majesty wants?¡±

    ¡°I just don¡¯t understand, that¡¯s why I asked.¡± First Young Master Ning smiled. He could not tell if Supreme Commander Lou knew His Majesty was a woman or not.

    ¡°Where is Ning Xiaoluo now?¡± Lou Zigui just remembered and asked about Third Young Master Ning.

    ¡°He has gone into the capital. Chengying, how do you intend to fight this battle?¡± After hearing his ns from Ning Xiaoyao, First Young Master Ning wanted to see how Lou Zigui would say it.

    ¡°Which road did Moyuane from?¡±

    ¡°From the South.¡±

    ¡°Then you must have already seen His Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui immediately asked.

    First Young Master Ning did not think that Lou Zigui¡¯s reaction would be that fast. After a pause, First Young Master Ning nodded his head. ¡°Yes, His Majesty recognized Dongfu. His Majesty was wearing female garment and shocked us a little.¡±

    Anger crept onto Lou Zigui¡¯s face. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Xie Wenyuan, His Majesty wouldn¡¯t have to resort to something like this.¡±

    First Young Master Ning saw Lou Zigui¡¯s expression. This angry expression didn¡¯t look fake. Was he really angry that His Majesty was forced by Xie Wenyuan into crossdressing as a woman?

    *So I googled and used wikipedia. The reason why they have two names is because the "courtesy name" is a name traditionally given to Chinese males at the age of 20, marking theiring of age. It was sometimes given to females upon marriage. The practice is no longermon in modern Chinese society. ording to the Book of Rites, after a man reaches adulthood, it is disrespectful for others of the same generation to address him by his given name, or m¨ªng. Thus, the given name was reserved for oneself and one''s elders, while the z¨¬ would be used by adults of the same generation to refer to one another on formal asions or in writing; hence the term "courtesy name". (That is why people have multiple names -_-)

    -----

    I already have trouble remembering one name, and now they have two each? FML! LOLLLL. Good luck, readers. Check the glossary if you¡¯re confused.

 Chapter 288: The tall one, the short one

    <h4>Chapter 288: The tall one, the short one</h4>

    They were both in charge of leading the troops to war. After Lou Zigui and Ning Xiaomu were no longer probing and making assumptions about each other, they started discussing the war ns. Both men hit it off.

    An hourter, Ning Xiaomu got up and took his leave. Lou Zigui personally walked him out the military tent and watched Ning Xiaomu leave with Deng Rong. Then, he turned around and walked towards Xu Jing. Xu Jing was standing behind him. Lou Zigui courteously apologized, "Sorry for the long wait."

    ¡°Is that Ning Xiaomu?¡± Xu Jing asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lou Zigui nodded.

    ¡°From the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Lou Zigui answered again with only a word.

    Xu Jing asked, "How many troops did they bring?"

    "Uncle Xu, please," Lou Zigui invited Xu Jing to enter the tent and spoke in a low voice. "The Destruction Prisoner Army will remain by His Majesty¡¯s side to protect him. It is important not to let Xie Wenyuan escape, but in my opinion, His Majesty¡¯s safety is even more important."

    Great General Xu had nothing to rebuke Lou Zigui. What¡¯s more important than the safety of His Majesty?

    Prior to entering the military tent, Lou Zigui gestured a ck Frost Infantry General over. He whispered in his ear. "Get Shadowgale toe and see me."

    The general hurriedlyplied.

    Ning Xiaoyao brought Ning Xiaoluo back to the imperial pce. However, since the pce¡¯s gates were blocked by Elder Li''s people, Ning Xiaoyao took Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s group to climb over the wall in order to enter.

    "We stealthily entered the capital like thieves," Ning Xiaoyao carried Ning Xiaoluo and climbed over the pce wall. When Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s feetnded on the ground, heined, "Howe we have to enter the pce the same way?"

    Ning Xiaoyao responded, ¡±You are the young master of Duke Yue¡¯s estate, yet you can''t even jump over a wall!? What the heck can you do?"

    Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t say a word. He knew his agility techniques were a bit on the weaker side. (Author: You¡¯re not only weak at agility techniques, ok? (©V_©V))

    Ning Xiaoyao lightly tapped Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s face. He had used a handkerchief to conceal his appearance. ¡°You can remove the handkerchief. No one will pay attention to you once we¡¯re inside.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo believed her words and removed the handkerchief. He had been hiding his face ever since he had entered the capital.

    ¡±Let¡¯s head to the Supreme Splendor Hall,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the Destruction Prisoner Army men to follow her.

    Everyone followed Ning Xiaoyao to the Supreme Spendor Hall. Right now, aside from the Dragon Guards who had remained to fight the enemy troops, Chef Huang and Imperial Physician Gao were the only ones left in the pce.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re wearing a skirt again!¡± Shadowthunder blurted. Shadowthunder was on gatekeeper duty and recognized Ning Xiaoyao immediately. His mouth twitched and he couldn¡¯t help but take another look. In his opinion, His Majesty looked rather good in a skirt. Shadowthunder averted his eyes. He must push this thought away! Otherwise, it may cost him his life!

    Ji Yuerong walked across the courtyard and stood in front of the entrance. She sized up Ning Xiaoyao.¡±Oh! You are wearing a skirt again!¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo opened his mouth to ask, ¡±Your Majesty, do you often wear skirts?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao did not answer. Talking to this guy damages her IQ.

    "How," Ji Yuerong finally noticed Ning Xiaoluo. At first, she was looking down on this young man for his short height. But when Miss Ji saw Ning Xiaoluo''s face, she was bbergasted. "How can you look like this?!"

    Ovee with shock, she lifted her hand and seized Ning Xiaoluo by the cor. Third Young Master Ning was thrust in front of Miss Ji.

    Shadowthunder took a look at Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s face. He was bewildered as well. How on earth could this man look so much like His Majesty? Especially his pair of big almond eyes? He¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s doppelganger!

    ¡°Your Majesty, who is he?¡± Ji Yuerong asked.

    "Don''t scare him," Ning Xiaoyao said. "Release him now. He is struggling to breathe."

    Ji Yuerong loosened Ning Xiaoluo''s cor and stared at Third Young Master Ning, who was gasping for air. Miss Ji refuted, "I didn¡¯t use force, ah!"

    "So what? He is rather delicate. He needs to be treated with care. Treated with care!" Ning Xiaoyao continued walking as she dragged Ning Xiaoluo with her. "I can walk on my own two feet!" Ning Xiaoluo shouted.

    ¡°First, can you tell me how you look like that?¡± Ji Yuerong was at their heels.

    "Second Thunder, go and wait on my Big Bro Ning," When Ning Xiaoyao was walking through the corridor, she suddenly recalled that Ning Xiaomu was going toe to the pce. So, she quickly instructed Shadowthunder.

    Shadowthunder asked, ¡°Who is Big Bro Ning?¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought about it. No one here had met Ning Xiaomu. She rxed her grip on Ning Xiaoluo and told herpanions, ¡°He¡¯s the person that I am going to go out and receive now.¡±

    Before Shadowthunder even had a chance to open his mouth to ask, Who are you going to receive?, His Majesty had already vanished from his field of vision.

    The moment Ning Xiaoyao disappeared from view, the Destruction Prisoner Army men were ill at ease. They couldn¡¯t help but feel it was inappropriate to walk upright at a ce like the Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoluo was surrounded by a bunch of Dragon Guards and Ji Yuerong. Ning Xiaoluo was waiting for Ning Xiaoyao to return so that he could yell at her. You liar! You said no one would pay attention to me once we were inside!

    ¡°Could they be brothers?¡± Ji Yuerong quietly asked Shadowgale. Shadowgale had just rushed back to the courtyard with news.

    ¡°I am the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate¡¯s Third Young Master,¡± said Ning Xiaoluo. He had a stiff expression on his face.

    ¡°Your face,¡± Shadowthunder tugged Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s face, then told the others. ¡°His face is real.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo: ...

    ¡°Why did you return to the capital?¡± After Shadowgale found out about Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s whereabouts, he turned to ask Ning Xiaoluo.

    Ning Xiaoluo replied, ¡±I came to the capital with my big brother to thank His Majesty.¡±

    Shadowgale observed Third Young Master Ning¡¯s face, ¡°His Majesty had mentioned you resembled him very much. Thest time I saw you, your face was injured. Now that your face is clear, His Majesty is correct. You do look very much like His Majesty.¡±

    Ji Yuerong was curious. ¡°The teenager from the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony is still living in the pce. Could it be that Third Young Master Ning is the same as him? Perhaps, his face had gone under the knife by Grand Preceptor¡¯s men?¡±

    Shadowgale and others were speechless as they continued gawking at Ning Xiaoluo.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t go under the knife,¡± Ning Xiaoluo lowered his head. ¡°I was beaten up by His Majesty.¡±

    "Oh, then you must have deserved it," Miss Ji immediately dered, not bothering to distinguish between right and wrong. Ning Xiaoluo was sullen.

    The Destruction Prisoner Army men stood at a distance from their third young master. Every time they followed him, they would lose face.

    ¡°Their eyes are the most simr,¡± Ji Yuerong continued sizing up Ning Xiaoluo, ¡°They are also roughly the same height. Third Young Master Ning, how old are you this year? His Majesty is still growing. But how old are you?¡±

    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that he was probably no match for the tall woman in front of him, Ning Xiaoluo would have already started beating her up. So what if you¡¯re tall?

    Since Ning Xiaoluo remained silent, Ji Yuerong turned around to ask the Destruction Prisoner Army men instead. ¡°How old is your third young master this year?¡±

    The men thought that Miss Ji was being unkind. Do you really have to keep jabbing our young master¡¯s sore spot?

    ¡°What has it got to do with you?¡± Ning Xiaoluo couldn¡¯t help but retort.

    Miss Ji countered, ¡°Are you upset? Then you must have already passed that growth spurt.¡±

    ¡°So what if I¡¯m short?¡± Ning Xiaoluo red at Miss Ji. In this world, married and unmarried women wore different hairstyles. Furthermore, their makeup would be done differently as well. There was a very obvious distinction. As a result, Third Young Master Ning could instantly tell that the woman in front of him was still unmarried.

    "You are very tall. But you also don¡¯t look very young. So what¡¯s the use of being tall? Are you married yet?" Third Young Master Ning used his poisonous tongue.

    The courtyard grew quiet.

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoluo immediately regretted his words. He lowered his head and avoided looking at Ji Yuerong, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it...¡±

    Ji Yuerong didn¡¯t say anything else. She lifted her leg and kicked Ning Xiaoluo out of the corridor.

    ¡°So what if I am not married? It¡¯s none of your business!¡± Miss Ji was furious.

    ¡°Aiya___!¡±

    Third Young Master Ning painfully screamed in response.

    Everyone else... This situation was out of their control.

    Ning Xiaoyao had no idea Miss Ji was beating Third Young Master Ning up. Currently, she was waiting for the First Young Master Ning on the side street while eating her sugar beans. After she had finished an entire bag of sugar beans, Ning Xiaomu had arrived.

    ¡°Your Majesty, why are you here?¡± The moment Ning Xiaomu saw her, he quickly got down from his horse.

    ¡°I came to receive you and take you into the pce!¡± Ning Xiaoyao happily chirped. ¡°Elder Li¡¯s men blocked the pce gates. In order to enter the pce, you have to climb over the wall.¡±

    Ning Xiaomu broke intoughter.

    ¡°Big Bro Ning, let¡¯s go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Ning Xiaomu with her.

    ¡°Your Majesty, there is still quite a distance from the pce. Why don¡¯t you get on this subject¡¯s horse?¡± First Young Master suggested.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed without thinking.

    Ning Xiaomu climbed back on his horse and held out his hand for Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao grabbed his hand and was helped onto the horse.

    ¡°Sit tight.¡± Ning Xiaomu didn¡¯t really touch Ning Xiaoyao. He reached out to hold on the reins, while Ning Xiaoyao sat within his arms.

    ¡°Jia,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the warhorse¡¯s head. ¡°Off we go!¡±

    First Young Master Ning¡¯s horse moved forward.

    ¡°Wow, a white horse ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed, ¡°Big Bro Ning, what¡¯s the name of your horse?¡±

    ¡°Ming Guang*. Its name is Ming Guang.¡±

    Ming Guang, Little Ming? Ning Xiaoyao was a bit muddled. She hasn¡¯t found her Little Ming yet, but her Big Bro Ning already has a horse named Little Ming? ¡°Its pet name is Little Ming?¡± asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    First Young Master Ning fell silent. Why should a warhorse have a pet name?

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at Ning Xiaomu. Even though the person sitting in front of him was fifteen years old, she did not look her age. Her build was small and thin. He didn''t know how his sister had survive these past fifteen years in the hands of Xie Wenyuan and Empress Dowager Xie. Ning Xiaomu''s heart tightened and he smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, do you want to name this horse Little Ming?¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand Big Bro Ning¡¯s words. What does he mean by she wants?

    ¡°Then Little Ming it will be,¡± Ning Xiaomu lifted his hand and stroked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head.

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...alright, now that Little Ming¡¯s name has already been taken by a male horse, Little Red has no match.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject heard that you got hurt?¡± asked Ning Xiaomu.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± answered Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Grand Preceptor wanted to kill me. But he can¡¯t get rid of me, ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Damn that Xie Wenyuan,¡± First Young Master Ning spoke in a low voice.

    Looking down at Xiao Ming¡¯s mane, Ning Xiaoyao did not see the sh of pain in Ning Xiaomu¡¯s eyes. She nodded and continued, "Yes. Damn him to hell. Don¡¯t worry, Big Bro Ning! I won''t let Grand Preceptor harm you guys again.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty will protect this subject?¡± First Young Master Ningughed.

    ¡°I will,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She knew at a nce that Big Bro Ning was a good person. She must make sure to protect him well.

    First Young Master Ning sighed, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject will protect you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fiddled with the bag of sugar beans in her hand. When she heard the First Young Master Ning say he would protect her, she lifted her head and beamed at him. ¡°Alright! Alright. Big Bro Ning, you will help me from now on, right?¡±

    "Yes," the smile vanished from Ning Xiaomu¡¯s face and he answered earnestly. "This subject will certainly help and assist you, Your Majesty."

    Ning Xiaoyao was so happy that she stuffed sugar beans into Ning Xiaomu¡¯s mouth, "Deal! Let me treat you to some sugar beans. They¡¯re so sweet!"

    ¡°Very sweet indeed,¡± First Young Master Ning smiled. He lifted his hand again and patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head.

    *Ming Guang means ¡°bright light¡± in Chinese. Little Ming would be Little Bright.

    -----

    Dude, he shouldn¡¯t keep patting His Majesty on the head. It¡¯s soooo weird! (and kinda inappropriate, to be honest) lol

 Chapter 289: Favored by the God of Fate

    <h4>Chapter 289: Favored by the God of Fate</h4>

    ¡°How do horses climb walls?¡± First Young Master Ning discovered a very difficult problem when they reached the imperial pce walls. He and His Majesty could enter by scaling walls, but what about the horse?

    Ning Xiaoyao patted Ming Guang the warhorse on his head, ¡°Little Ming, you¡¯ve never climbed a wall right? How about I take you to have some fun?¡±

    Ming Guang let out a puff through his nostrils and opened his mouth to speak, ¡°I¡¯m not called Little Ming!¡±

    ¡°Even your master calls you Little Ming,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Ming Guang¡¯s head again. ¡°What¡¯s the point of denying?¡±

    All of Ming Guang¡¯s fur stood on end. This emperor could understand his speech?!

    ¡°Supreme Command¡¯s horse is called Little Red, I¡¯ll introduce you guyster. You guys can be friends.¡± Ning Xiaoyao rattled on.

    Little Red? As a horse who looked arrogant but always had plenty of ideas on his mind, Ming Guang lost his cool upon hearing this name. He didn¡¯t spare more time dreading over the fact that Ning Xiaoyao could understand his speech. ¡°A mare?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, ¡°Stallion, same gender as you, Little Ming.¡±

    Ming Guang:... He already wants to go die from being called Little Ming, but there¡¯s actually a fellow who¡¯s even more unfortunate?

    Ning Xiaomu watched in relish while Ning Xiaoyao chatted away with his horse. Of course, First Young Master Ning could never imagine that his little sister really had the ability to talk to animals. He only saw it as Ning Xiaoyao was acting out of a childish heart. After looking up to check the sky, First Young Master Ning walked to Ning Xiaoyao and said in a low voice, ¡°Ming Guang can stay out here for now, we¡¯ll enter the pce first.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied and pulled Ning Xiaomu¡¯s hand. Before First Young Master Ning even had a chance to react, he was already standing inside the imperial pce.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go get Little Ming.¡± Ning Xiaoyao threw him a sentence before she scaled the wall and flipped outside again.

    First Young Master Ning stood beneath the pce wall and pondered over how His Majesty would bring Ming Guang over. He scanned the tall and aloft vermilion wall in front without finding a single crack on it, let alone a passage.

    However, First Young Master Ning didn¡¯t have enough time to thoroughly muse over the matter when the ground beneath him shook slightly. Then, his horse appeared right before his eyes.

    First Young Master Ning:...

    Ming Guang:...

    ¡°Ai ma!¡± Ning Xiaoyao crawled out from under Ming Guang¡¯s belly. This horse was so heavy, she had to use every ounce of her strength to fetch Little Ming over.

    ¡°You!¡± First Young Master Ning couldn¡¯t find the words as he gawked at Ning Xiaoyao. Such a little body possess that much strength?

    Ning Xiaoyao stood to catch her breath before saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Big Bro Ning, I¡¯ll take you to the Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    First Young Master Ning asked, ¡°Your Majesty, you know martial arts?¡±

    ¡°Hm? Oh, yeah, hahaha, I¡¯m an expert at martial arts!¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed. She pulled on Ming Guang¡¯s reins and walk in the direction of the Supreme Splendor Hall, ¡°Big Bro Ning, are you hungry?¡±

    The topic suddenly jumped to whether he was hungry or not. First Young Master Ning wasn¡¯t sure how to pick up the conversation.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her tummy. Lifting Ming Guang over the wall had used up all of her energy. (Author: Enough, you...)

    Ning Xiaomu looked at his warhorse. Ming Guang had never allowed anyone else near his side except for Ning Xiaomu himself. Even the servants had to feed him through a wooden fence. The corners of First Young Master Ning¡¯s eyes twitched when he saw how guileless his horse behaved in front of His Majesty.

    Ming Guang was currently lost in a stupor,pletely unable to figure out how he¡¯d entered the pce. How would a dazed horse still have the wits to discern whether or not his master was the one pulling his reins?

    ¡°Howe no one is guarding the gate and courtyard?¡± Ning Xiaomu questioned Ning Xiaoyao, his brows furrowed when he didn¡¯t spot a single person at the entrance of the Supreme Splendor Hall.

    ¡°Why are they all standing in the corridor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered. She could hear everyone¡¯s breathing, but was unaware of why her little human friends have all gathered at the winding corridor.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in and take a look.¡± Ning Xiaomu stepped to walk in front of Ning Xiaoyao.

    A few momentster, Ning Xiaoyao stood under the winding corridor and scratched her head. ¡°Can anyone tell me what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo was cradling his own head as he crouched next to corridor pir. He appeared asckluster as a frosted eggnt.

    Ning Xiaoyao squinted her eyes at the footprints on Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s body. ¡°Beaten up again?¡±

    The soldiers of the Destruction Prisoner Army saw their first young mastering and hastened over to stand by Ning Xiaomu¡¯s side.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Ning Xiaomu asked his men.

    The Destruction Prisoner soldiers exchanged nces amongst themselves, none of them said a word. How should they exin this?

    ¡°Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao resorted to Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale¡¯s agenda had no such thing as helping Third Young Master Ning save face, so he instantly replied upon hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s inquiry. ¡°Third Young Master Ning ridiculed Miss Ji for being unwed, so Miss Ji beat him up.¡±

    ¡°Tch,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue as she looked at Ning Xiaoluo. ¡°Why do you always do stuff that provokes a thrashing? Also, why does it concern you whether Miss Ji is married or not?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo refused to back down. ¡°She was the one who mocked me for being short first!¡±

    ¡°Well you are short.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    ¡°Well she is ...¡±

    ¡°She is what?¡± Ning Xiaomu stood in front of his little brother.

    Ning Xiaoluo forcefully swallowed back the word ¡°unwed¡±. He raised his head to peek at Ning Xiaomu before lowering it again.

    "The Ji Family is a family of martyrs,¡± Ning Xiaomu reproached, ¡°As a girl, she assists her grandfather in managing the entire household, and you ridiculed her?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s entire body shrunk back into a lump.

    ¡°Go apologize to Miss Ji right after this. When you meet Old General Ji in the future, you need to admit your wrongs and apologize to him as well,¡± Ning Xiaomu carried on. ¡°I didn¡¯t think your mouth is that ferocious now. Who did you learn it from? Or was it self-taught?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo shrunk again and now his body seemed even smaller.

    ¡°Miss Ji has fought battles and killed enemies,¡± Ning Xiaomu had yet to finish, ¡°You tell me, Ning Dongfu, what have you done?¡±

    Third Young Master Ning ran away in tears*.

    The Dragon Guards:...... Third Young Master Ning may seem like a good-for-nothing, but First Young Master Ning sure is formidable!

    ¡°Should we leave first?¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Shadowgale in a tiny voice. His Majesty Ning was a bit scared as well. Big Bro Ning appears to be such a gentle person, but who would have thought he¡¯d be so strict when he lectures his little brother!

    ¡°I¡¯m at fault.¡± Ning Xiaoluo clutched his head and admitted his wrongs. He¡¯d rather let that Miss Ji beat him up again than to be lectured by his big brother!

    ¡°That there,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt like she should give Ning Xiaoluo another beating instead, or else he might justmit suicide from such a harsh scolding.

    ¡°Killllllllll!¡±

    A shout rose from the main pce¡¯s gate when Ning Xiaoyao was just about to get on with her idea.

    ¡°The war is starting?¡± asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Shadowgale ced his hand on the sabre handle and said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll go check the main pce¡¯s gate.¡±

    Hearing Shadowgale use ¡°I¡± to address himself in front of Ning Xiaoyao, First Young Master Ning instantly swept a nce at him.

    Right at this moment, Shadowrain burst into the Supreme Splendor Hall. As soon as he saw Ning Xiaoyao standing at the winding corridor, Shadow Third Commander called out ¡°Your Majesty¡± and rushed up to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao let out a breath and mentally readied herself for a fight before asking Shadowrain. ¡°Has the fight started?¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan ising,¡± Shadowrain said urgently, ¡°He¡¯s brought men, and even, even dressed in mourning attire.¡±

    ¡°Whaaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was dumbfounded, ¡°Who in the Grand Preceptor¡¯s Estate died again?¡±

    ¡°He said His Majesty is dead,¡± Shadowrain was extremely anxious. His face was turning pale. ¡°He is mourning for His Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    Shadowgale questioned, ¡°What was that shout earlier? Are Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men attacking the imperial pce?¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan said he wants to seize His Majesty¡¯s corp...¡± Shadowrain waspletely unable to voice out the word ¡°corpse¡±.

    ¡°How many troops did he bring?¡± Shadowgale continued questioning.

    Shadowrain replied, ¡°As it looks, there are around a thousand.¡±

    ¡°A thousand?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was enraged, ¡°He thinks he can defeat us with a thousand men?!¡±

    Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale was seeking Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s decision.

    ¡°Grab your weapons.¡± Ning Xiaoyao bricked up/picked up a brick. She wants to murder Grand Preceptor Xie.

    First Young Master Ning watched as this group of people rolled up their sleeves and drew their weapons. When they were about to charge forward with murderous intent to battle, he hastened to step up and blocked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s path. ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s very likely that Xie Wenyuan hasn¡¯te to attack the imperial pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was bewildered. ¡°He hasn¡¯t? Then why would he bring a thousand men here?¡±

    First Young Master Ning pulled out the brick that Ning Xiaoyao was gripping on tightly and threw it out of the winding corridor before he exined. ¡°If Your Majesty truly passed away and Supreme Commander Lou kept it unannounced, then Supreme Commander Lou hasmitted treason. If Xie Wenyuan leads his army to raid the capital city (to dispose of Lou Zigui), then he would be a loyal subject for eliminating a threat for the country.¡±

    So it can actually y out that way?

    Ning Xiaoyao stomped her feet. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go meet him!¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to run out of the winding corridor.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Ning Xiaomu was quick and precise to grab Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This is too dangerous. How could Your Majesty personallye out to the pce entrance to see Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was so angry that her entire face turned red. She looked at First Young Master Ning and demanded, ¡°Then what should I do now?¡±

    ¡°Dongfu.¡± First Young Master turned around and called Ning Xiaoluo.

    Ning Xiaoluo still had his head down from all the scolding. He walked up to his big brother and Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have Dongfu go.¡± First Young Master Ning said to Ning Xiaoyao with a smile.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Ning Xiaoluo, then at First Young Master Ning, before finally looking down at herself. Her mouth gaped open. She couldn¡¯t go outside...because if she did, she¡¯d be done for if Grand Preceptor demanded her to verify her identity publicly. But if it was Ning Xiaoluo...

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth was wide open as she scanned Ning Xiaoluo. Thetter had a face that highly resembled her own; a simr height, a simr little body, but most importantly, he was male! At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao believed that she was favored by the God of Fate.

    ¡°Is there a dragon robe?¡± First Young Master Ning asked Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale turned his gaze to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Windy, help me out real quick,¡± Ning Xiaoyao closed her mouth before shemanded, ¡°Go to my room and find a dragon robe.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Shadowgale turned to do as instructed.

    ¡°Oh, Little Luoluo!¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped in front of Ning Xiaoluo. Ning Xiaoluo was in a stupor as he stood there without a reaction. He still hadn¡¯t realized what he had to do.

    ¡°I¡¯m so lucky you came!¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s hand and swung it.

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoluo opened his mouth with difficulty to speak, ¡°What do I need to do again?¡±

    ¡°Disguise as the emperor, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. Third Young Master Ning felt his legs turning into jelly.

    Ning Xiaomu reached out to support his little brother and instructed, ¡°In just a bit, First Shadow Commander and his men will escort you outside to see Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t His Majesty go?¡± Ning Xiaoluo wailed.

    ¡°His Majesty is of utmost importance and must not be ced in danger,¡± First Young Master Ning¡¯s expression was solemn and respectful. ¡°Dongfu, as subjects, it is our duty to lessen the burden for His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll be right behind to protect you,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt that she was being too cruel for letting Ning Xiaoluo go face Grand Preceptor Xie, so she assured him. ¡°I definitely won¡¯t let Grand Preceptor hurt you.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not scared of being beaten,¡± Ning Xiaoluo said, his face ashen, ¡°But when I meet with Xie Wenyuan, what do I say to him?¡±

    ¡°You are the emperor, he is a traitor,¡± First Young Master Ning instructed his little brother, ¡°You can just curse him.¡±

    ¡°Curse him, like old scoundrel?¡± Third Young Master Ning asked in a trembling voice.

    ¡°Curse him as you like.¡± First Young Master Ning smiled and patted Third Young Master Ning on his shoulder. ¡°Trust your big brother, Xie Wenyuan won¡¯t have the nerves to hurt you in front of everyone.¡±

    *Run away in tears: an inte ng which means ¡°getting very emotional¡± and not literally run away or in tears.

    Hehe. As some of you guys know, I''m also the trantor of "The Eunuch is Pregnant". Since I am super shameless, I gotta promote some more. Here''s a few cute snippets to lure you to the dark side!

    -----

    ¡°Alright. Stop crying. This Prince....will not do anything to you. Alright?¡±

    *wu wu*

    Humph! You think I¡¯ll stop crying just because you asked? Then I will lose face!

    Perhaps Le Yao Yao purposely wanted to anger Leng Jun Yu for bullying her, so she deliberately did the opposite of what he wanted. She began to wail even louder.

    Seeing this, Leng Jun Yu¡¯s handsome brows couldn¡¯t help but crinkle. However, within his eyes, there was a trace of helplessness.

    After all, he never had to coax anyone before. As a result, he honestly didn¡¯t know how.

    He didn¡¯t want the servant to cry anymore, but his servant was being disobedient and began to sob even harder! So, since he had no other tactic, Leng Jun Yu hardened his face and sternly threatened Le Yao Yao.

    ¡°If you continue crying, this Prince will instantly kiss you!¡±

    ¡°Eh....!??!¡±

    -Chapter 84. Hehe. What a cute method to stop someone from crying! *wink wink nudge nudge*

    Okay one more steamy snippet. You will never get such explicit content on vre *wiggles eyebrows*

    Her delicate body began to squirm around below him as she lightly moaned, causing Yu¡¯s body to fire up even more.

    So now, Leng Jun Yu groaned vehemently and began to massage and squeeze Le Yao Yao¡¯s other jade bunny while sucking one with his mouth. His remaining hand slowly headed down to the forbidden kingdom.

    Le Yao Yao was also being an active participant. She was about to touch Leng Jun Yu¡¯s bulging bird when a child voice rang -

    ¡°Daddy, are you hungry? Why are you drinking mommy¡¯s milk? Xuan¡¯er also wants some milk!¡±

    If you wanna know what happens, you gotta read my trantions at theeunuch! CLICK HERE. The novel isplete! *WINKS HARDER* #youknowyouwanna eon #don''tbeshy

 Chapter 290: Grand Preceptor says, this is a woman

    <h4>Chapter 290: Grand Preceptor says, this is a woman</h4>

    ¡°What if I can¡¯t bring myself to curse him?¡± Even after getting assured by Ning Xiaoyao and being appeased by his big brother, Third Young Master Ning still didn¡¯t have the courage to face the fierce Grand Preceptor Xie.

    At this time, Ji Yuerong appeared once again in front of Third Young Master Ning. Ning Xiaoluo immediately went to stand behind his big brother.

    Miss Ji possessed a strong military aura and prowess. She cupped fist at First Young Master Ning before she bypassed him and stood in front of Ning Xiaoluo.

    ¡°I was wrong, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Ning Xiaoluo immediately opened his mouth to apologize.

    ¡°I¡¯m going with you to see Xie Wenyuan.¡± Ji Yuerong dered as she cast a nce down on Ning Xiaoluo.

    Ning Xiaoyao pulled Miss Ji to the back. She whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t look at people in such a condescending manner. Give Little Luoluo some respect ah.¡±

    ¡°Little Luoluo?¡± Ji Yuerong looked at Ning Xiaoluo. Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t make a sound, His Majesty was even more savage with his beatings. He couldn¡¯t afford to offend him. £¨¨i©n¨i£©

    ¡°Why did you appear again?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°It has alreadye to this. They are screaming and shouting violence. How could I still y dead?¡± After pretending to be sisters, acting out a y, and even getting beaten up together, Miss Ji now considered Ning Xiaoyao as a long-time best friend.

    ¡°Big brother, can you go with me?¡± Ning Xiaoluo tugged his brothers sleeve.

    ¡°I can¡¯t let Xie Wenyuan know I¡¯m in the capital.¡± First Young Master Ning replied, ¡°You¡¯re that scared of Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    At this moment, Shadowgale arrived with a set of dragon robe.

    ¡°Put it on,¡± First Young Master Ning pushed Third Young Master Ning to Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t even ask if Ning Xiaoluo was willing and immediately helped to dress him.

    Since Ning Xiaoluo couldn¡¯t resist, he had no choice but to put on the dragon robe. His head remained drooped down, allowing everyone else to watch.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Although she may not seem very emperor-like wearing the dragon robe, at least she didn¡¯t look as bad as a quail ah. ¡°Why don¡¯t we think of another solution?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested.

    Miss Ji questioned First Young Master Ning. ¡°Is he really your blood brother?¡± Aside from lookingpletely different, Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s courage was the size of a green bean. He wasn¡¯t a young miss, right?

    ¡°Lift your head.¡± Ning Xiaomumanded. He smacked Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s lower back. ¡°Puff out your chest for me.¡±

    Third Young Master Ning raised his head and puffed out his chest, improving his appearance by a little.

    ¡°We are going to be inside the pce, right behind you.¡± First Young Master Ning slightly bent his body and looked straight into Third Young Master Ning¡¯s eyes. In a low voice, he continued, ¡°Xie Wenyuan definitely will not dare to hurt you. Big brother can guarantee this.¡±

    Ji Yuerong quietly asked the soldiers of the Destruction Prisoner Army. ¡°How old is your third young master this year?¡±

    ¡°Is he thirteen yet?¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    The soldiers of the Destruction Prisoner Army:...

    Shadowthunder was uncertain. ¡°I think he¡¯s either eighteen, or seventeen.¡±

    ¡°Ai ma, already eighteen years old ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyaomented. She really thought that this Third Young Master Ning hasn¡¯t reached adulthood yet.

    ¡°Previously when you two were underground, he never mentioned his age to you, Your Majesty?¡± Shadowthunder asked.

    ¡°He may have mentioned it.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°But I didn¡¯t believe him, Eighteen years old!? At eighteen years old, Supreme Commander had to raise himself and a toon of soldiers.¡±

    The soldiers of the Destruction Prisoners Army could only stay silent. Their Third Young Master Ning shouldn¡¯t bepared with Supreme Commander Lou, ok!?

    ¡°I feel like he may be a young miss.¡± Miss Ji quietly insinuated as she stared at Ning Xiaoyao, who was wearing the scattered flower dress.

    ¡°H-he¡¯s not eighteen yet.¡± one of the Destruction Prisoner soldier finally couldn¡¯t take it any more and blurted. ¡°Our third young master is seventeen this year.¡± The rest of the soldiers gave him a look. Do you think saying Third Young Master Ning is seventeen makes him lose less face?

    At this moment, the seventeen year old Third Young Master Ning rushed towards his big brother and nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    First Young Master Ning heavily patted his little brother¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Xie Wenyuan is already at death¡¯s door, so there is no need to be afraid of him.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo nodded his again. Even if he was afraid, it was of no use ah.

    ¡°His Majesty,¡± First Young Master Ning raised his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Please let the Dragon Guards escort Dongfu to the main pce gates.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure ya.¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately assented.

    Ning Xiaoluo was nudged forward by Shadowgale and the other guards. After exiting the Supreme Splendor Hall, he got onto the sedan and travelled to the main gates of the pce.

    They could hear shouts of fighting and killing, weapons nging, and even the sound of arrows being shot through the air. Ning Xiaoluo asked Shadowgale, ¡°If we go out now, are we helping out with the battle?¡±

    Shadowgale ordered the Dragon Guards to put down the sedan chair. After he helped Ning Xiaoluo get off, he replied, ¡°Your Majesty, when they see you, they will stop fighting.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo stared at the dragon robe he was wearing. Alright. I¡¯m the emperor now...

    ¡°His Majesty, they are just behind us.¡± Head Commander Shadowgale walked ahead of Ning Xiaoluo to protect him. He also whispered, ¡°Third Young Master, you don¡¯t have to be afraid. As long as I¡¯m not dead, I¡¯ll make sure to keep you alive.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t die.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Shadowgale didn¡¯t think that Third Young Master Ning would be concerned about his life or death.

    ¡°If you die, His Majesty would kill me.¡± Ning Xiaoluoined. ¡°On the other hand, if I died, my big brother would definitely want to kill you. But His Majesty would be able to stop him. Head Commander,¡± Third Young Master Ning looked at Shadowgale with envy, ¡°Your life is great.¡±

    Shadowgale thought about it, and realized he couldn¡¯t say anything to rebut Third Young Master Ning¡¯s words. Also, since this trash almost looked identical to His Majesty, it made Head Commander Shadowgale very angry.

    Ning Xiaoluo turned his head around. Where were the people who said they would be right behind him? He couldn¡¯t even see their shadows from here!

    ¡°Open the pce gates.¡± Shadowgale ordered.

    Ning Xiaoluo was flustered and ogled at Shadowgale. We¡¯re opening the gates now?!

    When the generals of the Elite Imperial Guards in charge of the pce gates noticed Ning Xiaoluo, their hearts rxed. His Majesty was fine. This meant that the past few days they spent guarding the pce gates weren¡¯t for nothing.

    With the opening of the gates, the two opposing factions ceased fire.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Shadowgale nudged Ning Xiaoluo to walk forward. Ning Xiaoluo adjusted the cor of the dragon robe. With the attitude of fighting until the very end, he stepped out of the pce gates.

    ¡°Are you all not going to kneel after seeing His Majesty?¡± After Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s appearance, all those outside the pce gates were dumbfounded. Shadowgale reprimanded the crowd.

    ¡°Is it really His Majesty?¡± At this moment, Elder Li was also outside the pce gates. After seeing His Majesty walk through the gates alive, the old man couldn¡¯t believe his own eyes and asked his followers, ¡°Is that really His Majesty?¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s followers didn¡¯t reply immediately. The crowd also stared at Ning Xiaoluo and asked themselves, is that really His Majesty?

    ¡°It¡¯s His Majesty.¡± Eventually, Elder Li confirmed it with his own eyes. He was right! The person who walked out of the pce gates is really His Majesty!!

    Elder Li staggered. He wanted to walk up to Ning Xiaoluo. ¡°Grand Preceptor has arrived!¡± One of Elder Li¡¯s followers pulled Elder Li back and quietly eximed.

    After being stopped by one of his followers, Elder Li stood up and stared ahead. By now, Xie Wenyuan was already standing in front of Ning Xiaoluo.

    ¡°Just imagine, you almost died in his hands. Don¡¯t you want revenge?¡± Shadowgale quietly whispered to the trembling Ning Xiaoluo.

    Third Young Master Ning:...Thinking of that would only make him more afraid ah!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Xie Wenyuan measured Ning Xiaoluo multiple times before speaking. ¡°After not seeing you for a few days, your Majesty has lost quite a bit of weight.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo stiffly faced Grand Preceptor Xie. It was true that his face wasn¡¯t as chubby as His Majesty¡¯s.

    ¡°You¡¯re really His Majesty?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie asked again.

    ¡°Presumptuous!¡± Shadowgale and Ji Yuerong came from behind and angrily retorted.

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t even acknowledge Shadowgale. He sized up Ji Yuerong and demanded, ¡°Where is Lou Zigui?¡±

    ¡°I should ask Grand Preceptor whether these troops at the pce gates are the rebel troops you n to use against us?¡±

    ¡°Jiss.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s gazed chilled as he stared at Ji Yuerong. ¡°This old man wants to know whether your Anyuan group of six states have decided to follow Lou Zigui and rebel?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re rebelling just because you are using us of rebelling?¡± Ji Yuerong sarcastically responded.

    ¡°Then with the same logic, Jiss, this old man is rebelling just because you are using this old man of rebelling?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie rebutted.

    Miss Ji:...

    ¡°Miss Ji is not good enough.¡± Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was peeking from the pce walls. She muttered to First Young Master Ning, ¡°She can¡¯t verbally win against Grand Preceptor.¡± First Young Master Ning pulled Ning Xiaoyao back. If this girl stretches out her neck further, she will reveal herself.

    In front of them, Ning Xiaoluo opened his mouth, ¡°I, Zhen, didn¡¯t die. What are you guys trying to do?¡±Grand Preceptor Xie scoffed, ¡°His Majesty has learned to use Zhen already?¡±

    Once again, Ning Xiaoluo was startled. Could it be His Majesty doesn¡¯t refer to himself as Zhen?!

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan.¡± Elder Li finally managed to walk towards the pce gates with the help of a follower. He looked angrily at Xie Wenyuan. ¡°His Majesty is clearly fine! What are your motives?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is already dead.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie crisply enunciated each word.

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoluo shouted. ¡°I¡¯m standing right in front of you and you dare to say I¡¯m dead?¡± This old man ought to be killed! Third Young Master Ning was outraged. How could a person lie through his teeth like this?

    Elder Li walked in front of Ning Xiaoluo and looked him up and down. ¡°Call him old gramps.¡± Shadowgale whispered to Ning Xiaoluo.

    ¡°Old gramps.¡± Ning Xiaoluo looked at Elder Li with a wooden expression.

    ¡°Your Majesty, why.¡± Elder Li wanted to ask, Your Majesty, why must you torment yourself so much? But after thinking about it, this wasn¡¯t the right time for this conversation. So, Elder Li turned back to face Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°You are not His Majesty.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie looked at Ning Xiaoluo.

    Ning Xiaoluo was trembling. This person could tell he was a fraud?

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Elder Li immediately rebutted.

    ¡°Elder.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was not angry even after getting scolded by Elder Li. Instead, he cried in anguish to Elder Li, ¡°This old man watched His Majesty grow up. Wouldn¡¯t this old man be able to tell if this is His Majesty or not? This old man is His Majesty¡¯s maternal grandfather. Why wouldn¡¯t I wish His Majesty to be safe and sound?¡±

    Elder Li frowned deeply. ¡°Xie Wenyuan, what exactly do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°The person standing behind you is not His Majesty.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie dered.

    Ning Xiaoluo then thought, should he run while he still could, and just escape without caring?

    ¡°Howughable.¡± Ji Yuerong icilyughed, ¡°I could say you¡¯re not Xie Wenyuan. Old thing, who do you think you are? You dare to pretend to be Grand Preceptor Xie?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was squatting and picking up stones by the pce wall. She wanted to smash Grand Preceptor to death!

    Just then, Lou Zigui and his troops entered the capital on horseback. They rushed towards the pce.When themon people on the empty streets saw them, they quickly got out of their way. Those who had homes to return to, rushed home. Those who didn¡¯t have homes to return to, fled to hide themselves. The big battle was about to begin and themon people were scared out of their wits.

    In the pce, Ning Xiaomu helped Ning Xiaoyao up and threw away the stones in her hands. ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t be angry. Continue watching.¡± Ning Xiaoyao disyed her annoyance.

    Outside the pce, Grand Preceptor Xie pointed at Ning Xiaoluo who wanted to run away. He used, ¡°This person is someone Lou Zigui found from an unknown ce. This old man ims she¡¯s not His Majesty because she is a woman.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s words caused everyone in the vicinity to fall dead silent.

    DUN DUN DUN. What do you think will happen? Come back tomorrow for the teaser! ;)

 Chapter 291: First Young Master Ning: Donâ€™t be afraid, Your Majesty

    <h4>Chapter 291: First Young Master Ning: Don''t be afraid, Your Majesty</h4>

    Ning Xiaoluo picked his ears and asked Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°What did you just say? Say that again.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled coldly at Ning Xiaoluo, but remained silent.

    Ji Yuerong turned around. Head lowered, she muttered to Ning Xiaoluo, ¡°He called you a girl.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo:...

    ¡°This is the most absurd thing I¡¯ve heard!¡± Elder Li shook himself out of his stupor, tossing his robe sleeves violently. ¡°I think you¡¯ve gone crazy!¡±

    ¡°You say that you¡¯re His Majesty,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie addressed Ning Xiaoluo coolly, ignoring Elder Li. ¡°Will you let someone confirm that?¡±

    ¡°Has this guy be muddle-headed after growing old?¡± Shadowrain whispered by the pce gates. ¡°Even if he knows that¡¯s Third Young Master Ning, he can¡¯t use the woman excuse on him, right?¡±

    ¡°Maybe he can do conjuring tricks and turn Third Young Master Ning into a woman?¡± a Dragon Guard said, confused.

    The Dragon Guards looked at each other. Could it be that Third Young Master Ning really is a woman?

    A Destruction Prisoner Army soldier defended, ¡°Our Third Young Master Ning is a man!¡± They were all older than their third young master, and had seen him running around with his butt bared for the world to see. If he really was a girl, how could they not have seen it?

    The guilty Ning Xiaoyao could only pretend that she didn¡¯t exist. His Majesty Ning squatted down and drew circles in the dirt. She¡¯d heard that such circles could be used to curse people, but she didn¡¯t know if it would work.

    First Young Master observed Ning Xiaoyao drawing circles. There hadn¡¯t been a daughter in their Fengzhou Ning n in more than ten generations. First Young Master Ning might have ughtered every southwest barbarian without batting an eye, but knowing that this precious girl took ten generations to arrive made his heart felt all gooey and stuffed full of cotton. As long as Ning Xiaoyao wished to, she could shape and tten First Young Master Ning¡¯s heart however she wanted.

    Ning Xiaomu bent down to and squatted next to Ning Xiaoyao. He murmured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Majesty. Everything will be fine.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pressed her lips together and nodded. ¡°I know everything will be fine.¡± With Ning Xiaoluo there, Grand Preceptor Xie would only end up hurting himself. But what if she hadn¡¯t run into Ning Xiaoluo? If Grand Preceptor Xie had pulled this trick on her, how could she fight back? Just thinking about it makes her shudder!

    Ning Xiaomu grabbed the hand that was drawing circles on the ground, and wiped away the dust on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers. He lowered his voice, ¡°Your Majesty, do you know why Dongfu is standing in front of the gates this time?

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, looking lost. Could it be that he¡¯d seen her wearing a flower-patterned skirt, so Big Bro Ning could tell she wasn¡¯t actually a male emperor?

    ¡°It¡¯s because Xie Wenyuan is doomed to the fate of a traitor,¡± First Young Master Ning slowly stated. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao with a solemn expression. ¡°Even the Heavens are on Your Majesty¡¯s side. What does Your Majesty have to worry about?¡±

    That¡¯s right! Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes lit up at First Young Master Ning¡¯s words. What did she have to be afraid of? How was she able to confess to Supreme Commander after she left the pce, then run into Little Luoluo, and have Grand Preceptor Xiee looking for trouble? She was destined to be the person to destroy Grand Preceptor Xie ah!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry,¡± First Young Master Ning patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head, smiling. ¡°It¡¯s not worth getting worked up over someone who¡¯s about to die.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded obediently. ¡°I¡¯m not angry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was as obedient as a little white rabbit, and it made First Young Master Ning even more pleased. A little sister was far more pleasing to the eye than a little brother. His two little brothers only annoyed him, and then annoyed him more. They had never been well-behaved once!

    ¡°I¡¯ll have it out with you!¡± Just as First Young Master Ning was thinking contemptuously of his little brothers¡¯ faults and how annoying they were, Ning Xiaoluo let out an enraged howl.

    It was fine that his father had babied him, and his two brothers had treated and raised him like a girl.

    It was fine that he had been teased by strangers for looking like a woman.

    It was also fine that that person with the surname Ji had thought that he was a young miss.

    But this time, he was dressed in a dragon robe and pretending to be the emperor, yet this old idiot Xie Wenyuan still used him of being ady?! Ning Xiaoluo was beyond mad. Will this f**king never end? No matter what he does, he¡¯ll always be seen as a woman?! Furious, Third Young Master Ning rushed towards Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Grand Preceptor Xie was certain that Ning Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t dare to let anyone check her body. He had assumed she wouldn¡¯t dare to be rude at the risk of being exposed. Hence, he waspletely unprepared for Third Young Master Ning¡¯s attack. Third Young Master Ning had recklessly thrown himself forward, and Grand Preceptor Xie was pushed to the ground.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stretched out her head and eximed by the pce gates. Who would¡¯ve thought that Little Luoluo had a manly side to him? He was usually the one who got beaten up!

    At first, upon seeing ¡°His Majesty¡± fight with Grand Preceptor, the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards were stunned. But after a moment, they surged forward. They had already reached the point of attacking the emperor and the pce with the Grand Preceptor. At this point, there was no turning back!

    When Shadowgale and the others saw the Grand Preceptors guards charge forward, they hurried to move in as well. The battle resumed in the blink of an eye.

    Ning Xiaoluo was throttling Grand Preceptor Xie to death. Just as Grand Preceptor Xie was about to pass out, Third Young Master Ning was kicked in the back by someone, and he tumbled onto the ground.

    Two of the Grand Preceptor¡¯s guards lifted Grand Preceptor Xie and prepared to leave.

    Shadowgale leapt from Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s side and shed one of the guards to death. Just as Ning Xiaoluo lifted his head, his face was sprayed by a spurt of blood from the guard¡¯s neck.

    ¡°She¡¯s a despicable wench pretending to be His Majesty to help Lou Zigui seize control of Yongning!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie screeched, pointing at Ning Xiaoluo.

    Despicable wench? This old idiot is still calling him a woman?

    Third Young Master Ning swiped at the blood on his face and jumped up. He threw himself onto Grand Preceptor Xie. He still wanted to strangle this old bastard!

    Shadowgale aimed his sword straight for the chest, ramming through the other guard protecting Grand Preceptor Xie.

    The guard¡¯s corpse copsed to the ground, and blood sprayed all over Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go out.¡± Ning Xiaomu ordered, stopping the Destruction Prisoner Army soldiers from going out to help.

    ¡°Third Young Master Ning is getting beaten up,¡± a Destruction Prisoner Army soldier warily reminded First Young Master Ning. Although their third young master was finally being heroic, he was still destined to get beaten up.

    Ning Xiaoluo was kicked again, and he rolled over twice on the ground. When he sat up, his face was no longer recognisable. The corners of his eyes and mouth had split open, and his cheeks were swollen and stained with blood.

    ¡°Ai ma,¡± Ning Xiaoyao covered her eyes. ¡°His face is injured again!¡±

    Ning Xiaomu grabbed a bow from an Elite Imperial Guard, and took out an arrow from its holder. When he saw that Shadowgale had already chopped down the guard who attacked Ning Xiaoluo, he lowered the bow and arrow in his hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood behind First Young Master Ning. No matter what, she didn¡¯t like to see people getting killed.

    ¡°Escort the Emperor!¡± Elder Li shrieked.

    Two troops of Elite Imperial Guards rushed out of the pce and joined the battle.

    ¡°Be careful, Your Majesty!¡± Shadowgale hauled Ning Xiaoluo up, and pushed him backwards.

    Third Young Master Ning gestured threateningly at Grand Preceptor Xie, brandishing his fists.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li yelled into Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s ear, tugging his arm.

    Ning Xiaoluo turned to look at Elder Li.

    ¡°Your Majesty, with the Dragon Guards and the Elite Imperial Guards here, why do you need to fight?¡± Elder Li advised sincerely.

    ¡°No way!¡± Ning Xiaoluo shook off Elder Li¡¯s hand. He still wanted to have it out with Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    In a sh, around ten officials surrounded Ning Xiaoluo, preventing him from putting himself in danger.

    Ning Xiaoluo shouted to let him charge forward, but the officials worked together to hold him back. Those who were aware would see that the officials were intervening to calm things down, but those who had no idea what was happening may assume the officials were ganging up on his Majesty. £¨o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s guards were helping him retreat.

    Beside his guards were the military forces he¡¯d brought into the capital. Looking at his soldiers fighting with the Dragon Guards, Grand Preceptor Xie sensed that something was wrong. Ning Yu is highly-skilled in martial arts. Even if the wretched girl didn¡¯t want to kill him today, how could she be wounded by his guards?

    She wants to increase his punishment? No, Grand Preceptor Xie shook his head. He¡¯d already revolted. The rtives of traitors would all be executed, what other crime could Ning Yu give him?

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± Ning Xiaoluo hollered at Grand Preceptor Xie.

    The chief guard¡¯s body was covered in blood, and he urgently rushed, ¡°Grand Preceptor, this servant will protect you. You should leave first!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie uttered coldly, ¡°Release the arrows and kill this wretch for me.¡±

    The chief guard was anxious beyond belief. They only had about a thousand people today; it was already not enough. If Lou Zigui appears with more troops, they wouldn¡¯t be able to escape even if they wanted to.

    ¡°Don¡¯t panic,¡± Grand Preceptor said. ¡°Release the arrows! Release the arrows for this old man!¡±

    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Ning Xiaoluo hollered. ¡°That old bastard wants to shoot me dead!¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Elder Li screamed at Shadowgale and the others. ¡°Hurry up and kill that traitor Xie Wenyuan!¡±

    Shadowgale wouldn¡¯t be able to watch out for Elder Li¡¯s safety if he had to kill the enemy. Thus, he thought of taking Elder Li back into the pce. However, he didn¡¯t dare to roar at Elder Li. Instead, he turned to the Li estate servants. ¡°Take Elder Li inside!¡± he shouted.

    ¡°Shadowgale!¡± Elder Li furiously yelled.

    The Head Commander of the Dragon Guards cut a soldier down, and the veins on his forehead popped out. Shadowgale roared, ¡°If you don¡¯t want your Elder to be hurt, take him inside!¡±

    The Li estate servants looked at Shadowgale and nearly burst into tears. What control did they have over His Excellency Elder Li?¡±

    ¡°Kill Elder Li for this old man!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie ordered.

    Elder Li stood, coldly smiling.

    The Dragon Guards and the Elite Imperial Guards:... They¡¯d never seen an old fogey so capable of causing trouble!

    ¡°Go over there,¡± First Young Master Ning ordered two Dragon Guards. ¡°Bring Elder Li in.¡±

    Hearing this, the two Dragon Guards lowered their heads and looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°How about knock him out gently and then take him home?¡± she suggested.

    The two Dragon Guards:... How are you supposed to knock out a person gently?

    ¡°If you guys don¡¯t go, are you expecting His Majesty to personally rescue Elder Li himself?¡± Ning Xiaomu¡¯s face darkened as he red at the unmoving Dragon Guards.

    ¡°Yes!¡± For some reason, First Young Master Ning¡¯s ck face frightened them. The two Dragon Guards panicked and ran out of the pce.

    ¡°Command those on the city gate towers to shoot their arrows,¡± First Young Master Ning ordered Shadowrain. ¡°Kill Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    The rebel military forces following Xie Wenyuan were in the capital. They didn¡¯t need to be afraid of hell breaking loose. In order to catch the brigands, you must first seize their king. Wasn¡¯t this the time to do so?

    First Young Master Ning looked at Shadowrain dashing towards the towers, and patted on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. He murmured, ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t fear. Soon, everything will be alright.¡±

 Chapter 292: Supreme Commander Lou is about to be bombed

    <h4>Chapter 292: Supreme Commander Lou is about to be bombed</h4>

    Shadowrain had yet to climb up the city gate tower when a ripping sound rose up from Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s position. The officials had spared no effort in their tug-of-war and ripped the dragon robe in half. On a summer day, one couldn¡¯t wear too many clothes. So once the dragon robe was torn, the undergarment slid down from Third Young Master Ning¡¯s body; leaving him standing bare-shouldered in front of everyone.

    Those who were standing closest to Ning Xiaoluo were the first to stop fighting. Gradually, the fight in front of the pce gate came to a halt. Everybody stared at Ning Xiaoluo. This is what the Grand Preceptor calls a despicable wench? Doesn¡¯t one have to be a woman before she could be considered a despicable wench?

    Grand Preceptor Xie was dumbfounded. How is this possible?

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan, what do you have to say now?¡± Grand Preceptor Xie was challenged by someone standing not far from Elder Li.

    ¡°You are not Ningyu.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered. This person can¡¯t be Ning Yu!

    ¡°You¡¯re also not Xie Wenyuan!¡± Ning Xiaoluo rebuked, ¡°Who the heck are you? State your name if you have the guts, I¡¯ll allow you to die in one piece!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie instantly raised his head to look toward the city gate tower. Is he Ning Xiaoluo? Or, did Ningyu find a young man whopletely resembles her?

    Shadowrain stood in the tower, pulled the string of his bow and released an arrow at Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Just then, the head guard apanying Grand Preceptor Xie raised his head to sight at the tower and saw Shadowrain drawing his bow. The head guard pulled Grand Preceptor Xie to the side and avoided the arrow before Shadowrain finished making his move.

    ¡°Kill him ah!¡± Ning Xiaoluo screamed at the top of his lungs when he saw the arrow hitting air.

    ¡°Protect the Grand Preceptor!¡± Grand Preceptor¡¯s head guard and his men shouted in unison.

    Standing at the pce entrance, First Young Master Ning whispered something to Shadowthunder.

    Shadowthunder looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao could hear what First Young Master Ning said to Shadowthunder. She swung her arm to give Shadowthunder the go-ahead, ¡°Listen to Big Bro Ning!¡±

    Shadowthunder sprinted out of the pce gate to Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s side and said in a booming voice, ¡°His Majesty decrees, if you give up resistance and submit to seizure now, His Majesty will pardon you all for treason!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that I was beaten up?¡± Ning Xiaoluo red at Shadowthunder. Everyone is already waving their weapons and yet you want to pardon those rebels and traitors?

    Shadowthunder nced at Ning Xiaoluo and replied in a low voice, ¡°This is an order from First Young Master Ning.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo said no more. If he didn¡¯t listen to his big brother, he¡¯d suffer a fate worse than death.

    Grand Preceptor Xie saw that many of his men stood still in response to the decree, so he ordered, ¡°Go.¡±

    The head guard hastened to crouch down, letting Grand Preceptor Xie climb on his back before they set out to leave.

    Shadowgale wanted to take men and give pursue, but Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s troops started to swing their des at the officials standing at the side. After the news of the emperor¡¯s death from assassination spread out, all of the court officials had gathered at the pce entrance. Earlier, the rebel troops, the Elite Imperial Guards and the Dragon Guards hadn¡¯t bothered to pay attention to these frail and unarmed officials. But now that the rebels troops had suddenly turned target to chop at these officials, the other two forces were rendered in a momentary stupor.

    ¡°Quick,¡± First Young Master Ning¡¯s expression turned grave as hemanded, ¡°Go rescue them!¡±

    In order to gain power over the country, one heavily relied on military generals. Simrly, schr officials were essential to governing a country.

    There was no way First Young Master Ning could stand by and watch while the court officials were being massacred.

    ¡°Bastard!¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t suppress her rage any longer. She used a handkerchief to cover up her face before dashing out of the pce.

    Since Ning Xiaomu had focused all of his attention on the court officials, he didn¡¯t notice Ning Xiaoyao slipping away. By the time he realized Ning Xiaoyao had ran outside the pce gate, it was impossible to stop her even if he wanted to.

    When the Dragon Guards protecting Ning Xiaoyao noticed their emperor had rushed out of the pce, they hurriedly drew their swords and chased after her.

    The Destruction Prisoner Army soldiers clenched tightly onto their weapons, but without an order from their first young master, they didn¡¯t dare to run after her.

    ¡°Endure.¡± Ning Xiaomu told them, his gaze fixed at the outer side of the pce entrance.

    Outside of the pce gate, everyone was in the midst of a chaotic battlefield. No one noticed a masked little miss wearing floral dress hurling out from inside. When Ning Xiaoyao passed by the bare-shouldered Ning Xiaoluo, Ji Yuerong was sheltering him as she escorted him inside away from the gate. Ning Xiaoyao took a quick nce at them before she headed towards the direction of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s escape.

    ¡°D-do we keep shooting?¡± On the city gate tower, an Elite Imperial Guard asked Shadowrain.

    Shadowrain dropped his bow and wiped his face. His Majesty and his men have closed up on Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s group. How are they supposed to shoot?

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to catch up to Grand Preceptor Xie when she overheard thetter¡¯s conversation with one of his guards.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, Lou Zigui is almost at the front street. Our men are in ce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao halted her steps. Their men are in ce? What does that mean?

    ¡°Stop!¡± shouted a Dragon Guard.

    Ning Xiaoyao regained her wits and dashed forward. She stretched out her hand and aimed at Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s head. She wanted to pull Grand Preceptor over by grabbing his hair.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± The little sparrow Wheat finally found Ning Xiaoyao among the crowd. Wheat didn¡¯t have time to worry about public eyes as hended on top of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head and chirped, ¡°Not good, Xiaoyao, the Grand Preceptor has smuggled cannons into the city!"

    Ning Xiaoyao: ¦²(¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ, Cannons exist in this world?

    Wheat continued, ¡°Just right on the front street. I heard those bad guys say they want to kill Supreme Commander, chirp!"

    They wanna use the cannon to st Supreme Commander?

    Ning Xiaoyao began to panic. No matter how capable she was at saving lives, she wouldn¡¯t be able to save Supreme Commander if he was bombarded into pieces of meat. Ning Xiaoyao asked Wheat, ¡°Where on the front street?

    ¡°Head straight from here.¡± Wheat showed Ning Xiaoyao the direction.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back to kill you!¡± Ning Xiaoyao dropped cruel words as she passed by Grand Preceptor Xie. After that, she sped off at an insane speed.

    The Dragon Guards following Ning Xiaoyao were bbergasted. Grand Preceptor Xie was right here in front of their eyes, what did their emperor run off to do now?

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet kicked up currents of air as she ran like mad to the front street, only to discover that this was the long street facing the imperial pce. At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t see a single little animal on this street, let alone a human being. The scene evoked a sense of nostalgia as it reminded her of those abandoned towns back in the apocalypse.

    ¡°The bad guys are right upfront.¡± Wheat flew ahead to lead the way.

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head to listen. There were sounds of horse hoovesing down the street, as well as the sounds of breathing from every building on the street. It seemed that everyone was hiding in their houses.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Wheat yelped. Ning Xiaoyao ran forward along with Wheat.

    ¡°Why are there sounds of fighting again?¡± At the crossroad of the front street, Deng Rong was talking to Lou Zigui, ¡°Did they resume the battle?¡±

    Lou Zigui scanned the long, empty street in front of him. This long street had a 90 degree corner that separated it in two halves. Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t see the upper half along which Ning Xiaoyao was running with all her life. He could only hear the screams and shouts echoing from the imperial pce.

    ¡°This street is too damn quiet.¡± Deng Rong muttered to Lou Zigui. There were still sights of people on the roads when they¡¯d passed by, but there wasn¡¯t a single person on this front street.

    Lou Zigui unsheathed his sword and instructed his subordinates, ¡°Be careful. If you see Xie Wenyuan, kill him."

    Deng Rong immediately confirmed, ¡°We can kill Xie Wenyuan now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lou Zigui replied with a single word before he urged his horse down the street.

    Deng Rong and the rest followed closely. They were all thrilled at the thought that they could finally kill Xie Wenyuan today.

    When they were about to reach the street corner, a person from the highest story of a restaurant suddenly shouted out loud, ¡°Lou Zigui!¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t stop his horse. If he stopped now, it would only give his opponent the chance to kill him.

    ¡°Watch out for horse-trapping rope!¡± Deng Rong reminded the soldiers behind him in a loud voice.

    Gradually, the sound of cart wheels smashing down the square-stone street echoed from the other side of the corner. From the sound alone, Lou Zigui¡¯s party instantly knew that the cart carried some heavy object.

    Meanwhile, Lord Protector and his cavalry had arrived at the crossroad of the front street.

    ¡°Lord Protector, Supreme Commander is up ahead.¡± A military officer reported to Lord Protector the instant he caught sight of Lou Zigui¡¯s group.

    ¡°Go.¡± Lord Protector led his troops into the long street as well.

    At this moment, Lou Zigui saw a round, pitch ck hole peeking out its head from the blind side of the street corner.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Lou Zigui abruptly pulled on the reins.

    Little Red let out a loud neigh and reared straight upon being pulled at.

    ¡°Retreat!¡± Lou Zigui gave order in a booming voice, his body remained steady even when his horse was rearing almost vertically.

    Deng Rong also saw the cannon¡¯s mouth from right behind Lou Zigui. However, he didn¡¯t immediately stop his horse. Instead, Deng Rong only pulled on the reins after his horse had passed by Lou Zigui. He wanted to shield Lou Zigui with his body.

    ¡°Go!¡± Lou Zigui shrieked. The instant Lou Zigui heard sounds of horse hoovesing from behind, he screamed without knowing who wasing.

    Lord Protector hastened to stop his horse as well.

    From the corner, several soldiers wheeled out a cannon -the kind that was used in raiding cities.

    ¡°F**k!¡± Lord Protector instinctively turned his horse around.

    Deng Rong threw his sword and urately nailed the soldier nearest to the cannon touch hole onto the ground. However, another soldier immediately moved towards the touch hole with a fire source and ignited the fuse.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, go!¡± Deng Rong hollered at Lou Zigui.

    Sparks flew from the fuse and emitted sizzling sounds.

    Lou Zigui took a quick nce at the fuse, which was obviously cut off (to shorten the ignition time), ¡°Charge forward!¡± Lou Zigui ordered. As long as they got behind the cannon¡¯s back, they¡¯d be safe.

    ¡°Lord Protector!¡± a soldier from Lord Protector¡¯s troops cried out in terror.

    Behind Lord Protector, another cannon was being wheeled out by some soldiers, its cut-short fuse was also emitting sparkles.

    Lord Protector gave up all hope. Charging forward or retreating would make no difference anymore.

    Deng Rong wanted to dash over and kill all of the soldiers wheeling the cannon. However, there were also men shooting from the highest floors of the shops on both sides of the street, forcibly stopping Deng Rong from moving forward.

    Right at this time, Ning Xiaoyao appeared from the other side of the corner.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s face was unchanged even when he saw the cannon fuse close to burning up. But the instant he saw Ning Xiaoyao running out from the corner, his expression faltered in the blink of an eye. He was anxious to call out but not a sound came out of his throat.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have time to check who was here at the moment. She dashed to the cannon, lifted it up and hurled it at the cannon on the other end of the street.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t spare a single ounce of her strength this time. As soon as she threw off the cannon, she sat down on the ground in exhaustion.

    The cannon soared across the long street and smashed down on the cannon at the crossroad with precision, making a deafening sound. Right after that, the two ignited cannons fired consecutively onto the ground.

    Boom!

    Thundering sounds of explosion echoed from deep underneath as the ground quaked violently, taking ten buildings down with it. The people inside didn¡¯t have time to run and were all buried underneath the copsed buildings.

    Ning Xiaoyao heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that the cannons hadn¡¯t sessfully bombarded anyone to death. But when she stood up from the ground, she spat out so much blood that it formed a puddle on the ground.

    Ai ma! Prior to losing her consciousness, Ning Xiaoyao thought to herself. She has used up all her umted energy from her happy eating since arriving into this world...

 Chapter 293: His Majesty Ning fainted

    <h4>Chapter 293: His Majesty Ning fainted</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao lost consciousness.

    Lou Zigui leaped off his horse and ran. He made it just in time to scoop Ning Xiaoyao into his embrace. The entire process happened in a blur. He had leaped off his horse, ran, and embrace the person in his arms without truly processing any of his thoughts. Right now, he was half kneeling on the ground holding a motionless Ning Xiaoyao. It was as if he had lost consciousness as well. Lou Zigui remained half-knelt and motionless.

    Another muffled sound came from deep underground. The ground shook violently. Suddenly, quite a few buildings toppled on the street. The ground began to split open from the hole where the cannon had sunk.

    Lord Protector was no longer on his horse. He led his troops and bolted to Lou Zigui. When he saw that the ground was splitting open, he quickly bellowed at the dazed Deng Rong. "Take His Majesty and the Supreme Commander away now!"

    Deng Rong was startled by the Lord Protector''s cry and came back to his senses. He scuttered to where Lou Zigui was kneeling.

    Lou Zigui could sense that someone was approaching him. He instinctively reacted by raising his hand and brandishing a knife to chop at the individual.

    If Deng Rong hadn''t retreated quickly, he would have been hacked in two. "Su-Supreme Commander?!" Deng Rong shouted at Lou Zigui.

    With one hand, Lou Zigui swung his de and used it to hack at anyone that came near him. His other hand was still tightly gripping onto Ning Xiaoyao. Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even look at Deng Rong. The whole time, his head was attentively looking down on Ning Xiaoyao.

    "Run ah! The ground is splitting open!" When Lord Protector saw the cracks on the ground rapidly approaching Lou Zigui, he frantically shrieked, "Lou Zigui, don''t you want to live?!"

    ¡°Supreme Commander!¡± Deng Rong was also screaming.

    Lou Zigui lifted his head and stared at Deng Rong.

    When Deng Rong and the soldiers ran over, they were stunned once again. Supreme Commander had such a helpless expression on his face. His eyes were reddened as if he was about to cry. "You.." Deng Rong''s voice trembled. He had seen Lou Zigui like this once. At that time, the news of the death of an army marshal and the three major generals had arrived back to city of ck Frost. After receiving the news of their death, Lou Zigui had the exact same expression. "How is His Majesty?" Deng Rong attempted to get closer to Lou Zigui. He had to see His Majesty¡¯s condition with his very own eyes.

    Lou Zigui no longer brandished his sword at Deng Rong but shifted to the side to shield Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, check to see if His Majesty is ok!?¡± Deng Rong had no choice but to halt his steps. He yelled at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Do all of you want to die?¡± Lord Protector¡¯s cries rang again. This time, his tone was even more urgent and restless. ¡°Run ah!¡±

    ¡°Ugh,¡± At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao groaned in Lou Zigui¡¯s embrace.

    Hearing this, Lou Zigui hurriedly looked down at Ning Xiaoyao again.

    ¡°Lou Zigui!¡± Lord Protector was shouting himself hoarse.

    As the ground continued to split open, Deng Rong wanted to throw himself on Lou Zigui and push Supreme Commander and His Majesty to the side. However, he was tightly restrained by the soldiers behind him. They had surrounded him like a ball as they all tumbled to the corner of the road.

    When the ground beneath him caved in suddenly, Lou Zigui fell down the crack while holding Ning Xiaoyao in his arms.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened her eyes in a daze. She felt as if she was falling down from a high elevation. Looking at the sky above, Ning Xiaoyao wondered how the blue sky was getting farther and farther away from her. Something¡¯s wrong! When a pebble struck her right in the face, Ning Xiaoyao woke up. She is really falling down, ah!

    Lou Zigui curled up his body to protect Ning Xiaoyao in his embrace.

    "Supreme Commander!" Deng Rong sprinted from the corner of the road to the crack on the ground. Heid down on his stomach and roared. If the soldiers from behind hadn¡¯t rushed to stop him, General Deng would have already jumped into the pit.

    ¡°Your Majesty?!¡± By now, Lord Protector had also finally stumbled to the crack that was as huge as a tunnel.

    On such a cloudy day, the lighting was very poor. Since the crack was too deep, Deng Rong and Lord Protector bothid on their stomach and peered down. Their eyes narrowed to slits. They could not see the bottom at all, let alone the two people who had fallen into it.

    "F-find a rope!" Lord Protector ordered the soldiers nearby.

    Deng Rong agitatedly red at Lord Protector and eximed in a rage. "You¡¯re busy looking for a rope during a moment like this?"

    "It¡¯s for tying around the waist!" Lord Protector roared back at Deng Rong. "If you don''t fasten a rope around the waist and have people pull on it, how will anyone get down there? Do you have the skills to jump down?!"

    General Deng was silenced by Lord Protector¡¯s roar.

    "Don''t jump down," Lord Protector thought about it and yelled at Deng Rong. "If you jump down, I¡¯ll have to find a way to save you too!"

    General Deng was just about to jump into the crack...

    Inside the crack, Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes at Lou Zigui and asked, "What''s going on?" Lou Zigui was on top of her.

    When Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth and heard her voice, she was startled. When did her voice change to this?

    She sounded like a dying person with no strength left.

    The bottom of the pit was very quiet. As a result, it made Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice appear much louder than it actually was. Nheless, Lou Zigui still ced a hand underneath Ning Xiaoyao''s nose to check if there was breathing. Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t convinced Miss Ning was still alive until he felt the air on the back of his hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily cleared her throat. She smacked Lou Zigui¡¯s hand away. "Why don¡¯t you say something?"

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand caressed Ning Xiaoyao''s face again. Ning Xiaoyao''s face looked like a squishy meaty steam bun, but Lou Zigui¡¯s palm wasrge enough to cover most of her face. "Are you wounded?" Lou Zigui whispered.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes blinked. Was she beaten up and thrown down here?

    "You can''t talk?" Lou Zigui anxiously asked again.

    "Oh my God!" Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui. Her dizzy brain was back to normal. She had passed out from throwing the cannon away!

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Lou Zigui became even more restless when Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t answer him. He started to touch around to check Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s body for injuries.

    However, Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from the ground and knocked against Lou Zigui. But almost instantaneously, His Majesty Ning felt no strength in her legs and sat back down on her butt again. She stared at Lou Zigui. ¡°Did the cannon explode? Is anyone injured?¡±

    Lou Zigui sat and observed Ning Xiaoyao for a moment before uttering, ¡°You¡¯re fine?¡±

    ¡°Eh, I¡¯m alright.¡±

    ¡°Then howe you fainted?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. She admitted out of embarrassment. ¡°If I use too much strength and go over my limit, I would faint.¡±

    ¡°Come,¡± Ning Xiaoyao beckoned at Lou Zigui. ¡°Let me see your...¡±

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could finish her sentence, Lou Zigui appeared in front of her and directly took her into his arms. Talking to this girl only gives him a headache. It would be better to hug her instead and set his mind to rest.

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her hand and patted Lou Zigui on the back. Hm, there¡¯s nothing wrong with Supreme Commander Lou, but his heart is beating a little too fast.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to help return his heartbeat back to normal, but the moment she attempted to use her super abilities, she started to ck out again. Ning Xiaoyao instantly stopped and didn¡¯t dare to continue.

    ¡°Howe you suddenly fainted?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk,¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Even if you tell me, I won¡¯t understand.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was confused. What¡¯s the point of asking if you won¡¯t let me talk?

    ¡°Later, let Imperial Physician Gao take a look at you.¡± Lou Zigui continued.

    ¡°Imperial Physician Gao¡¯s skills are not as good as mine...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk,¡± Lou Zigui still wouldn¡¯t let Ning Xiaoyao speak.

    Fine. I won¡¯t say anything then. Ning Xiaoyao kept her mouth shut.

    After Lou Zigui embraced Ning Xiaoyao for a bit longer, he suddenly exploded in anger. "Why didn¡¯t you dodge when you saw the cannon? Why didn¡¯t you try to avoid it?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn''t keep silent anymore. "You expected me to watch while you guys get sted?"

    "Don¡¯t you know that you could die?" Lou Zigui was still furious.

    "How could I die?" Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Lou Zigui. "Aren¡¯t we alive and living fine right now?"

    "You were unconscious!" Lou Zigui red at Ning Xiaoyao.

    "Mm," Ning Xiaoyao admitted her inadequacy. "I will train harder to toughen up in the future."

    Lou Zigui wished he could beat up the girl in his arms to teach her a lesson. His facial expression was grim. ¡°How do you n to train? Are you going to run into battle to kill the enemy?¡±

    "Ah? Based on my current strength and abilities, it should be enough to fight and kill our enemies in battle, right!?"

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words irritated Lou Zigui again. He massaged his forehead. How could her strength be enough?

    "Then, what? Shall we continue sitting on the ground?" Ning Xiaoyao tugged on Lou Zigui¡¯s sleeve.

    "You¡¯re really ok?" asked Lou Zigui.

    The light was dim at the bottom the pit. Lou Zigui¡¯s hair bun was a little askew. A few strands of hair fell and concealed his face. Ning Xiaoyao half knelt and used her hand to brush the hair to the side. Lou Zigui¡¯s face was pale and his lips were trembling slightly. In addition, his eyes were bloodshot. Ning Xiaoyao frowned. She touched his eyes and asked, "Supreme Commander, what¡¯s wrong with you,?"

    Lou Zigui did not respond. He didn¡¯t know what was wrong with him either, except that he was in a foul mood.

    Ning Xiaoyao touched Lou Zigui''s eyes, and suddenly came to a realization. "Supreme Commander, were you frightened because I lost consciousness?"

    Lou Zigui pulled down Ning Xiaoyao''s hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao urged, "Were you?"

    The underground was quiet. On the contrary, the incessant noise above the ground seemed to have nothing to do with the two people below.

    "That¡¯s right." Lou Zigui admitted after a long pause. He intently gazed at Ning Xiaoyao. "You scared me."

    "Eh," Ning Xiaoyao dug her nails into her palms. She frightened her man. What should she do?

    "Immediately after you said I¡¯m your true love, something happened to you." Lou Zigui whispered.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and continued to dig her fingers into her palms. She still hadn¡¯t figured out what to do.

    "What does true love mean?" Lou Zigui suddenly changed the topic.

    "It means I am fond of you. Umm..you¡¯re my beloved. What else..."

    "Alright, I understand." Lou Zigui interrupted Ning Xiaoyao''s words again.

    Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head and analyzed Lou Zigui¡¯s expression. "When I said you were my true love, did those words scare you?"

    Lou Zigui:...

    Since Lou Zigui didn¡¯t respond, Ning Xiaoyao immediately added, "Well, then pretend I never said anything." This type of stuff required mutual consent. It wasn¡¯t something that could be forced. Although deep down Xiaoyao was unhappy, she considered herself a very reasonable person.

    "Pretend you never said anything?" Lou Zigui hotlyughed.

    Ning Xiaoyao still had a bit of observation skills. She could sense that Lou Zigui¡¯sughter was not a happy one. So, she responded, ¡°Then you speak and I¡¯ll listen.¡±

    Perhaps it was the dark or the fact that there weren¡¯t anyone else around, or maybe it was because Ning Xiaoyao had fainted today, Lou Zigui actually expressed the thoughts that were deep within his heart.

    Lou Zigui gazed at Ning Xiaoyao and said, "I am the star of misfortune. My curse may lead to your death."

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t utter a word.

    ¡°What if you died because of my curse?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    ¡°I am the star of misfortune,¡± Lou Zigui repeated.

    ¡°Star of misfortune your sister! ¡° Ning Xiaoyao muttered furiously. She cupped Lou Zigui¡¯s chin with both hands. ¡°This bullshit can¡¯t even fool ghosts and yet you believe it? I told you I¡¯m fine and I threw a cannon. A cannon, ah! Do you have any idea how heavy a cannon is?¡±

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 Chapter 294: His Majesty says, â€œSupreme Commander wonâ€™t let me speak!â€

    <h4>Chapter 294: His Majesty says, ¡°Supreme Commander won¡¯t let me speak!¡±</h4>

    All of Lou Zigui¡¯s thoughts were upied by his concerns for Ning Xiaoyao. How would he have any idea how much a cannon weighs?

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head and swung her limbs. She could feel some of her energy replenishing. Thus, she decided to disprove the im of Supreme Commander Lou being the star of misfortune. ¡°To prove that I¡¯m fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered, ¡°I will destroy the ground again for you to see.¡±

    Lou Zigui eximed, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Patting the ground beneath her feet, Ning Xiaoyao murmured, ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any water under this, right?¡± If water starts gushing out after she smashes the ground, the streets would be flooded and she would havemitted a sin.

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao patting the floor. How¡¯s he supposed to know whether there¡¯s water underneath or not?

    Ning Xiaoyao attempted to listen for any sounds of water underneath her feet but didn¡¯t hear anything. There shouldn¡¯t be an underground river. So, Ning Xiaoyao adjusted her sleeves and prepared herself to smash.

    ¡°You just fainted from over-exhaustion and you still want to destroy the ground?¡± Lor Zigui reacted quickly this time and immediately pulled Ning Xiaoyao into his embrace.

    Ning Xiaoyao retorted, ¡°You keep saying you¡¯re the star of misfortune. How can I rid you of your sadness if I don¡¯t prove I have the strength of a bull?¡±

    Strength akin to a bull, Lou Zigui looked at the girl in his arms. Are there anydies out there who would use those words to describe themselves in such a forceful manner? ¡°I¡¯m not upset.¡± Lou Zigui denied.

    ¡°I¡¯m not blind.¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Did I cry?¡± asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°No ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui¡¯s face. Although his eyes looked red, there were no sign of tears.

    Lou Zigui countered, ¡°How could I be upset if I didn¡¯t cry?¡±

    ¡°Are you taking me for a fool? I¡¯m also upset but I didn¡¯t cry either!¡± Ning Xiaoyao allowed Lou Zigui to look into her eyes.

    ¡°What are you upset about?¡± Lou Zigui questioned.

    ¡°Oh my goodness. Did you think that I would be like ¡®hehehe¡¯ when you called yourself the star of misfortune?¡± Ning Xiaoyao faked augh at Lou Zigui. ¡°You think I would be happy to hear that?¡±

    It¡¯s because of me? Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Stop hugging me.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the hand Lou Zigui had around her. ¡°I¡¯ll prove to you that I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m at fault for saying the wrong things.¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t loosen his grip as he lowered his head and whispered to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao was suspicious. ¡°So quick to admit your wrongdoings? Supreme Commander, do you truly understand what you¡¯ve done wrong?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t reply and instead kissed Ning Xiaoyao on the lips.

    Kissing and hugging in the dark made the atmosphere very intense. Originally, Lou Zigui was starting to revert back to normal. But now, his body was starting to tremble.

    Supreme Commander is still unstable?

    Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t sure but also didn¡¯t ask. She continued to hug Lou Zigui and pat his back lightly. I can¡¯t faint in front of Supreme Commander Lou anymore. If it happens a few more times, Supreme Commander Lou may actually develop an illness from it! So it turns out that Supreme Commander Lou isn¡¯t as strong as he appears to be. He also has fears ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao set herself a life goal. If she were to ever faint again, she would run to a ce where Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t see her before she faints.

    ¡°Xiaoyao.¡± Lou Zigui hugged Ning Xiaoyao tightly and whispered.

    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Lou Zigui on the back.

    After a long time, Lou Zigui finally released Xiaoyao. He sat upright and made eye contact with her.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Ning Xiaoyao poked Lou Zigui¡¯s face.

    Lou Zigui seemed to have calm down. After getting his face poked by Ning Xiaoyao, Lou Zigui caressed her eyes. ¡°Your eyes are so unfocused. Your pupils keep swirling around. What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought about it. She decided it was probably better she kept her life goal to herself. After all, she wouldn¡¯t know what to do if Supreme Commander became too touched by it. What would she do if he turns unstable again? (Author: Supreme Commander will not be touched. Supreme Commander would want to beat you up instead...)

    ¡°Your Majesty? Supreme Commander?¡± Shouts echoed from above.

    ¡°People areing.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stated.

    Lou Zigui lifted his head and saw Deng Rong climbing down the side of the cracked ground with a rope tied around his waist.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, how are you and Your Majesty?¡± Deng Rong shouted with all his might.

    ¡°We are fine ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°It¡¯s just that Supreme Commander is upset.¡±

    After hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice, Deng Rong finally calmed down. His Majesty is alright! As for their Supreme Commander, he¡¯s rarely ever happy. So it¡¯s not that strange he¡¯s in a bad mood.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to continue talking but Lou Zigui covered her mouth. This girl would have no bad points if she spoke a little less.

    After Deng Rong reached the ground, Lou Zigui released his hand and stopped hugging Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty, what just happened to you?¡± General Deng looked Ning Xiaoyao up and down.

    ¡°Oh, I exhausted myself by throwing the cannon. So, I fainted.¡± Ning Xiaoyao honestly replied.

    Deng Rong opened his mouth but didn¡¯t know how to carry on the conversation.

    ¡°Continue the conversationter. Let¡¯s head up first.¡± Lou Zigui spoke and took a step forward, blocking Deng Rong¡¯s view. Supreme Commander Lou was not pleased when he saw Deng Rong looking up and down at Miss Ning.

    Deng Rong urgently shouted above him, ¡°Throw down two more ropes. His Majesty and Supreme Commander are fine.¡±

    ¡°The Buddha blesses us.¡± Lord Protector began to recite some Buddhist chants on ground level.

    Ning Xiaoyao tried to gather her strength but failed. She sullenly turned to Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, I won¡¯t be able to carry you back up with me this time.¡±

    Deng Rong was bewildered. ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯ve carried our Supreme Commander before? Where did you guys climb to?¡±

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could respond, Lou Zigui patted Deng Rong on the shoulder. ¡°You head up first. Be careful.¡±

    Deng Rong was used to following Lou Zigui¡¯s orders. The moment Lou Zigui told him to head up first, he began to climb without questioning anything. In fact, he didn¡¯t even ask what would happen to His Majesty if he were to go up first.

    Lou Zigui squatted down in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Get on.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Supreme Commander, you¡¯re going to carry me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll carry you up. Last time you carried me up the cliff to see the sunrise. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, I¡¯ll carry you to the summit to watch the sunrise.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought about her weight. Although she was tiny, she wasn¡¯t just a few grams? ¡°I¡¯m scared that you won¡¯t be able to move with me on your back.¡± Emperor Ning stated very unromantically and ruined the atmosphere.

    At this point, as long as Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t exhaust herself to the point of passing out, Lou Zigui wouldn¡¯t lose his temper. ¡°Hurry and get on.¡± he urged. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious to know the condition of our streets?¡±

    Right after hepleted his sentence, Lou Zigui felt the weight on his back increase. Miss Ning had climbed on.

    Lou Zigui pulled the long rope that had been thrown down from above and tied Ning Xiaoyao and himself together. Then, he wrapped the rope multiple times around their waists. Lou Zigui started to climb to the top with Ning Xiaoyao on his back.

    Ning Xiaoyao wrapped her arms around Lou Zigui¡¯s neck. She whispered, ¡°If you can¡¯t move with me on your back, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°I am capable of carrying you.¡± Lou Zigui unhappily rebutted. ¡°Hug me properly.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because I can tell you¡¯re struggling.¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t talk.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s body slid down a little. Fortunately, he managed to grab a rock that was sticking out just in time. Or else, the two of them would¡¯ve fallen back down.

    Ning Xiaoyao helped wipe Lou Zigui¡¯s sweat that was forming across his forehead. She closed her mouth and didn¡¯t say anything.

    When Deng Rong reached the top, Lord Protector stared at him. ¡°You came up alone?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander told me toe up first.¡±

    Lord Protector looked into the crevice and saw Lou Zigui carrying Ning Xiaoyao while climbing up. ¡°Supreme Commander is carrying His Majesty up. Couldn¡¯t you have assisted him on the side?¡±

    Deng Rong:...he didn¡¯t think of that.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Lord Protector sprawled on the ground and shouted into the crack.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Supreme Commander won¡¯t let me speak.¡±

    Everyone in the vicinity fell silent. How were they supposed to continue this conversation? Were they supposed to condemn Supreme Commander Lou for speaking up against His Majesty? He deserved to be executed?

    Lord Protector sprawled on the ground and hesitated for a while before asking Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, His Majesty is fine right?¡±

    Everyone:...So Lord Protector thinks that Supreme Commander made the right move in not letting His Majesty speak?

    ¡°His Majesty is fine. I also want you to stop talking to me.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice could be heard echoing from the crevice.

    The crowd was still speechless. Supreme Commander Lou wouldn¡¯t let His Majesty or Lord Protector speak.

    ¡°Our Supreme Commander is in a bad mood.¡± Everyone was staring at Deng Rong. Deng Rong couldn¡¯t handle the pressure and tried to speak up for Supreme Commander. ¡°When he¡¯s in a bad mood, he doesn¡¯t like to hear other people speak.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s His Majesty ah!¡± a soldier quietly muttered.

    Everyone continued to stare at Deng Rong. His Majesty cannot speak because his subject was in a foul mood? That¡¯spletely unheard of!

    Deng Rong thought about it and also felt that their Supreme Commander was being too overbearing. Since things couldn¡¯t get any worse, he added. ¡°His Majesty is happy to listen to Supreme Commander. What can I do about it?¡±

    ¡°Just shut up.¡± Lord Protector sighed. If he allowed this guy to continue the conversation, Supreme Commander may end up implicated even if he was fine initially. What kind of subject makes His Majesty follows his orders? Does Lou Zigui want to be the second Xie Wenyuan?

    Deng Rong went to crouch off to the side.

    Perspiration dripped down from Lou Zigui¡¯s cheek to his chin. Then, it dripped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Tired?¡± Ning Xiaoyao softly asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Not tired.¡± Lou Zigui stopped to take a deep breath before replying to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Hold me tight and don¡¯t let go.¡±

    ¡°The rope is tied anyway. Even if I let go, I wouldn¡¯t be able to run away. Don¡¯t worry, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Lou Zigui continued to climb towards the top. Above the ground, someone was carefully pulling the rope to try to ease the climb for Lou Zigui. ¡°In the future, I will use the rope to tie you by my side.¡± Lou Zigui said to Ning Xiaoyao while climbing. ¡°Everytime I lose sight of you, you always get in trouble.¡±

    ¡°Hey hey!¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s words turned Ning Xiaoyao grumpy. ¡°I prevented a tragedy because I showed up just in time, ok?¡±

    Lou Zigui kept silent for a moment before responding to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°That was a siege cannon. Unless the person nned to massacre everyone in a captured city, it wouldn¡¯t be used. I didn¡¯t think...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao covered Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth and wouldn¡¯t let him continue. ¡°Stop telling me that you¡¯re useless ah. I don¡¯t like to hear it. How could we, as normal human beings, know Grand Preceptor would be evil to this degree?¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t speak because his mouth was covered. Thus, he could only make a soft sound of assent.

    Only then did Ning Xiaoyao move her hand away.

    ¡°I also have no idea when he had transported the cannons into the capital.¡± Lou Zigui muttered.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? He must have hidden these two cannons in the capital long ago. Perhaps, they were what he had to rely on to survive.¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu didn¡¯t say anything about it.¡±

    ¡°Great General Chen probably has no idea. Old man Xie is rotten to the core.¡±

    When they had almost reached the top, Lou Zigui suddenly mentioned another matter to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°There must still be Xie Wenyuan¡¯s spies in the city barracks. Even when the previous emperor was in power, Xie Wenyuan couldn¡¯t have secretly hidden the cannons. If he had prepared those two cannons ahead of time, they must be hidden within the imperial pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao instantly felt agitated and stressed. Does this mean there¡¯s another spy they have yet to capture?

    ------ Come back tomorrow for teaser 295! (By the way, I''m not torturing you guys on purpose lol. The chapters are so long and it takes me forever to get through them. Usually there are around 10-12 pages including the raws *each page takes me 5-15 minutes depending on the trantor. I have topare each line to make sure it''s urate. I also rewrite it if it doesn''t flow well in English. So you can imagine how long it takes me to finish ONE chapter. This isn''t even including the time that my helpers take to trante. So each chapter takes roughly 5-6 hours of work!!!!)

 Chapter 295: Supreme Commander says, promise me

    <h4>Chapter 295: Supreme Commander says, promise me</h4>

    ¡°When we are back on ground level, we should head back to the pce, Supreme Commander. I don¡¯t know if Grand Preceptor has captured Windy and the rest...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao cut herself off halfway. From Lou Zigui¡¯s back, she could see the street ahead of her. His Majesty Ning¡¯s vision turned dark, and she nearly passed out on the spot.

    ¡°Xiao- Your Majesty?¡± When Lou Zigui put Ning Xiaoyao down, he noticed her expression was off and quickly patted her face.

    ¡°This... H-how did it turn out like this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuttered.

    The street was split vertically in half by a long, zig-zagging fissure. The houses on the street were either toppling or extremely damaged. While there hadn¡¯t been anyone on the streets just moments ago, a lot of people were now standing together. However, they were all too shocked to speak, as if they¡¯d gotten aphasia.

    ¡°The cannon exploded when it hit the ground,¡± Deng Rong ran to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    ¡°No way? There were only two cannons, how did they blow everything up like this?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Lord Protector nudged Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arm, gesturing to the opposite end of the fissure.

    There was a group of soldiers standing on the opposite end. At their feet were severalrge wooden crates, which were all utched. Ning Xiaoyao was stunned upon seeing the dark lumps within. ¡°What are those? Bombs?¡±

    ¡°What kind of toy is a ¡®bomb¡¯? Those are cannon balls, they have gunpowder inside.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Deng Rong, stony-faced. She had underestimated this world. Cannons and gunpowder are actually invented by ancient people? (Author: Who can you me for your bad grasp of history? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o )

    ¡°There were several crates of gunpowder that came in with the cannons. They all exploded.¡±

    ¡°Thank God it didn¡¯t splitpletely,¡± Lord Protector remarked.

    His words weren¡¯tforting at all to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Why isn¡¯t anyone saying anything?¡±

    Lord Preceptor thought for a while. ¡°They¡¯re traumatized and have lost their minds.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    ¡°Your Majesty, how heavy of a pot can you carry?¡± Lord Preceptor observed at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s thin arms and legs. How could this little emperor lift a cannon to smash another cannon, and even rammed the two cannons into the ground? How much strength does he have? Those were siege cannons!

    ¡°By pot you mean a vat?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned stern. ¡°Lord Preceptor, you wanna discuss about vats at this time? Even if I lifted all the vats above my head from the capital, would Grand Preceptor Xie be done for?¡±

    Lord Protector was stunned by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. He¡¯s asking about his strength, what does it have to do with vats?

    ¡°We¡¯re returning back to the pce.¡± Lou Zigui dragged Ning Xiaoyao away. This wasn¡¯t the time to worry about how strong Miss Ning was.

    ¡°Your Majesty, why are there teeth marks on your lips?¡± In Lord Protector¡¯s opinion, those marks couldn¡¯t have been made by His Majesty.

    Ning Xiaoyao touched her lips. ¡°There are teeth marks? Really?¡±

    Lou Zigui stiffened. The marks on her lips were made by him.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Lord Protector asked.

    ¡°Do those count as injuries?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Why do you care so much? The whole street has been destroyed. Lord Protector, you¡¯re still in the mood to stand here and talk?¡±

    Lord Protector was confused. He¡¯d just asked why His Majesty¡¯s lips had teeth marks, how had he provoked Lou Zigui?

    ¡°What about those ten or so men from Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side?¡± Lou Zigui questioned.

    ¡°We killed them. They were going to run, so I ordered them to be killed. Why in the world are you so angry?¡±

    ¡°Arrange for some soldiers to rescue people.¡± Lou Zigui crisply replied.

    ¡°You want me to divide the troops to rescue people now?¡± Lord Protector could care less about how he had offended Lou Zigui. He lowered his voice, ¡°You can still hear the fighting from the pce here.¡±

    ¡°Save the people,¡± Lou Zigui repeated firmly. ¡°His Majesty won¡¯t want to see his citizens die.¡±

    In order to gain the support of the citizens? Lord Protector nodded, and gestured for some of his troops to step forward. ¡°Go to the barracks and transfer the rest of the troops here to help rescue the citizens.¡±

    Finally, they heard sounds of weepinging from the streets. Three youths were crying for their parents, and scrabbling at the rubble before them.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook off Lou Zigui¡¯s hand, and dashed to them.

    Two hands appeared from under the broken wall, sped together. The skin on the man¡¯s hand had split apart, revealing the bone, while the woman¡¯s hand had beenpletely protected by the man, and was only marked slightly by some ash.

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out to touch these two hands.

    The three youths had no idea who Ning Xiaoyao was, but upon seeing her touch their parents¡¯ hands, turned to look at her hopefully. At this time, no matter who hade, they hoped to receive some help.

    Ning Xiaoyao backed away, she looked devastated. The couple was dead.

    The three youths stared nkly at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head as if she hadmitted a crime. She didn¡¯t dare to make eye contact with the three youths. If she¡¯d flung the cannon off this street, would things have turned out differently?

    Lou Zigui walked over to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and saw her tragic expression. Then, he noticed the two hands buried underneath the rubble. He stepped forward so that Ning Xiaoyao was shield behind him. He turned to the three youths and murmured, ¡°My condolences.¡±

    The three youths stood stupefied for a moment. Then, they threw themselves onto the broken wall, and began to wail at the top of their lungs.

    The sound of cries rose out one after another. The houses had copsed with people inside. Those who had managed to escape with heavy injuries were considered lucky.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Lou Zigui tugged at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao bit her lip but didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, let¡¯s return to the pce. These things are unavoidable. Lord Protector has already dispatched some troops. There will be soldiers here to help them soon.¡± Lou Zigui consoled.

    Ning Xiaoyao mumbled, ¡°Their homes are gone. The people are dead.¡±

    Lou Zigui seized Ning Xiaoyao into his arms, and let her head rest on his chest. ¡°These hard times will pass.¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Will this suffering end with the Grand Preceptor¡¯s death?¡± Ning Xiaoyao demanded.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowthunder¡¯s voice rang out before Lou Zigui could say anything.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her eyes and responded, ¡°Over here.¡±

    Shadowthunder rushed to Ning Xiaoyao and urgently informed her, ¡°Your Majesty, that bastard Xie Wenyuan has disappeared!¡±

    Xie Wenyuan has disappeared- the words circled in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mind and made her feel sick.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Lou Zigui questioned, reaching out to support Ning Xiaoyao.

    Shadowthunder¡¯s body was stained with a considerable amount of blood. It was obvious that it had been a fierce fight. He waved his fist violently and fretted, ¡°Xie Wenyuan escaped from the west gate. We didn¡¯t recognize any of the soldiers stationed there.¡±

    ¡°Where are those people now?¡±

    ¡°They left with Xie Wenyuan,¡± Shadowthunder said. ¡°My older brother took some men and chased after them. I...I came to find His Majesty.¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°Call Shadowgale back. Quickly.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Shadowthunder looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Are they just going to let Xie Wenyuan off like this?

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand either, and looked at Lou Zigui in confusion. If they don¡¯t chase him now, would they still be able to catch him after a meal? (Author: what does this have to do with eating...)

    Looking at their twin expressions of confusion, Lou Zigui exined, ¡°Xie Wenyuan definitely has reinforcements outside the capital. How many troops did Shadowgale take with him?¡±

    ¡°F**k!¡± Ning Xiaoyao instantly understood. Their Windy would definitely run into Grand Preceptor''s massive army when he chased after them! Ning Xiaoyao thought of running to the west city walls herself, but felt dizzy after taking just two steps. So, she could only grab Shadowthunder. ¡°Second Thunder, tell Windy and the rest toe back!¡±

    Shadowthunder turned and dashed off. Ning Xiaoyao was standing there all jittery and anxious. She hadn¡¯t recovered her strength yet, so there was nothing she could do.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± On one side, Lou Zigui signalled for Deng Rong to prepare a horse. On the other, he pulled Ning Xiaoyao before him.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao responded absently, her eyes were still focused on where Shadowthunder had run off.

    ¡°I¡¯m going out of the capital,¡± Lou Zigui stated in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao whipped her head back and looked at Lou Zigui. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t let Xie Wenyuan escape like this.¡± Lou Zigui fondly touched her face. ¡°Wait for me in the capital.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. At this time, she couldn¡¯t burden Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°Did Ning Xiaomu of Duke of Yue¡¯s estate go to the pce to see you?¡± Lou Zigui was anxious to leave, but directed his question at Ning Xiaoyao nheless.

    ¡°Mm. It was all thanks to the help of Big Bro Ning and Little Luoluo. Ah, Little Luoluo is just...¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Deng Rong yelled, one hand leading the warhorse Little Red.

    ¡°I have to go.¡± Lou Zigui patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head. ¡°Remember what you promised me if Xie Wenyuan¡¯s troops enter the capital.¡±

    ¡°Mm. If I can¡¯t beat him, I¡¯ll run.¡±

    ¡°You have to be well,¡± Lou Zigui bent down to look into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes. ¡°Promise me.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Lou Zigui turned to walk towards the warhorses.

    Lord Preceptor received Lou Zigui as he walked over.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s aplices are definitely in the capital,¡± Lou Zigui hopped onto the horse, and addressed to Lord Protector. ¡°Capture those people as soon as possible. Kill those who need to be killed.¡±

    ¡°What about those from Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s estate?¡± Lord Preceptor stood beside Little Red and asked.

    ¡°If Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate still has people, kill them.¡± Lou Zigui curtly stated. ¡°Let Pei Yan do it.¡±

    Lord Protector nodded. ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Protect His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui exhorted Lord Protector, before setting off.

    Lord Protector waved his hand at Lou Zigui. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I vow to defend His Majesty to the death.¡±

    It was difficult for normal people to walk with the fissure in the road. Yet, even with the piles of rubble and debris, Lou Zigui and his men were able to rush off, and disappeared from sight in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Find Second Young Master Pei,¡± Lord Protector called one of his personal guards over. ¡°Get him to take some men to Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    The bodyguard received the order, and ran towards Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate.

    When he turned, Lord Protector realised that the spot where His Majesty had stood was empty, and immediately broke out in cold sweat. He frantically yelled, ¡°Where¡¯s His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Lord Protector, sir!¡± A soldier pointed at the opposite end of the fissure.

    Ning Xiaoyao was squatting in front of a topped house, scrabbling at the bricks.

    Lord Protector raced to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side as fast as he could, only to see Ning Xiaoyao carry out a baby from under the bricks. He couldn¡¯t tell if the baby was male or female, and could only see the limp hand dangling from its side. In that instant, he knew that the little infant was dead.

    Ning Xiaoyao gently rubbed away the dirt on the child¡¯s face. The child was chubby, and with fair, supple skin. It had definitely been brought up well. There was a big gash on its forehead from the impact of a brick. It hadn¡¯t been dead for long; its body was still soft, and hadn¡¯t begun to go through rigor mortis.

    ¡°Your Majesty ah...¡± Lord Protector walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side, and squatted down. He looked at the baby cradled in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms, and sighed. ¡°Please return to the pce with this subject.¡±

    This chapter is so sad! T_T Boooooooo!! The author is so good! The trantor is also great! LOL #shameless (but seriously though, those feelsssssss *sniff*)

 Chapter 296: There will be more people dying

    <h4>Chapter 296: There will be more people dying</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao gently ced the baby on the ground and asked Lord Protector, ¡°Supreme Commander said the troops have been sent here. When will those army bros arrive?¡±

    Lord Protector had assumed Ning Xiaoyao would cry, but the little emperor was actually concerned about matters regarding the living before anything else. Lord Protector inwardly nodded in approval at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s rational way of acting and automatically overlooked the ¡°army bros¡± part. He assured Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Please be at ease, Your Majesty. The soldiers will arrive very shortly. As long as we have people alive, they shall be rescued.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up. At the same time, the ground beneath them quaked once again.

    Lord Protector gave a start. He stretched his arms to support Ning Xiaoyao despite being unstabilized himself.

    The shaking ground instantly took down more than half of the buildings on the long street. Aside from a two-storey wooden cottage at the very end of the road, all the buildings on the streets were damaged in one form or another.

    ¡°Earthshake*, it¡¯s an earthshake!¡±

    Screams and shouts of rm filled the street as everyone became panic-stricken.

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could figure out what an earthshake was, she overheard someone yelling about an earth dragon flipping over. ¡°What the heck is an earth dragon ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Lord Protector. He was still supporting her, his face ashen.

    Lord Protector had yet to say anything before the ground shook again.

    At the end of the street, the wooden cottage emitted cracking sounds of wood breaking. Within a minute, it crumbled downpletely.

    Everybody wanted to run, but where would they run to now?

    ¡°Don¡¯t run, stand in an open area!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted out loud towards the people.

    This can¡¯t be from her thrown cannons, alright? This is an earthquake ah! Earthshake, and the whatever earth dragon flipping over must all mean earthquake! Ning Xiaoyao was utterly difited. She knew it. Even if the gunpowder exploded, it couldn¡¯t have blown up the entire long street into such a miserable state!

    ¡°We are in the midst of a man-made cmity, and now we even have to deal with a natural disaster,¡± Ning Xiaoyao fumed with rage as she vented to Lord Protector, ¡°Can this even get better?!¡±

    Lord Protector:...... It seems unlikely.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled the Lord Protector backwards.

    Soil and rocks rolled down from both sides of the wall as the crack itself continued to expand. Right after Ning Xiaoyao and Lord Protector retreated their steps, the ce they¡¯d originally stood on had already became part of the crack.

    Lord Protector watched helplessly as huge boulders continuously fell into the crack. When he recalled how His Majesty and Lou Zigui had been in the crack just moments ago, Lord Protector stiffly broke out in cold sweat.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down at the fissure under her feet with a pained expression. No wonder she didn¡¯t see any little animals on her way here! They must have left because they already knew an earthquake wasing. But Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty were all inside the pce ah! Why didn¡¯t those two mention anything about the earthquake to her?

    ¡°Xiaoyao.¡± Little sparrow Wheat perched on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder after flying one circle over the long street.

    ¡°Its name is Wheat.¡± Ning Xiaoyao introduced Wheat to Lord Protector.

    Even though Lord Protector didn¡¯t think there was anything he could talk about with a little sparrow, he still took a quick nce at Wheat and acknowledged. ¡°Yes, this subject knows.¡±

    Wheat nuzzled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face with his head and asked, ¡°Xiaoyao, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°There was an earthquake.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Wheat replied, ¡°I know.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips, ¡°But I didn¡¯t know, ah.¡±

    ¡°But Xiaoyao, don¡¯t you know divine arts?¡± Wheat tilted his little head to look at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Grandfather Sparrow and the rest all said you¡¯d be alright.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was rendered speechless. She opened her mouth a whileter, ¡°But other people would meet with mishaps, ah.¡±

    ¡°If we have a master, we will save our own master.¡± Wheat chirped, ¡°Other people aren¡¯t our masters, so why save them?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:... These words actually make sense, she has nothing to say to that.

    ¡°Wheat doesn¡¯t have a master, but Xiaoyao is Wheat¡¯s good friend.¡± Wheat affectionately nuzzled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face again.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed Wheat on the head. ¡°Mhm, we¡¯re pals.¡±

    Wheat was so happy that he jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head and hopped twice.

    Ning Xiaoyao took Wheat in her hand and whispered, ¡°Wheat, can you help me out? Keep an eye on Supreme Commander for me.¡±

    Wheat asked, ¡°Supreme Commander has gone to fight the enemies?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded, ¡°If anything happens to Supreme Commander, you must tell me right away.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand,¡± Wheat agreed to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s request. ¡°Then Xiaoyao can use divine arts to save Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave up on exining to Wheat. She has healing superpowers. They¡¯re not divine arts.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Supreme Commander is Xiaoyao¡¯s man! Xiaoyao, I¡¯ll help you watch over him.¡± Wheat beamed.

    Ning Xiaoyao:... In the little animals¡¯ world, what do they make of her rtionship with Supreme Commander Lou?

    Lord Protector watched as Wheat flew off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm. Wheat flew higher and higher until he became a little ck speck. When the sparrow finally disappeared from sight, Lord Protector made ament. ¡°So Your Majesty is raising this sparrow cage-free. As far as this subject can see, sparrow is not a domesticated type of bird.¡±

    Wheat was actually her little pal, but Ning Xiaoyao gave up on exining that to Lord Protector as well. Instead, she told him, ¡°Lord Protector, lead your men into the capital and take a look. I¡¯m going back to check on the pce.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty wants to return to the pce alone?¡± Lord Protector would rather die than let Ning Xiaoyao leave on her own.

    ¡°You go check on the city¡¯s damages and save people. Also, tell them not to stay indoor and go stand at some vacant area,¡± Ning Xiaoyao instructed, ¡°The little bros of the Elite Imperial Guards and Dragon Guards are still at the pce. Nothing will happen to me.¡±

    Lord Protector still insisted, ¡°This subject shall escort Your Majesty back to the pce and worry about provision of disaster relief afterwards.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao waved her arm at Lord Protector. ¡°Lord Protector, this is an Imperial decree, you have to obey it.¡±

    Under the pressure of an Imperial decree, there was nothing Lord Protector could say.

    At this point, Ning Xiaoyao had no strength left in both her legs. She was only able to take a few steps before tripping over a crushed rock.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Lord Protector dashed to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao scrambled up to get back on her feet. She patted down the dust on her floral dress. ¡°You have to obey the decree. I¡¯m going back.¡±

    Lord Protector was so anxious, he wanted to stamp his feet.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at her palm. A rock had scraped it when she fell. Now, blood was streaming down. ¡°F**k!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed in a low voice. She¡¯s been unable to use her superpower and now she¡¯s injured and bleeding. Looks like she can¡¯t y around happily anymore.

    Watching Ning Xiaoyao walk further and further away, Lord Protector pointed at some bodyguards skilled at martial arts andmanded, ¡°You lot escort His Majesty back to the pce. Even if you throw away your head, you must not let anything happen to His Majesty.¡±

    The bodyguards could see Ning Xiaoyao walking ahead. They hurriedly nodded with words of assent.

    ¡°Why is His Majesty disguising as a girl?¡± a bodyguard couldn¡¯t help but ask. If he hadn¡¯t heard his Lord Protector and the ck Frost Calvary Commander calling out Your Majesty, there was no way he¡¯d believe that this little miss in floral dress was the reigning emperor.

    Lord Protector pped this bodyguard on his head and scolded, ¡°You dare to concern yourself with His Majesty¡¯s attire? Even I cannot do that, who the heck are you, ah?¡±

    The bodyguard clutched his head and squatted down on the ground from Lord Protector¡¯s p.

    ¡°Quickly follow behind,¡± Then, Lord Protector kicked this bodyguard on his butt and admonished, ¡°If anything happens to His Majesty, you lot bring your heads to see me!¡±

    The bodyguards chased after Ning Xiaoyao.

    Lord Protector kicked a gravel near his feet and sent it flying. The unceasing shouting and crying on the street had thrown him into a terrible mood. Man-made cmity and natural disaster havee hand in hand. Could it be that there are too many bad guys, so the good guys have no ways to survive? Or is it God¡¯s intention to kill all humans?

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± On a street not far from the city gates, Deng Rong asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Should we go back to check?¡±

    Lou Zigui swept a nce at the copsed buildings along the road and shook his head. ¡°We are leaving the capital.¡±

    ¡°But aren¡¯t you worried about His Majesty?¡± Deng Rong asked. Earlier, Lou Zigui looked like he was about to cry when he held onto His Majesty. Now that there was an earthshake, their Supreme Commander actually turned hard-hearted?

    ¡°His Majesty was standing on the street, she will be alright.¡± Lou Zigui urged his horse forward and said in a low voice, ¡°To ensure the safety of His Majesty, we must kill Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°Ai,¡± Deng Rong sighed heavily as he followed behind Lou Zigui.

    The street they were on was called Lotus. At this moment, some were rushing to save lives, while others sat on the ground and sobbed. There were also little children all over the streets wailing and running in turmoil, unable to find their parents. The entire street was an unbearable, utter mess.

    Deng Rong was intive as he said to Lou Zigui, ¡°Now that there was an earthshake, can we still engage with Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men in a battle? Everywhere is open space after the houses copsed.¡±

    Lou Zigui simply stated, ¡°There are still many houses standing, aren¡¯t there?¡±

    Deng Rong looked around the two sides of the street. Should he thank the Heavens that the earthshake didn¡¯t take down every single house in the city?

    ¡°There are gravels all over the ground,¡± Lou Zigui stated, ¡°I will ask Lord Protector to send men to pile them up on the streets. Too many gravels will make it hard for the cavalry to move.¡±

    Deng Rong nodded. That¡¯s a good method to block the cavalry from advancing forward.

    A woman with disheveled hair staggered by Lou Zigui. She was cradling something as she cried out a man¡¯s name. Lou Zigui only took a nce at her without stopping his horse.

    Deng Rong only took a look at her as well before continuing his conversation with Lou Zigui. ¡°Xie Wenyuan brought troops to attack the imperial pce just now?¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°Our priority is to kill Xie Wenyuan. As for what he has done, we can worry about that after this matter is finished. Any other questions?¡±

    Deng Rong said no more. When Supreme Commander asked this question, it was a sign that His Excellency was feeling impatient.

    Wheat flew over to Lotus street and located Lou Zigui. Then, he followed Lou Zigui from behind.

    Ning Xiaoyao made many stops on her way back to the imperial pce. On an ordinary day, this was usually a distance that she couldplete in a matter of minutes. But now that her strength had depleted, the distance felt so much longer.

    The bodyguards decided they couldn¡¯t go on like this anymore. They went to search and found a small, abandoned two-carrier pnquin on the side of the street.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please get on the pnquin,¡± said Lord Protector¡¯s bodyguards, ¡°Us servants will carry you back to the pce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped the sweat off her face and no longer put on a front. She bent down to get on the pnquin. ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll treat you guys to a meal after this.¡±

    The bodyguards kept repeating words of gratitude at this favor. An imperial meal isn¡¯t something that any random person could eat. Even their Lord Protector has only eaten a few in his lifetime. (Author: His Majesty will only treat you guys to a bowl of noodles at most... o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Inside the pnquin, Ning Xiaoyao covered her ears tightly. The wailing and shouting on the street really vexed her out.

    ¡°There will be more people dying,¡± Ning Xiaoyao curled up on the sedan chair, wrapping on her ears as she mumbled to herself, ¡°There will definitely be many more people dying. You must ept it no matter how awful it makes you feel!¡±

    Suddenly, her face felt damp. Raising her hand to touch, Ning Xiaoyao discovered that she was crying.

    *Ancient word and phrase for earthquake

 Chapter 297: The Princes request for His Majestyâ€™s presence

    <h4>Chapter 297: The Princes request for His Majesty¡¯s presence</h4>

    Upon arriving at the city gate tower of the imperial pce, the personal guards increased the pace of their steps. Their mission was to escort his Majesty into the pce safely. Until they havepleted this mission, they wouldn¡¯t be able to rx.

    After passing a crossroad with many people, a team of Dragon Guards rushed out of the opposite street. The guard at the front saw Lord Protector¡¯s personal guards and ran forward. ¡°Are you people from Lord Protector¡¯s estate?¡±

    The personal guards were very anxious. At this juncture, who knew if these were Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s men dressed in the Dragon Guards¡¯ robes?

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted open the curtain. Her voice was nasally after all the crying. She shouted out of the carriage, ¡°Big Bro Ning?¡±

    It only took Ning Xiaomu several steps to reach the pnquin. He directly held Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and lifted the curtain. Looking inside, he whispered, ¡°Is Your Majesty hurt?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    For a moment, his gaze lingered on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes. First Young Master Ning lowered his voice further, ¡°You cried?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed, ¡°I¡¯m usually a person that sheds blood and not tears.¡±

    After gently wiping Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes with his fingers, First Young Master Ning added, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it when we return to the pce. Shadowgale has gone to chase after Xie Wenyuan. However, I¡¯m afraid he might run into Xie Wenyuan¡¯s supporters on the way. Hence, I have already sent people to bring him back.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander is also worried about the same thing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said hurriedly, ¡°Second Thunder also went to call him back.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s go back to the pce.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro Ning, the earthquake.. I mean what about the earthshake?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed softly and stopped First Young Master Ning from letting go of the sedan curtain.

    ¡°Some buildings in the imperial pce were damaged but the empress dowager¡¯s pce is fine.¡± First Young Master Ning reported, ¡°After walking around the city, I saw that some buildings were destroyed. There are a few casualties but most of the people are alright.¡±

    ¡°I have ordered Lord Protector to settle this matter.¡± Ning Xiaoyao casually gave an ount of what she had done to First Young Master Ning. ¡°Big Bro Ning, what do you think about my arrangement. Is it ok?¡±

    Ning Xiaomu was taken aback. Is His Majesty relying on him?

    ¡°I need to find someone to discuss this with,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°If I ask Elder Li now, I¡¯m afraid that old gramps would hit me. Supreme Commander has gone to find Grand Preceptor. Windy and the rest are also not here.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty has done well.¡± Firsty Young Master Ning gave Ning Xiaoyao a reassuring smile and lowered his voice, ¡°Lord Protector is familiar with the capital and has soldiers under him. With him in charge of these matters, there should be no issue.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± After hearing First Young Master Ning say that, Ning Xiaoyao felt a breath of relief. It¡¯s good she didn¡¯t do anything wrong ah.

    First Young Master Ning finally released the curtain and ordered the two personal guards in charge of lifting the pnquin. ¡°Back to the pce.¡±

    The group of guards protecting Ning Xiaoyao quickly made their way towards the imperial pce. When they had reached the pce gates, there was a strong stench of blood wafting through the air. It was so thick that it made it difficult for people to breathe.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to lift up the curtains to take a look but First Young Master Ning stood outside and held it shut. He murmured, ¡°Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t look. Over thirty people died but Elder Li and the other important ministers are fine.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms and loosened the grip of the curtain. She leaned back against the seat.

    The open space in front of the imperial pce was drenched with blood. Those walking by stepped in pools of blood, and the remaining spots that weren¡¯t stained by blood had bloody footprints. All this would make observers feel like they were soaked in blood.

    Piled up at a corner were bodies that have yet to be collected. The numbers were far higher than the thirty that Ning Xiaomu had reported. The bodies were stacked above each other like a little mountain.

    First Young Master Ning didn¡¯t allow Ning Xiaoyao to stop at the pce gate even for a moment. He walked in front of the pnquin and informed Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Without permission, I have arranged for Elder Li and the others to wait at the Cherish Language Hall for Your Majesty. If Elder Li knew that Your Majesty is fine, he would be very happy.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao tried to shrink herself into the pnquin, Elder Li would be very happy?? How is she going to exin to old gramps? The feeling of being excluded from the inner circle must be terrible ah!! (Author: Since when did you guys create the inner circle? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    They had already arrived at Supreme Splendor Hall, but Ning Xiaoyao still needed time to catch her breath. Just as she was thinking about what to say to Elder Li, Shadowrain dashed in.

    ¡°Windy is back?¡± Ning Xiaoyao saw Shadowrain and jumped out of her seat.

    Shadowrain spoke in a higher pitch. ¡°Your Majesty, I didn¡¯t chase after Xie Wenyuan with big brother.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face soured, ¡°Did something happen then?¡±

    Shadowrain replied, ¡°Second Prince brought the other four princes and they are outside the pce. They are requesting an audience, Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was stunned. ¡°Imperial brothers?¡±

    Shadowrain nodded at Ning Xiaoyao.

    From the moment she had arrived into this world, Ning Xiaoyao was thrown into a deathmatch with the Xie father and daughter pair and the supporters from the crown prince association. She even fought a few rounds with her imperial uncles. But Ning Xiaoyao had never once spoken to any of her imperial brothers.

    Ning Xiaoyao had assumed she was the only daughter of the previous emperor and Ning Xin was the only son. ¡°That fool had other sons?¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered.

    Shadowrain heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mumbling and his lips twitched. Third Commander could only pretend that he didn¡¯t hear anything.

    ¡°Why are they looking for me, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao questioned.

    Shadowrain reported, ¡°The princes didn¡¯t say but I¡¯m quite sure it¡¯s rted to issues pertaining Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted, ¡°They are princes not wangye* ah?¡± Weren¡¯t rtives of the emperor all known as wangye? Did she make another mistake?

    ¡°Your Majesty didn¡¯t confer titles to them right?¡± Shadowrain asked a question in response.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao then realized, she didn¡¯t confer these princes to be wangye ah.

    Shadowrain looked at Ning Xiaoyao innocently, but deep down he thought, His Majesty can¡¯t be an idiot.

    ¡°Can I not see them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Shadowrain. She really wasn¡¯t in the mood to meet her... Ning Xiaoyao smacked her head. Are these people her elder or younger brothers ah?

    ¡°I think it¡¯s better to meet them for a bit,¡± First Young Master Ning spoke from the side. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao and added, ¡°Right now, it would be better to appease the princes. This would be beneficial to us and the war.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll join me in the fight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes widened in excitement.

    ¡°They don¡¯t have any troops under them,¡± Shadowrain objected. These princes have no conferred titles,nd and have never left the capital before.

    They are unable to expand the number of guards under the emperor¡¯s influence. Even if they wanted to stir up trouble, they wouldn¡¯t have the capabilities to do so.

    ¡°Then tell them to head home quickly.¡± Once Ning Xiaoyao found out the princes didn¡¯t have any troops, she immediately scoffed, ¡°Tell them right now the situation is that Xie Wenyuan has escaped.¡±

    Shadowrain epted the imperial decree and left.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± First Young Master Ning walked over to Ning Xiaoyao and lowered his voice. ¡°At this point in time, it is important to secure the imperial household. Themon people will be watching to see whether there is chaos. If the imperial household is unstable, the oue of the war wouldn¡¯t matter. The capital will still be in turmoil.¡±

    First Young Master Ning¡¯s words frightened Ning Xiaoyao and she hastily eximed, ¡°What will happen after that? Will everyone be running around in chaos?¡±

    ¡°Running around would still be fine,¡± First Young Master Ning exined, ¡°I am just afraid that themon people may all defect to Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side if they see the imperial household is a mess. If that happens, wouldn¡¯t Your Majesty have enemiesing from everywhere?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao understood what First Young Master Ning was implying. Her newly acknowledged older brother was warning her. If the Ning imperial family was a mess, themon people would lose faith in them and may end up joining Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side to seek for glory and wealth.

    ¡°Supreme Commander had never mentioned this to you before, Your Majesty?¡± First Young Master Ning asked out of curiosity.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Supreme Commander never brought up the princes before.

    First Young Master Ning was a wise person who could see things clearly in an instant. The moment Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, he realized Lou Zigui was willing to abandon all the officials andmon people of the capital.

    Lou Zigui has no intention of defending the city. All he wants is to kill Xie Wenyuan. Even if the capital has to be sacrificed, it doesn¡¯t matter to him.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± First Young Master Ning anxiously grabbed hold of Ning Xiaoyao. Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was restlessly running around in circles. ¡°Xie Wenyuan and Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s vengeance lies beyond matters concerning the country. Their hatred towards each other lies deeper, involving their families. Thus, when he¡¯s thinking of killing Xie Wenyuan, it is important for Your Majesty to consider the other aspects of war.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pondered over First Young Master Ning¡¯s words for a long time before she replied, ¡°I want less people to die ah. But Big Bro Ning, you have seen for yourself. I haven¡¯t even started the war with Grand Preceptor and there was already an earthshake!¡±

    First Young Master Ning sighed, ¡°The sturdy houses built in the capital have not copsed. This means that the magnitude of the earthquake was not very serious. In my opinion, Your Majesty can leave the war affairs to Supreme Commander Lou. Your Majesty¡¯s focus should be on how to protect the capital.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to die from anxiety. How is she going to protect the capital?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowrain¡¯s voice trailed from outside the door.

    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao blurted, ¡°The princes are here.¡± How did these people get here so fast? She hasn¡¯t thought about how to appease them yet!

    ¡°If you can¡¯t appease them,¡± First Young Master Ning softly instructed Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Then prevent the princes from leaving the pce.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared at First Young Master Ning with her mouth open. If she can¡¯t convince them, she has to be hostile and put them in jail?

    ¡°The princes can protect Your Majesty from the left and right,¡± First Young Master Ning advised, ¡°Isn¡¯t this a great n?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Third Rain Commander shouted from outside the door again.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Ning Xiaoyao responded.

    ¡°Wait a moment,¡± First Young Master Ning yelled.

    Shadowrain had to quickly block Second Prince from barging through the doors.

    ¡°Your Majesty should go and change first,¡± First Young Master Ning quietly reminded Ning Xiaoyao.

    Looking at her outfit, Ning Xiaoyao realized she was still wearing the flowery skirt. She gave First Young Master Ning an awkward grin and jumped out of the window. She hadpletely forgotten that she was still wearing the flowery skirt!

    Outside the hall, Second Prince asked Shadowrain, ¡°There is someone else in the room?¡±

    Shadowrain lowered his head and didn¡¯t say anything.

    Second Prince clenched in his fist behind him and coldly chuckled. He mocked Shadowrain, ¡°You really are a faithful ve.¡±

    Shadowrain continued to lower his head without a sound. Second Prince couldn¡¯t hit him anyway.

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily changed her outfit and pulled her hair into a messy bun. Flipping out of the window, she ran back to the room.

    First Young Master Ning studied Ning Xiaoyao in her male garment. Raising his hand, he ttened some of the stray hairs on her head. ¡°On a normal day, who is the one that waits upon Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t think there was anything wrong with First Young Master Ning asking such personal matters of the emperor. So, she casually replied, ¡°I do it myself ah. Uh, Supreme Commander ties my hair for me.¡±

    First Young Master Ning¡¯s hand stiffened. Lou Ziguibs his sister¡¯s hair? Is that something a subject should be doing?

    ¡°You can enter now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat and called to the door.

    Shadowrain waited until he could no longer hear any conversation from His Majesty and First Young Master Ning before letting the princes into the room.

    The lighting in the room wasn¡¯t very good. Ning Xiaoyao sat on the couch but was entirely hidden by the shadows. The girl who didn¡¯t look very emperor-like appeared much more somber.

    The princes entered the room. Regardless if they wanted to or not, all of them got down on their knees to greet Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Rise,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly waved her hand at the princes as she carefully scanned their faces. Mm, these should be her imperial elder brothers. They all looked older than her.

    **Wangye are the brothers of the emperor. I''m not sure how else to trante it. They''re usually pretty rich though.

 Chapter 298: The brothers of the Imperial Clan

    <h4>Chapter 298: The brothers of the Imperial n</h4>

    ¡°Take a seat, y¡¯all.¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the princes to sit. She lightly pressed her lips, which were a little dry, and said, ¡°Since we¡¯re fighting enemies, I won¡¯t invite you to tea.¡±

    The princes looked at Ning Xiaoyao, and then at Ning Xiaomu who stood next to her.

    ¡°This gentleman is the heir to the Duke of Yue¡¯s Estate.¡± Ning Xiaoyao introduced. ¡°Say, what did you guyse to find me for?¡±

    The princes were all inwardly shocked. The Duke of Yue¡¯s Estate has chosen to side with Ning Yu?

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask for a meeting?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked when she saw that no one spoke up. ¡°You guys just want to take a nce at me and have nothing to say?¡±

    ¡°Earlier, there were words that Your Majesty was assassinated...¡±

    ¡°It was fake.¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut off Second Prince Ning Huo¡¯s speech, ¡°To expose Grand Preceptor¡¯s true face, I faked death. Alright, since I¡¯ve answered that, are there any other questions?¡±

    Second Prince pointed out, ¡°Your Majesty appears to be very impatient to meet with us subjects.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re fighting enemies, big bro,¡± Ning Xiaoyao made a pained expression. ¡°You think I have time to sit here with you guys to reminisce our past and to look forward to our future?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words caused Second Prince to choke.

    ¡°What¡¯s the situation of the battle?¡± Third Prince asked.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan fled.¡± replied Ning Xiaoyao.

    The princes had all heard that Grand Preceptor Xie escaped the capital via the west gate, so they only pretended to be surprised upon hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    Second Prince sneered, ¡°What are these officers and soldiers in charge of guarding the capital doing? Are they Lou Zigui¡¯s men? How could they let Xie Wenyuan escape?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Xie Wenyuan, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°He tricked thete emperor into thinking that he was a sweetheart. Until now, even I haven¡¯t been able to kill him after all so many shes. Yet you guys think a single city wall can stop him?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because Lou Zigui is impotent!¡± Second Prince bit down on this point and refused to let off.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reproached, ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt when you just sit and talk, alright? If you think Supreme Commander is no good, then why don¡¯t you personally go and lead troops to fight Grand Preceptor instead?¡±

    Second Prince was rendered speechless by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words again. He could neither lead troops nor fight enemies!

    ¡°Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t have pushed Xie Wenyuan to this state!¡± Fourth Prince opened his mouth, ¡°Now, how do we put an end to this? Can Your Majesty ascertain Xie Wenyuan¡¯s death?¡±

    ¡°So you mean to say that we should give up on this country and hand it over to Xie Wenyuan?¡± Ning Xiaoyao retorted.

    ¡°This subject does not mean that.¡± Fourth Prince hurriedly denied.

    ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t talk.¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t polite at all. ¡°If you guys feel that I was doing it wrong, why didn¡¯t you say so sooner? Now that we¡¯re about to fight, you¡¯re telling me what¡¯s not ok, what won¡¯t work?¡±

    The pce roompsed into silence as the princes and Ning Xiaoyao glowered at one another.

    ¡°This subject thinks that,¡± First Young Master Ning wanted to speak out.

    ¡°We are having a conversation here, who are you to butt in?¡± Second Prince immediately red at First Young Master Ning.

    ¡°You should back off!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was displeased, ¡°Aren¡¯t you all still fine? If you are alright then go home. I¡¯m in a hurry here.¡±

    Second Prince inquired, ¡°This subject only wants to know what Your Majesty has in n for your next move.¡±

    ¡°Fight the enemies.¡± Ning Xiaoyao curtly stated, ¡°The troops are all outside the capital already. What else could we do but fight?¡±

    ¡°Is Your Majesty certain about winning?¡± Second Prince asked.

    ¡°No.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waspletely honest.

    At this point, the five princes all stood up..

    ¡°If I lose, what will you guys do?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked them.

    The five princes couldn¡¯t provide an answer to this question. With all five of them included, they had over 500 guards on hand. This was enough to deal with themon people. But to oppose Xie Wenyuan¡¯s rebel troops? Even an idiot knew that was absolutely impossible. Could they count on Lou Zigui to save them after the emperor was dead? The princes had never held any hope for Lou Zigui in the first ce.

    ¡°You have no idea? Then you should just believe that I can win. Anyhow, if I¡¯m done for, you can be Yongning¡¯s emperor if you¡¯re capable enough. The Imperial Jade Seal is inside the Supreme Splendor Hall. If you can¡¯t beat Grand Preceptor, then run while you can...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Second Prince interrupted Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°If something really happens to you, does Your Majesty think that Xie Wenyuan will let us off?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bluntly stated, ¡°So I¡¯m telling you guys, you should think of a solution yourself, ah.¡±

    ¡°How do we escape?¡± Third Prince wanted to know.

    The five princes¡¯ expressions were that of irrepressible rage as they stared at Ning Xiaoyao. It was as if they were awaiting their death, and Ning Xiaoyao was the culprit who had pushed them into this hopeless situation.

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt a distaste rise up in her stomach. These people were actually resenting her for being useless.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you must give us subjects a justification on this matter.¡± Second Prince demanded as he red at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°What kind of justification do you want?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°This subject would like to take Imperial Concubine Jing out of the capital.¡± Second Prince replied.

    Big Boss ck jumped into the room through an open window and hopped on the couch. He told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Imperial Concubine Jing is Second Prince¡¯s birth mother.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. The other four princes all chimed in, demanding that they wanted to take their imperial mothers out of the city to take refuge as well.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao assented, ¡°You guys can take the Imperial Concubines and go.¡±

    ¡°Then Your Majesty, how many guards are you sending to escort us subjects?¡± Second Prince continued making requests.

    ¡°You still want imperial bodyguards?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was amused, ¡°Then do we have to send guards to escort the capital citizens as well, ah? Are you dreaming?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Second Prince screeched.

    ¡°When times are good, you guys hide in your home and live infort,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shot a look of contempt at Second Prince. ¡°When things go wrong, you guys only think of escaping with the guards. Do the guards owe you lot or something?¡±

    ¡°As imperial bodyguards, it¡¯s their duty to...¡±

    ¡°To throw away their lives for you, isn''t it? Ning Xiaoyao cut Second Prince off, ¡°Let me make it clear, while they are imperial bodyguards, they are my guards. What do they have to do with you? How¡¯s that? Do I really seem like Holy Mother*? Even I myself don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll make it out alive, why should I bother to fret over your lives?¡±

    ¡°So Your Majesty wants us subjects to join you in death?¡± Third Prince muttered.

    ¡°When the citizens were fleeing the capital, why didn¡¯t you all leave then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°How would us subjects know Your Majesty would push Xie Wenyuan to the point of rebellion?¡± Second Prince icily replied with a question.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know? Are you an idiot, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. ¡°Find a better excuse next time.¡±

    ¡°If us subjects all die, isn¡¯t it equivalent to Your Majesty handing the country over to Xie Wenyuan with both hands?¡± The longer Second Prince confronted Ning Xiaoyao, the bigger his fury grew. You may point swords and have your mighty faceoff against your subject, but on what grounds are you making us princes apany death with you?

    ¡°If you don¡¯t even have the skills to flee, how are you gonna be the emperor after I die?¡± Ning Xiaoyao found it ridiculous. ¡°Where does this inexplicable confidence of yourse from?¡±

    ¡°So Your Majesty wants us subjects dead?¡± Second Prince countered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t push me.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s baby face sank and her voice turned cold. ¡°There will be no guards. If you wanna flee, then think of your own method. Even themoners figured a way out, why can¡¯t you guys?¡±

    ¡°We are princes!¡± Second Prince finally stopped addressing himself as ¡®subject¡¯ when he spoke with Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s tone was sarcastic, ¡°So you still remember that you¡¯re a prince? If you know that you¡¯re a prince, why are you trying to run away? Why don¡¯t you think of tactics to help me fight Xie Wenyuan to death?¡±

    ¡°It was Your Majesty who forced Xie Wenyuan to rebel, not me.¡± Second Prince rebuked.

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Then, she stood up from the couch and threw a punch at Second Prince¡¯s face. These bastards receive an official sry and enjoy the luxurious,fort life of a prince. All of the country¡¯s best resources are in their possessions. Yet, when the country falls into distress, these bastards only think of their own escape. They are even shameless enough to demand guards from her! They don¡¯t even have the heart to at least think of leaving the guards to protect the city so the citizens could retreat safely!

    Taking Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s punch head-on, Second Prince fell to the ground. Streaks of blood overflowed down his nostrils.

    The other four princes were frightened by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sudden use of violence.

    Ning Xiaoyao was panting heavily. The little amount of strength she had recovered waspletely used up on this punch.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please calm your anger.¡± First Young Master Ning hurriedly stepped forward and pulled Ning Xiaoyao back.

    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was furious. ¡°None of you are leaving!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty wants tomit fratricide?¡± Third Prince flew into a rage as well and shouted at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°So what if I decide to kill you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao remained standing even though First Young Master Ning pulled her to sit on the couch. She red at Third Prince, ¡°I can kill you now and me it on Grand Preceptor! What can you do to me huh?¡±

    Third Prince:... Well there¡¯s really nothing he could do to get back at this thug.

    ¡°I¡¯m the emperor!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her own nose. ¡°I make the rules!¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Second Prince was lying across the floor. He wanted to say something.

    Big Boss ck hurled himself at Second Prince¡¯s head. He raised his ws and scratched out five bloody streaks on thetter¡¯s face.

    Second Prince shrieked in pain and stretched out his hand to grab Big Boss ck. At that moment, Ning Xiaoyao dashed forward and threw another punch at Second Prince¡¯s face. ¡°You dare to bully my cat?!¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck ruthlessly scratched Second Prince¡¯s face as he screeched, ¡°You dare to bully my Xiaoyao?!¡±

    Second Prince¡¯s face instantly became unrecognizable under the abuse of a human hand and a cat w.

    The four princes were watching furiously on the side. As they gawked at the beating, they thought to themselves, you shouldn¡¯t aim for the face when you¡¯re beating a person up. Can¡¯t these two rascals switch to a body part or something?

    Second Prince was beaten unconscious. It was unclear whether he had fainted from the pain or from anger.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up from the ground. She stared icily at the other four princes and asked, ¡°What else do you guys have to say?¡±

    The four princes didn¡¯t say a word. If they talked now, they would probably be the next Second Prince.

    ¡°I¡¯m not joking,¡± Ning Xiaoyao bragged, ¡°I can kill you guys now.¡±

    The four princes were even less willing to talk now. Earlier, the thought of being dragged into death by association with Ning Yu had muddled their minds, making them forget that Ning Yu was that same merciless person who forced Xie Wenyuan into rebellion.

    ¡°Third Rain.¡± Ning Xiaoyao called out at the outside of the pce room.

    Shadowrain stepped inside in response.

    ¡°Take them to the Hall of Punishment,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the princes in front of her. ¡°Make sure that they are well fed, just don¡¯t let them out.¡±

    ¡°The Hall of Punishment?¡± Fifth Prince had kept silent the whole time, but he finally spoke up.

    ¡°Or should I let you go to Empress Dowager¡¯s pce so you guys can whine andin to your respective birth mothers?¡± Ning Xiaoyao humphed. ¡°Uncle Prince Fu can stay at the Hall of Punishment, why can¡¯t you guys?¡±

    Shadowrain called in a team of Dragon Guards.

    ¡°Drag them out.¡± Ning Xiaoyao ordered.

    Shadowrain and the guards moved forward and dragged the four princes with them.

    ¡°As for this one, carry him out.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed a finger at Second Prince.

    Shadowrain brought three Dragon Guards to lift Second Prince out.

    At this moment, Big Boss ck miaowed and wed twice on Second Prince¡¯s chest. Ning Xiaoyao chided, ¡°Are you an idiot? He¡¯s wearing clothes. What¡¯s the point if you can¡¯t scratch his flesh?¡±

    Upon hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, Big Boss ck raised his paw directly at Second Prince¡¯s head.

    His scratch pped down the white jade crown Second Prince was wearing.

    The white jade crown hit the ground and made a cking sound. Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows. Something¡¯s wrong with this sound. Why does it sound like this jade crown is hollow inside?

    * Ê¥Ä¸ [sh¨¨ngm¨³]: literally Holy Mother - a loving, caring and self-sacrificial person (mostly used as sarcasm)

 Chapter 299: First Young Master Ning said, â€œKill!â€

    <h4>Chapter 299: First Young Master Ning said, ¡°Kill!¡±</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up the white jade crown. Ning Xiaomu and Shadowrain went over to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side.

    After weighing the white jade crown with her hand, Ning Xiaoyao affirmed, ¡°It must be hollow inside.¡±

    First Young Master Ning took the crown from Ning Xiaoyao''s hand. He examined it from top to bottom before starting to twist the gilded top from the left.

    Shadowrain poked his head out to get a better view and whispered, "There''s something inside!"

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. She also noticed something was stuffed inside the crown. First Young Master Ning carefully pulled out rolls of letters from within the crown.

    The moment Ning Xiaoyao saw the traditional Chinese characters, she felt dizzy. So, she only shot a brief nce at it before asking First Young Master Ning, "Big Bro Ning, what does it say?"

    Ning Xiaomu took a cursory nce at the letter and handed it back to her. He lowered his voice, "This is a letter from Xie Wenyuan to His Highness, the second prince."

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand began to shake when she heard the three words, Xie Wen Yuan. Why is he everywhere ah?!

    Seeing that Ning Xiaoyao did not read the letter, First Young Master Ning added, "Grand Preceptor said that Prince Cheng is too young and he doesn¡¯t want to watch the empress dowager go through misfortune. So, he will try his best to assist Second Prince to be the emperor."

    Ning Xiaoyao was in a daze for quite some time. "Did Second Prince seriously believe Grand Preceptor¡¯s words?"

    Ning Xiaomu lowered his head to stare at the unconscious Second Prince lying on the ground. "He can¡¯t be that stupid, right?" Ning Xiaoyao was in disbelief. ¡°Second Prince is willing to work under a person who dares to kill an emperor?¡±

    "He may not believe it, but this at least gives His Highness some hope," First Young Master Ning replied.

    "T-then, the reason why he deliberately came to stir up trouble today was to help Xie Wenyuan?" Shadowrain stuttered.

    Ning Xiaoyao did not understand. ¡°How does having an argument with me help Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Ning Xiaomu suddenly lifted his head and asked Shadowrain, "What happened to those who came to the pce with Second Prince?"

    "They¡¯re still waiting outside the pce gate." answered Shadowrain.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please dispatch the troops to raid Second Prince¡¯s estate,¡± Ning Xiaomu firmly stated.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth wide, stunned.

    ¡°Do you remember what we talked about earlier, Your Majesty? What happens to the capital when there is instability in the imperial household?¡± asked Ning Xiaomu. Ning Xiaoyao looked at him. Of course, she remembered.

    "Regardless if Second Prince escapes the capital today to take refuge with Imperial Concubine Jing or not, rumours of the princes being displeased with His Majesty will spread around the capital." First Young Master Ning exined in a low tone.

    "How does that benefit him?" Ning Xiaoyao asked, pointing at Second Prince.

    "There¡¯s no benefit to him if Your Majesty is alive," Ning Xiaomu whispered.

    Ning Xiaoyao:... That¡¯s true. After being alive for so long, shepletely forgot to confer a title for Second Prince.

    "Your Majesty!" Shadowrain called out softly.

    "Umm, I know you feel sorry for me, Third Rain," Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. "I''m alright."

    "How do you want to deal with Second Prince?" Shadowrain asked. As long as His Majesty gives him permission, he¡¯ll immediately kill him!

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her foot and kicked Second Prince several times without saying a word. She¡¯ll beat him up first to vent out her anger.

    Ning Xiaomu instructed, "Keep it under wraps for now. Right now it¡¯s not the time to cause more trouble.¡±

    "Didn¡¯t you suggest raiding his estate?" Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Ning Xiaomu said, "Grand Preceptor¡¯s men should be the ones who search and confiscate his family¡¯s property."

    Dang! Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath.

    "What do you think, Your Majesty?" First Young Master Ning wanted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s input.

    "Mm, that¡¯s fine." Ning Xiaoyao nodded. If she¡¯s merciful to the enemy now, she¡¯ll be ruining herself!

    Shadowrain epted the decree and brought his people out the pce gate. Just as he was about to leave, he heard someone calling him from behind. Shadowrain turned around and saw that it was Ning Xiaomu.

    Shadowrain ran up to him. "First Young Master, does His Majesty have another order for me?"

    "Everyone must be killed in Second Prince¡¯s estate," First Young Master Ning lowered his voice. "Remember, leave no one alive."

    Shadowrain was astonished. "This is His Majesty¡¯s..." Even if you beat him up, Shadowrain wouldn¡¯t believe His Majesty would make such a decree.

    First Young Master Ning waved his hand to stop Shadowrain from speaking. "This is my idea. Remember this, Xie Wenyuan is the one who did the killing."

    "Would bystanders believe our words?" Shadowrain asked.

    "Right now it doesn¡¯t matter whether they believe it or not," First Young Master Ning gazed at Shadowrain and continued in a low voice. ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as some people in the capital are afraid of the consequences of supporting Grand Preceptor. The message I want to get across is that they may die if they support Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    But just because they kill Second Prince, it doesn¡¯t mean Grand Preceptor Xie would kill themon people, ah! While Shadowrain was trying to figure it out, First Young Master Ning continued, "Do you know Second Prince¡¯s followers?"

    Shadowrain nodded. The followers were merely the advisors of the estate. In addition, there were also a few officials who were supporting Second Prince because they wanted to have an established position in the capital.

    "Select a few convenient subordinates and get rid of them." Ning Xiaomumanded. Looking at the eldest son of Duke of Yue¡¯s estate, Third Shadow Commander truly did not understand. How could this young master still look so gentle and elegant while talking about ughtering others?

    "Dragon Guards dare to kill people, right?" First Young Master Ning said, "If not, I can dispatch the Destruction Prisoner Army."

    Shadowrain stroked the knife that was hanging around his waist.

    "His Majesty would most likely be against this decision. But I think this is beneficial to him. Those in the capital would join forces to fight against onemon enemy. So whether His Majesty stays or leaves the capital, he won¡¯t have to worry about getting shot in the back by an arrow. Understand?"

    Of course, Shadowrain''s scheming abilities were iparable to those of First Young Master Ning. After hearing his words, Third Shadow Commander felt that Ning Xiaomu¡¯s words were reasonable.

    "Third Commander?" Ning Xiaomu gave Shadowrain an amiable look.

    "I understand.¡± Shadowrain turned and quickly walked away.

    Ning Xiaomu stood at the pce gate. He could hear Shadowrain ordering the Elite Imperial Guards to change their attires. When he heard someone behind him calling ¡°big brother!¡±, First Young Master Ning turned his head. Behind him stood Ning Xiaoluo with a face that was totally unrecognizable.

    ¡°Big brother,¡± Third Young Master Ning looked outside the pce gate and whispered, ¡°Are we going to assist His Majesty in the war?"

    First Young Master Ning asked, "Are you afraid?"

    "I''m not afraid," Ning Xiaoluo hastily shook his head. "I''m just concerned about theck of men we have. If we knew this from the start, we should¡¯ve brought more troops with us.¡±

    First Young Master Ningughed. If they had brought the whole Destruction Prisoner Army with them, would Xie Wenyuan have let them into the capital? He was already suspicious of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate harboring ulterior motives.

    ¡°Big brother, do you think His Majesty will be able to win this time? I¡¯ve asked around. Miss Ji said that Xie Wenyuan has tens of thousands additional soldiers in his hand, that¡¯s more than His Majesty and Lou Zigui¡¯s forcesbined!¡±

    First Young Master Ning walked towards the direction of the imperial pce while his younger brother chased after him. "Big brother, with such fewer troops, can His Majesty really win?"

    "As long as big brother is here, you won''t meet with any mishaps," First Young Master Ning patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "Your face is so swollen. You should focus on healing. Don''t worry about fighting in the war."

    Ning Xiaoluo...He felt like a disposable item. Could someone tell him whether he was overthinking?

    "Where is Miss Ji now?" First Young Master Ning asked.

    "She''s keeping His Majestypany at the moment. Supreme Commander Lou asked her to stay with His Majesty."

    Ning Xiaomu nodded. He no longer spoke and continued walking straight ahead.

    -----

    Ji Yuerong watched as Ning Xiaoyao stuffed her mouth with food in the pce room. She was concerned. "Your Majesty, eat slower. What if you choke?"

    Ning Xiaoyao swallowed down a bowl of rice in three mouthfuls. She has no time to eat slow! Right now, she has to replenish her energy as fast as she can so that she¡¯ll be prepared to throw cannons again if necessary!

    Chef Huang was watching from the side. "Is this still not enough?"

    "Not enough," Ning Xiaoyao dered, ¡°Bring me another pot."

    Miss Ji and Chef Huang¡¯s mouth began to twitch. They had never heard of anyone who wants to get second helpings in pot size!

    "Why hasn¡¯t Big Bro Ning returned yet?" Ning Xiaoyao asked as she stuffed her mouth with rice again. "Did he leave the pce with Shadowrain?"

    "Let¡¯s not worry about that heir of the noble house for now," Miss Ji¡¯s mouth was still twitching. "His Majesty, why don¡¯t you eat some veggies?" What kind of person only eats in rice without any other dishes? Is it a type of condition?

    Meanwhile, First Young Master Ning followed the four Dragon Guards who were carrying Second Prince. At the same time, Ning Xiaoluo was still following closely behind him. "Big brother, where are the four Dragon Guards taking Second Prince?

    "You know that he''s Second Prince?"

    "Yes, everyone from Supreme Splendor Hall is aware that the five princes came to create trouble for His Majesty. We all know His Majesty beat up Second Prince."

    "We can¡¯t let too many people know about it?" Ning Xiaoluo hurriedly asked.

    "No, it¡¯s fine," said Ning Xiaomu. "They are going to the Hall of Punishment."

    "Then are we also going to the Hall of Punishment?" Ning Xiaoluo asked.

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo fell behind his big brother. He thought about it over and over again, but was still clueless. Why are they going to the Hall of Punishment?

    Second Prince woke up while they were still on the way. However, he was unable to move or speak because he was tightly tied up with rope and his mouth was stuffed. Four Dragon Guards were carrying him. When Second Prince was carried into the prison cell, he fell to the ground and made two sounds with all his might.

    First Young Master Ning came inside the cell and smiled at the four Dragon Guards. "Leave the cell and wait for me. I have something private to say to His Highness, the second prince."

    "Come out," Shadowrain spoke from outside the prison cell. The four Dragon Guards quickly left the scene.

    First Young Master Ning crouched down and took out the cloth that was stuffed in Second Prince¡¯s mouth.

    "Ning Xiaomu," The moment Second Prince could speak, he threatened First Young Master Ning. "By acting like this, you¡¯re not afraid Grand Preceptor will punish your entire Duke of Yue¡¯s estate to death?¡±

    "Your Highness is obviously a royal prince. Yet, you think it¡¯s wrong that these subjects are loyal to the emperor?" First Young Master Ning stared at Second Prince andughed. "What type of reasoning is this?"

    Second Prince angrily snarled, "I don¡¯t want to waste effort talking rubbish with you!"

    "Your Highness, you¡¯re already a prisoner. If you don¡¯t talk rubbish to pass time, what else can you do?¡±

    "You!" Second Prince was at a loss for words. Suddenly, he abruptly swore, "Ning Yu! You caused the death of the crown prince, and now you''re going to kill your brothers. You fatuous ruler!¡±

    "Stop making shit up!" Ning Xiaoluo was furious. His Majesty caused the death of the crown prince? How dare this man throw any crap he can at His Majesty¡¯s head!

    "You assume you can be the emperor if His Majesty is dead?" Ning Xiaomu lowered his voice and looked right at Second Prince.

    Second Prince appeared to be both startled and enraged.

    "You couldn¡¯t go as far as believing that Xie Wenyuan would assist you to be the emperor," Ning Xiaomu said, "What would you gain from following Xie Wenyuan?"

    "You..."

    "Xie Wenyuan is going to kill you," First Young Master Ning said.

    Second Prince was stunned. While he was in a daze, Ning Xiaomu stuffed a pill-like thing into his mouth.

    "Your Highness''s life is of no use to His Majesty," said Ning Xiaomu, cruelly smiling at Second Prince. "On the contrary, your death can help His Majesty. Have a good trip*.¡±

    *meaning to die at peace/rest well in heaven/be on your way

 Chapter 300: The abandoned first wife

    <h4>Chapter 300: The abandoned first wife</h4>

    Second Prince¡¯s body spasmed and blood started to spurt out of his nose. Next, he opened his mouth wide as his breathing grew moreboured. His wheezing sounded like the wind. Huge amount of blood sprayed out from his mouth and instantly coated the ground beneath him with blood.

    Ning Xiaoluo was so shocked that he could only ster himself against the wall. His own big brother just poisoned a prince like that. Is he insane?

    Just then, Shadowgale rushed into the prison cell, his body covered in dust.

    ¡°Big brother, you¡¯re back?¡± Shadowbolt shouted.

    Shadowgale nodded at Shadowbolt, muttering, ¡°Are the First and Third Young Masters Ning inside?¡±

    Shadowbolt nodded frantically. Shadowgale pushed opened the door and strode into the room. The moment he saw all the blood on the ground, he hastily shut the door behind him.

    Ning Xiaoluo rushed to inform Shadowgale in a whisper. ¡°My big brother and I have no idea what happened! He suddenly became like this! We didn¡¯t do anything!¡±

    Shadowgale walked over to Second Prince¡¯s side. By now, Second Prince could no longer speak. However, when he saw Shadowgale, it was as if his strength had returned. Second Prince was letting out croaking sounds, like he had something to say to Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale crouched down. Second Prince¡¯s gaze was beginning to weaken. Shadowgale pressed a finger under Second Prince¡¯s nose to check. He¡¯s not breathing at all. He¡¯s dead.

    Ning Xiaoluo still had his back against the wall. ¡°Should we call the physician?¡± he timidly asked.

    First Young Master Ning gently pressed Second Prince¡¯s eyelids shut. Second Prince had died with his eyes frozen open in a fierce re. Then, he addressed Shadowgale. ¡°Your clothes are covered in dust, and you rushed here without seeing His Majesty. Did Supreme Commander order you to do something?¡±

    Shadowgale removed his hand from Second Prince¡¯s nose. ¡°First Young Master, you¡¯re really fearless.¡±

    ¡°Likewise.¡± First Young Master Ning shot back.

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Are Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s men with Xie Wenyuan?¡± First Young Master Ning queried.

    ¡°Second Prince had colluded with Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°So Supreme Commander Lou wanted you to eliminate Second Prince?¡±

    Shadowgale briskly nodded. There was no need for him to hide it from First Young Master Ning, considering he had already made his move to kill Second Prince before his arrival. Surely First Young Master Ning must have discovered Second Prince¡¯s private alliance with Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°What were Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s orders?¡± First Young Master Ning asked.

    Shadowgale hesitated, but remained quiet.

    ¡°I also want His Majesty to be safe and sound. I¡¯ve ordered Third Commander to go kill people.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s eyes jerked.

    ¡°Does Supreme Commander Lou also have the same ns as me?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Shadowgale stood up.

    Ning Xiaoluo ran over. He swept his eyes at Second Prince¡¯s bluish pallor. ¡°What are you guys going to tell His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°That he was killed by Xie Wenyuan.¡± Shadowgale shrugged.

    Third Young Master Ning rubbed his nose. Alright then. They¡¯ll just put the me on Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± First Young Master Ning told Third Young Master Ning.

    ¡°We¡¯re just going to leave him here?¡± Ning Xiaoluo was surprised. It¡¯s summer! If they leave his corpse lying around, it will stink up the ce in no time!

    The other two consecutively walked out of the prison cell without a word.

    Ning Xiaoluo gave one final look at Second Prince. They don¡¯t care. Well, he can¡¯t do anything about it either. Third Young Master Ning ran out of the prison cell.

    Just as First Younger Master Ning and the rest had walked out, Third Prince threw himself before the cell doors and bellowed, ¡°Second imperial brother, Second imperial brother, what¡¯s wrong?!¡±

    Fourth Prince and the other three princes held their breaths and stretched their ears to listen.

    Second Prince¡¯s corpse was slumped on the ground. A little mouse wriggled out of a crack and sniffed Second Prince¡¯s face. Then it used its ws to poke at the distorted face. The mouse ran away to report to Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in the pce room. On the table in front of her was an empty rice bowl. She licked her lips and questioned the military officer standing before her. ¡°What did you say is happening at Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡±

    The military officer reported in a respectful tone, ¡°The men in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate are putting up a desperate struggle. His Excellency Pei is currently on his way to attack them with troops from Nine Gate Infantry¡¯s estate. His Excellency Pei requests that His Majesty wait for him to capture all the offenders from Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°There are still people in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Grand Preceptor slunk off without bringing his family with him? How could the old bastard be so heartless?

    ¡°Yes.¡± the military officer nodded.

    ¡°Tell Second Young Master Pei to be careful. The people in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate aren¡¯t important. If he can¡¯t fight anymore, tell him to forget it and save his energy. We¡¯ll fight it out with the Grand Preceptor himself.¡±

    ¡°This subject obeys the decree.¡±

    ¡°Go quickly,¡± Ning Xiaoyao instructed, ¡°For the love of God, please don¡¯t get injured.¡±

    The military officer retreated after he knelt to express his gratitude.

    Ji Yuerong found it suspicious.¡°How many people can there still be in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate? Does Second Young Master Pei really need to bring troops to attack?¡±

    ¡°Who knows? They may still have cannons.¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her arms to give Ji Yuerong an idea. ¡°Earlier, I saw two giant cannons this big! They nearly blew Supreme Commander, Lord Protector and the others into tiny bits!¡± she eximed.

    Ji Yuerong was skeptical that the Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate could hide suchrge cannons, but seeing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s dramatic expression, she was hesitant. Could there really be such humongous cannons hidden in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?

    Fear fluttered in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart upon talking about big cannons. ¡°No, I¡¯d better head over to take a look. What if those assholes want to use the cannons to blow up Second Young Master Pei?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mind was running wild, and she couldn¡¯t help but worry for Pei Yan. Hence, before Ji Yuerong could get a word out, Emperor Ning had sprinted away. Ji Yueyong could only chase after Ning Xiaoyao.

    At this moment, Elder Li was kneeling before the Supreme Splendor Hall. No matter how much the Dragon Guards tried to coax, he refused to get up. It was then that Ning Xiaoyao appeared like a wisp of smoke.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li yelled, not giving Ning Xiaoyao the chance to escape.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to cry. Didn¡¯t someone tell that this old man was waiting for her in whatever pce hall? How did he end up here?!

    -----

    Meanwhile, in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, Pei Yan¡¯s hands were behind his back. He was tapping the ground with the horsewhip in his hand.

    The huge rear court was filled with people from Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Currently, they were all forced to kneel.

    After checking the names of all of the people in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate, a deputy general folded the name list and ran to Pei Yan. He murmured, ¡°Second Young Master Pei, the main branch under Grand Preceptor have all escaped. The ones left behind are the coteral branches and servants.¡±

    Behind him, the horsewhip paused in mid-air. Pei Yan questioned, ¡°Not a single person left from the main branch at all?¡±

    Suddenly, a woman¡¯s scream pierced the air. It appeared to being from the east veranda.

    Pei Yan and his soldiers turned towards the veranda.

    Two soldiers dragged a woman with dishevelled hair over to Pei Yan. She was screaming and writhing, but was no match against the soldiers.

    A soldier reported, ¡°Second Young Master Pei, we found this woman hidden in the walls.¡±

    The woman was tossed to Pei Yan¡¯s feet. Pei Yan didn¡¯t crouch down, instead used his foot to nudge aside the hair covering her face. He scrutinised her face, but couldn¡¯t recognise her.

    The deputy general hauled over an older maidservant, and shoved her towards the woman. ¡°Who is she?¡±

    The older maidservant took a look and shuddered. She didn¡¯t dare to say anything.

    ¡°Speak!¡± the deputy general barked.

    Still, the older maidservant kept her lips tightly shut. Pei Yan¡¯s lips curled up in a sinister smile and he icilyughed. With a swish of his de, the deputy general killed the older maidservant on the spot.

    Watching this unfold, all the people from Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate either screamed in horror, or remained silent out of terror.

    Pei Yan randomly pointed at the servant kneeling closest to him. ¡°You. Speak!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s the wife... the wife of G-Grand Preceptor.¡± the servant stuttered.

    Pei Yan eyed the woman at his feet. Xie Wenyuan had actually abandoned his first wife?

    Lady Wang pushed herself up. She¡¯d been shut away in a far awaypound, and waspletely in the dark about everything that had happened. Lady Wang looked at Pei Yan, then at the yard filled with the estate¡¯s people. ¡°What happened? What in the world happened?!¡± she shrieked.

    Pei Yan calmly replied, ¡°Xie Wenyuan has brought his troops to attack the capital. The bastard has revolted.¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Lady Wang screeched hysterically.

    Pei Yan grinned frostily. ¡°Xie Wenyuan sent away those directly under him, but left his first wife to die in the capital. If I hadn¡¯t seen it with my own two eyes, I wouldn¡¯t have believed it either.¡±

    Lady Wang was silent. Her eyes darted across the courtyard. N¨¦e Mo wasn¡¯t here. N¨¦e Zhou wasn¡¯t here. Neither was n¨¦e Ai. All of Grand Preceptor¡¯s concubines were gone too. She was the only one left behind...

    The soldiers who had been searching the estate gathered at the courtyard. After a short discussion between the high-ranking officers, the deputy general quietly whispered to Pei Yan. ¡°Second Young Master Pei, the estate has been thoroughly searched. Everyone is here.¡±

    Pei Yan made a sound of acknowledgement. He looked at Lady Wang sitting motionless on the ground.

    ¡°She¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s maternal grandmother after all,¡± the deputy general ventured. ¡°How should we deal with this? We can¡¯t possibly just kill her like that.¡±

    Despite his entric nature, Pei Yan knew that he couldn¡¯t just kill His Majesty¡¯s maternal grandmother like that. Even if His Majesty wanted her dead, they still had to put on a show of helplessness and despair for everyone to see. They couldn¡¯t just chop n¨¦e Wang¡¯s head off.

    Lady Wang looked at Pei Yan. ¡°Where¡¯s Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Outside the capital.¡±

    She murmured, ¡°How could he just leave me behind like this?¡±

    Second Young Master Pei thought for a moment before giving out hismand. ¡°Drive n¨¦e Wang out of Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.¡±

    All the military officers stared at Pei Yan. Is he just going to let her go?

    ¡°If I were you, Lady, I would plead and apologize to His Majesty.¡± Pei Yan waved his hand carelessly. ¡°Drag her out.¡±

    The previous two soldiers yanked her towards the estate¡¯s gates.

    ¡°Let go of me, you wretched servants! Let go!¡± Lady Wang began screeching and struggling again. Thankfully, her belt was fastened tightly so her body wasn¡¯t revealed.

    The two soldiers ignored her screams, and barely batted an eye at her pitiful thrashing. In a sh, they were out of the courtyard.

    ¡°Kill the rest,¡± Pei Yan ordered.

    The soldiers¡¯ swords glinted as they killed all those kneeling before them.

    The garden was arranged beautifully, and the flowers were all in bloom. Yet, in an instant, it had turned into a ughterhouse.

    A soldier dragged a married woman before Pei Yan. ¡°This one has the surname Mo. She¡¯s Fifth Lady Xie¡¯s mother. His Excellency Lord Protector has given the instruction not to kill her, and to protect her well.¡±

    Pei Yan eyed the soldier.

    The soldier hastened to add, ¡°His Excellency Lord Protector said that Fifth Lady Xie might be the Dragon Guards¡¯ headmander¡¯s woman in the future.¡±

    As the headmander of the Dragon Guards, how could he take a liking to a woman from the Xie n? Second Young Master¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Is Shadowgale crazy?¡±

    In case you haven''t seen, I am hosting an art contest to celebrate UPX''s 300th chapter! Click here for more details!

 Chapter 301: The Death of Criminal Lady Wang

    <h4>Chapter 301: The Death of Criminal Lady Wang</h4>

    The soldier didn¡¯t speak; it really wasn¡¯t up to him to say if Shadowgale was crazy or not.

    ¡°Send this person to Shadow Commander,¡± Pei Yan ordered with a wave of his hand.

    The soldier brought Madame Mo out of the courtyard.

    Several of the servant girls and old maidservants who had served Madame Mo saw that Madame Mo was given the choice to live. So they quickly rushed and begged Madame Mo to save and take them away with her.

    Madame Mo turned her head to look at Pei Yan.

    Second Young Master Pei¡¯s face was expressionless, only the corner of his lips were slightly raised. His smile could hardly be called a smile. Although his face was beautiful, the malice in his smile made him appear extremely frightening.

    ¡°Keep moving,¡± the soldier urged Madame Mo. ¡°Shadow Commander is the only reason why you¡¯re allowed to live. You still want to save others?¡±

    Madame Mo cried bitterly and left with the soldier.

    ¡°Don¡¯t me me for being ruthless,¡± Pei Yan looked at Grand Preceptor¡¯s people within the pool of blood. ¡°Xie Wenyuan has rebelled, and ording to thew, the punishment is nine familial exterminations*. Xie Wenyuan has to die, so must all of you. When you¡¯ve reached the Yellow Springs, don¡¯t be so quick to reincarnate. Wait until Xie Wenyuan joins you, then ask him why he had abandoned all of you.¡±

    Once thest of Grand Preceptor¡¯s people were in, the wails and screams in the courtyard stopped.

    Pei Yan lightly stepped in the pool of blood that had flowed beneath his feet andmanded, ¡°Transfer all the valuables in the estate to the imperial pce and post a seal on the gates of Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate to seal it off.¡±

    ¡°What about the bodies?¡± asked one of the soldiers.

    ¡°Toss them on the streets outside the gates. Let the citizens of the capital see the consequences of a rebellion.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± several soldiers obeyed in unison.

    One of the Pei Yan¡¯s personal soldiers ran into the courtyard. When he was in front of Pei Yan, he quietly reported, ¡°Second Young Master, there weren¡¯t any letters or ledgers in Xie Wenyuan¡¯s study, not even a single book was left.¡±

    Pei Yan nodded his head and walked towards the courtyard exit.

    The soldiers shoved Lady Wang out of Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Since she had failed to maintain her bnce, Lady Wang rolled all the way down from the high flights of steps.

    There were no one on the street, but at both ends of the street stood many people who pointed at Lady Wang. The people were all quietly discussing amongst themselves, but none of them dared to step forward.

    Lady Wang crawled up from the ground and looked at the gates of the estate. Then, she stared at the people at both ends of the street and raised her head to look up at the sky. It was a cloudy day, so the sunlight was not bright enough to hurt her eyes. Yet, tears streamed down her face. With unsteady footsteps, she staggered back and forth around the open area in front of the estate gates. Finally, she stopped in front of the stone lion statue located on the right side of the steps.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan!¡± Lady Wang stared at the stone lion statue and roared.

    Lady Wang didn¡¯t understand how she could she have fallen to such plight. She was born into an official household, got married in an official household, had given birth to three sons, raised a daughter who became the empress dowager, and even had a grandson who became the emperor. How did she end up like a stray dog, standing alone outside her home?

    ¡°Fake. This is all fake.¡± Lady Wang repeated hollowly as she backed up. ¡°It¡¯s just a fleeting, imaginary dream.¡±

    The crowd on both ends of the street cried out in surprise.

    Pei Yan walked out the main gates of Grand Preceptor¡¯s residence.

    Lady Wang had mmed her head against the stone lion statue. Her skull had cracked open, with blood and brain fluid sttered all over. Lady Wang fell in front of the stone lion statue and took herst breath.

    Pei Yan walked down the steps and went to Lady Wang¡¯s body. A soldier squatted down to check for any signs of life. ¡°Second Young Master, this woman is dead.¡±

    Pei Yan thought this was actually better for His Majesty. Now, it saved His Majesty the trouble of having to act out a whole tragic scene before carrying out the execution.

    ¡°Get out of the way! Everyone, get out of the way!¡±

    A troop of soldiers drove away the crowd that was standing at the end of the street.

    Ning Xiaoyao stepped down from the sedan. She froze when she saw Lady Wang¡¯s corpse.

    Elder Li came down from a separate sedan. When he saw Lady Wang¡¯s body, his eyebrows scrunched up.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Pei Yan greeted as he rushed towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiao Yao narrowed her eyes as she looked at Lady Wang. In fact, she didn¡¯t have to look at her face, just from her frame, Ning Xiaoyao could already recognize her. But Ning Xiaoyao just couldn¡¯t believe it. Lady Wang really just died like that?

    ¡°Criminal Lady Wang felt guilty towards Your Majesty, thus decided to end her life,¡± Pei Yan told Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao crouched down to touch Lady Wang¡¯s face. Lady Wang had stopped breathing. Even if she wants to save her, there¡¯s nothing she could do now.

    ¡°Is there anyone left in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate?¡± Elder Li stood behind Ning Xiaoyao and questioned Pei Yan.

    ¡°The main branch of the Xie n were gone by the time we arrived.¡± Pei Yan turned to face Elder Li. Pei Yan¡¯s deferential behavior was obvious, his body slightly bowed as he replied Elder Li. ¡°The coteral branches and servants have all been executed; a total of 213.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t wrap her head around the matter.

    ¡°They¡¯ve all died,¡± Pei Yan lowered his head to inform Ning Xiaoyao.

    More than 200 people. Ning Xiaoyao hung her head low, her chest felt stifled and unbearable.

    ¡°The punishment was carried out well,¡± Elder Li nodded his head and praised Pei Yan, ¡°Your Excellency Pei has performed a meritorious service for our country.¡±

    ¡°It is my duty as a government official, I dare not take credit,¡± Pei Yan insisted.

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lip. Look! This is the meaning of three different standpoints**!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li advised Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Since criminal n¨¦e Wang is Your Majesty¡¯s grandmother, Your Majesty should still give out orders for a proper burial. The Xie n may be ruthless towards Your Majesty, but Your Majesty cannot be an immoral person.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Lady Wang.

    Lady Wang¡¯s eyes were closed shut, her blood and brain fluid had coalesced. Brain matter had sttered all over her face and her skull was broken. In fact, the heavy impact had deformed her face as well. If her noble title wasn¡¯t mentioned, they wouldn¡¯t even be able to put a human to the face.

    Elder Li could see that Ning Xiaoyao was still crouching down, unmoving. So, he offered words offort. ¡°Your Majesty, if you feel like you can¡¯t bear it, it¡¯s ok to cry it out. This criminal did raise Your Majesty, Your Majesty...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her eyes and stood up. She couldn¡¯t let the old gramps continue talking or else she might really need to cry to get over the pain.

    ¡°Bury her then,¡± Ning Xiaoyaomented, ¡°Grand Preceptor actually abandoned her. What kind of husband and wife is this?¡±

    Pei Yanughed bitterly and mocked, ¡°When this subject came across this criminal earlier, she looked deranged. Why would Xie Wenyuan want a crazy woman for? He wouldn¡¯t be able to use her.¡±

    ¡°Bastard!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    Pei Yan waved his hands and ordered two soldiers to step forward. The two soldiers carried Lady Wang¡¯s body to the side.

    ¡°Would Your Majesty like to look inside the estate?¡± Pei Yan asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°To look at dead bodies?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. She wouldn¡¯t be able to bear it so it was better not to inflict pain upon herself.

    ¡°This subject requests His Majesty to return to the pce,¡± Elder Li hastily said. From the beginning, the old gramps had disapproved of Ning Xiaoyao running about the streets while danger lurked in every corner. In his opinion, right now Ning Xiaoyao shouldn¡¯t be out at all but remain inside the pce.

    ¡®It really doesn¡¯t look like a battle has been fought here ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao contemted as she looked at the gates and walls of Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate.

    Second Young Master Pei lied without a change of expression. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve already ordered my people to clean up the ce.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Pei Yan. The war is about to start, why is he cleaning up the battlefield for ah? Not only is this picky Second Young Master Pei a perfectionist, he also has OCD***? (Author: At this time, why do you care whether Second Young Master Pei has OCD or not? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Raindrops pattered on her head, before Ning Xiaoyao lifted her head to look at the sky, thunder loudly echoed across the sky.

    ¡°Your Majesty, let¡¯s return to the pce,¡± Elder Li hastily lifted up his wide sleeves to shelter Ning Xiaoyao from the rain.

    *Boom*

    *Thunder rumbles some more*

    ......

    Thunder resounded continuously. Although it was daytime, the capital instantly turned as dark as night. The downpour drenched the heads of everyone who stood out in the open.

    Pei Yan¡¯s personal men brought out two umbres from Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. Pei Yan opened one to shelter Ning Xiaoyao while Shadowbolt took care of Elder Li.

    Wiping the raindrops off her face, Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Not only do we have a thunderstorm, they have opened fire outside the capital.¡±

    Immediately, everyone¡¯s faces changed. Under the lightning shes and roar of thunder, it was impossible to tell whether the noise wasing from the sky or the sounds of cannons being set off.

    ¡°It¡¯s cannons,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to listen carefully and confirmed without a doubt. ¡°I¡¯m sure I heard correctly.¡±

    At this moment, Lord Protector had arrived at the scene on horseback. After hopping off his horse, he didn¡¯t formally greet Ning Xiaoyao. Instead, he anxiously eximed, ¡°Your Majesty, the war has begun on the south city walls.¡±

    ¡°Head to the south gate!¡± Without any hesitation, Ning Xiaoyaomanded at once. ¡°Lord Protector, why don¡¯t you take me on your house?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you must not go!¡± Elder Li frantically rushed, ¡°This subject requests Your Majesty to return to the pce.¡±

    ¡°Old gramps, you go back to the pce first, I¡¯m gonna take a peek,¡± Ning Xiaoyao assured Elder Li, ¡°I won¡¯t leave the capital to join the war.¡± Even if she wants to fight in the war, she doesn¡¯t have the strength yet.

    One of Pei Yan¡¯s personal soldier pulled a horse over. Second Young Master Pei spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, get on the horse. This subject will take you to the south gate.¡±

    ¡°Oh, ok!¡± Ning Xiaoyao climbed onto Pei Yan¡¯s horse.

    Pei Yan turned and flipped himself on the horse as well. Then, he urged his horse forward and left with Ning Xiaoyao.

    Seeing how his younger brother had left so bluntly with His Majesty, Lord Protector didn¡¯t dare look at Elder Li in the face. He cupped his fist and respectfully announced, ¡°Elder, please be assured that this official will ensure His Majesty¡¯s safety.¡± With this statement, Lord Protector left on his horse.

    Elder Li¡¯s gaze turned to Shadowbolt, who was still holding an umbre for him. Shadowbolt was still standing there in a daze.

    ¡°Why are you still standing here for?¡± Elder Li coldly asked Shadowbolt, ¡°His Majesty has left for the south. Why the heck are you still by this old man¡¯s side?¡±

    ¡°What about Your Excellency?¡± His Majesty¡¯s safety was important but he couldn¡¯t let anything happened to this old gramps either.

    ¡°Do you think the soldiers from Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate are useless?¡± Elder Li shouted at Shadowbolt, ¡°You¡¯re still not going to protect His Majesty?! You muddled-headed punk!!¡±

    Elder Li¡¯s scolding prompted Shadowbolt and the rest of the Dragon Guards to fled.

    The soldiers of Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate began to transfer the bodies from Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate out the gates.

    More than 200 bodies were piled up into three piles. Under the heavy downpour, the entrance of Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate quickly became a river of blood.

    Elder Li patted the stone lion statue outside the estate. The Xie n that held prestige for many generations were now criminals. They only had themselves to me. There was nothing left to say.

    Meanwhile, beyond the south city walls, both cavalries were engaged in battle. Those who fell off the horses were instantly trampled into muck and gore. The sounds of metal shing against each other were actually enough to ovee the sounds of heavy raindrops hitting the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao went up the city gate tower and immediately noticed Deng Rong in the middle of the battlefield. She tried her best to avoid looking at the bodies on the ground as she scanned to locate Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Supreme Commander Lou isn¡¯t here,¡± said Pei Yan.

    ¡°Eh? Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Commander Lou¡¯s g isn¡¯t here,¡± Pei Yan pointed out the war gs on the battlefield.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the gs that were drenched by the heavy downpour. They were no longer fluttering. Sure enough, Lou Zigui¡¯s g wasn¡¯t there.

    ¡°Most likely, Supreme Commander went to capture Xie Wenyuan,¡± Lord Protector added.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Grand Preceptor at the west gate? Howe there¡¯s also a war in the south?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was confused.

    ¡°In order to defeat Xie Wenyuan, we must destroy his military forces,¡± Pei Yan watched Ning Xiaoyao pick out a brick in her hand. ¡°Is today the day that Your Majesty and Supreme Commander had decided upon?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Nope.

    ¡°Then today must be the day that Xie Wenyuan is escaping from the capital. The heart of the rebel troops are unstable.¡± Pei Yan looked at the bodies that had piled up by the city walls. His face held a look of excitement, ¡°Has Your Majesty noticed that the rebel army is retreating?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked outside the capital. She couldn¡¯t tell...

    *If you want to learn more about the nine familial exterminations, click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_familial_exterminations

    **The three standpoints are: your values, worldviews, and how you view life. It is actually very philosophical. If you want to read more, you can head over to https://zhidao.baidu/question/208876603 (Note: the site is in Chinese.)

    ***OCD stands for obsessivepulsive disorder

 Chapter 302: After the city was invaded...

    <h4>Chapter 302: After the city was invaded...</h4>

    From the south city gate tower, Ning Xiaoyao was observing to see whether the enemies were retreating. When suddenly, shouts of fighting travelled from the west side of the capital.

    ¡°The west side?¡± Lord Protector heard the cries and paused and turned to Pei Yan to confirm.

    ¡°It¡¯s the west city wall.¡± Pei Yan replied, ¡°Who¡¯s the person stationed at the west gate now?¡±

    Lord Protector reported a name that Ning Xiaoyao had never heard before, then reassured her, ¡°There wouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    At this moment, the sounds of rumbling started again.

    Ning Xiaoyao eximed, ¡°They¡¯re shooting cannons at the west gate ah!¡±

    The Pei brothers nced at each other and Pei Yan asserted, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject will escort you out of the capital.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand anything that had happened so far. What exactly is happening? Why do they want to send her out of the capital again?

    ¡°Since Lou Zigui is not around, Your Majesty can rece him as the pir of the army outside the capital.¡± Second Young Master Pei tried to trick Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the hill of corpses outside the capital. The cause of this massacre was theck of a pir in the army?

    ¡°Your Majesty??¡± Pei Yan shouted.

    The sound of explosions was continuouslying from the west gate.

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head and felt that there was something definitely wrong with this situation.

    Pei Yan coaxed, ¡°If Your Majesty is afraid, then forget it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. She has been through the apocalypse, how could she be afraid of something like this?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s voice travelled from the staircase. Ning Xiaoyao turned her head towards the staircase to look.

    The rain had thoroughly drenched Ning Xiaoluo. He ran to Ning Xiaoyao like he was panic stricken.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Ning Xiaoluo stood in front of Ning Xiaoyao, panting, ¡°My brother told me to follow Your Majesty out of the south gate.¡±

    ¡°Why are we leaving the capital?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Third Young Master Ning spoke very seriously, ¡°My big brother said since Lou Zigui is at the west gate, the soldiers at the south gate have no pir of support. With Your Majesty out of the capital, we can appease the soldiers.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    The Pei brothers: ...

    This suspicious reason was now used consecutively by two different people. What does this mean? Ning Xiaoyao stroked her chin. There¡¯s definitely something wrong with this exnation ah.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Ning Xiaoluo added, ¡°Miss Ji and Shadowgale of the Dragon Guards are waiting down by the gate. My brother said after the enemy troops at the south gate have retreated, Elder Li and the others can leave from there as well.¡±

    ¡°I have to be the pir of the army?¡± Ning Xiaoyao questioned.

    ¡°Yes ah,¡± Ning Xiaoluo nodded his head.

    Just then, there was a sound of a louder detonation, Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Little Luoluo, where is Big Bro Ning now?¡±

    ¡°Definitely in the pce.¡± Second Young Master Pei immediately replied.

    ¡°He has gone to the west gate.¡± Ning Xiaoluo said at the same time.

    After both of them spoke simultaneously, they stared at each other. Third Young Master Ning lost the staring contest and lowered his head. He didn¡¯t dare to take another look at Second Young Master Pei.

    ¡°Is the west gate in danger, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao fretted. ¡°Is that why we are sending everyone towards the south?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not possible.¡± Lord Protector hurriedly shook his head. ¡°No matter how many cannons they have, the city walls will not fall.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face stiffened. She looked at the three people standing in front of her and ridiculed, ¡°Do I look like an idiot to you?¡±

    Third Young Master Ning hurriedly stuttered, ¡°You¡¯re not.. I am.. Your Majesty.. Can we leave the capital now?¡±

    Looking at the swollen pig head before her, Ning Xiaoyao sighed. In any case, this punk really isn¡¯t smart. ¡°You all escort old gramps and the others out of the capital, I will head to the west gate to take a look.¡±

    ¡°No!!¡± Ning Xiaoluo eximed.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned and ran off. At this point, she would have to squeeze out whatever energy she had left.

    Third Young Master Ning pounced on air and directly fell onto the ground.

    Lord Protector and Pei Yan wanted to chase after her, but when Ning Xiaoyao is determined to run with all her life, how could the Pei brothers even hope to catch her?

    Ning Xiaoyao ran down the city gate tower and rapidly sprinted her way to the west gate.

    Shadowgale just saw a silhouette pass him. After trying to take a second look, NIng Xiaoyao¡¯s shadow was gone.

    Lord Protector rushed down the city gate tower and shouted, ¡°Your Majesty???¡±

    Shadowgale was shocked. There was no doubt that the person that had just passed him was His Majesty. Without a word, Shadowgale leapt on a horse and instantly gave chase to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ji Yuerong, d in armor, met with the Pei brothers. Pei Yan instructed, ¡°Miss Ji, please assist my brother in escorting the officials out of the capital.¡±

    Lord Protector immediately stopped Pei Yan from leaving. ¡°You go with Miss Ji, I will protect His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Where is His Majesty?¡± Ji Yuerong asked.

    ¡°He ran away.¡± Lord Protector wiped his face. Sometimes, when His Majesty is too capable, it is also a concern!

    ¡°You can first escort these officials out and thene back,¡± Pei Yan flung off Lord Protector¡¯s hand. He ran and flipped onto the warhorse then headed for the west gate.

    Lord Protector looked at Miss Ji. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask her to escort the officials out of the capital alone.

    ¡°Lord Protector should go to protect His Majesty.¡± Just when the Lord Protector was at a loss, Ji Yuerong took the initiative to speak. ¡°I can escort the officials out of the capital. After ensuring their safety, I will return immediately.¡±

    ¡°Deng Rong is just outside the capital. After victory has been decided, Miss Ji can hand the people over to Deng Rong.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Jie Yuerong nodded her head.

    Lord Protector gave Miss Ji a cupped fist and urgently left for the west gate as well.

    When Lord Protector was gone, Ning Xiaoluo finally arrived at the bottom of the city gate tower. After falling over and hitting the ground, Third Young Master Ning started sporting a huge bruise on his forehead.

    Ji Yuerong couldn¡¯t bear to look at him. If this face keeps getting damaged, will it ever heal?

    Ning Xiaoluo walked over to Ji Yuerong and looked at the crowd behind her. ¡°His Majesty ran off, ah?¡±

    ¡°Why did you go up the city gate tower?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo open his mouth. After inadvertently collecting a mouthful of rainwater, he decided to close it again. He swallowed down the rainwater andined, ¡°I just said what my brother taught me to say, who would¡¯ve thought His Majesty wouldn¡¯t believe me.¡±

    Ji Yuerong walked towards Elder Li. She really didn¡¯t want to talk to a guy who was useless without his big brother.

    On the way, Ning Xiaoyao met with a toon of soldiers that were running from the west gate to the city barracks. ¡°How is the west gate ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped the soldiers and yelled.

    The soldiers couldn¡¯t recognise Ning Xiaoyao and stared at her guardedly as they stopped.

    Ning Xiaoyao justified, ¡°I am the emperor, ah.¡±

    The soldiers still didn¡¯t say anything. Who knows if he¡¯s telling the truth?

    ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s men want to kill me. Why would I pretend to be the emperor for fun?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped the rain off her face and pointed out, ¡°Lil bro, quickly tell me, how¡¯s the situation at the west gate ah?¡±

    ¡°The situation is not good.¡± a soldier who looked only sixteen or seventeen reported to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°The First Young Master with the Ning surname ordered us to go protect the pce gates.¡±

    ¡°How many enemy troops are there outside the capital? Ning Xiaoyao frantically asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± the young soldier shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s full of people outside the capital. Also...¡±

    ¡°There are also cannons!¡± Ning Xiaoyaopleted his sentence, ¡°I know, I can hear the explosions too.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve broken through the city wall!¡±

    ¡°The city gates have opened¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Rebels are entering the capital!¡±

    ¡°Run ah¡ª¡ª¡±

    ......

    Panic and confused shouts were heard from the city gates.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt an explosion in her mind. The capital has been invaded?!

    ¡°Your Majesty, leave quickly! Your Majesty!¡± the young soldier hollered at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°All of you return to the pce first.¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran past this toon and headed for the west gate like a gust of wind.

    All the citizens who were capable of leaving the capital have already left. The only people who were left were all hiding at home. Thus, there were very few people running on the streets.

    From afar, Ning Xiaoyao saw Ning Xiaomu riding a horse towards her. First Young Master Ning was holding a sword with blood dripping from the tip of it.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± First Young Master Ning arrived in front of Ning Xiaoyao in an instant.

    ¡°Big Bro Ning!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of Ming Guang the horse and raised her head to look at First Young Master Ning, ¡°Are you injured?¡±

    First Young Master Ning reached out and pulled Ning Xiaoyao onto the horse. Whipping his horse, he headed towards the pce. ¡°Didn¡¯t you leave through the south gate?¡±

    ¡°At this moment, I can¡¯t run away.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, ¡°I¡¯ve already discussed with Supreme Commander. Unless I am in a life and death situation, I can¡¯t run.¡±

    ¡°He...!¡± First Young Master Ning wanted to curse Lou Zigui but he suppressed it.

    ¡°Also, Big Bro Ning is still at the west gate as well,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added.

    ¡°Your Majesty is here to look for me?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    First Young Master Ning paused for a moment and lightly rubbed his chin on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. He whispered, ¡°Your Majesty is worried about me?¡±

    ¡°Mhm, I¡¯m afraid you will get injured ah.¡±

    First Young Master Ning smiled, but this smile had yet to blossom before the sound of horses rushed towards them.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned to look, ¡°Are those enemy soldiers?¡±

    ¡°Sit tight,¡± First Young Master Ning pulled Ning Xiaoyao to a secure position. It¡¯s toote to send little sister out of the capital. If he tries, the rebel troops will follow and Elder Li and the other officials at the south gate would inevitably die.

    Fiercely whipping Ming Guang, First Young Master Ning quickly galloped to the direction of the pce with Ning Xiaoyao.

    The soldiers, who were running on foot, couldn¡¯t outrun the horse and saw that the enemy soldiers were approaching. They immediately headed for the alleys and smaller streets.

    Before the battle, their general had instructed them to look for a ce to hide. They were only to attack the enemy soldiers after they have entered the alleys.

    Shadowgale and the Pei brothers arrived one after another and encountered First Young Master Ning and Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°They broke through the west gate?¡± Lord Protector saw First Young Master Ning and shrieked.

    First Young Master Ning nodded his head at Lord Protector. Ming Guang dashed past Lord Protector. Lord Protector swung his fist in the air and turned his horse to follow after First Young Master Ning.

    After the time it took to burn half an incense, First Young Master Ning and Ning Xiaoyao finally ran through the pce gates.

    After Lord Protector entered the pce, he immediately got off his horse and ran up the city gate tower. Below the city gate tower, Shadowgale roared, ¡°Close the gates! Immediately close the pce gates!

    Ning Xiaoyao asked First Young Master Ning, ¡°The enemies have cannons, can the pce gates hold up?¡±

    ¡°The pce gates can hold up. Rest assure, Your Majesty.¡± First Young Master Ning didn¡¯t stop his horse even when passing the kneeling eunuchs. He directly leapt over them with his horse.

    ¡°Go back and tell Empress Dowager,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted from the horse to the eunuchs, ¡°The war has started, but as long as she remains in her pce, she¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    Shouts of killing travelled from the pce gates. The eunuchs got up and ran towards Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.

    Lord Protector stood at the top of the city gate tower with the generals of the Elite Imperial Guards. They watched as the rebels pushed several cannons to the front of the military formation. All the generals were troubled. How many sts could the pce gates and city gate tower take?

    First Young Master Ning ced Ning Xiaoyao in front of the Supreme Splendor Hall before redirecting his horse. ¡°I¡¯m going to the pce gates. Your Majesty must remember the words you said. If you are in a dire situation, you must leave the capital.¡±

    Without First Young Master Ning¡¯s body sheltering her, there was no one to block the rain from hitting Ning Xiaoyao. Her eyes could barely open from the heavy rain.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you must be safe,¡± First Young Master Ning sat on the horse and lightly patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head before turning to leave.

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her eyes and watched as First Young Master Ning¡¯s distance grew further and further away from her.

 Chapter 303: Supreme Commander says, Xie Wenyuan is dead

    <h4>Chapter 303: Supreme Commander says, Xie Wenyuan is dead</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao sat inside the main chamber of the Supreme Splendor Hall. At this location, the sounds of fighting and killing over the pce entrance were especially resounding to her ears. Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty apanied Ning Xiaoyao as theyid on the couch. These two had always been making fusses, but at the moment, they both kept quiet and didn¡¯t even dare to breathe out loud.

    Oil Jar scuttled into the main chamber alongside a little mouse whose size was approximately its own. Hopping onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sp, Oil Jar softly squeaked, ¡°Xiaoyao.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed Oil Jar''s head before turning to look at the little mouse in front of the couch, ¡°Oil Cake, why did youe here?¡±

    Oil Cake didn¡¯t meet with Ning Xiaoyao as frequently as Oil Jar, and was thrilled that Ning Xiaoyao still recognized him. Pancake gave her two happy squeaks before informing, ¡°Xiaoyao, I was in the Hall of Punishment just now. I saw First Young Master Ning kill Second Prince!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao (£þ¡÷£þ£»), what is her Big Bro Ning scheming?!

    ¡°And then your Windy came as well, Xiaoyao,¡± Oil Cake continued, ¡°He came on Supreme Commander¡¯s order to kill Second Prince, squeak~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face in nonplus, ¡°So they all want to kill Second Prince. Why, ah?¡±

    Oil Cake was unable answer this question.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Are the other princes still alright?¡±

    ¡°Do you want those four dead too?¡± Big Boss ck chimed in, ¡°I¡¯ll take Little White Fatty and bite them to death.¡±

    ¡°Arooo!¡± Little White Fatty stood up from his originally lying position and nodded towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Go your butt,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted them into lying back down on their stomachs. ¡°Don¡¯t cause trouble.¡± Why would she want to kill them for no reason?

    At this time, Little Gyrfalcon glided through a window into the main chamber. He perched on the armrest of the couch and said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, no need to fear the cannons. First Young Master Ning has led men and killed their way out of the pce. They even toppled the crates those rebel troops use to contain cannonballs! My master said, the gunpowder is soaked and can¡¯t hurt people, arooo!¡±

    ¡°First Young Master Ning is so formidable!¡± Oil Jar eximed with emotion.

    ¡°Supreme Commander is the most formidable!¡± Big Boss ck shrieked.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, who do you think is more formidable?¡± Little White Fatty asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    The enemy may be at the gates, but Ning Xiaoyao still pondered seriously over this senseless issue. Eventually, she replied, ¡°Dunno, I must see them duel before I can decide.¡± Speaking of which, Ning Xiaoyao picked up her short sword on the bed and ced it on her knees. ¡°I think that I¡¯m very formidable.¡±

    The short sword was the smallest type of Yanling Sword. Lou Zigui had especially sought it out so Ning Xiaoyao would have a proper weapon to fight the enemies. After all, a sword was far more destructivepared to a brick. Ning Xiaoyao flicked lightly on the golden-coated scabbard and told her little animal pals, ¡°This thing is pretty valuable. If the enemies fight their way into this ceter, you guys help me watch over this scabbard.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re gonna fight enemies, and you¡¯re worried about a scabbard?¡± By now, Big Boss ck believed Ning Xiaoyao was a thorough ninny.

    Ning Xiaoyao grabbed Little White Fatty and carried him to the ceiling rafters. She turned to call Big Boss ck, Oil Jar and the rest, ¡°Come up here, y¡¯all.¡±

    The cat and mice were experts at climbing, and there was no need to question Little Gyrfalcon. In an instant, the four got onto the ceiling rafters.

    Ning Xiaoyao ced the scabbard on the rafters and instructed the little animals, ¡°You guys stay up here and help me look after this. Do note down under any circumstances. Even if you see me being hacked at, you¡¯re not allowed to appear.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Oil Jar felt something very wrong with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°Listen and behave.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted all the heads of all five little animals before jumping off the ceiling rafters.

    -----

    ¡°Return to the pce!¡± First Young Master Ning ordered loudly. He had been killing enemies and dragging the battlefield everywhere around the pce entrance.

    At the end of the long street, a rebel team on horseback charged towards the pce entrance.

    ¡°Archers!¡± Lord Protector shouted from the city gate tower.

    The archers stationing at the small apertures on the tower raised their bows and drew arrows. The heavy rain had no effects on their thick callused hands.

    Standing at the corridor of the main chamber, Ning Xiaoyao could hear the sounds of arrows ripping through the air over at the pce entrance.

    Little Gyrfalcon flew to perch on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. He remained silent and only nuzzled Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face with his head.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t bear to stay still on the rafters, lil falcon, go help me find Supreme Commander.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I had Wheat follow Supreme Commander, but Wheat hadn¡¯te back to find me.¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon confirmed, ¡°You want me to check if Supreme Commander is okay?¡±

    ¡°Go see if he has captured Grand Preceptor.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Mm, alright, I understand.¡± Little Gyrfalcon spread his wings and flew to the sky.

    Grand Preceptor must be captured! Ning Xiaoyao covered her ears. Or else, all these people would¡¯ve died for nothing!

    On the road leading outside from the city¡¯s west end, Lou Zigui was leading at the very front of a cavalry troop when he suddenly stopped his horse.

    Shen Mu went up to greet and nodded at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui got off his horse and strode to a horse carriage. An individual was kneeling in front of the horse carriage. Shen Mu stepped forward and raised a leg to kick this person to the ground.

    The man sprawled on the ground. He didn¡¯t beg for mercy and justy there in a dull, hopeless manner.

    Lou Zigui pressed a hand on his sword handle as he gazed silently at this individual.

    The man looked about the same age as Grand Preceptor Xie, his physique was simr as well. Even his facial shape and features bore some resemnce to Grand Preceptor Xie.

    ¡°It was raining and we were too far apart,¡± Shen Mu bitterly exined, ¡°We thought that this was Xie Wenyuan, but this one is a f**king doppelganger!¡±

    Lou Zigui scanned the other bodies on the ground. These people were all Xie Wenyuan¡¯s bodyguards. For years, they had been trained as his trusted aides. Yet, Xie Wenyuan just used them as disposables.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, do we keep giving pursue?¡± Shen Mu asked with burning anxiety.

    Lou Zigui muttered, ¡°Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t capable of moving any faster than this doppelganger.¡±

    ¡°Then, then that old thing isn¡¯t at the west gate?¡±

    ¡°Most likely not.¡± Lou Zigui turned to look at the doppelganger on the ground.

    The body double had been lying there unmoved, his eyes wide open to gaze at the sky. He was pretending as if he was already dead.

    Shen Mu nced behind Lou Zigui when he heard the sounds of horse hooves. He whispered, ¡°General Xu has arrived.¡±

    Xu Jing got off his horse when he arrived at the vicinity. He strode toward Lou Zigui and asked about the situation while he examined the doppelganger.

    ¡°He fled.¡± Lou Zigui spoke in a low voice.

    Xu Jing¡¯s face became ashen as he looked at the body double on the ground. His original n was to stay by Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s side and act as a mole. After an abrupt turn of circumstances, however, Grand Preceptor Xie had failed to confirm the emperor¡¯s death and fled the capital. Warfare instantly followed, so they had to give up on the spy n. Since Xie Wenyuan failed to find a reason for his revolt and the rebel troops grew irresolute, they could take advantage of this beneficial situation to make a move against Grand Preceptor¡¯s forces. But now that Xie Wenyuan had escaped, General Xu was trepidatious.

    ¡°There are currently tens of thousands of troops fighting each other to their death,¡± Lou Zigui analyzed, ¡°Furthermore, there are manymon people who have taken refuge outside the capital. If Xie Wenyuan disguises himself and blends among those people, it¡¯d be an arduous task to find him.¡±

    ¡°Then, do we stop searching?¡± Xu Jing red at Lou Zigui. ¡°You know the consequences if we let Xie Wenyuan off.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lou Zigui said in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s useless to get angry now. Uncle, you should calm down.¡±

    General Xu stood and let the rain shower him for a while. Then, he pointed at the doppelganger, ¡°Who is this person?¡±

    ¡°We have troops stationed at the south, north and east roads of the city.¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t care the least bit about the doppelganger¡¯s identity. He muttered to Xu Jing, ¡°Even if we can¡¯t find Xie Wenyuan, it doesn¡¯t mean he can escape his doom.¡±

    Xu Jing gazed at Lou Zigui. Thetter was looking like his usual self, there wasn¡¯t a trace of worry on his expression.

    ¡°Kill him.¡± Lou Zigui ordered Shen Mu.

    Shen Mu was briefly stunned. When he regained his wits, his sword shed down and chopped off the doppelganger¡¯s head.

    Blood gushed out from the doppelganger¡¯s headless neck, creating a fountain of blood.

    ¡°Take the head of this man and these bodyguards and hang them at all four city gates in turns.¡± Lou Zigui gave out an order, ¡°Xie Wenyuan is dead.¡±

    Shen Mu cast a nce at the head he was holding.

    Xu Jing gave a start before he finally followed up, ¡°That¡¯s right. This is Xie Wenyuan¡¯s head!¡±

    Once the rebel troops hears that Xie Wenyuan is dead, how many of them would still have the heart to risk their lives in the capital? If Xie Wenyuan doesn¡¯t want to lose, he would have to personally reveal himself prove that he wasn¡¯t dead. Then, they will be able to locate that old thing right away.

    ¡°Two birds one stone.¡± General Xu gave a pat on Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Blockhead.¡± Lou Zigui called out Shen Mu¡¯s nickname.

    Shen Mu hastened to instruct the soldiers to work and cut off every single head from the bodyguards¡¯ corpses.

    An hourter, news of Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s death on the west road had spread all over the capital city and its suburbs.

    In a small farm on the city¡¯s eastern suburb, a guard ran to a courtyard entrance and knelt on the steps. He called out to the person standing inside the corridor, ¡°Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie was currently dressed in amonndlord robe, a bandana wrapped around his head. The man who could call for wind and summon the rain at the imperial court now looked like any usual country schr -the type that stayed at home to y with their grandchildren and passed their days in peace.

    Xu Yiming was standing next to Grand Preceptor Xie. He asked, ¡°How is the situation outside?¡±

    The guard reported, ¡°Lou Zigui has ordered his man to carry around a man¡¯s head. H-he said that Grand Preceptor is d-dead.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved his sleeve to dismiss the guard.

    Once the guard withdrew from the courtyard, Xu Yiming anxiously eximed, ¡°Grand Preceptor, it¡¯s either we stay or leave. You must make a decision!¡±

    ¡°If we leave, then the tens of thousands of troops will be massacred.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie said. ¡°If we stay, this old man and Ning Yu might still be able to have a battle.¡±

    ¡°Then your decision is?¡± Xu Yiming asked.

    Grand Preceptor Xie pushed lightly on the birdcage hanging over the corridor. Inside the cage, the yellow canary pped its wings and chirped loudly.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, there isn¡¯t much time left.¡± Xu Yiming urged Grand Preceptor Xie.

    Grand Preceptor Xie stretched his hand to y with the caged yellow canary.

    Xu Yiming could only worry as he didn¡¯t dare to urge Grand Preceptor Xie for the second time.

    At this time, another guard ran to the courtyard and knelt on the steps. He reported to Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Grand Preceptor, there is news from the capital that His Highness Second Prince had passed away. The headmander of the Dragon Guards Shadowrain led men to Second Prince¡¯s estate. Later on, news spread from the capital that Grand Preceptor, Grand Preceptor was the one who ordered everyone to be massacred in Second Prince¡¯s estate.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s finger slided down from the silver birdcage.

    The guard didn¡¯t dare to look at his master. He talked with his head hanging down, ¡°Many people from Second Prince¡¯s side have died as well. It has been spread that Grand Preceptor sent men to murder them.¡±

    ¡°Ning Huo, that useless trash!¡± Grand Preceptor Xie cursed in a low voice.

    Xu Yiming¡¯s face was as pale as a sheet of paper now. He whispered, ¡°Does His Majesty already know of Grand Preceptor and Second Prince¡¯s arrangement to take over the throne?¡±

    ¡°This old man ced the siege cannons inside Second Prince¡¯s estate.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s tone was chilling, ¡°Now, it seems it was all in vain.¡±

    Xu Yiming was shocked as he gazed at his master. Siege cannons?

    ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate will definitely be searched,¡± Grand Preceptor Xie crossed hands behind his back. ¡°Ning Yu won¡¯t let off this old man¡¯s followers either. On the outside, this old man and Ning Huo never had any contact with each other. We even appear to be enemies since we both want the throne. It should have been okay to hide the siege cannons inside Ning Huo¡¯s estate.¡±

    Xu Yiming was taken aback for a long moment. In the end, he said, ¡°Then how did His Majesty know that Second Prince...¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie raised his hand to stop Xu Yiming¡¯s speech. He hadmunicated everything through paper and not speech. How did Ning Yu find out about his n? Just where did it go wrong?!

    (Author: Second Prince was exposed because he was scratched by a cat. Grand Preceptor, would you believe this? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

 Chapter 304: A burning city for a peaceful country

    <h4>Chapter 304: A burning city for a peaceful country</h4>

    ¡°This old man made a big mistake.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie muttered to his assistant.

    Xu Yiming hastened tofort Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Grand Preceptor, victory or defeat is only temporary.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie waved his hand. ¡°This might just be what Ning Yu wants, peace for the entire capital and its vicinity at the expense of a city wall.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty, he...¡±

    ¡°A burning city for a peaceful country.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie heavily pushed the birdcage. The canary inside chirped woefully.

    ¡°Why did Grand Preceptor call out and identify His Majesty as a fake?¡± No matter how much he thought about it, Xu Yiming couldn¡¯t figure out the reason. It was such a foolish excuse to use His Majesty as a girl; even Xu Yiming was in disbelief that those words came from his master.

    ¡°Do not ask.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie waved his arm in dismissal. ¡°Let¡¯s depart.¡±

    A chilling shiver went down Assistant Xu¡¯s spine and spread throughout his body.

    Grand Preceptor was about to throw away almost 70,000 troops, along with the asset that he¡¯d built up in the capital and its vicinity over so many years.

    As Grand Preceptor Xie walked down the steps, the heavy rain instantly drenched him from top to bottom. Grand Preceptor Xie silently contemted the name Ning Yu in his heart. If he had known this day was going toe, he would have wiped out that baby girl¡¯s existence from the start.

    On the main road to the capital¡¯s eastern suburb, Xu Feiyu watched as his men stopped and thoroughly inspected a group of horse carriages. After they were done, he asked, ¡°How is it?¡±

    The deputy general rushed up to Xu Feiyu and reported, ¡°Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t among this group.¡±

    Xu Feiyu walked to face Lady Luo, who was cradling her little son. ¡°Third Young Lady, long time no see.¡±

    Lady Luo tightly held her son in her embrace, her voice quivered, ¡°W-what do you want from me?¡±

    Xu Feiyu was a tall, handsome young man with bright eyes and straight, nted eyebrows. Upon hearing Lady Luo¡¯s question, he sneered coldly, ¡°Where is Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    Lady Luo shook her head.

    Xu Feiyu lifted the curtain of the horse carriage next to him. The inside of the carriage had changed beyond recognition. Xie Anshi was suffering a life worse than death as he could only shout out ¡°ah ah¡±. His throat was burnt so badly that he didn¡¯t sound human at all.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know, I really don¡¯t know where Grand Preceptor is.¡± Lady Luo spoke in a tiny voice. Rain was trickling down her face, bystanders couldn¡¯t tell if this Third Young Lady was crying or not.

    Xu Feiyu let go of the carriage curtain and gave order to the deputy general behind, ¡°Search one more time.¡±

    So, the soldiers began to search the vehicle line from both ends towards the middle once more. From time to time, sounds of women wailing echoed from the line of vehicles. No matter if they were rich and noble or poor and lowly, they all looked miserable and pitiful at times of distress.

    Lady Luo¡¯s little son cried whimpers in her embrace. She held him and retreated backwards. In the presence of Xu Feiyu, she didn¡¯t even dare to coddle her son.

    Xu Feiyu just stood there, detached.

    This time, the soldiers dismantled the horse carriages to conduct their search. They didn¡¯t dare to miss out a single possible hiding spot for a person. This went on for about an hour until the search was finished.

    A concubine of Xie Anji shrilly shrieked, possibly from being touched by the soldiers. She shoved the soldiers surrounding her carriage and ran up along the line of vehicles.

    A soldier chased after her. The long spear in his hand thrusted forward and pierced through the concubine¡¯s body, before he swung her onto the ground.

    As the concubine¡¯s corpse heavily rammed on the saturated ground, the shrieking instantly ceased. But this silence onlysted for a few seconds before much bigger sounds of screaming consequently rose up.

    The deputy general ran up to Xu Feiyu and reported in a low voice, ¡°We searched everything. Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t here.¡±

    Xu Feiyu banged his hand against a carriage, ¡°Get rid of all these people.¡±

    The deputy general was terrified, ¡°Can we directly kill the Xie family members without going through His Majesty first?¡±

    ¡°Nine familial exterminations for those who rebel.¡± Xu Feiyu snarled, ¡°Why would His Majesty want to keep them around? Kill!¡±

    The deputy general epted the order. He turned to the soldiers and made a shing gesture with his hand.

    That was the beginning of a massacre.

    When Lady Luo wanted to flee with her son, a soldier kicked her to the ground. The sounds of horse hooves came from the capital¡¯s direction. Pei Yan and his cavalry team were approaching Xu Feiyu at a fast speed.

    ¡°Your Excellency Pei?¡± Xu Feiyu reached out his hands to help Pei Yan pull back the reins, effectively stopping the horse.

    Pei Yan leapt off the saddle and effortlesslynded on the waterlogged ground without kicking up a single droplet of water.

    ¡°What has His Excellency Peie here for?¡± Xu Feiyu handed the reins to the soldier next to him.

    Pei Yan looked at the corpses on the ground and replied, ¡°Supreme Commander Lou has news that Xie Wenyuan is currently in the eastern suburb.¡±

    General Xu shook his head, ¡°With the exception of Xie Wenyuan, the Xie family members are all here. Oh, right, that Assistant Xu Yiming isn¡¯t here either.¡±

    ¡°There are many viges at the eastern suburb farm area. Since Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t here, I¡¯ll lead men to look at those viges. I¡¯ll have to trouble General Xu to take care of the matter here.¡± Pei Yan didn¡¯t stay for too long. After instructing Xu Feiyu with the task, he got on the horse and was about to take his leave.

    ¡°Second Master,¡± Lady Luo shouted as she knelt on the ground.

    Pei Yan looked towards the woman on the muddy ground and sized her up for a good while, but still couldn¡¯t recognize who she was.

    Lady Luo could care less and yelled, ¡°Second Master, I¡¯m Luo Mengyun.¡±

    Pei Yan furrowed his brows. For generations, the Pei n and the Luo n have shared a friendly rtionship. He and Miss Luo could be considered close childhood friends. After a great catastrophe, however, the Luo n became Xie Wenyuan¡¯s guard dog, and Miss Luo climbed to a higher position as she was betrothed into the Xie family. No one could¡¯ve ever imagined a day when Pei Yan would look down at the woman on the ground from horseback. Things had changed with the passage of time, and Luo Mengyun had be someone that he was no longer familiar with.

    ¡°I beg you, please save my children.¡± Lady Luo sobbed and pleaded, ¡°I beg you, Second Master. I know that I¡¯ve owed you too much. I shall be your ve in my next life to pay back my debt. Second Master, please save my children!¡±

    Pei Yan turned his horse and urged it to go.

    ¡°Second Master!¡± Lady Luo screamed in desperation.

    ¡°Save your children and be condemned by His Majesty? So that he push his Pei n to death?¡± Xu Feiyu sneered at Lady Luo, ¡°So his Pei n¡¯s children should all die so that your children can survive?¡±

    As Lady Luo watched Pei Yan sprint to the distance without turning back, she wailed out loudly. A long time ago, she had cried when she knew she¡¯d be married to another person. But after she became Xie Anshi¡¯s official wife and watched Lord Protector¡¯s estate get worse with each passing day, she felt fortunate. She was lucky she hadn¡¯t married into the Pei family. She¡¯d even hoped that Lord Protector¡¯s estate would continue crumbling down, as proof that she hadn¡¯t married into the wrong family. Now, she was the falling into the mud with her baby in hand while Pei Yan galloped away on horseback. Was Pei Yan just heartless, or was this her karma?

    A soldier strode up and shed down his sword, ending Lady Luo¡¯s life in the mud. As for the little young master in her arms, his head was chopped off and he died on the spot.

    The soldiers dragged Xie Anshi out of the carriage and shoved him to the ground. Then, he was killed by multiple shes. Third Young Master Xie had been suffering a fate worse than death from his serious burn. When he died, he seemed relieved. Finally, he no longer has to live in torment.

    Xu Feiyu turned around and strode to his warhorse. He once thought the Xie n was a tree that could reach high to the sky; an unshakeable monster. In order to survive, he had no choice but to bent and knelt before Xie Wenyuan even though he wanted to kill him countless of times. Xu Feiyu still forced himself to respectfully call that man Godfather every time they met.

    Now that he looked down at the puddle of blood at his feet, he saw the Xie n on their road to final doom. Xu Feiyu shook his head lightly. So the capital¡¯s Xie n isn¡¯t unshakable after all. It¡¯s just that none of them had the courage to do anything back then.

    An hourter, Pei Yan picked up a silver bird cage from the swamped ground. The yellow canary had drowned from the rain, looking pitifully small as the water drenched its feather.

    ¡°Second Master, there¡¯s no one in this farmstead.¡± a bodyguard ran into the courtyard and reported out loud.

    Pei Yan casually threw the birdcage to the ground again. This isn¡¯t an abandoned farm, so why is there no one here?

    ¡°Your Excellency!¡±

    A captain of the Nine Gate Infantry dashed into the courtyard, his face pale and his feet unstable. ¡°Your Excellency, the backyard pond, the backyard pond is full of bodies.¡± the captain shouted.

    Pei Yan hurriedly made way to the backyard pond. Before his eyes was a pond full of corpses, men and women, young and old. The type of wounds on their bodies varied as well.

    ¡°Second Master, do we scoop them all out?¡± a bodyguard was seeking Pei Yan¡¯s decision.

    Pei Yan squatted down and randomly dragged a corpse of a little girl ashore. The little girl¡¯s throat had been shed. Therynx bone was fractured. After carefully examining it, Pei Yan stood up.

    All of the soldiers in the backyard gazed at Pei Yan expectantly. Who would massacre these people of the farm at this time? The rebel troops?

    Impossible. Pei Yan swept a nce at the pond of bodies. Then, he abruptly walked out of the yard as he ordered the soldiers, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this ce for now.¡±

    Everyone hurriedly followed him out altogether.

    ¡°Go check all the entries,¡± Pei Yan ordered loudly, ¡°See if there are any marks of carriage wheel on the ground!¡±

    The high-rank officers hastened to spread out with their troops.

    Pei Yan took quick steps out of the farm¡¯s main entrance. All of the warhorses were currently roped outside the farm. Under the heavy rain, all the hoof mark from their arrival had disappeared. Second Master Pei furiously kicked the water on the ground. Even the marks from their arrival have faded away now, how can there still be traces left behind from Xie Wenyuan¡¯s horse carriage?

    ¡°Should we split up to pursue them?¡± a deputy general quietly suggested next to Pei Yan.

    Pei Yan asked back, ¡°Do you know the routes leading out from this ce?¡±

    The deputy general couldn¡¯t respond. He was familiar with all the big and small streets of the capital. But he¡¯d never even been here before.

    Pei Yan inwardly estimated the number of troops he brought here. Even if they sessfully located Xie Wenyuan after they spread out to search, who knew if a small troop could outfight Xie Wenyuan¡¯s bodyguards?

    ¡°Go find Xu Feiyu,¡± Pei Yan instructed his deputy general, ¡°Tell him, Xie Wenyuan has definitely fled east. I will take the small road from this farm and give pursue. Tell him to take the main road.¡±

    The deputy general didn¡¯t dare to dy. He said words of assent and immediately galloped towards the main road.

    ¡°Go!¡± Pei Yan got on his horse and ordered loudly. A team of soldiers headed east and gave pursue along the gravel road in front of the farm.

    Meanwhile, at Xu Feiyu¡¯s location, General Xu gawked in shock at the person standing before him, ¡°You are His Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was standing in the bloody puddle with her serious chubby face. She nodded at Xu Feiyu.

    Xu Feiyu¡¯s face immediately turned embarrassed.

    Ning Xiaoyao forced herself to stop looking at the ground as she questioned Xu Feiyu, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Grand Preceptor is in the eastern suburbs? Where is he?¡±

    Deep down, General Xu truly wanted to ask, where did you get this news from? Is it reliable?

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palm and mumbled, ¡°If Grand Preceptor isn¡¯t here with you, then where is he now?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    Hearing someone call her from behind, Ning Xiaoyao turned around to look. Lou Zigui was approaching her on his horse. He was wearing a silvery armor, his entire body reeked of fresh blood.

 Chapter 305: The little falcon says, the mountain slope is going to collapse

    <h4>Chapter 305: The little falcon says, the mountain slope is going to copse</h4>

    Lou Zigui politely nodded his head at Xu Feiyu and got off his horse. He walked towards Ning Xiaoyao and Xu Feiyu and sat between them. Once the two were separated, Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Why has Your Majestye?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Third Rain found nine cannons in Second Prince¡¯s estate, along with a bunch of cannonballs. As for Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s troops, their cannons were useless after Big Bro Ning soaked their cannonballs. That¡¯s why the pce is fine even when the cannons kept making loud sts.¡±

    Supreme Commander, General and the soldiers: ... We are that lucky?

    ¡°But battles are still taking ce out on the capital streets.¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke after some thought, ¡°Lord Protector said we could definitely win this, or else he¡¯d kill himself.¡±

    ¡°Lord Protector wants to sacrifice himself for the country?¡± asked Xu Feiyu. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t look intimidating at all, so now General Xu had no trouble conversing with him. Originally, he had felt embarrassed and experienced extremely conflicting emotions.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked before firmly shaking her head. ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything about sacrificing for the country. He said he¡¯d kill himself.¡±

    Lou Zigui rested a hand on his forehead and whispered, ¡°That means he wanted to sacrifice for the country.¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t care less. ¡°Even if we lose this fight, I won¡¯t let him kill himself anyway.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou decided there was no need to continue this topic. He asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°So you left the capital as soon as the result of the battle was determined?¡±

    ¡°I got news that Grand Preceptor was in the eastern suburbs,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sniffled, ¡°So I came.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded slightly. He received news of Grand Preceptor¡¯s location from Xie Laibao. As for His Majesty, while Lou Zigui didn¡¯t know who her informer was, he believed that Ning Xiaoyao definitely had spies among Xie Wenyuan¡¯s people.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to search the space behind Lou Zigui. Wheat was the one who had given her the news, but its location was currently unknown. Furthermore, there was no sight of Little Gyrfalcon either. Little Gyrfalcon should have been by Supreme Commander¡¯s side as well.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see Xie Wenyuan.¡± Xu Feiyu muttered.

    ¡°Maybe he didn''t take the roads that people usually choose.¡± Ning Xiaoyao scanned the vicinity and shivered upon the sight of a blood-soaked corpse. She turned her head to face the sky again.

    ¡°Where is Pei Yan?¡± Lou Zigui asked Xu Feiyu.

    General Xu pointed to the southeast direction, ¡°He''s led men to check the farms and viges there.¡±

    ¡°Leave a troop here to keep watch over this ce,¡± Lou Zigui took Ning Xiaoyao and got on his horse as he instructed Xu Feiyu, ¡°Order your men to chase down this road. Perhaps Xie Wenyuan is just up ahead.¡±

    Xu Feiyu shook his head, ¡°How could he flee that quickly?¡±

    ¡°There might be shortcuts around here that we are unaware of,¡± After Lou Zigui made sure Ning Xiaoyao was safe and stable, he cupped fist toward Xu Feiyu. ¡°This will have to trouble you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao also hastened to chime in, ¡°General Xu, your hard work is appreciated. I''ll invite you to a meal after this.¡±

    Before Xu Feiyu could react, Lou Zigui urged his horse and took Ning Xiaoyao with him toward the southeast direction.

    Lou Zigui''s cavalry troops hurriedly urged their horses to follow as well. The horse hooves stomped up a myriad of water drops off the ground in their wake.

    Xu Feiyu stood there dumbfounded for a while. Leaving a team of soldiers to keep the ce guarded, he led the rest of the cavalry down east.

    ¡°I saw Xie Anshi''s corpse.¡± Lou Zigui muttered to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao''s mood was rather low. ¡°Are all the Xie family members dead?¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan is still alive.¡± Lou Zigui said, ¡°Xie Anyi and Xie Anji are alive as well. Xie Wenyuan sent his first son Xie Anyi¡¯s family out of the capital half a month ago. But rest assured, Xiaoyao, both Xie Anyi and Xie Anji can''t escape.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao mused on it. Xie Anyi was sent to serve the army at the borders, while Xie Anji is under Tao Yu''s watch. Of course it''s impossible for those two to escape, ah.

    ¡°What was the matter about Second Prince?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao let out a long sigh and told Lou Zigui about what happened with Second Prince.

    By the end of it, Lou Zigui thought to himself, Big Boss ck has aplished a great deed? This must be my imagination. £¨o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    There were numerous paths that were connected to the eastern part of the suburbs. The deputy general who delivered reports from Pei Yan took a different path and missed Lou Zigui¡¯s team.

    ¡°The stench of blood is too strong.¡± As they passed by a small farm, Ning Xiaoyao inhaled deeply and mumbled to Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui stopped the horse. A half of a broken whip was dropped at the entrance of this small farm.

    ¡°Do you wanna go in to check?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested, ¡°There''s no one on this farm.¡±

    Lou Zigui got off his horse and told Ning Xiaoyao in a low voice, ¡°Stay here and wait for me.¡±

    Leaving five soldiers to protect Ning Xiaoyao, Lou Zigui led his men through the farm''s loosely shut gates. Ning Xiaoyao had a staring contest with the five soldiers before she could no longer sit still. She jumped off Little Red¡¯s back and asked the soldiers, ¡°Why hasn''t Supreme Commandere out yet?¡±

    The five soldiers: ... Didn''t Supreme Commander just go in?

    ¡°Let''s go in as well!¡± Ning Xiaoyao headed towards the farm. The rain was heavy and the wind was fierce. The smell of blood would drift by for a moment then disappear at the next, triggering anxiety to rise up in Ning Xiaoyao''s heart. Did people get hurt? Or did a lot of them die?

    The five soldiers didn''t dare to stop Ning Xiaoyao, so they followed her into the farm.

    The farm was draped in utter silence, but signs of life could be sighted from both the interior and exterior. There were tea and sweets on the table, a ball that children yed with in the courtyard, and wet clothes were hanging high in the corridors. In front of the makeup mirror, a little case of face powder remained unshut. The incense stick was still burning and the books were left open on the table. On the embroidery rack facing the window, the mandarin ducks pattern was almost finished.

    ¡°Where did everyone go?¡±

    ¡°They fled?¡±

    ¡°The people in the capital fled, so those in the farms fled as well?¡±

    ......

    The five soldiers were quietly discussing amongst themselves behind Ning Xiaoyao. Even those in the army were a bit spooked when they walked through ces like this - a ce where people should¡¯ve been present but weren¡¯t.

    Upon reaching the backyard, Ning Xiaoyao wiped the raindrops off her face and proceeded to step inside.

    Lou Zigui''s party were all standing next to the pond. The instant Ning Xiaoyao walked in, Lou Zigui rushed to her. In an urgent voice, he blurted, ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯te over here.¡±

    However, since Ning Xiaoyao was walking so quickly, she had already reached the pond before Lou Zigui could reach her.

    The pond was filled with corpses. The heavy rain had caused the water in the pond to rise dramatically. The entire yard was filled with watery blood.

    Ning Xiaoyao''s eyes were fixated on the body that Pei Yan had dragged ashore. It was a little girl. Even without having to touch her, Ning Xiaoyao could tell that she was dead. The little girl''s neck bone was broken and pierced out of her skin, looking stark white under the rain''s shower. Ning Xiaoyao bit her lips. She couldn''t even tell what she was feeling right now.

    Lou Zigui stood in front of Ning Xiaoyao and covered her eyes. ¡°Don''t look.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was silent for a long time before she spoke again. ¡°Who did this? Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°All of the people in this farm died of one sh.¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice. ¡°It was either the rebel troops or Xie Wenyuan. Since the rebel troops shouldn''t have reached this ce, the culprit could only be Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°If he wanted a ce to hide, can''t he just lock them up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao couldn''t understand. ¡°What did he kill them for?¡±

    Lou Zigui softly patted her soaking wet face and muttered, ¡°Dead men tell no tales, right?¡±

    ¡°What is this, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her eyes. ¡°Just how many people had died already?¡±

    ¡°Go search this farm.¡± Lou Ziguimanded the soldiers. The soldiers made haste and spread out in all directions.

    Lou Zigui dragged Ning Xiaoyao over to a corner of the corridor. He wrapped his arms around her and stroked her reddened eyes. ¡°Crying?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Too evil!¡± The red-eyed Ning Xiaoyao grumbled.

    ¡°Xiaoyao.¡±

    ¡°How can this man be so evil?¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept rubbing her eyes. ¡°But of course, we are no good either. We didn''t kill any less this time.¡±

    ¡°It was me who killed them all, it had nothing to do with you.¡± Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao''s hands and pulled them down to stop her from rubbing her eyes. ¡°Those lives are all on me, okay?¡±

    ¡°Pah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao spat in contempt. They kill as a team but only one person takes the sin? What the heck?

    ¡°The Xie family''s members must all be killed.¡± Lou Zigui steered Ning Xiaoyao by the chin so she would look at him.

    ¡°Can we not talk about this?¡±

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t say anymore.¡± Lou Zigui agreed right away. ¡°If you don''t want to stay here, I''ll have my men escort you back to the pce. Or you could go to my army camp.¡±

    ¡°I want to pursue Xie Wenyuan.¡± Ning Xiaoyao enunciated, ¡°I havee to the realization that until Grand Preceptor is dead, many more people will keep dying!¡±

    Lou Zigui grabbed on Ning Xiaoyao''s skinny shoulders and squeezed them a little.

    ¡°Don''t make the army bros search around, Grand Preceptor is definitely not here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao finished her speech and walked outside. There was no sound of human breathing at this ce. If there¡¯s no signs of life, how could Xie Wenyuan be here?

    Lou Zigui chased after Ning Xiaoyao as she left the corridor. This time, he wasn¡¯t able to shield Ning Xiaoyao from the rain. He could only hold her tightly in his embrace while leaning down as much as possible to minimize the rain¡¯s impact.

    Standing at the farm''s entrance, Ning Xiaoyao was at aplete loss. Under the heavy rain, she couldn''t see a single soul in the surrounding. How is she going to pursue Grand Preceptor Xie now?

    Lou Zigui lifted Ning Xiaoyao onto the horse before getting on himself. ¡°We will head east.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Are you sure east is the way to go?¡±

    ¡°We can reach Xiang city if we keep heading east. Xie Wenyuan has an army stationed there.¡± Lou Zigui urged his horse forward as he analyzed, ¡°If a person wants to escape from the eastern suburbs, he can only flee to the direction of Xiang city.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao eximed immediately, ¡°Then hurry, Supreme Commander! Hurry, Little Red!¡±

    Warhorse Little Red didn''t need Lou Zigui to urge again as he sped off like mad on four hooves. Ning Xiaoyao couldn''t open her eyes under the rain''s pping.

    ¡°Lean against me,¡± Lou Zigui whispered as he raised his hand to shield her face.

    ¡°Arooo!¡± A very unusual chirping echoed from the skies.

    ¡°It''s little falcon!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. Little Gyrfalconnded on Little Red''s head. He shook his body, sshing water droplets in all directions.

    ¡°This is the one Shadowgale raises?¡± Lou Zigui asked. After being drenched in the rain, Little Gyrfalcon currently looked like a drown chicken. Originally, Lou Zigui thought all falcons looked the same as he didn¡¯t raise one. So, it was even harder for him to distinguish now.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    Little Gyrfalcon informed, ¡°Xiaoyao, the mountain slope up ahead is about to copse! You and Supreme Commander shouldn''t go over there.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... The mountain slope is gonna copse? Andslide?

    ¡°Second Young Master Pei led his man in that direction. They didn''t understand my speech. Xiaoyao, you and Supreme Commander have to hurry and run!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao broke out in cold sweat. If she and Supreme Commander ran away, won''t Second Young Master Pei and the army bros be buried alive?

    Guys, I''m extending the art contest for another 48 hours. If you want to win bonus chapters, you know what to do! Here is the link for the contest details in case you haven''t seen it already

    I''ve only received 6 submissions. If I get 4 more, you''ll get 2 bonus chapters on Valentine''s Day! Either PM me on instagram @grace7127 or email your work to [email protected]

 Chapter 306: Young Lord says, we are from the rebel forces

    <h4>Chapter 306: Young Lord says, we are from the rebel forces</h4>

    Lou Zigui was extremely bewildered when he heard Little Gyrfalcon¡¯s yowling. Were falcons supposed to make that kind of noise? ¡°Is it talking?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao broke out into a nervous sweat. ¡°Supreme Commander, wait for me here with the other soldiers.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui was confused as to what Ning Xiaoyao wanted to do.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up at Lou Zigui. Right, this man would never let her go alone. What should she do?

    ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± Lou Zigui pressed. It was obvious that something was troubling her.

    Since Lou Zigui was trying to protect Ning Xiaoyao from the rain and talk to her, his body was bent over on his horse. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were swirling as she aggressively punched Lou Zigui on his temple.

    Lou Zigui waspletely caught off guard by the impact and his vision turned ck.

    The soldiers who witnessed this were ¦²(¡÷ ¡ã|¦õWhat¡¯s going on? Now that His Majesty has beaten Grand Preceptor, has he changed targets? Does His Majesty find Supreme Commander unpleasing to the eye as well?

    ¡°Ahem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat, lifting Lou Zigui. She addressed the soldiers, ¡°Take Supreme Commander and head back to the main road, I¡¯m going to check things out ahead.¡±

    A confused military officer stammered, ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re going to chase after the Grand- Xie Wenyuan alone?¡±

    ¡°Forget Grand Preceptor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao solemnly stated. ¡°Right now, your mission is to take Supreme Commander and run as fast as you can. Protect him well. Army bros, you can do it!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao handed Supreme Commander to the military officers. They were all dumbfounded.

    ¡°Protect him well, and protect yourselves too. See youter!¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Little Red on the head, and the warhorse began to gallop away with Ning Xiaoyao.

    The abandoned soldiers: ....

    ¡°Supreme Commander? Supreme Commander?¡± yelled the military officer holding onto Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui remained unconscious.

    ¡°He won¡¯t wake up!¡± The military officer turned to hisrades in desperation.

    ¡°Should we chase after His Majesty? Are we just going to let His Majesty run off alone like that?¡±

    ¡°Why did His Majesty insist on going alone?¡± another soldier asked.

    The soldiers all shook their heads helplessly. Who knows?

    ¡°Maybe there¡¯s something up ahead that Supreme Commander can¡¯t know about? Otherwise, why the heck would His Majesty knock him out for?¡± suggested a soldier.

    The soldiers thought for a while. Theirrade seemed to have hit the nail on the head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± a lower-ranked military officer turned his horse around.

    ¡°We¡¯re really leaving?¡± eximed a soldier.

    ¡°Do you dare to disobey an imperial edict?¡± The officer stared challengingly at the soldier.

    The troop returned the way they came.

    The military officer looked down at the unconscious Supreme Commander on hisp. His head hurt just thinking about it. Once Supreme Commander wakes up, how is he going to exin why His Majesty had hit him? (Author: You don¡¯t have to exin this...)

    For a while, Ning Xiaoyao rode wildly with Little Red. Little Gyrfalcon was flying above Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head until itnded on Little Red¡¯s head. ¡°Xiaoyao, it¡¯s just up ahead. We¡¯re almost there.¡±

    Little Red stopped.

    In front of Ning Xiaoyao was a small forest. Loud battle cries rang out from the forest. Agitated, Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Has Second Young Master caught up to Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go check,¡± Little Gyrfalcon took off towards the forest.

    Ning Xiaoyao dismounted and instructed, ¡°Wait for me at a further distance, Little Red. I¡¯m going to take a look. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    Animals were able to sense danger far better than humans. Currently, Little Red felt extremely uneasy. He bit onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sleeve and refused to let her go.

    Ning Xiaoyao lightly patted Little Red on the head. ¡°If cannons can¡¯t hurt me, I can¡¯t possibly be buried alive by thendslide. Rx, I¡¯ll be back soon. I have to bring Second Young Master and the rest back too.¡±

    Little Red only released Ning Xiaoyao when he heard she was going to rescue the others.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good boy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao affectionately rubbed the hair on Little Red¡¯s neck. Then, she turned and dashed towards the forest. If it hadn¡¯t been for the fact that she hadn¡¯t fully recovered her strength and wanted to save some energy, she wouldn¡¯t have risked bringing Little Red here.

    Little Gyrfalcon flew back andnded on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Xiaoyao, it¡¯s not Xie Wenyuan. Second Young Master is fighting with a bunch of people I¡¯ve never seen before!¡±

    ¡°Oh, then they must be Grand Preceptor¡¯s men.¡±

    On the other end of the forest, Pei Yan was severely outnumbered by the enemies. However, Pei Yan had brought his best men. Although they were disadvantaged in terms of numbers, when they actually fought, he didn¡¯t lose out.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran out of the forest. She looked at the slope before her. Although it was a slope, it looked more like a mini hill. There weren¡¯t any trees or turf, and the yellow soil was exposed. Mud was being carried down the hill by rainwater. Pei Yan was fighting the enemies in the muddy yellow water.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, tell Second Young Master and the rest to run!¡± Little Gyrfalcon was so agitated that he was frantically pping its wings.

    Ning Xiaoyao noticed Pei Yan shed the man in front of him off his horse. ¡°Second Young Master!¡± she screamed.

    Pei Yan jumped in shock upon hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice. He quickly turned around to look.

    Ning Xiaoyao dramatically waved at Pei Yan to get his attention.

    ¡°These are roving bandits!¡± Pei Yan yelled at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Xie Wenyuan is colluding with these bandits, go back and pass on the message!¡±

    Second Young Master Pei said ¡°pass on the message¡± out of courtesy, but what he really wanted to do was tell Ning Xiaoyao to scram. What if he was injured by a bandit? Or captured? What would he do then? What the hell was Lou Zigui, Shadowgale and that whole bunch doing? How could they let His Majesty run here alone?!

    ¡°The slope is going to copse!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. ¡°You have to retreat quickly! Forget about Xie Wenyuan!¡±

    Pei Yan: ...

    ¡°Come on, hurry up!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hollered. She was hopping anxiously. ¡°Do you need me to cling onto your big thigh and beg?¡±

    Pei Yan looked down at the muddy water and put away his sword. ¡°Retreat!¡± he yelled.

    The troops retreated into the forest with Pei Yan. Ning Xiaoyao let out a sigh of relief.

    The roving bandits were either standing or astride their horses. When they saw the soldiers leave, they stopped fighting.

    ¡°You guys should hurry and leave too!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at the bandits.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Pei Yan suddenly appeared before Ning Xiaoyao, stretching out an arm to her.

    Just as Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand closed around Pei Yan¡¯s, an arrow was aimed right at the centre of his back.

    Ning Xiaoyao pped the back of Pei Yan¡¯s horse and yelled, ¡°Take your master away quickly!¡±

    The horse snorted, and galloped away into the forest.

    ¡°You!¡± Pei Yan screamed at Ning Xiaoyao as he was being carried away by his horse. ¡°Why the hell are you still standing there? Run!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers were gripping tightly around the arrow that had almost killed Second Young Master. She pointed at the man who had shot the arrow and hissed, ¡°I¡¯ll remember you, you little rat. I¡¯ll remember you!¡±

    ¡°Go!¡± Pei Yan screeched from within the forest. Desperately, he tried to stop his horse, but his horse refused to stop even though it was usually obedient. With Pei Yan on its back, it ran out of the forest.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at the soldiers who were still by her side.

    ¡°Young Lord?¡± One of the bandits asked the man who had released the arrow.

    The young man had a longbow in his arms. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who was anxiously chasing the soldiers into the forest. Based on how this person had managed to catch the arrow he¡¯d shot, he couldn¡¯t possibly shoot him dead.

    ¡°If you¡¯re still going to stay there, you¡¯ll all be buried!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hollered. ¡°Do you want to die?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± the young man ordered.

    The bandits were going to go around the hill to continue heading east.

    Ning Xiaoyao:... the hill is going to copse and this bunch of crazies think that going around the hill will be safe?!

    A loud cracking noise rang out as the soil began to break apart. ¡°You¡¯re going to be buried!¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged the soldiers. ¡°Run!¡±

    The soldiers urged their horses into the forest. It wasn¡¯t that no one was thinking of Ning Xiaoyao. Everyone was thinking of Ning Xiaoyao, but everyone thought that one of theirrades would take Ning Xiaoyao away on their horse. Just like that, Ning Xiaoyao was left behind. £¨¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q£©

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to run, but she noticed that the bandits were about to be buried by the soil and rocks tumbling down the hill. She stamped her foot in frustration. Gritting her teeth, she ran to the bottom of the hill. She grabbed onto two people who were still alive, and turned to run back to the top of the hill. It wasn¡¯t possible to outrun the soil and rocks with the speed that they wereing down, but she could only try her best to run towards where the soil was flowing from.

    The two men that were being dragged along by Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t struggle. Even if they were on opposing ends, the two men could tell that Xiaoyao was trying to save them.

    ----

    ¡°Where¡¯s His Majesty?¡± Pei Yan forced himself off his horse and anxiously questioned the soldier who had galloped up to him.

    The soldier craned his neck backwards. ¡°His Majesty is at the back.¡±

    Pei Yan eyed his own horse, before pulling the soldier off his horse. He mounted the soldier¡¯s horse andshed the horsewhip. He was going to go back to look for Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Second Young Master, the hill has really copsed!¡± A deputy general rode his horse to Pei Yan, and grabbed hold of the reins of Pei Yan¡¯s horse. ¡°You can¡¯t go back.¡±

    The soldiers gathered before Pei Yan in a frenzy, but Pei Yan didn¡¯t see the slightest glimpse of Ning Xiaoyao. He shouted for His Majesty several times, but didn¡¯t hear Ning Xiaoyao respond once. Second Young Master turned around, yelling desperately at the deputy general, ¡°Where¡¯s His Majesty?!¡±

    At this moment, the deputy general realised that something was wrong. Did no one take His Majesty out on their horse?

    The sound of trees toppling over rang out through the forest.

    ¡°Fu*k!¡± Pei Yan cursed. He waved the horsewhip, shook off the hand gripping onto the reins before urging his horse back into the forest.

    Ning Xiaoyao was standing at the top of the hill with the two bandits. Her brows were furrowed. ¡°You¡¯re really bandits?¡±

    The two bandits looked dazedly at the raging flow of mud below their feet. They couldn¡¯t understand how they¡¯d escaped.

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her face, hauling the two men forward. Did they think it was easy for her to hop from stone to stone to get up? She pointed at one of the bandits in front of her, the one who had shot the arrow. ¡°I heard one of your men call you Young Lord. Who are you?¡± The young man immediately went from dumbfounded to being on guard.

    ¡°Are you trying to pick a fight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her fist at the young man. ¡°I will responsibly tell you that you can¡¯t beat me.¡±

    The young man: ...

    ¡°Speak. Who are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face again. This rain is really helping her save a lot of face washing water.

    ¡°I am from the rebel forces. I am not a bandit.¡± replied the young man.

    Ning Xiaoyao sized up the young man. He was quite tall, and a little tan. He didn¡¯t look fat, but she could tell from when she¡¯d dragged him up just now that he was someone who looked thinner when dressed, but was more sizeable once undressed. As for his face...... Ning Xiaoyao looked the man up and down, before settling to stare at his face for a long time. The final conclusion she came to was that apart from the slightly distracting scar at the corner of his mouth, his appearance was wless.

    The young man felt goosebumps from the way Ning Xiaoyao was sizing him up. ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    ¡°How did you get this scar?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the corner of the man¡¯s mouth. She felt that this scar had to have a story behind it. (Author: How are you still able to worry about this? (©V_©V))

 Chapter 307: His Majesty was coerced

    <h4>Chapter 307: His Majesty was coerced</h4>

    "You can''t tell me, ah?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the young man sympathetically. She smacked her lips and said, "I knew there must be a story behind this scar."

    The young man looked at Ning Xiaoyao and said nothing. The burly man next to him whispered, "Young Lord, what on earth is this punk talking about? Howe I can¡¯t understand his speech?¡±

    The young man still did not speak because he was also unable to understand Ning Xiaoyao.

    "Let me guess!" Ning Xiaoyao enthusiastically eximed.

    "It was a knife wound," the young man crisply stated, "I was stabbed by an official soldier."

    "Was it during a fight, ah?"

    "If not, how do you think it came about? I would cut myself for no reason?"

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the scar at the corner of the young man¡¯s mouth. Initially, she had thought that the young man left the scar there on purpose because there was a special meaning to it. Who would¡¯ve thought that it was caused during a fight? "Then why are you keeping it?" Ning Xiaoyao was curious.

    The burly man standing next to the young man muttered, "What are you talking about? Who has the ability to get rid of this scar?¡±

    Pa! Ning Xiaoyao pped her forehead. She made a fool out of herself again. Common colds were enough to kill people in this world. How the heck would they be able to remove scars?

    The two men stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Not only does this person speak gibberish, his actions are also difficult to grasp. What''s wrong with him? Does he regret saving them?

    After scolding herself repeatedly for being a fool, Ning Xiaoyao decided to forget this matter. She looked at the young man, "You are here to help Grand Preceptor Xie?"

    The young man''s cheeks trembled.

    "Who are you?" The burly man questioned Ning Xiaoyao.

    "How could you aid such a bad man?" Ning Xiaoyao demanded.

    While the young man kept his silence, the ground beneath his feet suddenly began to nt downward. He was about to slip, but by the time he came to his senses, they had been pulled to the back of the hillside. In addition, Ning Xiaoyao was in the midst of a conversation with hispanion.

    "You called me a punk?" Ning Xiaoyao had one hand on her waist, while her other hand was pointing at the burly man. "Is this your attitude towards a life-saving benefactor?"

    The burly man blushed when he heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words. He couldn¡¯t think of a counter argument but didn¡¯t want to lose face either. So, he loudly rebutted, "Did I ask you to save me?"

    "Aiya!" Ning Xiaoyao was shocked, "So you don''t want to live? Go ahead, jump down then.¡±

    The big man flushed with embarrassment and kept mum.

    ¡°Tsk, you¡¯re still ring at me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes at the bulky man, "You wanna beat me up or something?"

    ¡°Danian, withdraw.¡± the young man opened his mouth.

    The beefy man retreated. He felt relieved that he no longer had to talk to this guy.

    After looking at the burly man and then at the young man, Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin and proudly stated, "There¡¯s one thing I can confirm though. Young Lord is not your name, but your status!"

    The young man: ...

    The bulky man: ...

    Who would name themselves as Young Lord?

    "Aiyo! Well dang!" Ning Xiaoyao circled around the young man. "I know the leader of the rebel forces is Xiang Nong. Who are you?¡±

    Instead of answering Ning Xiaoyao''s question, the young man cupped his fists in a greeting. "Many thanks for saving our lives, younger brother*."

    "Don''t change the subject," Ning Xiaoyao puffed her meat-bun cheeks, "Why did you save Grand Preceptor? Do you have any idea how many pots of congee that rat shit has ruined? How could you save him?¡±

    "I-I didn''t know that he was Xie Wenyuan." stammered the young man. A frustrated expression crossed his face.

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the young man. "Do you think I''m a fool, ah? If you weren¡¯t here to save people, why would you bring people here for?¡±

    The young man lowered his voice, "I didn''t know the person I was responsible to save was Xie Wenyuan. Please believe me. I...I also hate Xie Wenyuan."

    ¡°Where is Grand Preceptor then?" Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    The young man stopped responding.

    "Tell me a location and I¡¯ll go after him."

    At this moment, the beefy dude spoke up, "Young Lord, thendslide has stopped."

    "It has stopped for a while now," Ning Xiaoyao yelled at the big man called Danian and rolled her eyes at him. What a waste of a pair of big ears! The sounds have stopped for so long and he only realized it now? A human that hasn¡¯t evolved well! Tsk! (Author: Hey, don''t be like that ~)

    Danian felt suffocated by Ning Xiaoyao¡®s words and stopped talking again.

    "Your Majesty?" Someone called out from the other side of the hill.

    Ning Xiaoyao sucked in her breath and listened to the movement on the other side of the hillside. Second Young Master Pei had came back to find her.

    The way the young man and hispanion looked at Ning Xiaoyao instantly changed. A soldier was shouting for His Majesty. There were only the three of them here. They were the rebel forces. So, the emperor could only be the person in front of them.

    "Shut up!" Pei Yan stepped on the knee-deep mud and angrily snapped at the soldiers beside him. "Don''t shout His Majesty!" By shouting out His Majesty, aren¡¯t they revealing the emperor¡¯s identity? What if the bandits were still alive?

    The solddiers no longer dared to utter another word after Pei Yan¡¯s scolding. But if they can¡¯t call out His Majesty, what other titles could they use?

    "Anybody there?" Pei Yan screamed loudly as he struggled to get up the hillside.

    The young man raised his hand and stopped Danian from rushing forward. He asked Ning Xiaoyao, "You are..."

    Ning Xiaoyao kept running, and in the blink of an eye, she ran past the two men.

    Danian whispered, "Young Lord, is he really the current emperor? His martial arts¡¯ level is very high. Can we kill him?¡±

    The young man looked at Ning Xiaoyao and hesitated.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran behind a boulder and rescued a fox caught in a trap. She took the red-brown fox into her hands and weighed him in her arms. She mumbled, "Why are you so thin? Are you hungry? "

    The red fox grinned, "This benefactor is a fool. Isn¡¯t it raining? When we furry animals are drenched in the rain, don¡¯t we all appear thin?"

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    The red fox and Ning Xiaoyao looked at each other, and suddenly the hair all over its body stood up. "Y-you can understand animal speech?" it stuttered.

    "I think I''m a very famous human. My name is Ning Xiaoyao."

    "Benefactor" cried the red fox.

    "You have just insulted my intelligence." Ning Xiaoyao said with a wooden face. The red fox attempted to innocently gaze at Ning Xiaoyao with wide opened eyes.

    "It''s no use acting cute," replied Ning Xiaoyao, still with a wooden face. "I feel hurt."

    "Then what do you want?" The red fox had no other way but to ask Ning Xiaoyao. This person is the emperor, but still demands a fox to give a gift of gratitude?!

    "Did you see Xie Wenyuan?" Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    "Nope," said the red fox, shaking its head.

    "Well," Ning Xiaoyao ced the red fox on the boulder, "Remember, I''m not a fool." The red fox nodded but in its mind thought that this conversation was silly.

    "He''s talking to the fox?" Danian whispered to his Young Lord. "Why do I think he¡¯s so abnormal? Is he really the emperor?"

    Suddenly the young man shouted at Ning Xiaoyao, "Your Majesty?"

    Ning Xiaoyao subconsciously turned her head.

    Danian was horrified. This person really is the emperor!

    Pei Yan stood on the top of the hillside, his whole body was soaked with mud. When he saw the young man heading towards Ning Xiaoyao, he hollered at Ning Xiaoyao, "Kill him!"

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. What¡¯s happening now?

    When the young man heard Pei Yan¡¯s shout, he suddenly strode toward Ning Xiaoyao. The de in his hand was directly ced on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck.

    Ning Xiaoyao (¡Ñ£ß¡Ñ£»). Can somebody tell her what¡¯s going on?

    When the soldiers reached the top of the hillside, they were all covered in mud. They saw a bandit pressed a de around His Majesty¡¯s neck. Those with bows and arrows hurriedly attached their arrows to the bows and aimed at the young man and Danian.

    Pei Yan looked at Ning Xiaoyao. His Majesty is usually very good at fighting, ah! Why isn''t he doing anything?

    Ning Xiaoyao asked the young man, "What do you mean by this?"

    "Get your people to withdraw," the young man ordered.

    "Let him go!" Pei Yan furiously shouted at the young man.

    "Your people wants to kill us," the young man whispered to Ning Xiaoyao. "Make them withdraw, and I won''t hurt you."

    But Second Young Master¡¯s people clearly came to find her, ah. They do not want to kill people, ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao waspletely vexed. In the rebel forces, was she, the emperor, seen as a damned bastard? This didn¡¯t make sense. These rebels could forgive and even help Grand Preceptor Xie, but are determined to kill her?

    Pei Yan''s hand reached the de on his waist.

    "Back off!" the young man fiercely roared.

    The archers awaited Pei Yan''s orders with their ears perked up. Pei Yai was still staring at Ning Xiaoyao. Why aren¡¯t you making a move?

    Ning Xiaoyao was also staring at Pei Yan. She saw Second Young Master Pei wink at her. What¡¯s that supposed to mean?

    "I repeat, step back," the young man threatened Pei Yan as he began to retreat with Ning Xiaoyao, "Otherwise, I''ll kill him!"

    Pei Yan was itching to yell at Ning Xiaoyao to start fighting. Second Young Master Pei looked grave. Could His Majesty be hurt?

    Ah! Ning Xiaoyao suddenly thought she understood Pei Yan¡¯s meaning. The rebel forces may be hiding Xie Wenyuan. Second Young Master wants her to be obedient and act weak so she could follow these two rebels?

    (Author: You two know each other too well...)

    "Go," the young man shouted at Danian. Danian ran down the hill.

    The red fox called Ning Xiaoyao, "Xiaoyao, do you want me to help you bite this man to death?"

    "No!" Ning Xiaoyao cried out hurriedly. Don''t destroy her n to catch Grand Preceptor Xie ah! Besides, this fox was tiny. Between the fox and Young Lord, who¡¯s biting whom to death?

    "Don''t talk," The young man''s hand pressed the de against Ning Xiaoyao''s neck all of a sudden. Ning Xiaoyao stopped talking.

    "Don''t follow me, or I''ll kill him!" When Pei Yan¡¯s people inched forward, the young man threatened again.

    Pei Yan had to raise his hand to keep the soldiers still.

    At this time, Lou Zigui had arrived on horseback outside the woods. Most of the trees in the woods have been washed away by thendslide. It was still raining heavily and made it incredibly difficult for anyone to take a single step.

    When Lou Zigui got off the horse, the mud came up to his knees.

    "Supreme Commander?" a military officer shouted. He could not find a good spot to dismount and the mud had reached up to his thighs.

    "Let¡¯s go," Lou Zigui said.

    Little Gyrfalcon flew in front of Lou Zigui, and from time to time he wailed "Ao" at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui did not understand what the falcon was trying to tell him, but he believed that it was taking him to find Ning Xiaoyao.

    The young man ¡°coerced" Ning Xiaoyao to go down the hills. From out of nowhere, Danian came back with two horses. The young man carried Ning Xiaoyao in his arms and put her on the horse.

    Ning Xiaoyao made eye contact with Pei Yan, who was currently too afraid to move on the hillside. Don''t worry, she will find Grand Preceptor Xie!

    ¡°They¡¯re gone," one of the deputy generals said to Pei Yan, "What should we do?"

    "I won¡¯t be able to hit them with an arrow anymore," said another deputy general.

    The young man started to head east with Ning Xiaoyao.

    "Chase after them!" Pei Yan ran down the hill. Don''t tell him that people can''t outrun horses. Even if he breaks his legs, he must catch up to the bandits today!

    ¡°The people at the top of the hill are men from Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate!¡± a soldier pointed to the hilltop. The soldier was currently standing in the mud.

    The soldiers atop the hills shouted and rushed madly down the hill. All the people down in the forest suddenly felt uneasy. Something must have happened over there!

    *They¡¯repletely unrted but it ismon courtesy in Chinese to call people brothers and sisters even if they¡¯re unrted to you.

 Chapter 308: Dayao and Qingshan

    <h4>Chapter 308: Dayao and Qingshan</h4>

    After the time it took to burn a stick of incense, the young man stopped and helped Ning Xiaoyao off the horse.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at her surroundings and realised that the path was surrounded by a forest. Listening carefully, she couldn¡¯t hear anyone hiding. Grand Preceptor Xie isn¡¯t here!

    ¡°You should go,¡± the young man released Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Young Lord!¡± Danian eximed, ¡°If you release this fatuous ruler, Great Lord definitely will not let you off!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug at her ear. It¡¯s been a while since she¡¯s heard the phrase ¡°fatuous ruler¡±.

    ¡°Leave quickly.¡± the young man ignored Danian and urged Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Young Lord!!¡± Danian dramatically got down on his knees.

    NIng Xiaoyao pouted, ¡°Who¡¯s going to find out your Young Lord released me if you don¡¯t say anything?¡±

    ¡°How can I lie to my Great Lord?!¡± Danian furiously red at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Previously you wanted to beat me up, now you want to bite me to death?¡± Ning Xiaoyao squinted at Danian. ¡°If you¡¯re following your Young Lord, why do you still have to follow your Great Lord too? Oh right, who is this Great Lord, ah?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Danian leapt up from the ground, ¡°How can you be so stupid?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fist. Another person who¡¯s looking down at her IQ has appeared.

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Your sister!¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately threw a punch. She couldn¡¯t endure it anymore.

    The moment Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fist came in contact with Danian¡¯s jaw, he fell to the ground and was unable to get up. He coughed and a few of his teeth fell out of his mouth.

    The young man was shocked. Danian was the captain of the Great Lord Xiang Nong¡¯s army and had high martial prowess. He was known for his ability to fight in closebat. Even in the rebel forces, it was hard for Danian to find an opponent. Yet this expert was actually casually hit down by His Majesty and even lost a few teeth?!

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we silence him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao suggested to the young man after the beating.

    The young man raised his sword and looked at Ning Xiaoyao as he scrunched up his brows.

    ¡°Not willing? Then it¡¯s fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders, ¡°I was kidding anyways.¡±

    ¡°Fatuous ruler!¡± Danian shrieked. He got up and wanted to fight Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Return my family¡¯s lives to me!!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her first and knocked Danian to the ground again. ¡°Return lives? When did I kill your family?¡±

    ¡°His father and little brother starved to death,¡± the young man exined, ¡°There was no grain at home and yet the court continued to collect grain as taxes. People were also not allowed to beg for food, with the fear of them bing refugees. After Danian¡¯s father and brother starved to death, his mother hung herself.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao silently removed the foot that was stepping on Danian¡¯s back.

    ¡°Young Lord, kill this fatuous ruler!! Didn¡¯t your family also died from starvation?!¡±Danian hollered.

    ¡°You should go,¡± the young man pushed Ning Xiaoyao towards the path they took.

    ¡°Young Lord!!¡± Danian shouted, ¡°If you do this, Great Lord will definitely not let you off!!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Who says I¡¯m His Majesty?¡±

    Danian lifted his head and red at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Try calling me fatuous ruler again!!¡± Ning Xiaoyao scolded Danian murderously and took the young man¡¯s hand and pressed it against on her chest, ¡°Even though it¡¯s not very big, you should be able to feel it right?¡±

    The young man: ...

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fist. If this person says he can¡¯t feel anything, she doesn¡¯t mind beating him up as well.

    ¡°You..¡± the young man frantically stuttered, ¡°You¡¯re a wo.. woman?!¡±

    ¡°Yes, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao unclenched her fists, ¡°How could a woman be the emperor? Danian ah, do you want to confirm it for yourself?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Danian who was sprawled on the ground.

    Danian was in a daze. ¡°Then who are you?¡± Howe Pei Yan was so anxious about you?¡± the young man asked, bewildered.

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s because I¡¯m his little sister.¡±

    ¡°Pei Yan doesn¡¯t have a younger sister.¡±

    ¡°Oops, I meant to say, I¡¯m his elder sister.¡±

    ¡°Pei Yan doesn¡¯t have an elder sister either.¡± Seeing that Ning Xiaoyao was going to give another excuse, the young man added, ¡°The Elder Lord Protector doesn¡¯t have any daughters.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...

    ¡°Who are you?¡± the young man eyed Ning Xiaoyao.

    Heartlessly, Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t lie to you anymore. I¡¯m actually Second Young Master¡¯s woman.¡±

    The young man:...

    ¡°Ah choo!¡± While talking to Lou Zigui, Pei Yan suddenly sneezed very loudly. Who¡¯s scolding him behind his back? £¨Author: o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    ¡°Pei Yan also has a woman?¡± Danian, who was still sprawled on the ground, mocked, ¡°Isn¡¯t he a eunuch?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s cured.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chubby face turned serious. ¡°You want me to prove it to you?¡±

    How are you going to prove it? Danian thought about it, and blushed profusely. This girl really dares to say anything?!

    ¡°Why are you only his woman?¡± the young man looked at Ning Xiaoyao and asked, ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to marry you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face. By now, she was starting to sweat. Why does this Young Lord have so many questions?! ¡°How would I know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m poor?¡± This is the truth, she really is poor.

    ¡°You are very skilled in martial arts,¡± the young manmented.

    ¡°As a vagabond, how would I survive if I didn¡¯t know martial arts?¡± Ning Xiaoyao casually cooked up an excuse.

    With the status of Lord Protector¡¯s estate, a youngdy from the Jianghu will naturally be unworthy. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words caused the young man and Danian toe up with several possible stories.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled by Pei Yan,¡± the young man told Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Ah? Ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I won¡¯t be. He can¡¯t fight against me.¡± She¡¯s speaking the truth. If it came to a fist fight, Second Young Master Pei definitely couldn¡¯t beat her.

    ¡°What is your name?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao definitely couldn¡¯t disclose her real name. So, she confidently looked at the young man and dered, ¡°I¡¯m called Dayao, what about you?¡±

    This name. The young man coughed and responded, ¡°My name is Qingshan.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll remember it. Big Bro Qingshan, you guys should leave quickly. My Second Young Master is almost here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged the young man to leave. Second Young Master Pei would definitely bring people to chase after her.

    The young man nodded his head at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Danian crawled up from the ground, looking haggard. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t actually put in much strength to beat him and thus, Danian didn¡¯t suffer any serious injuries.

    ¡°I am not the emperor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao eyed Danian, ¡°When you get back, what are you going to tell your Great Lord?¡±

    Danian gawked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Why did you turn when my Young Lord called you Your Majesty then?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to see what His Majesty looks like ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lied without blinking, ¡°It¡¯s the Emperor, ah! You¡¯re not curious?¡±

    ¡°I..¡± Ning Xiaoyao caused Danian to be at a loss of words again.

    Taking out her little case of sugar beans from her bosom, Ning Xiaoyao took out two beans. After thinking about it, she felt cheap and ced one bean back into the case as she stuffed the other bean into the young man¡¯s mouth. ¡°Here, this is a pill to remove scars. I don¡¯t just give it to anyone.¡±

    A sugary taste spread in his mouth, containing a sweet scent of osmanthus. The young man looked dazedly at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°If you see Xie Wenyuan in the future, remember to kill him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao solemnly stated, ¡°If he can wreak havoc in court, he definitely has the abilities to cause problems to the rebel forces. Wherever rat shit goes, it is still rat shit.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was Xie Wenyuan,¡± the young man emphasised to Ning Xiaoyao yet again.

    ¡°Alright, I believe you. You guys should return, I¡¯ll be going too.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± the young man wanted to say something else.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t look back and waved to the young man with while walking away.

    Just then, the heavy rain suddenly stopped. The muddy soil on the ground made it hard to travel on foot. However, Ning Xiaoyao still ran quickly and in the blink of an eye, she was already far away.

    ¡°There¡¯s even a rainbow ah.¡± Danian softly murmured behind his young master.

    After the rain, the rainbow hung in the sky. The small rugged path seemed to extend all the way to the horizon. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s small body seemed to have run into the seven colours of the rainbow, disappearing in front of the young man.

    The young man briefly touched the hand that had felt Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chest. Then, he turned to get onto the horse.

    Danian hurriedly got on his horse while asking the young man, ¡°Young Lord, why did you name yourself Qingshan?¡±

    ¡°My original name is Xiang Qingshan,¡± the young man softly replied, ¡°The name Tiange was given to me by foster father.¡±

    Danian nodded his head to show he understood. Xiang Tiange turned back to look at the path once more before urging his horse towards the east direction.

    Xiang Tiange and Danian were distracted by the imperial soldiers after them. They didn¡¯t notice that the scar had already vanished.

    Ning Xiaoyao was actually following behind those two individuals. After running after them for an hour, she realised they were earnestly rushing on their way. Ning Xiaoyao stopped following them when she affirmed that they weren¡¯t going to meet Grand Preceptor Xie or escort him out of his hiding spot.

    Standing on the uneven muddy path, Ning Xiayao kicked a puddle of muddy water and pursed her lips. Her opportunity to kill Grand Preceptor Xie was next to nothing.

    By the time Lou Zigui and Pei Yan saw Ning Xiaoyao, she had already been walking back for half a day. ¡°Supreme Commander, Second Young Master.¡± Ning Xiaoyao greeted the two men who were burning with anxiety.

    Lou Zigui ran in front of Ning Xiaoyao and grabbed her shoulders. He examined her top to bottom and eximed, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao showed Lou Zigui the wild fruits she picked, ¡°Want some? It¡¯s very sweet.¡±

    How could Lou Zigui be in the mood for fruits now? After looking behind Ning Xiaoyao, he pressed, ¡°Where are the two men that kidnapped you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately looked at Pei Yan and apologised. ¡°Second Young Master, I didn¡¯t find Grand Preceptor. Sorry ah, I¡¯ve disappointed you.¡±

    Pei Yan was bbergasted. What does this have to do with Xie Wenyuan?

    ¡°Grand Preceptor?¡± Lou Zigui puzzled.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve already discussed with Second Young Master. I would pretend to be kidnapped and check if Grand Preceptor was together with them.¡±

    Lou Zigui instantly stared at Pei Yan.

    Second Young Master Pei looked incredibly wronged. When did they agree on this?

    ¡°You actually let His Majesty risk his own safety?!¡± roared Lou Zigui. Earlier, he had wanted to explode with rage, but figured both him and Pei Yan were on the same boat. Hence, he decided to endure it. But now that Supreme Commander Lou found out it was Pei Yan¡¯s idea that Ning Xiaoyao was kidnapped, he could no longer suppress his fury.

    ¡°I..¡± Pei Yan tried to verify his innocence with his subordinates. ¡°Did any of you hear me saying that to His Majesty?¡±

    The people of Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate all shook their heads. Nope, they really didn¡¯t.

    ¡°Mm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao mused, ¡°Didn¡¯t you use your eyes to tell me?¡± Could I be wrong?

    Second Young Master Pei didn¡¯t want to look at this punk anymore. He felt cheated.

    When Ning Xiaoyao noticed Pei Yan¡¯s face turning green, she realised she had misunderstood him. ncing at Lou Zigui, she meekly mumbled, ¡°I¡¯ve made a mistake.¡±

    Lou Zigui thought for a long time and massaged his forehead. Who should he me for this?

    ¡°Then where are those two now? Did you kill them?¡± Pei Yan asked.

    ¡°I let them go ah. Grand Preceptor wasn¡¯t with them, so why should I fight with them?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao almost angered Pei Yan to death. ¡°They are roving bandits, ah!!!¡±

    Roving bandits were criminals that should be killed on sight and yet you let them go!? What kind of Emperor are you?! If Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t there to protect this stupid emperor, Second Young Master Pei would have definitely roared at Ning Xiaoyao.

 Chapter 309: Supreme Commander said, this is the last time

    <h4>Chapter 309: Supreme Commander said, this is thest time</h4>

    ¡°Take some soldiers and see if you can catch up with them,¡± said Lou Zigui to Pei Yan.

    ¡°You can¡¯t catch up to them,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°They¡¯re on horseback.¡±

    Pei Yan unhappily asked, ¡°Did you find out who those two are?¡±

    ¡°Rebel forces, no, I mean bandits ah. Didn¡¯t you already know?¡±

    ¡°I mean what role do they hold with the bandits?¡±

    ¡°Why would they reveal this to me? I had toe up with a whole backstory before they believed that I wasn¡¯t the emperor,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression turned yful as sheughed, ¡°Hehe, I¡¯m too quick-witted.¡±

    ¡°What did you tell them?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui. (Author: Do you dare tell him the truth? (©V_©V))

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t really want to know how she deceived those two anyway. Looking in the direction of the road, Supreme Commander Lou asked Pei Yan, ¡°If Xie Wenyuan is not along this road, which direction could he have gone?¡±

    Pei Yan shook his head, ¡°I saw the troop of rebel soldiers escorting Xie Wenyuan. They could only have headed east.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Supreme Commander also said the same, ¡° Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head.

    ¡°Then, where is Xie Wenyuan?¡± Pei Yan asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know ah, maybe he has gone to heaven?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed above her head.

    Pei Yan felt that talking to this silly emperor made him very tired.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui shielded Ning Xiaoyao and walked back in the direction where they came from.

    They finally struggled their way over to the dirt slope. The muddy ground still made it difficult for them to walk.

    Pei Yan brought the troops around the dirt slope, whererge quantities of debris had copsed from thendslide earlier. The group encircled it once, yet Second Young Master Pei and the men from Nine Gates Infantry Commander¡¯s estate truly couldn¡¯t understand it at all. They had all seen the rebel troops and Grand Preceptor walk along the dirt slope. Where did they go? They obviously didn¡¯t die and go to heaven ah.

    ¡°Could they be buried under the sludge?¡± In front of the dirt slope, a soldier voiced their most optimistic conjecture.

    ¡°No way,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, dashing everyone¡¯s hopes, ¡°During thendslide, I saw with my own eyes that Grand Perceptor wasn¡¯t there.¡±

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to the side in order to avoid everyone else. He softly asked, ¡°Why did you knock me out? Because of thendslide?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily nced towards Lou Zigui¡¯s temple. ¡°I¡¯m alright now,¡± Lou Zigui urged, ¡°Tell me, what were you thinking?¡±

    ¡°Afraid that something would happen to you ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head.

    ¡°You think I¡¯d be fine if something happened to you?¡±

    ¡°Eh, nothing will happen to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lifted her arms. She wanted to show off her biceps to Supreme Commander Lou to prove her strength. Lou Zigui put down Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms and insisted, ¡°This is thest time.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    ¡°Next time, tell me if there¡¯s something going on. Don¡¯t act on your own ord and knock me out again.¡± Lou Zigui looked into Ning¡¯s Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes.

    He definitely cannot tolerate being knocked out by her whenever something goes wrong.

    ¡°Oh, ok!¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head. We¡¯ll talk about it next time something happens then.

    ¡°You¡¯ve nted someone by Xie Wenyuan¡¯s side but you never heard from him again after he told you about the oingndslide?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even see him, how could that person ry the matter of thendslide to me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was dumbstruck and couldn¡¯t help but answer sarcastically.

    ¡°You have your way of rying information. I don¡¯t need to know more,¡± Lou Zigui added. He would wee it if she decided to share the details, if not, he wouldn¡¯t investigate in detail.

    Ning Xiaoyao was twisting her small body while standing in the mud. Supreme Commander, it¡¯s better if you ask. You¡¯re constantly assuming I have arge intelligencework! That gives me a lot of pressure, I can¡¯t take it ah!

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a soldier from the Nine Gate Infantry Commander¡¯s estate ran over and reported, ¡°His Excellency Pei found a broken waterskin over there, on the hillside.¡±

    ¡°Whose could it be?¡±

    ¡°Replying to Your Majesty, the rebels all carry this kind of waterskin with them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look,¡± Lou Zigui softly said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Just stay here and rest for awhile.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao really had no interest in this waterskin. So what if they¡¯ve found this waterskin, what can they do with it? So much time has passed, Grand Preceptor has long gotten away. Uttering a single ¡°En,¡± to Lou Zigui, Ning Xiaoyao listlessly turned and found a chunk of rock that was exposed above the mud and sat her butt down.

    Lou Zigui left a troop of soldiers to guard her and left with the soldiers from the Nine Gates Infantry Commander¡¯s estate to look for Pei Yan.

    Lou Zigui had just left, when Little Gyrfalcon called out from the sky, swooping down to rest on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. Ning Xiaoyao touched the little falcon¡¯s wet head and softly asked, ¡°Where did you go?¡±

    The little falcon replied, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ve asked around.¡±

    ¡°Do you know where Grand Preceptor is?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was immediately filled with motivation.

    ¡°There¡¯s a cave near the hill,¡± Little Gyrfalcon pointed to the west of the hill. ¡°The cave allows Grand Preceptor and his people to go somewhere very, very far away oh, awoo!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from the rock she was sitting on and headed towards the west of the hill.

    His Majesty was only well behaved for a short while before jumping up and dashing off again. The soldiers hastily chased after Ning Xiaoyao but His Majesty was too fast. The soldiers had barely ran two steps, yet Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shadow had already vanished.

    After a while, Little Gyrfalcon jumped onto the ground and told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°It¡¯s right here.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao expressionlessly looked at the bog in front of her. How can there be a cave here, ah?

    ¡°It¡¯s been buried,¡± Little Gyrfalcon flew back onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Huamao said she saw Grand Preceptor and his guards entering the cave.¡±

    ¡°Who is Huamao?¡±

    ¡°Huamao is also a gyrfalcon, a new friend that I¡¯ve just met.¡±

    ¡°She must be a pretty girl huh?¡±

    The little falcon was stunned. ¡°Xiaoyao, how did you know?¡±

    ¡°If Huamao was a male falcon, would you have befriended her?¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon kept quiet. If Huamao was male, they would only fight.

    Ning Xiaoyao squatted down and started to dig at the mud on the ground, digging away a handful of mud and a lump of weeds.

    Lou Zigui approached Ning Xiaoyao from behind. He reached out and pulled her up. Although the mud wasn¡¯t very deep here, it was up to Xiaoyao¡¯s calves when she squatted down.

    ¡°There is a cave here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed down at her feet and informed Lou Zigui. ¡°Grand Preceptor entered the cave but the entrance have been buried, so we can¡¯t catch him anymore.

    Lou Zigui looked down at his feet. All he saw was the light brown mud, a mixture of stones, flowers and nts. It was impossible to see the bottom underneath all of that. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t see the entrance.

    ¡°Why would the rebel troops help Grand Preceptor? Shouldn¡¯t they hate Grand Preceptor? Isn¡¯t it because of Grand Preceptor that their lives are so difficult. Didn¡¯t Grand Preceptor push them onto the path of rebellion?

    ¡°The one that they hate is Your Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui uttered the truth to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt as if she had been shot with multiple arrows. She ran out of blood and wanted to die.

    ¡°Themon people don¡¯t care about the politics in the imperial courts. They only know that you¡¯re the emperor. If they¡¯re able to live well, it¡¯s thanks to your benevolence. However, if they are suffering, it¡¯s because youck virtue.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore.¡± Ning Xiaoyao clutched her heart. Even though her heart wasn¡¯t made of ss, she could feel it breaking.

    Lou Zigui shut his mouth and attempted to jab his foot into the ground. The ground doesn¡¯t loosen at all. The soil and sand havepletely buried and sealed the ce underneath.

    ¡°What should we do next?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked anxiously, ¡°Have we wasted all our efforts? What about the rebel forces? Qingshan told me he wasn¡¯t aware that Grand Preceptor was the person they were going to save.¡±

    ¡°Who is this Qingshan?¡±

    ¡°Whaa? This shouldn¡¯t be the focus, ah?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°He¡¯s the rebel who kidnapped me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao honestly admitted, ¡°He¡¯s called Qingshan.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s hisst name?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me, I didn¡¯t ask either.¡±

    ¡°What name did you give him?¡±

    ¡°I told him my name was Dayao, hahaha.¡±

    Lou Zigui had to massage his forehead again.

    ¡°But I gave him a fake name. Do you think Qingshan could also be a fake name?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly thought of this problem.

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao and sighed, Missy, did you only realize the problem now?

    The matter about Qingshan being the young lord was at the tip of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s tongue, but she quickly swallowed it back down. If Supreme Commander knew that Qingshan was the head of the rebel forces, would he kill Young Lord since he couldn¡¯t get his hands on Grand Preceptor? Aiyo, Ning Xiaoyao suddenly had second thoughts. Right now, Qingshan had fled far away, if Supreme Commander can¡¯t get his hands on Qingshan, would he kill her, this Emperor, instead ah?

    ¡°When you realized Xie Wenyuan wasn¡¯t there, why did you let them go?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think the rebel troops deserve to die ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined herself seriously, ¡°Qingshan and Danian¡¯s family were killed by the authorities. I don¡¯t think they are wrong to rebel. If Supreme Commander was killed by the authorities, I would definitely rebel as well.¡±

    Lou Zigui was angry yet happy at her words, ¡°You would rebel against yourself? How would you rebel?¡±

    ¡°When thete emperor was still alive, I would¡¯ve rebelled against him if I had a way. I would... I would¡¯ve also saved the crown prince!¡± What a pity she crossed over toote. Or else Crown Prince andte Lord Protector would still be alive. She also wouldn¡¯t have allowed thete emperor and Grand Preceptor to harm Supreme Commander¡¯s family. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart felt stuffy as she thought of all this.

    Lou Zigui stared at Ning Xiaoyao, unable to look away.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head drooped down, ¡°I was too useless in the past.¡± If only she had died earlier in the apocalypse, perhaps she could have crossed over here sooner? (Author: Don¡¯t think about it ah, eh, helloooo...!)

    Lou Zigui lifted his hand and rubbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. He gently exined, ¡°The rebel forces helped Xie Wenyuan not because they think he is a good guy.¡±

    ¡°Then what is the reason?¡±

    ¡°If Xie Wenyuan lives, you won¡¯t be able go all out and deal with the rebel forces. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind; Xiang Nong wants to be that oriole.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was quiet. Is there a need to make things soplicated, ah?!

    ¡°Xiang Nong may have been an impoverished person before, but now he is looking to wrest control of the country,¡± Lou Zigui cautioned, ¡°Xiaoyao, you musn¡¯t sympathize with him. This person wants to kill you.¡±

    ¡°Then, can¡¯t I just run away?¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled.

    ¡°You are kind-hearted, but he¡¯s full of bad intentions,¡± Lou Zigui rubbed off the muddy stains on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face and said, ¡°This is also thest time.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes.

    ¡°You can¡¯t let those rebels off again.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head again. She didn¡¯t dare to say the rest. She had let the young lord of the rebel forces go. After all, when Qingshan believed she was the emperor, he also let her go. She didn¡¯t think he was a bad guy...

    ¡°Is there something you haven¡¯t told me?¡± Lou Zigui asked as he tilted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chin up.

    ¡°N...no,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly shook her head. She¡¯ll just pretend the matter with Qingshan never happened. (Author: How can your heart be so big? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    Have you guys seen the contest results? If not, Click here!

    You will get another chapter within the next 9 hours! Happy Valentine''s Day!

 Chapter 310: I was born shameless

    <h4>Chapter 310: I was born shameless</h4>

    When Pei Yan arrived at the west side of the hill, he noticed His Majesty Ning and Supreme Commander Lou were in the middle of staring at each other in silent contemtion. On His Majesty Ning¡¯s shoulder perched a small falcon, and it was also staring at Supreme Commander Lou. The corner of Second Young Master Pei¡¯s mouth twitched, and he opened his mouth to ask, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Has His Majesty done something wrong again?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart felt stifled. Why is she always the one to be med for doing something wrong? (Author: Who was it that released Young Lord?)

    ¡°How could His Majesty be wrong?¡± In front of others, Lou Zigui was still fiercely protective of Ning Xiaoyao.

    "Yah!" Ning Xiaoyao sniffed, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Supreme Commander in so long, why can¡¯t we stare at each other?¡±

    Second Young Master Pei... are they still speaking human words?

    Lou Zigui pointed down to the ground they stood on. ¡°Below here is an entrance to a cave. The rebels took Xie Wenyuan and escaped from here.¡± Pei Yan had no more thoughts left to spare on their foolish emperor, and hurriedly examined the ground.

    "Ivy," Lou Zigui said as he pulled out a vine from the mud. "There are a bunch on the ground, the hole must be covered by them.¡±

    Pei Yan¡¯s handsome face twisted a bit. "So Xie Wenyuan has escaped? We can''t catch up to him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand and replied weakly, ¡°Yup.¡±

    "In this situation, why don''t you know to be anxious?" Second Young Master Pei finally disregarded the fact that Lou Zigui was still there, and just directly yelled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao moved back a little and refuted, "I am anxious ah, but even if I am anxious, I can¡¯t make the Grand Preceptore back ah.¡±

    Pei Yan jabbed a finger at Ning Xiaoyao. "This old bastard must have been colluding with Xiang Nong since a while back.¡±

    "Return to the capital," Lou Zigui stated. ¡° Send out the troops to Xiang City. Perhaps, it¡¯s not toote.¡±

    Pei Yan angrily turned around and stormed off.

    "You¡¯re angry and giving attitude," Ning Xiaoyao shouted after him, ¡°I¡¯m also angry! Who am I supposed to be angry at then?¡±

    Pei Yan threw back a sentence at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Go find the person who was in charge!¡±

    After Second Young Master Pei left, Ning Xiaoyao thought about it while standing in the mud. After a while, she turned to Lou Zigui and asked, ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one in charge of all this?¡±

    Lou Zigui replied, "Yes, letting Xie Wenyuan escape, this was my......" "Alright," Ning Xiaoyao reached out a hand to cover Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth. ¡°Who would¡¯ve expected the rebel forces to join in and cause trouble? Supreme Commander, I just realized from the very beginning, Grand Preceptor was nning to escape. We want to fight with him till death, but he¡¯s just trying to run!¡±

    Lou Zigui continued to proceed ahead with Ning Xiaoyao.

    "But think about it, this time, we managed to deal with all of Grand Preceptor¡¯s elite troops, so we didn¡¯t actually fail, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she swung Lou Zigui¡¯s hand.

    "True," Lou Zigui replied. ¡°Xiaoyao, I want to take some troops to Xiang City.¡±

    "Okay, sure," Ning Xiaoyao nodded. It¡¯s not like she could refuse and stop Supreme Commander from going to war anyway.

    "Wait for me in the capital," Once they were seated back on the horse, Lou Zigui continued in a low voice, ¡°If there¡¯s other

    issues, we¡¯ll discuss it when I¡¯m back"

    "What other issues could there be?¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately felt a little agitated.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men and troops arepletely defeated. What do you n to do with the soldiers who surrender?¡±

    "Don''t know ah. What should we do? Since they¡¯veid down their weapons, then we¡¯ll spare their lives?¡±

    "Rebellion is a huge crime. They must die," Lou Zigui said quietly. Ning Xiaoyao immediately shivered. She still has to go and kill more people?

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan didn¡¯t transfer all his cavalry over,¡± Lou Zigui then added. "So I think even though those men deserve to be put to death, if you can avoid capital punishment, then it¡¯s best that you avoid it. After all, there are still many of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s soldiers that need to surrender. If you killed these ones now, then you¡¯ll be forcing the other soldiers to fight to their deaths.¡±

    "Sounds good, sounds good!" As soon as she heard that she wouldn¡¯t have to kill, Ning Xiaoyao became very happy. ¡°We won¡¯t kill them. Supreme Commander, you should go take a look and select a few from the group. If any of them are decent folks like General Xu who was forced out of helplessness to follow Grand Preceptor, then we should let them continue to be generals.¡±

    "You trust me this much?" Lou Zigui asked.

    "I trust you," Ning Xiaoyao earnestly replied. "I feel like if I let Old Gramps take care of this, then all of the rebels would die. Supreme Commander, can you go and discuss this with Old Gramps ah?¡±

    Lou Zigui:..... so this girl doesn¡¯t actually trust him. She¡¯s just afraid of Elder Li?

    Lou Zigui sent Ning Xiaoyao back to city gates, but didn¡¯t enter the capital himself. Instead, he led Deng Rong and his crew, as well as Xu Feiyu who had just returned, along with 3,000 other elite soldiers and directly departed for Xiang City.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood at the city gates as she watched Lou Zigui disappeared into the distance. Her mind was a chaotic mess. With Supreme Commander gone, who will face Elder Li?!

    ¡°Your Majesty?" Pei Yan asked from behind Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao turned around and silently entered the capital. After the battle in the capital, corpses were strewn all over the streets. Other than the helmet-bearing amour-wearing generals and soldiers, there weren¡¯t any civilians to be seen.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood at the gates and briefly gazed down the long road before bowing her head and entering the sedan. It¡¯s better if she didn¡¯t look.

    Pei Yan rode his horse in front of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sedan and warily observed his surroundings. If there were still rebel troops hiding in the capital, and they managed to kidnap His Majesty again, he was positive that his older brother will kill him - not to mention other people.

    ¡°Is His Majesty in the sedan?" The sedan had barely moved when someone loudly asked from outside. Ning Xiaoyao lifted the curtain to take a look and saw that ten of the imperial nsmen had blocked the road.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Pei Yan whispered, "Prince Xi and the Prince Qi have arrived with some people. Do you want to see them?"

    "I¡¯ve no choice ah. It¡¯s not like I can beat up the imperial nsmen in the middle of the streets. I can only hear them out." Ning Xiaoyao let out a sigh and hopped off the sedan.

    When the imperial nsmen saw Ning Xiaoyao getting off the sedan, they all quickly knelt to the ground.

    Pei Yan also quickly climbed off his horse. He didn¡¯t understand. Ning Xiaoyao could have spoken from inside the sedan, why did he have to personallye out?

    ¡°Everyone, get up. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the group. ¡°The imperial pce was bombarded very badly this time, are you guys alright?¡±

    The imperial nsmen got up and said in unison, "Us subjects are fine.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you guys doing here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°This subject has been away from hisnds for a very long time," Prince Xi, Ning Guangzong, replied. "This subject would like to request to leave the capital and return to his home.¡±

    Prince Qi, Ning Guangbei, also chimed in, ¡°This subject would also like to request to leave the capital.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the rest of the nsmen following behind the two wangye. ¡°So you all want to go home?¡±

    The imperial nsmen standing behind the two wangye replied, "Yes, Your Majesty is very wise.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. This is considered being very wise?

    Pei Yan let out a cold snort. Ning Xiaoyao turned around to look at the Second Young Master Pei, whispering, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you now?¡±

    "Now that the capital is in a state of chaos, these people are moring to leave.¡± Pei Yan icily stated. "When there are benefits, theye swarming. When times are rough, they try to disperse as quickly as possible. Does Your Majesty know what this is called?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought for a moment, and then said, "It¡¯s better you don¡¯t tell me. I know you don¡¯t have anything good to say.¡±

    Pei Yan gave a cold sneer.

    The imperial nsmen knelt on the ground without saying a word. Right now, they were only asking to leave. They weren¡¯t trying to seek anything else.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked Pei Yan, "Then, Second Young Master Pei, do you think I should agree to their request?¡±

    Pei Yan gave Ning Xiaoyao a nce, and replied, "What does Your Majesty think?¡±

    "Actually, not being able to see them is pretty good. That way, my heart won¡¯t be as tired. But, I have soldiers in my hands now ah. Wouldn¡¯t this be the best time to reim all their assets and privileges?¡±

    Reim all their assets and privileges? Pei Yan was startled.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued, "But am I courting disaster by choosing to deal with this now?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie is still alive, and now she has to deal with reiming all their assets and privileges. In the end, does this benefit the nation, or is it just adding more chaos? Ning Xiaoyao was hesitant as she stared at the people before her.

    Pei Yan pulled Ning Xiaoyao back a little and lowered his voice. ¡°Has Your Majesty decided?¡±

    "Nope," Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, "I¡¯m still hesitating, Second Young Master Pei, give me some advice?¡±

    If this was Lord Protector, then Lord Protector would have directly shaken his head and said that he didn¡¯t know. The matter of reiming assets and privileges concerned the nation. How could one simply decide by standing here and thinking on it for a little while? But right now, the person standing next to Ning Xiaoyao was Second Young Master Pei. He was someone who caused trouble without thinking twice. So, thetter only thought about it for a bit before responding, ¡°After you¡¯ve reim their assets and privileges, what does Your Majesty n to do with theirnd?¡±

    "Of course I¡¯ll divide the farnd!" Ning Xiaoyao replied, her two eyes glowing. "With so many refugees, thend must naturally be divided ah.¡±

    ¡°Then Your Majesty should just do it. After all, these people are just prisoners of Your Majesty, what could Your Majesty be worried about?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was still quite cautious though. ¡°Second Young Master Pei, let me think about it some more.¡± Pei Yan asked, "Does Your Majesty want to ask Supreme Commander for his opinion?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander should focus on how to kill Grand Preceptor," Ning Xiaoyao muttered under her breath.

    Pei Yan made another suggestion. "Then does Your Majesty want to discuss it with Elder Li and the others?¡±

    Hearing the two words ¡®Elder Li¡¯, Ning Xiaoyao experienced all kinds of headaches and guilt. She did not want to face that old man.

    "Your Majesty is the monarch of our country," Second Young Master Pei reminded Ning Xiaoyao lightly.

    "His sister, the monarch of a country!" Ning Xiaoyao cursed out loud. She felt that as an emperor, she hadn¡¯t been treated with respect she deserved.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± The longer Ning Xiaoyao discussed with Pei Yan, the more anxious Prince Xi became. Those two didn¡¯t look like they were discussing anything good.

    "There¡¯s still a battle going on outside, how do you n to leave the capital?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°If any of you got injured or hurt, I would be very sad ah.¡±

    The imperial nsmen stared at Ning Xiaoyao. They didn¡¯t believe a single word that came out of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth!

    ¡°Weapons have no eyes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told them. "Why don¡¯t you stay in the capital a little longer. Once the war is over, we can talk about this again.¡±

    "This subject has bodyguards," Prince Qi pressed, ¡°If this subject is harmed by a weapon, then that is the fate of this subject and Your Majesty does not need to feel responsible.¡±

    "His Majesty has already spoken. He has ordered you all to stay in the capital for a few more days.¡± Pei Yan replied coldly. ¡°Prince Qi, are you trying to resist the imperial decree?"

    "The subject does not dare." Prince Qi got down on his knees again. ¡°This subject begs Your Majesty for permission to leave the capital. This subject cannot fight for Your Majesty on the battlefield and this subject is deeply ashamed of that. Instead of staying in the capital as a burden on His Majesty, this subject would rather take the risk of leaving.¡±

    "Tsk," Ning Xiaoyao clicked her tongue. This person really knows how to talk, how could he be so shameless?

    ¡°These subjects plead for permission to leave," the imperial nsmen knelt down again.

    "Not allowed." Ning Xiaoyao threw out those two words and turned around to get back into the sedan.

    "Your Majesty," Prince Qi shouted, ¡°Your Majesty won¡¯t allow us subjects to leave, is Your Majesty nning to reim all our assets and privileges?¡±

    "Wangye should speak cautiously," Pei Yan looked coldly at the Prince Qi.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood still for a moment, and then replied, "Yes, I n to take back all your assets and privileges. So what if you don¡¯t like it? What can you do about it?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s straightforwardness stunned the imperial nsmen. "I know why you¡¯ve stopped me in the middle of the streets to ask this," Ning Xiaoyao sped her hands behind her back and spoke with her wooden, round face. She stared at her imperial rtives. "If I don¡¯t treat you all well, then I have no respect for my familial elders and I would be ashamed to face my ancestors, right? Heh heh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave a smile. ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s too bad, because I was born shameless.¡±

 Chapter 311: His Majesty and Head Commander in the whirlpool

    <h4>Chapter 311: His Majesty and Head Commander in the whirlpool</h4>

    No emperor would want to receive a reputation for being cruel and heartless. If the monarch of a nation could be cold and ruthless to his own imperial nsmen, how well could this person treat the people of the world? The imperial nsmen obstructed Ning Xiaoyao right on the street and asked for a decree to leave the capital because they assumed that Ning Xiaoyao would give them their way in order to leave a meritorious reputation after his death. However, the imperial nsmen had absolutely not expected that the reigning emperor was innately shameless...

    ¡°Second Young Master,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Pei Yan, ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you to make a trip and send the imperial nsmen back to the imperial pce.¡±

    Pei Yan asked, ¡°To where in the imperial pce?¡±

    ¡°Hall of Punishment,¡± Ning Xiaoyao uttered those three words.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± As soon as Prince Xi heard the three words ¡®Hall of Punishment¡¯, hepletely broke down. The imperial nsmen had spies in the imperial pce. They were well aware that Second Prince had died in the Hall of Punishment. Now that His Majesty also wants to incarcerate them in the Hall of Punishment, could he want their lives as well as their assets and privileges?

    ¡°Don¡¯t force me to beat someone.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Prince Xi whose body weakly turned limp. ¡°We still haven¡¯t finished fighting the war. There are only three ces that are safe in the imperial pce. You think you can stay at the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce? Supreme Splendor Hall is also not a ce you all can stay, so that leaves only the Hall of Punishment. If you find the name ¡®Hall of Punishment¡¯ unpleasant to the ears, then you can just change the name.¡±

    By now, the imperial nsmen also realized that His Majesty was not capable of human speech. No matter what name you change it to, it¡¯s still a ce to imprison people right?!

    ¡°This subject epts the decree.¡± Pei Yan bowed to Ning Xiaoyao and epted the decree.

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded with a long face. This time, she didn¡¯t pay attention to what the imperial nsmen were yelling from behind her. Ning Xiaoyao simply turned around and got onto the sedan.

    ¡°Escort His Majesty back to the pce.¡± Pei Yan instructed the two deputy generals beside him.

    The two deputymanders hurriedly nodded.

    Two soldiers raised the sedan and everyone escorted Ning Xiaoyao as they continued to walk towards the imperial pce.

    Pei Yan randomly beckoned to a group of troops and horses. He told Prince Xi and Prince Qi, ¡°Both princes, please.¡±

    Prince Xi pointed his finger at Pei Yan and was about to berate him. Pei Yan didn¡¯t give Prince Xi a chance to open his mouth and rebuke people. Hemanded, ¡°Take him away.¡±

    The soldiers had heard His Majesty¡¯s words just now. Even His Majesty is shameless, so why would they have to be courteous to these imperial princes? The soldiers swarmed forward and took away the pampered imperial nsmen. Those who resisted were directly carried away.

    The party continued to move along the direction of the imperial pce. However, before Ning Xiaoyao had returned to the pce, the news of His Majesty reiming assets and privileges of the nsmen had already spread throughout the entire capital.

    ¡°The people in the city didn¡¯t even leave!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood below the stairs at Supreme Splendor Hall and stared at First Young Master Ning and Lord Protector with a dazed face. ¡°How did this news spread? Does this mean every single person now knows that I¡¯m born shameless?¡±

    The people below the stairs: ... That¡¯s not the main point, right?

    ¡°Has Old Gramps gone home?¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice as she asked with her heart full of hope.

    First Young Master Ning said, ¡°Your Majesty, what about Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    ¡°Eh, he escaped.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°He was rescued by the rebel forces. Supreme Commander and General Xu have taken troops and left for Xiang City.¡±

    ¡°He was rescued by who?¡± Lord Protector asked incredulously.

    ¡°The rebel forces, also known as the roving bandits,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    Lord Protector stood there nkly for a very long time. Finally, he clenched his fists and cursed in rage, ¡°Damn it!¡±

    First Young Master Ning said, ¡°It looks like the rebels are worried that His Majesty would focus on dealing with them after killing Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°Xiang Nong thinks that he can obtain benefits with Xie Wenyuan alive?¡± Lord Protector fumed.

    ¡°He wants to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight. He wants to be the ultimate siskin*, thest one standing.¡± First Young Master Ning said in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Big Bro Ning, both you and Supreme Commander said the same thing.¡±

    ¡°Can Supreme Commander block off Xie Wenyuan at Xiang City?¡± Lord Protector asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao spread out her hands. Who knows?

    ¡°I guess we can only do our best and leave the rest to heaven¡¯s will.¡± First Young Master Ning murmured.

    Both Lord Protector and Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t like this response. Isn¡¯t leaving one¡¯s fate to heaven tantamount to waiting for death? They exchanged nces with each other. Yet, Ning Xiaoyao and Lord Protector also couldn¡¯t find any words to refute First Young Master Ning. Does this mean they really have to depend on fate?

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Lord Protector cursed again.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth and wanted to follow him in cursing a few words. At this moment, the sound of a roof copsing could be heard in Supreme Splendor Hall. ¡®Bang!¡¯ The floor under everyone¡¯s feet shook thrice.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped in fright and yelped.

    ¡°The pce hall¡¯s bedroom has copsed!¡±

    Shouts could be heard from within Supreme Splendor Hall. Along with these sounds of shouting was the deafening sound of walls and roofs copsing again.

    ¡°Ahhhhhh¡ª¡ª¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged her head and cried out continuously as she ran up the stairs to Supreme Splendor Hall. Her pce hall¡¯s bedroom ah!

    By the time everyone below the stairs had returned to their senses, Ning Xiaoyao had already dashed into Supreme Splendor Hall.

    ¡°Are there still rebel troops?¡± Lord Protector was bewildered.

    The Dragon Guards at the side all had embarrassed faces. The pce hall¡¯s bedroom ultimately still copsed.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± First Young Master Ning looked at the Dragon Guard and asked.

    ¡°The pce hall¡¯s bedroom is flooded.¡± replied a Dragon Guard.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Lord Protector doubted his own ears again. Where did Supreme Splendor Hall get this much water from? It was enough to flood the pce hall¡¯s bedroom?

    ¡°His Majestypeted with Supreme Commander in martial arts,¡± the young Dragon Guard had a proud expression on his face as he boasted, ¡°His Majesty smashed the floor such that the underground water flowed out.¡±

    Lord Protector looked at him. He believed His Majesty could smash the floor until the underground water flowed out. After all, His Majesty had actually tossed a big cannon and destroyed a whole street. ¡°Who won?¡± Lord Protector asked.

    First Young Master Ning covered his mouth and wanted to cough but did not produce a coughing sound in the end. First Young Master Ning strode forward and climbed the stairs. None of the people around his sister seemed normal. Looking at this bunch of fellows, he could already tell how tough his little sister¡¯s days had been. (Author: Hey hey, First Young Master Ning, don¡¯t be like this~)

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of the pond. The pce hall¡¯s bedroom, garden and enclosing wall no longer existed. Only that old Chinese parasol tree** was still standing tenaciously in the middle of the water.

    ¡°We probably can¡¯t save this tree too, right?¡± A Dragon Guard muttered beside Ning Xiaoyao.

    There were tears in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes. Shadowgale red at the Dragon Guard and tried tofort Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s alright. The tree can¡¯t drown to death.¡±

    The Dragon Guard: ... Bro, are you treating His Majesty as an idiot?

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed. ¡°Really?¡±

    The Dragon Guards became silent. They should still firmly believe that His Majesty was a dashing person who could pierce the heavens and had totally no connections to being an idiot.

    ¡°Yes, really, Your Majesty.¡± Head Commander Shadowgale was uttering nonsense brazenly. At any rate, whether this tree was dead or alive, it was impossible for it to settle a score with him.

    At this moment, Lord Protector and First Young Master Ning were blocked by Elder Li at the entrance of Supreme Splendor Hall. After Lord Protector paid his greetings to Elder Li, he said, ¡°Elder, I¡¯m going to go check on His Majesty first. Please chat with eldest heir of the Duke first.¡±

    First Young Master Ning nced at Lord Protector and smiled. ¡°This humble one is garrisoned at the frontier and knows extremely little about the matters of the court. It¡¯s better for Lord Protector to remain.¡±

    As Lord Protector looked at Eldest Young Master Ning¡¯s smiling face, there were three words in his mind, ¡®smiling faced tiger¡¯!

    Elder Li didn¡¯t have the time to bother about the friction between the two of them. He spoke with a solemn face, ¡°This old man requests to meet His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Elder,¡± Lord Protector blurted, ¡°The pce hall¡¯s bedroom has copsed. His Majesty isn¡¯t free to see you now.¡±

    Elder Li gave a start. ¡°Why did the pce hall¡¯s bedroom copse?¡±

    Lord Protector repeated the Dragon Guard¡¯s original words verbatim for Elder Li to hear. Elder Li eximed, ¡°Are you deriving joy from teasing this old man? You think this is the time to joke around? Or did you think that all is well now that Xie Wenyuan is defeated?!¡±

    Lord Protector felt extremely wronged. ¡°It¡¯s really true, Elder Li.¡±

    ¡°Have you all heard about the matter of reiming the nsmen¡¯s assets and privileges?¡± Elder Li didn¡¯t drag on the topic about the flooding with Lord Protector but stared at First Young Master Ning and asked.

    First Young Master Ning¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. He immediately understood what this old gramps was worried about. Why would the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate join His Majesty¡¯s side without benefits? Could it be that His Majesty was in a hurry to reim the assets and privileges as he wanted to distribute the benefits in the hands of the dukes with fiefs to the people who was helping him to deal with Xie Wenyuan?

    ¡°If His Majesty wants to reim the assets and privileges, how is he going to raise so many imperial nsmen without their fiefs?¡± Elder Li spoke in a low voice, ¡°Can assets and privileges simply be reimed just on a whim? How should the fields be divided afterwards? How would we rearrange their subordinates? Who will be allowed to stay in the princes¡¯ residences? All these matters need to be discussed. His Majesty being like this...¡± Elder Li looked towards Lord Protector again.

    Lord Protector was in the middle of pretending that he was dead. No matter what, he couldn¡¯t disclose that it was his second brother who egged His Majesty on to follow through with it.

    ¡°Go inform for this old man,¡± Elder Li instructed the Dragon Guard next to him. ¡°This subject Li Wuqi requests to meet His Majesty.¡±

    The Dragon Guard took to his heels and immediately ran to Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao had jumped into the water. She felt that the big tree would definitely die if it was soaked in the water for too long. (Author: Do you still need to think for this kind of matter? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Shadowgale could only follow Ning Xiaoyao and jumped into the water as well. ¡°Your Majesty, that is just a tree.¡±

    ¡°My house is gone, my garden is gone, my wall is also gone.¡± Half of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s body was steeped in water. She waded in the water to walk over to where the old Chinese parasol tree was. ¡°I still have to lose this tree too?¡±

    So your house is gone, your garden is gone, and your wall is also gone. What else can happen even if another tree is gone?

    Shadowgale was iparably vexed as he followed Ning Xiaoyao. He told Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°If you move a person, he lives. If you move a tree, it dies. Your Majesty, there¡¯s no way you can move this tree.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s okay if you pull it out and nt it again. As long as the roots aren¡¯t damaged, the big tree will definitely survive.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll find people to pull out the tree,¡± Shadowgale suggested again.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood under the Chinese parasol tree. She¡¯s already here. Why would he need to find anyone else?

    Shadowgale touched the trunk of the Chinese parasol tree. This trunk needs two burly chaps to hug it together. How should this be pulled out?

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled up her sleeves and told Shadowgale, ¡°Windy, step back.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to pull it out alone?¡± Shadowgale eximed. You can¡¯t even hug it so how are you going to pull it out?

    Ning Xiaoyao clung on the tree with both her hands. She had slowly been recuperating and has recovered about fifty percent of her strength. She certainly had the strength to pull out a big tree.

    Shadowgale really couldn¡¯t think of another solution, so he turned around to call the other Dragon Guards to get in the water to help out.

    However, the Dragon Guards standing at the shore all looked as if they had seen a ghost. They were gawking at something behind Shadowgale. In fact, their mouths were so wide agape that one could stuff two eggs in them. Shadowgale hastily turned his head back. Then, Head Commander Shadowgale saw that His Majesty was lifting the tree from the ground.

    ¡°Be strong, okay.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was also talking to the old Chinese parasol tree while pulling, ¡°We¡¯ll change to another ce to stay at. I¡¯ll find you a ce where the sunlight is abundant, the soil is fertile and where everything is great.¡±

    As the old Chinese parasol tree¡¯s colossal twining roots gradually left the ground, the water began to whirl towards the ce where the old Chinese parasol tree had rooted itself. Furthermore, it was spinning faster and faster.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowgale felt that something was wrong. He reached out his hand to pull Ning Xiaoyao away at once.

    Ning Xiaoyao also felt that things weren¡¯t quite right. The ground should be filled with water but why was the water still circting in this direction? The ground is empty?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± The Dragon Guards on shore also started to panic. They jumped into the water one after another and rushed towards where Ning Xiaoyao was.

    The pond had now formed a gargantuan whirlpool. The centre of the whirlpool was where Ning Xiaoyao and Shadowgale were standing. It was about to swallow them both.

    *An image for your reference Eurasian Siskin

    **Click here for an image of Chinese Parasol Tree

    ------

    Note: This chapter took FOREVER. WHY IS IT SOOOOO LONGGGGG? SAVE MEEEEE. *cries* Please be patient because it takes me so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so many hours to edit/check/go through each chapter. It feels like it will never end.

 Chapter 312 Treasure from saving a big tree

    <h4>Chapter 312 Treasure from saving a big tree</h4>

    As Ning Xiaoyao was being pulled down by the water current, she resolutely threw the big tree out. If this Chinese parasol tree dies, wouldn¡¯t she have drowned for nothing?

    Shadowgale tightly held onto Ning Xiaoyao. He was trying to push her out of the whirlpool. However, his strength could notpete against the strong current of the water.

    After Ning Xiaoyao threw out the tree, she wanted to throw out her Windy too. Unfortunately, she ran out of time as a strong forceing from the earth¡¯s core sucked them both into the dark abyss.

    The Dragon Guards watched helplessly as both His Majesty and their Head Commander disappeared into the whirlpool. After a stunned moment, all of them pped towards the swirling water.

    The Chinese parasol tree flew over several walls beforending heavily on the ground. It maintained its full leafy features, and most importantly, its roots were intact, bringing along mud from its recent submersion.

    Following the sound ofmotion, First Young Master Ning and Lord Protector each took hold of Elder Li as they ran forward. Upon seeing the big tree lying on the ground, they all came to a stop.

    ¡°Where is this tree from?¡± Elder Li asked urgently.

    First Young Master Ning released Elder Li¡¯s arm as he ran forward.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Elder Li grabbed hold of Lord Protector who was nning to run off, ¡°Go over there to check.¡±

    Lord Protector really wanted to fling off Elder Li¡¯s arm, but hecked the courage to do so.

    First Young Master Ning stood in a daze in front of a pool of rapidly plummeting water. By the time Lord Protector and Elder Li rushed over, the water level had dropped to the point where they could see the bottom. The copsed pce hall¡¯s bedroom, the flooded garden, and a very deep hole that could amodate two people stood side by side appeared in front of everyone¡¯s eyes.

    Although First Young Master Ning was a person who had experienced a lot, he was also astounded by this. ¡°This...this is the pce hall¡¯s bedroom?¡± Elder Li asked frightfully.

    First Young Master Ning bent down to peer into the deep pit. The ground was wet, and the water continued to flow into the cavity, yet standing at the opening, he could not hear any sound of water dripping. The chasm must be very deep.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Lord Protector yelled into the pit. His voice echoed for a long time, but there was no reply from Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Bring the rope here.¡± First Young Master Ningmanded a young Dragon Guard beside him.

    ¡°This is where the Chinese parasol tree was growing.¡± exined another young Dragon Guard standing beside Lord Protector.

    Lord Protector asked, ¡°It¡¯s rooted this deeply?¡±

    The Dragon Guard did not respond as he felt it was not possible either.

    ¡°Seal off this area and do not let anyone enter here.¡± First Young Master Ning gave anothermand. A few men from the Destruction Prisoner Army epted themand and ran off.

    ¡°Nobody in this courtyard is allowed to leave.¡± First Young Master Ning continued to dictate his order. Lord Protector was too busy preparing to descend the pit and did not bother to even look at First Young Master Ning. However, Elder Li took a few nces at him.

    ¡°The war just ended. The capital will be in a disarray if there are news that His Majesty has an ident.¡± First Young Master Ning exined to Elder Li.

    Elder Li nodded his head at First Young Master Ning. ¡°His Majesty trusts you, hence this old man will naturally trusts you.¡±

    The Destruction Prisoner Army was now able to move freely throughout the entire imperial pce. While Elder Li was itching to jump into the pit, his mind was also upied by the amount of power First Young Master Ning and his men had. When he sees Ning Xiaoyaoter, he must speak to him about it. (Author: In such a short time, you already have another matter to instruct His Majesty?)

    In the cave, Ning Xiaoyao sat on the ground and spat out the water in her mouth. She rubbed her tummy. Ai ma, my stomach is full from the water.

    Shadowgale rolled twice on the ground. Just now, Ning Xiaoyao had sat on his stomach when they bothnded on the ground. In that short moment, Head Commander felt like he was about to vomit blood. Heid on the ground for a long time, unable to regain his breath.

    The Dragon Guards who dropped into the pit with them were either exhausted from churning in the water, or injured from the fall. They were all lying on the ground, unable to get up.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and looked around. The water flowed along the walls of the cave and continued to drip down. She could not feel any water around her feet. Ning Xiaoyao squinted her eyes in the extremely dim lighting of the cave, and finally discovered there was a stone trough on the ground. The water from above were all flowing into this trough.

    ¡°Majesty, Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale saw Ning Xiaoyao walking away and immediately hollered.

    ¡°Shhh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale, ¡°Don''t yell, what if there is a monster around?¡±

    Head Commander: ...

    Ning Xiaoyao gripped the rugged edges of the cave wall and walked through the man-made stone tunnel. In no time, Ning Xiaoyao came upon a bright area. She discovered an underground dark river trail and a t tidal area which came about from the alteration of the river trail.

    Shadowgale stumbled as he ran after Ning Xiaoyao. After his eyes adjusted to darkness in the cave, he suddenly saw a brightness that blinded him to the point where he had to close his eyes. Shadowgale rubbed his eyes for a long time before opening them again. When he did, His Majesty was standing there without moving, just like earlier.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale shouted at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned around with a stunned expression. She pointed above her head and asked Shadowgale: ¡°Windy, look! Is this the legendary pearl of the night?¡±

    Shadowgale looked up. The top of the stone wall was smooth and straight. It was obviously a surface that has been smoothened by someone. The stone wall was set with many egg-shaped pearls, approximately the size of a goose egg. The pearls shone brilliantly, with rity. They were definitely pearls of the night.

    Ning Xiaoyao said: ¡°It is pearls of the night, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡± Shadowgale agreed, ¡°Why would there be pearls of the night here?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed in front of her. ¡°Windy, look.¡±

    Shadowgale looked at where she pointed. On a pebbled mudt, there was arge stone tform, big enough for four horses to run on it at the same time. Reddish brown cases were all neatly ced on the stone tform, with the topmost case already knocking against the stone roof. Shadowgale could not tell how many such cases were stacked there.

    ¡°Let¡¯s mentally prepare ourselves. Windy, what do you think is in the cases?¡±

    At this time, the Dragon Guards had arrived. All of them were all stunned by what they saw. Shadowgale deeply inhaled the cold air. ¡°I will go over and take a look.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together. A surprise should be shared.¡±

    ¡°I am worried that there might be traps.¡± Shadowgale was apprehensive.

    ¡°It is okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled up her sleeves, ¡°With me here, you do not have to be afraid of any injuries.¡±

    That was a statement that all the Dragon Guards believed in. Hence, all of them walked over together to the front of the stone tform.

    From a distance, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t notice how tall the stone tform was. It wasn¡¯t until she was standing in front of it that she realized the stone tform was quite far from the ground. In fact, it was actually as tall as her height.

    When Shadowgale saw Ning Xiaoyao jumping up and down trying to use both hands and feet to climb up the stone tform, the corner of his mouth twitched. He half carried Ning Xiaoyao as he flew up to the tform.

    ¡°Woah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood on the tform, and gave a heartfelt sigh. Each of these cases were taller than her.

    Shadowgale carefully knocked against one case and told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°It¡¯s made of copper.¡±

    Copper cases?

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her hands and eximed, ¡°Open the cases!¡±

    In the time it took to burn half an incense, First Young Master Ning and Lord Protector reached the bottom of the cave. In case Xiaoyao was injured, they wanted to ensure the news didn¡¯t spread. Hence, everyone else had to wait and remain on the ground level with Elder Li.

    First Young Master Ning stood in the cave. The ground was filled with crushed rocks but he did not see anyone. ¡°Your Majesty?¡± he yelled.

    His voice echoed around the cave.

    Lord Protector removed the rope around his waist and looked at the four walls of the cave. ¡°Why is this so big? What exactly is this ce?¡±

    First Young Master stood there without speaking. On the ground, there was a sword that belonged to a Dragon Guard. His sister and the guards must have been here, and they¡¯re able to move around. This means their lives weren¡¯t in danger.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Lord Protector called out, since First Young Master Ning was just standing there motionlessly.

    ¡°Big Bro Ning! Lord Protector!¡± Ning Xiaoyao appeared quickly in front of the two of them, smiling widely.

    Lord Protector thought to himself. Has he discovered the body of Xie Wenyuan here?

    At this point, Ning Xiaoyao was so thrilled that she could not speak. She grabbed their hands and ran.

    ¡°Your Majesty, where are you bringing us?¡± Lord Protector asked. Did he really see Xie Wenyuan¡¯s corpse?

    ¡°Look!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped.

    Countless amount of gold.

    Countless amount of silver.

    Countless number of armor and swords...

    First Young Master Ning and Lord Protector were totally amazed.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Ning Xiaoyao happily pped her hands and dered, ¡°Rich, I am rich, I am rich now!¡±

    First Young Master recovered his senses and asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°What are these?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied with a serious expression. ¡°I believe these are hidden treasures.¡±

    Everyone felt that was an understatement. If these were not hidden treasures, what else could they possibly be?

    First Young Master Ning took a piece of gold ingot and then touched a piece of silver ingot. He turned to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This should be the imperial family¡¯s treasure.¡±

    ¡°Eh? But nobody told me about this!¡± If she knew there were hidden treasures underneath her bedroom, she wouldn¡¯t be so concerned about money on a daily basis!

    First Young Master Ning responded, ¡°Thete emperor may not have known.¡±

    Not just Emperor Yuanzong, even Emperor Mingzong and those emperors before may not have known about the existence of these treasures. If they had known, based on their spendthrift habits, these treasures could not have remained till now.

    ¡°Your Majesty, how did you find out about this ce?¡± Lord Protector finally recovered his senses and asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Oh, I just wanted to save my Chinese parasol tree.¡± Ning Xiaoyao happily recounted how she discovered the hidden treasures.

    After Lord Protector heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s story, he felt that the only exnation for this matter was that it was a real streak of pure luck.

    ¡°Now I don¡¯t have to worry anymore!¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the treasures. ¡°Even if Grand Preceptor escaped, I am not scared. I have money and I can pay for soldiers and horses now! I will fight him to the death!¡±

    First Young Master Ningughed, ¡°Your Majesty, you wish to use these treasures to feed the soldiers?¡±

    ¡°Yes, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Fighting a war requires money. I was worrying where to find such a sum of money. Big Bro Ning, I will also give you some money to bring back to the southwest Jiuzhou.¡±

    First Young Master Ning was surprised. ¡°This subject will also be given some money?¡±

    ¡°Yes, everyone will get some!¡± Ning Xiaoyao generously beamed. ¡°Supreme Commander had previously told me that those in the army are not living well. Now that I have money, I will share it.¡±

    Lord Protector was very moved by Ning Xiaoyao. This little Majesty did not ask to rebuild his pce hall bedroom, or anything for himself. The little Majesty only said he wishes for the army to live better. Lord Protector¡¯s eyes reddened. To have met such a wise ruler, what else could they as subjects ask for?

    ¡°Go get more little bros toe down,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand. ¡°Let¡¯s start moving!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Everyone shouted in unison.

    When Elder Li heard about the discovery of these hidden treasures, he immediately got down on his knees. ¡°The Heavens blessed his Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao did not dare to retort Old Gramps. She found those treasures because she was saving her tree. What does it have to do with the Heavens?

    Elder Li said, ¡°In this case, after reiming the assets and privileges of the imperial nsmen, Your Majesty can now take care of them with these monies.¡±

    What???

    Ning Xiaoyao was stunned. She must still provide for the nsmen?

 Chapter 313: I shall wait for you to come and fight me to death

    <h4>Chapter 313: I shall wait for you toe and fight me to death</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao decided to keep Elder Li very far from the treasure. The person who has the treasure should be the one to decide who¡¯d get a share, should they not? ¡°Comee, Old Gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao invited Elder Li to walk with her. ¡°Let¡¯s find a ce to chat about life.¡±

    Elder Li couldn¡¯t have known about theplex thoughts running through Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mind. He followed Ning Xiaoyao out of the flooded ¡°demolish and relocate¡± site.

    Ning Xiaoyao chose a random room far away from the main pce¡¯s bedroom. She pushed the door, entered the room and invited Elder Li to have a seat. After thinking for half a day, Ning Xiaoyao realized she and Elder Li actually had nothing to chat about life with, so she talked nonsense, ¡°Old Gramps, were you hurt?¡±

    Elder Li followed proper conduct as he stood up to pay obeisance to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s concern, this subject is fine.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Then you can sit, Old Gramps. I¡¯ll go take a walk outside.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li obviously had business, ¡°If Lou Zigui cannot capture Xie Wenyuan in Xiang City, what would Your Majesty do next?¡±

    ¡°Keep chasing,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Until we catch him.¡±

    ¡°Has Your Majesty wondered why Xie Wenyuan was about to escape this time?¡± Elder Li continued questioning.

    ¡°Because it¡¯s not time for Grand Preceptor to die yet.¡± Ning Xiaoyao casually responded to Elder Li.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this is because Lou Zigui...¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander did his best,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut off Elder Li¡¯s speech. ¡°We all did our best, but who could have known that Xiang Nong¡¯s group would butt in?¡±

    Elder Li was displeased, ¡°Your Majesty is just trying to defend Lou Zigui.¡±

    ¡°If I don¡¯t defend Supreme Commander, should I defend Grand Preceptor instead?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rebutted, ¡°Old Gramps, you still me me and Supreme Commander for teaming up to lie to you?¡±

    Elder Li bent his back. ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered, ¡°You can lecture me like I¡¯m your grandchild, Old Gramps, what¡¯s there that you don¡¯t dare to do?¡±

    Elder Li stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°If you kneel, then I¡¯ll kneel too.¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately reacted, ¡°Don¡¯t use the ¡®ask for punishment¡¯ move, ah. It won¡¯t work.¡±

    Elder Li stood still.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. I¡¯m going to eat a meal first.¡± Ning Xiaoyao excused herself and wanted to leave.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li shouted.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Old Gramps.¡± Ning Xiaoyao had to halt her steps. ¡°I want to reim the imperial nsmen¡¯s assets and privileges. Old Gramps, you¡¯ll be in charge of dividing theirnd and payouts.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re not nning to keep any?¡± Elder Li was stunned. ¡°You want to divide everything?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Ning Xiaoyao confirmed. ¡°I know you¡¯re stressed out about the matter regarding Xiang Nong. But as long as we do a good job with the division, we won¡¯t have to worry about Xiang Nong anymore.¡±

    ¡°What does Your Majesty mean by this?¡± Elder Li didn¡¯t understand Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°Why did General Tao Yu win this fight?¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°Because we ensure themoners from Prince Fu¡¯s side could live a good life. Why would anyone be so idiotic to rebel when they have a good life? I told Prince Fu the same thing. Old Gramps, have you never considered why Xiang Nong could attract that many people to follow through with his rebellion?¡±

    Elder Li was stunned by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question.

    ¡°This has nothing to with guts or deficiency in morality.¡± Ning Xiaoyao gazed at Elder Li. ¡°The root of all this is whether or not the people can survive their days.¡± The apocalypse was an exemr, if it wasn¡¯t for the survival of humanity, who would have the spare time to wrestle with zombies to death? Both cases shared the same reason, because there was no other way to survive.

    Elder Li stroked his beard in silence.

    ¡°First, we¡¯ll take away Big Boss Xiang¡¯s source of army recruits,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to Elder Li, ¡°Then, we¡¯ll think of ways to capture the rebel forces. General Tao did a good job defeating Big Boss Xiang this time. What reason do we have to be skeptical about our own ability to defeat the rebel forces? Am I right, Old Gramps?¡±

    Elder Li returned with a question, ¡°The imperial nsmen¡¯snd were bestowed upon them by imperial favor. If Your Majesty reims their assets and privileges, isn¡¯t Your Majesty afraid of being cursed and used of immorality?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Not afraid.¡± What can curses do? They could try biting her to death if they have the guts.

    ¡°Then what about Prince Fu and Prince Zhi?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s always exceptions for everything.¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled irresponsibly. ¡°They¡¯re all my nice uncles, so they can keep theirnd.¡± Prince Fu¡¯snd is pretty much in name only. As for Prince Zhi, let¡¯s worry about himter as he is too far to catch now. Ning Xiaoyao was in no hurry.

    Elder Li gazed at Ning Xiaoyao for a while, before he suddenly make a deep bow in obeisance. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty on behalf of all citizens of this country.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m very hungry, I¡¯ll go look for some food.¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran off while holding her tummy. Every conversation with Elder Li was tormenting, talking about ¡®all citizens of the country¡¯ in one moment, and ¡®rules and orders of the kingdom¡¯ in the next. Is that something she could just casually shoulder? (Author: You already have...)

    Elder Li watched Ning Xiaoyao run madly like a rabbit with its tail chopped off. Elder Li was loyal to the emperor. In his perception, the roving rebels deserved a thousand deaths for causing chaos. As his mind was full of ideas on how to eradicate those roving rebels, he¡¯d truly never considered the reason why they must revolt. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words opened a new window for him. This matter had nothing to do with ¡°ruler and subject¡±, nor identity and status. It only concerned the human nature itself. Why would themoners rebel if they could live normal lives?

    After Ning Xiaoyao dashed out of the chamber, she didn¡¯t even have time to catch her breath when a Dragon Guard ran up to her and muttered his report, ¡°Your Majesty, Her Excellency Empress Dowager has arrived at the gates of the Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao made a pained expression.

    ¡°Does Your Majesty want to meet with Her Excellency Empress Dowager?¡± the Dragon Guard asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s already entered.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said as she looked to behind the Dragon Guard.

    The Dragon Guard hastened to turn around and saw Empress Dowager Xie without a single attendant. She was walking alone towards their direction.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the guard, ¡°You can leave, I¡¯ll handle her.¡±

    The Dragon Guard was speechless. Does His Majesty treat Empress Dowager like an enemy every time they meet?

    Ning Xiaoyao turned around and headed to a hexagon stone pavilion facing the pond. Empress Dowager Xie followed her in. Ning Xiaoyao sat down and looked at her. ¡°What business do you have now?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was wearing a full white attire, her face without makeup. She didn¡¯t sit after entering the stone pavilion and stood in front of Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Don¡¯t simply look at me and say nothing. You could always get people to call me over if you have business, I¡¯d go to Empress Dowager¡¯s pce to see you.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie finally spoke, ¡°All of the Concubine Dowagers are staying at Empress Dowager¡¯s pce. Why would this Dowager want to put on a show for them?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°You¡¯re actually worried about being watched?¡±

    ¡°How are the members of the Xie Estate?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked, acting as if she hadn¡¯t heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ridicule.

    ¡°Dead.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Lady Wangmitted suicide by smashing her head against the stone lion.¡±

    All the blood appeared to have drained from Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face.

    ¡°Can¡¯t me me for this.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Grand Preceptor took the whole family away with him, except for her. No one in her shoes could ept such fate, ah.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie inquired, ¡°Grand Preceptor took all of the family members away?¡±

    ¡°Xie Anshi and the rest were executed during their escape.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stated, ¡°You know very well the punishment for rebellion, Empress Dowager. You don¡¯t need me to tell you about it, do you?¡±

    ¡°Who killed them? Lou Zigui?¡±

    ¡°You still want revenge?¡± Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows a little with a question.

    Her birth n had perished, while she herself and her emperor daughter were at each other¡¯s throats. Empress Dowager Xie realized there was nothing she could do now.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao randomly slid her finger on the stone table and whispered, ¡°Since you are my birth mother, I can¡¯t kill you anyway. You are still the empress dowager.¡±

    ¡°How does Your Majesty n to treat Prince Cheng?¡± Empress Dowager Xie stared fixedly at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about it.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waspletely honest.

    Empress Dowager Xieughed bitterly, ¡°You haven¡¯t thought about it?¡±

    ¡°Why should I think about him? He can¡¯t even walk yet. Grand Preceptor, Northern Hu people, the rebel forces, the refugees; they¡¯re all more important than Ning Xing.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie took a few steps toward Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, are you really going to be like this for the rest of your life?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was alert, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is going to be unmarried and childless in this life, and is...¡±

    ¡°Stop.¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut off Empress Dowager Xie, ¡°Didn¡¯t you already think of this when you made me the emperor?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie whispered, ¡°This Dowager has done you wrong.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very true. You have done me wrong.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty should make n for your own sake.¡± Empress Dowager Xie said.

    ¡°Stop talking about that already.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said impatiently, ¡°What do you want, exactly?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie finally revealed her intention. ¡°This Dowager wants to meet with Your Majesty¡¯s master.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyelids twitched. ¡°What do you want to see my master for?¡±

    ¡°This Dowager wants to ask him to take Prince Cheng away. He is Your Majesty¡¯s master. Your Majesty can be at ease if he keeps watch on Prince Cheng.¡±

    ¡°No, wait.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was befuddled by Empress Dowager Xie. Why the heck would this woman think of such idea?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Empress Dowager Xie gazed at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This Dowager is useless now and only begs that Your Majesty can spare a little concern for Prince Cheng, as he is your brother from the same mother.¡±

    ¡°You want my master to take Ning Xin away? Aren¡¯t you afraid that my master would kill him off on the way?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s cheeks quivered.

    ¡°Ah, I understand now.¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed, ¡°If I kill Ning Xin, then there will be nothing left that can bother you. You can just reveal to everyone that I¡¯m a female and drag me to death with you. That¡¯s what you think, right, Empress Dowager?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t say a word and just stared at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Does my master have to take Ning Xin as his disciple, and teach Ning Xin all of his skills as well?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked sardonically.

    Empress Dowager Xie stressed, ¡°Your Majesty, Prince Cheng is your brother from the same mother.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t drag this out.¡± Ning Xiaoyao slightly shook her finger at Empress Dowager Xie, ¡°What if I don¡¯t agree?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie smiled icily and whispered, ¡°If Prince Cheng is destined to be ordinary his whole life, then this Dowager would rather he not grow up.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rested her chin against her palm as she gazed at Empress Dowager Xie. So their family of three are just going to perish together, then? Or do they make Ning Xin follow Chef Huang and learn to cook so he can be a cook in the future? What the heck, ah? The corner of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched.

    Empress Dowager Xie questioned, ¡°What is Your Majesty¡¯s decision?¡±

    ¡°Your idea has a logical w. If my master takes Ning Xin and leaves, how will you know what Ning Xin would learn and the type of person he¡¯d be?¡±

    ¡°This Dowager wants to meet him every three years.¡± Empress Dowager Xie instantly replied upon Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question. She already had everything nned out.

    ¡°Three years?¡± Ning Xiaoyao mocked, ¡°Then my master can¡¯t bring Ning Xin too far away, ah. Some great idea you have there, Empress Dowager.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie ignored the derision in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s tone. ¡°This Dowager only wants to know Your Majesty¡¯s decision.¡±

    ¡°Impossible.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression sank. ¡°My master has to take a disciple whenever you want him to? Can you have some respect? You think my master is thete emperor who would agree to your every word?¡±

    ¡°So Your Majesty doesn¡¯t agree?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, I do not. I shall wait for you toe and fight me to death.¡±

 Chapter 314: The desperate Empress Dowager Xie

    <h4>Chapter 314: The desperate Empress Dowager Xie</h4>

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Your Majesty think for your followers, then?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°They all have their own troops. Those who don¡¯t have troops, like Old Gramps Li, have disciples.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was acting like aplete thug. ¡°Everyone will live on just fine without me.¡±

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°You can just go and yell His Majesty is not a male right now.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed her finger to outside the pavilion. ¡°It¡¯s fine, go ahead.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie stood for a while in the pavilion, dumbfounded. Since threats are useless, should she plead? If this daughter would buy that, she wouldn¡¯t have to resort to threats from the start.

    Ning Xiaoyao habitually knocked her fingers on the stone table and told Empress Dowager Xie, ¡°Just stop making a fuss, you think you are living in misery or something? Soon the Xie family members will all die, but you¡¯ll still live. You are neat and clean from top to toe, and you live in the huge Empress Dowager¡¯s Hall. Now just look at me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at her own nose.

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s entire body was smeared with lumps of mud, only her face could be considered clean.

    ¡°You think I¡¯m living the good life?¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Empress Dowager, it¡¯s not like I want to lecture you. But even if I give you the authority, can you really beat Grand Preceptor? Currently, Yongning is a big, messy pile of troubles, just how many of them can you settle? You were fine with following Grand Preceptor¡¯s maniption, yet if you have to listen to me for a bit, you actually feel so miserable that you want to die?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was choked by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°Originally, how did Grand Preceptor deceive you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave Empress Dowager Xie a side nce. ¡°You seriously thought he¡¯d make you run courts from behind the curtain like an empress? Didn¡¯t he want to kill you all the same when you blocked his path?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie suddenly felt raged upon being scolded by Ning Xiaoyao. Yet, she didn¡¯t know what she was angry about.

    ¡°In fact, your only talent is being all lovey dovey with that muddle-headedte emperor.¡±

    ¡°He was your Imperial Father!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted.

    ¡°He¡¯s my birth father, but he¡¯s still a muddlehead.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped the stone table. ¡°You are stupid enough, yet you managed to sessfully delude him. Doesn¡¯t that mean he¡¯s even more stupid?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s body staggered. She looked like she was about to topple over.

    ¡°You should go back.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at Empress Dowager. ¡°In the future, let¡¯s not meet when there''s nothing important. That way you won¡¯t be unhappy and I won¡¯t be mentally taxed.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Empress Dowager Xie with an indifferent expression.

    Empress Dowager Xie stood there fixedly while staring at Ning Xiaoyao. Tears streamed down her face.

    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up to leave.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Empress Dowager Xie blocked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s path and demanded, ¡°Regarding Prince Cheng, you must give this Dowager a justification.¡±

    ¡°Until now, I haven¡¯t even touched a finger of his.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was confused and had to ask Empress Dowager Xie, ¡°What makes you so sure that I¡¯ll definitely kill your son?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s scheme runs deep in your heart, how would this Dowager know your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°I can send men to Empress Dowager¡¯s Hall and kill your son right now. Then, I¡¯ll announce that the rebel forces did it. Who would suspect me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao snapped.

    Empress Dowager Xie trembled and stumbled backward.

    ¡°I can kill you right now as well.¡± Ning Xiaoyao showed Empress Dowager Xie her balled up fist. ¡°Then I¡¯ll also say that the rebels hidden in the imperial pce did it. Who would suspect me? It will only cost me two coffins at most. Stop acting like I have no ways to deal with you. If the rebels want to remain in the pce, they can disguise themselves and stay hidden for possibly 10 and even 20 years. Do you know what this means?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie shook her head.

    ¡°This means, I can kill you whenever I want.¡± Ning Xiaoyao puckered her lips, ¡°Are you really the final winner among the imperial women¡¯s fight? Empress Dowager, I think you should thank your parents for giving you a pretty face, and thank thete emperor for being a blind and muddle-headed flop. You want to fight me to death? Then you have to think of a way to stay alive first, understand?¡±

    Crossing her hands behind her back, Ning Xiaoyao swayed out of the stone pavilion and disappeared from Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s sight.

    Empress Dowager Xie wanted to walk to the stone stool, but her legs turned mushy after taking one step. Inside the hexagon stone pavilion, Her Excellency Empress Dowager fell to the ground. She sat there, unable to move for a long time. Is she now a pitiful widow who has to beg for life from her own enemy? After pulling down her covers, she¡¯s merely a pitiful creature?

    Standing on a narrow path, Ning Xiaoyao observed Empress Dowager Xie inside the pavilion.

    Shadowgale hade here to find Ning Xiaoyao. He asked, ¡°Your Majesty, do you want to send someone to escort Her Excellency back to Empress Dowager¡¯s Hall?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao responded, ¡°No need to trouble anyone, just let her stay there. She¡¯s in a bad mood now that the Xie n is done for.¡±

    Shadowgale apanied Ning Xiaoyao on the way back. He knew he had no right of speech in the matter concerned Empress Dowager, so he simply didn¡¯t speak.

    When the two stepped out of the narrow road through the woods, Shadowrain hurriedly approached and reported to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Jingmitted suicide just now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was startled. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Second Prince¡¯s birth mother.¡± Shadowgale reminded her in a low voice.

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent.

    Shadowrain asked, ¡°Your Majesty, what about Imperial Concubine Jing¡¯s corpse?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t force her to die, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled.

    ¡°What does this have to do with Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale instantlymented, ¡°This is karma by Second Prince.¡±

    ¡°Bury her.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said curtly before she continued walking away. She had never seen Imperial Concubine Jing before. Too many people have died today, the small farm alone got a pond full of bodies. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have any spare mental energy to think about Imperial Concubine Jing.

    Watching Ning Xiaoyao leave, Shadowgale whispered to Shadowrain, ¡°Find a coffin. Take Imperial Concubine Jing out of the pce and bury her.¡±

    ¡°Bury her where?¡± Shadowrain asked. You can¡¯t throw an Imperial Concubine¡¯s body to the wilderness, right?

    ¡°Have her buried with Second Prince so their family can be together.¡± Shadowgale decided after some thought, ¡°Do this as thest favor from His Majesty for her.¡± Your son is dead. Now, you¡¯re dead as well. So we¡¯ll bury you with your son, Imperial Concubine Jing.

    Standing at the narrow path, Shadowrain shook his head as he watched his big brother chase after His Majesty. Second Prince was a sinner who plotted regicide. The fact his corpse wasn¡¯t thrown into the wilderness was already pretty good. They were about to bury Second Prince on a barren hill. Now Imperial Concubine Jing will also be buried with Second Prince? Who would¡¯ve thought that Her Excellency Imperial Concubine Jing would end up being buried on a barren hill? At one point, Imperial Concubine Jing had earned thete emperor¡¯s favor. No one would¡¯ve imagined she would end up like this.

    ¡°Your Majesty, what should we do next?¡± Shadowgale asked from behind Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°We¡¯ll wait for news from Supreme Commander.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Let¡¯s hope he can catch Grand Preceptor in Xiang City.

    The waitsted three days.

    The corpses within the capital and the imperial pce were buried, while the blood was washed clean. The streets gradually returned to their normal state. The topic of Grand Preceptor Xie was frequently discussed. But an even more popr topic was how His Majesty had decided to reim the imperial nsmen¡¯s assets and privileges. His Majesty was going to divide thend to the peasants, distribute the grains, and even encouraged the refugees to return to their hometown.

    Sticked on the street corner bulletins were announcements - ¡°refugees return to hometown¡±, ¡°the court divides farnd, distributes grains and exempts three years of tax.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was currently sitting on a treasure trove, so it didn¡¯t hurt however she spent the money. Originally, His Majesty Ning had wanted to exempt five years of tax, but she reduced to three years after Elder Li had jumped out and used his own death as bargaining pressure.

    At today¡¯s imperial court, a military report was delivered to the Hall of Golden Chimes while everyone was discussing on how to divide the farnd.

    Ning Xiaoyao read the military report written by Supreme Commander Lou himself and wiped her face. She informed the court officials with a pained expression, ¡°We discovered the rebel forces have a troop of 10,000 in Xiang City.¡±

    The Hall of Golden Chimes instantlypsed into silence. How many troops did Lou Zigui bring to Xiang City again? 3,000 if they recalled it correctly. The officials exchanged nces amongst themselves. Can Supreme Commander win this battle?

    Elder Li fumed with rage, ¡°Did Xie Wenyuan be a roving rebel now? That thief leader Xiang Nong is seeking death!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Elder Li. This old gramps always seems to be missing the point. Is this really the right time to fret over Big Boss Xiang? Right now we should be worried about how Supreme Commander Lou can fight this battle, alright?

    At this moment, Lou Zigui was below Xiang City¡¯s city gate tower. The city gates were tightly shut.

    Standing next to Lou Zigui, Xu Feiyu asked, ¡°Should we attack?¡±

    3000 elite cavalry was far from enough to besiege the city, the military troops understood this clearly as they stood beneath the city walls. They had to raid the city if they wanted to capture Xie Wenyuan.

    Inside the Xiang City governor¡¯s estate, Grand Preceptor Xie put down the teacup and looked at Xiang Tiange, who was facing him. ¡°How likely do you think your rebel troops will be able to sessfully defend Xiang City?¡±

    Xiang Tiange icily replied, ¡°Grand Preceptor isn¡¯t going to lend a hand?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie began tough. The smile on his face looked warm and his tone was just as amiable. ¡°I¡¯ll naturally do my part. However, this old man only have limited troops. The oue of this battle lies with Young Lord.¡±

    Xiang Tiange stood up and spoke in a cold tone. ¡°My Godfather ordered me to bring Grand Preceptor to meet with him, so I¡¯ll naturally obey his order.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll trouble Young Lord when the timees.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie nodded at Xiang Tiange.

    Xiang Tiange didn¡¯t want to stay there for another second. He turned his body and quickly left the hall.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor,¡± Xiang City¡¯s governor and armymander were sitting on the side as they looked at Grand Preceptor. The governor seemed unperturbed, but his eyes revealed his anxiety. He asked Grand Preceptor Xie, ¡°Can we really trust the rebel forces?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie smiled, ¡°If they could rescue this old man from the eastern suburbs, they could naturally take us out of the capital and its vicinity. Don¡¯t be afraid, Lou Zigui only has 3000 troops, he can¡¯t hurt this old man with such few men. You can all prepare to leave the city. Everything is going to be fine.¡°

    The governor and armymander could only obey and dismiss themselves.

    Xu Yiming walked out from behind the screen and shook his head at Grand Preceptor Xie. ¡°As far as I can tell from Xiang Tiange¡¯s manner, he¡¯s not protecting Grand Preceptor out of his own will.¡±

    Originally, Grand Preceptor Xie was smiling, but his face instantly turned cold. ¡°I could tell from his words.¡±

    ¡°Then what is Grand Preceptor¡¯s decision?¡±

    ¡°We leave as soon as Lou Zigui attacks the city.¡± Grand Preceptor Xie idently hit his hand on the teacup and shook it a little.

    Xu Yiming looked down and whispered, ¡°What about the people in the city?¡±

    Grand Preceptor Xie didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he only raised the teacup to take a sip.

    Xiang Tiange was urging his horse at flying speed to the barrack. He ignored the various subordinates wanting to have a conversation with him and quickly reached his residence. As soon as he sat down, he abruptly threw a punch on the table.

    Several military officials of the rebel forces walked in. They asked upon seeing Xiang Tiange¡¯s action, ¡°Young Lord, do we truly need to fight Lou Zigui to death for that old thief Xie?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an order from Great Lord.¡± another official hastened to cut in, ¡°What¡¯s the point of saying such thing to Young Lord?¡±

    ¡°F**k it!¡± the official was furious. ¡°I already wanted to kill that old thing back in the cave.¡±

    ¡°Young Lord,¡± a young man with a huge figure and mature face whispered to Xiang Tiange, ¡°We must make a n on how to execute our final decision. If we want to protect Xie Wenyuan, we have to transport that old thief out of the city before Lou Zigui starts the siege.¡±

    Xiang Tiange habitually touched the corner of his lips and felt a smooth sensation. It was then he recalled that the scar was no longer there. As the image of Ning Xiaoyao covered in mud appeared in Xiang Tiange¡¯s mind, a smile briefly graced his handsome face.

    :P Xiaoyao is so savage! :P Btw, if you guys haven''t check it out already, click here to learn more about me & other trantors!

 Chapter 315: Massacre on a night in Xiang City

    <h4>Chapter 315: Massacre on a night in Xiang City</h4>

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to protect Xie Wenyuan,¡± Xiang Tiange told the generals in front of him.

    The generals weren¡¯t surprised when they heard Xiang Tiange¡¯s statement, but concern could be seen on a few of their faces. If they don¡¯t help keep Xie Wenyuan alive, what should they report to Great Lord Xiang Nong when they get back?

    ¡°With regards to my foster father, I will personally inform him.¡± Xiang Tiange took the initiative to bring up the concerns the generals had.

    ¡°Has Young Lord already thought of a n?¡± one of the generals asked Xiang Tiange, ¡°Do we abandon Xie Wenyuan and leave right away?¡±

    Xiang Tiange lowered his voice, ¡°As long as we are not the ones that kill Xie Wenyuan, my foster father can¡¯t me us for anything, right? The soldiers we have were outnumbered by Lou Zigui¡¯s troops. Hence, we were defeated. Who dares to say we fear death?¡±

    An experienced general murmured, ¡°Young Lord¡¯s words are correct. However, within the army, there are spies who belongs to Great Lord and also spies from the military counsellor¡¯s side. I¡¯m just afraid that Great Lord will not believe Young Lord¡¯s words when we return.¡±

    ¡°Also, Lou Zigui has a maximum of three thousand elite troops in his hands,¡± another general anxiously added, ¡°It¡¯s not even enough for a seige. If we say that our troops couldn¡¯t outnumber his, it would be hard to justify, right?¡±

    Xiang Tiange stayed silent.

    Since Xiang Tiange didn¡¯t say anything, the other generals also stopped talking. After all, this matter was huge and none of them had the capacity to take on the responsibility of abandoning Xie Wenyuan.

    During the time it took to burn half a stick of incense, the room remained silent.

    ¡°Young Lord,¡± a voice travelled in from outside the room.

    Thinking about Danian¡¯s status as Great Lord¡¯s trusted aide caused the generals to feel uneasy. Warily, they looked towards Xiang Tiange.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Xiang Tiange responded.

    Danian entered the room with an carved arrow in his hand. Standing in front of Xiang Tiange, he bowed, ¡°A letter was shot in from outside the city. This letter is for Young Lord.¡±

    Xiang Tiange took the carved arrow from Danian¡¯s hands and removed the letter to read it.

    The generals saw the ck characters on the white paper but were unable to clearly see the contents of the letter.

    Xiang Tiange finished reading the letter very quickly and casually ced it at the side of his table.

    ¡°Young Lord?¡± one of the generals inquired.

    ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s handwritten letter,¡± Xiang Tiange lowered his voice, ¡°He said that Xie Wenyuan has caused chaos in the dynasty, creating disaster and harming innocent people. And asked whether I would be at peace if I saved him.¡±

    The various generals looked at each other in dismay.

    ¡°Supreme Commander also asked me why I initially chose to join the rebel forces to revolt.¡± Xiang Tiange continued, ¡°He also asked who killed my family. If we dig deep enough, Xie Wenyuan may be the one responsible. He may actually be the true enemy.¡±

    ¡°Young Lord, Lou Zigui wants you to leave with the troops?¡± the experienced general questioned.

    Xiang Tiange raised his eyes to look at Danian. Danian hurriedly lowered his head.

    ¡°We will leave tonight.¡± Xiang Tiange crumpled the letter and ordered. ¡°I will inform my foster father and the military counsellor. No matter what happens, it will not affect the rest of you.¡±

    ¡°Young Lord!¡± Danian eximed.

    ¡°You can go ahead and report the truth to my foster father,¡± Xiang Tiange stood up and spoke.

    Danian¡¯s face reddened and he took a step back. He forced himself to speak. ¡°Young Lord, Great Lord definitely has his reasons for doing things this way..¡±

    Xiang Tiange ignored Danian and conveyed to the generals, ¡°Go and gather the troops. When Lou Zigui attacks tonight, we will leave.¡±

    The generals epted the order and were dismissed.

    ¡°You can go too.¡± Xiang Tiange then turned to Danian, ¡°This has nothing to do with you. You don¡¯t have to think too much about it.¡±

    ¡°I..¡± Danian felt very conflicted. He couldn¡¯t lie to Great Lord Xiang Nong but he also didn¡¯t want to cause harm to Xiang Tiange. What should he do?

    ¡°I lost my grandfather, parents, siblings when my family was on the run.¡± Xiang Tiange looked at Danian. ¡°I would¡¯ve starve to death if Great Lord hadn¡¯t rescued me. To this day, there is still no news about my family. Sometimes, I would rather they¡¯d be dead. This way, I wouldn¡¯t feel as tormented. Danian, the court is my enemy and the old thief, Xie Wenyuan, had controlled the court for many years. What Lou Zigui said is true, I cannot help save my enemy.¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui only wants to use Young Lord, ah!¡± Danian frantically raised his voice.

    ¡°At least we are on the same page with regards to killing Xie Wenyuan.¡± Xiang Tiange patted Danian¡¯s shoulders and walked out of the room.

    Danian held his head and squatted on the ground. What should he do?!

    Outside the city, Lou Zigui, Xu Feiyu and a few other generals had gathered together and sat on the ground.

    Looking at the Xiang City nearby, Xu Feiyu lowered his voice, ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re so certain that Xiang Tiange will leave?¡±

    ¡°The defense at the city gate tower is very messy.¡± Lou Zigui exined to Xu Feiyu while looking at the city tower of Xiang City. ¡°If Xiang Tiange really wanted to fight this battle, the defense of the city tower would not be this chaotic.¡±

    It was only then that Xu Feiyu carefully scanned his eyes across the city tower. There were soldiers standing at the crenel of the gates holding swords and axes but no archers. How would they hold the wall without archers? ¡°Could the archers be hiding from behind?¡± General Xu pondered, ¡°They are deliberately trying to lure us for battle?¡±

    Lou Zigui also observed the Xiang city gates. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen a single general from the rebel forces on the city tower. Tonight, we will prepare for ambush. Based on the reaction of the city tower, we will know Xiang Tiange¡¯s decision.¡±

    Xu Feiyu didn¡¯t understand how Lou Zigui could sit around casually while saying such words. Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes continued to stare at the tower, observing its changes. General Xu¡¯s heart trembled while he nodded his head, ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°After this battle, you can take Xu Junqi away.¡± Lou Zigui suddenly added. ¡°General Xu should know what to do.¡±

    Xue Feiyuughed and threw away the weeds in his hands. ¡°Supreme Commander can rest assure. I also wish that Xie Wenyuan a tragic end.¡±

    ¡°This would be for the best.¡± Lou Zigui also chuckled with a cold tone.

    Time slowly trickled past and the people of Xiang City knew that a battle was about to take ce. However, they couldn¡¯t escape due to the closure of the city gates. Moreover, they didn¡¯t have anywhere to go to and could only hide at home. They could only hope for the blessing of the Gods that they may get through this war alive.

    When the sun began to set, mist began to rise on the empty field outside of Xiang City. Lou Zigui flipped onto his horse. Then, the three thousand elite troops immediately took out their weapons and got onto their battle horses.

    ¡°Attack!¡±

    Xu Feiyi pointed his sword towards Xiang City in twilight, and roared. Shouts filled the air. The three thousand elite troops collectively rushed towards Xiang City.

    ¡°The enemy is attacking!¡±

    ¡°Archers¡ª¡ª¡±

    ......

    Shouts began to fill the top of the city gate tower.

    Seeing soldiers running to defend the wall of Xiang City, a few rebel soldiers turned and rushed towards the capstan of the city gates.

    ¡°You guys...¡±

    The soldiers defending the capstan saw a few rebel soldiers approaching them and stood on guard. Unfortunately, they only managed to shout a few words before being stabbed to death by the rebel forces.

    At this moment, the rebel forces on the city tower ran towards the capstan. The defence troops felt that something was wrong but by the time they turned around, the rebel forces had already turned the capstan and lowered the gates.

    ¡°Kill these rebels!!¡± one of the defending generals fiercely shouted.

    A few rebel soldiers blindly shed at the capstan. Just when the general was about to attack them, they finally managed to chop the capstan.

    The city gates were lowered and until the capstan could be repaired, the Xiang city gates will no longer be able to close.

    ¡°Enter the city!¡± Outside the city, Xu Feiyu loudly ordered.

    The wooden suspension bridge trembled under the weight of the troops and only sporadic arrows shot down from the city gates. This was nothing for these 3000 elite troops as they rode into Xiang City like a tornado.

    At this moment in the Xiang City¡¯s governor¡¯s estate, a servant hurriedly ran from the back residence to the front courtyard. The servant rushed to the governor and shouted, ¡°Your Excellency, Grand Preceptor and his people have disappeared!¡±

    The governor stood with his family in the front courtyard. After hearing the servant¡¯s words, the governor¡¯s head spun. Xie Wenyuan ran away?!

    ¡°Father!¡± the governor¡¯s sons raced together to support their father. The governor was staggering.

    ¡°We.. We..¡± the governor tried to stay calm and ordered, ¡°We must leave!¡±

    Outside the governor¡¯s estate, luggage was already loaded in the carriage. Inside was the entire fortune that belonged to the family of Xiang City¡¯s governor.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring along these things anymore,¡± The governor was being supported by his two sons out of the estate. After looking at the carriage, he dejectedly said, ¡°Go.¡±

    So, the family did not take any valuables with them. They ran towards the west gate with the protection of the estate¡¯s guards.

    When the west gate tower was within sight, the governor ordered in a booming voice, ¡°Tell them to open the city gates!¡±

    The governor¡¯s eldest son brought a few guards and ran towards the city gates.

    By now, the sky waspletely ck. The city gate tower was well lit, but the governor was standing in darkness. He looked at his elderly parents, terrified wife and his wailing grandson. He had no idea that his current expression was also filled with fear.

    The sound of horse hooves approached them from a distance.

    ¡°Go,¡± The governor frantically shouted, ¡°Run towards the city gates.¡±

    The group of people started running towards the city gates. The governor¡¯s elderly mother fell on the ground and the two elder maidservants supporting her didn¡¯t stop to help her as they continued to run. Everyone behind also saw the old madam fall but not a single person stopped.

    The elderly madam had sprawled on the ground and wanted to scream for help when the sound of hooves entered her ears. Before she could make sense of the situation, the old madam¡¯s back was stepped on by a heavy object. This happened twice, thrice, even four times......

    The old madam who had lived in luxury her whole life was trampled to death by horses. Her body was reduced to mince meat.

    Xu Feiyu rode to the front of the governor and shouted, ¡°Where is Xie Wenyuan?!¡±

    The governor fell to his knee and trembled, ¡°Traitor Xie escaped..¡±

    A deputy general and his men searched the governor¡¯s group before reporting to Xu Feiyu with a nod, ¡°Xie Wenyuan is not here.¡±

    ¡°Which direction did Xie Wenyuan go?¡± Xu Feiyu demanded from the governor.

    The governor had no idea where Grand Preceptor Xie had gone, but didn¡¯t dare to tell Xu Feiyu the truth. If he shook his head and say he didn¡¯t know, Xu Feiyu would definitely massacre his entire family on the spot.

    ¡°Towards the east. He ran towards the east gate!!¡± The governor pointed at a direction for Xu Feiyu.

    East gate? General Xu thought in his heart. Xie Wenyuan ran towards the east?! Who could he have sought shelter with?

    ¡°This lowly official was also forced by Traitor Xie, ah!!¡± the governor wailed.

    Xu Feiyu sneered, ¡°You were abandoned by Xie Wenyuan right?¡±

    The governor¡¯s wailing sounds could be heard.

    Xu Feiyu waved his hand. A toon of elite soldiers came forward. Within a split second, the entire governor¡¯s estate was annihted.

    When the governor¡¯s eldest son arrived at the city gates, he was about to shout to open the gates when a few arrows were shot from the city tower. The governor¡¯s son and his guards were shot to death on the spot.

    The general guarding the tower came down from the city tower and personally carried the governor¡¯s eldest son¡¯s body to Xu Feiyu. He then fell to his knees to surrender.

    Xue Feiyu barked, ¡°Did Xie Wenyuan leave from the west gate?¡±

    The general frantically shook his head.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Xue Feiyu appointed one of the deputy general¡¯s soldiers to oversee the west gate before bringing the soldiers to the east gate.

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui stopped his horse in front of the governor¡¯s estate. A military officer rushed to Lou Zigui before loudly reporting, ¡°Supreme Commander, this lowly one cannot find any trace of Xie Wenyuan.¡±

 Chapter 316: Great fire in Xiang City

    <h4>Chapter 316: Great fire in Xiang City</h4>

    One of the servants from the governor¡¯s estate had failed to escape in time. He was dragged kicking and screaming before Lou Zigui, and forced to kneel.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t bother to dismount. ¡°When did Xie Wenyuan leave the governor¡¯s estate?¡±

    The servant shook his head violently. A soldier used the back of his knife to tap the servant¡¯s body. ¡°Speak!¡±

    The servant stuttered, ¡°I-I didn¡¯t see. His Excellency-His Excellency didn¡¯t know that the Grand Preceptor left.¡±

    Xiang City¡¯s governor was just abandoned by Xie Wenyuan like that? Thousands of thoughts shed across Lou Zigui¡¯s mind in a matter of seconds. Is Xie Wenyuan still hiding in the city, or has he already escaped Xiang City? If he¡¯d escaped, how did he manage to slip past the governor?

    One of Xu Feiyu¡¯s deputy generals rode to Lou Zigui¡¯s side. ¡°Supreme Commander, Xiang City¡¯s governor has been executed. Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t in his estate,¡± he reported with a cupped fist.

    ¡°Take the troops to sweep the city.¡± Lou Ziguimanded. ¡°Those who find Xie Wenyuan should kill on sight.¡±

    The deputy general received the order, and turned to head towards the streets. Once the deputy general had gone, another general from the ck Frost Cavalry rode his armoured horse to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and muttered, ¡°Xiang Tiange has taken some men to the north city. There are still some rebels in the city; what do you n to do, Supreme Commander?¡±

    Little Red let out a snort. Lou Zigui patted his horse¡¯s head, and said lowly, ¡°Let them out of the city.¡±

    ¡°Could Xiang Tiange have taken Xie Wenyuan out of the city?¡± the general spected, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if no one discovered him amongst all the rebels.¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°They¡¯re heading north. Xie Wenyuan doesn¡¯t have any allies there. Arge part of the rebels are his enemies. If he left with Xiang Tiange, that¡¯s no different frommitting suicide.¡±

    Frustrated, the general continued, ¡°So he just grew wings and took off?¡±

    ¡°Just let the rebels out of the city.¡± Lou Zigui waved his hand to dismiss the general.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, are we really just letting them off?¡± the general anxiously pressed, ¡°These are all criminals who deserve to die, how do we answer to His Majesty if he finds out that Supreme Commander let them off?¡±

    ¡°Regardless of the oue, I owe Xiang Tiange a favour.¡± Lou Zigui cidly stated. ¡°If Xiang Tiange himself is in the city, I won¡¯t let him go. As for the others, they¡¯re all insignificant. It¡¯s fine to let them go.¡±

    The general had no choice but to obey his orders, and led some soldiers to the streets.

    Lou Zigui looked at the servant kneeling before him and instructed the military officer before him, ¡°Take some men to sweep the governor¡¯s estate again.¡± Hearing this, the military officer hurried to indicate his obedience.

    Lou Zigui urged his horse forward and left the governor¡¯s estate with roughly twenty men following closely behind.

    The servant tried to look up as the tter of hooves grew softer, but had his neck sliced by a soldier beside him. The middle-aged servant copsed to the ground with blood streaming out of his neck. Then, his body twitched a few times before he stopped breathing.

    The military officer took some soldiers and entered the governor¡¯s estate. This was thergest house with a courtyard in Xiang City. It wasn¡¯t long before bodies were heaped everywhere, and blood stained the whole ground.

    Lou Zigui stood on one of Xiang City¡¯s main streets. The sides of the street were dark, and there was nobody in sight. It was almost eerie how quiet it was.

    ¡°Should we search the whole city?¡± suggested the deputy general behind Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui eyed the pitch-ck street. It¡¯s possible that Xie Wenyuan might still be hidden in the city. He probably wouldn¡¯t expect him to search the whole city? If the city¡¯s gates were sealed, with enough patience the troops would definitely be able to sniff out Xie Wenyuan. What makes the old bastard thinks he¡¯s safe in the city?

    Xu Feiyu, who had gone to the east city, rode his horse to a stop by Lou Zigui¡¯s side. He shook his head and said, ¡°Xiang City¡¯s governor is dead. I have searched the east and west cities and didn¡¯t find Xie Wenyuan. He didn¡¯t leave from the east or west gates.¡±

    ¡°We came in through the south gate and Xiang Tiange left from the north,¡± Lou Zigui said slowly. ¡°Xie Wenyuan couldn¡¯t possibly have left from the north or south.¡±

    Xu Feiyu was visibly murderous. ¡°Then, he¡¯s still in the city?¡± Lou Zigui eyed the street again. There was something off about the whole situation.

    When Lou Zigui didn¡¯t say anything, Xu Feiyu hastily asked, ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan can¡¯t be in the city,¡± Lou Zigui murmured to himself.

    ¡°Then how did he leave?¡± Xie Feiyu asked, confused.

    Lou Zigui scanned the street again. Upon seeing what Supreme Commander Lou was doing, Xu Feiyu blurted out, ¡°Do you think Xie Wenyuan is on this street?¡±

    ¡°Why do I hear sounds of water?¡± Lou Zigui frowned.

    ¡°What?¡± General Xu wondered if Lou Zigui was trying to tease him. The street wasn¡¯t anywhere near a river, how could there be the sound of water? However, when he listened more closely, he realised that there really was the faint sound of running water.

    Lou Zigui dismounted and looked around, before walking down the street.

    Xu Feiyu hurried to dismount, and followed Lou Zigui.

    There was a drain by the side of the street. A soldier brought a torch over. The reflection of the dancing me could be seen on the water¡¯s surface.

    ¡°Is this a water canal?¡± Xu Feiyu whispered.

    It was normal to have water canals in the city. There were no river channels in Xiang City, and every street had water canals. They connected to the city moat, and the sewage and rainwater flowed into the moat through the canals.

    In Xu Feiyu¡¯s opinion, there was nothing wrong with the drain. However, since Lou Zigui stood there motionlessly, he could only stand by his side.

    ¡°The direction of the current is wrong.¡± Lou Zigui suddenly muttered after staring at the water for a while.

    ¡°What?¡± Xu Feiyu hurriedly looked down at the drain below his feet.

    ¡°Why is it flowing into the city?¡± Lou Zigui continued. Xu Feiyu¡¯s expression darkened. He squatted down to touch the water, and rubbed his fingers together. General Xu suddenly stood up and blurted in a low voice, ¡°Sh*t, it¡¯s oil!¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes widened.

    Xu Feiyu ran over to the other side of the street, and squatted down to touch the water in the drain again. He nodded at Lou Zigui. The drain also contained oil.

    The doubts in Lou Zigui¡¯s mind instantly vanished. Anxiously, hemanded, ¡°Retreat from Xiang City, and order everyone else to do the same! Quickly!¡± At his order, all the soldiers frantically mounted their horses.

    Xu Feiyu ran back. ¡°Which gate do we leave from?

    ¡°The nearest one,¡± Lou Zigui swiftly mounted his horse. ¡°Take them out of the city.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Xu Feiyu blocked Lou Zigui from leaving.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave soon. Be careful, General Xu.¡± Lou Zigui was about to leave after saying this, but after thinking for a while, he stopped Little Red. ¡°We can¡¯t save everyone, but do your best to get all the citizens to leave the city.¡±

    Xu Feiyu nodded. He wasn¡¯t about able to leave the city and just leave the citizens to die.

    ¡°Go,¡± Lou Zigui urged his horse forward, following the drain towards the south-east direction.

    ¡°Is Supreme Commander going to capture Xie Wenyuan?¡± A deputy general couldn¡¯t help but quietly ask his general.

    ¡°He¡¯s gone to capture the one who¡¯s setting the fire. If there isn¡¯t someone setting the fire, the fire won¡¯t be able to ze. Stop talking sh*t; go and knock on all the doors in the city and get everyone to leave.¡±

    Apart from the children and the sick, no one was able to sleep that night. They were all hidden in their homes. When they heard the soldiers knocking on their doors shouting that traitor Xie Wenyuan was going to raze the city to the ground, themon people didn¡¯t even have time to think. The soldiers urged them to flee immediately and there was no time to grab their belongings. They ran towards the closest city gate with nothing but their family members.

    The entire whole of Xiang City erupted into chaos. With everyone on the streets, the streets immediately became jam-packed. Horses and carriages were unable to move, and going on foot wasn¡¯t quick enough. People even trampled on each other. Before the fire even started, a lot of citizens had died at the feet of others.

    Despite his desire to help, Xu Feiyu could only watch helplessly. All he could do was protect the few citizens by his side as they fled the city.

    Lou Zigui followed the drain out of the city, and finally reached the east gate.

    Themon people hadn¡¯t reached the gate yet, but the general in charge of this city gate had already opened them. When he saw Lou Zigui charging forward with his soldiers, the general rushed over to greet him.

    ¡°Leave the city with me,¡± Lou Zigui addressed the general urgently without bothering to stop his horse.

    The general gestured at his subordinates and hollered, ¡°Leave the city!¡±

    Over two hundred troops dashed out of the city with Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui stopped his horse outside the city. The east city¡¯s moat only had a shallowyer of water, and the riverbed was visible. No, this can¡¯t be water. This is....

    A ¡°pa¡± sound echoed from within the moat.

    Stunned, the soldiers watched as fire erupted from the moat. The water transformed into a sea of fire before their eyes, and travelled along the drains towards the city.

    Lou Zigui watched the sea of fire engulf before him. Not a single citizen had escaped from the east gate.

    ¡°This...¡± The general was so stunned that his mouth opened and closed, but not a single word came out.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, there¡¯s a body here!¡± A soldier yelled from another corner of the moat.

    When Lou Zigui reached the corner, he saw a man dressed in night march clothes copsed on the ground. He was bleeding from every orifice, and was no longer breathing. His hand was extended towards the moat, and had been ckened by the fire. Without a doubt, this man was the one who had lit the fire, and after he¡¯d done so, he¡¯d poisoned himself.

    ¡°Is this whole river oil?¡± the general stammered.

    Lou Zigui was silent.

    ¡°F*ck!¡± the general punched the ground, ¡°I was wondering why there wasn¡¯t any water in the city moat!¡±

    When he had entered from the south city gate, the moat still had water. Lou Zigui frowned. How did Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men manage to drain the water in such a short amount of time? How had the old bastard done it?

    ¡°Supreme Commander!¡± a soldier pointed behind Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui whipped his head backwards. The empty ground behind him was aze.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± A soldier pushed the general that was originally guarding the gate before Lou Zigui¡¯s horse.

    ¡°Is there a river here?¡± Lou Zigui asked the general.

    The general looked around 50 years old. He was wearing armour, though his helmet was missing. His hair was loose, and his body was bloodstained. The general pointed towards the left. ¡°There¡¯s a sluiceway there. The water from our city¡¯s moat is from the River Xiang.¡±

    ¡°You guys opened the sluiceway?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    The general shook his head. He really didn¡¯t know. ¡°Supreme Commander, this general is a Xiang City citizen. This general would never do such thing!¡± he cried out.

    The sound of buildings crumbling erupted from the city. The ground underneath their feet shook. Xiang City had sunken into the sea of fire.

 Chapter 317: His Majesty Ning lacks confidence

    <h4>Chapter 317: His Majesty Ningcks confidence</h4>

    On the outskirts of northern Xiang City, Xiang Tiange gazed expressionlessly at the fire some distance away.

    ¡°In order to capture Xie Wenyuan, Lou Zigui set the city on fire fire to the city?¡± squawked the general of the rebel troops. He was stunned.

    ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s troops are also in the city, how could he be the one who started the fire? Do you think he would burn his own men too?¡± another general piped up while shaking his head, ¡°This fire can¡¯t be the work of Lou Zigui.¡±

    ¡°It has to be Xie Wenyuan,¡± Xiang Tiange concluded.

    Many of the rebel troops¡¯ generals harshly exhaled. ¡°There are tens of thousands of civilians in the city though!¡±

    Xiang Tiange¡¯s cheeks trembled as he lowered his voice, ¡°This is what the military counsellor meant when he said Xie Wenyuan would benefit our rebel troops if we keep him alive.¡±

    A few generals gazed at the fire engulfing Xiang City. The sky had been dyed red by the burning inferno. The generals were unable to say anything else for a long time.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have saved the old thief,¡± Xiang Tiange¡¯s expression turned cold as he ordered, ¡°Stop looking, there¡¯s no point. The people in the city are done for. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°If we hadn¡¯t left, then we would¡¯ve...¡±

    Even though the aged general didn¡¯t finish his sentence, the rest of the generals could decipher the meaning behind his words. If they had assisted in defending Xiang City, they would have also been burned alive. Xie Wenyuan had no intention of letting them live.

    The rebel troops started cursing wildly at Grand Preceptor. More and more rebels started joining in. Eventually, it was just noise.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Xiang Tiange ordered. They had rescued Xie Wenyuan from the eastern suburbs of the capital. The mistake had already been made. There was no point in dwelling over it now.

    The aged general turned his horse to follow behind Xiang Tiange. After this incident, Young Lord and the military counsellor¡¯s rtionship had deteriorated further. This was definitely not a good thing for their rebel forces.

    Xiang Tiange brushed his fingers across the corner of his mouth as he whipped his warhorse to speed up.

    Nearly 10,000 rebel troops quickly disappeared into the night.

    The fire in Xiang City raged on till the afternoon of the second day. The elite soldiers and the civilians who had sessfully escaped could do nothing against the fire. By thetter half of the night, the painful cries could no longer be heard in the city. Themon people were no longer sobbing down on their knees. Instead, they had turned numb as they sat on the ground, motionlessly. When afternoon arrived, the sky suddenly darkened and it started to rain heavily.

    Standing in the rain, the fire within the numb souls were ignited, causing everyone to bitterly sob again. God didn¡¯t send them rain until everyone had been burned to death!

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Xu Feiyu wiped the rain water off his face, ¡°If this rain camest night, it could¡¯ve saved so many lives in Xiang City! The heavens are blind!¡±, he spat.

    Lou Zigui stood in the rain, seemingly unaffected by the storm. ¡°Do we still need to stay here?¡±, Xu Feiyu looked towards Lou Zigui as he asked in a low voice.

    ¡°We can leave now.¡±

    ¡°And let Xie Wenyuan escape?¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t be able to catch him,¡± Lou Zigui murmured, ¡°How are we supposed to catch him if we don¡¯t know which direction he went?¡±

    At this moment, a corner of the city gate tower snapped from the storm and came tumbling down. The deafening sound and vibration was extremely painful to the ears.

    Xu Feiyu cursed again. If they hadn¡¯t escaped quicklyst night, Xiang City would¡¯ve been their burial site. They had managed to chase Xie Wenyuan to his wits¡¯ end, yet he was still able to make a counterattack and bite them back ferociously.

    ¡°This can¡¯t be Xie Wenyuan¡¯sst minute decision,¡± Lou Zigui said coldly, ¡°This was hisst escape route.¡±

    Xu Feiyu¡¯s sharp features hardened under the rain. With Xie Wenyuan still alive, they can¡¯t say they¡¯ve won this war.

    After an hour, the storm extinguished the mes within Xiang City. However, Lou Zigui ordered the soldiers to hold off civilians from entering the city until it was deemed safe. Everyone waited for almost another hour outside the city gates before the Supreme Commander allowed the civilians to enter Xiang City.

    The ground was scorched ck and houses were burnt to a crisp. Corpses that could be seen still maintained thest positions they were in before death. All of the corpses were facing the city gates. Even at the veryst moment, these citizens were still trying to escape. Adults tried to shield their children by pressing their bodies over theirs. In the end, their corpses were glued together by the fire. Some imprints of human figures could be seen on the ground, as if they had been baked. Their corpses werepletely burnt, leaving only their silhouettes on the ground.

    Looking at the dreadful state of the city, some citizens wailed in pain, but more were traumatized to the point where they were unable to shed a single tear. They stood on the scorched earth like wooden puppets.

    Lou Zigui and Xu Feiyu rode on their horses and entered the city. They had only taken a few steps before they were shortly led by a deputy general into the home of a wealthy family.

    Only half of the courtyard wall remained after the fire. The house was practically destroyed. There were numerous corpses in various positions on the ground. When Lou Zigui and Xu Feiyan followed the deputy general into the estate¡¯s back garden, even they balked at the scene at the pond in the garden despite having witnessed numerous deaths in their lifetime.

    The pond wasn¡¯t deep and there were quite a number of corpses floating on the water surface. Their skin could no longer be seen, only the colour of cooked flesh was visible on the corpses.

    ¡°They were cooked to death by the boiling water?¡± Xu Feiyu was bewildered. These people had wanted to escape the fire by jumping into the pond, but who would¡¯ve thought that the pond water would end up boiling due to the fire?

    A soldier tried to use a metal hook to remove a corpse from the pond, but the moment the hook touched the body, the flesh on the adult male¡¯s body fell apart and sank to the bottom of the pond. In the blink of an eye, a skeleton was all that was left.

    Some of the younger soldiers were unable to stomach this scene and vomited on the spot.

    ¡°Can people still live in this city?¡± Xu Feiyu asked Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Let everyone in the citye take a look at this,¡± Lou Zigui instructed, ¡°This is the consequence of harbouring Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    Since they had failed to capture Xie Wenyuan, they will make him the object of hatred and the focus of the people¡¯s anger.

    Xu Feiyu nced at Lou Zigui and nodded his head, ¡°I understand, I¡¯ll settle this matter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going back to see His Majesty. I¡¯ll have to trouble you with the city¡¯s affairs,¡± Lou Zigui moved to leave after saying this. At this moment, a military officer burst into the courtyard and loudly reported to Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, the citizens are trying to kill Xiang City¡¯s officials as well as the defense troops!¡±

    Lou Zigui halted his footsteps. Xu Feiyu asked, ¡°Who do they want to kill?¡±.

    The military officer ran towards Lou Zigui and Xu Feiyu and reported, ¡°The citizens said that the city officials were rebelling with Xie Wenyuan. They are the ones responsible for the deaths of their families. They want revenge.¡±

    Xu Feiyu looked at Lou Zigui. Although the elite troops belonged to the Zhou n, Xu Feiyu understood that he wasn¡¯t the one in charge here.

    ¡°Let them kill,¡± Lou Zigui ordered emotionlessly, ¡°Those people deserve to die anyways.¡±

    The military officer epted the orders and dismissed himself. Xu Feiyu asked in a low voice, ¡°Will His Majesty punish us for letting Xie Wenyuan escape?¡±

    Lou Zigui paused. He really had no idea how Miss Ning would react to this news.

    Meanwhile, in the pce, Ning Xiaoyao looked empty after sitting by the window for more than half a day. She was zoning out.

    Big Boss ck licked his paws and meowed twice at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Ninny, are you depressed or something?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao still had no reaction.

    ¡°Ao~¡±, Little White Fatty rubbed its head against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s leg.

    Once again, Ning Xiaoyao looked towards Little Gyrfalcon, whom was perched on the windowsill. ¡°Grand Preceptor really escaped?¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon nodded its head. ¡°Xiang City was burned to ashes?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked again, with tears in her eyes.

    Little Gyrfalcon couldn¡¯t bear to speak under the gaze of Ning Xiaoyao, and could only nod its head again.

    ¡°You need to look on the brighter side,¡± Big Boss ck eximed, ¡°Supreme Commander is safe ah!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Empress¡¯s true love is safe too.¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled.

    ¡°Then why do you look like you wanna die? From now on, Old Xie is an escaped criminal. What are you afraid of?¡±

    ¡°A whole city¡¯s worth of people ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t in the mood to argue with Big Boss ck. She cradled her head andmented, ¡°How could we let Grand Preceptor kill so many people? I should¡¯ve killed that evil-doer back when we were in the capital!¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon shook its feathers and voiced out quietly, ¡°It¡¯s true. Many people died. Many were unable to escape from the raging fire on time.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hugged her head in a daze. Little Gyrfalcon was going to continue, but Grandfather Sparrow shook his head at him. The more they talk about the fire in Xiang City, the more depressed Xiaoyao will be.

    ¡°Should we find out where Old Xie had escaped to?¡± Big Boss ck asked as he tried to change the subject. ¡°Little Gyrfalcon, did you see where that Old Xie ran off to?¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon shook its head. ¡°When Supreme Commander and I arrived at Xiang City, Old Xie was still in the city¡¯s garrison. But by the time we entered the city, Old Xie was already missing.¡±

    ¡°He knows how to fly or something?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Old Xie must have escaped via a different gate when Little Gyrfalcon was still outside the city.¡± Big Boss ck jumped onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sp and meowed, ¡°Xiaoyao, don¡¯t be sad, you will definitely be able to kill Old Xie.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao frowned. She really wasn¡¯t all that confident in herself. Would she really be able to kill the Grand Preceptor? Grand Preceptor was able to escape even when she gained control over all of his troops.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale¡¯s voice could be heard from outside the hall.

    ¡°Come in, Windy.¡± Shadowgale pushed the door open to enter, but was shocked once he saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pained expression. He hurriedly asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Xie Wenyuan escaped, and set Xiang City on fire. He nearly burnt Supreme Commander and the rest to death.¡± Shadowgale stood there, dumbfounded.

    Ning Xiaoyao spread her hands. ¡°You can¡¯t ept this oue either, right?¡± In just a fewrge strides, Shadowgale stood in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Supreme Commander sent people back already?¡±

    ¡°No, my little pal sent the news back to me.¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon made a noise towards its owner. I¡¯m the little pal ah!~

    ¡°Then,¡± Shadowgale wanted to say something else, but wasn¡¯t sure of what to say.

    ¡°What should we do now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan really burnt the entire Xiang City down?¡± Shadowgale asked again, in disbelief.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt like crying again. Seeing the unshed tears in His Majesty¡¯s eyes, Shadowgale didn¡¯t dare to ask about the events of Xiang City anymore. He only said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we wait for Supreme Commander to return and ask for a detailed report of the events that urred before Your Majesty makes any decision?¡±

    ¡°Will Grand Preceptor behave well while he is on the run?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head. That was obviously impossible.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her eyes, ¡°I was too naive.¡±

    ¡°Elder Li is requesting to see Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale reported. ¡°Would Your Majesty like to discuss things with Elder Li?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately clutched her brain again. ¡°No, I always get a headache when I see him.¡±

    Shadowgale tried to persuade Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°While it is necessary to listen to Supreme Commander¡¯s ideas, I think Your Majesty should also listen to Elder Li and the other ministers¡¯ opinions. Wouldn¡¯t more ideas be a good thing?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes while looking at Shadowngale. His words do make sense.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao toughen up and dered, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take the scolding. I¡¯ll go chat with Old Gramps.¡±

 Chapter 318: Elder Li says, â€œHis Majesty is kind-heartedâ€

    <h4>Chapter 318: Elder Li says, ¡°His Majesty is kind-hearted¡±</h4>

    Elder Li was invited to the pce room. He heard that Grand Preceptor Xie had fled and Xiang City was burned down in a great fire. Although Old Gramps could sit still, the expression on his face frightened Ning Xiaoyao. Does he want to beat her up, or does he want to beat her and Supreme Commander up together?

    Elder Li sat in silence for quite a long time. Ning Xiaoyao pulled Shadowgale, who stood by the couch, in front of her. If Old Gramps isn¡¯t speaking, she didn¡¯t dare to speak either.

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t understand why His Majesty was so afraid of Elder Li. Elder Li still hadn¡¯t moved. So, the headmander decided to speak, ¡°Your Majesty...¡±

    The moment Ning Xiaoyao heard a sound, she hastily tugged Shadowgale¡¯s sleeves. ¡°I don¡¯t want water.¡±

    Shadowgale...

    "Don''t talk, or you''ll get scolded," Ning Xiaoyao said in a low voice. What else could Shadowgale say?

    At that moment, Elder Li looked up at Ning Xiaoyao.

    "It¡¯s my fault for letting Grand Preceptor Xie escape," Ning Xiaoyao immediately took the initiative to admit her mistake. "I underestimated his cruelty."

    "If he ran away, then he ran away," said Elder Li.

    Ning Xiaoyao was surprised that Elder Li didn¡¯t scold her. ¡°Currently, the top priority is to arrest Xie Wenyuan. Your Majesty, you must give out an imperial decree. Those who can capture Xie Wenyuan or those who are able to assist the court with capturing Xie Wenyuan should be heavily rewarded regardless of family background.

    "Money is not a problem," Ning Xiaoyao said right away. She just got some treasures. Now she was notcking money.

    ¡°In this subject¡¯s opinion, Your Majesty should confer titles and honours again," Elder Li looked at Ning Xiaoyao. "Generally, people all strive for benefits. As long as Your Majesty promises titles and honours, along with a huge sum of money, people will try their best to catch Xie Wenyuan for Your Majesty."

    "Deal," Ning Xiaoyao nodded. "Official titles, I''ll give whatever titles the hero wants."

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be a real one,¡± Elder Li reminded.

    "Deal," replied Ning Xiaoyao, "Old Gramps, since you got involved in this, you should write the imperial decree.¡± Elder Li stood up, ¡°This subject obeys the imperial decree.¡±

    "So....so we¡¯re done, right?" Elder Li did not get angry. In fact, his attitude was pretty good. As a result, Ning Xiaoyao rxed and a smile could be seen on her chubby face again. She happily grinned at Elder Li, "This still counts as a great win for us, right?"

    Elder Li twirled his white beard. Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Old Gramps, please have a seat. Let¡¯s sit down and talk.¡±

    ¡°Were it not for things prepared in advance, Traitor Xie could not have burned down Xiang City overnight," Elder Li sat down and looked at Ning Xiaoyao." Since he knew to arrange an escape route at Xiang City, this traitor must definitely have prior arrangements to escape when the entire world is after him.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt as if someone had dumped another basin of iced water over her. She was happy for less than a minute. "Has Supreme Commander Lou brought back the report about Traitor Xie¡¯s destination?" Elder Li asked.

    "Nope," Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Elder Li softly sighed, "Xie Wenyuan has followers all over the world."

    "Old Gramps, don¡¯t," Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t sit still from Elder Li¡¯s words. "Don''t praise Grand Preceptor."

    Elder Li turned silent. When did he praise Xie Wenyuan?

    ¡°We managed to take down Grand Preceptor¡¯s troops who fought in the capital and its surrounding, albeit with great difficulty,¡± exined Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°From what you said, I feel like Grand Preceptor can return and pull out another military troop to fight us.¡±

    Elder Li crinkled his brows. As soon as she saw the old man''s eyebrows furrow, Ning Xiaoyao became even more panicky, "Can that truly happen...?" If that''s the case, she won''t have fun anymore. This world didn¡¯t let people enjoy themselves.

    "This subject meant that Traitor Xie has numerous followers. We can catch those who openly supports Grand Preceptor, " Elder Li patiently exined to Ning Xiaoyao, "But the secret supporters are hard to detect unless they make some moves."

    Ning Xiaoyao''s face turned bitter again. She understood what Old Gramps meant. Basically, it was unpredictable where Grand Preceptor ran to and what kind of people he would use to fight against her.

    "As long as Traitor Xie is alive, Your Majesty must remain on guard." Seeing Ning Xiaoyao''s face wrinkled into eighteen folds of steamed buns, Elder Li was satisfied. Right now, it¡¯s not the time to say all is fine andugh about it.

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face and suddenly realized that her life¡¯s path ahead was difficult. Who knows when Grand Preceptor Xie will die?!

    ¡°There¡¯s still Empress Dowager¡¯s matter.¡± Elder Li immediately brought up the topic of Empress Dowager Xie. "This subject wants to know how Your Majesty ns to deal with Empress Dowager?"

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked when Elder Li brought up the words ¡®deal with¡¯. "Deal with her? Old Gramps, do you want me to kill Empress Dowager?¡±

    Elder Li suddenly stood up. As soon as Ning Xiaoyao saw Elder Li¡¯s reaction, she immediately added, "It''s certainly wrong to kill Empress Dowager."

    Elder Li looked at Ning Xiaoyao and asked, "How is Your Majesty nning to deal with Empress Dowager?"

    "Well, I¡¯ll let her continue living in Empress Dowager¡¯s pce," Ning Xiaoyao said with a slight toothache. "Who made her my biological mother?"

    Elder Li grimly stated, "Your Majesty, Traitor Xie and the Xie n should die ten thousand deaths for their sins. However, the son shouldn¡¯t speak of his mother''s fault. Although Empress Dowager was born from the Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s n, she is Your Majesty¡¯s biological mother. Your Majesty can¡¯t be unfilial.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn''t do anything but nod her head. "But when Empress Dowager was the empress and thete emperor was in power, she was doted on by the former emperor," At this point, Elder Li changed the direction of his message. "The empress dowager ought to be distressed by her n''s rebellion against the monarch."

    Ning Xiaoyao became confused. She took a deep breath and cautiously asked, "What do you want to say, Old Gramps?"

    "Empress Dowager was deeply troubled by the misfortune of her n. She felt shame toward thete emperor and toward Your Majesty," Elder Li said. "From now on, she shall live in seclusion inside the hidden pce, continuously worshipping Buddha to lighten her n¡¯s sins. Only then will she have enough face to meet thete emperor again in the afterlife."

    Ning Xiaoyao stared open-mouthed at Elder Li. Old Gramps is quite cruel, ah! This would drive Empress Dowager away from her pce and force her to live in the Buddhist hall, ah! Empress Dowager is so used to her luxurious lifestyle that she still wants to wear beautiful dancing skirts until today. Yet, Old Gramps expects her to be a nun?!

    ¡°Your Majesty, ¡° Elder Li bowed to Ning Xiaoyao, "Although this subject believes that Your Majesty must be filial toward Empress Dowager, Your Majesty is the reigning monarch. The country¡¯s welfare and Your Majesty¡¯s wellbeing are of the utmost importance. Empress Dowager is the daughter of a criminal. Your Majesty may choose to disregard Empress Dowager¡¯s knowledge and involvement in the matter of Traitor Xie. In fact, Your Majesty must even take care of Empress Dowager. But Your Majesty must no longer allow Empress Dowager to appear in public. Your Majesty cannot give her the honour and glory of what a reigning Empress Dowager deserves.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao''s mouth opened wider.

    "She is indeed the daughter of a criminal." Elder Li crisply spoke in a clear and loud voice. "Now Empress Dowager can only pray that Traitor Xie will not create more troubles. Otherwise, whether she could be buried next to thete emperor will be another question."

    ¡°Grand Preceptor certainly would not give up looking for trouble, ah!" Ning Xiaoyao countered.

    "Your Majesty could put more thought on it after the empress dowager¡¯s death," Elder Li said immediately.

    The corner of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. You¡¯ve already made it so clear. What else does she need to reconsider, ah?

    Elder Li suddenly knelt down again. ¡°This subject heard that Your Majesty found thete crown prince¡¯s remains and ordered people to build a mausoleum near thete emperor¡¯s imperial tomb. Your Majesty has a benevolent heart. This old subject shed tears, the former crown prince may now rest in peace.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao beckoned Elder Li to raise. From Old Gramp¡¯s words, Ning Xiaoyao realized that he was also thete crown prince¡¯s follower. No wonder at the beginning Old Gramps had looked at her with all kinds of disapproval.

    "I¡¯ll definitely deal with this, ah!" Ning Xiaoyao told Elder Li. "This is also Empress Dowager¡¯s sin. All I can do is to let the crown prince rest in peace." Besides, it''s not difficult for her to find the remains of the crown prince''s family.

    Elder Li bowed again. "Your Majesty is kind-hearted."

    At this moment, Shadowgale opened his mouth. "When Empress Dowager moves out of her pce, will she still be raising Prince Cheng personally?"

    Without thinking about it, Elder Li responded instantly, "Prince Cheng is an imperial prince. How can His Highness be brought up in the hidden pce?"

    Ning Xiaoyao was contemting. If she drives Empress Dowager Xie out of her pce and snatches Ning Xin away from her hands, Empress Dowager Xie would probably turn insane. "Prince Cheng is still young, how about we let him stay a little longer with Empress Dowager."

    Elder Li raised his head and stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao solemnly exined, "Otherwise, she will go kill herself."

    Elder Li then lowered his head again, "Your Majesty is kind-hearted."

    Ning Xiaoyao... She¡¯s not kind-hearted. She¡¯s forced and has no other options.

    "This subject will withdraw first to draft up the imperial decree," Elder Li spoke. "This subject also expects that the empress dowager''s matters be dealt with as soon as possible by Your Majesty."

    After Elder Li dismissed himself, only Ning Xiaoyao and Shadowgale were left in the room. One of them sat, while the other one stood. They remained in silence for a long time. Finally, Ning Xiaoyao asked, "Does Old Gramps not want the crown prince to see the empress dowager even after his death?"

    If Empress Dowager Xie were to be interred in the Yuan ancestral tomb, their tombs would be neighbours. Shadowgale nodded, "Perhaps."

    "She is such a hateful woman," Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    "Your Majesty," Shadowrain¡¯s voice came from outside the door.

    "Come in," answered Ning Xiaoyao. Shadowrain entered the room and handed two urgent reports to Ning Xiaoyao. He announced, "Your Majesty, General Tao Yu and Prince Fu sent urgent reports."

    Ning Xiaoyao opened the emergency reports in a hurry. Where are the rebel forces attacking now?

    Shadowgale and Shadowrain stood waiting for Ning Xiaoyao to reveal the message.

    "Xie Anji escaped," Ning Xiaoyao mmed those urgent reports on the small side table beside her. Shadowgale hastily picked up the urgent reports and read them.

    Both Prince Fu and Tao Yu wrote in the urgent report that Xie Anji had a sudden illness in the army half a month ago and stayed in his tent to rest. The following night, Second Young Master Xie had vanished.

    "Needless to say, Grand Preceptor saved his second son," Ning Xiaoyao muttered, and hugged her head.

    Shadowgale and Shadowrain looked at each other. Just as they were about to speak, Ning Xiaoyao continued, "By now, perhaps Second Young Master Xie has already reunited with his father."

    "That is highly unlikely," said Shadowgale. "Xie Wenyuan just fled from Xiang City. Half a month isn¡¯t enough time for Xie Anji to run to the vicinity of Xiang City."

    "Forget it," Ning Xiaoyao mumbled as she pointed to the urgent reports on the small side table. "There will always be retribution for bad deeds. Does Grand Preceptor still think he can have a house full of grandchildren? Let''s see. Sooner orter, all his Xie family members will perish because of him."

    Shadowrain immediately blurted, "Yes, the Xie family members must not have a good death!"

    "Oh! Maybe the rebel forces saved Xie Anji!" Ning Xiaoyao propped her chin and pouted. "If they can save Grand Preceptor, then they can also save his son. I am getting curious now. Supreme Commander said that until Grand Preceptor dies, I can''t fully deal with the rebel forces. That is the reason why Big Boss Xiang rescued Grand Preceptor in the first ce, but," Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale and Shadowrain. "Would Big Boss Xiang go this far for Grand Preceptor?¡±

    Sigh. I want the funny chapters to return lol. War is so boring and hard to trante -_-

 Chapter 319: My man is so very handsome

    <h4>Chapter 319: My man is so very handsome</h4>

    Shadowgale and Shadowrain couldn¡¯t begin to answer Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s question. How would they know what this Rebel Chieftain Xiang Nong is thinking?

    Back in Supreme Splendor Hall three dayster, Lou Zigui put down his teacup and frowned. He turned to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Rebels? Most likely, this is done by Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡± Ning Xiaoyao appeared very disturbed. ¡°Why do I feel like it¡¯s somehow rted to Big Boss Xiang?

    Upon hearing what Ning Xiaoyao said, Lou Zigui turned solemn and asked, ¡°Did you receive some information?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed to her head and earnestly replied, ¡°My sixth sense told me.¡±

    Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t know how to continue the conversation. What is sixth sense?

    Ning Xiaoyao heavily sighed a few times. Unless one has the ability to read minds, one will never know what¡¯s going on the other person¡¯s mind. Guessing is useless. Shaking her head and putting this worry aside, Ning Xiaoyao appeared before Lou Zigui and analyzed at his face. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    The sudden change of topic to private matters caught Lou Zigui off guard. He paused for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°A war has yet to break out, so naturally it¡¯s not possible for me to get hurt.¡±

    ¡°Xiang City...¡± Ning Xiaoyao sunk her fingernails into her palm as she stumbled word by word. It took her forever just to say a sentence. ¡°How many casualties do we have at Xiang City?¡±

    The sight of an overcooked rotten corpse in a pool shed before him. Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and caressed it for a while before lowering his voice. ¡°A lot of people died.¡±

    As Lou Zigui predicted, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand trembled several times. Lou Zigui squeezed her hand tightly. ¡°However, we acted right away when we realized what was going on. So, there are also many who didn¡¯t die. We are fortunate that Xu Feiyu¡¯s fleet of three thousand elite cavaliers suffered zero casualties.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t speak a word. Supreme Commander Lou didn¡¯t seem to be able tofort her with his sincere words.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui asked. ¡°Do you me me?¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked back with a vacant stare and a painful look on her face.

    ¡°The fact that I didn¡¯t kill Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was frowning so hard that her face looked like a dumpling with eighteen creases. ¡°You¡¯re still worried about that? You were almost burned to death. Thank God you¡¯re alive! Supreme Commander, you should forget about the name Xie Wenyuan for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao...¡±

    ¡°One, two, three, eh? Who is Xie Wenyuan?¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao for a long time before breaking into augh. She took it better than he did.

    ¡°It will be fine.¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued when she saw Lou Ziguiugh. ¡°When I first became Emperor, Xie Wenyuan was Grand Preceptor, someone who could plot a rebellion anytime he wanted to. But now? He is a fugitive. Almost all his family members are dead. Supreme Commander, we shouldn¡¯t be afraid of him. Sooner orter, I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s dead.¡±

    Lou Zigui heaved a sigh of relief and embraced Ning Xiaoyao. At the end of the day, he was the useless one. To him, Xie Wenyuan was like a homeless dog. He didn¡¯t think a homeless dog could bite. As a result, Xie Wenyuan had nearly bitten him to death along with the three thousand elite cavalry.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave Lou Zigui a reverse hug. Although she felt suffocated on the inside, she knew Supreme Commander Lou must be feeling even worse about Grand Preceptor¡¯s escape than her. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t bring herself toin to Lou Zigui.

    Sure enough, I¡¯m a kind person. Hugging a seated Lou Zigui, Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin against his forehead, thinking, could my kindness be the reason why I can¡¯t beat the sinister Grand Preceptor Xie? (Author: Stop with your foolish thoughts...)

    Shadowgale¡¯s voice could be heard from the other side of the closed door. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    The two had no choice but to release each other. Seeing Ning Xiaoyao pout, Lou Zigui answered on her behalf. ¡°Come in.¡±

    Shadowgale pushed to door and let himself in. Standing on the centre of the pce room, Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale. ¡°If it¡¯s got anything to do with Empress Dowager, you can keep it to yourself, Windy.¡±

    Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao and forced augh.

    ¡°Oh my God!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged her head. ¡°It¡¯s rted to Empress Dowager again?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager wishes to see Your Majesty.¡± Shadowgale replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my idea to kick her out of the pce. Did you not tell her that it¡¯s useless to talk to me about it?¡±

    Shadowgale lowered his voice. ¡°How could Empress Dowager believe it? You are the emperor after all.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao refused to yield. ¡°I¡¯m Emperor. Does it mean I should die?¡±

    Shadowgale felt helpless. Empress Dowager has a dagger pointing at her own neck. Who would dare to proceed? After all, she is the biological mother of His Majesty.

    ¡°Empress Dowager refuses to leave her pce?¡± Lou Zigui asked. Ning Xiaoyao and Shadowgale looked at Lou Zigui and nodded in unison.

    ¡°Then just remove everyone from Empress Dowager¡¯s pce and seal the doors.¡± Lou Zigui icily instructed. ¡°Just leave Empress Dowager and Prince Cheng by themselves.¡±

    ¡°Do you intent to starve her to death?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°If she knows she¡¯ll die, Empress Dowager will take her own initiative to request to leave the pce immediately.¡± Lou Zigui replied as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao snuffled and whispered to Shadowgale. ¡°It¡¯s so distressing. Why didn¡¯t I think of it? I¡¯m really too kind hearted..¡±

    Actually, Shadowgale had thought of it, he just didn¡¯t dare to suggest to Ning Xiaoyao. After all, he couldn¡¯t instigate a son to coerce against his own mother. No matter how much Head Commander hated Empress Dowager Xie, he just couldn¡¯t do it.

    ¡°Should Your Majesty want to avoid this meeting, I can go...¡±

    ¡°No, hold it.¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted Lou Zigui. ¡°Empress Dowager might really go insane if she sees you. I¡¯ll go talk to her again. Windy, go remove all the people from Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.

    Shadowgale epted the imperial decree and dismissed himself.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in the middle of her pce room and regted her breathing. It¡¯s going to be another battle when she sees Empress Dowager Xieter.

    Lou Zigui stood up and walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°Are you afraid Empress Dowager will expose that you¡¯re female?¡± he murmured.

    ¡°Nope. If she were to say it and I were to die, she and Ning Xin won''t be able to live either.¡±

    ¡°Then why do you need to see her?¡±

    ¡°She made a scene just to see me, it means that she still harbors hope,¡± a painful expression crossed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face, ¡°If I don''t see her, how do I destroy all her hope? Supreme Commander, what do you think Empress Dowager is thinking? She is always thinking of ways to kill me. At this point, do you think she¡¯s going to talk about a rtionship a mother-daughter pair should have?¡±

    ¡°She is your birth mother, I¡¯m not going to say anything about her.¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice.Ning Xiaoyao pouted. But deep down, she knew that Empress Dowager was merely a low life to Supreme Commander Lou.

    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you to see her.¡± Lou Zigui suggested.

    ¡°No need for that.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Supreme Commander, you are a man! Don¡¯t quarrel with a woman like Empress Dowager. It will ruin your image.¡±

    Lou Zigui ... He wasn¡¯t thinking of quarreling with a woman like Empress Dowager at all.

    ¡°I have captured Song Xu.¡± Ning Xiaoyu swung Lou Zigui¡¯s hand and whispered. ¡°Supreme Commander, I think you need to talk about your life with this person yo!¡±

    ¡°Song Xu is at the Hall of Punishment?¡±

    ¡°No, ah. He¡¯s at Supreme Splendor Hall, I¡¯ll let Third Rain bring you over.¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Lou Zigui. ¡°Talk nicely and don¡¯t get angry with him. Things had already happened, so there¡¯s no point in getting mad, right?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still concerned about him?¡± Lou Zigui asked

    ¡°Why do I need to show my concern to a traitor? Ning Xiaoyao puffed out her cheeks. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to get mad, ah. It¡¯s not healthy to be angry all the time. Grand Preceptor¡¯s escape is enough to anger our Supreme Commander right?

    So it turns out thisdy is just concerned about him.

    Lou Zigui eased up his expression. He lowered his forehead to touch Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s forehead. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t be mad.¡±

    ¡°Mhm. That¡¯s right.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll go see Empress Dowager and you¡¯ll go see Song Xu. You promised not to get angry.¡±

    ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t be angry with Empress Dowager too.¡± Lou Zigui reached out and tidy up her fringes.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to get angry. There¡¯s nothing to get angry at a widow for. My man is not only young, but also super duper handsome. If anyone should be mad, it¡¯s Empress Dowager. She¡¯s jealous of me.¡±

    ¡°Your man?¡± Lou Zigui asked. Looking up at Lou Zigui, Ning Xiaoyao tiptoed and pecked Lou Zigui on his lips before she turned around and ran off. Grand Preceptor was still alive, Xie Anqi fled and many people had died. She needed to give herself some material benefit.

    Lou Zigui watched as Ning Xiaoyao dashed out of the room like a wisp of smoke. He touched the lip that Ning Xiaoyao kissed and he couldn¡¯t help butugh. My man is not only young but also super duper handsome. Those words released Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s pent up emotion and allowed them to bask under the sunlight.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked with Shadowgale and upon seeing the gate of Empress Dowager¡¯s pce, Ning Xiaoyao developed a headache like a conditioned reflex. She muttered to Shadowgale, ¡°The thought of talking to Empress Dowager makes me wanna kill myself.¡±

    ¡°Does Your Majesty want to return to Supreme Splendor Hall instead?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°Return to Supreme Splendor Hall and see how Supreme Commander ughters Song Xu? Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°Then I¡¯d rather have Empress Dowager and myself torture each other.¡±

    ¡°Should Your Majesty want to keep Song Xu alive, you can talk to Supreme Commander.¡± Shadowgale suggested.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand and replied to Shadowgale. ¡°That¡¯s not something I should meddle in. The betrayal of bros can only be settled among the bros. Woman should stay far away from men¡¯s betrayal and resentment among the bros.¡± Ning Xiaoyao smacked her lip and marched into Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.

    Shadowgale didn''t understand. His Majesty shouldn¡¯t meddle with ck Frost Cavalry¡¯s affairs?

    Emperor Dowager¡¯s pce was filled with silence. When the maids and eunuchs saw Ning Xiaoyao, they knelt on the ground. Many even trembled with fear.

    ¡°What are you guys doing? I don''t intend to do anything to you.¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned.

    Upon hearing Ning Xiaoyao speak, the maids and eunuchs trembled even harder - as if they would be executed the very next moment.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll arrange the things here.¡± Shadowgale spoke.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like those around treated her as if she was a monster. So, she headed to find Empress Dowager Xie on her own. Shadowgale watched as Ning Xiaoyao head to the rear pce hall. Then, he ordered the Dragon Guards on his side. ¡°Take these people out. If they want to scream, stuff something in their mouths.¡±

    The Dragon Guards proceeded with capturing the people at the pce. The servants knew that it was of no use crying out to Empress Dowager - she couldn''t even save herself. So, when the Dragon Guards took them away, no one spoke out of the hundred plus servants. There were only sounds of quiet sobbing.

    Empress Dowager Xie took a dagger and pointed at her throat when Ning Xiaoyao entered her room.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyelid wouldn¡¯t stop twitching. ¡°You don¡¯t want to perish together anymore? You want to die alone?¡±

    ¡°Ning Yu!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted

    ¡°Just say what you want to say.¡± Ning Xiaoyao responded. ¡°Stop shouting, alright? Shouting won''t solve any problems.¡±

    ¡°This Dowager demand you keep your mouth shut.¡± Empress Dowager Xie shrieked.

    Ning Xiaoyao... Empress Dowager threatened to kill herself in order to see her. So she came. But now, she won¡¯t let her talk? Empress Dowager was being too difficult.

 Chapter 320: Iâ€™m unlucky, you deserve it

    <h4>Chapter 320: I''m unlucky, you deserve it</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao gestured to Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Fine, you''re older, you start.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really going to kick me out of the pce?¡± asked Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°Can I speak now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Speak!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shouted.

    ¡°Oh. Yes, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°This Dowager is your biological mother!¡± Empress Dowager shrieked.

    Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand. ¡°How many times do I have to tell you? I¡¯m done with all these sentimental talks. Yes, it¡¯s true that you¡¯re my biological mother. But you want me dead.¡±

    ¡°This Dowager does not.¡±

    ¡°Not now, because Ning Xin is still young. If I die, you would be done for.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°But what happens when Ning Xin grows up? Do you take me for a fool? Actually, can we skip this topic? Aren¡¯t you sick of going back to this talk again and again?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie shook her head. ¡°You cannot treat this Dowager like this.¡±

    ¡°This is not simply my decision.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°This is the imperial court¡¯s decision.¡±

    ¡°Imperial court?¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s unkempt brows lifted in surprise. ¡°Who? Who wants to exterminate this Dowager?¡±

    ¡°Does not allowing you to stay at the Empress Dowager Pce equates to exterminating you?¡±

    ¡°Is it Lou Zigui?¡± Empress Dowager Xie chided.

    ¡°You think Lou Zigui can be bothered with you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao puffed out her chest. ¡°Old Gramps is the one who said it. He thinks if you still have any shame left, you should leave the pce on your own ord.¡±

    (Author: Did Elder Li say that? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Empress Dowager Xie was well aware who this Old Gramps was. She started cursing him on the spot. ¡°Li Wuqi, you oldmoner!¡±

    ¡°Stop berating others.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was instantly dissatisfied. ¡°Do you think you¡¯re a good person?¡±

    Empress Dowager looked at Ning Xiaoyao and let out a cold sneer.

    ¡°You don''t have to leave if you don''t want to.¡± Ning Xiaoyaomented. ¡°In any case, I''ve already dismissed everyone in this pce. You can stay here with your son all you want, but you will have to fend for your own necessities.¡±

    ¡°Do you wish death upon this Dowager?¡± Empress Dowager asked Ning Xiaoyao, her voice trembling.Ning Xiaoyao was fed up on the inside. Again with this crap. What makes Empress Dowager think she deserves to live a long life in her heart?

    ¡°I was on your side during Xie Wenyuan¡¯s rebellion.¡± Empress Dowager trembled as she looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Now that you no longer have use of me, you want to kick this Dowager out of the pce?¡±

    ¡°It''s just switching a location...¡±

    ¡°This Dowager is the empress dowager!¡± Empress Dowager screeched, interrupting Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Throughout the entire Yongning Dynasty, there has never been an empress dowager who didn¡¯t spend her old age at the Empress Dowager Pce!¡±

    ¡°Bullshit.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. ¡°Listen to yourself speak. Throughout the Yongning Dynasty, how many concubines have lied to an emperor saying that they have given birth to a son instead of a daughter? Do you even have any shame?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie was choked up by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°I''ll only say this once. Empress Dowager, listen up ya.¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Empress Dowager and enunciated word by word. ¡°I do not like to kill, but I can kill, so do not make me kill you.¡±

    Still pressing the dagger by her throat, Empress Dowager Xie took a few steps back after hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°There is no sentiments between us. If you want to die, I won''t stop you, and I will definitely not save you.¡±

    Tears rolled down Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Do you regret your past actions now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked coldly. ¡°What should you have done?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie loosened her grip, and ¡°Kwang!¡± the dagger fell to the ground.

    With her arms crossed, Ning Xiaoyao stared at Empress Dowager Xie. She already knew this woman couldn¡¯t bear to part with life.

    ¡°Do you have to coerce me this far?¡± Empress Dowager stammered.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I am coercing you. So what? Enough with your pitiful act. Everyone is gone and there¡¯s no audience. So who are you still acting for?¡± Ning Xiaoyao nonchntly replied. The door to the pce chamber was still wide open, yet Ning Yu dared to speak so openly about a princess acting as a substitute for the emperor¡¯s son. Empress Dowager concluded there must be no one else in the pce. Upon knowing this, she fell into despair.

    Ning Xiaoyao swept her eyes at Ning Xin, who was sleeping soundly on the cushion. This baby sure has a good life. Two adults are at each other¡¯s throat, yet all he does is eat and sleep.

    Empress Dowager lowered her head and had an internal battle for a while. All of a sudden, she fell on her knees, and knelt before Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao was so shocked that she yelped, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie continued kneeling on the floor. She lifted her head up to look at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, please let this Dowager off!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn''t understand. ¡°I don¡¯t starve or freeze you. Neither do I hit or yell at you. I¡¯m just telling you to change another location. Why are you acting as if I¡¯m trying to kill you or something?¡±

    ¡°After leaving the pce, is this Dowager still Empress Dowager?¡± Empress Dowager Xie had tears streaming down her face. ¡°This Dowager knows what you''re trying to do. First, you will kick this Dowager out of the pce. Then, when Xie Wenyuan cause trouble again, you will abolish this Dowager¡¯s title. Xie Wenyuan definitely will cause trouble again. So, you want to get rid of this Dowager. Your Majesty, I know I have done you wrong, but I worked very hard to get you the emperor¡¯s seat. You musn''t, you mustn''t do this to this Dowager!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin. Could Old Gramps not only want to prevent the crown prince from seeing Empress Dowager Xie, but also wants to abolish the empress dowager from her position?

    ¡°Your Majesty, ah!¡± Empress Dowager attempted to embrace Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s legs

    Ning Xiaoyao stepped aside to avoid her hands.

    ¡°This Dowager cannot leave the pce!¡± she cried. She cannot get kicked out of the pce. She is still the empress dowager so long as she is still in her pce. She is the empress dowager of the current dynasty. Today, she will let the world know that she¡¯s ashamed of her lineage, but how should she exin to the world when Xie Wenyuan makes another move? Apart from relinquishing her honored status, what other n does she have to redeem herself? Even when that timees and she were to remain quiet, Ning Yu will do it for her. Even if Ning Yu were to poisoned her to death, the whole world will feel that she took her own life out of shame.

    She went from refusing to back down, to not wanting to die. Empress Dowager Xie felt that her life was rather pathetic. She had lived impressively for half of her lifetime, but towards the end, she realised that her hands were empty. She even had to deal with her enemy¡¯s attitude in order to survive.

    ¡°Whatever.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was out of patience and turned to leave.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Empress Dowager Xie mmed her forehead against the ground, pleading. ¡°This Dowager is begging you!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao halted her steps and turned to look at Empress Dowager Xie. Empress Dowager Xie looked so pathetic, but at least she wasn¡¯t unattractive. She was like raindrops on a pear blossom.

    ¡°Damn..¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed and walked a few steps before squatting down in front of Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°So, it turns out you also know how to beg others?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao with a face filled with tears. ¡°Your Majesty, no matter what this Dowager does, I am still your...¡±

    ¡°Don''t say the word biological mother.¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed. ¡°I¡¯ve asked around. Back then I¡¯m sure the previous empress had also knelt before you. She begged you to spare the crown prince¡¯s youngest son.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s crying stopped. Pointing to her own forehead, Ning Xiaoyao spoke again. ¡°You told the previous empress, so long you see blood here, you might be filled with kindness and change your mind. So, the empress pounded her forehead until it bled. Yet, in the end, you killed all her children. How did she curse you back then?¡±

    Suddenly, Empress Dowager Xie felt cold and trembled. Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice and icily replied, ¡°You expect me to go easy on you when you are so cruel.¡±

    ¡°Had the crown prince not die, you wouldn¡¯t have been the emperor!¡± Empress Dowager Xie countered.

    ¡°Who friggin wants to be an emperor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao roared at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°You¡¯re the one who wants me to be the emperor! What you want is to hold the imperial court from behind the screen. YOU want to be the female emperor!¡±

    Unable to speak, Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s lips quivered before letting out an audible cry.

    ¡°How many people died because of you? You¡¯re arrogant when inflicting harm upon others. Have you ever thought this would happen to you? You think I should let you off because you¡¯re on your knees begging? Did you let anyone off?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s body turned limp as she lost bnce and fell to the ground, sitting.

    Ning Xiaoyao sneered and let off a cold snort. She stood up to leave.

    ¡°I gave birth to you.¡± Empress Dowager Xie softly whispered.

    ¡°I admit I¡¯m unlucky. You should admit you deserve it. I''m not going to put up with you because I hate you.¡±

    ¡°So you are trying to kill me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you to perish with me. Didn''t the empress already tell you? She will be waiting for you in hell. Go stay in a monastery. Although I''m not sure if it can help you, you should chant lots of Buddhist scriptures. You havemitted too many sins, I''m afraid you won''t attain peace even when you''re dead.¡±

    Empress Dowager shook her head as if she was possessed. ¡°You cannot do this to me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned around and left. It''s another one of those days where they made no conversational progress.

    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t fought for it, what do you think would¡¯ve happened to us?¡± Seeing that Ning Xiaoyao was really leaving, Empress Dowager Xie suddenly stood up and screamed. ¡°How do you know that the empress wouldn¡¯t have harmed us?¡±

    Ai ma. I¡¯m about to explode.

    Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath and turned around to shriek. ¡°She was already Empress! Do you think she would bother about you, the mistress of a previous emperor? She was an empress, her husband was the emperor. Why would you matter?!¡±

    Empress Dowager shook her head profusely. ¡°You don''t understand.¡±

    ¡°I don''t. How could I understand the poisonous thoughts of a person like you? You¡¯re like a poisonous snake.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned around and hurriedly left. The more she said, the more fired up she was. She was afraid if she continued chatting with Empress Dowager Xie, she might lose control and beat her up.

    Shadowgale was waiting at the front courtyard of the pce with a group of Dragon Guards. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao storming out, Shadowgale ran to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°What''s the matter, Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Have you removed everyone from the pce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked

    ¡°Yes.¡± Shadowgale replied.

    ¡°Good. Seal the door, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Shadowgale looked behind Ning Xiaoyao and didn''t see Empress Dowager Xie appearing. The Empress Dowager Pce had a door at the front and at the back. There was also a side gate to the left of the pce for people to enter and exit. Several Dragon Guards took wooden nks and nailed these three doors shut.

    Shadowgale pushed the nailed backdoor to check it was secure before he turned to the Dragon Guards. ¡°You guys will remain here to guard this ce. No matter what Empress Dowager says, ignore her. The only exception is if she says she¡¯s willing to leave and head to the Buddhist monastery.¡±

    The Dragon Guards understood and responded in unison. ¡°No one is allowed to send in any food or water.¡± Shadowgale added.

    The Dragon Guards acknowledged the order once more. Earlier, they had already removed all the food and drinks from the pce. How long can Empress Dowagerst with her tender and delicate figure?

    After briefing his men, Shadowgale was about to leave when they heard Empress Dowager screaming from behind the door.

    ¡°His Majesty! This Dowager wishes to see His Majesty!¡± Empress Dowager Xie shrieked. Shadowgale sneered and headed to the direction of Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Empress Dowager Xie held Ning Xin in her arms. She stood with dishevelled hair by the door. She screamed until her voice turned hoarse, yet no one responded to her. Empress Dowager attempted to shake and push the door open. But the thick and heavy door didn¡¯t budge at all. Then, she tried to use her body to m against it. The door moved slightly, but remained shut.

    The Dragon Guards stood outside the door in silence. Their expressions were serene; it was as if no one heard anything.

 Chapter 321: The Majesty who did not plan for himself

    <h4>Chapter 321: The Majesty who did not n for himself</h4>

    While Ning Xiaoyao was furious after quarreling with Empress Dowager Xie at Empress Dowager¡¯s pce, Lou Zigui was sitting face to face with Song Xu. The atmosphere between them was amiable. Lou Zigui appeared to be calm while Song Xu looked serene. One didn¡¯t feel angry, while the other didn¡¯t feel guilty.

    Lou Zigui stroked the armrest of his chair twice with his finger. ¡°What did Xie Wenyuan use to threaten you?¡±

    Song Xu replied, ¡°My wife and son.¡±

    ¡°What about Seventh Song?¡±

    ¡°He is injured and should be resting at ck Frost City now.¡±

    ¡°And Fang Tang?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see Fang Tang,¡± Song Xu shook his head. Seeing Lou Zigui¡¯s cold smile, he continued, ¡°Supreme Commander, at this point, there is no reason for me to dupe you.¡±

    ¡°Now that Xie Wenyuan is defeated, where is your wife and son?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Song Xu¡¯s expression changed. With Xie Wenyuan on the run, he had no further news of his wife and son. At this time, he didn¡¯t dare to contemte further on this matter.

    ¡°You have disrupted my big n this time,¡± Lou Zigui looked at Song Xu. ¡°In your mind, if you didn¡¯t betray me, Xie Wenyuan would kill your wife and child. But you didn¡¯t think anything would happen if you betrayed me? You don¡¯t think I would kill off your entire Song n?¡±

    Song Xu froze in his seat. After a while, he looked at Lou Zigui with a miserable smile. ¡°Supreme Commander, you wouldn¡¯t do that.¡±

    Lou Zigui strongly gripped the armrest of his chair; his veins were popping out.

    Song Xu stood up and walked over to stand in front of Lou Zigui. He got down on his knees. ¡°Supreme Commander, I am guilty and deserves to be punished. Old Seventh knew nothing of this.¡±

    ¡°You still dare to bring him up?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do not deserve to mention him,¡± Song Xu agreed. ¡°I will pay for my betrayal with my death. But I beg of Supreme Commander, please do not have doubts towards Old Seventh. I, Song Xu, is concerned only about my family, and disregarded my integrity and honour. However, Seventh Song is not like this.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Deng Rong stood outside the door and reported loudly. ¡°Fang Tang is right outside the capital with thirty thousand cavalry.¡±

    Lou Zigui raised his eyes towards the pce door. From the door, Deng Rong red at Song Xu filled with hatred. After looking past the kneeling man, he added, ¡°Seventh Song is also here and urgently requests to see Supreme Commander.¡±

    Song Xu¡¯s body started to tremble. ¡°Set up camps outside the capital, and let the generals enter.¡± Lou Zigui ordered.

    Deng Rong epted hismand with a loud assent, turned around and walked off quickly.

    Lou Zigui stood up and towered above Song Xu. ¡°Tell Seventh Song yourself.¡± Song Xu did not speak as he continued to kneel on the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in one of the gardens of Supreme Splendor Hall. She felt for a sugar bean and threw one into her mouth. ¡°Little Bro Fang came toote,¡± she mournfully mumbled. Xie Wenyuan has already escaped. Even if there are another hundred thousand troops, it¡¯s useless.

    Big Boss ck licked his ws. ¡°Then Xiaoyao, do you wish to beat up that idiot?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Big Boss ck in rm. ¡°ck Tubby, I have noticed you¡¯re starting to be more and more delusional. Fang Tang is a general! How can a fat cat like you win over him?¡±

    Big Boss ck narrowed his eyes to almost a slit and glowered at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I am not just a cat.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao... right, this is the capital¡¯s king of cats. He has many subordinates below him. So, Little Bro Fang will be bitten to death by a clowder of cats? Such a scene was too amazing but it defied imagination.

    ¡°What are your thoughts regarding Song Xu¡¯s betrayal? Big Boss ck asked Ning Xiaoyao. He shook his w to wave away Little White Fatty, who was rolling on the ground in front of him.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up at the sky for a long time. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± For the sake of his family, it was an understandable action. But the army was ruled by militaryws and values of morality and integrity existed between people. No matter what, being a traitor was uneptable. Plus, this time they lost the opportunity to kill Xie Wenyuan because of Song Xu. So many families are now ruined and dead. He can¡¯t just think about his own family¡¯s precious lives and treat others as if theirs were worthless.

    A shadow loomed over her. Ning Xiaoyao looked up and saw Lou Zigui standing behind her, his hands sped over her back.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, miaow~¡± Big Boss ck immediately stood up from the ground and meowed a few times at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui sat down next to Ning Xiaoyao. Stroking Big Boss ck¡¯s head, he softly chuckled, ¡°Go y.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked scornfully at the capital¡¯s king of cats. Big Boss ck was feeling so blissful that he appeared disoriented. He left looking high.

    ¡°Fang Tang brought thirty thousand ck Frost Cavalry troops with him,¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao propped her chin in her palm and beamed, ¡°Now that I am not short of money, I will treat them to a meal.¡±

    Lou Zigui muttered, ¡°They arrived toote.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly turned to look at Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, do you me Little Bro Fang?¡±

    Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°I just feel like it¡¯s such a pity.¡±

    ¡°This is fate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved off Lou Zigui¡¯s words. ¡°It¡¯s not time for Grand Preceptor to die yet.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still calling him Grand Preceptor?¡± Lou Zigui raised his arm and naturally brought Ning Xiaoyao into his embrace.

    Ning Xiaoyao rested her head against Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder and said with a pout. ¡°Grand Preceptor is just two words. It¡¯s less of an effort to use.¡±

    When Lou Zigui saw how serious Ning Xiaoyao was spouting nonsense, he was left momentarily speechless. It was rather frustrating that he often had trouble following her conversation.

    When Ning Xiaoyao finished the sugar bean in her mouth, she threw another one in her mouth again. Looking up at Lou Zigui, she generously pushed two sugar beans into his mouth. Now that she¡¯s no longer short of money, they could have as many sugar beans as they want!

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan has taken Song Xu¡¯s wife and son as hostage.¡± Lou Zigui told Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao made a ¡°oh¡± sound and asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, will you forgive him?¡±

    ¡°This means that there are Xie Wenyuan¡¯s spies in Anyuan and they have managed to breach the army.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao did not think so far. After hearing Lou Zigui¡¯s words, she was in a daze.

    ¡°Do you want to go with me to meet Fang Tang and the rest?¡± Lou Zigui enquired.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately shook her head. ¡°I do miss Little Bro Fang, but if I see General Song, I will feel sad. I think it¡¯s better I don¡¯t make an appearance now.¡±

    Thisdy seems to miss Fang Tang quite a lot?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s expression turned ck. He lowered his head and looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Currently, Miss Ning was munching hard on the sugar bean. Her chubby cheeks were jiggling and her expression was totally serious. Seeing her cute countenance, Lou Zigui could not say anything.

    An hourter, Fang Tang and several ck Frost Cavalry generals entered Supreme Splendor Hall. They were covered in dust.

    Just as Ning Xiaoyao was about to head to the kitchen for some food, First Young Master Ning followed Shadowgale into the garden.

    ¡°Big Bro Ning?¡± Ning Xiaoyao leaped up from the grassy ground and yelled.

    First Young Master Ning wanted to pay obeisance to Ning Xiaoyao, but she stopped him. Smiling, Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Big Bro Ning, is something the matter?¡±

    Shadowgale silently dismissed himself and went to guard the entrance of the garden.

    First Young Master Ning said, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is nning to return to Fengzhou.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile immediately froze. First Young Master Ning looked at his hand that Ning Xiaoyao was holding on. He called out, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head and sat on the grass again. ¡°So urgent?¡±

    First Young Master Ning picked up the hem of his shirt and sat down next to Ning Xiaoyao. He smiled, ¡°The war has ended. This subject has to report to my father on the matters of the capital.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt First Young Master Ning¡¯s words made sense. First Young Master Ning and his brother had been away from home for so long. In this world, there were neither mobile phones nor Inte. It was time for both First Young Master Ning and Little Luoluo to go home. Otherwise, both the Duke of Yue & hisdy would be very worried.

    ¡°Your Majesty, has the ck Frost Cavalry reached the capital?¡±

    ¡°Yes, they have arrived,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had nothing to hide from First Young Master Ning. She recounted the tale of how the thirty thousand ck Frost Cavalry have arrived in the capital.

    ¡°What a pity,¡± First Young Master Ning thought the same way as Supreme Commander. If the troops had arrived a few days earlier, then Xie Wenyuan wouldn¡¯t have been able to escape even if he had the support of the rebel forces.

    Ning Xiaoyao could onlyugh dryly twice. This is fate, what more is there to say? Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pupils were swirling around. Then, she also told First Young Master Ning about Song Xu¡¯s betrayal. ¡°Big Bro Ning, what do you think we should do?¡±

    First Young Master Ning looked at Ning Xiaoyao and smiled, ¡°Song Xu was never part of the ck Frost Cavalry, hence militaryws should not apply to him. However, if you think about this on a deeper level, Song Xu was delivering a message on behalf of the ck Frost Cavalry. This means during the time that he lied, he was actually part of the army.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Since militaryws are applicable in this situation, use it.¡± First Young Master Ning spoke softly. ¡°Just apply militaryws in this matter. As for Song Xu¡¯s wife and son, if it were up to me, I could only apologize to them. In this world, not everything goes ording to one¡¯s wishes. An honourable man wouldn¡¯t betray others. Song Xu does not deserve any forgiveness.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. From the looks of it, this wasn¡¯t something she could interfere in.

    ¡°This is an internal matter within the ck Frost Cavalry. It is not even considered a Song family matter.¡± First Young Master Ning said. ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t get involved.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please take care of yourself after this subject and brother leave the capital.¡± First Young Master Ning looked at Ning Xiaoyao, smiling, ¡°If there¡¯s anything I can help with, please contact my Duke of Yue estate.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay. I will!¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed, ¡°It¡¯s just that Fengzhou is really far from the capital.¡±

    First Young Master Ning let out a small sigh. Indeed Fengzhou was very far from the capital. Regarding the matter of his little sister, it was not something he could decide on his own. He had to return home and consult with his parents on this. Before his family has made a decision, he must not reveal the truth of his sister¡¯s birthright -in fears that it will cause chaos in his sister¡¯s mind. He didn¡¯t want to worsen the situation due to his indecisiveness. Additionally, this time, he had only brought a small troop of Destruction Prisoner Army, hence even if he wished to help his sister, it was impossible.

    ¡°Big Bro Ning, when are you and little Luoluo leaving?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°This subject intends to leave today,¡± First Young Master Ning replied. ¡°Your Majesty, do you have more matters for this subject to attend to?¡±

    ¡°Nope. I have divided out the money. First Young Master Ning, please collect the share of money meant for your Destruction Prisoner Army.¡±

    First Young Master Ning did not pay obeisance but grinned at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This subject thanks your Majesty on behalf of the Destruction Prisoner Army.¡±

    ¡°You are wee.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was now a little ted whenever she spoke about the subject of money. ¡°I know the lives of the soldiers are not good, but now that I have money, Big Bro Ning, please allow them to buy farms. Let them buy whatever they want! I will also raise the sries of our army bros. Everyone¡¯s lives will get better.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± First Young Master Ning¡¯s smile looked very gentle. Since there were no one else around, First Young Master Ning asked Ning Xiaoyao another question. ¡°Your Majesty, what are your ns for the future?¡±

    ¡°Fight Grand Preceptor to the death.¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately dered.

    First Young Master Ningughed. ¡°Aside from Grand Preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Eh£¬I will prepare to go fight to the death with Northern Hu.¡± Supreme Commander¡¯s big brother are still in the hands of the Northern Hu¡¯s Wolf King, Modou. No matter what, she had to go fight this Modou to the death ah!

    ¡°Then, besides the Northern Hu?¡± First Young Master Ning continued to ask.

    ¡°Mm, fight to death against Xiang Nong.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said seriously. The rebel forces need to be dealt with as soon as possible, ah! Otherwise, the rebels won¡¯t allow them to enjoy the good life. That won¡¯t do!

    The smile on First Young Master Ning¡¯s face faded slightly. ¡°Your Majesty, have you ever thought about doing something for yourself?¡± he whispered.

 Chapter 322: First Young Master Ning said, â€œIâ€™m requesting this of you.â€

    <h4>Chapter 322: First Young Master Ning said, ¡°I¡¯m requesting this of you.¡±</h4>

    ¡°I have.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with a face full of yearning. ¡°Once I have sessfully fought with the aforementioned three to the death, I want to go travel around the world!¡± It¡¯s not easy for her toe to a world without zombies. She definitely needs to go walk around everywhere and take a look. Otherwise, what¡¯s the point of her dying in the apocalyptic world anding here?¡±

    First Young Master Ning asked, ¡°Then what about this nation?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao appeared to be in a state of reverie. She uttered a sentence, ¡°It can just do what it likes. I can¡¯t look after it for the rest of my life!¡±

    First Young Master Ning carefully observed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression. He wanted to see whether those were her true thoughts. However, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s idiotic dream-like smile caught him off guard. Is his little sister still half asleep?

    ¡°The mission is very arduous but hope is up ahead.¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face. The expression on her face had returned to normal. She told First Young Master Ning, ¡°Big Bro Ning, we need to have confidence in life!¡±

    This is not a problem about confidence. First Young Master Ning was at a loss for a very long time and couldn¡¯t say anything. The eldest heir of the Duke from the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate was finally experiencing the frustration of what it was like being unable to continue on with her conversation.

    ¡°Big Bro Ning, I¡¯ll let Windy and the others help to gather some money and pack them into the carriage for you, okay?¡±

    First Young Master Ning said, ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty. Your Majesty, this subject had only seen what Supreme Splendor Hall looked like. May this subject have a few more nces of the imperial pce?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you wanna look at the scenery? Alright, alright, Big Bro Ning, go ahead! Eh, allow me to ask, you have a wife already, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± First Young Master Ning replied, ¡°Replying to Your Majesty, this subject is already married.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine then. Originally, I wanted to say that there are plenty of pretty youngdies here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt regret for the little pce maids in the pce. This high-quality man is already taken!

    Obviously, First Young Master Ning understood what Ning Xiaoyao was hinting. He really couldn¡¯t refrain himself from knocking twice on her head. What exactly is her little mind filled with?

    Ning Xiaoyao covered her head, but enthusiastically led Shadowgale and a bunch of others to fetch the money for First Young Master Ning.

    Several days ago, when First Young Master Ning was in Supreme Splendor Hall, he had asked around to find out the exact location of Empress Dowager¡¯s pce. This time, First Young Master Ning exited from Supreme Splendor Hall and walked towards the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.

    There were Dragon Guards standing at the front, back and side doors. First Young Master Ning found a courtyard wall and directly climbed over the wall to enter the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce.

    Since it was midsummer, there were no sounds of insects crying and birds chirping. Due to ack of wind, the flowers and trees were also silent and motionless. The enormous pce was absolutely still.

    First Young Master Ning hadn¡¯t walked far in the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce when he faintly heard the wails of a child. The weeping led First Young Master Ning to the flower bed where Empress Dowager Xie was sitting. Empress Dowager Xie was holding Prince Cheng, Ning Xin, in her arms.

    Empress Dowager Xie looked like a sorry figure. Her hair was disheveled, while her clothes were covered with mud. Moreover, she was also barefooted on one foot. Ning Xin was crying in Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s arms and Empress Dowager Xie was also weeping. From the looks of it, they had been crying for a long time. Quite a number of flower petals had fallen on them.

    First Young Master Ning stood at a ce not far away from Empress Dowager Xie. People aren¡¯t going to believe Grand Preceptor Xie anymore. Right now, Empress Dowager Xie is his sister¡¯s only threat. As long as he gets rid of the Empress Dowager Xie and Prince Cheng, his sister will be safe in the imperial court so long as she doesn¡¯t expose her own identity. The war had just ended and there are many assassins readily avable. The excuse will be the assassins wanted to get rid of the remaining evil members of the Xie n. Obviously, First Young Master Ning was not going to let such a great opportunity go.

    ¡°Xin¡¯er, don¡¯t cry anymore.¡± Empress Dowager Xie coaxed Ning Xin with a hoarse voice and wiped the tears on his face. It was difficult to tell whether Ning Xin was hungry or thirsty. He still wailed nonstop despite being gently rocked and coaxed by Empress Dowager Xie.

    First Young Master Ning clenched his fists. Ning Xin is still young and hasn¡¯t done anything wrong, but as long as this little prince exists, it is a way out for Xie Wenyuan. Why should I leave a survival path for Old Traitor Xie?

    First Young Master Ning strode forward. It is just a pair of woman and child. Killing them also won¡¯t exert too much of his strength.

    A hand extended from behind First Young Master Ning and pped his shoulder with a ¡®p¡¯.

    First Young Master Ning didn¡¯t notice anyone approaching him. The smack on his shoulder shocked him so much that he nearly pulled out the dagger from his sleeve.

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes and asked, ¡°Big Bro Ning, why did youe here?¡±

    First Young Master Ning:...

    Ning Xiaoyao looked past First Young Master Ning and saw that Empress Dowager had stood up from the ground while carrying Ning Xin. ¡°You have something you need to find Empress Dowager for?¡±

    ¡°Who is he?!¡± At this moment, Empress Dowager asked Ning Xiaoyao in a harsh tone as she stood before the parterre.

    ¡°We meet again.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at Empress Dowager Xie.

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at First Young Master Ning in panic. He doesn¡¯t look like an assassin, but why would he be inside her pce?

    First Young Master Ning unclenched his fists. Then, he turned around to bow and paid his greetings to Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°This military official is Ning Xiaomu.¡±

    Fengzhou¡¯s Duke of Yue¡¯s estate had a very well-known reputation but Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t know who Ning Xiaomu was. However, the imperial nsmen didn¡¯t need to refer to themselves as ¡®this military official¡¯ in front of her. Aside from them, which other families have the surname ¡®Ning¡¯?

    ¡°You,¡± Empress Dowager Xie sized up First Young Master Ning and asked, ¡°You¡¯re someone from Fengzhou¡¯s Duke of Yue¡¯s estate?¡±

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t concern you who he is, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of First Young Master Ning and looked at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°Your son is already crying to this extent and you still adamantly refuse to leave your pce?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie looked at Ning Xiaoyao, enmity gradually appearing in her gaze. ¡°You still know how to feel sorry for your younger brother?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the biological mother yet you don¡¯t even feel sorry for him. Why should I feel sorry for him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao sniffed and spoke without a care, ¡°You could drink the water from the pond but aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie sneered, ¡°What did Your Majestye here for? To see this Dowager¡¯s miserable state?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested, thank you. My Big Bro Ning must have taken the wrong path so I came to look for him. You think I actually likeing here?¡±

    First Young Master Ning: ... He didn¡¯t take the wrong path.

    When Empress Dowager Xie heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sment, she was slightly dumbfounded. Big Bro Ning? Esteemed Empress Dowager nced at First Young Master Ning. This means that Fengzhou¡¯s Duke of Yue¡¯s estate has also crossed over to Ning Yu¡¯s side. This damn girl sure knows how to strategize.

    Since Ning Xiaoyao and Empress Dowager Xie were on different wavelengths, Xiaoyao turned her head to tell First Young Master Ning, ¡°Big Bro Ning, let¡¯s go. There aren¡¯t any little youngdies here, there¡¯s nothing to see.¡±

    Before First Young Master Ning could respond, Empress Dowager Xie screeched, ¡°Ning Yu! You have gone too far in humiliating this Dowager!¡±

    ¡°You should think about whether you want to live or die from hunger.¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Empress Dowager and pulled First Young Master Ning to leave.

    When Empress Dowager Xie saw Ning Xiaoyao pulling First Young Master Ning¡¯s hand, she wanted to say something. However, Empress Dowager Xie looked down at her son in her arms and ultimately decided to keep her mouth shut. If she wants to live, there are some things she can¡¯t say.

    As Ning Xiaoyao dragged First Young Master Ning away, he turned back to look at Empress Dowager Xie. Based on his ability to make discerning judgments, First Young Master Ning could immediately see through Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s inner thoughts. She clearly wants to speak, yet she is holding back due to fear. This woman. The thought of killing her shed across First Young Master Ning¡¯s mind again. As long as this woman is alive, she would always be a threat to his little sister.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± First Young Master Ning shouted at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this Dowager has something to tell you.¡± Empress Dowager Xie seemed to have made up her mind and called out to Ning Xiaoyao.

    However, Ning Xiaoyao instantly dashed when she heard Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s yell. Talking to this empress dowager was too damn exhausting for her heart!

    First Young Master Ning was hauled by Ning Xiaoyao and exited Empress Dowager Pce¡¯s courtyard wall as if they were flying.

    ¡°Ai ma.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood outside the courtyard wall and wiped her forehead. ¡°Big Bro Ning, why did youe to the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce?¡±

    First Young Master Ning thought about it and replied, ¡°This subject took the wrong path.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded and didn¡¯t suspect much. Based on their age gap, her Big Bro Ning couldn¡¯t have any tryst with Empress Dowager Xie. There can¡¯t be a hidden story here.

    First Young Master Ning turned his head and still looked at the Empress Dowager Pce¡¯s pce hall and courtyard. Am I really going to let this pair of scourge go? Allowing Empress Dowager Xie and Ning Xin to live could potentially lead to future disaster.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Big Bro Ning.¡± Ning Xiaoyao had no clue what was on First Young Master Ning¡¯s mind as she continued tugging him along. ¡°This isn¡¯t a good ce.¡±

    First Young Master Ning couldn¡¯t break away from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s grasp and could only ask, ¡°If Esteemed Empress Dowager continues to be unwilling to leave her pce, what is Your Majesty going to do?¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said with conviction, ¡°She has never suffered through hunger in this lifetime. Wait until she is hungry, then she will be obedient. Besides, she still has to look after Ning Xin.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± First Young Master Ning looked at Ning Xiaoyao and was about to speak but hesitated. Should he directly tell his little sister that she can¡¯t let Empress Dowager and Prince Cheng live? But when First Young Master Ning saw his sister¡¯s sparkling almond eyes, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say those words.

    ¡°Mhm?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Big Bro Ning, what do you want to say?¡±

    ¡°You, you have to be careful of Esteemed Empress Dowager.¡± Such a meaningless sentence finally came out from First Young Master Ning¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Hahaha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed thoughtlessly, ¡°The Xie n is already done for. What else can Empress Dowager do?¡±

    ¡°A centipede dies but doesn¡¯t turn stiff*.¡± First Young Master Ning looked at Ning Xiaoyao and lowered his voice, ¡°Your Majesty, you must be careful.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, I¡¯ll be careful.¡± It was obvious that Ning Xiaoyao replied without putting much thought into it.

    Outside the gate of the imperial pce, a total of ninerge carriages loaded with silvers were prepared for the Destruction Prisoner Army. All the soldiers from the Destruction Prisoner Army had happy expressions on their faces. But the money aspect was only one of the reasons why they were so delighted. Most importantly was that the men felt like they had a good emperor. As long as Ning Xiaoyao remained the emperor of the country, the men were confident that their living conditions would only improve and they would live in peaceful times. Government officials were not the only ones who wished for a wise ruler. Commoners also wished for a wise ruler to provide them with peace and stability.

    Lou Zigui was aware that First Young Master Ning was departing. Hence, he left the pce gate an hour earlier than Ning Xiaoyao.

    First Young Master Ning watched as Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of the huge carriages. She was conversing with the Destruction Prisoner Army men. He walked to Lou Zigui¡¯s side and said in a soft voice, ¡°Chengying, could I have a private word with you?¡±

    Lou Zigui followed First Young Master Ning and walked until they were further away from the crowd. He asked, ¡°Why are you in such a hurry to leave?¡±

    ¡°The manpower I brought is limited so I can¡¯t do much even if I remain. Chengying, Empress Dowager and Prince Cheng will always be a threat to His Majesty. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware of this.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t expect Ning Xiaomu to bring up this topic and slightly knitted his brows. Supreme Commander lowered his voice, ¡°Your point is?¡±

    ¡°You know what I¡¯m talking about.¡± First Young Master Ning looked at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°This matter shouldn¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°If you want His Majesty to be without worries,¡± First Young Master Ning didn¡¯t let Lou Zigui finish speaking and quietly stated, ¡°Then there are some matters that can¡¯t be dragged on. Chengying, you¡¯re currently the person His Majesty relies on and values the most. Are you not going to consider for His Majesty¡¯s sake?¡±

    Lou Zigui could hear Ning Xiaoyao¡¯sughter and turned his head to look. Miss Ning was standing among the men of the Destruction Prisoner Army and chuckling. She wasughing so hard that only her teeth were visible. He had no idea what they were talking about, but in any case, everyone was in a great mood.

    ¡°I¡¯m requesting this of you**.¡± First Young Master Ning told Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui turned around to face First Young Master Ning in astonishment. Where did this ¡®request¡¯e from? Is Miss Ning someone important to this Duke of Yue¡¯s eldest heir? (Author: They are biological siblings...)

    * Even if an eminent family n has declined, it may be able to restore itself since it hasn¡¯t beenpletely destroyed

    ** It can also refer to entrusting Ning Xiaoyao to him

    Fml yo..this chapter is nearly 2600 English words long. It takes foreverrrrrrrrrrr. If you like my work, please consider donating to me! So far, I have a $10 UPX donation from a reader. LOL I''m putting it in a fund and hopefully by the end of UPX, I will have a few more donations so I can split with my newbies (otherwise, we each get a $1 LOL) Click here to donate to your awesome trantor (aka me) omg so you have to click to my original blog and then click the PayPal button to donate. The link expires! I never knew! Thanks for the readers who considered donating!! ?? you just have to scroll down a little after you click the link!

    Note: I''m including a teaser today. To tease you guys. Yup. :P #evilgrace #awesomegrace #thecoolestgraceever #readonvrenovels

 Chapter 323: His Majesty still doesnâ€™t understand this world

    <h4>Chapter 323: His Majesty still doesn¡¯t understand this world</h4>

    ¡°I will protect His Majesty well.¡± Lou Zigui assured First Young Master Ning without resolving the doubts in his heart. ¡°For this matter, Moyuan can rest assure.¡±

    After being assured, First Young Master Ning stayed silent. There were no idiots here and there was no need to exin everything so clearly. Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t a kind person. How hard would it be for him to kill others?

    Ning Xiaoyao was fooling around with the Destruction Prisoner Army and eavesdropping on the conversation between Lou Zigui and First Young Master Ning.

    First Young Master Ning was adamant that Empress Dowager and Ning Xin were threats, but didn¡¯t directly say to kill those two. As a result, Ning Xiaoyao was touched and felt that her Big Bro Ning really cared about her. What a good brother!

    Thus, when First Young Master returned to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side, Ning Xiaoyao weed him with a huge smile.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you must take care.¡± Prior to leaving, First Young Master Ning reminded Ning Xiaoyao again.

    ¡°Mhm, I will!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, I¡¯ll be back to the capital very soon.¡± First Young Master Ning added, ¡°If Your Majesty has any problems, please don¡¯t hesitate to send a letter to Fengzhou.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately agreed. Ning Xiaoyao watched as First Young Master Ning climbed onto his horse. After pondering for a moment, she asked, ¡°Big Bro Ning, where is Little Luoluo?¡±

    First Young Master smiled at Ning Xiaoyao apologetically, ¡°He has already left the capital.¡± Every time his younger brother encounters people in the pce, he would always receive another blow to his self esteem. Thus, Ning Xiaoluo would rather die than to deal with Ning Xiaoyao and her people again.

    To be honest, First Young Master Ning would rather fewer people see his younger brother. After all, Ning Xiaoluo looked far too simr to Ning Xiaoyao. What if this raises suspicions? There were many instances that First Young Master felt guilty towards his third brother. Bro, it¡¯s a good thing your face is so swollen.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought it was such a pity. She had wanted to show Lou Zigui her doppelg?nger, Little Luoluo.

    ¡°Have a safe journey.¡± Lou Zigui saluted First Young Master Ning with a cupped fist. The way First Young Master Ning gazed at Ning Xiaoyao was making Supreme Commander Lou very ufortable.

    Why is he giving her this look like he can¡¯t bear to part with her? Isn¡¯t Ning Xiaomu already married with kids?! No, wait. Is he aware Miss Ning is a female?? The difort within him grew and Lou Zigui wanted First Young Master Ning to leave as quickly as possible. It¡¯s better that he wasn¡¯t around him, and especially not swaying around Miss Ning.

    First Young Master Ning and his men began their journey.

    Ji Yuerong, who also came to send them off, sighed, ¡°The people of the Duke of Yue just left like that.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly reminded her, ¡°Miss Ji, Big Bro Ning is already married.¡±

    Ji Yuerong looked nkly at Ning Xiaoyao. This person must be having delusions again.

    Lou Zigui dragged Ning Xiaoyao back to the pce. It¡¯s good that you know Ning Xiaomu is married, the way you call Big Bro Ning here and Big Bro Ning there.. Supreme Commander didn¡¯t like this nickname at all. Compared to Supreme Commander, Big Bro Ning sounded way more intimate.

    ¡°Little Luoluo really looks exactly like me!¡± Ning Xiaoyao reiterated this to Lou Zigui after arriving back at Supreme Splendor Hall. ¡°Supreme Commander, you should¡¯ve seen it for yourself a few days ago!! The look on Grand Preceptor¡¯s face when Little Luoluo took off his clothes! Ha ha ha~¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned.

    Just then, Lou Zigui suddenly thought of a possibility. The Duke of Yue¡¯s Ning Xiaoluo and Miss Ning looked very simr but to what extent? Then again, it could be Ning Xiaoyao speaking rubbish in front of him as usual. After all, until he sees Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s normal face, Lou Zigui really couldn¡¯t be bothered with this matter.

    ¡°At the time, did a fight break out at the pce gates?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Yes, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded, ¡°Only a few lines were exchanged before Grand Preceptor Xie and I started to fight.¡±

    ¡°Foolishss,¡± Lou Zigui rubbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head and smiled, ¡°Once the fight started, who would be looking closely at Ning Xiaoluo? Maybe he does look like you, but the two of you can¡¯t have the same face, right?¡±

    ¡°Hey hey!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was grumpy. Why doesn¡¯t he believe her words?

    Lou Zigui was about to continue when Fang Tang arrived outside their door and yelled, ¡°Supreme Commander!¡±

    Lou Zigui removed the hand that was patting Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Little Bro Fang, quicklye in!¡± Ning Xiaoyao enthusiastically called out to him. Fang Tang heard her and entered the room. Upon seeing Ning Xiaoyao, he immediately got down on his knees.

    Ning Xiayao ran forward and pulled Fang Tang up. She scolded him, ¡°We can¡¯t be friends if you continue to be like this.¡±

    Fang Tang lowered his head and did not dare to look at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, this official doesn¡¯t have the face to see you.¡±

    ¡°Because of Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Fang Tang nodded his head. Currently, Fang Tang was feeling regret and guilt. If they had arrived a few days earlier, how could Traitor Xie have escaped?

    ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Fang Tang¡¯s shoulder and smiled. ¡°Supreme Commander said there are Grand Preceptor¡¯s spies in the ck Frost Calvary. I¡¯m d you guys are fine ah.¡±

    The moment Ning Xiaoyao brought up the matter of spies, Fang Tang raised his head to look at Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, I heard Seventh Song cry.¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t even look up and coldly responded, ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Fang Tang shut his mouth when he noticed Lou Zigui¡¯s attitude.

    ¡°Cried ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was worried instead, ¡°Why is he crying? How is Song Xu ah?¡±

    Fang Tang¡¯s aura suddenly turned fierce and he barked, ¡°That asshole deserves to die!!¡±

    She probably shouldn¡¯t have said anything.

    Lou Zigui stood up and turned to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°I¡¯m going to go take a look.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hesitated for a moment before she decided to follow behind Lou Zigui. Could Song Jin be crying because he didn¡¯t want his older brother to die?

    In a remote room within the pce, Song Xu¡¯s face was pale. Song Jin was still heavily injured and his hand was in a splint, General Seventh Song didn¡¯t look well.

    ¡°Did you receive any news of my wife and the others? Were there any news in Anyuan?¡± Song Xu asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Song Jin had cried earlier and now his voice was hoarse.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably dead.¡± Song Xumented.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If your wife and child are still alive, I¡¯ll take care of them. You shouldn¡¯t have done something like this. How could you do something like this?!¡± Song Jin blurted.

    Just then, Lou Zigui walked into the pce room. Song Jin stood up. He was brought into this room after entering the pce and had yet to see Lou Zigui. After seeing his Supreme Commander, Song Jin¡¯s face burned with shame; he couldn¡¯t bring himself to look at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui lifted his hand and gently pressed Song Jin down to sit. ¡°Are you guys done talking?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, I..¡± Song Jin stuttered.

    ¡°You even had a crying fit,¡± Lou Zigui looked into Song Jin¡¯s eyes and lowered his voice, ¡°Are you trying to plead for Song Xu?¡±

    ¡°How could you?!¡± Fang Tang entered the room and hollered.

    Song Jin frantically shook his head. This was his older brother. They grew up together and were very close. But his brother had made an unforgivable mistake.

    ¡°Then what are you waiting for?¡± Lou Zigui looked towards Song Xu.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand the merciless ways of military men. In her opinion, Lou Zigui was far too harsh. Isn¡¯t he hitting Little Bro Song¡¯s face way too hard? (Author: At this point, you still caring about General Song¡¯s face? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Song Xu stood up from his seat. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Song Xu, then looked at Song Jin and slowly tried to ease into the conversation. ¡°Why don¡¯t we let it go just once? Grand Preceptor can¡¯t possibly kidnap Song Xu¡¯s wife and children any longer. He¡¯s now an escaped criminal, ah.¡±

    After Ning Xiaoyao said this, the four people in the room all turned to look at her. Ning Xiaoyao just gazed at Lou Zigui. ¡°What do you think Supreme Commander?¡±

    Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t say anything. The Emperor¡¯s words were treated as gold and if Miss Ning said that they should let this matter go, what else could he say? He could have probably said something if they were speaking privately. But with so many people present, how could he go against her words?

    Fang Tang looked unsteadily at Song Xu and burst out, ¡°You¡¯re so lucky!¡±

    Song Xu looked at Song Jin, who still had his head lowered in silence. Taking a step forward, Song Jin lowered to his knees in front of Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked towards the side. She hated this the most.

    Song Xu said to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say no worries but when she opened her mouth, she realised that she would sound daft no matter how she said it. So swallowed those words back down.

    Song Xu shuffled his knees before facing Ning Xiaoyao again and kowtowed to her three times. Fang Tang wanted to ask Ning Xiaoyao why she was letting the asshole Song Xu off. But after looking at the guilty Song Jin who was still staring at the ground, General Fang couldn¡¯t bring himself to bring up the matter. How could he ask His Majesty to ughter Song Xu in front of Seventh Song?

    ¡°Don¡¯t do this in the future,¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought for a long time before choosing to say these words to Song Xu.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this lowly peasant will never make such a mistake again.¡±

    ¡°These words.....who doesn¡¯t make mistakes? I¡¯m just saying, don¡¯t do something that will make your brother upset again. You, ah, this time you.....¡±

    Blood stated dripping from the corner of Song Xu¡¯s mouth. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words were stuck in her throat.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Fang Tang cried out. Song Jin frantically looked up and saw his blood brother lying on the ground with ck blood flowing out of his mouth.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to run towards Song Xu. This person ate poison ah!

    Lou Zigui reached out and stopped Ning Xiaoyao. Lowering his voice, ¡°Your Majesty, just let it be.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao twisted her head to look at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°He would be in more pain if he were alive,¡± Lou Zigui bent slightly over and whispered into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ears, ¡°After doing something like this, the entire Song n in all of Anyuan¡¯s six provinces are not going to forgive him. He can¡¯t forgive himself either. He won¡¯t have a home anymore.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was dazed. This matter is soplex?

    Fang Tang squatted down and checked for Song Xu¡¯s breathing. He confirmed it with Song Jin, ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao frantically turned to look at Song Xu on the ground. What poison is so powerful? She only listened to Lou Zigui for a few seconds and this poison already took away this man¡¯s life?

    Fang Tang stood up and retreated, giving Song Jin his spot. Song Jin squatted down and reached out towards Song Xu¡¯s nose.

    NIng Xiaoyao waited awhile. After seeing no reaction from Song Jin, she ran and half squatted to grab Song Xu¡¯s hand. It was then she confirmed that Song Xu was definitely dead.

    The skin on Song Xu¡¯s face had turned ck and ck blood was still dripping from the corner of his mouth. His eyes were rolled back as if he didn¡¯t have eyeballs.

    Song Jin reached out to close Song Xu¡¯s eyes and kneeled on the ground. Facing Ning Xiaoyao who was still in a half squat, ¡°This General thanks Your Majesty for deeming my brother of no crime but my brother hasmitted a grave mistake and can only atone through death.¡±

    Lou Zigui walked forward and pulled Ning Xiaoyao up before ordering Fang Tang. ¡°Call a few people toe and carry the body away.¡±

    Fang Tang epted the order and left the room to search for people. Lou Zigui lightly patted Song Jin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This matter has nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t overthink.¡± Song Jin nodded his head at Lou Zigui. ¡°Many thanks, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked from the side. He could¡¯ve clearly not die. Why did Song Xu still choose to kill himself? Just because of one person¡¯s mistake, the whole n has to suffer? She still didn¡¯t understand this world.

    Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao out of the room. When they reached the middle of the courtyard, he could still see Ning Xiaoyao turning to look back at the room. Lou Zigui whispered, ¡°Even if Song Xu didn¡¯t die today, when he returned to Anyuan, his family would also force him to death. Xiaoyao, we couldn¡¯t have saved him.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was still lost in her thoughts. She didn¡¯t get it.

    What a sad chapter T_T. I was actually pretty confused because they kept talking in 3rd person and I kept getting Song Jin and Song Xu and Seventh Song mixed up. (Seventh Song is actually Song Jin). But I am bad with names so I''m always like, "Who''s that again? -_-" Too many Songs yo)

    But it''s okay! The next chapter will be good. I''m sure you guys will love it! Btw, thank you so much for those who have donated to me! I wanna list all your names out but I''m not sure if you guys wanna be exposed like that ( exposed you guys in the announcement post anyway LOL). NONETHELESS, I AM SO GRATEFUL! Hopefully by the end of UPX, I will have enough to pay my newbies $10 each LOL. (that''s the goal) Hehe. <3 Stay tuned for tomorrow''s chapter. I think you guys are gonna be so happy lololololololol. I wasughing my head off. (No teaser bute back tomorrow night!)

 Chapter 324: Bro, my beloved bro

    <h4>Chapter 324: Bro, my beloved bro</h4>

    Song Xu¡¯s corpse was sent out from the Supreme Splendor Hall. As for where it went after that, no one told Ning Xiaoyao. While Ning Xiaoyao was worrying about this, Lou Zigui told her that he would be leaving for Anyuan.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ever since she had arrived to this world, Lou Zigui had always been by her side. Now that he was suddenly going on a long journey, Ning Xiaoyao felt terrible. Deep down, she knew Supreme Commander Lou had to return to Anyuan eventually, but thinking and hearing about it waspletely different. The distance to Anyuan was the same to Fengzhou. It meant he was going to be far far away from the capital city.

    Currently, it was already sunset. By the headrest, a lit candle that had been ced inside the beak of a copper sparrow illuminated the bedroom. The flickering candle mes appeared to be dancing as its shadows could be seen against the walls. It looked like it had spread its wings to fly.

    Staring at the shadow of the copper sparrow cast on the wall made Ning Xiaoyao feel better. Even a person that¡¯s handsome enough to pierce through the heavens needs time to regte his emotions, you know? (Author: What does this have to do with a person handsome enough to pierce through the heavens?o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    Lou Zigui sat on the edge of the bed and patted the back of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s palm. ¡°Xie Wenyuan definitely cannot make aeback on his own. But I don¡¯t think he would lower his face to the point of relying on the rebel forces.¡±

    ¡°But it''s the rebel forces who saved him this time.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pouted.

    ¡°They are merely being used by Xie Wenyuan.¡± Lou Zigui pinched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chin, and turned her face around so that their eyes met. ¡°It''s absolutely impossible for him to bow down to Xiang Nong.¡±

    ¡°He still looks down on his benefactor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned to the point she looked almost like a fried dough twist. ¡°Supreme Commander, what do you think Big Boss Xiang is after by rescuing such a person?¡±

    ¡°Right now, Modou might actually be a way out for Xie Wenyuan.¡± Lou Zigui held onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°To prevent their coboration, I have to return to Anyuan.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor would risk death by heading to Anyuan?¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelped in surprise. Would Grand Preceptor continue to keep taking such huge risks?

    ¡°I¡¯m unsure about this.¡± Lou Zigui shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know how Xie Wenyuan would contact Modou, neither do I know if Modou would believe his words.¡±

    ¡°Then why the heck would you go if you don¡¯t know anything?¡± asked the peeved Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I have to return to secure the six provinces of Anyuan. That is necessary in order to ensure the safety of your kingdom.¡± Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao understood what Supreme Commander Lou was saying. That¡¯s called taking preventative measures.

    ¡°Xiaoyao...¡±

    ¡°Fine, you should go, Supreme Commander.¡± Ning Xiaoyao firmly decided. However, before Lou Zigui could say anything, she continued, ¡°No matter how Grand Preceptor and Modou will collude in their evil deeds, we should prevent the Northern Hu army from invading ck Frost City.¡± People of the Yongning Dynasty have suffered enough. If a foreign invasion were to ur, the nation should just be vanquished. Haha, they wouldn¡¯t be able to live anyway.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Lou Zigui made a promise to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I will never allow the people of Northern Hu to step into ck Frost City.¡±

    ¡°You have to take care of yourself.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°After I¡¯m done dividing thend of the imperial nsmen, I¡¯lle find in you ck Frost City. Then, we¡¯ll cross beyond the Great Wall to find Modou.¡±

    ¡°To find Modou?¡± Lou Zigui didn''t understand.

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao dered in a serious demeanor. ¡°I¡¯ll lead my soldiers intobat!¡± After saying that, Ning Xiaoyao felt a surge of pride like never before. The thought of her leading an legion of thousands shing zombies, no, fighting with people of the Northern Hu, was soooo wildly heroic! She could almost feel the excitement surging through her veins.

    ¡°My God!¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed to Lou Zigui with a dreamy expression, ¡°I''m really handsome enough to pierce through the heavens!¡±

    Lou Zigui... He seriously couldn''t keep up with thisdy¡¯s thought pattern. What do the things they talk about have to do with a handsome person piercing through the heavens?

    ¡°I am gonna to break Modou¡¯s legs!¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed and made a pledge to Lou Zigui. ¡°I will definitely break that punk¡¯s legs!¡±

    After giving it some thought, Lou Zigui still couldn''t quite follow Ning Xiaoyao. Xie Wenyuan is still alive, yet thisdy here already wants to break the legs of Modou, the leader of the Wolf n of the Northern Hu?

    Thinking about how Modou had tortured Big Bro Lou, Ning Xiaoyao decided that breaking his legs was too light of a punishment for him. So Ning Xiaoyao turned to Lou Zigui and continued, ¡°I think it''s better to pluck his head off and kick it around. This person should not be alive.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s little eyes turned ferocious. Don''t think that she doesn''t dare to kill yo!

    Lou Zigui could only respond with, ¡°We can talk about this in the future.¡± Right now, they don''t even have enough troops to send out from ck Frost City to fight with the Northern Hu.

    ¡°We can''t leave this forter.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes were still narrowed with the same intensity. ¡°I have been nning for this. Supreme Commander, don¡¯t you also want the Northern Hu to be exterminated?¡±

    ¡±Are you doing this for my sake, Xiaoyao?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked. That¡¯s actually one of the main reasons. Ai ma, so it turns out she was going to war for a beauty. She¡¯s actually as muddle-headed as the previous emperor! Is she actually a fatuous ruler? (Author: I told you to stop overthinking...)

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Stop smiling.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed his face aside. ¡°Are you going to use the beauty trap on me again?¡±

    Lou Zigui instantly felt very hopeless and tired. How did the topic turn to beauty trap? Most importantly, he wasn¡¯t smiling just now?

    After pushing his face aside, Ning Xiaoyao pulled his face back to stare. No matter what, this is the face that she¡¯s most vulnerable to. In the past when she fought with zombies, she never would¡¯ve considered herself as a superficial person.

    ¡°So should I smile or should I not smile?¡± Lou Zigui asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°It¡¯s better you smile.¡±

    Lou Zigui lifted the corners of his lips and grinned to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Aiya.¡± Ning Xiaoyao poked her fingers onto Lou Zigui¡¯s smiling face to make dimples appear on his face. ¡°I''m willing to be a fatuous ruler for this beautiful face. Now, beauty, give this emperor a good smile before you leave.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to return as soon as I can.¡± Lou Zigui held onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s yful fingers.

    ¡°What? We¡¯ve already decided that I¡¯ll go and look for you. Why are youing back to me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao crooked her head sideways and looked at Lou Zigui. ¡°Supreme Commander, why do you keep changing your mind?¡±

    When did we decide?

    Lou Zigui massaged his forehead. He wanted to tell her to be obedient and to patiently wait for him toe back. But before he uttered those words, Supreme Commander Lou thought of something else. ¡°You address Ning Xiaomu as Big Bro Ning, yet you keep calling me Supreme Commander?¡± (Author: Hey hey, what should be your focus here, Supreme Commander?)

    ¡°Come on.¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes, ¡°The title of Supreme Commander is so chic. It sounds like a great figure yet you don''t like it? Then what should I call you? You want me to call you bro? Isn¡¯t that weird to you? Imagine when we¡¯re rolling in the bedsheets and you hear me call you bro. Won¡¯t you be traumatized?¡±

    Lou Zigui:...

    ¡°Or rather,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked deep into Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes, ¡°do you actually like this whole brother and sister business, Supreme Commander?¡± Who would¡¯ve thought Supreme Commander would have special requests like these?

    Lou Zigui took a deep breath. This conversation was truly exhausting. He turned his head to check. When he had entered the room, he locked the doors. Then, he noticed the windows were closed as well. Lou Ziguiid down on the bed and pulled Ning Xiaoyao down with him.

    Ning Xiaoyao was still pondering about the bro and sis rtionship when she saw Lou Zigui¡¯s handsome face in front of hers. Emperor Ning tested his reaction by calling out, ¡°Bro?¡±

    Lou Zigui gritted his teeth and spoke in a hoarse voice. ¡°Call me thatter.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn''t understand. The bed frame and the canopy shook. Ning Xiaoyao was still troubled over the loving brother and loving sister matter. She also couldn¡¯t understand why Lou Zigui was acting so rash. He seemed much more passionate than usual. However, while hugging Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s sweaty neck, the smitten Ning Xiaoyao thought she was rather silly to be thinking about this during such time.

    Meanwhile, at Supreme Splendor Hall, Xu Feiyu was already on his three cups of tea but Ning Xiaoyao still haven¡¯t grant him the presence. As Shadowrain was about to pour him his fourth cup of tea, General Xu Feiyu couldn''t help but ask, ¡°His Majesty...¡±

    Shadowrain scowled. No matter how Xu Feiyu had assisted His Majesty, there was no denying the crime of snatching their empress! If it weren¡¯t for the fact that he had already informed His Majesty, Shadowrain would have mixed rat poison into his tea to poison this scum.

    *Bang* Shadowrain mmed the teapot onto the side table and red at Xu Feiyu. ¡°His Majesty has to attend to numerous state affairs everyday. Yet you¡¯re losing patience for waiting, General Xu?¡±

    Xu Feiyu figured it was better he remained silent.

    ¡°Drink less tea.¡± Shadowrain blurted, ¡°And don''t count on His Majesty to grant you a meal.¡±

    Xu Feiyu... he wasn¡¯t counting on a feast at all.

    ¡°Oh yeah. It''s not as convenient to use the toilet in the pce. You better hold it in if you need to relieve yourself.¡±

    Xu Feiyu remain tongue tied. How do the imperial officials in the pce handle this problem when meeting His Majesty then? When they need to pee, they peed in their pants?

    ¡°Have some water, General Xu.¡± Shadowrain tapped on the side table.

    When General Xu saw a new cup of refreshing tea on the tea table, he felt the urge to ssh some onto Shadowrain¡¯s face. Shadowrain may be deliberately tormenting him because he wanted to show his loyalty to His Majesty. But how could he be a Dragon Guards with that brain of his? He wants to torture him by continuously making him drink liquid but making him hold in his pee?

    ¡°You don¡¯t like this type of tea?¡± Shadowrain looked at Xu Feiyu who sat motionlessly. ¡°Should I change it to another kind for you?¡±

    ¡°No need. I don''t drink tea.¡± Xu Feiyu coldly stared at Shadowrain. ¡°Third Commander, are you nning to force the tea down my throat?¡±

    Shadowrain drew a long breath. This scum has the audacity to give him so much attitude in Supreme Splendor Hall? How much face does he think he has?

    General Xu sat and continued to re at Shadowrain. He was wondering if this Dragon Guard Commander was going to fight him.

    Shadowrain clenched his fist. Without His Majesty¡¯s permission, he really couldn¡¯t raise his hands on this scum.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hope.¡± In the main pce behind an opened window panel, Shadowthunder said to Shadowbolt, ¡°I knew our third brother won¡¯t seed in pulling off this trick. Had I known, I would¡¯ve mixed croton with tea to give him the best diarrhea he ever had!¡±.

    Shadowbolt rolled his eyes at Shadowthunder. This guy only knew how toment in hindsight. What were you doing earlier instead of mixing Croton into the tea then? It¡¯s toote now!

    Big Boss ck ran across the flower shrub. Even the cat couldn¡¯t stand listening to their conversation anymore. This bunch seems to be turning more and more silly the more they spend time with that ninny. If you lot are so capable, you should all bite that Xu scum till he¡¯s dead! (Author: That''s enough, you...)

    -----

    ¡°Call me bro.¡± In the bedroom, Lou Zigui had Ning Xiaoyao in his arms. His voice sounded very indolent. ¡°I want to hear it.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s nasal sound was strong. ¡°Bro.¡±

    ¡°And?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Errr, good bro.¡±

    ¡°Is that all?¡±

    ¡°Oh! My beloved brooooo~¡±

    The bed curtains draped down from all the shaking. The movement brought a gust of wind that extinguished the candle light from the copper sparrow.

    Big Boss ck had just returned back to the window. While he was in the pce hall watching a show, what happened here?

    This chapter was sooooo cute! AHAHAH I diedughing near the end. I hope you guys love it too! Teaser for 325 will be up tomorrow. I got sick so I have to sleep now :(

 Chapter 325: Supreme Commander looked for Empress Dowager

    <h4>Chapter 325: Supreme Commander looked for Empress Dowager</h4>

    ¡°I am going to meet with General Xu. Do you want to join me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao had gotten dressed and had her hair freshlybed by Lou Zigui. She stood in front of the bed and asked, ¡°Or Supreme Commander, are you nning to set off now?¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to help you teach Xu Feiyu a lesson?¡± Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao with a satisfied grin on his face. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t tell whether Lou Zigui was serious or not. Does he really want to beat Xu Feiyu up? Or is he just joking around?

    ¡°You are kidding, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Lou Zigui sat up and sternly stated, ¡°It is not a joke.¡±

    ¡°Oh, in that case, you better wait for me here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed Lou Zigui down on the bed. ¡°After I¡¯m done speaking with General Xu, I wille back to send you off.¡±

    Lou Zigui questioned, ¡°What do you have to say to Xu Feiyu?¡±

    ¡°Since he is here, I ought to go greet him.¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head and turned to leave.

    Once Ning Xiaoyao left, Lou Zigui¡¯s expression instantly turned cold. He was in a hurry to leave but there was a matter he had to settle first.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Shadowgale and some of the Dragon Guards walked into the courtyard and happened to see Lou Zigui standing along the corridor. Shadowgale immediately walked forward and bowed to Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Where is His Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui asked. Shadowgale replied, ¡°Shadowthunder and the rest are at the main hall. His Majesty will be fine.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± Lou Zigui walked down the steps.

    A few of the Dragon Guards followed Lou Zigui. It wasn¡¯t until they had walked through the main doors of Empress Dowager¡¯s pce that they realized Supreme Commander had brought them to meet Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°Empress Dowager is inside.¡± Pointing to a darkened chamber, Shadowgale softly told Lou Zigui. ¡°Around dusk, she took Prince Cheng into this chamber and there has been no movement thereafter.¡±

    Lou Zigui nodded his head and lengthened his steps. He walked to the door, pushed it open and walked in.

    Shadowgale instructed the Dragon Guards to keep watch at the courtyard while he personally stood guard outside the chamber.

    On this summer night, the moon shone brightly, but there were few stars. Although there was no light inside the imperial chamber, Lou Zigui was able to see Dowager Xie holding Ning Xin. She had shrunk herself on a chair at the very corner of the room. Striking up a fire to light the candle, Lou Zigui sat down on the chair beside the candle stand. In this position, he was able to see Dowager Xie face to face.

    Despite all themotion, Empress Dowager Xie didn¡¯t bother looking up once. Prince Cheng remained motionless in her arms, possibly due to exhaustion from crying.

    Lou Zigui looked at Dowager Xie and let out a softugh. ¡°Empress Dowager, do you n on starving to death in this pce hall with Prince Cheng?¡±

    Upon hearing Lou Zigui¡¯s voice, Dowager Xie slowly raised her head. She looked wan and aged beyond her years.

    ¡°Is Prince Cheng still alright?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    Empress Dowager Xie subconsciously tightened her grip on Ning Xin, unknowingly causing him to feel pain. The little prince began to cry again. However, Ning Xin sounded much weaker than before. Now, his cries were like the soft meows of a frail kitten. The little prince started to cry again, just that his voice was not loud. Instead, he sounded like a little kitten meowing weakly.

    ¡°Shadowgale,e in,¡± Lou Zigui called out. Shadowgale responded and entered the chamber.

    ¡°Take Prince Cheng out first.¡± Lou Zigui instructed. Shadowgale took one glimpse of Empress Dowager Xie. She had shrunk herself on the chair at the corner of the room. He hesitated and then walked towards to her.

    ¡°You two...what are you guys nning to do?¡± Empress Dowager Xie could not keep quiet anymore and shrieked, ¡°Both of you are subordinates. How dare you?!!¡±

    Shadowgale felt his hands were tied and was unsure of what to do. On one hand, he truly hated Empress Dowager Xie to death. On the other hand, he had never forcefully snatched a prince from a member of the royal family before. This was going to be his first time. Hecked experience in these kinds of things.

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Dowager Xie screeched at Shadowgale.

    Lou Zigui walked over and reached out a hand to snatch Ning Xin from Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s arms. Empress Dowager may have had a strong grip on her son, but her strength was no match against Lou Zigui. After all, she was merely an imperial concubine, while Lou Zigui was amander of the army!

    Shadowgale was still in a daze when he felt a weight in his arms. By the time he looked down, Lou Zigui had already ced Ning Xin into his embrace.

    ¡°Carry him out and find a mama to take care of him.¡± Lou Ziguimanded, ¡°Empress Dowager may be able to refrain herself from eating and drinking for a day or two. But Prince Cheng is too young. How could he handle it?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie tried to throw herself at Shadowgale, but he simply stepped aside to avoid her. Shadowgale turned around and quickly carried Ning Xin out of the imperial chamber in a few steps.

    Empress Dowager Xie failed to seize Shadowgale and fell to the ground. She watched helplessly as Shadowgale carried her son out of the chamber. The whole thing happened so fast that she did not have time to get up.

    Lou Zigui sat back down on his original seat and did not react as Empress Dowager Xie picked herself up from the ground and dashed out of the chamber.

    Shadowgale was still standing guard in front of the imperial chamber while a few Dragon Guards remained in the courtyard. However, two other Dragon Guards had already carried Ning Xin away. When Empress Dowager Xie chased out to the courtyard, there was no signs of her son anywhere.

    Empress Dowager Xie stormed back to the imperial chamber and mmed the door heavily against the wall. Lou Zigui raised his eyes to look at her.

    ¡°Where did you send Prince Cheng to?¡± Empress Dowager Xie bellowed, ¡°Did His Majesty ask you toe?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lou Zigui asked in a low voice, ¡°Empress Dowager does not wish to vent your anger with the guards outside?¡±

    Those Dragon Guards were only following orders. Empress Dowager Xie was very clear she had nothing to say to Shadowgale and the rest. ¡°Ning Yu is really not scared anymore?¡± Under the candlelight, she looked slightly deranged.

    Lou Ziguiughed sarcastically, ¡°Empress Dowager, at this point, do you still think you have the ability to threaten His Majesty?¡±

    Dowager Xie icily replied, ¡°Bring back Ning Xin for this Dowager, otherwise this Dowager will.....¡±

    ¡°Shadowgale, retreat.¡± Lou Zigui suddenly interrupted Empress Dowager Xie and loudlymanded to Shadowgale. ¡°Dismiss all the Dragon Guards out of the courtyard as well.¡±

    Could an imperial subject stay alone in a chamber with a reigning Empress Dowager? Shadowgale knew that this was unreasonable but upon thinking about Ning Xiaoyao and Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s rtionship, he kept quiet and retreated with the Dragon Guards.

    Lou Zigui lightly tapped his finger against the sword at his waist. ¡°Continue. What did you want to say just now? What are you going to do?¡±

    Now that Lou Zigui allowed Empress Dowager Xie to continue her threats, she was afraid to speak. If she really threatened to perish with all of them, then she would truly have no other way out.

    ¡°Let¡¯s cut the conversation short.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was turning more and more icy. ¡°When I found out that the crown prince was murdered, I pledged to take revenge for him.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie took a step back and stood still. She did not wish to look scared in front of Lou Zigui. ¡°Then just kill this Dowager off. Prince Cheng is still a child though. As Anyuan¡¯s Supreme Commander, you can¡¯t let a child go?¡±

    ¡°Child?¡± Lou Zigui mocked. ¡°At the time, the crown prince¡¯s son was only three days old. Did you let him off? Don¡¯t you find it ridiculous that you¡¯re trying to use the child excuse on me?¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s face immediately turned deathly pale.

    ¡°You deserve to die,¡± Lou Zigui looked at Empress Dowager Xie and curtly stated, ¡°Initially, I thought with the defeat of Xie Wenyuan, coupled with the loss of support from your maternal n and the bad rtionship between you and His Majesty, you would have taken Prince Cheng to seek death together. It seems like I may have underestimated you. It appears a woman from a noble family like you would rather be a living dog than a dead lion.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie took a while to reply, ¡°I want to see His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager, please do not jest with me,¡± the cold sneer on Lou Zigui¡¯s face made Empress Dowager Xie trembled, ¡°If I want kill you, I will naturally hide it from His Majesty.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie turned around, wanting to bolt. But before she had taken a step, she thought to herself. How can a woman like her outrun Lou Zigui?

    ¡°I will keep Ning Xin by my side.¡±

    Hearing Lou Zigui¡¯s words, Empress Dowager Xie abruptly turned around to stare at him.

    ¡°In a moment, I will send a child into the pce.¡± Lou Zigui told her. ¡°In such times, orphans are everywhere. The child has lost both his parents and could not find his family. Empress Dowager, someday, you must treat him well.¡±

    ¡°You,...what are you nning to do?¡± Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s voice was shaking.

    ¡°If I hear that Empress Dowager is not peacefully living your remaining years,¡± Lou Zigui looked at her and said icily, ¡°I will send Ning Xin¡¯s head to you.¡±

    At this moment, Empress Dowager Xie could no longer support herself. Her whole body slumped onto the floor.

    ¡°I will not let Empress Dowager raise this orphan,¡± Lou Zigui sharply continued, ¡°I cannot trust you.¡±

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t do this!¡± Empress Dowager Xie cried and frantically shook her head at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°What makes you think you have the right to negotiate with me? Remember my words. If you make any unusual moves, I will kill off Ning Xin.¡±

    ¡°He,¡± Empress Dowager Xie was rattled and could not string a sentence together. Finally, she was able to spat out to Lou Zigui. ¡°He is Ning Yu¡¯s little brother!¡±

    ¡°The crown prince was also His Majesty¡¯s older brother.¡± Lou Zigui mercilesslyughed.

    ¡°They are born from the same mother!¡± Empress Dowager Xie was hysterical. Lou Zigui stood up and suddenly unleashed his sword. He lifted his sword and swung it at Empress Dowager Xie.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Empress Dowager Xie screamed in fright. Behind Empress Dowager Xie, the chamber door horizontally split into two from the sword¡¯s impact. The entire door dropped onto the ground with a thud.

    Empress Dowager Xie watched in a daze at the hair dropped beside her. Why is there hair on the ground?

    Lou Zigui held onto his sword and red at her with his chilled eyes. Empress Dowager Xie felt her head and realized her dishevelled hair appear lighter. Looking down, she started to cry. Her fine ck hair!

    ¡°Empress Dowager¡¯s pce isn¡¯t suitable for a woman like you. Shave your head, go forth and lead an austere life of a Buddhist.¡±

    ¡°Lou Zigui!¡± Empress Dowager Xie straightened her body, intending to fight him with all her might. Lou Zigui raised his arm and jabbed his sword at Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s shoulder de. She stumbled backwards. Once again, Empress Dowager Xie fell to the floor. She lost all courage when faced with the sharp end of the sword.

    ¡°If you refuse to go, I will kill Ning Xin now. Now, tell me, where do you n to spend your remaining years?¡± Lou Zigui threatened.

    Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s mouth trembled twice and she sobbed, ¡°Then, just kill me.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lou Zigui raised his sword up and aimed at Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s neck.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the Buddhist hall!¡± Empress Dowager Xie blurted. She changed her mind the moment she saw the cold glint sword shed across her eyes.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Lou Zigui withdrew his sword and called out.

    There were still people outside? Empress Dowager Xie wildly swung her head around to look.

    Grandmaster Kumu walked in from outside. It was unclear how long this senior monk had been waiting for. He looked at Empress Dowager Xie with some sympathy. But under Lou Zigui¡¯s watchful cold eyes, he lowered his gaze and intoned, ¡°Amitabha Buddha.¡±

 Chapter 326: Empress Dowager imprisoned on a remote island

    <h4>Chapter 326: Empress Dowager imprisoned on a remote ind</h4>

    Seeing Grandmaster Kumu appearing before her eyes, Empress Dowager Xie abruptly realized that Lou Zigui didn¡¯t just want to take Ning Xin away and coerce her to leave the Empress Dowager Pce. This person seriously wants to force her to shave her head and be a nun!

    ¡°You¡¯re unwilling?¡± Lou Zigui lowered his head to look at Empress Dowager Xie. The corner of his mouth was slightly upturned except that his smile looked very cold. The sword in his hand was still unsheathed. It reflected the reddish-orange candlelight but didn¡¯t appear to have a warm hue at all.

    Empress Dowager Xie opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t produce a sound. Her body shook with fear once she thought Lou Zigui was really going to kill her. The moment one bes afraid and loses courage, they are at the mercy of their predator.

    ¡°Grandmaster, please.¡± Lou Zigui took a step back.

    Grandmaster Kumu stepped forward and nced at Empress Dowager Xie. The son was still alive but the mother was forced to shave her head. This was something unthinkable in ordinary households. But when this matter was ced in the imperial household, people weren¡¯t taken aback. Family ties crumble in front of the word ¡®power¡¯.

    Grandmaster Kumu took the razor and with a few slight movements, Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s ck hair consecutively fell to the ground. As her hair piled up on the ground, Empress Dowager Xie burst into tears.

    Grandmaster Kumu stopped and turned his head to look at Lou Zigui. The corner of Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth still carried a sneer, disying his heartless temperament. The tears of this woman were not worth a single cent in his eyes.

    ¡°Amit¨¡bha.¡± Since Lou Zigui remained unmoved, Grandmaster Kumu could only chant the name of Buddha in a low voice and continue using the razor in his hand.

    After the time it took to burn half an incense stick, Empress Dowager Xie¡¯s ck hair had all been shaved. Her tears also seemed to have dried up from crying too much. Sheid prone on the floor and was motionless. If it weren¡¯t for her body trembling a few times every now and then, others would have mistaken Empress Dowager Xie as a corpse.

    Lou Zigui waved his hand at Grandmaster Kumu. For the majority of his life, no one dared to order Grandmaster Kumu around like this. However, Grandmaster Kumu had no choice but to obey when faced with Lou Zigui¡¯s intimidating sword. Thus, he immediately retreated from the pce chamber. Lou Zigui lowered his head to look at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°There are Dragon Guards outside. They will escort you to the Buddhist hall.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie continued toy prone on the ground and didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°You¡¯re still not leaving?¡± Lou Zigui asked. Empress Dowager Xie blundered a few times before she stood up from the floor.

    Lou Zigui used the tip of his sword to push the door open. ¡°Please, Esteemed Empress Dowager.¡±

    Empress Dowager Xie walked out of the pce chamber and was weed by a cool breeze. Under the shadow of the moon, the flowers and trees swayed and emitted rustling sounds. The scenery she was so ustomed to now gave her a feeling of dread and hopelessness. As she walked down the steps, she thought to herself. If thete emperor had still been still alive, how would she have declined to this plight today? Thete emperor would have protected her, pampered her and killed off all those who didn¡¯t respect her, but, Empress Dowager Xie staggered, that man who would protect her with all his heart and soul was no longer around.

    When Shadowgale and a few others saw Grandmaster Kumu outside the courtyard door, they already had an idea of what Supreme Commander was nning. However, they didn¡¯t expect to see a bald Empress Dowager Xie walking out. Shadowgale and the others were stunned and simultaneously turned to stare at Lou Zigui in amazement. His Excellency Supreme Commander is really daring!

    ¡°Go to the Buddhist hall.¡± Lou Zigui told Shadowgale. Shadowgale nced at Grandmaster Kumu who stood at one side.

    Lou Zigui randomly assigned a Dragon Guard for the task and instructed, ¡°Take Grandmaster to Supreme Splendor Hall.¡±

    Grandmaster Kumu humbly looked down with his eyes shut. The Dragon Guard hurriedly epted the order and took him away.

    ¡°Lead the way.¡± Lou Zigui allowed Shadowgale to walk in front.

    Just like that, Empress Dowager Xie was escorted by Lou Zigui all the way to the Buddhist hall.

    The Buddhist hall Shadowgale found for Empress Dowager Xie wasn¡¯t a proper Buddhist hall from the imperial pce. Instead, it was a secluded residence of an imperial consort that had fallen out of favor decades ago. Inside the main room, there was a wooden statue of Guanyin* that was approximately half the size of a human. This was already sufficient for one to worship Buddha and cultivate one¡¯s moral character.

    Lou Zigui stood in the courtyard and swept his eyes across the Buddhist hall. There were a total of four rooms and he felt rather satisfied. This location was remote and surrounded by water. There was no bridge so people would need to rely on a boat to enter and exit. With Empress Dowager Xie residing in such a remote ind, he no longer had to worry about hermunicating with the outside world. She would no longer be able to harm Miss Ning with her evil ideas.

    ¡°No one here should be working for more than a month. The servants must be changed regrly.¡± Ignoring the wailing soundsing from within the Buddhist hall, Lou Zigui left some orders for Shadowgale. ¡°Ideally, choose those you can trust. Those assigned to serve here should have absolutely no rtionship with the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce or Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate. If you can¡¯t find these types of people, then I would rather have no one serving here. You can just personally deliver three meals per day.¡±

    Shadowgale nodded and replied with an assent. After advising Shadowgale, Lou Zigui climbed up the steps to take a look inside. The Buddhist hall wasn¡¯t big and had already been tidied. The windows were bright, the tables were clean and the incense in front of the Guanyin statue was already lit. The whole Buddhist hall was suffused with the scent of sandalwood.

    When Empress Dowager Xie saw Lou Zigui, her cries came to a sudden stop.

    When Shadowgale and the others saw Empress Dowager in this state, they couldn¡¯t help but wonder, did Supreme Commander beat Empress Dowager up?

    Lou Zigui gave Empress Dowager Xie a brief stare but didn¡¯t make any more threats. Then, he turned around and descended the steps. He beckoned his hands at Shadowgale and the others. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Once Empress Dowager Xie could no longer hear the footsteps, she dashed out of the Buddhist hall. There weren¡¯t any flowers, trees, nor decorations in the courtyard. In fact, it was only a patch of emptynd. The courtyard wooden doors were already shut and looked extremely thick and heavy. Empress Dowager Xie went up to the doors but didn¡¯t even have the courage to knock against it.

    ¡°Would anything happen to her if we just leave her here?¡± Shadowgale was concerned and turned his head back to nce at the dark grey wooden door.

    ¡°No.¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice, ¡°If something were to happen to Esteemed Empress Dowager, it would have happened long ago. It wouldn¡¯t happen today.¡±

    Basically, Lou Zigui was telling him that if Esteemed Empress Dowager had wanted to die, she would¡¯ve died long ago. She wouldn¡¯t have waited until now.

    Empress Dowager slid down against the wooden doors and sat on the ground. The wind howled as it blew past the open space. Empress Dowager Xie started to cry again. She was on a remote ind sealed inside a small courtyard. Who woulde and show somepassion towards her? She was merely a woman sitting on the ground, crying in anguish.

    At this moment, Little Gyrfalcon brought Grandpa Ash and Oil Jar to the top of the courtyard¡¯s wall. It shook the feathers on its body and the little gyrfalcon vented his extreme anger, ¡°This evil woman is finally getting what she deserves!¡± Up until now, the little gyrfalcon hadn¡¯t forgotten how Empress Dowager Xie had attempted to kill his master.

    ¡°She looks a little pitiful,¡± Oil Jar expressed his own opinion. Grandpa Ash raised his paw to knock Oil Jar¡¯s head. ¡°She isn¡¯t pitiful. She has been defeated.¡± This is what humans mean when they say, ¡®the victors be the ruler while the losers are reduced to bandits¡¯.

    Oil Jar¡¯s small eyes rolled in circles. ¡°So if Xiaoyao didn¡¯t win this time, she would be the one crying here instead?¡±

    Grandpa Ash shook its head. ¡°Grand Preceptor Xie wouldn¡¯t have let Xiaoyao live.¡±

    Oil Jar and Little Gyrfalcon didn¡¯t speak for a very long time. The two suddenly rejoiced in their hearts. Fortunately, Xiaoyao didn¡¯t lose!

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting in the main hall of Supreme Splendor Hall with Xu Feiyu. She was tongue-tied and staring at Xu Feiyu with her eyes wide. ¡°How¡¯s that possible?¡± The Empress¡¯ fetal signs aren¡¯t stable? She had clearly treated the Empress before. Did something happen again?

    Xu Feiyu lowered his voice, ¡°Many thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s concern. This subject has invited a physician for her. This subject will try his best to preserve the child, but if the child cannot be saved, this subject...¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao became tense. ¡°Then what will you do?¡±

    Xu Feiyu replied, ¡°Then this subject will definitely save the adult.¡±

    It looks like this is indeed true love. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Xu Feiyu and nodded at him. It wasn''t an injustice for the empress to get pregnant with General Xu and she wasn¡¯t pointlessly stabbed after all!

    The awkward atmosphere between Xu Feiyu and Ning Xiaoyao was initially fading, but when the empress was mentioned, Great General Xu felt ufortable again. Although he and the empress were childhood sweethearts and their feelings resonated with each other, the empress was still thewful wife of the emperor. The matter between him and the empress was something that could not be disclosed to the public.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say ¡®You can send the empress back for me to take a look¡¯ but on second thought, the empress probably doesn¡¯t ever want to see her again in this lifetime, right?

    ¡°Live your days well.¡± In the end, Ning Xiaoyao simply told Xu Feiyu, ¡°My medical skills aren¡¯t bad. If the situation is really disastrous, you can ask Em-Miss Zhou, ask her if she is willing to make a trip back to the capital.¡±

    Xu Feiyu replied, ¡°This subject has noted Your Majesty¡¯s words.¡±

    From Xu Feiyu¡¯s expression, Ning Xiaoyao felt that Great General Xu hadn¡¯t put her words to heart.

    Xu Feiyu sat in a daze for a while before he opened his mouth to ask Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, the war in the capital is already over. How does Your Majesty n on handling the Zhou Junqi matter?¡±

    ¡°Eldest Young Master Zhou is here.¡± Lou Zigui replied to Xu Feiyu and entered the main hall with Grandmaster Kumu. Behind them, Zhou Junqi was being supported by Shadowgale.

    Ever since the Zhou Family met with a mishap and Zhou Junqi was imprisoned in Iron Buddha Temple, Xu Feiyu hadn¡¯t seen this Eldest Young Master. Looking at the gaunt man supported by Shadowgale, it took Xu Feiyu a while before he was able to recognize him. He abruptly sprung up from the chair and knocked the chair nted.

    Eldest Young Master Zhou was given prior notice that Xu Feiyu was speaking to His Majesty in the main hall. As a result, he had already mentally prepared himself for this meeting. Thus, he appeared moreposed than Xu Feiyu. He nodded and smiled at Xu Feiyu. This guy could finally end up with his younger sister. Furthermore, he could even speak to His Majesty in an even-tempered manner. What more could they ask for?

    It only took Xu Feiyu a few steps to stand before Zhou Junqi. ncing at Eldest Young Master Zhou¡¯s hollow sleeve, he gulped and choked two times before lowering his voice to address him, ¡°Elder Brother.¡±

    Zhou Junqi replied, ¡°Aye.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed heartily in her seat. ¡°Big Bro Zhou, you¡¯re here already? General Xu was just asking about you. This time, leave with him! Eat more meat and grow fatter!¡±

    Lou Zigui went over to Ning Xiaoyao and lightly poked Miss Ning¡¯s back. Why does it matter to you whether Zhou Junqi bes fatter or thinner?

    Zhou Junqi wanted to kneel and pay his respects to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°No need.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand. ¡°You just need to obey the decree and grow fatter.¡±

    Xu Feiyu inwardly heaved a sigh of relief. His Majesty was willing to release Zhou Junqi. In that case, even if this was His Majesty¡¯s stratagem to win people¡¯s hearts, he was still willing to die for him.

    ¡°Grandmaster, why did youe?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned her attention to Grandmaster Kumu. ¡°Did you purposelye to send my Big Bro Ning off?¡±

    ¡°Replying to Your Majesty, Empress Dowager wanted to shave her head. This poor monk received Esteemed Empress Dowager¡¯s imperial decree to enter the pce to help shave her head.¡±

    Empress Dowager could still send an imperial decree outside the pce? No, that can¡¯t be right. Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes as she pondered. Why does she need a monk to cut her hair? ¡°What does this shaving head mean?¡± Next to her, Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Lou Zigui. It doesn¡¯t seem like a haircut to me.

    ¡°It means to shave off one¡¯s head to be a nun,¡± Lou Zigui softly replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in a daze. Going to the Buddhist hall isn¡¯t enough? Esteemed Empress Dowager has to be a nun too?!

    *T/n: Refers to the Bodhisattva of Compassion, also known as Avalokite?vara.

    Here is a Wikipedia page about Guanyin if you are interested: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin

 Chapter 327: His Majesty says, it was mainly the medicine

    <h4>Chapter 327: His Majesty says, it was mainly the medicine</h4>

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention this for now.¡± Lou Zigui leaned in close to Ning Xiaoyao and whispered.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt the need to exin herself. Looking at Grandmaster Kumu, Ning Xiaoyao could only say, ¡°I didn¡¯t force Empress Dowager to do this. Do you believe me, Grandmaster?¡±

    Grandmaster Kumu pressed his palms together before his chest, and muttered a Buddhist chanted before giving his reply, ¡°Your Majesty is kind-hearted.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:... I don¡¯t think he believes me.

    Zhou Junqi spoke up, ¡°Your Majesty, could this peasant leave the capital with General Xu?¡± First Young Master Zhou knew full well that Empress Dowager Xie was trouble, so he couldn¡¯t care less about her situation. He even thought that it would be better for His Majesty if Empress Dowager was dead.

    ¡°Oh, sure!¡± Ning Xiaoyao instantly nodded. She stood up and walked over to Zhou Junqi. ¡°That there, everybody knows I have a very formidable master, right?¡±

    Xu Feiyu quickly chimed in, ¡°That miracle doctor?¡±

    Lou Zigui furrowed his brows. What is this girl nning again?

    ¡°Comee,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Zhou Junqi by the hand. ¡°Let my master take a look at you.¡±

    Before Zhou Junqi could react, Ning Xiaoyao had already dragged him out.

    ¡°The miracle doctor can revive a cut-off arm?¡± While General Xu held some hope in his heart, his rational mind told him this was impossible. Unable to describe his feeling right now, General Xu turned toward Lou Zigui with the question.

    However, General Xu was terrified after taking one look at Supreme Commander Lou. Thetter¡¯s face was so dark, it was as if his face had been painted on with ck ink. His Majesty only took his brother-inw to find his master, what is this guy so angry about? (Author: because they held hands o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    By the time Lou Zigui and Xu Feiyu had arrived at the side third chamber to the left of the main hall, Zhou Junqi was standing alone in the room. His Majesty Ning had gone to look for her ¡°master¡±.

    ¡°Is there really a revival treatment for a cut-off arm?¡± Xu Feiyu asked once more.

    Lou Zigui responded icily, ¡°Don¡¯t know.¡±

    Xu Feiyu:... Really, what is this guy so angry about?

    A short whileter, Ning Xiaoyao returned with Chef Huang. Lou Zigui swept a nce at Chef Huang and instantly regretted his action. The imperial chef looked like an embarrassment.

    In order to look the part of an otherworldly expert, Chef Huang was dressed in a thoroughly white robe to give off an immortal vibe.

    ¡°This is my master.¡± Ning Xiaoyao ceremoniously made the introduction to Zhou Junqi and Xu Feiyu.

    Chef Huang stood up straight with his tummy puffed out. After sessfully deceiving Empress Dowager Xie, he had gained a lot of confidence. No matter how ruthless a person may be, they can¡¯t be any more ruthless than Esteemed Empress Dowager, right?

    Zhou Junqi and Xu Feiyu weren¡¯t those who judged a person by their outer appearance. However, this miracle doctor looked like a pr bear no matter how many times they looked at him. His face was fierce, he was ck and chubby. His image was quite different from their expectation.

    ¡°Comee, master.¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged Chef Huang to check First Young Master Zhou¡¯s arm. ¡°Can this be treated?

    Chef Huang had previously rehearsed the lines with Ning Xiaoyao. Although he felt like Ning Xiaoyao was ying a joke on him, Chef Huang still nodded his head and carried out his responsibility. ¡°It is possible.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Alright then, please treat him, master.¡±

    ¡°Then you lot should retreat.¡± replied Chef Huang.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Zhou Junqi called out.

    ¡°Big Bro Zhou lost his arm for our country.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lightly patted Zhou Junqi¡¯s empty sleeve and solemnly dered, ¡°My Imperial Father did you wrong. You have suffered injustice all these years. This is my apology. But don¡¯t worry. If my master says it¡¯s treatable, then he will definitely cure you.¡±

    Chef Huang found it difficult to breathe. He is moved by His Majesty¡¯s words, but he is still a chef, ah! He can chop off limbs, but regrow a cut-off arm? Even a real miracle doctor cannot do that, alright?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao dragged Lou Zigui out.

    After being pulled out of the chamber, Lou Zigui asked in a low voice, ¡°Is it actually possible?¡±

    ¡°Yep.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you treat him yourself?¡±

    ¡°I have considered it. But if I do it myself, people will think that I¡¯m a monster.¡± This matter had put Ning Xiaoyao at a loss for days. Since her power was still limited, renewing a human¡¯s cells, such as regrowing a limb, would drain up all her energy. What would she do if many people came to seek help from her? Should she tire herself to death? Who knows if people can ept a sorry exnation like ¡°inadequate ability¡±? (Author: So you put that much thought into it eh...?)

    Lou Zigui rested his palm against his forehead. ¡°But you¡¯re not afraid if others consider Chef Huang a monster?¡±

    ¡°When the act is done, he is still a chef. There will be no monster, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined with confidence. ¡°Even if you humans want to catch the monster, you wouldn¡¯t be able to find this monster anyway.¡±

    You humans? Lou Zigui suddenly had no desire to keep the conversation going with Miss Ning. Xu Feiyu was also chased out by Chef Huang. In the corridor, he stood in a daze. Arm-reviving treatment truly exists in this world?

    Chef Huang had Zhou Junqi lie down on the couch with his eyes closed. He fed First Young Master Zhou a sugar bean. Then, he foolishly stood in front of the couch and waited. Now that he¡¯s done everything he should, what¡¯s next?

    Meanwhile, underneath the corridor, Ning Xiaoyao sat on the steps. She had used up all her strength and needed to sit down to rest for a while.

    Lou Zigui sat down next to Ning Xiaoyao. Wiping off the sweat on her forehead, he whispered, ¡°Hot?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled awkwardly. She¡¯s not hot, she¡¯s exhausted.

    About two hourster, Chef Huang opened the doors of the side chamber with a wooden expression. Xu Feiyu didn¡¯t even ask Chef Huang for the result. He just strode into the chamber. Lou Zigui also stood up from the steps and fixed his gaze on Chef Huang.

    Deep down, Ning Xiaoyao was secretly feeling anxious as well. Since her current body was too small and weak, she wasn¡¯t sure if her ability had reached the level of helping human cells reform and grow yet. If so, then she was more confident about dealing with Supreme Commander¡¯s elder brother and Miss Ji¡¯s big brother¡¯s injuries.

    Chef Huang was currently staring at Ning Xiaoyao with abination of shock and admiration. He swallowed his saliva several times before stuttering, ¡°I-it grew.¡±

    Lou Zigui immediately headed towards the chamber. He¡¯d seen arms being chopped off, but for them to grow out again? Supreme Commander Lou couldn¡¯t imagine what such a thing would look like.

    Ning Xiaoyao sluggishly stood up from the ground and stuffed an almond cookie in her mouth. She had consumed an entire bag of almond cookies, but still felt no strength in her body.

    ¡°Your, Your Majesty!¡± Chef Huang rushed up to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I know what you wanna say. But a divine pill should be used on a meritorious subject, right?¡±

    At this moment, if Ning Xiaoyao said pigs could fly and fish could walk, Chef Huang would still believe her. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Chef Huang lowered his voice, ¡°Is your master an immortal?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t expect Chef Huang to say this. She¡¯d thought he would ask about the divine pills instead.

    ¡°If he knows I pretended to be him, would he be angry?¡± Chef Huang timidly asked in a cautious manner.

    Ning Xiaoyao arched her brows, ¡°Scared to get beat up?¡±

    ¡°Scared that I¡¯ll lose my life, ah!¡± Chef Huang eximed and trembled in fear.

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. So it looks like Chef Huang ran an abnormal train of thought from normal people. While others would care about divine pills before anything, this guy was worried about securing his life.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Ning Xiaoyao tiptoed to pat Chef Huang¡¯s shoulder and assured him, ¡°My master doesn¡¯t even look as good as you, he won¡¯t be angry.¡± Since she has no master, what¡¯s there to be scared of?

    Chef Huang was stunned as he touched his rough and chubby face. His face doesn¡¯t look as good as him? Is His Majesty¡¯s master not an immortal, but a monster? (Author: who says immortals must have good looks?)

    ¡°Why is there no movement in there?¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled to herself as she walked in the direction of the chamber.

    Inside the side chamber, Lou Zigui and Xu Feiyu stood before the couch while Zhou Junqi was sitting up on it. None of them uttered a sound as they all stared intently at the freshly grown flesh from Zhou Junqi¡¯s arm.

    Ning Xiaoyao walked up to take a look, before eximing in ¡°shock¡±, ¡°Oh wow, a new arm really grew out!¡±

    ¡°Howe I see flesh growing?¡± Xu Feiyu voiced his suspicion. ¡°Arm is flesh, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°Looks like it works. Now it only needs time to slowly grow.¡±

    Although the three men were all people who had led armies to fight in battles, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words were able to terrify them. What the hell is ¡°slowly grow¡±? This isn¡¯t vegetable or pigs, ah! Slowly grow?!

    ¡°You hungry?¡± Ning Xiaoyao abruptly asked, ¡°Let¡¯s go eat.¡± Suddenly, she recalled that she had missed out on dinner because she had been too busy rolling around the bedsheets.

    Xu Feiyu and Zhou Junqi both shook their heads. Who is in the mood to eat now? How did His Majesty grow up to be so carefree?

    ¡°What about you, Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to Lou Zigui, ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a meal before you leave?¡±

    Looking at Miss Ning¡¯s expectant face, Lou Zigui automatically interpreted this as she was reluctant to part with him. Since Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t on close terms with Zhou Junqi, he naturally wouldn¡¯t want to apany this guy here while his arm grew. Thus, Supreme Commander Lou slightly nodded his head. ¡°This subject shall apany Your Majesty for a meal.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was overjoyed. First Young Master Zhou suddenly had a feeling that his arm wasn¡¯t nearly as important as a meal to His Majesty.

    The two left the side chamber and settled down at the round table in the main hall. Ning Xiaoyao thought Lou Zigui would be curious about First Young Master Zhou¡¯s arm, but Supreme Commander Lou never once mentioned about this during the meal.

    So he really doesn¡¯t care? Holding the dessert box, Ning Xiaoyao thought to herself as she secretly observed Lou Zigui.

    The servants began to clean out all of the tableware. What? Leftovers? With His Majesty Ning here, how could there still be leftover food?

    Lou Zigui remained in his seat for a cup of tea. Finally, there was news from the side chamber that Zhou Junqi¡¯s arm had revivedpletely.

    Before Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui could head to the side chamber, Zhou Junqi and Xu Feiyu had already arrived at the main hall. Ning Xiaoyao tugged on Zhou Junqi¡¯s newly grown arm to check. ¡°It¡¯s grown well. How are you feeling, Big Bro Zhou?¡±

    Zhou Junqi was still lost in a daze. He felt as if the world before his eyes wasn¡¯t real at all. ¡°Try moving it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged.

    Zhou Junqi still stood there, dumbfounded. Lou Zigui reached out his hand to touch. This is truly a real arm. It¡¯s not a fake.

    ¡°Hey, hey, Big Bro Zhou?¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand in front of Zhou Junqi.

    Her waving woke Zhou Junqi from this stupor. Instinctively, he clenched his hand upon hearing Ning Xiaoyao say ¡°try moving¡±.

    Ning Xiaoyao inwardly nodded when she saw that the motor nerves were functioning normally. While the strength of this arm couldn¡¯tpare to that of a normal person, it would improve with each passing day. First Young Master Zhou¡¯s arm was fine now.

    ¡°The miracle doctor, he,...¡± Since Xu Feiyu had seen Zhou Junqi¡¯s arm recover with his very own eyes, his reality had taken an astronomical blow. He stared at Ning Xiaoyao and stammered, ¡°He¡¯s really a miracle doctor, t-this subject...¡±

    ¡°It was primarily the medicine, hahahah.¡± After a long struggle, Empress¡¯s true love still couldn¡¯t finish his line. Ning Xiaoyao could onlyughed, ¡°Now, you can do what you wanna do, Big Bro Zhou! This is great!¡±

    Lou Zigui swept a quick nce at Ning Xiaoyao. Are you encouraging Zhou Junqi to return to the Zhou army and fight Xu Feiyu for military power? Looks like this girl won¡¯t show any mercy at times of action. (Author: Hey hey Supreme Commander, don¡¯t be like that...)

 Chapter 328: Xiaoyao, goodbye for now

    <h4>Chapter 328: Xiaoyao, goodbye for now</h4>

    ¡°Earlier, even I thought the master was joking with me.¡± Lou Zigui looked at Zhou Junqi¡¯s newly grown arm and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s unexpected that he truly possesses a pill that could regrow limbs. However, he mentioned that these pills are limited in number. Your Majesty, how many of them does he have left?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips at this sudden and unrehearsed scene. Should she make it lengthy or keep it brief?

    Lou Zigui looked inquisitively at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dropped her head and reviewed her little body. If she talked big now, it would be the same as creating more difficulties for herself. ¡°Very few. There are only several pills left. That there, my master¡¯s wife actually took two away as well.¡±

    Lou Zigui: ... There¡¯s even a master¡¯s wife now?

    First Young Master Zhou and General Xu: ... There are really very few, ah.

    ¡°Your Majesty has high expectations for First Young Master. I hope First Young Master will not disappoint the imperial favor.¡± Lou Zigui said to Zhou Junqi.

    Zhou Junqi exercised his new arm a little. Then, he turned to Ning Xiaoyao and knelt down to press his forehead to the ground. While the medicine came from His Majesty¡¯s master, the master wouldn¡¯t have revived his arm if it wasn¡¯t for His Majesty.

    ¡°No need, no need to be so polite.¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped from the side and repeatedly waved her arms at Zhou Junqi. ¡°I mean, it waspensation, ah.¡±

    Zhou Junqi said, ¡°This peasant is ashamed to face Your Majesty.¡± His Majesty is a kind-hearted ruler. His little sister... ai... First Young Master Zhou was unable tell who was right and who was wrong. He could only me the quirk of fate for ying tricks on people.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®peasant¡¯ me. Your official title has been restored.¡± Ning Xiaoyao announced, ¡°Big Bro Zhou, from now on, you and General Xu can be partners. You guys must be well prepared to engage in a war with the rebel forces at any time.¡±

    Zhou Junqi and Xu Feiyu quickly chorused their assent, ¡°This subject epts the decree.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great. Go back now.¡± Ning Xiaoyao beamed, ¡°Go back and reunite with your wife and sister. I won¡¯t keep you guys. And if youe across Grand Preceptor Xie, kill him immediately. Our motto is to keep no cmity around.¡±

    The two hurriedly epted the decree again.

    Ning Xiaoyao gave Zhou Junqi a rather stic cloth ball and instructed, ¡°You can train your arm with this. For the next month, y with it whenever you have free time. A monthter, Big Bro Zhou, you¡¯ll be able to pick up martial art training again. Fighting~¡±

    Zhou Junqi blushed. He felt unworthy to face Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. If this guy knew that she had dyed* his little sister for the past few years, he might just want to bite her to death.

    When Xu Feiyu reached the pce gates, he saw the silver that Ning Xiaoyao had provided for the Zhou n army. Although it wasn¡¯t as much as the provision for the Destruction Prisoner Army, the silver still filled up five horse carriages. General Xu closed his eyes in contemtion. In reciprocation for such a favor from His Majesty, all he could give was his loyalty and his very life.

    ¡°Grandmaster, you should return as well.¡± After bidding farewells to the empress¡¯s big brother and true love, Ning Xiaoyao stood before Grandmaster Kumu with a not-too-friendly expression. ¡°I won¡¯t see you off.¡±

    Grandmaster Kumu replied, ¡°Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress Dowager is still your birth mother. There are some things Your Majesty should keep in mind.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t seem to mind. ¡°Whether Empress Dowager bes a nun or not, it won¡¯t affect her quality of life. In any case, it¡¯s impossible to find her a man. Am I right, Grandmaster?¡±

    Grandmaster Kumu: ... Is this still human speech?

    Lou Zigui timely shot an icy nce over. ¡°Grandmaster still has business?¡±

    Grandmaster Kumu could only take his leave. These two are no honorable people!

    Ning Xiaoyao watched as Grandmaster Kumu left with Shadowbolt. She was still confused that she asked Lou Zigui, ¡°Just now, Grandmaster looked at me with a very conflicting expression. Did I say something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t think too much about matters concerning Empress Dowager.¡± Since no one was around, Lou Zigui gently pinched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Be good and wait for me in the capital. I will try my best to return quickly, okay?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pouted. Why on earth would she care about Empress Dowager? As if she and Empress Dowager hadn¡¯t tormented each other enough.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, you¡¯re not very good at sweet nothings.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Sweet nothings?¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t help but feel mentally exhausted again. He was discussing serious business, but this young miss was actually hoping for sweet nothings? If they really had the time for sweet nothings, they might as well start rolling around the sheet again, ah! (Author: Supreme Commander, you¡¯ve been corrupted...)

    ¡°You should say something like this. Be good and think of me while you wait here in the capital. If you don¡¯t, I will...¡± Ning Xiaoyao stopped mid-way.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°What should I do then?¡±

    ¡°You should give His Majesty some respect,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke in a serious manner, ¡°I¡¯m the emperor.¡±

    Lou Zigui bursted out a pfftugh.

    ¡°Don¡¯tugh, be serious.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chubby face clearly showed some displeasure. Is it so funny to show the emperor some respect?

    ¡°If you don¡¯t behave,¡± Lou Zigui pressed his lips to her ear and murmured, ¡°Then I¡¯ll spank your butt when I return.¡±

    Butt...

    Ning Xiaoyao stared woodenly at Lou Zigui. Is this sweet nothings or just some kid joke?

    ¡°Unsatisfied?¡± Supreme Commander Lou seemed to be in an even better mood when he saw Miss Ning¡¯s expressionless face.

    So this is an example where one tends to bully the girl he likes? Ning Xiaoyao expressionlessly thought to herself. Supreme Commander Lou actually has such a childish side to himself. It¡¯s tiring to her heart. (Author: You¡¯re both mentally worn out now. Can it ever get better?)

    ¡°Right, how do you n on dealing with the princes?¡± Lou Zigui steered back to business after some ¡°sweet nothings¡±.

    ¡°Everybody is a grown adult now, they can find themselves a job.¡± Ning Xiaoyao never took the princes seriously. The most tiring job in the world was already taken by her, what else did those so-called brothers want, ah?

    ¡°What kind of jobs can they do?¡± ask Lou Zigui.

    ¡°How should I know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m not their daddy!¡±

    Lou Zigui... You¡¯re not their daddy, but you¡¯re the head of the family, ah.

    ¡°I can¡¯t make their life decisions for them.¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look outside the main hall. She recognized Deng Rong and the others¡¯ footsteps.

    ¡°This can wait until I return.¡± Lou Zigui suggested, ¡°You can also discuss this with Elder Li and the other officials.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She was afraid of Elder Li, but in times of need, she would still seek him for decisions despite the risk of being scolded.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Fang Tang¡¯s voice rang from outside the main hall¡¯s gates. Lou Zigui briefly pulled Ning Xiaoyao in a tight embrace, whispering, ¡°Wait for my return, okay?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao knew that Supreme Commander Lou truly had to leave now. Her mood instantly plummeted as she could only let out a muffled assent.

    Dropping a kiss on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hair, Lou Zigui loosened his embrace and took a few steps back. After he stood away from his girl at the distance suitable for a ruler and a subject, Lou Zigui motioned Ning Xiaoyao to call Fang Tang and the rest in.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Ning Xiaoyao ordered.

    The generals of the ck Frost Cavalry entered the main hall altogether. In preparation for the long trip ahead, the generals were dressed in martial robes instead of heavy armors. Since they were all men of the northern region, they possessed the typical tall and sturdy build. Now that all of them were standing together in front of Ning Xiaoyao, it made her appear shorter than usual.

    ¡°No need for obeisance.¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled whenever people bowed at her. She waved in dismissal at the generals who were about to pay obeisance. ¡°My apology for making you guys make such a pointless trip here.¡±

    The ck Frost Cavalry generals: ... Is His Majesty really apologetic, or is he scolding them?

    ¡°After you guys get back to Anyuan, make sure you listen to Supreme Commander.¡± Ning Xiaoyao instructed, ¡°Work hard at your job and don¡¯tze around. Since I have money now, I¡¯ll definitely raise your wages.¡±

    The generals exchanged nces amongst themselves before turning to their Supreme Commander in unison. A wage increase is a good thing, but why does His Majesty make this sound so awkward?

    Lou Zigui cleared his throat, ¡°Your Majesty, us subjects shall take our leave then.¡± He certainly couldn¡¯t count on Miss Ning to admonish subordinates. They should just leave now.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Alrighty, I¡¯ll see you guys off until you are outside the capital.¡±

    The generals looked at Lou Zigui. His Majesty wanted to see them off outside the capital? It¡¯s not like they are departing for a war!

    Lou Zigui ignored them and strode out of the main hall. Just outside the capital was nothing. If possible, he truly wanted to bring Miss Ning to Anyuan with him!

    Outside the imperial pce entrance, forty to fifty horse carriages were well-prepared with goods and covered by waterproof felt cloth. The generals already knew that His Majesty was going to provide them with a huge amount of military money. However, they were still shocked upon seeing so many horse carriages. In fact, the horse carriages took up half the street in front of the pce. These things aren''t just some tribute flower vases or brocade useless to military men, these are all real gold and silver, ah!

    While Lou Zigui inspected the preparation for the carriages, Ning Xiaoyao walked over to Song Jin and immediately caught sight of the ck y jar fastened to the saddle on his horse. ¡°What is this?¡±

    Song Jin whispered, ¡°Song Xu¡¯s ashes.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was dumbfounded and unable to continue the conversation.

    ¡°Supreme Commander returned his ashes to me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression was awkward. ¡°I already told him to let it go.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Song Jin gazed at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Song Xu deserved his death.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the ck y jar at the saddle. If you are putting it so heartlessly, why are you still taking your big brother¡¯s ashes with you?

    ¡°My fifth sister-inw and nephew must have passed on as well.¡± Song Jin softly whispered.

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily raised her head to check on Song Jin.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan set his eyes on him because of me.¡± Song Jin gave a wretched smile.¡±In a way, it was me who caused his death.¡±

    ¡°If you put it that way,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palm, her head was starting to sweat. ¡°This wouldn¡¯t have happened if I didn¡¯t cause this war. Maybe it was me who push Song Xu to death?¡± All of a sudden, Ning Xiaoyao felt like a heavy sinner.

    ¡°Your Majesty isn¡¯t wrong.¡± Song Jin hurriedly countered, ¡°It¡¯s that old fogey Xie Wenyuan who deserves death!¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dropped her head.

    ¡°The traitor must die,¡± Song Jin said in a repressed voice, ¡°This is the rule of our ck Frost Cavalry. Supreme Commander has already done me a big favor by allowing me to bring Song Xu¡¯s ashes back to our hometown. Your Majesty shouldn¡¯t feel bad.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave a weak assent. He¡¯s already died. What¡¯s the point of bringing his ashes back to his hometown? There are some things in this world that she would never understand for the rest of her life.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice rang out from behind. Ning Xiaoyao quickly turned around.

    ¡°This subject shall take his leave now.¡± Lou Zigui informed. ¡°Alright.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head.

    ¡°Get on the horse!¡± a sergeant in the departing troop shouted out loud. All of the military men got on their horses.

    ¡°You must take care,¡± Lou Zigui stood before Ning Xiaoyao and said in a low voice, ¡°Wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, yeah.¡± At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao looked like a very well-behaved little girl.

    Lou Zigui wanted to say something else, like ¡®you must eat properly¡¯. But he knew Miss Ning would never starve herself. This girl would only stuff herself full. He inwardly made a face before saying hisst words to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°No need to go any further, Xiaoyao. Goodbye for now.¡±

    *dy a girl: (ancient time) waste a girl¡¯s best years of youth by preventing her from having a real marriage at the right age.

    Hey guys,

    I''ve been going through some personal issues. After chapter 330, I will be taking a small break (maybe 3-4 days). I have been under a lot of stresstely. Please forgive me. Don''t worry, I will finish the novel. <3. Come back tomorrow for the chapter 329 teaser. (I''m writing this here in case you guys don''t check the announcement posts)

    Also, the new site will be dyed until thising weekend.

 Chapter 329: Donâ€™t you let down the royal grace

    <h4>Chapter 329: Don''t you let down the royal grace</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at Lou Zigui. Sitting up straight underneath the moonlight, his face appeared somewhat blurry. The only thing she could clearly see were Supreme Commander¡¯s thin lips.

    Lou Zigui was also observing Ning Xiaoyao. Miss Ning¡¯s face still looked identical to his first impression of her. Baby fat was visible on her face and she had almond shaped eyes with pouty lips. ¡°Stay safe.¡± Lou Zigui murmured. Without waiting for her reply, he urged his horse and rode off.

    On this summer night, the capital city stood silent in the cool breeze. Although the dry summer heat had dissipated, the crisp chirps of cicada persisted. ¡°Bon Voyage! Come back as soon as you can!¡± Upon hearing the shouting that came from behind him, Lou Zigui turned his head, only to see the tiny silhouette of Miss Ning hopping and waving her hand outside the pce gate.

    Currently, the pce gate was brightly lit. There were many Elite Imperial Guards and Dragon Guards standing around. However, the only thing that matter to Lou Zigui was the hopping silhouette. ¡°This subject obeys the decree!¡± Lou Zigui shouted in response.

    Ning Xiaoyao remained at the pce gate until Lou Zigui had ridden far into the darkness. Then, she pouted and turned back to her pce.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale followed from behind. He could clearly sense His Majesty¡¯s grief. Ning Xiaoyao turned to look at Shadowgale. ¡°I don''t know what I should work on these next few days. Windy, have you seen Fifth Young Miss?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head. They were at war! How could he have had the time to be visiting anyone?

    ¡°Sigh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed a bunch of flowers from the flower bed next to her. ¡°The weather is pretty good tonight. You should go see her. It¡¯s time to fetch Er Ya and Xiaoqiu.¡±

    Shadowgale definitely wouldn¡¯t go if Fifth Young Miss was the sole reason. He would never ce his private emotions above public duty. However, he couldn¡¯t decline if it was to fetch Er Ya and Xiaoqiu. Since Xie Duoying was with the children right now, he could still see her. Ning Xiaoyao was really clever with her tricks.

    Shadowgale obediently obeyed themand, but was still worried about leaving His Majesty in this state. ¡°Your Majesty, regarding Supreme Commander...¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s afraid the Grand Preceptor would go to the Northern Hu. So he has decided to return to Anyuan.¡± Ning Xiaoyao gravely exined.

    ¡°Then how should wey out the defence around the capital?¡±

    In the past, Xie Wenyuan had always been the one in control of the soldiers around the capital. Now that he had fled and some of the rebel forces had been captured, how should they set up the defence? Lou Zigui was gone. So who should be the one responsible now?

    Ning Xiaoyao was dumbfounded. Oh yeah. Now that the war is over, how should she set up the defences around the capital? She doesn¡¯t know how to do it!

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowthunder shouted and ran towards her. ¡°Lord Protector and Extremely Powerful and Mighty Great General Xu Jing seeks your presence.¡±

    Ai ma. Ning Xiaoyao heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°So long as Lord Protector and the rest are around, we don¡¯t need to rely on Supreme Commander. Which general doesn¡¯t know how to line their troops for battle and organize defence?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was instantly relieved of all her troubles.

    Deep down, Shadowgale knew Lou Zigui must have instructed these two figures toe. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have arrived at the imperial pce in the middle of the night.

    ¡°Second Thunder, please invite Lord Protector and Great General Xu in.¡± Ning Xiaoyao puffed her chest up. ¡°There are things to be done. It¡¯s what Lou Zigui has left them to do.¡± Ning Xiaoyao touched her chest and didn¡¯t seem to feel as dejected.

    So, Shadowgale left the pce to pick up the children while Shadowthunder ran over to invite Lord Protector and Xu Jing in.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood by herself as she look down at the fat ck round silhouette at her feet. ¡°Don''t be like this. In any case, you''re the cat leader of the capital. How could you call yourself a boss if you show your tears to your underlings?¡±

    ¡°This cat is not crying!¡± Big Boss ck snapped.

    ¡°Tsk¡± Ning Xiaoyao smacked her lips together and gave Big ck Boss a gentle kick. ¡°Yeah right. Are those salivaing out of your eyes then? Stop being sad already. It¡¯s not possible between you and Supreme Commander. Just give up.¡±

    ¡°Miaow!¡± Big Boss ck ferociously scratched Ning Xiaoyao before he drilled himself into the bushes by the roadside and disappeared.

    ¡°I''m still sad, but I ain¡¯t crying.¡± Ning Xiaoyao mumbled while cing her hands behind her back. She slowly swayed back into Supreme Splendor Hall. ¡°It''s not like I won''t get to see him again. Supreme Commander said that he will return shortly, so why should I be sad?¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued muttering under her breath. By the time she was inside Supreme Splendor Hall, she was in a great mood again. Ning Xiaoyao cheerfully requested Chef Huang to make her some midnight snack.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you just had dinner though!¡± Chef Huang stared at Ning Xiaoyao''s stomach. How could such a small tummy fit so much food?

    ¡°When I found out Supreme Commander was leaving tonight, my mood turned foul. I barely ate, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao boldly dered. Hearing this, Chef Huang couldn¡¯t refute. Oh well, in any case, His Majesty has divine pills. If he overeats, he could always take a pill. ¡°Your Majesty, would you like some pig arms with soup noodles?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Yeah! I wanna eat meat!¡± Ning Xiaoyao beamed and pped.

    ¡°She definitely doesn¡¯t love Supreme Commander!¡± Big Boss ck angrily snarled to Little White Fatty, ¡°That ninny isn¡¯t sad at all!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up adle and threw it directly out of the kitchen stove window. Why is ck Tubby everywhere?

    Big Boss ck could see something heading his direction and quickly leaped backwards. He avoided the flyingdle and screeched while facing the kitchen, ¡°You ninny! You¡¯re a heartless woman! This cat has misjudged you!¡±

    This time, Ning Xiaoyao threw a wok spat out the window. Big Boss ck finally left with a broken heart.

    ¡°Ao?¡± Little White Fatty ran to the kitchen door and poked its head inside.

    ¡°There¡¯s pork shoulder. Do you want some?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Ao!¡± Little White Fatty bolted next to Ning Xiaoyao with his chubby, round body. ¡°Eat!¡±

    Chef Huang:...

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know pig arms mean pig shoulders!¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at Chef Huang. Chef Huang remained silent. He never said pig arms weren¡¯t pig shoulders ah.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Ning Xiaoyao huffed and puffed, ¡°I¡¯m notcking money now!¡±

    So that¡¯s why you threw out adle and a wok spat? Chef Huang thought. It¡¯s getting harder to understand His Majesty¡¯s train of thought. (Author: No, you just don¡¯t dare to roast this troublemaker (¨s¨Œ¨t)).

    Shadowthunder led Lord Protector and Great General Xu into Supreme Splendor Hall. After he found Ning Xiaoyao, he returned and told the two guests, ¡°His Majesty would like to treat Lord Protector and General Xu to a meal.¡±

    Lord Protector was used to it. He was well aware of His Majesty¡¯s huge appetite. Speaking of which, he still owes His Majesty a meal!?

    However, General Xu couldn¡¯t help but look out the window. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. His Majesty hasn¡¯t eaten until now? Even if His Majesty is super busy, you guys have to urge him to eat and rest!¡±

    Lord Protector and Second Commander made eye contact with each other. They decided to uphold His Majesty¡¯s diligent image so neither of them told Great General Xu the truth. This is probably the nth midnight snack His Majesty is having.

    ¡°Great General Xu! How are you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat in front of the kitchen table. She smiled at Xu Jung with her oily mouth. ¡°Would you like some meat? It is very savoury!¡±

    ¡°Ohhh, pork shoulder ah!¡± Lord Protector sat down with no hesitation. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject would like a bowl.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good!¡± Ning Xiaoyao acknowledged Lord Protector then asked Shadowthunder, ¡°Second Thunder, would you also like a bowl?¡±

    Shadowthunder nodded. He had been running around the entire night. He was starving.

    ¡°Okie!¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to Chef Huang and announced, ¡°Prepared three more bowls of pork shoulder noodles!¡± Chef Huang was hard at work and sweating profusely. He didn¡¯t bother turning around to ask. ¡°Would you like green vegetables included?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Ning Xiaoyao, Lord Protector and Shadowthunder simultaneously responded.

    ¡°How about yourself, Great General? Would you like some veggies?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Xu Jing enthusiastically. His Majesty was very different from Great General Xu¡¯s imagination.

    Meanwhile, at the north city gates, Elder Li and the other imperial officials were sending off Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Thank you, Elder.¡± Lou Zigui got off his horse and wanted to bow to Elder Li. However, Elder Li grabbed his arm to stop him. ¡°The security of Anyuan¡¯s six provinces will depend on you, Supreme Commander. Please take care and do not let down the royal grace.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this subject understands.¡± Lou Zigui nodded and was acting like an obedient disciple. Lou Zigui¡¯s humble and sincere attitude made it difficult for Elder Li to say any harsh words.

    At this moment, several servants from Lord Protector¡¯s estate came out with good wine. Pei Yan spoke in his bright voice, ¡°Supreme Commander, after drinking this cup, we hope you will have a pleasant journey.¡±

    Elder Li was the first to select a cup from the tray. Then, it was Lou Zigui¡¯s turn. After that, one by one, everyone else took a cup.

    After facing everyone and drinking three cups, Pei Yan took Lou Zigui aside and whispered, ¡°You seriously didn¡¯t get rid of Empress Dowager?¡±

    Lou Zigui gave Second Young Master Pei a look and grinned, ¡°Wow, you¡¯re quite ruthless.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that best for His Majesty?¡± Pei Yan muttered. Lou Zigui continued speaking in a low voice while watching Song Jin converse with Elder Li. ¡°His Majesty is busy with reiming all the imperial nsmen¡¯s assets and privileges right now. If Empress Dowager were to die now, he would have to prepare a national funeral to show his virtue. His Majesty would also have to give the entire country a general pardon. This means, all prisoners would be released for the time being. Wouldn¡¯t that stall the reiming process?¡±

    Pei Yan furrowed his brows, ¡°In your opinion, reiming assets and privileges is more important than getting rid of Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°Xie n has already copsed. What could a woman like Empress Dowager do on her own?¡± Lou Zigui icilyughed, ¡°Empress Dowager has already turned into a Buddhist nun. I highly doubt she will be able to cause any trouble for us any time soon.¡±

    Pei Yan was surprised. ¡°What? When did this happen?¡±

    ¡°Very recently.¡±

    ¡°Does His Majesty know you forced Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t ask for the specifics so I didn¡¯t exin in detail. His Majesty doesn¡¯t like to see Empress Dowager. So in my opinion, His Majesty probably doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    Pei Yan had nothing to say.

    ¡°Sorry for troubling you with the military affairs, brother. Elder Li tend to be quite old-fashioned. His Majesty is also too kind. So, there are some things you ought to do.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, what are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°Those I have sent to justice court prisons should not remain alive.¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice. Both of Pei Yai¡¯s eyes twitched.

    ¡°I''m requesting this of you,¡± Lou Zigui gave Pei Yan a courtesy bow. Pei Yan shifted his body. Lou Zigui¡¯s bow was too much for him to ept.

    ¡°His Majesty has treated Lord Protector¡¯s estate with favour and kindness. Supreme Commander, there is no need to worry about us brothers for not doing our best. You are overly sensitive.¡±

    Lou Zigui knew good words would nevere out of Pei Yan¡¯s mouth. So he only smiled and repeated, ¡°I''m requesting this of you.¡±

    ¡°You should be the one not to let down the royal grace. When you get to Anyuan, you will be entering a tiger forest.¡± Pei Yan reminded behind him.

    Lou Zigui halted his steps for a second before rushing to his warhorse, Little Red. He flipped himself over the horse. Let down the royal grace? Even if he lets down his imperial duties, he would never let down Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feelings for him.

 Chapter 330: Ning Yu, you will be dethroned

    <h4>Chapter 330: Ning Yu, you will be dethroned</h4>

    On the night of Lou Zigui¡¯s departure from the capital, Ning Xiaoyao was still eating pork shoulder noodles with Lord Protector, Great General Xu Jing and Shadowthunder. At this moment, the justice court prisons was aze; more than twenty of the imprisoned criminals had burned to death.

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard the news, she was so shocked that she dropped the chopsticks in her hand. ¡°How did it manage to catch fire?¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from the long bench she was sitting on.

    The one who delivered the news, Shadowrain, had confusion written all over his face. ¡°I...I don¡¯t know ah,¡± Shadowrain shook his head. ¡°The people from the justice court prisons said that the fire just started all of a sudden.¡±

    ¡°Is the prison haunted ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao scowled, If no one started the fire, how could the prison catch fire on its own? Is this a joke?!

    ¡°Then?¡± Shadowrain looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to look down at the noodles that had already been devoured by her. However, there was still quite a fair bit of broth left in the huge bowl in front of her. Ning Xiaoyao lifted the bowl that was bigger than her face and gulped down the remaining broth.

    Great General Xu thought that Ning Xiaoyao was rather openhearted. More than twenty military criminals have died, yet this person still had the heart to finish the broth.

    Lord Protector anxiously asked, ¡°Could this be the doing of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s remaining supporters?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao put the empty bowl down on the table and muttered, ¡°At this point, they should be more concerned with hiding themselves. How would they still be in the mood to set people on fire?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps they¡¯re afraid that these prisoners will reveal information about Xie Wenyuan?¡± suggested Lord Protector.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor has already raised a rebellion, what¡¯s it to him if we found him guilty of a few more crimes?¡± Ning Xiaoyao crinkled her brows.

    Lord Protector rapped his forehead. His Majesty has a point. There¡¯s no reason for Xie Wenyuan¡¯s remaining supporters to do this.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the justice courts to take a look,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her mouth and told Lord Protector and Great General Xu, ¡°I¡¯ll leave the defense strategies to you both. I won¡¯t voice an opinion. My only condition is that the army must be able to protect themon people. When Big Boss Xiang attacks, they better not be helpless.¡±

    Lord Protector patted his chest and vouched, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Majesty! This subject will wholeheartedly see to the arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Mhmm,¡± Ning Xioayao nodded her head and then turned to Great General Xu, ¡°Great General, if you¡¯ve not yet eaten your fill, then have a few more bowls. There¡¯s certainly enough noodles, I have enough money.¡±

    After dering once more that she had enough money, Ning Xiaoyao left with Shadowrain, who had finished eating two bowls of the pork shoulder noodles consecutively.

    Little White Fatty didn¡¯t follow after Ning Xiaoyao. Biting onto the empty bowl, Little White Fatty ran to Chef Huang¡¯s feet and cried, ¡°Awoo, awoo.¡±

    Although Chef Huang himself was a fatty, that didn¡¯t mean he approved of how fat Little White Fatty was bing. If this dog, ah no, this snow wolf that His Majesty is raising continues to eat so much, will it end up bing a pig?

    ¡°Little White Fatty, you can¡¯t eat anymore,¡± Lord Protector scolded.

    ¡°Awoo~¡± Little White Fatty looked at Chef Huang and wagged his tail. ¡°Ai,¡± Lord Protector wanted to pick up Little White Fatty. Why isn¡¯t this little fat dog listening?

    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t bother about this dog,¡± Xu Jing tapped the table as he spoke to Lord Protector. Once again, Little White Fatty felt aggrieved. He is a snow wolf....

    Xu Jing asked Lord Protector, ¡°Who is Big Boss Xiang?¡±

    ¡°Xiang Nong ah, you didn¡¯t know?¡± The corner of Great General Xu¡¯s mouth twitched. Who in the world calls a bandit like him, big boss ah?

    ¡°What are general¡¯s thoughts on the defense strategy?¡± Lord Protector pushed away the empty bowl in front of him and immediately got down to business.

    ¡°You want to talk about this here?¡±

    ¡°Where would you discuss it then?¡± Lord Protector smiled. He thought that this general wasn¡¯t good at discerning the situation. You¡¯ve already been invited to sit in Supreme Splendor Hall, what more do you want?

    Xu Jing didn¡¯t think much of it, so he replied, ¡°Previously, His Majesty promised me after the war, he would give me more capital army barracks. I can have another ....¡±

    ¡°His Majesty may want to give it to you, but general, aren¡¯t you embarrassed to take it? Don¡¯t take advantage of His Majesty just because he¡¯s little.¡± Lord Protector interrupted.

    Xu Jing couldn¡¯t continue the conversation. Does he dare bully His Majesty?

    Chef Huang left with Little White Fatty in his arms. Since he was merely a kitchen staff, it was best he withdrew while both Excellencies were having a political discussion.

    Shadowbolt was responsible of keeping watch while Lord Protector and Great General Xu were having a discussion in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao had rushed off to the justice courts with Shadowthunder and Shadowrain. On her way there, she turned to the Shadow Commanders as well as the Dragon Guards behind her. ¡°Even if you beat me to death, there¡¯s no way I¡¯d believe this was simply an ident!¡±

    ¡°This is just an ident,¡± Pei Yan only had one sentence for Ning Xiaoyao when her group arrived at the justice courts.

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    The Dragon Guards: ...

    So, does His Majesty believe it or not?

    ¡°It¡¯s really just an ident,¡± Pei Yan led Ning Xiaoyao into the justice courts. The fire in the prisons hadn¡¯t been fully extinguished yet, but the office of the justice courts was safe.

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao popped a sugar bean into her mouth to calm herself down. ¡°Second Young Master, tell me, how did this ident ur?¡±

    ¡°One of the prisoners broke free of his shackles in the torture chamber. While he was attempting to escape, he knocked over one of themps on the table. At the time, there happened to be a few barrels of tung oil in the torture chamber...¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute, why are there barrels of tung oil in the torture chamber? Don¡¯t tell me there are people cooking in the torture chamber?¡±

    Pei Yan smiled and asked, ¡°Has Your Majesty heard of the mourning clothes interrogation?¡±

    ¡°Nope, what kind of contraption is this?¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a contraption. Tung oil is first applied onto the prisoner¡¯s skin. Then the prisoner is covered with a sack. When the tung oil dries, the sack is torn off, ripping off all the skin on the prisoner¡¯s body.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was quiet. What sort of person devised such a despicable method ah?! Is there such a cruel person?!

    ¡°This torture method is also included in the torture bureau.¡± Pei Yan looked at Ning Xiaoyao andughed.

    ¡°Don¡¯tugh. Hearing you talk about this makes me want to vomit.¡± Ning Xiaoyao grumbled.

    Pei Yan..... Did he say something that disgusting?

    ¡°They¡¯re all dead? Not even one prisoner was rescued?¡±

    ¡°No, some of the wardens even got injured.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned her head to look up at the red sky above the prisons. ¡°The fire hasn¡¯t been extinguished yet. Second Young Master, you didn¡¯t even go in to take a look, how do you know what the situation is?¡±

    ¡°The wardens who got out said so. A few of them said the same thing. This subject thinks the information should be reliable.¡±

    ¡°If... If they got out, howe none of the prisoners escaped the fire?¡±

    Pei Yan had always been patient with Ning Xiaoyao. So, even when Ning Xiaoyao asked this extremely stupid question, he calmly answered, ¡°Your Majesty, the prisoners were all locked up. How could they have gotten out?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the wardens release them when the fire broke out?¡±

    ¡°They hardly had enough time to save themselves. Why would they still care about the lives of these rebels?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao touched her small, upright nose. This person had a point. She didn¡¯t know what else to say.

    ¡°His Excellency Elder Li is currently talking to the Minister of the justice courts. Your Majesty,e with this subject then,¡± Pei Yan headed inside.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood still. Old Gramps is here as well?

    Pei Yan saw that Ning Xiaoyao had stopped moving. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Although this is an ident, the dead cannot be resurrected,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s little chubby face stiffened, ¡°Even if I stayed here, I can¡¯t solve anything. Second Young Master, just pretend I never showed up.¡±

    Pei Yan¡¯s finger pointed ahead. Ning Xiaoyao looked up and saw that there were quite a number of constables standing in front of the courtyard entrance nearby. More importantly, she could hear Old Gramps Li¡¯s voiceing out from inside the courtyard. ¡°Goodbye,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to leave.

    ¡°What impudence!¡± the sound of Elder Li¡¯s angry voice sounded out from the courtyard.

    Seeing that Old Gramps was in a bad mood, Ning Xiaoyao ran away even faster.

    Pei Yan didn¡¯t stop Ning Xiaoyao from running. He didn¡¯t want Ning Xiaoyao to be involved in the matter anyway. But when he saw that two yamen runners carrying out someone were about to walk right into Ning Xiaoyao, he quickly rushed towards her.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the person being carried away by the two yemen runners and let out a gasp.

    Shadowthunder eximed, ¡°This person skin has been burnt ck, yet he¡¯s still alive?¡±

    The two yamen runners didn¡¯t think that they would¡¯ve bumped into His Majesty and wanted to bow down in greeting, but couldn¡¯t because they were carrying someone. In the midst of their panic and confusion, they heard Shadownrain¡¯s question and one of them answered, ¡°This prisoner is barely alive, this humble one is carrying him to see His Excellency Minister and His Excellency Elder.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out her hand to touch this man¡¯s severely burnt face and asked, ¡°Is he one of the generals imprisoned?¡±

    Both the yamen runners nodded, unable to speak due to their nervousness.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± By now, Pei Yan had reached Ning Xiaoyao and pull her backwards. ¡°Your Majesty need not to pay attention to this prisoner. Looking at this sort of person will only sully your eyes.¡±

    The prisoner¡¯s clothing had beenpletely burnt off, his body was covered inrge burns. Ning Xiaoyao frowned and asked, ¡°Who cares about sullying what eyes ah, save him if you can.¡±

    At this point, the prisoner had regained consciousness. Before he opened his eyes, he heard someone shout out ¡°Your Majesty¡±. He quickly opened his eyes, his first nce resting on Ning Xioayao¡¯s small body.

    When two yamen runners realized the half-alive prisoner had opened his eyes, they were shocked to the point of almost dropping him onto the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao moved to the front of the prisoner. She had just healed Elder Young Master Zhou¡¯s injuries, so, right now her healing abilities were limited and could only help preserve his life. ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked with concern, ¡°How do you feel now ah?¡±

    The prisoner looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Due to serious burns on his face, he didn¡¯t look human anymore. Naturally, it was impossible to read his facial expression.

    ¡°He¡¯s so fierce,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered to Pei Yan, ¡°Does he want to bite me to death? He hates me because I captured and locked him up?¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you taking this prisoner away?¡± Pei Yan coldly reprimanded the two yamen runners carrying the prisoner. The two yamen runners looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Without His Majesty¡¯s permission, how would they dare to leave?

    ¡°He¡¯s already in this condition, Second Young Master, don¡¯t lose your temper with him ah.¡± At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao pulled Pei Yan behind her. This prisoner seemed to want to bite her to death and Second Young Master Pei wanted to kill this prisoner.

    ¡°Ning...Ning Yu,¡± the prisoner suddenly opened his mouth to speak.

    The yamen runners¡¯ hands trembled. If not for Shadowthunder who supported the prisoner on one side, the prisoner would¡¯ve been thrown onto the ground by them.

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard the prisoner talk, she felt a little happy. His throat was injured by the fire, but he could still speak. This means his body has taken a turn for the better. In her heart, she was jumping for joy. Her healing ability has improved ah!

    ¡°Ning Yu,¡± the prisoner glowered at Ning Xiaoyao with his bloodshot eyes that almost seemed pop out. He spoke a single sentence, enunciating each word, ¡°You will be dethroned. You will definitely die a horrible death.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao (¡Ñ£ß¡Ñ£»). What did she do? Why is this prisoner cursing her ah?!

    To my dear readers,

    I will be taking a short break now. I''ll be back next Monday. I''ve been going through a lot of mental stress. I found out one of my friends is in the hospital for self harm. I don''t know what he did to himself but he won''t take any visitors right now. These days, I just feel like crying for no reason. I think I am having a mental breakdown so I really need to rest a bit. Don''t worry, I''ll be back. <3.

    Thanks for your patience. Perhaps, next chapter will be released on the new site if we go live this weekend. Thank you for all your kind words. I read all thements even though I don''t respond to each one.

    If you want to support UPX and my team, please click here and scroll down to the paypal button on my original blog. Any amount is appreciated. It takes more than 180,000 views/month to earn $100. UPX earns around $1.50-2.00 per chapter (but as long as people keep reading on vre, we continue to earn an additional few cents every month per chapter).

    Note: If you have donated to me already, thank you. Please don''t feel obligated.

 Chapter 331: Donâ€™t rush, donâ€™t panic, donâ€™t be thrown into confusion

    <h4>Chapter 331: Don¡¯t rush, don¡¯t panic, don¡¯t be thrown into confusion</h4>

    Pei Yan pulled Ning Xiaoyao behind him. Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was in a confused mess after being cursed. Those next to him were either angry or stunned. Second Young Master Pei looked at the prisoner with an expressionless face, "What do you mean by that? Do you think Xie Wenyuan still has a way topete with His Majesty?¡±

    After the prisoner was finished cursing Ning Xiaoyao After the prisoner finished cursing Ning Xiaoyao that the country would be destroyed, he opened his mouth wide and appeared to have difficulty breathing.

    "Speak," Pei Yin said, "As long as you speak, I''ll get a doctor to see you."

    A ¡°heeeeeer heeeeeer" sound came out of the prisoner¡¯s throat. "You," Pei Yan reached out to touch the prisoner.

    But the prisoner suddenly straightened his body and sprayed a mouthful of blood toward Pei Yan. Pei Yan turned sideways to avoid the spat. He shouted, "Go and get the doctor!"

    Ning Xiaoyao came forward again. With her here, why do they need to get another doctor?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Second Young Master Pei grabbed Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Don¡¯t get so close.¡± The prisoner clearly hated Ning Xiaoyao to the bone. Regardless if the prisoner had the ability to harm Ning Xiaoyao or not, Pei Yan was not going to let Ning Xiaoyao approach the prisoner.

    ¡°Fatuous ruler!¡± The prisoner began to shout curses at Ning Xiaoyao again.

    "Pah!" Ning Xiaoyao spat at the prisoner. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s a fatuous ruler! Your whole family are all fatuous rulers! But then she saw blood gushing out of the prisoner¡¯s mouth.

    "He bit his tongue!" Shadowrain was the first to respond and came over. He rushed forward and opened the prisoner¡¯s mouth by force.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to run forward, but Pei Yan had wrapped his arms around her and lifted her into the air. Now, her feet were dangling off the ground. "I can keep him alive. Let go, let go of me quickly!" Ning Xiaoyao hollered. Without waiting for Pei Yan¡¯s reaction, she broke off from Second Young Master Pei¡¯s grasp and ran to the prisoner.

    At this time, Shadowrain had pried open the prisoner''s mouth. Once the mouth was forced opened, the majority of his tongue fell out.

    "Mother f**ker!" Pei Yan stared at the tongue on the ground and swore at the scene. With so many people watching, the bastard still managed tomit suicide by biting off his tongue!

    "Your Majesty?" All the Dragon Guards stared at Ning Xiaoyao for further instructions. Whether this person will live or die will depend on what His Majesty says, ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao touched the prisoner''s face and shook her head. The man had stopped breathing. She couldn¡¯t save him anymore.

    Since there was such a hugemotion, it was impossible for Elder Li not to hear it in the courtyard. Elder Li came alone and saw the prisoner who was still carried by the yamen runners. Hisplexion changed. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Elder Li made a salute to Ning Xiaoyao.

    "Everyone, withdraw," Pei Yin ordered all the people present at the scene without waiting for Ning Xiaoyao to speak. "Shadowthunder, Shadowrain, take the people back first."

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at them and nodded. Second and Third Shadow Commanders quickly dismissed themselves with the other Dragon Guards. Seeing the two yamen runners were about to carry the corpse away, Pei Yan repeated, "Put the corpse down and withdraw."

    The two yamen runners ced the dead body on the ground, bowed their heads, and retreated.

    "What are you doing before Your Majesty?" Elder Li knitted his brows tightly. He was about to start lecturing Pei Yan. Who gave you the guts to boss people around in front of the emperor?

    "Old Gramps! It¡¯s a dead man!" Ning Xiaoyao absolutely had no interest in what Elder Li wanted to say to Pei Yan. She pointed to the body on the ground and eximed.

    "His burn injury is so severe. This man was bound to die," Elder Li replied, "Your Majesty should not look at corpses."

    "Just now, he cursed His Majesty and said he would vanquish the nation," Pei Yan lowered his voice and repeated the prisoner''s words to Elder Li.

    Ning Xiaoyao crouched beside the prisoner¡¯s corpse. Another one dead. Why is it that the people from this world chooses to die even when they could live? Ning Xiaoyao hugged her head. She was only a minutete, and this person died? Thinking that this was uneptable, Ning Xiaoyao yanked open the prisoner¡¯s mouth again.

    ¡°His Majesty!¡± Elder Li hurriedly shouted at Ning Xiaoyao. Pei Yan was about to drag Ning Xiaoyao away. You are the emperor, not a coroner, ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao showed Elder Li and Pei Yan her blood-stained hands and muttered, "He has poison in his mouth."

    Elder Li and Pei Yan were stunned. Ning Xiaoyao crouched on the ground. "How could he have poison in his mouth? Did someone feed him poison when the prison cell caught fire?¡±

    Everyone was aware that His Majesty was a miracle doctor. Suddenly, Pei Yan bolted out of the corridor.

    "Mm?" Ning Xiaoyao asked Elder Li. ¡°Where the heck is Second Young Master going, ah?¡±

    Elder Li squatted down and took the jade pendant off his belt. There was a small bead of pure silver on the buckle of the jade pendant. Elder Li took the bead and stained it with the blood on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. The bead immediately turned ck.

    Ning Xiaoyao said, "Old Gramps, you don¡¯t believe me?"

    Elder Li directly threw the jade pendant to the ground and seized Ning Xiaoyao''s hands. "Does Your Majesty feel unwell now?" he fearfully asked.

    "Ah?" Ning Xiaoyao understood what Old Gramps was worried about and quickly reassured him. "I''m fine, Old Gramps. Have you forgotten that I''m immune to all kinds of poisons?"

    At that moment, Elder Li felt as if he had gotten a new lease on life! Taking the handkerchief out, Elder Li shakily wiped Ning Xiaoyao''s hands.

    "Old Gramps, don''t touch the blood on my hand, ah! But it doesn''t matter if you touch it. I can detoxify you, ha ha ha."

    "That¡¯s enough!" Elder Li red fiercely at Ning Xiaoyao. You nearly died from someone else¡¯s plot and you can still smile?

    Ning Xiaoyao noticed Elder Li¡¯s change of expression. He¡¯s grumpy when he¡¯s busy.

    At this point, Pei Yan had ran back. His face was grim. "One yamen runner ran away."

    "Whaa?" Ning Xiaoyao asked. Elder Li eximed, "We must catch this assassin!"

    Pei Yan nodded, "I''ve dispatched someone to give chase. I¡¯ve also sent my men to the city gate. He definitely won¡¯t be able to exit the capital."

    Ning Xiaoyao crouched on the ground and used her pea-sized brain to think. The yamen runners brought the prisoners here. Most likely, the poison in his mouth was put in by the runners. Most were aware she had personally came to the justice courts. As for her medical abilities, it was no longer a secret.

    So, whoever that put the highly toxic thing into the prisoner¡¯s mouth knew she was going to try to cure the prisoner. That person wants her life ah!

    "Who? Who did this?!" Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from the ground. They defeated Grand Preceptor with great difficulty. Howe her life was still in danger? Can this even get better?!

    "Don''t rush, Your Majesty," Elder Li stood up slowly and told Pei Yan, "Go and find the coroner. Check if this dead man was a major criminal in the army."

    Pei Yan assented and turned to leave again. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Elder Li in a daze, "This can''t be done by Grand Preceptor, right?"

    Elder Li answered, "Your Majesty, Xie Wenyuan will always be a threat to you as long as he lives."

    Ning Xiaoyao instantly became anxious. She couldn¡¯t continue living at this pace of life, ah!

    "At this time, Your Majesty should not rush, panic or be thrown into confusion," Elder Li looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao chuckled, "Ha ha." She''s about to have a heart attack because of the major criminal. Don¡¯t rush, don¡¯t panic, and don¡¯t be thrown into confusion? If Grand Preceptor appeared in front of her, she would bite that guy to death, ah!

    "Your Majesty, there should be one thing on your mind right now." Elder Li advised.

    "How to kill Grand Preceptor Xie?" asked Ning Xiaoyao. "I think about it every day." Even today, she still hasn¡¯t been able to kill that man.

    "No," said Elder Li, "Why did the criminal say what he did to Your Majesty before he died?"

    "He hated me, ah!" Ning Xiaoyao immediately replied.

    "What grudge can he have against Your Majesty? As a death warrior, he must have had a low status." Elder Li asked Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao couldn''te up with an answer. She hadn''t seen this person before. What grudge could he have against her?

    "This man''s face was burned, but it does not rule out the possibility that Your Majesty might know him," Elder Li added.

    "I have never seen him." Ning Xiaoyao affirmed. She couldn''t see his face clearly. To her, it was like looking at bones. "Then he could not have cursed Your Majesty in anger," Elder Li reasoned.

    "Maybe he wanted to provoke me? He was waiting until I came closer to contact the poison?" Ning Xiaoyao guessed.

    "Your Majesty, you have Dragon Guards around you. Why would you be the one to touch him?" Elder Li shook his head. Ning Xiaoyao spread out her hands. "Well then, I don''t know. Maybe he just doesn¡¯t like me?"

    Elder Li decided not to carry on the conversation. He looked at the corpse on the ground and muttered quietly to himself.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat down on the ground, felt for a sugar bean from her body and threw it into her mouth. Sugar beans can help her de-stress.

    Pei Yan came over with two coroners from the justice courts. Elder Li ordered those two old coroners, ¡°Find out if this man was a general in the army." The two old coroners epted the order and crouched down to do the autopsy.

    "Don''t touch his mouth," Elder Li saw an old coroner trying to open the corpse¡¯s mouth and shouted in a haste. Ning Xiaoyao sat on the ground in a daze. Oh yeah, someone else touched this guy¡¯s mouth just now. Who was it?

    Pei Yan went over to Ning Xiaoyao''s side and heard Ning Xiaoyao grinding her teeth. He hastily asked, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    "Oh my goodness!" Ning Xiaoyao hopped up from the ground and ran across the corridor. "Just now Third Rain touched this man''s mouth! My Third Rain, ah!"

    "Quickly follow His Majesty," Elder Li instantly ordered Pei Yan once he saw Ning Xiaoyao running like a maniac. Pei Yan lifted his legs and chased after Ning Xiaoyao.

    Meanwhile, Shadowrain was standing in front of the prison door. The fire was still burning inside the prison. Although people poured buckets of water on it, it didn¡¯t seem to have any effect on extinguishing the fire.

    "Third Commander," a Dragon Guard member rushed in front of Shadowrain. "I''ve counted the dead bodies. There are twenty-eight in all."

    Twenty-eight major criminals from the army were ced in this prison. Their corpses were all here. Therefore, the man who was brought to His Majesty could not be a major criminal of the army. "Damn it!" Shadowrain opened his mouth and cursed.

    ¡°Third Commander, what are we going to do next?" asked the Dragon Guard. Just as Shadowrain was about to say they had to return to His Majesty, he felt unwell. Suddenly, it was as if all the strength was drained from his body and he fell onto the ground.

    The Dragon Guard and the people around Shadowrain were frightened. They didn¡¯t know how to react. What¡¯s happening to Third Shadow Commander?

    "Third Commander!" The Dragon Guard subconsciously extended his hand to support Shadowrain. In a matter of moments, Shadowrain''s face had turned purplish ck. The Dragon Guard holding Shadowrain shouted in horror, "Someone, call the doctor! Go and call the doctor!"

    The yamen runners of the justice courts dashed out in a hurry. If something bad were to happen to Dragon Guard¡¯s Third Commander here, no one from the justice courts would be spared of punishment.

    Shadowrain coughed and vomited a mouthful of blood on the ground. At this time, Ning Xiaoyao had arrived from running wildly. She could see Shadowrain vomiting blood and her breathing instantly turned sluggish.

    Not far from Shadowrain, two yamen runners saw Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arrival. One of them was about to step forward but was stopped by hispanion. "Don''t panic, let''s see what happens."

    Thank you so much for your patience, my dear readers. I''m still not that well but I''m back! I would like to thank Nuraishah and Ca for their donations to me/my team. Thank you so much. I will split with my newbies! (But those who quit don''t get any. And those who tranted 1 chapter don''t count either.) lol I am saving it in a fund so I can split with those who actually stick around for at least a month. 15 ppl quit/disappeared on me already LOL

    I''m still not feeling too good but chapters are resuming now. Also, not sure when the new site will be released. I thought it was going to be yesterday/the day before. I guess we''ll see. Come back tomorrow for the teaser.

 Chapter 332: Grand Preceptorâ€™s assassins

    <h4>Chapter 332: Grand Preceptor''s assassins</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao dashed to Shadowrain¡¯s side. She lifted her hand and pressed her palm on Shadowrain¡¯s chest.

    The Dragon Guard holding Shadowrain was half-kneeling on the ground. He felt that Shadowrain was about to die any minute and hollered at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, Third Commander was fine momentarily ago but he suddenly became like this.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, Third Rain will be alright.¡± The Dragon Guard immediately closed his mouth. That¡¯s right, with His Majesty around, Third Commander will be alright.

    Shadowrain opened his mouth and spat out another mouthful of blood again. The Dragon Guard immediately became nervous again. He had just convinced himself to calm down.

    ¡°It will be alright.¡± Without waiting for this Dragon Guard to speak, Ning Xiaoyao reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t panic, I¡¯m here.¡±

    Specks of faint green light emerged between Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fingers and entered Shadowrain¡¯s chest. The green specks should have naturally stood out in the dark, but the speed at which the green specks had entered the body was so rapid that no one noticed it.

    Only a bit more than a minute had gone by but it felt incredibly long to Ning Xiaoyao. She had broken out in sweat and her vision was a blur. A mouthful of blood was stuck in her throat. If she had not been forcefully enduring it, she would have vomited.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Behind Ning Xiaoyao, Pei Yan hastily crouched and softly called out to His Majesty when he saw the sweat soaking through the back of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s clothes.

    At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand. Shadowrain¡¯splexion had returned to normal. On the contrary, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s ghastly paleplexion made her look like she had just died.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Pei Yan reached out his hand to support Ning Xiaoyao. As soon as he came in contact with her, his palm becamepletely wet. After he realized that Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s clothes werepletely soaked with sweat, Pei Yan immediately touched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. His hand was drenched with sweat again.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Ning Xiaoyao started to pant heavily. If there¡¯s another poisoned victim, she¡¯ll probably die from exhaustion after saving him.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡± Pei Yan let Ning Xiaoyao lie in his arms.

    ¡°Tired.¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to roll her eyes. In the end, she had no strength and could only continue gasping big mouthfuls of air. ¡°Shadowrain is fine now.¡±

    Shadowrain was still unconscious but he was no longer vomiting blood and colour had returned to his face. Anyone could tell that Third Commander Shadowrain was alright now.

    ¡°S-send him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao could not even catch her breath, ¡°Send Third Rain...¡±

    ¡°Send Shadowrain back to the pce.¡± Pei Yan helped Ning Xiaoyao finish her sentence. The Dragon Guards didn¡¯t dare to let Ning Xiaoyao speak further. They carried Shadowrain and dashed outside.

    ¡°I,¡± Ning Xiaoyao still wanted to speak. ¡°Don¡¯t talk anymore!¡± Pei Yan carried Ning Xiaoyao bridal style and spoke in a very anxious voice, ¡°I¡¯ll send you back to the pce and let an imperial physician take a look at you.¡±

    ¡°No...¡±

    ¡°I told you not to speak anymore!¡± Pei Yan roared this time. The surrounding people were all startled by Pei Yan¡¯s roar. This person dared to roar at His Majesty like this?

    Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth wide to gasp twice. Her hand pointed behind Pei Yan and bellowed, ¡°Seize those two. They¡¯re assassins, ah! Hey!¡±

    The yamen runners were still in a daze. The Dragon Guards rushed over and reacted in lighting speed. They followed the direction of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s finger and zoomed in on the target. Then, they sprinted forward to capture the used.

    The two yamen runners didn¡¯t expect Ning Xiaoyao to point at them and yell that they were assassins. The two didn¡¯t bother resisting when they were cornered. It was two against ten. No matter what, they wouldn¡¯t be able to fight against so many Dragon Guards.

    Pei Yan saw these two yamen runners putting their hands near their mouths and hollered at once, ¡°Don¡¯t let them take the poison!¡±

    A Dragon Guard raised his hand andnded his sword, directly chopping off one of the yamen runner¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Release the arrows!¡± At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao strained her throat to shout at the top of her voice in Pei Yan¡¯s arms. Pei Yan heard the sound of wind from behind his head. He couldn¡¯t turn his body in time and directly dropped to the ground while hugging Ning Xiaoyao. A short arrow flew past the back of Second Young Master Pei¡¯s head.

    Since Ning Xiaoyao was shielded by Pei Yan as they fell to the ground, she wasn¡¯t injured and neither did she swallow any soil. She was extremely anxious about Pei Yan though. Ning Xiaoyao eximed, ¡°Second Young Master, Second Young Master, are you alright?¡±

    Pei Yan¡¯s hand protected Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head while his chest acted as a cushion for Ning Xiaoyao. Currently, Ning Xiaoyao was on top of him. Although Second Master Pei didn¡¯t find Xiaoyao heavy, he felt ufortable to be pressed down. So, he pushed Ning Xiaoyao and grunted, ¡°Get up first.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shifted her buttocks and wanted to stand up. Sadly, she couldn¡¯t hop up no matter how many times she tried. But Ning Xiaoyao was already quite impressed she could still speak in her current condition.

    ¡°Get up!¡± Pei Yan was getting anxious due to Ning Xiaoyao. He still wants to go and catch the assassin who shot the arrow. How is he going to capture him while lying on the ground?

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up very slowly. The moment she stood up, Ning Xiaoyao felt unwell. Hence, she immediately sat back down on the ground. Before she could reach her hand out to check how Pei Yan was faring, Pei Yan shot up from the ground and shouted at the people around him, ¡°Where¡¯s the assassin who shot the arrow?¡±

    ¡°People have gone to chase.¡± The team leader of the yamen runners from the justice courts raised his voice to answer.

    Ning Xiaoyao continued to pant on the ground as she scanned the scene. The open space stood full of people who were in an uproar and she didn¡¯t know what they were busying themselves with. Are they still going to catch the assassins when they¡¯re like this? Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. Let¡¯s forget about it. It¡¯s already pretty good they are still alive. Her hand trembled as she felt for a sugar bean and stuffed it into her mouth. Sheid on the ground. Even if Grand Preceptor appears now, she wouldn¡¯t have the strength to bite him to death.

    Ning Xiaoyaoid down and closed her eyes. Despite her chaotic surroundings, she fell asleep without any care.

    Pei Yan continued to stand next to Ning Xiaoyao. He steadied her and dispatched people to chase after the assassins. By the time he lowered his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao again, Second Young Master Pei was almost frightened out of his wits. Ning Xiaoyao was ashen pale and lying on the ground like a dead person!

    Shadowthunder ran over with a group of Dragon Guards. When he saw His Majesty lying on the ground, Second Commander Shadowthunder had no time to process his thoughts. He immediately knelt beside Ning Xiaoyao and raised his hand to check for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s breathing.

    ¡°How is His Majesty?¡± At this moment, even Second Young Master Pei was speaking gingerly.

    ¡°Still alive.¡± After Shadowthunder finished speaking, he sat on the ground as if he had lost all his strength. Aren¡¯t they supposed to be here to look at the scene of the congration? Instead, it¡¯s as if they¡¯re recklessly risking their lives!

    ¡°Your Majesty¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    ......

    The Dragon Guards shouted simultaneously as they surrounded Ning Xiaoyao. They even squeezed Pei Yan to one side.

    Ning Xiaoyao was asleep but opened her eyes when she heard people yelling around her. ¡°Return to the pce. My head hurts. I-I¡¯ll be fine after I sleep.¡±

    Shadowthunder couldn¡¯t be bothered with anything else at this moment. He carried Ning Xiaoyao and left. The next time Ning Xiaoyao opened her eyes again, she was already lying on the bed in Supreme Splendor Hall.

    Er Ya and Xiao Qiu were half lying at the side of the bed. When they noticed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head shifting, the siblings hurriedly stretched their necks to look at Ning Xiaoyao, their eyes gleaming with tears.

    Since Er Ya and Xiao Qiu are back, that means Shadowgale must have returned as well. Ning Xiaoyao shifted her gaze a little to the side. The person guarding beside her bed was indeed Shadowgale.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale asked softly. Ning Xiaoyao stretched herself and muttered, ¡°Whoops, I survived.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shadowgale patted Xiao Qiu¡¯s head and told Er Ya, ¡°His Majesty is already awake so you two can rx now. You may withdraw first.¡±

    The imperial pce was not a ce where they could act like spoiled children and refuse. Although Er Ya didn¡¯t want to leave, she still obediently took Xiao Qiu with her and left the pce chamber. The siblings only lit up again after they heard Ning Xiaoyao shouting after them. Ning Xiaoyao said she was going to eat with them in a bit. If His Majesty can think of eating, then that must mean His Majesty is really fine.

    Not long after Er Ya and Xiao Qiu retreated, Imperial Physician Gao dashed into the pce chamber. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao sitting up and conversing with Shadowgale, Imperial Physician Gao was instantly furious. Didn¡¯t they say that His Majesty has suffered grave injuries and is on the brink of death?!

    ¡°Little Gao.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at Imperial Physician Gao. Imperial Physician Gao stiffened his face as he walked to the front of the bed. ¡°Your Majesty is alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Right after she replied, she asked Shadowgale, ¡°I just returned to the pce?¡±

    Shadowgale nodded his head. ¡°What about Third Rain?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked again.

    Shadowgale informed her, ¡°When I went to see him, he was still unconscious.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately turned to Imperial Physician Gao. ¡°Little Gao, you should go take a look at Third Rain.¡±

    Once again, Imperial Physician Gao resigned to his fate as he walked outside the pce chamber. If Third Commander Shadowrain was also alright, Imperial Physician Gao vowed that he wouldn¡¯t want to be an imperial physician anymore. Were these people just messing with him because they¡¯re bored?

    ¡°We didn¡¯t catch the assassins.¡± After Imperial Physician Gao exited the pce chamber, Shadowgale reported to Ning Xiaoyao in a low voice, ¡°Elder Li and His Excellency Pei are still at the justice courts. Lord Protector has returned to the capital¡¯s barracks. Great General Xu is still in the pce.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you catch two?¡± Ning Xiaoyao remembered that she identified two assassins. The two had the identical scent of the poison found in the criminal¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°They were killed by someone,¡± Shadowgale statedconically. Those two criminals were shot down by hidden arrows in a sneak attack. Meanwhile, Elder Li wanted to interrogate individuals one by one. This included high ranking officials as well as theborers doing odd jobs. As a result, everyone in the justice courts was imprisoned. However, in Shadowgale¡¯s opinion, the assassins would definitely leave after sessfullypleting the mission. Even if Elder Li is interrogating so many people, he¡¯s not going to get any results.

    ¡°Are they Grand Preceptor¡¯s people?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°They should be.¡± Shadowgale nodded. ¡°That coroner responsible for examining prisoners has already inspected the corpse. Although this person appeared to have his whole body burned, the inner sides of his arms and thighs werepletely fine. Furthermore, there weren¡¯t any calluses on the inner sides of his thighs. This means he wasn¡¯t someone who rode a horse often. Therefore, it¡¯s impossible for this person to have been an army prisoner.¡±

    Frequent horse riders would have calluses on their inner thighs due to the friction from rubbing against the saddle. Ning Xiaoyao only understood after Shadowgale borated his exnation.

    ¡°Those twenty-eight corpses were burnt until their original appearances were no longer recognizable.¡± Shadowgale continued, ¡°The coroner also couldn¡¯t find anything from inspecting the corpses. Elder Li is worried that even if these twenty-eight army prisoners had been swapped, we wouldn¡¯t be able to find out.¡±

    ¡°In that case,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was all fired up again, ¡°In that case, how did this congration begin?¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know.¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face. ¡°Fine, I also don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan is already a stray dog driven into a corner yet he still wants to revolt?¡± No matter how Shadowgale contemted about it, he found it incredulous.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat silently. Who knows how Grand Preceptor thinks?

    ¡°Great General Xu wishes to see Your Majesty.¡± Shadowgale sat with Ning Xiaoyao for a while before he added a final line. ¡°Does Your Majesty want to meet him?¡±

    ¡°What about Chen Lu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly asked. Shadowgale didn¡¯t know why Ning Xiaoyao was asking about Chen Lu at this moment but he still answered, ¡°Chen Lu has been in his house all this while.¡±

    ¡°Ask him to make a trip here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°He is Great General Xu¡¯s son-inw. Why is he always cooping himself at home?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty still wants to use him?¡± Shadowgale knitted his eyebrows.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see what Great General Xu thinks.¡± Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. ¡°At any rate, Chen Lu offended Grand Preceptor Xie so he can¡¯t possibly mingle with Grand Preceptor anymore, right?¡±

    Shadowgale expressed his concern, ¡°What if Xie Wenyuan ys the move of burying the hatchet?¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s even better.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped the bed¡¯s board. ¡°As long as Grand Preceptores to find Chen Lu, I¡¯ll definitely know where he is hiding now!¡±

    Shadowgale: ... So Your Majesty has already arranged your spies beside Chen Lu?

 Chapter 333: Ninny, do you miss Supreme Commander?

    <h4>Chapter 333: Ninny, do you miss Supreme Commander?</h4>

    Xu Jing let out a breath of relief after seeing Ning Xiaoyao usher Chen Lu into the pce. If His Majesty is still willing to use Chen Lu, this son-inw of his will still have a future.

    ¡°Everyone sit ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the two inws in front of her to sit for the meeting. Chen Lu continued to stand until Xu Jing pulled him down to sit on a chair.

    ¡°Does General Chen have ns to remain in the capital or would you rather follow Great General Xu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao started the conversation with a question. Chen Lu continued to stay silent. As long as he could keep his life and not get locked up in a prison or burnt to death, he would already feel very lucky and blessed.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Xu Jing excitedly asked, ¡°Chen Lu can continue to stay and protect the capital?¡±

    ¡°Of course, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao happily replied, ¡°Great General Xu, you¡¯ve also seen it... Grand Preceptor¡¯s people are still causing trouble for us. If General Chen decides to remain in the city, he can continue to protect the capital!¡±

    ¡°Chen Lu,¡± after hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, Xu Jing turned his head to Chen Lu, ¡°Are you not going to thank His Majesty?¡±

    Chen Lu got down to his knees like a wooden puppet to give thanks. When Ning Xiaoyao shouted for him to get up, he was still muddle headed and couldn¡¯t fathom what just happened. Xu Jing added, ¡°Your Majesty, what about the matter regarding the assassins of the justice courts?¡±

    ¡°Great General Xu and Lord Protector are busy with the matters of defense, ¡°Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand, ¡°We can¡¯t descend into chaos just because of a few spies. I¡¯m not even afraid of an army, how could I be afraid of a few spies? If they have the guts, they can rush into the pce to bite me to death!¡±

    Great General Xu:... Were His Majesty¡¯s words always this hard to understand?

    ¡°Supreme Commander has gone back to Anyuan,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tilted her head and continued, ¡°We currently do not have to worry about the Northern Hu. Now, I¡¯m only worried about Big Boss Xiang.¡±

    Xu Jing immediately blurted, ¡°Your Majesty wants to fight against the rebel forces?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded, ¡°The quicker this matter is settled, the better. After this ends, I still have to go settle things with the Northern Hu.¡±

    Great General Xu became silent again. His Majesty was so ambitious but neither of these tasks were easy?

    ¡°This matter is not easy. But we can¡¯t just give up because it¡¯s not easy, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Xu Jing, ¡°We still have to protect the thirty six city barracks. Great General Xu, I¡¯m gonna have to burden you and Lord Protector with this matter.¡±

    If Great General Xu had to work with Lord Protector, the power would still lie with Lord Protector. Although Xu Jing felt bitter, he did not show it in front of Ning Xiaoyao. Compared to someone who had pledged his loyalty from the start, he couldn¡¯t win.

    Moreover, Xu Jing had his own agenda. If he listened to His Majesty¡¯s orders and managed to win some battles in the war, the Xu n would continue to prosper and be used by His Majesty in the future.

    ¡°General Chen should take control of the city barracks then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao ced the fate of the city in Chen Lu¡¯s hands. Lord Protector should have more extensive options. At the end of the day, Ning Xiaoyao was still a little biased.

    Chen Lu dropped to his knees to give thanks again. Ning Xiaoyao sat on the chair andughed gleefully, ¡°Now General Chen can¡¯t betray me anymore ah.¡± Actually it¡¯s fine even if he did.. Then I would be able to find Grand Preceptor. I will not me you because of Miss Xu, Ning Xiao Yao looked at Chen Lu and thought, I am such a good person!

    ¡°This subject does not dare,¡± Chen Lu hurriedly kowtowed to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°If he dares to rebel again,¡± Xu Jing also got to his knees, ¡°This subject will personally kill this traitor!!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...This.. is not necessary right? Father-inw killing his own son-inw. What would happen to Miss Xu then? (Author¡¯s Note: Why do you even care about that?)

    By daybreak, Lord Protector and Xu Jing had already left the capital. Since Lord Protector came back overnight, he did not even have the time to see the old madam and his family.

    All the people in the capital were aware of what happened in the justice courts yesterday night. However, after seeing Lord Protector and Great General Xu leave the capital with their troops, everyone felt a sense of relief. The soldiers were still able to continue their work as usual.

    It seemed like His Majesty was unbothered about the fact that Xie Wenyuan was still atrge. If His Majesty didn¡¯t care, why should themon people be worried?

    Around midday, the capital had resumed to its original bustling state. If someone really had to point out a difference, it would be that the visitors from the south and north have decreased. That was it.

    Ning Xiaoyaoid on the table and looked at the name list that Elder Li had passed her. Pei Yan added at the side, ¡°These twenty eight were chosen as generals by Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    ¡°From this list, there are already six important generals.¡± Ning Xiaoyao counted from the name list.

    ¡°Your Majesty, how should we handle the family members of these twenty eight people?¡± Elder Li asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Let''s set them free,¡± Ning Xiaoyao blurted out. If they were locked in prison, wouldn¡¯t the government have to raise them? They weren¡¯t in debt anymore but they still can¡¯t waste money like that ah.

    ¡°Let them go?¡± Pei Yan raised his voice.

    ¡°If not, raise them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°We¡¯re fighting a battle ah. We need to save more money!¡±

    ¡°All nine generations of traitors are to be killed,¡± Pei Yan emphasised to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Whaa???¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s brows furrowed again. She has to kill people again?!?

    ¡°Elder Li, what do you think?¡± Second Young Master Pei immediately turned to ask Elder Li. Elder Li looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°If we don¡¯t exterminate the entire n of traitors, everyone would think they could be as lucky in the future. Does Your Majesty want this to happen?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t. But I also don¡¯t believe that everyone would want to betray me.¡± Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath and rebutted Elder Li for once, ¡°This matter is settled. Let them go. Just kill the traitors. I don¡¯t like killing whole families at the drop of a hat.¡±

    ¡°How is this at the drop of a hat? They are traitors, ah!!¡± Pei Yan exasperatedly growled.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like they seeded.. Why are you so angry, Second Young Master?¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned at him again.

    ¡°You!!!¡±

    ¡°Pei Yan,¡± Elder Li shouted at Pei Yan. This person is getting bolder and bolder and not taking His Majesty seriously. This cannot continue!!

    ¡°You see, even Old Gramps agreed,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved a hand at Second Young Master Pei, ¡°Let¡¯s just settle this matter like this ok?¡±

    Elder Li: ... What did he even say?!

    ¡°You have to give the Emperor some respect,¡± Ning Xiaoyao secretly peeked at the dark expression on Elder Li¡¯s face.

    ¡°This official epts the imperial decree,¡± Elder Li decided not to argue with Ning Xiaoyao and bowed to ept the decree. Eh? Ning Xiaoyao was startled by the eptance. Old Gramps finally knows to show her some respect ah!

    ¡°Your Majesty must still consider what Xie Wenyuan will do from now on,¡± Elder Li reminded Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. This matter has been the main topic during morning court for the past two days. Everyone started quarrelling over it and it almost escted to a full blown fight. Yet, they still couldn¡¯te up with a solution. How is she supposed to think of one on her own?!?!

    ¡°This subject will retire,¡± Elder Li left the room. Ning Xiaoyao immediately let out a breath she was holding. Old Gramps finally left.

    Pei Yan withdrew from the room with Elder Li and asked, ¡°Why did Elder Li agree to let those criminals off?¡±

    Elder Li looked at Pei Yan and lowered his voice, ¡°After that family was caught, the men were all killed on the spot. Only a few women and children are left. What are you worried about?¡±

    ¡°All the males were killed?¡± Pei Yan was startled, ¡°Whosemand was it?¡±

    From Elder Li¡¯s expression, it was difficult to tell whether he was pleased or not. He replied Pei Yan with a name, ¡°Lou Zigui.¡± Second Young Master Pei realised if he continued to say that Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t loyal to His Majesty, he would be going against his conscience.

    ¡°Do you still have any questions?¡± Elder Li asked.

    ¡°What about the matter with the spy saying that His Majesty will ruin the country. What does Elder Li think about that?¡±

    ¡°For this matter, I have already mentioned to His Majesty. It is obvious that the Traitor Xie wants to cause chaos and disruption with His Majesty. It is fine to just ignore it.¡±

    Pei Yan watched Elder Li walk away with a hand behind his back. Is that it?

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in the pce room and crushed the name list into a ball. This time, she was certain that these people were silenced to death by Xie Wenyuan.

    Where did old man Xie run to this time? All the small animals that were able to leave the capital have gone to look for him but none of them could find any news about him. Could he really have died? Even if he was in Heaven, Wheat and Little Gyrfalcon should be able to see ah.

    Ning Xiaoyao was so frustrated that she pounded the table with her fist.

    ¡°As long as old man Xie is not dead, we¡¯ll be able to find him,¡± Big Boss ckid on the floor and mumbled, ¡°Just because you¡¯re notcking money, you think you can casually destroy the table?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sprawled across the table. ¡°Ninny, do you miss Supreme Commander?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately replied. The past few days she had been busy as a dog, how could she have the time to think about Supreme Commander?

    Big Boss ck went back to his original position andid on his stomach. To have met such a heartless person, he really pitied poor Supreme Commander.

    Ten dayster, the edict sparing the families of the criminals were sent to various prisons of the country.

    In the prison within Yan City, one of the doors opened. An elderly madam carried a baby walked out of a prison cell. Behind her were a few women. Some of them were of middle age, others were in their teenage years. But all of them were dressed in simple cloth robes and they looked haggard.

    ¡°Old Madam, we really don¡¯t have to die?¡± A middle ageddy looked at the street and choked with emotions. The old madam did not reply and silently carried the baby down the steps before walking down the street. Thedies scurried after the old madam. The passersby stopped around and madements while pointing at them.

    The young maidens in the group did not dare to raise their heads in shame, but the old madam ignored all the passersby around her. They have already walked away from the gates of death, how could mere words frighten her?

    ¡°Follow them,¡± the governor of Yan City stood at the gate of the prison and ordered a guard, ¡°Check if there are people searching for them.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the guard hurriedly turned and ran out of the prison.

    On the same night, just as the governor of Yan City was about to go to bed, the housekeeper hurriedly brought a guard in. The chief guard had already followed the governor for many years and was already over thirty years of age. When he knelt down and spoke, the pitch of his voice changed, ¡°Your Excellency, all the people we sent out were killed.¡±

    The drowsiness that the governor felt instantly vanished as he eximed in disbelief, ¡°What did you say?!¡±

    ¡°All those sent out were killed. Their bodies were found in the eastern suburbs, thrown into the forest beside the official roads,¡± the guard lowered his head, ¡°This servant has personally seen the bodies. All of them were killed with a single sh wound.¡±

    The governor¡¯s head spun and he nearly fell down the flight of steps. After being supported by two servants, the governor of Yan City ordered, ¡°Go look for the Feng n. I, this official, will go to the eastern suburb!!¡±

    Beside the roads at the eastern suburb of Yan City, thirteen bodies were lying disorderly in the forest. These bodies were carelessly thrown on the ground. When the governor of Yan City saw these bodies, his head spun again.

    The people of the Yan Governor¡¯s estate and soldiers of Yan City searched the city for the entire night. But none of them were able to find the womenfolk of the Feng n. The governor of Yan City did not dy any longer and personally wrote a memorial to the emperor and ordered a messenger to send it to the capital.

    Three dayster in the pce, Elder Li put down the memorial from the governor of Yan City. He turned to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°It seems like Feng Muhai is still alive.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had seen name in the wanted name list but she still appeared lost. Even if she knew his name, she didn¡¯t know where this person stationed his troops and how many soldiers he had ah!?

 Chapter 334: Fifth Young Miss took poison

    <h4>Chapter 334: Fifth Young Miss took poison</h4>

    ¡°Ah, so it turns out that they¡¯re Feng Muhai¡¯s family.¡± Ning Xiaoyao had a ¡®I understand¡¯ expression. ¡°Old Gramps, you don¡¯t understand the matters of the army right? Comee, Windy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled for Shadowgale, ¡°Introduce this Feng Muhai to Old Gramps.¡±

    Elder Limented, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject knows who he is.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... But I don¡¯t know, ah.

    ¡°Feng Muhai¡¯s maternal aunt is Xie Wenjing¡¯s official wife,¡± Windy exined. Ning Xiaoyao knew about Xie Wenjing. He was Grand Preceptor Xie¡¯s brother and he was killed by the Empress¡¯ true love on a public road.

    ¡°Out of the thirty-six barracks in the capital city and its environs, Feng Muhai is in charge of three barracks. He is regarded very highly by Xie Wenyuan,¡± Shadowgale added. Deep down, Head Commander Shadowgale was certain that His Majesty knew nothing of Feng Muhai aside from his name.

    ¡°Why did Xie Wenyuan decide to rescue Feng Muhai?¡± Elder Li asked while looking at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao suggested, ¡°Perhaps General Feng still has usable troops in his hands?¡±

    ¡°That is impossible,¡± Elder Li shook his head firmly. ¡°Oh, then I don¡¯t know.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. This made Elder Li choke.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was also getting anxious. Grand Preceptor Xie is plotting to destroy the world right now and she has no way to stop him because she can¡¯t find this fellow, ah!

    Elder Li didn¡¯t speak to Ning Xiaoyao anymore. Old Gramps picked up the memorial from Yan City¡¯s governor and looked at it again. He scrutinized each and every word, causing Ning Xiaoyao to wonder whether the memorial possessed some hidden profound meaning she was unaware of.

    ¡°One of Feng Muhai¡¯s young grandsons is still alive,¡± Shadowgale informed Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Okay, so the young infant didn¡¯t die.¡± Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t concerned about this. She just wanted to know where Grand Preceptor Xie was hiding now.

    ¡°Feng Muhai must be useful to Xie Wenyuan,¡± Elder Li reckoned.

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°In what ways?¡± Elder Li replied, ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    The subject doesn¡¯t know, the emperor also doesn¡¯t know. We¡¯re even finding ourselves at a loss because we were caught unprepared, ah. Ning Xiaoyao hugged her head. Suddenly, she felt like finding something to eat in the kitchen.

    Elder Li departed with the memorial from Yan City¡¯s governor. There was nothing fruitful from discussing with Ning Xiaoyao so Old Gramps decided to return to his residence to have a discussion with his disciples instead.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and told Shadowgale, ¡°Let¡¯s go have a meal in the kitchen.¡±

    Shadowgale: ... How could he still be in the mood to eat?

    ¡°At any rate, regardless if we eat or not, we can¡¯te up with any ideas.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said like a hoodlum, ¡°In that case, we might as well go and eat.¡±

    ¡°No one from the Xie n has looked for Fifth Young Miss,¡± On their way to the kitchen, Shadowgale suddenly mentioned to Ning Xiaoyao in a soft voice. Ning Xiaoyao stopped in her tracks and turned her head to look at Shadowgale.

    ¡°The elderly Buddhist nun at the nunnery said that she has no fate with Buddha and was unwilling to shave her head for her,¡± Shadowgale added.

    ¡°She¡¯s going to be your wife. That means that she¡¯s destined to have no fate with Buddha, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao knitted her eyebrows and stared at Shadowgale, ¡°Windy, why do I feel that you want to use Fifth Young Miss to find Grand Preceptor? I don¡¯t think you should do that?¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t reply. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this anymore.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Grand Preceptor even abandoned his own wife. How could he possibly dispatch people to look for Fifth Young Miss? That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m currently by Fifth Young Miss¡¯ side,¡± Shadowgale lowered his voice, ¡°Your Majesty, since I am one of your personal Dragon Guards, Xie Wenyuan will most likely use this as an opportunity.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lost all her appetite. There is no doubt about this. Putting feelings aside, Windy is staying beside Fifth Young Miss to use her.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale continued, ¡°If people from the Xie ne to look for Fifth Young Miss, I...¡±

    ¡°Windy!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale justified, ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this either. But we want to see how Xie Wenyuan will deal with this matter, right?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Then what do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty can summon her once into the pce,¡± Shadowgale borated, ¡°If Xie Wenyuan¡¯s people are monitoring her, then Xie Wenyuan will definitely find out about this.¡±

    ¡°What if Fifth Young Miss wants to kill me?¡± After being silent for a long time, Ning Xiaoyao finally asked Shadowgale this one question.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll kill her.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... This can¡¯t turn out well anymore. How can they have a romantic rtionship if he¡¯s heartless enough to kill her? He might as well be a stranger, ah.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I know exactly what I¡¯m doing.¡± Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Then just don¡¯t give Fifth Young Miss the opportunity to kill me. Isn¡¯t that the solution?¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt emotionally exhausted, ¡°That way, Grand Preceptor can¡¯t make use of her either, right? Windy, let us not torment ourselves like this, ok?¡±

    ¡°I must do this in order to test Xie Duoying¡¯s character.¡± Shadowgale shook his head. ¡°I have ruminated over this matter. May Your Majesty graciously grant me the permission to proceed.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go find you another youngdy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao proposed. Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao. He smiled for a moment but didn¡¯t respond.

    That means it¡¯s out of the question. Ning Xiaoyao felt emotionally drained.

    ¡°If I disappoint Your Majesty for the sake of a woman, then I...¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t say anymore.¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked towards the kitchen with heavy footsteps. She can¡¯t let him continue the conversation. If he keeps going, she may even conclude that Windy has fallen in love with her.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Let me think for a moment. You can¡¯t be careless when ites to feelings!¡±

    Shadowgale asked, ¡°What does this have to do with feelings?¡±

    ¡°If I say it¡¯s rted, then it¡¯s rted.¡± Ning Xiaoyao fiercely stated, ¡°I¡¯m the emperor, you have to listen to me.¡± If two people like each other, then they should be together. If they don¡¯t like each other, then they should say goodbye and part amicably from each other. Even if they can¡¯t be friends when they meet again, they also shouldn¡¯t be enemies. What is this all about, making use of each other? On one hand, they date and express their affection for each other. On the other hand, they wait for the other to expose their evil true colors? What is this!

    Ning Xiaoyao sat down to eat two bowls of white rice. Her mood didn¡¯t improve at all, it was still extremely terrible.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Shadowgale apanied Ning Xiaoyao to eat one bowl of rice. When he saw Ning Xiaoyao ce the empty bowl down, he wanted to speak.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk, let me think about it more.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up and left. Grand Preceptor Xie is really the bane of people!

    Ning Xiaoyao avoided Shadowgale for the entire day. When it reached nighttime, Ning Xiaoyao was sitting behind the desk and writing a letter to Lou Zigui. After writing about what had transpired in Yan City, Ning Xiaoyao also wanted to write about Shadowgale and Fifth Young Miss Xie. She had just written a ¡®Xie¡¯ character on the letter when Shadowrain¡¯s voice could be heard from outside the door. ¡°Your Majesty, something bad has happened!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand trembled, causing a few drops of ink to drip onto the letter.

    ¡°Your Majesty, there is an old nun outside the pce gate saying that something has happened to Fifth Young Miss Xie,¡± Shadowgale entered the pce chamber to report to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°The old nun said that Fifth Young Miss has taken poison.¡± The brush in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand fell onto the desk. Did Fifth Young Miss discover Shadowgale¡¯s ns? So now she has given up all hope towards love, and decided tomit suicide?!

    ¡°Your Majesty, what are your thoughts on this?¡± Shadowrain asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You seem veryposed.¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowrain.

    ¡°What¡¯s good about the Xie n¡¯s daughters?¡± Shadowrain started grumbling to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Any random woman on the streets would be a better catch than the Xie n¡¯s daughters, right?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was stupefied by Shadowrain¡¯sint. So it turns out the identity as Xie n¡¯s daughter really annoys people, eh?

    ¡°Not to mention, Windy is a Dragon Guard. How can he get together with a daughter of the Xie n?¡± Shadowrain continued toin, ¡°Right now, she is even causing more trouble bymitting suicide. What exactly does she want?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look at her.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowrain eximed. They have been going back and forth. Is His Majesty even listening to what he¡¯s saying?

    ¡°She was chased out by the Xie n,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scowled at Shadowrain, ¡°Xie Wenyuan is my maternal grandfather so my biological mum is a Xie n daughter too.¡±

    A terrified expression briefly appeared on Shadowrain¡¯s face. He lowered his head and no longer spoke.

    ¡°You suggest finding a random woman on the streets,¡± Ning Xiaoyao jabbed Shadowrain¡¯s head with her finger, ¡°Are those youngdies as pretty as Fifth Young Miss?¡±

    Shadowrain couldn¡¯t say anything. True, they weren¡¯t as pretty.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked as she stood by the pce chamber¡¯s door.

    Shadowrain replied, ¡°He went to see Fifth Young Miss.¡±

    ¡°We should go too.¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked outside the corridor.

    Two hourster, Ning Xiaoyao stood outside the entrance of the Buddhist nunnery. Looking at the four-roomed nunnery before her eyes, Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowrain, ¡°Isn¡¯t this ce a little too smallpared to the Iron Buddha temple?¡±

    Shadowrain didn¡¯t reply. What is there topare?

    Ning Xiaoyao was about to walk towards the nunnery when a barking sound could be heard from behind. ¡°Woof woof, Xiaoyao!¡± It was a mournful shrill that was harsh to the ear. Ning Xiaoyao hastily turned around to look. She realized Big Yellow was barking while shaking its head at her nearby. Big Yellow was a dog from the south side of the capital.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll go chase the stray dog away.¡±

    ¡°Wait a moment.¡± Ning Xiaoyao held onto Shadowrain.

    ¡°There are people in the woods,¡± Big Yellow shouted, ¡°They want to burn you to death! There is also something on top of the walls. Xiaoyao, you should take a look.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hastily turned around to examine the courtyard walls of the nunnery. The courtyard walls were smeared with ster. At first, Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t detect anything wrong with the wall.

    Shadowrain saw Ning Xiaoyao staring fixedly at the wall and hastily grabbed a torch from a Dragon Guard. However, despite carefully scanning the wall with the torch, Shadowrain didn¡¯t find anything suspicious.

    ¡°There are people hidden in the woods across from us,¡± Ning Xiaoyao instructed Shadowrain softly, ¡°Third Rain, bring people to outnk them from behind. Strive to capture them alive this time.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Shadowrain¡¯s hand instinctively touched the sword at his waist. ¡°Yes.¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached out to knock the wall with her hand. Theyer of ster fell off and revealed a ck wall. It was even emitting a smell.

    ¡°Oil?¡± Shadowrain¡¯s face turned ghastly pale.

    ¡°Wow, they used oil to brush the walls. Damn it, they don¡¯tck money,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

    Shadowrain rapidly turned around and stared at his surroundings. ¡°If we approach them head on, wouldn¡¯t these people just run?¡±

    Deep down, Ning Xiaoyao calcted the maximum shooting range of the bows and arrows from this world. She exercised her wrists a little and told Shadowrain, ¡°Then don¡¯t outnk anymore. Let¡¯s cancel this battle tactic. Instead, I¡¯ll hurl the wall over. Third Rain, when you see the wall fly, charge over there with the bros and kill them.¡±

    Shadowrain: ... Hurl the wall?

    Ning Xiaoyao gripped the wall and hollered, ¡°Big Yellow, run to me!¡± Big Yellow immediately dashed to where Ning Xiaoyao was standing.

    Ning Xiaoyao exerted the strength in her hands and lifted half of the wall. She turned around and directly hurled it ording to the distance she had calcted in her mind. The Dragon Guards were dumbstruck.

    At this moment, Shadowrain had no time to be dumbstruck. He pulled out the sword from the sheath andmanded his brothers, ¡°Seize the assassins!¡±

    Half of the wallnded squarely in the middle of a tree and snapped it in half. Those hiding at the top of the trees fell to the ground, while those hiding underneath the tree failed to flee in time and were crushed head-on by the broken tree and brick rubble.

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Big Yellow hadn¡¯t reached Ning Xiaoyao yet when he barked, ¡°The leader is still by the pool in the woods.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao resolutely made a prompt decision. ¡°Big Yellow, lead the way. Later, I¡¯ll feed you meat and bones until you¡¯re full.¡±

    Big Yellow turned to dash into the woods again. That leader appeared very fierce and looked like he had killed many dogs. However, for the sake of the meat and bones, Big Yellow decided to go all out!

    Ning Xiaoyao ran faster than Big Yellow. It only took her two steps to catch up to him. So, she simply carried the dog and ran.

    Shadowrain saw Ning Xiaoyao running past himself. By the time he was able to react and wanted to give chase, there was already no sign of His Majesty.

    Guys, the chapters are so long. lol.. the teaser I gave you was almost 1000 words. AHAHAHAHA. Aaaaiii.. 50 more chapters to go! I''m kinda inspired to write a motivational post. I''ll link it next time! <3. I hope it will also motivate you guys.

 Chapter 335: The missing Head Commander

    <h4>Chapter 335: The missing Head Commander</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao carried Big Yellow and ran deep into the forest. From a distance, they saw a figure in ck. The ck figure also saw Ning Xiaoyao. He turned around and fled.

    Ning Xiaoyao hauled up a big shrub beside her and flung it forward. She refused to let the assassin escape this round!

    The figure in ck had already run approximately a kilometer away but was unable to outrun the flying shrub. He was struck directly on the head and fell to the ground without a sound.

    In his lifetime, Big Yellow had fought countless wars. However, it wasn¡¯t until now that he got to witness instant kill. As the reigning dog king of south city walls, Big Yellow waspletely stunned. ¡°Is he dead?¡±

    ¡°No, he¡¯s not.¡± As if she had wind beneath her feet, Ning Xiaoyao sped forward to where the figure in ck had fallen. As long as the person was still breathing, she had no problem sustaining his life.

    The pool that Big Yellow had mentioned was actually in a concave part of the forest. After the rain, a lot of water had umted in the sunken area. Due to repeated rainfalls on a frequent basis, the rain water could no longer absorb into the earth fast enough. As a result, therge buildup of water eventually became a huge water pond and animals of the forest treated it as a water source.

    Ning Xiaoyao carried Big Yellow and directly jumped over therge pond, giving the dog a huge fright. Before Big Yellow coulde back to his senses, they were already in front of the figure in ck.

    The man looked slightly wretched. His whole body was buried beneath the earth and a forsythia nt sat on his head.

    ¡°He got buried ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was surprised. Big Yellow jumped onto the ground and rolled his eyes at Ning Xiaoyao. You don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve done?This ninny has way too much strength. Earlier, she flung over a wall and now she flung such a tall shrub! (Author: Why are you also calling her a ninny?)

    Ning Xiaoyao ran forward and put the forsythia nt aside. Then, she brushed off the earth on his head and flipped the body over. Next, she removed the scarf that was covering his face.

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the face in a daze. This person had curly hair and deep facial features. He did not look like a Yongning citizen.

    ¡°He is a Northern Hu citizen.¡± Compared to Ning Xiaoyao, Big Yellow was far more knowledgeable. After all, Xiaoyao was an outsider from another world.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao knocked her fists together. She has seen Northern Hu citizens before. This person definitely looks like one! (Author: Then why couldn¡¯t you identify him just now? (©V_©V)£©

    ¡°Is this person dead?¡± To Big Yellow, that was the bigger concern.

    ¡°Not dead, he¡¯s fine.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the man¡¯s face and hollered, ¡°Don¡¯t pretend anymore. Open your eyes and let¡¯s have a chat!¡±

    The figure in ck refused to open his eyes. ¡°What the f**k...¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked like she was about to rage.

    Big Yellow opened his mouth and bit the man¡¯s nose. The figure in ck could no longer y dead. He yelped out in pain and opened his eyes.

    Ning Xiaoyao and Big Yellow squatted down on either side and closely examined the man. ¡°Are you a Northern Hu spy?¡±

    The figure in ck continued to keep his mouth shut. ¡°I haven¡¯t even gone to look for your leader Modou, but you guys already decided toe kill me first?¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed, ¡°Do the Northern Hu people consider me an easy target?¡±

    The man remained tight-lipped. ¡°Fifth Young Miss of the Xie n is staying at the Buddhist nunnery. You guys had set up a trap there in hopes of burning me to death. As expected, Grand Preceptor Xie is in cahoots with your leader. From the looks of it, Modou must be a moron. Look at Grand Preceptor¡¯s character! How can he be a good partner in crime? What an idiot!¡±

    The man remained silent. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to speak. In fact, he could tell Ning Xiaoyao was insulting their Wolf King. However, he could notprehend the specifics. So, he didn¡¯t know how to retort back. What exactly isan idiot?

    Big Yellow yelled at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°What should we do now? Has the Northern Huarmy already conquered their way here?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Highly unlikely. I did not hear any news about ck Frost City being taken over by the Northern Hu ah.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, I heard that those wild dogs beyond the Great Wall are very ferocious.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Modou has already brought an army to fight against her. There¡¯s also an army of dogs that came with him? Can this ever get better?

    Big Yellow barked at the man a few times and informed Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°I want to go back and prepare.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was curious, ¡°What kind of preparations, ah?¡±

    Big Yellow said with foresightedness, ¡°Xiaoyao, you have to be careful. I can smell the scent of these country bumpkins from beyond the Great Wall. The Northern Hu must have already conquered their way here. I am going to gather my brothers and hide our puppies. We have to prepare to defend our territory!¡±

    After Big Yellow finished talking, he bared his teeth and growled at the man twice. Then, he turned around and bolted. From how fast he was running, it really appeared that he intended to go back for war preparation.

    Ning Xiaoyao was in deep thoughts. The Northern Hu have already arrived at the capital? That can¡¯t be, right? Based on her calctions, Supreme Commander should still be on his way to Anyuan. Could the Northern Hu have already taken down ck Frost City while Supreme Commander was on his way back?

    The figure in ck still haven¡¯t spoken. He wasn¡¯t shocked when he heard Ning Xiaoyao rambling to a dog. Instead, he suspected that the Yongning Emperor was a madman.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to the man with a wooden expression, ¡°What are the Northern Hu¡¯s intentions?¡±

    How could this man reveal such matters to the Yongning Emperor?

    ¡°If you speak now, I won¡¯t beat you up,¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at him, ¡°But if you decide to remain silent then be ready to be beaten to death.¡±

    The man opened his mouth. At once, Ning Xiaoyao recalled the mouth poison incident. The prisoner had hidden poison in his mouth then bitten his tongue tomit suicide. So, His Majesty reached out and broke the man¡¯s jaw as quick as lightning. She growled, ¡°I won¡¯t let you seek death! Humph!¡±

    The man:...he was not trying tomit suicide.

    At this time, Shadowrain arrived with a team of Dragon Guards. They were relieved to see that Ning Xiaoyao was alright. Then, they started to size up the figure in ck. The man was currently buried beneath the earth. Shadowrain and the rest couldn¡¯t understand how His Majesty was able to bury a person in such a short amount of time.

    ¡°He is from Northern Hu.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the man and informed Shadowrain. Shadowrain replied, ¡°Your Majesty, there is a total of five assassins from the earlier encounter. They are all from Northern Hu.¡±

    ¡°Six Northern Humen,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stroked her chin, ¡°His own men were useless, so Grand Preceptor decided to use people of the Northern Hu.¡±

    Shadowrain wanted to kick the figure in ck, but right now only the man¡¯s head was exposed; the rest of his body was buried under the earth. Hence, Shadowrain was unable to find a ce to kick him, leaving him no choice but to put his foot down. ¡°Where is Xie Wenyuan?¡± he roared at the man.

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°He can¡¯t talk. I was worried he mightmit suicide so I broke his jaw. Send him to the Hall of Punishments and let Second Young Master Pei interrogate him. In terms of viciousness and fierceness, nobody can beat Second Young Master Pei!¡±

    Shadowrain and the rest of the Dragon Guards: ...Are you praising Your Excellency Pei?

    Several Dragon Guards dug the man out from the ground and tied him up. Then, the party walked out of the forest.

    Since Ning Xiaoyao threw a wall, and the Dragon Guards made such a hugemotion seizing the assassins, everyone in the nunnery knew what was going on. By the time Ning Xiaoyao and her group came out of the forest, Elder Nun Jingwen and her disciples were anxiously waiting outside by the nunnery entrance.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the people in front of the entrance and turned to ask Shadowrain, ¡°Why don¡¯t I see Windy?¡±

    Shadowrain instantly turned pale. There was such a bigmotion outside the temple. Yet, his big brother did note out to check. Could his big brother be under siege by the vicious Northern Hu men?

    Ning Xiaoyao clearly had the same thoughts running through her mind. The two of them immediately ran towards the nunnery.

    Elder Nun Jingwen saw two shadows shed by her like lightning. She wasn¡¯t able to identify the two, but when faced with gleaming weapons of the Dragon Guards, she did not dare to make a sound.

    ¡°Windy?¡± The moment Ning Xiaoyao entered the nunnery, she began to yell.

    The nunnery waspletely quiet. In fact, it was so silent that they were able to hear the harsh wind blowing through the forest.

    ¡°Big brother?¡± Shadowrain also called out. Ning Xiaoyao tilted her ear to listen to the movements in the nunnery. From the breathing sounds and heart beats, she could tell there were at least ten people inside. But which of these ten was Windy?

    Standing above her was a jujube tree. The branches and leaves of the jujube tree swayed with the wind. Their shadows on the ground moved like bared fangs and brandishing ws. Looking at them, Ning Xiaoyao felt goosebumps. She had a bad premonition. Something bad is about to happen, ah!

    The nunnery was small. In total, there were only four rooms. It only took Shadowrain less than two minutes to search through all the rooms. He fearfully ran to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°I d-didn¡¯t see my big brother.¡±

    ¡°What about Fifth Young Miss?¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly asked. Shadowrain looked at Ning Xiaoyao with a victimized expression. Your Majesty, my big brother is already missing, why are you still concerned about the Xie n¡¯s daughter?

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hurriedly rushed, ¡°Windy must be with Fifth Young Miss!¡±

    Shadowrain turned around to search through the nunnery again. Just now, he was only focused on looking for his big brother. He did not take note if Xie Duoying was around or not!

    Ning Xiaoyao silently dug her fingers into her palms. Looking up at a branch of the jujube tree, she asked, ¡°Big Bro Cicada, have you seen my Windy?¡±

    Cicada Azhi & family on the branch: ...They didn¡¯t even make a sound. How did this little Majesty discover them?

    ¡°Please help, Big Bro Cicada.¡± Ning Xiaoyao requested and flew up the tree. The tree branch shook a few times. Azhi was frightened to death by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sudden appearance.

    Ning Xiaoyao took out her box of sugar beans. ¡°Do you eat sugar beans?¡±

    Azhi and his family were silent. They only eat leaves and drink tree sap. Can they eat sugar beans?

    ¡°Did you see my Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pushed forward the box of sugar beans. ¡°Is he in trouble?¡±

    Azhi looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°The tall one and the little beauty were both captured and taken away. The tall one was injured, I believe quite badly. If you don¡¯t go and save him soon, he will surely die.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pressed against her temples, feeling a headache rising up. ¡°Big Bro Cicada....¡±

    ¡°My name is Azhi.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro Azhi,¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately changed the way she addressed him. ¡°Which direction did they go?¡±

    ¡°I saw them heading north.¡±

    ¡°Was it the Northern Hu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to ask.

    ¡°Do not know ah, you humans all look the same.¡± Azhi shook his feelers. ¡°Anyway, they were all male.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Big Bro Azhi. I will leave the sugar beans for your family to eat. In future if you have any matters, juste find me at the imperial pce. My name is Ning Xiaoyao.¡± Ning Xiaoyao speedily replied and hopped off tree to head north.

    ¡°I know you are Xiaoyao!¡± Azhi shouted from his branch on the tree.

    By the time Shadowrain reached the jujube tree, all he could hear were the chirp of cicadas. Ning Xiaoyao was nowhere to be seen. Head Commander immediately hollered, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Head north!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted back. ¡°Windy has been captured. Third Rain, send someone back to ask for more rescue troops!¡±

    Shadowrain was so furious that his face turned slightly purple. What had he been saying all this time? Xie Douying is a cursed woman! Sooner orter, this woman will be the death of his big brother!

 Chapter 336: If this isnâ€™t love, then what is?

    <h4>Chapter 336: If this isn''t love, then what is?</h4>

    The mountain forest didn¡¯t have towering trees but was very expansive and had thick vegetative cover. As Ning Xiaoyao continued to run, it was as if her whole small physique was swallowed by the mountain forest. Without shouting, Shadowrain and the Dragon Guards wouldn¡¯t have been able to locate Ning Xiaoyao. None of the Dragon Guards had a short stature but when these tall men stood in the mountain forest and looked as far as they could, all they could see were trees. They couldn¡¯t even spot an animal¡¯s figure, let alone a human¡¯s figure.

    The mountain forest was quiet. Thus, when Ning Xiaoyao and Shadowrain and the others were shouting back and forth, not only could their echoes be heard loud and clear, they even spread very far. In fact, even the Northern Hu burly fellows could faintly hear their yells from where they were. Currently, they were dashing off with Shadowgale and Xie Duoying.

    Xie Duoying was counting in her heart. When she heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s yell for the fifth time, she hollered sternly, ¡°Our Yongning soldiers have arrived. None of you can escape!¡±

    ¡°Stuff something in this woman¡¯s mouth,¡±manded the chief. He appeared to be annoyed as he scrunched his brows. The chief had grown a full beard on his face.

    Xie Duoying was released from the subordinate¡¯s shoulder. He took a bundle of cloth and was about to stuff it into Fifth Young Miss Xie¡¯s mouth.

    However, before he couldplete his task, Xie Duoying recklessly swung her arms and scratched the burly fellow¡¯s face like a crazy person. The man was bewildered. Up until now, the woman had behaved like an obedient sheep. He didn¡¯t expect her to turn insane all of a sudden and attack him. In no time, five streaks of blood appeared on his rugged face.

    ¡°Repulsive bitch!¡± The enraged burly fellow pped Xie Duoying across the face.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Despite being pped, Xie Duoying did not behave herself. She fell onto the ground and desperately shrieked, ¡°Your Majesty, hurry! Shadowgale is here. Your Majesty!¡±

    Initially, Ning Xiaoyao was going to ask the small animals of the forest to help her track down Windy. However, when she heard Xie Duoying, she instantly followed the sound of her voice and ran like a maniac.

    ¡°You¡¯re still shouting?¡± The burly fellow kicked Xie Duoying and caused her to roll on the floor.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Fifth Young Miss Xie continued to scream. It didn¡¯t matter if Ning Yu was on his way. She could hear voices from the other side, so those people should also be able to hear her. This was her only chance to ensure Shadowgale¡¯s safety. Therefore, even though one of her ribs were already broken from the kick, Xie Duoying didn¡¯t stop screeching.

    Shadowgale remained unconscious while two Northern Hu men carried him. Their group had their own ns. Ideally, this time, they would be able to burn Ning Yu to death. If they couldn¡¯t, then they would keep Head Commander of the Dragon Guard alive and hand him to their ruler. Head Commander Shadowgale was one of Ning Yu¡¯s personal guards, so it would also be considered a great meritorious deed.

    ¡°You scoundrels won¡¯t die a natural and painless death!¡± Since Xie Duoying didn¡¯t know many swear words, she went back and forth with ¡°Your Majesty!¡± and the same curse line over and over again. Currently, she was being beaten up by the subordinate.

    ¡°You can¡¯t even handle a woman?¡± the chief snapped. He was quickly losing patience. Actually, the burly fellow spared no mercy with his throws and kicks. He just didn¡¯t expect the tiny woman on the ground to handle so many continuous blows.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just kill her and get it over with?¡± another Northern Hu man suggested.

    ¡°Your Majesty, hurry! Your Majesty!¡± Xie Duoying was still screaming on the top of her lungs. All she could think about was keeping Shadowgale alive.

    A fiendish glint appeared in the chief¡¯s eyes. The orders they were given didn¡¯t say they had to keep the Xie n girl alive. If it weren¡¯t for her good looks, they would¡¯ve already killed her back at the nunnery. ¡°Kill her,¡± the chiefmanded.

    The burly fellow pulled his sword out.

    Xie Duoying knew that it was no longer possible for her to survive and gazed at Shadowgale. When she turned her head around, she continued to cursed the beardy chief, ¡°You definitely won¡¯t die a natural and painless death!¡±

    ¡°Do it!¡± Beardy was furious. Since this woman is wholeheartedly courting death, then he¡¯ll help her achieve her aim.

    The subordinate raised his sword.

    ¡°I dare you to try killing one of them!¡± Ning Xiaoyao arrived at this moment. With her arms akimbo, she was panting heavily and standing under the tree beside the small path.

    The Northern Hu men were taken aback when they suddenly heard her voice and simultaneously turned their heads to look.

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped the sweat off her forehead. Even when she was being chased by zombies in her previous lifetime, she had never run this fast before!

    Beardy sized Ning Xiaoyao up and spoke in a clumsy Yongning ent, ¡°You are Yongning¡¯s emperor?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cast a sidelong nce at the burly fellow before her. How does he maintain such a big beard? (Author: Don¡¯t worry about his beard right now! o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°You.¡± Beardy was stupefied. What is this person talking about? Is the emperor the emperor simply because he says so?

    ¡°Release them.¡± Ning Xiaoyao kept a straight face. ¡°I¡¯ll count to three. If you don¡¯t let them go, you will have to bear the consequences.¡±

    All the Northern Hu menughed at her contemptuously. How can such a short and skinny fellow even be their match?

    ¡°One.¡±

    Beardy guffawed, ¡°Little kid, why don¡¯t you go back to find your mum and drink a few more mouthfuls of milk first? Come back when you¡¯re a bit taller! ¡±

    The Northern Hu men snickered together. Since they were of a different race, their kind was biologically much taller inparison. There weren¡¯t any dwarfs on their prairies.

    ¡°Two, three.¡± Ning Xiaoyao rapidly finished counting. Her body scuttled forward and she raised the brick in her hand.

    Before the Northern Hu men could finishughing, they felt a wind blowing past their faces and heard a blood-curdling scream. By the time they lowered their heads to look again, their chief had already copsed on the ground, with a face covered in blood.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t utter a single word and continued beating people up with the brick in her hand. When ites to fighting, you have to concentrate and knock out all the enemies onto the ground before you talk about reason. Only a blockhead would talk superfluous words before the enemies have fallen to the ground!

    Honestly, the Northern Hu men¡¯s reactions weren¡¯t slow. By the time Ning Xiaoyao had struck the third men, the other men attacked and resisted. Unfortunately, those who were strong weren¡¯t as agile as Ning Xiaoyao, while those who were agile were no match against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s strength. Therefore, although they desperately resisted, Ning Xiaoyao ultimately won. She swatted the nine Northern Hu men until they dropped to the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her sweat. Both shing zombies and waving the brick around to smack people require strenuousbor!

    ¡°You.¡± Beardy pointed at Ning Xiaoyao and wanted to speak.

    Ning Xiaoyao moved deftly and swung the brick to hit Beardy¡¯s face. Beardy had just woken but passed out again. He was equipped with good martial arts skills, but unfortunately, he encountered a gically evolved human who was well-versed in the art of dealing blows.

    Upon seeing that the Northern Hu people were lying motionless on the ground, Ning Xiaoyao immediately spoke, ¡°Fifth Young Miss, it¡¯s a pity that that voice of yours is not used for singing...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Xie Duoying shrieked.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked towards where the voice came from, and the brick in her hand dropped onto the ground. Why is Shadowgale still lying motionlessly?

    ¡°Your Majesty, quickly save Shadowgale!¡± Xie Duoying implored while weeping.

    In a sh, Ning Xiaoyao stood before Shadowgale. When she saw that Shadowgale¡¯spel was soaked with a huge patch of blood, she hastily squatted and pressed her hand against Shadowgale¡¯s chest.

    Xie Duoying anxiously asked, ¡°Your Majesty, how is he?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at Xie Duoying and decided not to say what she originally had in mind. Instead, she yelled, ¡°What happened to you?!¡±

    Half of Xie Duoying¡¯s face was swollen. Most importantly, Fifth Young Miss Xie¡¯s lips were purplish-ck.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Xie Duoying shook her head at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How¡¯s Shadowgale?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at Xie Duoying¡¯s mouth. Shadowgale¡¯s poison wasn¡¯t life-threatening. His muscles were paralyzed as a result, but it didn¡¯t seep into the bloodstream. Are Xie Duoying¡¯s pretty little lips purplish-ck because she helped Windy suck the poison out? Thinking of this, Ning Xiaoyao quickly scanned the surrounding floor. On the sandy rocky surface was a pool of blood that someone had spat out.

    ¡°Your Majesty, how¡¯s Shadowgale?¡± This was the only thing on Xie Duoying¡¯s mind. She wasn¡¯t concerned about anything else.

    Ning Xiaoyao removed the hand she ced on Shadowgale¡¯s chest. She was about to help Xie Duoying restore her face and lips back to her original state, but on second thought, she retracted her hand. She looked at Xie Duoying and asked, ¡°We were told you took poison tomit suicide. However, the people in the nunnery are all fine so it is impossible that you were held hostage by the Northern Hu men. Fifth Young Miss, did you cooperate with the Northern Hu to trick Shadowgale into going to the nunnery?¡±

    Originally, Xie Duoying was stooping and half kneeling on the floor. When she heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words, her whole body turned limp and she slumped onto the floor.

    ¡°Gosh, I revealed the truth?¡± What should she say about these two? Windy wanted to make use of Fifth Young Miss while Fifth Young Miss was even more ruthless. She became little pals with the Northern Hu people and directly wanted to cause Windy¡¯s death!

    ¡°The Northern Hu men told me that if I didn¡¯t want to die, I have to listen to them.¡± Xie Duoying wiped the tears on her face and whispered, ¡°When my paternal grandfather makes aeback, I will be the Xie n¡¯s most honorable young miss.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you wanted to kill Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao could see Windy¡¯s eyelids tremble and knew that he had woken. She covered Shadowgale¡¯s eyes and didn¡¯t let him open them.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die,¡± Xie Duoying muttered.

    ¡°Do you still want to be the Xie n¡¯s most honorable young miss?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°The Xie n has nothing to do with me.¡± Xie Duoying shook her head. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to die. Why do I have to die? Your Majesty, why don¡¯t you tell me, why do I have to die?¡±

    ¡°Then why were you risking your life recklessly with these guys just now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t appeared, you would have definitely died, right? Was it because you knew that I run fast and believed that I would surely appear in time?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want Shadowgale to die.¡± Xie Duoying¡¯s tears fell and stained the sandy and stony floor.

    ¡°Then why did you still choose to harm Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao cried out. Her sentences are contradicting one another. Is this youngdy trying to put on an act again?

    Xie Duoying shook her head. ¡°I realized I can¡¯t bear to see him die. When I see him in this state, I feel very sad. I don¡¯t want him to die.¡±

    So she realizes that Shadowgale is her true love? Ning Xiaoyao inhaled.

    ¡°I¡¯m the type of woman who strives for glory and great wealth. Ever since I was little, Old Madam had told me that I would one day be the most favored woman in the imperial pce!¡±

    ¡°Eh.¡± The corner of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched a little. ¡°It¡¯s impossible for something like that to happen. Let¡¯s not talk about it, alright?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a family anymore. When I knelt in front of the Buddha statue, I only thought about staying alive. I also decided that I couldn¡¯t continue living my whole life like this.¡± As Xie Duoying continued speaking, she started to smile. ¡°Shadowgale serves beside Your Majesty and Your Majesty treats those around you generously. Perhaps, one day, Your Majesty will let him exit the pce and serve as an official, right?¡±

    ¡°How did you know that I have this intention?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. She won¡¯t let Shadowgale remain a bodyguard forever. She will definitely let her Windy go to the army to render his service.

    ¡°I knew that he was my opportunity.¡± Xie Duoying calmly looked at Shadowgale.

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... Alright, Shadowgale doesn¡¯t have to feel guilty now. In any case, this youngdy also didn¡¯t approach him out of feelings.

    ¡°I am a bad woman.¡± Xie Duoying stopped smiling and was turning hysterical. ¡°I just, I just didn¡¯t want to see him get captured by the Northern Hu and get tortured. I don¡¯t want him to die!¡±

    Recalling the scene she saw when she first arrived, Ning Xiaoyao sighed. ¡°Silly girl, you didn¡¯t even care about your life and only wanted to let Windy live! That¡¯s because you have already fallen in love with Windy!¡± Xie Duoying is someone who desperately wants to live and refuses to resign to her fate no matter the circumstances.Yet, she¡¯s willing to give up her life for him. If this isn¡¯t love, then what is?

 Chapter 337: Fifth Young Miss was coerced

    <h4>Chapter 337: Fifth Young Miss was coerced</h4>

    Xie Duoying looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao had covered Shadowgale¡¯s eyes, preventing him from moving.

    ¡°Shadowgale,¡± Xie Duoying suddenly lowered her head again, ¡°Shadowgale has never once spoke about matters regarding Your Majesty, or the imperial court. He has never done anything to betray Your Majesty, so I¡¯m begging Your Majesty not to me him for what happened today. I was the one who lied to him because I was afraid to die. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...Why does she feel as if this young miss was imparting her final words?

    ¡°I know that Your Majesty is a miracle doctor,¡± Xie Duoying pressed her palms together and pleaded, ¡°Your Majesty, please save Shadowgale.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to feel at ease until I give Windy medicine, eh? When he heard about your suicide, Shadowgale immediately ran here. He¡¯s a Dragon Guard ah! Do you think I can still use him after this?¡±

    Xie Duoying was well aware of the type of person she was dealing with. After all, His Majesty had forced her grandfather into bing a fugitive and forced the Xie n into destitution. She didn¡¯t believe a word of those who im that His Majesty was kindhearted.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stiffened her little chubby face, ¡°I¡¯m the emperor, not a physician.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Xie Duoying cried out loud.

    ¡°There¡¯s no use in crying, I won¡¯t be swayed by your act.¡±

    ¡°If I were dead, this wouldn¡¯t be happening to Shadowgale.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gave her the side-eye, she gave her the ¡°Do you dare?¡± look.

    One of Xie Duoying¡¯s ribs were broken, so it was difficult for her to move. Under the side-eyed gaze of Ning Xiaoyao, Fifth Young Miss Xie forcefully bent her knees forward to stand up. She briefly looked at Shadowgale again before lowering her hand and running towards a big boulder on the side. She mmed her head into it without any hesitation.

    Ning Xiaoyao was silent. Not this again...

    Ning Xiaoyao removed her hand from Shadowgale¡¯s eyes. Shadowgale flipped over and sat up, frantically staring at the scene before him. Xie Duoying was lying on the ground beneath a big boulder. There was blood on the boulder and the ground. His Majesty was crouching on the side.

    ¡°Come over here and take a look, ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved Shadowgale over, her hands werepletely dyed red from the blood.

    Shadowgale sat motionlessly the ground, dumbfounded, ¡°S-she reallymitted suicide?¡±

    ¡°She lied to you about the incident at the Buddhist nunnery, but she isn¡¯t lying now. She mmed into the boulder hard enough to crack her head open.¡±

    Shadowgale remained in a daze. ¡°Windy, do you think I should save her?¡±

    Shadowgale stared nkly at her.

    ¡°Hey, hey, this is your women ah! What are you looking at me for?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty h-hasn¡¯t... hasn¡¯t saved her?¡± Shadowgale stuttered.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips, ¡°I have to ask your opinion on this matter ah.¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t get up. He threw himself towards the front of Xie Duoying. There was a white substance that looked like brain matter mixed within the blood on the ground. His voice trembled as he cried out, ¡°I beg Your Majesty to save her!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pulled Shadowgale and ced his hand on Xie Duoying¡¯s body. ¡°Since you don¡¯t want her to die, then don¡¯t test her anymore in the future.¡±

    Shadowgale lowered his head to look at Xie Duoying. Xie Duoying¡¯s face was swollen and covered in blood. Is there even a future to speak of?

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on the ground with her arms folded and mumbled, ¡°You can both start over again. Pah! You¡¯ve both experienced life and death together, no need to start over ah. Windy, I¡¯ve decided to let Fifth Young Miss stay in the pce. Then you both....¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowgale urgently eximed in a low voice.

    ¡°Why are you still shouting?¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at Shadowgale, ¡°Would you rather dig a hole and bury her? This matter should be resolved, shouldn¡¯t it?

    Shadowgale raised his hand to check for Xie Duoying¡¯s breathing.

    ¡°Calm down. With me here, you think I¡¯ll just sit around and watch the both of you die?¡±

    Shadowgale felt a gentle breeze on his hand and let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook Shadowgale¡¯s hand, ¡°Let¡¯s have a chat first!¡±

    ¡°She...¡± ¡°She¡¯s vain, just like Empress Dowager. She has dreamt of bing the most esteemeddy of Yongning ever since she was little. She even colluded with Northern Hu people and lied to you. But at the end, she was willing to die for you.¡±

    Shadowgale securely held Xie Duoying in his arms and spoke in a low voice, ¡°She isn¡¯t a....¡±

    ¡°She isn¡¯t a good person,¡± Ning Xiaoyao finished the sentence for him, ¡°But neither are you a good lover. Didn¡¯t you also scheme to test her?¡±

    Shadowgale lifted his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°This is all my fault,¡± Ning Xiaoyao admitted grievously, ¡°You did it for me.¡±

    ¡°I deserve to die, don¡¯t I? I didn¡¯t showplete loyalty to Your Majesty to the end. I also failed to treat Fifth Young Miss wholeheartedly either.¡±

    ¡°Why do your words make me feel like I should die ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned. Maybe if she didn¡¯t exist, Windy wouldn¡¯t be tangled up in this mess.

    ¡°It¡¯s this servant who deserves to die,¡± Shadowgale rushed to denounce himself.

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided to stop thinking about the matter of who should die. If they could both live well, why should anyone have to die? ¡°Let¡¯s forget about everything that happened in the past, and just focus on what you want to do in the future ah.¡±

    Take Xie Duoying into the pce? Shadowgale couldn¡¯t open his mouth to ask.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not going to say anything, then just listen to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t wait for Shadowgale to reply before she continued, ¡°Let Fifth Young Miss stay in the pce. If she stays outside, who knows if Grand Preceptor Xie will still look for her?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, I....¡±

    ¡°Stop saying ¡®I¡¯ anymore ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t allow Shadowgale to finish speaking, ¡°It¡¯s not a crime to want to live well. Who wouldn¡¯t protect themselves if someone wanted to harm them? I understand now. Your experiences were fated to happen. You two can decide whether or not you guys want to be with each other.¡±

    At this moment, one of the Northern Hu men behind them let out a groan. He looked like he was about to regain consciousness.

    Right now, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have any bricks with her. So, she raised a fist and knocked him out again.

    By now, the rest of the Northern Hu men on the ground were already conscious. However, they were all afraid to make a move. They didn¡¯t understand why this little Yongning Emperor neglected major events and appeared more concerned about that woman¡¯s affairs. Perhaps, his intelligence wascking. Nheless, they were no match against the emperor¡¯s savage attacks.

    ¡°We won¡¯t be able to carry so many people. Let¡¯s just wait for Third Rain toe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached into her sleeves for sugar beans to munch on. When she realized her sleeves were empty, she remembered she had given the sugar beans to big brother Azhi.

    Shadowgale looked at Xie Duoying¡¯s head. The wound on her forehead was the size of half his palm. The skin had peeled off, exposing a thinyer of red flesh. It was clear to see that Fifth Young Miss had intended to die with that one m into the boulder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just look at her, how are you feeling?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale touched the part of his chest that had been shed by the Northern Hu men earlier. He felt no pain, so he pulled open hispel to look at his chest. He saw a healed scar from the knife wound.

    Ning Xiaoyao took this opportunity to steal a nce. At first, she only had her eyes on the wound, but then her gaze unwittingly moved down. My Windy¡¯s figure is quite good ah! Even when he is sitting, there isn¡¯t any fat on his tummy! (Author: Shadowgale merely opened hispel, how in the world did you manage to look at his tummy ah?)

    ¡°These Northern Hu men anticipated that Your Majesty cares about your subordinates, and would personallye to the Buddhist nunnery if I didn¡¯t return,¡± Shadowgale had no idea that upper body had beenpletely scrutinized by His Majesty.

    ¡°Mhmm, they covered the walls of the nunnery in oil and were probably going to shoot fire arrows or throw torches. They nned to kill me.¡±

    Shadowgale furrowed his brows, ¡°Could it be the nuns?¡±

    ¡°I highly doubt that. If they were in cahoots with the Northern Hu, they would¡¯ve dashed once we captured them. God knows how these men managed to trick the nuns.¡±

    Shadowgale tightened his grip on Xie Duoying. This matter must be somehow rted to Fifth Young Miss.

    ¡°Right...¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought of something and clenched her fist. ¡°Who was it that injured you?¡±

    The Northern Hu men lying on the ground:...

    ¡°That man had a full beard. He¡¯s very skilled in martial arts.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked down at Beardy. You again.

    ¡°He...¡± Just as Shadowgale was about to ask if they had caught this person, Ning Xiaoyao had already grabbed the man¡¯s foot and dragged him to Shadowgale.

    ¡°Stop ying dead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smacked Beardy across the face.

    Beardy¡¯s face was covered in blood. Ning Xiaoyao broke his nose with the brick. Now that he was pped on the face, the burly fellow couldn¡¯t help but tremble in pain.

    Shadowgale released Xie Duoying and grabbed Beardy¡¯s neck in one move. He shouted angrily, ¡°Speak, how did you get into the outskirts of our capital?¡±

    Despite being strangled to the point where his eyes had rolled back, Beardy still didn¡¯t say a word.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on the ground and pursed her lips, ¡°No point of asking this. Grand Preceptor must have helped them.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor¡¯s defeat is a recent matter. The journey from the mountain pass to the capital takes several months. There¡¯s no way these people only received his help recently,¡± Shadowgale reasoned.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought Shadowgale¡¯s words made sense. Supreme Commander Lou is still on his way. If Grand Preceptor had only recently partnered up with them, it¡¯s impossible for these Northern Hu men to appear here. ¡°Speak,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Beardy whose eyes were still rolled back. ¡°When did Grand Preceptor start working together with your Modou?¡±

    Shadowgale loosened his grip slightly. Beardy took this opportunity to open his mouth to breathe.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t speak, I¡¯ll get Shadowgale to beat you to death,¡± Ning Xiaoyao threatened Beardy.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Beardy spoke without thinking.

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted up her hand again, ready to greet Beardy¡¯s face with another p. She retorted angrily, ¡°I hate those three words the most!¡±

    In the blink of an eye, Beardy¡¯s face was swollen with a huge bump.

    ¡°How would a lowly subordinate like me know anything about the Wolf King¡¯s whereabouts? Go ahead and kill me then!¡± Beardy buried his face and cried.

    ¡°Eh? That¡¯s not right! Didn¡¯t I dislocate your jaw? How are you able to speak right now? Who helped put your jaw back in ce?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly reacted.

    Beardy¡¯s body jolted in shock. Ning Xiaoyao thought back. Was it her upational habit? Did she unknowingly put his jaw back in ce?

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Suddenly, Shadowgale threw himself in front of Ning Xiaoyao, hugged her and rolled onto the ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao appeared to be in a daze. She saw the glint of a dagger, in a split second, a Northern Hu man had abducted the unconscious Xie Duoying and held a dagger to her neck.

    Shadowgale steadfastly ced Ning Xiaoyao behind himself as soon as he saw the killing intent briefly sh in the Northern Hu man¡¯s eyes. Head Commander Shadowgale immediately regained hisposure.

    ¡°Yongning Emperor,¡± the Northern Hu man stare at Ning Xiaoyao, whose head was currently peeking out from behind Shadowgale.

    ¡°So you are the one in charge!¡± Ning Xiaoyao sniffed, ¡°Let her go, or else you¡¯ll bear the consequences.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty should be the one letting people go.¡± This Northern Hu man didn¡¯t have a beard and his features didn¡¯t stand out so it was impossible to tell if he was a Northern Hu or a Yongning citizen. Not to mention, he was fluent in the Yongning dialect. The man twisted the dagger in his hands and cut into Xie Duoying¡¯s neck. ¡°If Your Majesty wants to save this beauty, then let us go.¡± he threatened.

 Chapter 338: The scary possibility

    <h4>Chapter 338: The scary possibility</h4>

    When Ning Xiaoyao noticed the Northern Hu men on the ground were all starting to budge, she realised that she¡¯d underestimated the constitutions of this gang of people. The Northern Hu could really take a beating!

    ¡°Release us,¡± the real Northern Hu expert ordered. Since Ning Xiaoyao had shrunk her head back, he could only look at Shadowgale. Shadowgale sneered coldly, ¡°Do you really think that you guys can escape?¡±

    ¡°Then, do you want this woman to die?¡± The Northern Hu expert twisted the knife in his hand, causing the wound on Xie Duoying¡¯s neck to bleed again. The pain caused Fifth Lady Xie to regain consciousness. ¡°Do you want your woman to die?¡± he repeated once more. Ning Xiaoyao looked up and wrapped her arms around Shadowgale¡¯s waist. His teeth were gritted, and his jaw was clenched tightly.

    Xie Duoying opened her eyes, only to realise she was being held hostage by one of the Northern Hu men. Fifth Young Miss let out a surprised yelp, but shut her mouth when she noticed that Shadowgale was standing opposite her. In an instant, she understood that the men were using her to threaten Shadowgale.

    ¡°Release us.¡± the Northern Hu expert growled. Shadowgale remained quiet. The expert could tell from Shadowgale¡¯s expression that he had no ns to let them go.

    ¡°Looks like your man has no ns to save you,¡± the expert looked down at Xie Duoying and snorted. Xie Duoying felt a surge of disgust when this stranger¡¯s breath fanned across her ear, but she kept her mouth mped shut and refused to say a word. Although she didn¡¯t know why she wasn¡¯t dead, she couldn¡¯t bear to see Shadowgale hurt, so Fifth Young Miss wasn¡¯t about to cause trouble for him.

    The Northern Hu man didn¡¯t want to waste anymore of his breath. One was fiercely loyal to his superior, and the other was willing to die for her lover; what else could he say? The knife in his hand pressed further into Xie Duoying¡¯s neck. He addressed Shadowgale, ¡°Don¡¯t regret this.¡±

    ¡°Regret your sister!¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped up from behind Shadowgale, and smashed her fist into the man¡¯s brain like a cannon. With that blow, she knocked him to the ground, and without caring if he¡¯d lost consciousness or not, she sat on top of him and pummelled him with her fists. This punk isn¡¯t even evolved and he wants to threaten others?

    While Xie Duoying was in a state of shock, someone yanked her up, and in a second, Fifth Young Miss was in the embrace of the only person who could make her feel at ease. Shadowgale rapidly backed away with Xie Duoying in his arms.

    As for His Majesty...from the way Ning Xiaoyao was waving her fists violently, Head Commander felt weak and helpless. What¡¯s the point of having the Dragon Guards when His Majesty is so savage?

    Xie Duoying buried her face in Shadowgale¡¯s chest. After a few moments, arge patch of Shadowgale¡¯s shirt was drenched. Fifth Young Miss didn¡¯t speak, but was sobbing in despair in his embrace. Ning Xiaoyao had beaten the Northern Hu expert into a pulp. Even though he was as motionless as a corpse, she was still ill at ease, and broke the bones in his forearms. She didn¡¯t feel guilty for doing so, because you couldn¡¯t die from a few broken bones.

    After two hours, Xie Duoying had cried herself out and fallen asleep in Shadowgale¡¯s arms. Ning Xiaoyao beat up all the Northern Hu men again before sitting on the ground in a daze. It was then that Shadowrain hurried to the scene with a group of Dragon Guards. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the pce.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood from the ground, dusting off her bum.

    ¡°Let Second Young Master deal with them!¡± Shadowrain ordered the Dragon Guards to tie up all the Northern Hu men and carry them off. He noticed Shadowgale cradling Xie Duoying and opened his mouth to speak, before stopping. This woman is definitely the reason why his big bro was caught by the Northern Hu!

    Ning Xiaoyao tiptoed and tugged Shadowrain''s shoulder. "Third Rain, I''ve heard that an elder bro''s wife should be treated like a mother."

    ¡°What?¡± Shadowrain eximed. He didn¡¯t understand what His Majesty was trying to say. Ning Xiaoyao deliberately made some noises at the people behind her.

    Shadowrain: ... Those two are official now?!

    ¡°You gotta have some respect,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Shadowrain¡¯s shoulder. Shadowrain struggled to hold back before finally blurting out, ¡°My mum died a long time ago.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...If you really want Fifth Young Miss to be your mum, you have to ask her if she¡¯s fine with it!

    ¡°What about those in the nunnery?¡± Shadowrain suddenly asked after following Ning Xiaoyao for a while.

    ¡°Continue with their religious practice. What else can they do?¡± Shadowrain felt that His Majesty really had a big heart. So many Northern Hu men came out of the small nunnery, but he wasn¡¯t worried at all!

    ¡°I rounded them up. The Northern Hu men came from their nunnery, they have to ount to the royal court.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead and interrogate, just don¡¯t let Second Young Master do it. He¡¯s too savage, I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll scare the nuns.¡± Shadowrain asked out of curiosity, ¡°Your Majesty, what did Second Young Master do?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pulled a face. ¡°He has a nasty mouth.¡± Shadowrain didn¡¯t respond. Second Young Master Pei really did have an offensive mouth.

    Later on in the evening, the offensive mouth Second Young Master Pei sat before Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°And that¡¯s what happened.¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined everything to Pei Yan. Pei Yan sat in silence for a while. His Majesty bragged about how he beat people up with a brick and how he was handsome enough to pierce through the Heavens. After ignoring all that garbage, the only useful piece of information was that the nunnery in the capital suburbs was hiding a bunch of Northern Hu men.

    ¡°Second Young Master, are you going to interrogate them through the night now that they¡¯ve been captured?¡± Ning Xiaoyao questioned Pei Yan.

    ¡°Your Majesty, where¡¯s Supreme Commander Lou now?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, he¡¯s still on the road.¡±

    ¡°This subject humbly asks His Majesty to write a letter to Supreme Commander and urge him to return to Anyuan no matter what.¡± Pei Yan stood up.

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    ¡°The Northern Hu men in the nunnery knew about Fifth Young MIss.¡± Pei Yan walked in front of Ning Xiaoyao and continued lowly, ¡°This means that Xie Wenyuan had already colluded with the Northern Hu a long time ago.¡±

    ¡°You think so too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao began to feel anxious.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please write the letter now,¡± Pei Yan urged Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. The letter she¡¯d written to Supreme Commander was still on her study table.

    ¡°Your Majesty, if it¡¯s possible, please ask Shadowgale or one of themanders to send the letter.¡± Pei Yan requested.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Let Shadowgale and the rest take a look at ck Frost City.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Can I go too?¡±

    Pei Yan smiled. ¡°So are the ministers of the royal court supposed to go to ck Frost City to look for Your Majesty if the rebel forces cause trouble again?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao made a face.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan left a back door open for himself before he sent out troops.¡± After dealing this blow to Ning Xiaoyao, Pei Yan said softly, ¡°He has connections with Xiang Nong, and it looks like he has connections with Modou too. But it¡¯s not scary if these are two separate escape routes he has.¡±

    For some reason, Ning Xiaoyao felt anxious. ¡°Then what¡¯s considered scary?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s scary is if there is only one escape route.¡± Pei Yan¡¯s eyes were afire, and he didn¡¯t look gentle at all. ¡°One escape route?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was confused. ¡°If all three of them join forces.¡± Pei Yan knocked gently on the table in front of Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao was dumbfounded. A gang fight?

    ¡°I hope this isn¡¯t the case.¡± Pei Yan stepped backwards and bowed to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°This subject will head to the Hall of Punishment to interrogate the Northern Hu men.¡±

    ¡°The most ordinary-looking one is the chief, and the one with the beard is the second-inmand.¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered. Pei Yan nodded, and turned to leave the pce room. Ning Xiaoyao hugged her head. God, please don¡¯t let it be a gang fight!

    Outside the pce room, Shadowgale was walking towards the courtyard, while Pei Yan was walking out of the courtyard; the two of them passed by each other. Pei Yan stopped in his tracks and spoke discreetly to Shadowgale¡¯s back, ¡°Has Fifth Young Miss been taken care of?¡±

    Shadowgale nodded. ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d just let her change her surname. With a wife from the Xie n, even if you¡¯re in the favour of His Majesty, I¡¯m afraid in the future the ministers of the royal court would have some words to say.¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled from the front of the room. ¡°He hasn¡¯t even thought through it himself, can¡¯t you give him some time?¡±

    Pei Yan patted Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder and walked past him. Ning Xiaoyao gestured at Shadowgale. ¡°Windy, let¡¯s go to the study.¡± When they entered the study, Ning Xiaoyao hugged Big Boss ck, who was helping her to look over her letter. After finishing her letter, she passed them to Shadowgale. ¡°Take a look at this for me, Windy. Have I clearly addressed everything?¡±

    Shadowgale looked at the letter. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s handwriting was still as atrocious as ever, but he was used to it. After looking through the letter, he said, ¡°Your Majesty has made it very clear.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up the brush and added another sentence. I miss you a lot. Do you miss me too? Looking at this, Shadowgale somehow felt like something was off.

    ¡°I¡¯d like Shadowthunder to make the trip. What do you think?¡± She asked as she stuffed the letter into an envelope. ¡°Whatever pleases you, Your Majesty.¡±

    sping her hands together, Ning Xiaoyao prayed, ¡°Please don¡¯t let them collude, please don¡¯t let ck Frost City be conquered. Please, please, please ahhhhhh~¡±

    Shadowgale: ...

    Carrying Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s letter, Shadowthunder left the capital and headed north to look for Lou Zigui. In the Hall of Punishment, the Northern Hu burly fellows had been walloped several times, but Pei Yan still wasn¡¯t able to get anything out of them.

    ¡°I think they really don¡¯t know anything,¡± Pei Yan reported upon returning to Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t slept the whole night.

    Ning Xiaoyao frowned. ¡°Xie Wenyuan¡¯s atrge now, while Your Majesty¡¯s every action can be seen. This isn¡¯t good for you, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°I really feel like an idiot,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°When the Grand Preceptor had troops, I couldn¡¯t kill him. Now that he no longer has any troops, he still has the upper hand. Please, Second Young Master, tell me what¡¯s the point of me scheming so hard?¡±

    ¡°Thest time,¡± Pei Yan said.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°This is Xie Wenyuan¡¯sst trick.¡± Pei Yan grinned. Immediately, he appeared much warmer. ¡°After this, Xie Wenyuan won¡¯t have anywhere to run.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms and sulked, ¡°But can we pass this hurdle? If the Northern Hu and the rebel troopsbine forces, won¡¯t we just be thrashed on every front?¡±

    ¡°If they join hands, they must seed on first try. Although this subject doesn¡¯t know how the Northern Hu men intend to enter the Central ins, or how the rebel forces are going to enter the capital and its surrounding areas, but...¡±

    ¡°Wait, the capital and its surrounding areas again?¡± ¡°When I say ¡®seed on first try¡¯, I mean killing Your Majesty on first try,¡± Pei Yan looked at Ning Xiaoyao. He had no trouble stating what others fear to say.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt like dying. She really let down the people living in the capital and its surrounding areas!

    ¡°Arrange for some troops to enter the capital environs, Your Majesty,¡± Pei Yan said quietly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what happens behind the scenes. Your Majesty, you have to ensure that the capital and its surrounding areas don¡¯t end up in the enemies¡¯ hands.¡±

 Chapter 339: His Majesty is Pregnant!

    <h4>Chapter 339: His Majesty is Pregnant!</h4>

    Since Ning Xiaoyao was not too familiar with the intricacies of transferring armies, she assigned Second Young Master Pei to go and discuss with the generals.

    "What should I do next?¡± Sitting alone in the pce, Ning Xiaoyao wondered out loud to Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty. Little White Fatty plopped down onto the ground. ¡°Xiaoyao, do you want to eat something? Aroo~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hugged her head. The capital might go to war again, how could she be in the mood to eat? Though, she did feel a little hungry.

    Big Boss ck nced up at Ning Xiaoyao and suggested, "Think about Supreme Commander." He was seriously afraid this ninny wouldpletely forget about Supreme Commander!

    Ning Xiaoyao kept hugging her head. She shouldn¡¯t have expected anything worthwhile from ck Tubby!

    "With Supreme Commander there, the Northern Hu won¡¯t be able to conquer ck Frost City.¡± Big Boss ck stated after taking some time to think about it.

    Still holding her head, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart was a mess. Grand Preceptor Xie had sent assassins to the justice courts, and then led the Northern Hu to the capital suburbs. These actions all seemed very random, with no semnce of order at all. Ning Xiaoyao bit down on her lips. Could the wicked old man be intentionally messing with her, and covering up his true intentions?

    "Grand Preceptor must be nning something insidious," Ning Xiaoyao dered very solemnly to Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty.

    Big Boss ck shook its head at Ning Xiaoyao. How could a cat understand these kinds of things?

    As for Little White Fatty, he kept lying on the floor, not even bothering to raise its head.

    "Second Young Master Pei had said earlier, we don¡¯t know how the Northern Hu will invade the central ins, nor do we know how the rebel forces will enter into the capital city." Ning Xiaoyao continued to chat with the cat and the wolf. "That means, the Northern Hu will definitely reach the central ins, and the rebel forces will certainly take action against the capital.¡±

    Big Boss ck licked its paw. ¡°So what?"

    Ning Xiaoyao decided to go look at the map. If she doesn¡¯t do something productive right now, then she wouldn¡¯t even have the mood to eatter! That would be too unfortunate!

    Imperial decrees regarding the transfer of troops into the capital came out one after another. Although there weren¡¯t any talks of war yet, the atmosphere of capital seemed to have tensed up overnight. However, since themon people had already gone through a daunting experience without mishap, they weren¡¯t as anxious about fleeing this time.

    Ning Xiaoyao poured over the map for several days, but it turned out that His Majesty Ning had absolutely no military talent... she memorized all the names of the ces on the map, and yet didn¡¯t gain any insight. Finally, seeing no other way, Ning Xiaoyao could only reluctant dig into her own pockets and fund fortifications to the city wall. Since she doesn¡¯t know when they¡¯ll get a beating, it¡¯s better to build the walls up high in preparation ah!

    With the expenses needed for preparations of the uing battle, having to settle disced refugees and allocating food, reimbursing travel costs, and covering the ongoing living expenses, the treasures hidden below the Supreme Splendor Hall was quickly diminished by Ning Xiaoyao.

    Standing alone in the empty underground chamber, Ning Xiaoyao walked out with a lowered head and wilted stance. From then on, the subjects of the imperial pce never heard the words ¡°We don¡¯tck money¡±e out of His Majesty¡¯s lips again.

    Half a month passed without any action from Grand Preceptor Xie, nor did Supreme Commander Lou send over any news. Furthermore, Ning Xiaoyao did nothing other than rendering herself a poorer person. Although sheined on a daily basis that waiting for a beating toe was too difficult to endure, no one from Supreme Splendor Hall saw their majesty eat one mouthful of rice less.

    On this day, while listening to Grandfather Sparrow and the others twitter and chat outside, Ning Xiaoyao opened eyes and in the span of rolling over, suddenly froze.

    Big Boss ck wasyingnguidly on the pillow when he saw Ning Xiaoyao stiffen and immediately gloated, "Ninny, did you strain your lower back?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao flipped over to lie on her back and ced a hand on her belly while retorting to Big Boss ck, ¡°You shut up!¡±

    When Big Boss ck saw Ning Xiaoyao covering her stomach, he asked, ¡°Are you hungry again?" If his esteemed Supreme Commander actually took this ninny home, could Supreme Commander even afford to raise this glutton? Big Boss ck gazed at Little Flower, who was currently resting in the nest, and felt super lucky. Little Flower was so much better than Jiao Jiao - Little Flower could catch her own mice, she would lick and groom him, and most importantly, Little Flower was willing to have little kittens with him!

    Ning Xiaoyao covered her abdomen and closed her eyes intently. She needed to concentrate right now.

    Big Boss ck was waiting for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s response. But when he noticed Ning Xiaoyao remain as still as a corpse (Author: Hey!) even a whileter, he began to get a little worried. Last night, this ninny had eaten a whole pot of white rice. Had this glutton finally hurt herself by overeating? "Xiaoyao," Big Boss ck reached out a paw to swat at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face, "What''s wrong with you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao slowly opened her eyes and removed her hands. She calmly turned to Big Boss ck. "I have a child in my womb.¡±

    Big Boss ck: ¦²(¡÷ ¡ã|¦õ.

    Ning Xiaoyao muttered, "Howe you¡¯re not saying anything?¡±

    Big Boss ck raised a paw to scratch disbelievingly at its own face. ¡°Is it Supreme Commander¡¯s?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    "Meow meow, meow meow meow!" Big Boss ck suddenly started jumping around on the bed, eximing in joy, "Supreme Commander has kits now! Supreme Commander has kits ah! Meow meow meow~¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao held her belly and turned over again. The corners of her mouth couldn¡¯t help but curve into a smile. This was wonderful - she has a child! She''s got a baby, ah! In the apocalyptic world where most humans had been walking the path of extinction, a child was a gift. After all, a child could continue the race of mankind. Although there were no shortages of children in this world, Ning Xiaoyao still maintained this mindset.

    "Xiaoyao," Big Boss ck jumped up to where Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head was and started chattering, ¡°Now you can¡¯t run off with other men anymore. This cat knows, you human men don¡¯t like to raise other men¡¯s children. Miaow!"

    When Little Flower crawled out from its nest and headed towards the bed, the first thing she saw was her cat husband flying over her head and out the pce room. Little Flower froze in a daze.

    ¡°Go away!" Ning Xiaoyao yelled at the door from her current position.

    "Ninny, give up, this is your life now!" Big Boss ck shrieked from outside the door.

    ¡°Shut up!" Ning Xiaoyao hollered back again.

    Big Boss ck started to sing meow meow meow outside the door. He was too happy!!

    Little Flower looked at Ning Xiaoyao, and then looked out the door, before eventually deciding to go find her cat husband. She was hungry, and wanted to eat some small dried fish~

    When Big Boss ck heard Little Flower say that she was hungry, he finally stopped singing. He had to ensure that his wife was happily fed first!

    Hearing the two cats outside run off, Ning Xiaoyao started to roll around her bed again. This is so good, she is pregnant! After an unpleasant half a month, something good finally happened. Now she needs to have a good meal to celebrate!

    Ning Xiaoyao got off the bed and ran towards the kitchte. Although she couldn¡¯t share this good news with herrades, Ning Xiaoyao still decided that she was going to invite Shadowgale for a meal today!

    Big Boss ck took Little Flower out to forage. Along the way, he spread the news to any small animals that he came across, regardless of species. Supreme Commander has a kit now, right in the belly of Xiaoyao!

    And so, on this very ordinary summer day, a confused Shadowgale was invited to lunch with Ning Xiaoyao, and all the animals within the capital knew Ning Xiaoyao was pregnant with Supreme Commander Lou¡¯s child.

    For the next several days, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face was like the sun, glowing with radiance. In fact, it was to the point that Elder Li began to wonder, has His Majesty discovered another treasure stash somewhere?

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao finally stoppedughing when Shadowgale passed this message to her.

    "Your Majesty, what''s the matter with you?¡± Shadowgale asked with concern.

    "Uh," Ning Xiaoyao stared at the snack box sitting on the desk. "Nothing much, I was just thinking how so many days have gone by, yet there has been no news from Grand Preceptor Xie. The Northern Hu and the rebel forces also haven¡¯t appeared. So I was wondering if Grand Preceptor Xie may have already died.¡±

    Shadowgale:... how could someone like Xie Wenyuan die so easily? He¡¯s the scourge of all people!

    "No treasure stash or anything like that," Ning Xiaoyao took a piece of rice cake for herself and also ced one in Shadowgale¡¯s palms. "I¡¯m just happy, hahaha."

    "There¡¯s no news regarding Xie Wenyuan at all?" Shadowgale squished the rice cake he¡¯d been given. He had no appetite.

    "Well who knows, perhaps he¡¯s already dead," Ning Xiaoyao started tough again. Maybe she¡¯s been so unluckytely that her fortune was finally reversing? ¡°Windy, think about it ah, what if Grand Preceptor fell into the water and drowned, or choked to death while eating, or got hit by a cart while walking, or maybe he was sitting in a house and then it copsed and crushed him to death?"

    Shadowgale really could not achieve the same level of optimism as Ning Xiaoyao, and so Shadow Commander could only stare nkly at His Majesty.

    "Aiya," Ning Xiaoyao demolished the rice cake in a few bites. She needed to think of a way to leave the throne, or else what would she say to her subjects in a few months when her belly grows bigger? Ning Xiaoyao decided to test Shadowgale. "Windy, do you think I¡¯ve gotten chubbier?

    Shadowgale inspected Ning Xiaoyao from head to toe and shook his head. "Your Majesty is not chubby.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pinched some fat on her face for Shadowgale to see. Shadowgale could not understand. ¡°Does Your Majesty wish to be fatter?¡±

    "Not just fatter, but a lot fatter!" Ning Xiaoyao spread out her arms, demonstrating a size that was two times her current figure.

    "But Your Majesty, you have just informed the entire country of the Empress¡¯ passing," Shadowgale continued with a frown, "If His Majesty were to be chubbier now, then that wouldn¡¯t be appropriate, right?¡±

    "Then," Ning Xiaoyao asked very carefully, "what about five months from now?¡±

    Shadowgale stared at Ning Xiaoyao. What¡¯s His Majesty really trying to aplish? Is there anyone who could urately predict growing fatter in exactly five months? That¡¯s unheard of. (Author: Your Majesty is now pregnant, she will definitely be rounder... o (¨s-¨t) o)

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. It seems like ¡®growing fat¡¯ is not a good-enough excuse. She needs to hurry and think of another exnation.

    Another month slipped by as she thought about this, the weather was gradually changing from summer to autumn. In Supreme Splendor Hall, the summer flowers wilted, green leaves turned yellow, and Ning Xiaoyao still didn¡¯t have a n. However, she received a letter from Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Supreme Commander has returned to Anyuan, and also met up with Shadowbolt," After reading the letter, Ning Xiaoyao shared the news with Second Young Master Pei, Shadowgale, and the rest of the crew. "He also said that he didn¡¯t notice any abnormal movements from the Northern Hu. If everything remains quiet, he¡¯ll return to the capital in a few days.¡±

    Pei Yan reacted with surprise, ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±

    "Oh," Ning Xiaoyao added cheerfully, "Supreme Commander also says he misses me very much.¡±

    Pei Yan made a sound of acknowledgement but inwardly thought, why does Lou Zigui have to be so mushy when ttering others?

    ¡°Then this battle has been avoided?" Shadowgale asked doubtfully. Ning Xiaoyao forcefully pped the table. "Grand Preceptor must have died already!¡±

    Pei Yan nced at the letter that Ning Xiaoyao was hovering protectively over, and shook his head. "Cmitysts a thousand years, I don¡¯t believe Xie Wenyuan would die so easily.¡±

    "Then exin this, there have been no movement from the Northern Hu. Do you think Grand Preceptor went to the rebel forces?¡± Ning Xiaoyao countered. Second Young Master Pei couldn¡¯t answer this question.

    "I have decided to invite Prince Fu to the capital," Ning Xiaoyao stated.

    ¡°Prince Fu?" Pei Yan was surprised. ¡°Your Majesty needs Prince Fu for something?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She wasn¡¯t impressed by any of the princes that had remained in the capital. Since Supreme Commander Lou had taken Ning Xin away with him, she needed to consult with Prince Fu and decide on a worthy inheritor of the throne. (Author: Aren¡¯t you afraid of frightening Prince Fu to death?)

 Chapter 340: The merchant says, they went southeast

    <h4>Chapter 340: The merchant says, they went southeast</h4>

    Prince Fu was issued an imperial edict to enter the capital. Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao sat behind her desk and was in the process of writing back to Lou Zigui. She¡¯s pregnant with his baby. She has to tell the child¡¯s father about it, ah! But what if the letter goes missing and someone peeks at it?

    Ultimately, His Majesty Ning wrote the word "pregnant". That way, no one else would understand except for Lou Zigui. After all, he was the only person she had rolled in the bed sheets with.

    While Ning Xiaoyao sprawled across the table and wrote her response, Lou Zigui entered the gate of Lou Estate in ck Frost City. Although it was amon practice in Yongning to value civil matters and neglect the military, ck Frost City was located at the border. As a result, the people at the border areas revered military skills. Not to mention, the Lou n was a well established family there. Hence, the Lou Estate had the biggest and most expansive mansion in the whole city.

    ¡°Fourth Uncle!¡± a little boy ran into Lou Zigui¡¯s arms. Lou Zigui half crouched down and hugged his little nephew. He lightly chuckled, "Fourth Uncle is back."

    Lou Nan clung onto Lou Zigui¡¯s neck and did not let go. He mumbled, "Why were you gone for so long this time, Fourth Uncle?" Lou Zigui embraced his nephew again before releasing him. "Have you missed Fourth Uncle?" Lou Nan also let go and nodded.

    Although they were interdependent of each other, Lou Zigui had always kept a distance between him and his nephew because of his cursed fate. Lou Zigui had always considered himself as the star of misfortune, so he was afraid his bad luck would kill off his only nephew. Because they had been separated for so long, Lou Nan had thrown himself into his Fourth Uncle''s arms. However, after that, he did not know how to interact with Lou Zigui. He couldn¡¯te up with anything to say.

    Lou Zigui sized up Lou Nan. Autumn had just begun, yet his nephew was already dressed in cotton-padded clothes. He felt his nephew¡¯s hands. Despite wearing such thick clothes, Lou Nan''s small hands weren¡¯t warm. The child was still thin and weak. In fact, his thin body made his head appear veryrge. The way his small neck was supporting hisrge head was worrisome to others. What if the small neck couldn¡¯t support his head?

    ¡°Fourth Uncle,¡± Lou Nan raised his eyes to gaze at Lou Zigui again. "I have been eating all my meals and taking all my medicine."

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t like to sigh in front of children. Instead, he smiled at his little nephew and stood up to walk towards the estate. He deliberately slowed down his steps so Lou Nan could keep up with him. Although Lou Nan didn¡¯t know how to converse with Lou Zigui, he still wanted to follow his Fourth Uncle.

    "This time we should bring Little Young Master to the capital with us," Fang Tang walked behind and whispered to Shadowbolt, "We could get His Majesty to take a look at our young master. He¡¯s already taking his medicine every day, yet Little Young Master Lou¡¯s health is still so poor!¡±

    Shadowbolt surreptitiously looked at him with disdain. Does he seriously regard His Majesty as a doctor?

    "Go back to your room," When they reached the conference hall, Lou Zigui turned around to face his nephew. His hands were sped behind his back. "Fourth Uncle will go see youter."

    "Alright," Lou Nan nodded and obediently returned to his residence.

    Shadowbolt clucked his tongue. So cold, ah! Supreme Commander Lou often hugged Xiaoqiu in the pce. Howe he¡¯s less affectionate towards his own nephew?

    Lou Zigui looked at Shadowbolt. Fourth Commander hurriedly straightened up his posture. For some reason, he was always cowardly in front of Lou Zigui.

    "We''ll head to the city gate tower in a bit," Lou Zigui continued walking to conference hall as he spoke to Shadowbolt, "Once you have seen ck Frost city gate tower, rush back to the capital immediately."

    "Yes," Shadowbolt responded promptly. On the one hand, the affairs of the nation was important. On the other hand, Fourth Commander would rather stay with His Majesty than with Lou Zigui. He wasn¡¯t the type that liked topare, but he alsocked awareness back then. After following Lou Zigui, Shadowbolt realized how free he felt whenever he stayed by Ning Xiaoyao.

    "Little Young Master, let''s go," At the corner of the corridor, Niu Zi, the pageboy, whispered to Lou Nan. Lou Nan was still standing quietly at the corner. "Supreme Commander has matters to deal with.¡±

    Lou Nan appeared very disappointed. He had thought about what he would say to his Fourth Uncle when he met. Yet, when they finally saw each other again, he was speechless.

    "Little Young Master, after Supreme Commander is finished with his tasks, he¡¯ll go see you," Niu Zi tried to persuade Lou Nan. Looking at the soldiers in front of the conference hall, Lou Nan suddenly hollered angrily, "He won''t!"

    Niu Zi quickly chased after his young master. Lou Nan had ran behind the veranda. The twelve year old Niu Zi sighed on the inside. Has Supreme Commander ever been affectionate to anyone over the years? Why is Little Young Master so adamant on getting close to him?

    After having a meeting in the conference hall, Lou Zigui led Shadowbolt to the city gate tower. By the time he was done all his pressing business, the sky had turned dark. Even when Lou Nan was in bed, Lou Zigui never came to see him as promised.

    ¡°Little Young Master,¡± Niu Zi stood in front of the bed with a quilt in his hand, "Zhou Mama said it¡¯s turning cold again, so you need to add an extra quilt."

    Lou Nan stretched his ears to listen for any movements outside the room. No one came. Little Young Master Nan closed his eyes in disappointment. Niu Zi sighed and covered his young master with the quilt.

    In the study, Lou Zigui asked the doctor about Lou Nan¡¯s condition. "We could only try to keep Little Young Master alive," the best doctor in Anyuan''s six prefectures told Lou Zigui in a low voice, "Supreme Commander, I¡¯ve tried my best."

    Each time they met, Doctor Ji always told him the same thing. Lou Zigui could practically recite it from memory. Looking at the thick list of medicines in his hand, Lou Zigui didn¡¯t dare to imagine how Lou Nan¡¯s future would¡¯ve been if he had died at the execution ground. Suddenly, Miss Ning¡¯s chubby face shed through his mind.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Doctor Ji spoke, "I heard there is a divine doctor living in the imperial pce. If possible, could Supreme Commander take the little young master to the capital?¡±

    Lou Zigui put down the medicine list in his hand. "Shortly after the war ends, I¡¯ll take Nan¡¯er to the capital. Thank you for all your hard work all these years, Doctor Ji.¡±

    Dr Ji was very ttered by Supreme Commander¡¯s words. In the past, whenever he gave Lou Nan treatment, His Excellency Supreme Commander would always thank him for his hard work with an icy expression. Therefore, Doctor Ji was pleasantly surprised to find His Excellency Supreme Commander smiling at him today.

    "Servant, see Doctor Ji off," Lou Zigui called out. The old housekeeper came in and led Doctor Ji outside.

    Lou Zigui spread out the letter writing paper. He lifted up the writing brush to write. Shadowbolt will be delivering the letter for him. Once again, Miss Ning''s plump face hovered in front of his eyes, causing Lou Zigui¡¯s smile to widen.

    After he entered the kingdom of Anyuan''s six states, he had requested all the high-ranked military officers guarding the border to see him. When the officers said they did not find any unusual movements from the Northern Hu, Lou Zigui felt reassured. If in a few days the regions outside the borders were still peaceful, he would take Lou Nan to the capital. First of all, he wanted Ning Xiaoyao to take a look at Lou Nan. Secondly, he missed her.

    Just as Lou Zigui had dipped the brush into the thick ink, Song Jin¡¯s voice could be heard from outside the study door. "Supreme Commander." Lou Zigui put the brush down and answered, "Come in."

    Song Jin entered Lou Zigui¡¯s study with two middle-aged merchants. When Lou Zigui saw them, he frowned. After the three respectfully greeted him, Supreme Commander Lou asked, "What happened?"

    "Tell Supreme Commander what happened," Song Jin ordered the two merchants behind him. The two merchants looked at each other, and the merchant standing on the left mumbled, "Supreme Commander, these humble ones have gone outside the mountain pass."

    "Make the long story short," Song Jin instructed coldly. As soon as the two merchants heard Song Jin''s words, they were so frightened that they knelt down in front of Lou Zigui.

    Song Jin exined to Lou Zigui, "Supreme Commander, they are Wu merchants. They secretly left the mountain pass to do business with the Northern Hu."

    Those who were caught secretly leaving the mountain pass to conduct business with the Northern Hu were arrested and put to death. Song Jin had brought these two men to face him. Supreme Commander leaned forward andmanded, "You speak first."

    "These humble ones went to the King''s Court of the Northern Hu this time," the merchant on the left admitted while continuously pressing his forehead to the ground in front of Lou Zigui. "These humble ones heard that the Wolf King of Northern Hu had left the King¡¯s Court with arge army."

    "You heard about it? Who did you hear it from?" demanded Lou Zigui.

    "This humble one brought a box of silk to the wife of a Northern Hu general. S-she told this humble one."

    "The men in her family are followers of Modou," the merchant kneeling on the right interrupted in a hurry. "Where did Modou take his army?" Lou Zigui pressed.

    "This humble one d-doesn¡¯t know," the two merchants shook their heads simultaneously. Lou Zigui stared at the two merchants for a moment, "I¡¯ll ask you onest time. Where did Modou go?¡± he growled.

    The two merchants didn¡¯t dare to look up at Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui waited for a while but the merchants never replied. Thus, he lightly smacked the table and turned to Song Jin, "Take them away."

    "East, southeast," the merchant kneeling on his right suddenly raised his head and shouted at Lou Zigui. Both Lou Zigui and Song Jin stared at the merchant.

    "This humble one doesn¡¯t dare to talk nonsense. He went southeast," the merchant looked at Lou Zigui and eximed urgently, "While this humble one was in the rear courtyard, I noticed southern grass inside the carriage. That type of grass only exists in the southeastern parts of the mountain pass."

    Lou Zigui nodded at the merchant and dered, "I will not kill you."

    "Thank you, Supreme Commander! This humble one thanks Supreme Commander," the merchant hurriedly pressed his forehead to the ground. Bodyguards were called in to take the two merchants out.

    "Modou brought arge army towards the southeast. What are they nning to do?" Once the two merchants were gone, Song Jin quickly asked. Lou Zigui stacked the nk letter writing papers in front of him and lowered his voice, "It''s not the southeast."

    "What?" Song Jin''s eyes twitched. He immediately barked, "Those two were talking rubbish?"

    "It''s too coincidental," said Lou Zigui, motioning Song Jin to get a map from the curio shelves. "I don''t think I have the luck to track Modou¡¯s movements from these two merchants."

    Song Jinid the map on the table. "Then Modou has not sent the troops?"

    "He sent out troops. It¡¯s just that he doesn¡¯t want me to know where he went," Lou Zigui looked at the map in front of him. "The southeast valley pass is being guarded by the Ji n."

    "General Ji has already returned," blurted Song Jin. "It can''t be the valley pass," Lou Zigui looked from southeast to southwest. Song Jin also looked at the southwest end of the map, and then shook his head. "If Modou brought arge army, how would they cross the small mountain pass?"

    Lou Zigui stared at the map and whispered, "His Majesty¡¯s letter mentioned that Feng Muhai has been rescued."

    "Feng Muhai is a general from the capital. What does this have to do with him?" Song Jin looked at the map and frowned.

    "What if Feng Muhai was just a cover-up?" Lou Zigui raised his head and looked at Song Jin. This question surprised Song Jin. "Twenty-eight people," whispered Lou Zigui, pointing to the map on the table, "Out of twenty-eight people..."

    "No way," Song Jin shook his head. "Those twenty-eight criminals have nothing to do with us." Looking at the territory he pointed at, Lou Zigui enunciated, "Those twenty-eight people were Xie Wenyuan¡¯s cover-ups."

 Chapter 341: Prince Fu wants to die with His Majesty again

    <h4>Chapter 341: Prince Fu wants to die with His Majesty again</h4>

    Not long after Fang Tang, Deng Rong and Shen Mu returned, Lou Zigui¡¯s personal bodyguards informed them to go to the Lou estate.

    Lou Zigui pointed at a few passes on the map and lowered his voice, ¡°Split up and take a look. If you discover anything amiss, don¡¯t act recklessly and alert the enemy. Juste back to report to me.¡±

    ¡°What can be amiss?¡± Fang Tang noted that he was to go to Yong Pass and looked at Lou Zigui bewilderingly. ¡°Haven¡¯t the garrison generals at these passes alreadye to see Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°Set off now.¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t answer Fang Tang¡¯s question but only instructed, ¡°Remember what I said. No matter what you guys see, don¡¯t act rashly.¡±

    Knowing that Lou Zigui wouldn¡¯t let them make this journey for no reason, Fang Tang and the others didn¡¯t speak further. They obeyed hismand and departed ck Frost City with their respective personal bodyguards and headed for the northwest direction that very night.

    ¡°Go gather the troops.¡± After Fang Tang and the others left, Lou Zigui ordered Song Jin.

    ¡°Will the Northern Hue to ck Frost City?¡± Song Jin asked.

    ¡°If they wanted toe, they would have long arrived.¡± Lou Zigui shook his head at Song Jin. ¡°We should prepare for both eventualities. If the Northern Hu haven¡¯t gotten through the pass, then we¡¯ll defend the pass to thest of our breath. If they have already gotten through the pass, then we¡¯ll immediately hurry to the capital.¡±

    Song Jin had always been ying the role of Lou Zigui¡¯s military counselor at his side. Hence, General Seventh Song could understand what Lou Zigui meant without using much brain power. It would be best if the main forces of the Northern Hu were still outside the pass. But if they have already entered the defense fort, then it¡¯s impossible that these barbarians will stay put in Anyuan. They will only head to the capital straight away.

    Lou Zigui pointed at the map to show Song Jin. On the map was a dotted line, meandering like a slithering snake. The line stretched all the way south to its final destination©`the capital.

    ¡°This is not a path troops can march through.¡± Song Jin clenched his fists.

    ¡°What if the Northern Hu have long entered the pass?¡± Lou Zigui didn¡¯t reveal any unusual expression. He coldly stated, ¡°As long as there is enough time, what path can¡¯t be trodden on?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the barracks now.¡± Song Jin took his leave.

    Lou Zigui nodded. At the same time, he called outside the door. ¡°Servants, go call Shadowbolt.¡±

    Fourth Commander Shadowbolt had already fallen asleep but was woken up by Lou Zigui¡¯s personal bodyguards. However, the moment Shadowbolt witnessed Lou Zigui sitting there with his expressionless face, the vestiges of his sleepiness vanished. Shadowbolt asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, has the Northern Hu invaded?¡±

    ¡°I need you to return to the capital right away.¡± Lou Zigui instructed, ¡°Then immediately send His Majesty down south to Qin Xuan.¡±

    Shadowbolt was dumbstruck. The capital is unsafe again?!

    ¡°The Northern Hu may have already gotten through the pass.¡± Lou Zigui continued, ¡°That¡¯s why you have to rush back to the capital as fast as possible.¡±

    ¡°I-is it Xie Wenyuan?¡± Shadowbolt asked.

    ¡°No matter who it is, if we ensure His Majesty¡¯s safety now, perhaps what I¡¯m worried about wouldn¡¯t happen.¡± Lou Zigui nced at the nk letters he had stacked properly. Then, he untied a white jade amulet and handed it over to Shadowbolt. ¡°Present this to His Majesty in my stead. Tell His Majesty that I will go to the capital as soon as possible and that he shouldn¡¯t panic if he runs into trouble.¡±

    *T/n: It is something worn by the owner to ward off evil and protect the owner from harm.

    Here is the white jade version for your reference:

    At this moment, Shadowbolt wished that he could grow wings and fly back. After carefully putting the amulet away, he bowed to Lou Zigui before retreating out of the study. The servants in the Lou estate had already packed his luggage for him. That very night, Shadowbolt mounted his horse and hastily left ck Frost City for the capital.

    While Fang Tang and Shadowbolt were still on the way, Prince Fu received an imperial decree and returned to the capital once again. When he met Ning Xiaoyao again, he sized her up. After fighting a few battles with Tao Yu and the rebels, His Majesty hasn¡¯t grown taller and plumper. He still looks like he only has some flesh in his face. Other than his eyes, his face doesn¡¯t have anything else noteworthy.

    ¡°Uncle,e sit.¡± Ning Xiaoyao tedly beckoned Prince Fu to sit.

    Prince Fu sat down unceremoniously. For this little emperor, he had taxed his mind and body. He even forked out money and manpower. With all that he¡¯s done, he definitely deserves to speak while sitting down! ¡°May I know why Your Majesty has summoned this subject to the capital?¡± Prince Fu asked.

    ¡°Umm, about that...¡± Ning Xiaoyao had already thought over how she was going to phrase it. She looked at Prince Fu and prompted, ¡°I wanted to inquire about something from Uncle...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Ning Xiaoyao had spoken halfway when she heard Shadowgale¡¯s abnormal toneing from outside the pce hall.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ning Xiaoyao jumped in surprise. Did Fifth Young Miss change her mind again? She regretted her decision and decided she would rather die than to live an average life and be a blissful youngdy?

    Shadowgale hastily walked into the pce hall and didn¡¯t even have the time to nce at Prince Fu. ¡°Your Majesty, the son of Hubei¡¯s governor hase. The Hubei¡¯s garrison general betrayed the country and opened the city gates and allowed the rebels to enter the city. The governor hasmitted suicide and offered his life for the nation.¡±

    Bang¡ª¡ª

    Prince Fu leaped up from his chair and knocked the chair onto the floor. ¡°Hubei?!¡± Prince Fu bellowed at Shadowgale.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    These few days, Ning Xiaoyao had memorized the toponyms on the map. She knew about Hubei. It was still rather far away from the capital and its environs.

    ¡°Waterway.¡± Prince Fu had a ghastly expression, ¡°The rebels want to enter the capital by traveling through the waterway!¡±

    That¡¯s right. Ning Xiaoyao dug her nails into her palms. There is a canal and dock in Hubei.

    ¡°Hurry! Invite the son of the governor in.¡± Prince Fu ordered Shadowgale without waiting for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s instructions.

    ¡°Yes yes yes,¡± Ning Xiaoyao also hastily agreed, ¡°Let the young mastere in.¡±

    Shadowgale dismissed himself to get the guest. Prince Fu paced back and forth in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°If the rebels had used Hubei¡¯s waterway to get to the capital......¡± Prince Fu widened his eyes as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Then they would have already entered the capital and its environs by now!¡±

    At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao was thinking to herself, it is still ultimately happening. She is simply an unlucky person. Grand Preceptor hasn¡¯t died and still wants to fight her to the death.

    ¡°The Hubei¡¯s garrison general.¡± Prince Fu started to pace around in circles again. ¡°Could he be rted to Xie Wenyuan?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao spread our hands. How would she know?

    ¡°Your Majesty didn¡¯t send people to investigate?¡± Prince Fu stopped pacing around and gawked at Ning Xiaoyao again.

    ¡°I have gotten someone to investigate already.¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt that she was extremely innocent. ¡°Elder Li personally handled this matter.¡±

    ¡°Li Wuqi?¡± Prince Fu snorted, ¡°It looks like this old thing doesn¡¯t know how to manage matters. No wonder he couldn¡¯t do anything to Xie Wenyuan despite spending half of his life fighting him!¡±

    At this moment, Shadowgale entered the pce hall with the son of Hubei¡¯s governor. Ning Xiaoyao took a look. She had assumed that the young master would be an adult. She didn¡¯t expect to see an eleven to twelve-year-old little boy.

    ¡°You.¡± Prince Fu stared nkly at this little boy.

    He looked exactly like a refugee. The little boy dressed in rags knelt before Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Your Majesty, thismoner¡¯s father and elder brother, as well as mother have all died.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt a staggering blow. His Majesty Ning didn¡¯t speak for a very long time. The little boy knelt on the ground. He looked like he wanted to cry yet had run out of tears.

    Prince Fu noticed his tiny ¡°imperial nephew¡± was standing numb like an idiot. Then he shifted his eyes and gazed at the miserable looking Hubei governor¡¯s orphan. Prince Fu knocked his head and told himself he had to hang on and remainposed.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± At this moment, Shadowgale called out. Ning Xiaoyao stood from the couch and helped the boy up. Prince Fu stamped his feet and ordered Shadowgale, ¡°Go summon Elder Li and the Minister of War officials to the pce.¡±

    Shadowgale watched as Ning Xiaoyao squatted down to coax the child. For the first time ever, he didn¡¯t ask for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s opinion. He turned around and left to summon the important court ministers to the pce.

    The boy didn¡¯t know much and was unable to explicate how the rebels took down Hubei. He only knew that his ¡®Uncle Hong¡¯, Hong Tonghu, was the one who opened the city gates for them.

    Ning Xiaoyao called for Mute Nanny and instructed her to take the child away for a bath and meal.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± The little young master looked at Ning Xiaoyao and didn¡¯t leave.

    ¡°I will avenge your father, mother and your elder brother.¡± Ning Xiaoyao promised the child. ¡°I am the emperor. The emperor doesn¡¯t lie.¡±

    The child rubbed his eyes and withdrew with Mute Nanny. When his mother sent him out of the house gates, she had told him that as the sole male of the household, he must live on no matter the circumstances.

    After ensuring that both of them had left, Ning Xiaoyao and Prince Fu sat gazing at each other at wit¡¯s end. Suddenly, Prince Fu quivered and red at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, y-you did that on purpose?!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was nonplussed.

    ¡°Despite knowing that war is about to break out, you want mee back to the capital again?!¡± At this point, an indescribable amount of anger and grief rose within him. He has just stepped into the capital, yet there¡¯s going to be another war again!

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re a general.¡± Ning Xiaoyao felt wronged. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be able to help me with war-rted matters anyway.¡±

    ¡°I have no more money!¡± Prince Fu was still ring at Ning Xiaoyao. This person is definitely eyeing his silvers again!

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...True. Fighting a war requires money.

    ¡°I¡¯ll reiterate this again.¡± Prince Fu was furious, ¡°My money has all been spent on fighting the rebels. I have no money left!¡±

    ¡°Regardless of whether you have money or not,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders, ¡°Uncle, you can¡¯t leave anymore anyway.¡±

    Prince Fu wanted to perish with Ning Xiaoyao again. Why is he always trying to screw him over? There are so many imperial nsmen. Oh, that¡¯s right. Prince Fu looked at Ning Xiaoyao as he panted heavily. This fellow reimed all their assets and privileges. Now, hardly any of them has money.

    ¡°Calm down.¡± Ning Xiaoyao made Prince Fu sit down. ¡°We don¡¯t exactly know where the rebels are now, right?¡±

    Prince Fu sat down again. ¡°How many soldiers does the capital currently have?¡±

    ¡°Eh, I don¡¯t know, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    ¡°You have already killed all of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men.¡± Prince Fu asked, ¡°How did you arrange the troops of the thirty-six barracks?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Ning Xiaoyao still shook her head.

    Prince Fu asked exasperatedly, ¡°Then what does Your Majesty know?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes around as she pondered the question. Finally, she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know anything at all, ah.¡± The thirty-six barracks were arranged by Lord Protector and Great General Xu. Since they weren¡¯t back yet, Second Young Master Pei handled the matter of transferring the troops into the capital. Second Young Master Pei did actually inform her a little about the deployment but she didn¡¯t pay attention so she forgot everything.

    Prince Fu really couldn¡¯t understand. How could someone like this punk defeat Xie Wenyuan? That¡¯s not right either. Prince Fu mulled over it again. Right now it¡¯s still too early to tell who the ultimate winner will be.

    ¡°How is Hong Tonghu rted to Grand Preceptor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Prince Fu.

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Prince Fu shouted at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Is Xie Wenyuan my maternal grandfather?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°He is my maternal grandfather, but I still don¡¯t know, ah.¡±

    Prince Fu thought, if he leaves now, he may still make it in time.

    ¡°If the rebels are here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fists as she sat on the couch. ¡°That means the Northern Hu also won¡¯t be far.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Prince Fu jumped again.

    ¡°The Northern Hu. Uncle, Grand Preceptor has even colluded with Modou.¡±

    Prince Fu felt like his head was going to explode. Why did he have to be so well-behaved and run back to the capital?! He should¡¯ve known that Ning Yu wouldn¡¯t think of himself when there are joyous asions. So why did he still rush here sopliantly?!

 Chapter 342: A heavy blow to His Majesty

    <h4>Chapter 342: A heavy blow to His Majesty</h4>

    Just as Elder Li brought the court officials through the pce gates, a horse swiftly stopped at the front of the gates. The soldier on the horse was covered in dust and didn¡¯t even dismount before he rushed towards the Elite Imperial Guard shouting, ¡°Urgent message from Tong Ling Passageway!¡±

    Simr to Prince Fu¡¯s reaction to the invasion of Hubei, when the court officials heard the words ¡°Tong Ling Passageway¡±, an explosion went off in their heads. Tong Ling was a gateway north of the capital. If they lost Tong Ling, the Northern Hu must have already entered the capital!

    The Elite Imperial Guard personally ran towards the Supreme Splendor Hall to report the urgent message from the soldier.

    Elder Li and the others also hurriedly ran in. Although it was already deep in the night, the capital was about to be attacked by enemies. Hence, the officials were not in any condition to sleep. All the officials and soldiers had their brows furrowed and were very anxious.

    The sergeant was soon brought into the Supreme Splendor Hall by the general of the Elite Imperial Guards. They ran over at top speed. The general of the Elite Imperial Guards have already ran to and fro from the Supreme Splendor Hall twice while Elder Li and the others were still walking halfway.

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard about the invasion and the death of Tong Ling Passageway¡¯s general, she plopped down on the chair and stayed silent for a long time.

    ¡°This is the letter from my family¡¯s general to Your Majesty,¡± the sergeant took out a letter wrapped in leather. Shadowrain took the letter and passed it to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened the leather envelope and realised that there were two letters inside. One of them was the final handwritten letter from the garrison general of Tong Ling. As for other letter, Ning Xiaoyao looked at the introduction and told Prince Fu and Shadowrain, ¡°This letter is from Madam Feng.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Prince Fu asked.

    Shadowrain hurriedly asked, ¡°Feng Muhai¡¯s mother?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head. After reading half of Madam Feng¡¯s letter, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands started to shake. Prince Fu couldn¡¯t wait any longer and rushed towards Ning Xiaoyao to read the letter.

    Ning Xiaoyao pped the letter into Prince Fu¡¯s hands and furiously shouted, ¡°F*ck dis shit!¡±

    Shadowrain asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Feng Muhai has defected,¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice turned cold, ¡°Madam Feng says she¡¯s too ashamed to continue living and all the womenfolk in the family havemitted suicide. She also mentioned that she doesn¡¯t recognise Feng Muhai as her son.¡±

    Shadowrain was dumbstruck. ¡°Youe over,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the sergeant.

    The sergeant walked towards Ning Xiaoyao. After the war broke out in his city, hispanions had risked their lives to send him out of the Northern Hu army so that he could escape. He had no idea how hisrades were doing and also suffered some major wounds himself.

    Ning Xiaoyao patted the sergeant¡¯s hands and a pale green light shone from her fingertips.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the sergeant didn¡¯t realise his wounds were healing at a rapid pace and looked at her with reddened eyes, ¡°The Northern Hu areing towards the capital. M-most likely, the towns along the way will be seized.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled at the sergeant, ¡°The country hasn¡¯t vanquished yet. Third Rain, bring this little bro to rest.¡±

    Shadowrain led the sergeant out. The sergeant knew that he was just an insignificant individual and did not have any ce to speak here.

    ¡°Go ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled at the sergeant again, ¡°Go and rest well. After you are well rested, you can fight against the Northern Hu with me!¡±

    Only then did the sergeant leave with Shadowrain. Prince Fu scoffed at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You¡¯re still in the mood to smile?¡±

    ¡°Should I cry then?¡± NIng Xiaoyao pouted.

    ¡°The Son of Heaven will protect the country! The Son of Heaven will protect the country!¡± Prince Fu chanted around the pce hall, ¡°In the beginning, our forefathers shouldn¡¯t have built our capital in this godforsaken ce!¡± If the capital city was further down south, a few invaded towns wouldn¡¯t put them in such danger so soon!

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand Prince Fu¡¯sints but she couldn¡¯t be bothered anyway. ¡°Uncle, what¡¯s the point of scolding our ancestors now?¡±

    ¡°What do we do now?!¡± Prince Fu wailed at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Just then, Elder Li and the rest walked into the Supreme Splendor Hall with Shadowgale.

    When Ning Xiaoyao saw Elder Li, she shuddered on reflex.

    After greeting the monarch, Elder Li immediately asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Does Your Majesty intend to stay or leave?¡±

    Pei Yan instantly replied, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject will apany your Majesty down south.¡±

    Half of the court officials agreed with Pei Yan¡¯s suggestion. Heading south would be the safest option for His Majesty.

    Elder Li continued to gaze at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°How does Your Majesty feel about this?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s to leave ah,¡± Prince Fu added, ¡°Rebel forces areing from the sea, the Northern Hu areing from the waterway. If His Majesty continues to stay in the capital, wouldn¡¯t he be waiting to be surrounded?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stroked her chin and sat down. Tong Ling¡¯s garrison general wrote in his final letter that the Northern Hu cavalry had always been invincible and he had failed the imperial grace.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t feel that the garrison general owed her anything but from his words, she could tell the Northern Hu army was very strong. It would probably be very difficult to defeat them. Even if she deployed more troops into the capital, there was no guarantee they could block the invasion of the Northern Hu.

    ¡°Your Majesty!!¡± Prince Fu shouted at Ning Xiaoyao. It¡¯s time to make a decision. Why is he zoning out for?!

    ¡°If I leave, wouldn¡¯t this be the territory of the Northern Hu and rebel forces?¡± Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows, ¡°Is that a good thing?¡±

    ¡°This subject is willing to lead the troops to guard the capital.¡± Pei Yan hurriedly blurted.

    ¡°If I leave, the soldiers¡¯ morale would be affected right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. She may not know any battle tactics, but she understood the importance of morale.

    ¡°Your Majesty ah,¡± Prince Fu understood Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s intention and realised that this ¡°nephew¡± didn¡¯t want to leave. So, he anxiously eximed, ¡°With green hills around, there will always be enough firewood to burn. After Your Majesty is safe in the south, we could send in more troops into the capital to aid the war.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Elder Li. So should she stay or leave?

    Elder Li stayed silent.

    Was she supposed toe up with ideas on her own? Ning Xiaoyao changed her sitting position several times.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this is a pressing matter,¡± Pei Yan frantically urged Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°This subject would advise Your Majesty to leave as soon as possible.¡±

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could respond, another piece of bad news arrived. A messenger soldier had rushed to the capital to report urgent news. However, the moment he got off his horse, he copsed and died. The general guarding the capital found a bloodied note in his belongings and rushed to deliver this note to Ning Xiaoyao. The report was a note written in one¡¯s own blood.

    Ning Xiaoyao saw it and sighed before turning to the crowd, ¡°The thirty six barracks of Roaring Tiger Camps are no more.¡±

    There was only the sound of humans exhaling in the hall before an absolute silence.

    Everyone has already lost their will to fight ah. Ning Xiaoyao subconsciously started to hug her head again.

    Throughout generations, the army was deprived of general necessities. Life was tough for the soldiers. Aside from a few elites troops, the rest were all funded individually by the generals themselves. However, officials were corrupted and embezzled money. They exploited the army and caused the soldiers to starve. How could they fight in this condition?

    This didn¡¯t just affect the soldiers and army. Elder Li and the other ministers knew that the army was rotten from the roots. His Majesty was a good emperor but what hecked was time. The soldiers of Yongning were as rotten asmon refugees and this wasn¡¯t something that could change within a short period of time.

    At dawn, another urgent report was sent into the capital. A key passageway from the south was blocked by the rebel forces and Xiyuan City was captured by them.

    ¡°We could still take the waterway,¡± Second Young Master Pei wished he could just help Ning Xiaoyao pack her luggage. If they still continued to dilly dally, they may not even have the chance to take the waterway.

    Within one night, Ning Xiaoyao received four terrible news in a row. After getting smacked with bad news again and again, she was calm. She wiped her face and said to Pei Yan, ¡°I¡¯m not leaving anymore.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s decision caused an uproar in Supreme Splendor Hall.

    ¡°I can fight,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at everyone in front of her, ¡°Even if the capital is invaded, I can still find a way to escape. So, none of you guys have to worry about me. If you¡¯re able to send your families away, don¡¯t dy anymore. Do it now!¡±

    Elder Li pressed, ¡°So what¡¯s Your Majesty¡¯s decision?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait in the capital for the Northern Hu and rebel forces toe,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat up straight and raised her chin, ¡°I¡¯m not scared of them.¡±

    Thunder sounded from outside the window. Another storm unexpectedly arrived again. ¡°What shitty weather,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scolded.

    ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡± Prince Fu anxiously looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Yes, I have. Uncle you can leave,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied.

    ¡°I... Where can I go ah?¡± Prince Fu hollered at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Go look for General Tao Yu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was having difficulties understanding Prince Fu again. This guy isn¡¯t afraid of her harming him anymore ah?

    ¡°If something happens to Your Majesty, would Tao Yu let me go?¡± Prince Fu pointed at his nose. Does he think that the one surnamed Tao is a kind person?!

    ¡°You can¡¯t fight anyway. Even if General Tao Yu wants to kill you, what can you do?¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned, ¡°Then you can do whatever you want, Uncle. But if you want to leave, you¡¯d have to leave soon.¡±

    Prince Fu didn¡¯t know if he should stay or leave. He was afraid of dying. But when he thought about this ¡°nephew¡± of his facing the Northern Hu army and rebel forces alone, he couldn¡¯t bear to do it. Facing this internal struggle, Prince Fu suddenly didn¡¯t want to talk to Ning Xiaoyao anymore.

    ¡°We should all chill out.¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Elder Li, ¡°We¡¯re not dead yet, we can still think of a solution!¡±

    ¡°Send more troops to protect His Majesty,¡± Elder Li instructed Pei Yan and the other military generals, ¡°If His Majesty doesn¡¯t leave, then Yongning must definitely win this war.¡±

    Pei Yan wanted to continue persuading Ning Xiaoyao to leave but Ning Xiaoyao suddenly let out a yawn. She got up and walked away. She was hungry again. It was time to get some food.

    Shadowbolt arrived at the capital three dayster. Fourth Commander didn¡¯t take the same path as the Northern Hu army. But on his way, he received news about losing Tong Ling and the destruction of the Roaring Tiger Camps. When he arrived at the Supreme Splendor Hall and heard that Ning Xiaoyao wanted to stay and fight the Northern Hu and rebel forces, Shadowbolt was shocked to a daze.

    ¡°The situation on Supreme Commander¡¯s side...¡±

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t wait for Ning Xiaoyao to finish and immediately asked Shadowbolt, ¡°How did the Northern Hu cross the six cities of Anyuan?¡±

    Shadowbolt told Ning Xiaoyao and Shadowgale about what happened the other night, ¡°On the night that Supreme Commander arrived at ck Frost City, he immediately sent General Fang out saying there was news that there was trouble in a small southwest mountain pass. Your Majesty, I¡¯ve heard that merchants even have trouble with travelling on that narrow pass, much less the soldiers.¡±

    ¡°The Northern Hu army is about to reach the capital,¡± Shadowgale icily reported, ¡°There must be an issue with the small passageways.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander said he woulde to the capital as fast as possible. We should just wait for Supreme Commander and the ck Frost Calvary to get here,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. The troops in Yongning were really shitty, the ck Frost Calvary should be elites, right?

    Shadowbolt took out Lou Zigui¡¯s white jade amulet and ced it on the table in front of Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, Supreme Commander wants to give this to you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao held the jade amulet in her hand and a smile appeared on her face. She didn¡¯t understand what this was, but it was made of jade so it must be very valuable, right?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowbolt said, ¡°Supreme Commander wants you to go down South immediately.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for him here.¡±

    Shadowgale shook his head at Shadowbolt. He had already tried persuading His Majesty but he didn¡¯t want to leave. They could only apany him here and wait for the Northern Hu and rebel forces toe. As long as they were alive, they would try their very best to keep His Majesty safe.

 Chapter 343: His Majesty and Advisor Niuâ€™s face-off

    <h4>Chapter 343: His Majesty and Advisor Niu''s face-off</h4>

    Including the thirty-six barracks in the capital and the additional deployed troops, there were two hundred and forty thousand men. But despite the huge number, the troops were defeated by the Northern Hu and rebel forces. Only the thirty thousand troops that Xu Jing brought had managed to hold up Xiyuan City, giving Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s troops another chance to escape back to the capital.

    ¡°Were there two hundred and forty thousand or twenty-four men?¡± Prince Fu paced around the Supreme Splendor Hall and brandished the military report as he shouted at Ning Xiaoyao. Prince Fu had been shouting for the past few days so his throat was beginning to turn hoarse.

    Ning Xiaoyao snatched the military report from Prince Fu and tore it into pieces, ¡°The soldiers are terrified. Put all the me on me.¡±

    Prince Fu wanted to scream but he stopped himself again. He couldn¡¯t really put all the me on His Majesty ah.

    ¡°Uncle ah, you should go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said for the (n+1)th time to Prince Fu, ¡°If you don¡¯t leave now, you won¡¯t be able to leave anymore.¡±

    Prince Fu pulled a chair and sat in front of Ning Xiaoyao. He stared straight into her eyes, ¡°Lou Zigui would definitely bring the ck Frost Cavalry to the capital to rescue Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Yes ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°You should think about it before replying,¡± Prince Fu demanded.

    ¡°Supreme Commander is already on his way ah. When he left he said he would be back very quickly ah.¡±

    ¡°Let me rephrase the question. Can you trust the words of Lou Zigui?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was taken aback, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I trust him?¡± Prince Fu stood up again.

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her head to look at Prince Fu. What¡¯s wrong now?!

    ¡°An imperial edict asking for rescue troops had been issued for quite a number of days now.¡± Prince Fu took a few deep breaths and looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Yes, ah. What¡¯s up?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°The officials still haven¡¯t arrived at several locations. Didn¡¯t you know?¡± Prince Fu reced her question with a question.

    Ning Xiaoyao mindlessly replied, ¡°Did something happen on the way?¡±

    ¡°Nothing happened ah!¡± Prince Fu wanted to shout again. Where was the intelligence this person had when fighting against Xie Wenyuan?! ¡°These assholes just don¡¯t want toe!!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...

    ¡°So this prince would like to ask you, can we trust Lou Zigui¡¯s words?¡± Prince Fu bent over and peered at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. If she didn¡¯t trust Supreme Commander Lou, who else could she trust?!

    ¡°Then that¡¯s fine,¡± Prince Fu straightened his back, ¡°I¡¯m not that scared if the ck Frost Cavalry arrives on time. I¡¯ll stay to apany you.¡±

    When Ning Xiaoyao heard Prince Fu¡¯s words, she wasn¡¯t touched at all. If he stays, she would have to care for another person. That¡¯s just more work for her ah!

    ¡°Your Majesty ah...¡± Prince Fu still wanted to say something else to Ning Xiaoyao. Just then, loud shouts could be heard from outside the pce room, stopping Prince Fu frompleting his sentence.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale ran into the pce room and lowered his voice, ¡°The Northern Hu and rebel forces have arrived at the capital.¡±

    Prince Fu knew that this day would eventuallye but when actually receiving the news, he helplessly fell back onto a chair. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the city gate tower.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up from the chair.

    ¡°Wait wait,¡± Prince Fu forced himself to follow suit, ¡°I¡¯ll follow.¡±

    The streets of the capital were incredibly quiet. If not for a few pedestrians crossing the street, the capital would seem as a deserted city. Ning Xiaoyao had yet to arrive at the north city gate tower when Pei Yan appeared at the junction with a battalion of troops, right in front of her.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the streets around her andmented, ¡°It¡¯s empty.¡±

    ¡°Those who can leave have already left. Themon people are very thankful for Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips, ¡°Those who follow me will suffer from bad luck. Why would they still be thankful for me? Second Young Master, your joke is not funny ah.¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t let those people leave, would they be able to leave?¡± Prince Fu rolled his eyes at Ning Xiaoyao. The capital gates should be sealed during the war but the capital gates were opened till yesterday. Who knows how many hooligans could be hiding in the capital already?!

    Ning Xiaoyao closed her mouth. If she says anything else, they¡¯re going to start a fight. This uncle of hers keeps wanting to have a verbal war with her.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please,¡± Pei Yan gestured for Ning Xiaoyao to go first. Ning Xiaoyao pulled at her horse. This horse was sent from First Young Master Ning and he had named it Bujing. So, she had to give up on the name Little Ming.

    After the time it took to burn an incense, the group went up the city gate tower.

    Ning Xiaoyao stood at the city gate tower and looked into the distance. This army was way bigger than the one Grand Preceptor Xie had brought previously and even had battle gs and banners. Within a short time, the military tents outside the capital were set up one by one.

    ¡°How many people are there ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s jaw dropped. Pei Yan pointed at the highest g with an embroidered wolf¡¯s head. ¡°That¡¯s the g of the Northern Hu. Your Majesty, Modou is here.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s jaw dropped even further.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t anyone mention this earlier?!¡± Prince Fu immediately exploded. The Northern Hu have already made their way to the capital and no one knew that this was an army personally led by Modou?!?!

    ¡°Luckily I decided to reinforce the city gate tower and build it higher!¡± Ning Xiaoyao closed her mouth and beamed gleefully.

    Everyone else: ...How could His Majesty still be cheerful right now?

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡¯¡± While Ning Xiaoyao was observing the Northern Hu army camps, Chen Lu ran into the city gate tower. Under the gaze of everyone, he ran towards Ning Xiaoyao and lowered his voice, ¡°The rebel forces have arrived at the southern gate.¡±

    Prince Fu immediately had difficulty breathing. Spitting at the Northern Hu g outside the capital walls, Ning Xiaoyao dered, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the south city walls to take a look. Don¡¯t worry, ah! I have already sent people to reinforce and increase the height of all four walls around the capital. We don¡¯t have to be afraid of cannons!¡±

    Everyone else: ... None of them could celebrate with her.

    The number of soldiers outside the south city walls were not less than the Northern Hu army. They also had innumerable military tents and were bearing banners and gs.

    ¡°Xiang!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the g outside the capital, ¡°Does that mean that Xiang Nong is here too!?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Pei Yan nodded his head. Second Young Master Pei stood closely beside Ning Xiaoyao with his arm up to block her chest against any possible arrows and attacks.

    ¡°Everyone is here ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao inhaled. Maybe this is a good thing? Emperor Ning thought with a brick in her hand. She could kill everyone this time, including Xiang Nong. Wouldn¡¯t there be world peace then? (Author: Stop being delusional...)

    Three bangs of explosion came from the rebel forces. A group of soldiers pushed out a cart and rushed towards the capital walls.

    ¡°Is the battle starting now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao frantically asked. Pei Yan pushed Ning Xiaoyao back, ¡°Your Majesty should go downstairs now.¡±

    ¡°Fatuous ruler!¡± Just as Ning Xiaoyao was about to reject Pei Yan, a middle-aged man shouted from the bottom of the wall. ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily took a veil and covered her face and looked down from the city gate tower.

    Everyone else: ... Why do you need to hide your face?

    ¡°Great Lord,¡± a schr-like person stood beside Xiang Nong and lowered his voice, ¡°That veiled person wearing dragon robes should be Ning Yu.¡±

    Xiang Nong¡¯s appearance was not outstanding. He had coarse skin and average features. If he wasn¡¯t wearing his battle armor atop a battle horse, he would look like amon farmer. ¡°This person has a figure of a child,¡± Big Boss Xiang squinted and measured up Ning Xiaoyao on the tower before giving his opinion.

    ¡°That is Xiang Nong, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood on the city gate tower and observed Xiang Nong as well, ¡°I don¡¯t think his looks can kill.¡±

    No one understood her words. What are looks that can kill?

    ¡°Fatuous ruler!¡± Xiang Nong pointed at Ning Xiaoyao and shouted, ¡°Do you dare to go a round with me?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose and scoffed, ¡°Am I supposed to fight just because you say so? Who are you? What if I don¡¯t want toe out? Are you going to fly here, ah?¡±

    These were Emperor Ning¡¯s first words to Xiang Nong. He nearly choked.

    ¡°Great Lord, don¡¯t waste your words with the fatuous ruler,¡± the middle aged schr-like man urged Xiang Nong.

    ¡°You...¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the middle aged man, ¡°Niu Nanning, the number one dog-head military advisor of the rebel forces. What do you mean by don¡¯t waste words on me ah? Can your Great Lord really fly?¡±

    Advisor Niu: ... Could this fatuous ruler actually read lips?!

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to be rude ah, Big Boss Xiang,¡± Ning Xiaoyao acted as if she wanted to have a long discussion with Xiang Nong, ¡°Why did you find this kind of questionable military advisor ah? Even after studying for over ten years, he still couldn¡¯t pass the schr examinations. Yet you still chose this fool? Of course, I can understand from the position of your military advisor. If he didn¡¯t follow you, he would starve to death. Who asked him to be stupid ah?¡±

    Advisor Niu felt like a thousand arrows were piercing his heart. It doesn¡¯t matter who he follows now. He¡¯ll always be reminded that he couldn¡¯t pass the imperial examinations. That¡¯s an eternal sorrow of a schr.

    At this moment, Xiang Nong chuckled instead, ¡°This is because the court is unfair. The government abuse one¡¯s position for personal gain. What does this have anything to do with my military advisor?¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao countered, ¡°Those walking down the road of rebellion are indeed different ah. You can even use idioms.¡±

    Xiang Nong growled, ¡°Fatuous ruler...¡±

    ¡°Fatuous ruler your sis ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted Xiang Nong and added, ¡°You¡¯re joining the Northern Hu to fight your own people. Do you have any shame? In the past, I thought you were manly and cool but now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head at Xiang Nong, ¡°You¡¯re just a traitor!¡±

    ¡°Everyone should execute a fatuous ruler like you!¡± Xiang Nong blood boiled when he was used as a traitor.

    ¡°Go screw yourself¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed, ¡°If you want to be the emperor, you can just say it directly. You don¡¯t have to use big words to scare me. But, I still have to warn you. If I die, can you actually be the emperor? Isn¡¯t the Northern Hu still here? Are the both of you going to fight to the death? Let me ask another question, which part of the Yongning are you going to hand over to the Northern Hu ah?¡±

    ¡°You!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss calmly. Don¡¯t shout.¡±

    ¡°Even when your death is near...¡±

    ¡°Even if I die, can you live forever?¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes at Xiang Nong.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to waste my time quarreling with you, fatuous ruler!¡±

    ¡°Tsk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao smacked her lips, ¡°Those are the words of a loser. You want to fight me ah? Come, fly up here.¡± Were these shameless words something the ruler of a country should say?! Big Boss Xiang was starting to wonder whether it was really Ning Yu standing up there.

    ¡°You don¡¯t even dare to show your true face. How can you im to be the ruler of the country?!¡± Advisor Niu finally opened his mouth.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like showing my face to you. You got a problem with that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao squinted at the individual again. She heard from Grandfather Sparrow that Advisor Niu was the one who convinced Xiang Nong to join hands with Grand Preceptor Xie. Ning Xiaoyao had no good impression of him at all, ¡°You¡¯re so stupid,¡± Ning Xiaoyao scorned, ¡°Is this the time to worry about how I look? F*cked up thinking.¡±

    Advisor Niu couldn¡¯t say anything in return.

    After seeing that their own military advisor didn¡¯t have the skills to engage in a verbal battle, the soldiers had terrible expressions. Their advisor was too useless!!

    ¡°I heard you studied for over ten years. Why couldn¡¯t you pass the imperial examinations then?¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to be savage, ¡°Xiang Nong used to work in the fields so I could give him excuses. But Advisor Niu, I¡¯m not going to give you excuses. Can you recite the Three Character ssic?¡±

    ¡°Fatuous ruler!!!!¡± Advisor Niu hollered at the top of his lungs.

    ¡°How is that the Three Character ssic?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, ¡°If you can¡¯t recite, can you count? Three Character ssic ah, Three Character ssic. It should be three words ah. How can you be an advisor with such a useless brain?¡±

    The people below the city gate tower: ...Damn it, what if they want tough?

 Chapter 344: Nobody can fight against destiny

    <h4>Chapter 344: Nobody can fight against destiny</h4>

    ¡°You think you can attack the capital just because you say so?¡± After leaving Advisor Niu speechless, Ning Xiaoyao aimed her explosive barbs at Xiang Nong. ¡°Go back and discuss your ns with Modou. When you are done, I will be waiting for you here.¡±

    Xiang Nong truly desired tomand an all-out attack to kill this cowardly, fatuous ruler who dared not reveal his face. But Great Lord Xiang knew Ning Xiaoyao was right. He really needed to consult with Modou on what¡¯s toe.

    ¡°Still don¡¯t want to go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao put her hands on her hips. ¡°Great Lord, are you waiting for your military adviser to remember how to recite the Three Character ssic?¡±

    ¡°Back to camp!¡± Xiang Nong coldlymanded.

    ¡°Hmph¡±, Ning Xiaoyao snorted. He wants to have a mouth battle with her? In her previous lifetime, she may not have been able to fight against the zombies. But in this lifetime, she was definitely the winner of the mouth battle and a person who was dashing enough to pierce through the heavens!

    The rebel forces beneath the city walls started to return to their camps in an orderly manner.

    ¡°These people are all the original members from Xiang Nong¡¯s troops.¡± Prince Fu told Ning Xiaoyao softly.

    Ning Xiaoyao was not paying attention to Prince Fu. Xiang Tiange was observing her from below the city walls and they made eye contact. Ning Xiaoyao checked to see if her scarf was still covering her face. Then, she turned around. She is really foolish. Young Lord, Young Lord, isn¡¯t that the way to address Great Lord¡¯s son? So, that guy is Xiang Tiange. He had tricked her into thinking he was Xiang Qingshan!

    ¡°Tiange?¡± Xiang Nong slightly turned sideways on his horse and spoke to his stiff foster son. Tiange had remained frozen in his position. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s not fight with this fatuous ruler in a moment of anger.¡±

    Xiang Tiange turned around his horse. He was not nning to fight in a fit of anger. Rather, he was stunned. Although he couldn¡¯t see the face of the dragon-robed Majesty, he clearly remembered her pair of big eyes. In fact, he had dreamt of them many times! That¡¯s Dayao! Who exactly is thisdy? Is she the mistress of that bastard emperor Ning Yu?

    (Author: Young Lord, if you know the truth, what you would you do? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    Ning Xiaoyao quickly came down from the city gate tower. If she was not trying to amodate Prince Fu, she could have descended even faster.

    ¡°Your tongue is pretty sharp. ¡° Prince Fu was out of breath from speeding down. ¡°But Your Majesty, why did you mask your face?¡± he panted.

    Ning Xiaoyao removed the scarf and whispered, ¡°If I end up losing next time, the enemy won¡¯t know what I look like! That way, I¡¯d be able to escape!¡± As a figure dashing enough to pierce through the heavens, she had to think of an escape route all the time!

    Prince Fu had a nk expression for a long time. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me to do so?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao took a nce at Prince Fu. ¡°Uncle, you have already fought against the rebel forces with General Tao. Do you think people would fail to recognize you if you try to conceal your face now?¡±

    Prince Fu: ...

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao told everyone. ¡°We¡¯re not leaving until the rescue troops arrive.¡±

    In no time, the Northern Hu had surrounded the north and east city walls. Meanwhile, the rebel forces had surrounded the south and west city walls. The capital was nowpletely encircled.

    Some of themon people had left the capital, but there were still many who remained. Since Ning Xiaoyao was still here, they weren¡¯t very frightened. Although themon people could not understand military matters, they understood one simple logic -if His Majesty is staying, it means the capital city can be defended. They won¡¯t lose this war!

    That night, the army tents outside the capital were brightly lit. asionally, the neighing of the war horses could be heard from inside the capital. However, within the capital, it was dim and quiet. It felt like it was two different worlds.

    Within the Supreme Splendor Hall, Prince Fu had just finished his dinner. ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Prince Fu recalled the earlier events and looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You had been nning an escape route all along?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth was stuffed with a steamed bun. She lifted her head to look at Prince Fu.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Lou Zigui will definitelye?¡± Prince Fu asked Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao chewed her bun and swallowed it into her tummy. ¡°Grand Preceptor is Supreme Commander¡¯s nemesis. What if we fail to win this war?¡±

    Prince Fu thought to himself. Does this mean he¡¯s going to die by staying here?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, uncle.¡± Ning Xiaoyao assured him, ¡°When I escape, I will definitely take you with me. Don¡¯t worry, I may not be great at fighting wars, but running away is definitely my forte.¡±

    Is that something to be proud of? Prince Fu stared at Ning Xiaoyao, unsure of whether he could trust her words.

    ¡°Prepare to win, but at the same time prepare to lose.¡± Ning Xiaoyao took a bite of her bun and smiled at Prince Fu. ¡°Uncle, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Prince Fu was still anxious. He could not feel assured!

    At dawn, the Northern Hu and the rebel forces started to attack the capital. Ning Xiaoyao went around the four city gate towers. She realized there was nothing she could do to help, so she simply went back to Supreme Splendor Hall to sleep.

    Half a month had gone by, but the capital city remained impregnable. However, there were still no rescue troops in sight.

    ¡°Those people deserve death!¡± Prince Fu scolded angrily within the main hall of the Supreme Splendor Hall. ¡°What kind of gain do they think they¡¯ll get if Yongning falls?¡±

    A few of the princes who were called into the pce lowered their heads silently. They have no military power, no martial arts skills and do not understand the art of war. Currently, they were as good as sitting ducks, waiting for death.

    ¡°Your Majesty, ah!¡± Prince Fu finished his tirade against the border region governors andmanders who had refused to help them. He turned his head to shout at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt her belly and replied calmly, ¡°It¡¯s okay, uncle! When I run away, I will definitely bring you along.¡±

    ¡°Can you not talk about this?¡± Prince Fu was very agitated. ¡°Then shall we discuss about the defense of our capital?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Prince Fu: ... he doesn¡¯t know anything about defense of the capital!

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait a bit longer.¡± Ning Xiaoyao gazed at the princes that were sitting down. ¡°Supreme Commander should be here soon. Second Young Master Pei said that if the ck Frost Cavalry arrive, we can turn the tables around and counterattack from both within the capital and outside, surrounding the Northern Hu army and the rebel forces!¡±

    Prince Fu demanded, ¡°When will Lou Zigui arrive?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged. ¡°Should be soon.¡± Prince Fu kept quiet. There was no point in suggesting that Lou Zigui may not arrive. Even if he doesn¡¯te, it¡¯s not like they could do anything to that cuckoo* anyway.

    Ning Xiaoyao gripped the arm of her chair. Several days ago, Wheat told her that a migratory bird heading south saw the ck Frost Cavalry army leaving Anyuan. Supreme Commander should be on his way to the capital right now. Where is he now?

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui was sitting in his army tent. ced in front of him, was the head of Prince Zhi, Ning Guangyuan.

    ¡°This prince said he has no grains.¡± Shen Mu gave an appearance of trustworthiness even though he was the one who killed Ning Guangyuan. ¡°He still wanted to deduct from our army rations.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why you killed him?¡± Lou Zigui questioned.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t do so, he would¡¯ve arrested us!¡± Fang Tang eximed loudly. Lou Zigui frowned. The generals could see Lou Zigui¡¯s change of expression. They did not dare to make a sound.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± a soldier outside the tent reported, ¡°Mister Huihu is here.¡±

    Mister Huihu was a famous schr and Lou Zigui¡¯s respected teacher. Once, he had publicly reprimanded Xie Wenyuan and his daughter for causing harm to the country. For that, thete emperor ordered him to be killed. He was eventually punished by having his face branded with a mark of a criminal and went into seclusion in the forests thereafter.

    Lou Zigui¡¯s frown deepened upon hearing that his teacher had arrived. Why would his teacher be here at this time?

    The generals quietly stood there. Lou Zigui raised his eyes to look at them, ¡°Howe none of you appear to be surprised that Mister Huihu is here?¡±

    Fang Tang replied, ¡°Supreme Commander, Mister is your respected teacher and would naturallye and see you. Why should we be astonished?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at Prince Zhi¡¯s head. Currently, the Ning n was counting on them to help fight the war. Would Prince Zhie and find trouble with the ck Frost Cavalry? Absolutely not.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Fang Tang called out to Lou Zigui. ¡°Are you nning to keep Mister waiting?¡±

    Lou Zigui did not reply but stood up and walked outside the tent.

    Mister Huihu was already nearly seventy years old. From his forehead to his nose, there was arge ck word ¡°criminal¡± branded on his face due to his earlier punishment. No matter how good looking he may have been, he now looked malevolent.

    ¡°Respected teacher.¡± Lou Zigui walked forward to Mister Huihu and kneeled in front of him. ¡°Disciple pays respect to teacher.¡±

    Mister Huihuughed and bend down to help Lou Zigui up. ¡°Rise.¡±

    Lou Zigui stood up and saw a Taoist priest standing beside Mister Huihu. He was stunned. ¡°Who is this?¡±

    ¡°Master Priest You.¡± Mister Huihu exined. ¡°He is an old friend of mine.¡±

    The generals behind Lou Zigui were in an uproar. Master Priest You was a name they had heard of since he was Yongning¡¯s most famous face reader. The generals appraised the Taoist priest beside Mister Huihu. He had white hair and eyebrows, giving off an appearance of divinity and sageness.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Mister Huihu saw Lou Zigui staring at his good friend andughed. ¡°Chengying, are you not going to invite your teacher in for a word?¡±

    Lou Zigui tilted his body to one side. ¡°Respected teacher, please.¡±

    The group returned back to the tent. Prince Zhi¡¯s head had been taken away but there was still a slight smell of rotting flesh lingering within.

    ¡°All of you, retreat.¡± Lou Ziguimanded the generals who came into the tent with them. ¡°We will set off early tomorrow. There shall be no dy.¡± The soldiers assented in unison and left the tent.

    ¡°Respected teacher,¡± After the generals left, Lou Zigui personally poured a cup of tea for both Mister Huihu and Master Priest You. ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°It is the same for teacher wherever I go.¡± Mister Huihu took a sip of the tea. ¡°But Chengying, where are you going?¡±

    ¡°To the capital city.¡±

    ¡°The Northern Hu troops and the rebel forces have already surrounded the capital. Teacher is aware of this matter.¡±

    ¡°Then why did teacher ask where I am going?¡±

    ¡°You really intend to go there?¡± Mister Huihu put down his cup of tea and looked at Lou Zigui.

    ¡°What?¡± Lou Zigui saidughingly, ¡°Respected teacher, what are you trying to say? The monarch is in trouble. This disciple is a subject of the emperor, and would naturally fight for him through water and fire.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty has handed down an imperial order asking for rescue troops from various regions.¡± Mister Huihu replied, ¡°But few answered the call. Why do you think this is so?¡±

    Lou Zigui did not reply. Master Priest You said with augh, ¡°Naturally, these border region governors andmanders are thinking, once the emperor has fallen, the world will turn into chaos. When that happens, they can fight for power and attempt to seize the throne.¡±

    ¡°This is the oue that Xie Wenyuan wanted.¡± Mister Huihu looked at Lou Zigui. ¡°With the copse of the country and the fall of the emperor, he will no longer be a traitor. He would even have an opportunity to take over the country.¡±

    ¡°He can dream on.¡± Lou Zigui icily responded.

    ¡°Even if he can¡¯t have the country in the palm of his hands, he could possibly turn the situation around to make himself look like a loyal subject of the kingdom.¡± Mister Huihu continued, ¡°I know the reigning emperor is a good one, but unfortunately, he cannot escape his destiny.¡±

    Lou Zigui clenched his hands tightly. ¡°So respected teacher wants me to follow the steps of those governors andmanders and abandon His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Not abandon,¡± Mister Huihu exined, ¡°Teacher wants you to take it to the next level.¡±

    Lou Zigui raised an eyebrow. ¡°It iste. I have arranged someone to tidy up a tent for teacher. Respected teacher, please take a rest.¡±

    ¡°Chengying!¡± Mister Huihu shouted in frustration.

    ¡°The reigning emperor is my savior.¡± Lou Zigui reasoned in a low voice, ¡°I would no longer be a righteous person if I am to fight for power now and abandon him. Respected teacher, ever since I was young, you have taught me to be honest and honorable. Until today, Chengying has not forgotten respected teacher¡¯s teachings.¡±

    ¡°But teacher had also taught you, when a man makes his mark in this world, he has to follow where destiny takes to him.¡± Mister Huihu retorted, ¡°Have you forgotten the teachings?¡±

    *Lou Zigui has been described as Cuckoo Lou in chapter 6.

 Chapter 345: Humans are scary

    <h4>Chapter 345: Humans are scary</h4>

    It is said that the most important figure after god and parents are teachers. As a result, Lou Zigui would never do something so absurd such as scolding his respected teacher in public. However, his face had turned gloomy. ¡°Respected teacher, we¡¯ll end the conversation here.¡± After coldly leaving this sentence, Lou Zigui turned to leave.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, could you listen to what this Taoist has to say?¡± Still acting like an immortal, Master Priest You spoke up.

    ¡°What does Master Priest want to say?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice was not without sarcasm. ¡°Do you want to remind me once more that I¡¯m the star of misfortune?¡±

    ¡°You are,¡± Master Priest You looked at Lou Zigui, not giving him a chance to get angry. Master Priest You then continued, ¡°When Supreme Commander was born, the cuckoo in the back garden of Lou Estate cried blood.¡±

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Lou Zigui asked. What does this have to do with persuading him to fight for power?

    ¡°This Taoist remembered the incident that night,¡± Master Priest You lowered his voice as he twirled his long beard, ¡°That night the cuckoo cried blood and the sky was misty. There were cries from Lou Estate saying the meteorological phenomenon was not clear. In fact, the mist was considered to be a negative omen. Supposedly, this meant the white ghost of the Yellow River was sending off his son. Only those who are destined to live a noble life would be able to survive something like this.¡±

    Lou Zigui sneered, ¡°Master Priest, I respect you as my teacher''s friend, but this does not mean you can talk nonsense in front of me.¡±

    ¡°If Master Priest had not rmended you,¡± said Mister Huihu, ¡°Chengying, we wouldn¡¯t have a master and disciple rtionship.¡±

    ¡°There will be a day you will dance with death. When that dayes, you will dance alone,¡± Master Priest You looked straight into the eyes of the Lou Zigui, ¡°But after that day passes, no one else will be able to hinder your footsteps, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Motherf**ker! Lou Zigui swore in his heart, turned and walked away.

    Mister Huihu wanted to shout but Master Priest You patted his old friend on the back of his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t panic, if it meant to be for your disciple then it is meant to be. He will figure it out for himself.¡± he smiled.

    Outside the military tent, numerous ck Frost Cavalry generals stood in rows. They were all looking at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui looked at Fang Tang and Shen Mu, ¡°My respected teacher told you to kill Prince Zhi, so you killed him?¡± he barked.

    Fang Tang shrunk his neck. Shen Mu had a nonchnt expression. ¡°Supreme Commander found out?¡±

    Fang Tang¡¯s neck straightened again. ¡°Ning Guangyuan is not a good person. So what if we killed him? O-originally, His Majesty didn¡¯t want him alive either.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Lou Zigui was furious when he heard Fang Tang mentioned His Majesty¡¯s name.

    Fang Tang countered, ¡°No one is sending rescue troops to help His Majesty. This includes the emperor¡¯s rtives. Which one of them has not received benevolence from the emperor? Yet, they are all staying put. So why should our ck Frost Cavalry soldiers die?¡±

    Lou Zigui no longer spoke. Instead, he lifted his leg and kicked Fang Tang to the ground. ¡°Supreme Commander!¡± shouted a general.

    Deng Rong gulped. He wanted to say His Majesty had been kind to them, but when he saw all his fellowrades getting down on their knees, Deng Rong swallowed his words back. All those with military troops are staying put. They¡¯ve all received benevolence from the emperor!

    ¡°I see,¡± Lou Zigui nodded and growled, ¡°You are all joining hands to force me. If you want to follow me tomorrow, then do so. If you are unwilling to disy your loyalty, then just stay here!¡±

    The generals remained on their knees. Lou Zigui tossed his sleeve and left.

    ¡°Don¡¯t panic,¡± Master Priest You consoled Mister Huihu, ¡°Your disciple did not kill anyone, right?¡±

    Mister Huihu¡¯s eyes briefly wavered before it turned listless. If his disciple was really loyal towards His Majesty, he would¡¯ve killed his subordinates for secretly killing a prince and begging him to abandon the emperor. Yet, he only kicked him? His anger was far lower than it should be.

    Lou Zigui walked into his resting tent. Song Jin entered the tent without announcing himself.

    ¡°Get out,¡± Lou Zigui roared. ¡°Supreme Commander!¡± eximed Song Jin. He stood in front of Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Are you nning to betray His Majesty too?¡± asked Lou Zigui. ¡°His Majesty has been kind to me,¡± Song Jin forced a smile.

    ¡°Then what more do you want to say!? Get out!¡± hollered Lou Zigui, pointing to the exit.

    ¡°Supreme Commander.¡± Song Jin got down on both knees and knelt in front of Lou Zigui. ¡°Do you want me to personally throw you out?¡± asked Lou Zigui coldly.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, deep down you know that even if we¡¯re able to save the capital, the ones that have stayed put will revolt. His Majesty would not forgive them. Even if His Majesty was magnanimous enough to let them go, none of them would believe it. After all, His Majesty crushed his own maternal n. All the generals and border region governors will assume they¡¯d be punished.¡± Song Jin remained on his knees as he lifted his head and stared at Lou Zigui.

    Lou Zigui listened in his seat.

    ¡°Everyone knows that His Majesty had saved Supreme Commander¡¯s life before,¡± Song Jin added, ¡°But if we protect His Majesty, we must protect the entire Ning n. Supreme Commander, Song Jin thinks they don¡¯t deserve it.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty has already reimed all their assets and privileges.¡± Lou Zigui icily replied. ¡°As long as the imperial family exists, there will be corruption,¡± Song Jin reasoned, ¡°As long as Yongning dynasty remains, we martial artists will always be considered the inferior ones in the eyes of schrs.¡±

    Lou Zigui was silent.

    ¡°Based on His Majesty¡¯s abilities, he would be fine even if the capital city falls,¡± Song Jin inched in closer, ¡°His Majesty had never behaved like an emperor. He personally told me that the imperial throne was forced upon him. Supreme Commander, even if Yongning dynasty is extinguished, it does not mean His Majesty has to die. If you are in the position of power, you can decide how to deal with His Majesty. If Supreme Commander does not wish to control the world, you can present a new dynasty to His Majesty, right? ¡±

    ¡°Get out!¡± Lou Zigui furiously waved his hand to dismiss Song Jin. Song Jin stood up. ¡°Supreme Commander, I know you understand my words. Even when the crown prince was still alive, you had already turned Anyuan¡¯s six provinces into Lou n¡¯s rule.¡±

    Lou Zigui lifted his eyes and stared at Song Jin. Song Jin bowed to Lou Zigui and left the tent.

    Lou Zigui sat alone in the military tent all night. No one knew what thoughts went through his mind. That night, the ck Frost Cavalry barracks were very quiet. Even the horses neighed less than usual. Everyone¡¯s eyes were fixated at Lou Zigui¡¯s unlit tent. They were all waiting for their Supreme Commander to make his decision. Fang Tang believed his future wouldrgely depend on Supreme Commander¡¯s choice.

    At dawn, a team of mounted scouts that left the army several days ago returned back to the barracks. They had bad news for Lou Zigui.

    ¡°This inferior one found out the valley soldiers ahead of us is led by the Left Tiger General Dou Yi. They are the subordinates and troops from the prince consort, Feng Jing.¡± The captain of this spy team stood in front of the Lou Zigui. He appeared exhausted but his voice was loud and clear.

    ¡°They¡¯re preventing us from moving by blocking our path,¡± a general immediately shook his head, ¡°Supreme Commander, we have yet to encounter the Northern Hu and the rebel forces, but we already have to fight this revolting group first.¡±

    ¡°Even if we get rid of those two, how many more of them are waiting for us?¡± Fang Tang spoke up, ¡°By the time we¡¯re done fighting all these men, would we even make it in time to rescue the capital?¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± another ck Frost Cavalry general muttered, ¡°We¡¯re risking all our men¡¯s lives. By the time this is over, will we still be able to save His Majesty?¡±

    Suddenly, all the generals were indignant. Everyone had something to say. They didn¡¯t want to be so foolish.

    ¡°In my opinion, we should turn back and upy Qiufeng City first! We can discuss after we take over the city!¡± Out of all the generals, Fang Tang¡¯s voice was the loudest.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Song Jin gazed at Lou Zigui, ¡°If we insist on going forward, perhaps Anyuan will be taken by those with ill intentions. If that happens, we won¡¯t even have a way out.¡±

    Lou Zigui knocked the table twice with his fingers. Silence fell on the tent, and all the generals had their eyes on their Supreme Commander.

    ¡°Fang Tang, Deng Rong, listen up,¡± Lou Zigui instructed, ¡°You will each lead twenty thousand troops. Before the night falls, I want to see the heads of Dou Yi and Feng Jing.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, are you still heading to the capital?¡± asked Fang Tang.

    Lou Zigui coldly answered, ¡°Why? Are you going to go against me if I choose to head to the capital?¡±

    ¡°This general does not dare.¡± Fang Tang instantly lowered his head.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t bring back Dou Yi and Feng Jing¡¯s heads,e see me with your heads.¡± Lou Zigui mmed the table.

    ¡°This general will do as you bid!¡± Fang Tang and Deng Rong epted themand and left the tent.

    Standing outside the tent, Deng Rong gazed at Fang Tang with aplicated expression. ¡°We¡¯re letting down His Majesty by doing this.¡±

    Fang Tang lowered his head and kicked the stone at his feet. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Deng Rong also looked down at the floor.

    ¡°His Majesty is a good person,¡± said Fang Tang, after kicking a few stones, ¡°But how could we let Supreme Commander lose this opportunity to take over the world for His Majesty? If we don¡¯t take it, there¡¯s a whole group of people after it!¡±

    Deng Rong remained silent. Life savior or the country. How could one decide?

    Fang Tang and Deng Rong each took twenty thousand troops and split into two roads. They charged towards the valley.

    ¡°Song Jin,¡± Lou Ziguimanded after sending Fang Tang and Deng Rong out. He handed amand arrow to Song Jin and named several generals. ¡°You guys take sixty thousand troops to Qiufeng City and conquer it.¡±

    When the generals heard Lou Zigui¡¯smand, they were momentarily stunned. Then, they were overjoyed by the unexpected good news. Their Supreme Commander is going to upy territory! He is going to seize the world!

    ¡°Now, you can rest assured. Supreme Commander knows what he wants. Which man wouldn¡¯t want to rule this greatnd?¡± Outside the military tent, Master Priest You smiled at Mister Huihu.

    Mister Huihu nodded his head and the both of them turned around and went to the side.

    A flock of wild geese migrating south for the winter were resting in the woods next to the military barracks. A-Ming the goose flew past the tents and saw the ck Frost Cavalry troops charging ahead.

    ¡°Supreme Commander isn¡¯t going to the capital anymore?¡± When Ah Ming returned to the woods, apanion immediately asked him.

    ¡°Yes,¡± A-Ming nodded.

    ¡°I heard a lot of people want to kill Xiaoyao,¡± honked another goose, ¡°Supreme Commander is just going to let the bad guys kill Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the old man with the inscription on his face say something about the world yesterday?¡± a very young wild goose asked, ¡°Supreme Commander wants to be emperor?¡±

    ¡°This is mankind,¡± replied the oldest goose from the group. He shook his head. ¡°Humans would do anything for power.¡±

    The wild geese were speechless. So it turns out humans were terrible.

    ¡°Let''s go,¡± A-Ming dered. The autumn sun had already risen. ¡°When we pass by the capital, we must tell Xiaoyao the news so that the silly girl does not expect her Supreme Commander to save her.¡±

    The wild geese flew up into the sky as Lou Zigui stepped out of his military tent. When he looked up at the sky, he saw a row of geese flying in the shape of the word ¡°human ÈË¡±. They were heading south.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Shen Mu walked over to Lou Zigui and reported in a low voice, ¡°Song Jin and the others have left.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°How about His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t die,¡± Lou Zigui lightly replied. With Miss Ning¡¯s ability, Lou Zigui believed her life wouldn¡¯t be endangered.

 Chapter 346: Old Gramps, Yongning is finished!

    <h4>Chapter 346: Old Gramps, Yongning is finished!</h4>

    Miss Ning couldn¡¯t pretend to be a man forever. Should she fake her death? Give up the throne? These aren¡¯t good solutions though. What if this leads to Yongning¡¯s dynasty being abolished? Perhaps, the best way is for everyone to forget that the Ning n was ever the Imperial family.

    The wild geese heading south soon became ck dots and eventually disappeared from Lou Zigui¡¯s sight. Lou Zigui retracted his far off gaze and turned back into the tent. He had a conflicting smile on his face. For Miss Ning? It was just an excuse. At the end of the day, he too wanted this country for himself.

    After half a month, A-Ming the goose flew into the pce andnded in front of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bedroom window.

    ¡°This can¡¯t be true!¡± screeched Big Boss ck. All of his fur stood up after hearing what A-Ming had to say.

    ¡°Why would I lie to Xiaoyao? It¡¯s not like I would have more big fish to eat if I did! Your Supreme Commander isn¡¯t a good person!¡± A-Ming retorted. Big ck Boss jumped onto the windowsill. He wanted to bite this rotten bird to death for bad mouthing his Supreme Commander!

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached out and lifted Big ck Boss over by the neck. She looked at A-Ming and asked, ¡°Is Prince Zhi really dead?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s dead. His head was chopped off. Many of us geese witnessed it.¡±

    ¡°What about Prince Zhi¡¯s family?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re all dead,¡± A-Ming cautioned, ¡°Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander¡¯s master really hates your Ning Imperial n ah. He even said that if the previous emperor doesn¡¯t die, the new emperor¡¯s position cannot be established, ah!¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander has a greatly respected teacher. He is...¡± said Grandfather Sparrow as he stood on the round table within her bedroom.

    ¡°I don¡¯t give a f**k who he is.¡± Ning Xiaoyao interrupted Grandfather Sparrow.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore,¡± Grandpa Ash was lying on the armrest of the chair and shaking his head at Grandfather Sparrow. Then he turned to Ning Xiaoyao who had just ced Big ck Boss down. ¡°Are you alright Xiaoyao?¡±

    It was only now that the little animals noticed Ning Xiaoyao was not her usual bright self. Usually, Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes sparkled like two twinkling stars. However, now they were dimmed. Right now, even Big ck Boss didn¡¯t dare speak to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°It¡¯s been half a month,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Big ck Boss, ¡°If Supreme Commander was on his way, the animals nearby the capital would have already caught sight of him.¡±

    Big ck Boss hung his head low, the fur on his body had ttened down as well.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Oil Jar softly called out. Ning Xiaoyao pouted her lips and sighed, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, don¡¯t worry. Even without Supreme Commander, there¡¯ll still be a way to solve this.¡± Ning Xiaoyao assured the little animals in front of her.

    The little animals looked at Ning Xiaoyao. How are you going to solve this, ah?!

    ¡°Let me think about it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao rubbed Little White Fatty¡¯s round, plump belly, ¡°Give me a little time.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Grandpa Ash jumped out of the wooden window first. Right now, Xiaoyao needs to be alone.

    Big ck Boss was the second one to leave. ck Tubby was ashamed to face Ning Xiaoyao. Supreme Commander¡¯s mistake was akin to himselfmitting the mistake.

    A-Ming was thest one to leave. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao sympathetically and honked, ¡°Xiaoyao, you have to escape soon! Right now, the humans out there all want to kill you so that they can be Emperor.¡±

    ¡°Mhmm, I know,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°My uncle said that you humans will do anything for power. That is your nature. This is why us geese fly south once the weather turns cold. So don¡¯t feel sad, Xiaoyao. This is just how human nature is.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed A-Ming¡¯s head and replied, ¡°I don¡¯t have any dried fish with me now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± A-Ming spread his wings, ¡°Xiaoyao, just make sure you prepare more dried fish for yourself to eat on the road.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...Is she supposed to have only dried fish for food supplies ah? She will definitely starve to death!

    ¡°We¡¯re flying south tomorrow. My uncle said that once the people here run out of food, they will kill us for meat.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao patted A-Ming¡¯s head. ¡°Be careful on your journey. I wish you a pleasant journey.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad anymore,¡± A-Ming gently touched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand with his beak. ¡°Xiaoyao, you will definitely find someone better than Supreme Commander.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao grinned widely. If she can¡¯t cry then she might as well smile.

    A-Ming flew away. Ning Xiaoyao knew that besides A-Ming and his group of geese, many of the little animals had left the capital in fear of being caught and eaten.

    She stood in front of the window and gazed at the garden outside. Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. Is she upset? Of course she is. But more importantly, what should she do now? The ck Frost Calvary didn¡¯te. So, the n to besiege their enemies had gone down the drain. How is she going to fight this war?

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale was standing outside the courtyard. Only when he felt Ning Xiaoyao pat his shoulder did he realize His Majesty had appeared in front of him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the city gate towers to take a look.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lookedpletely fine, as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowgale obeyed. In no time, Ning Xiaoyao led Shadowgale and his subordinates to the city gate towers.

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to look at the bloody corpse filled scene, so this was the first time she hade to the city gate towers ever since the war broke out. The tiles on the floor and walls of the city gate towers were damp with blood. Corpses that hadn¡¯t been removed were piled up all over the city gate tower floor. There were twenty or thirty piles of corpses strewn together, piles upon piles here and there. Ning Xiaoyao estimated that there were at least thirty piles of corpses.

    Standing in one of the crevices in the walls, Ning Xiaoyao could see that the Northern Hu had already dug a very deep, very long tunnel outside of the capital city.

    ¡°The Northern Hu soldiers intend to dig a tunnel leading under the capital,¡± Pei Yan exined. He was in charge of defending the north city gates and had rushed over from the city gate tower. ¡°Then they will use gunpowder to blow up the city gates.¡±

    ¡°Can we hold them off?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°At the moment, yes,¡± Pei Yan pointed to the corpses below; they were all Northern Hu soldiers.

    ¡°Howe I also see some dead Yongning citizens?¡±

    ¡°In the past two days, Northern Hu managed to capture some civilians and forced them to dig the tunnel.¡± Pei Yan looked at Ning Xiaoyao and briefly hesitated. ¡°I gave the orders to kill them all.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scrunched her eyebrows together and looked outside the capital. She did not saying anything for a long time.

    ¡°When will the ck Frost Calvary arrive? Has Supreme Commander been in contact with Your Majesty?¡± Second Young Master Pei asked. Looking at the weary soldiers at the city gate tower, Ning Xiaoyao swiftly assured Pei Yan with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this war will be over soon.¡±

    Pei Yan understood that Supreme Commander had managed to send word to Ning Xiaoyao. As to how they maintainedmunication with each other, Second Young Master Pei wouldn¡¯t ask questions that he shouldn¡¯t ask.

    When Ning Xiaoyao removed her hands that had been propped against the wall, her palms felt wet and sticky. So, she flipped her palms over and looked at them. With a nonchnt expression, she wiped the blood off as if it was nothing. ¡°I just came to take a look. Second Young Master, I¡¯ll be going then.¡±

    Pei Yan sent Ning Xiaoyao down the city gate tower. During the entire time, Second Master Pei also didn¡¯t notice anything amiss about Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao went around the four city gate towers before returning to the pce. She climbed into bed but didn¡¯t sleep the entire night.

    The next day, it started to rain again. Ning Xiaoyao stood under the eaves and looked out for short while. Turning her head, she told Shadowgale to summon Elder Li into the pce.

    Elder Li quickly rushed over. When he entered the courtyard, he saw Ning Xiaoyao wave him over with a bright smile on her face.

    ¡°Old Gramps.¡±

    Shadowgale sheltered Elder Li with an umbre and led Elder Li to Ning Xiaoyao before dismissing himself. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t wait for Elder Li to speak. ¡°Old Gramps, I¡¯ve received news that Supreme Commander Lou and his ck Frost Calvary won¡¯t being.¡±

    Elder Li stumbled backwards. Ning Xiaoyao held onto Elder Li to support him. Elder Li stood in silence for a long time before finally finding his voice. ¡°Your Majesty is serious?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I would be in the mood to joke around at this point?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders, ¡°It¡¯s been so many days, yet not one of the troops Second Young Master talked about has arrived. I don¡¯t think they¡¯reing.¡±

    The fact that none of the rescue troops had arrived after such a long time was weighing heavily on the hearts of the ministers. However, everyone tacitly spoke nothing of the matter. All of them pretended as if the troops were just dyed because that was the only way they could continue defending the city courageously. They used this reasoning to reassure the soldiers and civilians here. Just hold on a little longer. Once the rescue troops arrive, the capital would be safe.

    Ning Xiaoyao had broken this delusion with one sentence, causing Elder Li to stand in a daze for a very long time.

    ¡°Old Gramps, I thought about it the entire night. Rather than rely on others, I think it¡¯s better to rely on myself. Looks like this saying really is true ah.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty has a solution?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t the Northern Hu and rebel forces been shouting outside the city walls, asking for you all to hand me over, and in return none of themon people in the city will be harmed?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li shouted in shock, ¡°Wha... What do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°Defeat the enemy by defeating the head. I understand this rationale. To the Northern Hu and rebel forces, I am this head. Old Gramps, I¡¯ll leave the capital.¡±

    ¡°Y-you want to throw away your life?¡± Elder Li was angry and horrified at the same time.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die,¡± Ning Xiaoyao still smiled brightly as she looked at Elder Li, ¡°But once I leave, the Northern Hu and rebel forces would chase after me. Then, they wouldn¡¯t be persistently attacking the city day in day out.¡±

    ¡°Where can you run to?¡±

    ¡°Eh.... Old Gramps, have you forgotten that I have an even more powerful master?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words stunned Elder Li again. ¡°I¡¯ll go look for my master.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice, speaking in a mysterious way in order to trick Elder Li. ¡°Old Gramps, don¡¯t you worry. I promise you I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Elder Li shook his head and insisted, ¡°Your Majesty, a country cannot be without its monarch for even a day, ah!¡±

    ¡°All of you can¡¯t live without me?¡±

    Elder Li took a deep breath and stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°If Your Majesty continues to say this, this old subject will knock his head into the wall and die in front of Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Old Gramps, now you¡¯re just being a drab.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Elder Li angrily hollered. ¡°Yongning is done for, Old Gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao spread out both her hands.

    If he could hit Ning Xiaoyao, Elder Li would definitely do so.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. The vastness of this world, whatchamacallit, you know better than I do, Old Gramps.¡±

    Of course Elder Li understood, which was why tears profusely flowed down his face when he looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Old Gramps, I¡¯ve always been curious. For what purpose did you study for so many years and gain all that knowledge, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached out to wipe away Elder Li¡¯s tears.

    ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s to master civil and military duties so I could offer myself to the emperor.¡±

    ¡°What happens after you¡¯ve offered yourself to the emperor?¡±

    ¡°After that, I¡¯ll do my best for themon people.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Elder Li and smiled, ¡°At the end of the day, you do it all for themon people. You¡¯re not going to disregard themon people just because the emperor is gone.¡±

 Chapter 347: Donâ€™t expect me to kneel and beg for mercy

    <h4>Chapter 347: Don''t expect me to kneel and beg for mercy</h4>

    Usually, Elder Li was full of political wisdom and able to debate with schrs. However, this time, he was left speechless by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    ¡°Old Gramps, make sure you live well. Regardless of who the emperor is, you have to work hard for themon people ah.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Elder Li¡¯s tears were pouring endlessly like the rain outside. ¡°You¡¯re really going to throw away your life?¡±

    ¡°Dream on if anyone thinks I¡¯ll throw away my life!¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smiling expression suddenly changed. ¡°They all want me to die. I can give up the throne. Whoever wants it can take it, but they better not expect me to kneel and beg for mercy.¡±

    The rain poured heavily. Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fists tightly, her torso straight as a ramrod. Kneeling and holding on to someone¡¯s thigh is one way to solve the problem, but don¡¯t expect her, Ning Xiaoyao, to kneel and beg anyone for mercy! This includes the God of Heavens!

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s angry roar left Elder Li speechless for quite some time.

    Outside the courtyard, Shadowgale was silent for a long time. Eventually, hemanded the Dragon Guards behind him. ¡°Go prepare, we¡¯ll follow His Majesty out the capital.¡± The young Dragon Guards all nodded and quickly left.

    Shadowgale looked inside the courtyard. Behind the curtains, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s silhouette appeared very blurry in therge courtyard. Shadowgale¡¯s heart was suddenly moved and he turned away.

    On the side of the street, Xie Duoying held an oil paper umbre as she stood on the roadside. The bottom of her light pink skirt was soaked from the rain, turning it into a crimson color.

    Fifth Young Miss Xie walked up to Shadowgale and tried to lift up her umbre to shelter the both of them from the rain. She softly whispered, ¡°Protect His Majesty well. If the capital is seized, I will find a way to leave. Shadowgale...¡± Xie Duoying looked at Shadowgale, ¡°When the war ends, no matter how the world has be, I will return to the capital to wait for you. So, pleasee back so I won¡¯t be by myself. Don¡¯t make me wait alone until my death.¡±

    The wind blew the rain onto Xie Duoying¡¯s face, wetting her facepletely. It looked as if she was crying, but Fifth Young Miss was actually smiling. When she smiled at Shadowgale, she was as beautiful as a blooming flower.

    I want to grow old with you, but you have your loyalties to fulfill and responsibilities to bear. A good man stands with his head in the sky and his feet on the ground. A good man has a clear conscience and a guiltless heart. That¡¯s why I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. All I can do is make sure I stay alive and wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

    There were thousands of words waiting to be said. But when it came to the actual time, she didn¡¯t know where to begin. Ultimately, Xie Duoying sighed and said she couldn¡¯t express herself in one line. She was an ambitious woman but also a person who adapted to circumstances. Xie Duoying decisively lowered the umbre and stood on tiptoes as she gave Shadowgale a farewell peck on the lips.

    Then, Xie Duoying turned and ran away. Her drenched dress looked just like wedding robes, brightly colored and dazzling to the eye.

    Shadowgale touched his lips and his cold face broke into a smile. But then, his expression turned serious again. He turned and faced the courtyard entrance. If he makes it out alive, he¡¯ll definitely marry Xie Duoying!

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao stood in the corridor looking at Elder Li. Elder Li had been standing in a daze for awhile now. His back was drenched by the rain that blew into the corridor, but he waspletely unaware of it.

    ¡°Achoo!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pretended to sneeze. If they just stand there, how is she going to leave the capital? Even Shadowgale has already finished with his life and death parting act!

    Elder Li was surprised by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s sneeze. His gaze fell onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. After a while, Elder Li kneeled in front of Ning Xiaoyao and shouted out ¡°Your Majesty!¡± as his tears began to fall again.

    Ning Xiaoyao half kneeled andforted Elder Li, ¡°Old Gramps, don¡¯t be like this. The world won¡¯t end because of one less person, regardless of who that may be. I will think of a way to deal with the Northern Hu and the rebel forces. After I leave, you must still defend the capital well ah.¡±

    Elder Li rebutted, ¡°Your Majesty, there is a magnificent army with thousands of men and horses outside the capital ah.¡±

    ¡°Even cannons can¡¯t kill me, why would I fear their ¡®magnificent¡¯ army ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao courageously asserted while her hand patted Elder Li on the shoulder. ¡°We have to face the reality. If I stay in the capital, only death awaits me.¡±

    Elder Li muttered, ¡°I¡¯m not as astute as Xie Wenyuan.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    ¡°The country is in chaos, this is Xie Wenyuan¡¯s way to survive. As long as Yongning dynasty falls, the country is without an Emperor. He wouldn¡¯t be guilty of rebellion with everyone vying for the throne.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that.¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly realized. If everyone¡¯s a bad guy, then no one would care who did what ah.

    ¡°Previously, this subject had only thought to capture the remaining supporters of Xie Wenyuan¡¯s party. But this official overlooked the fact that there are also others dissatisfied with the imperial court. They are wolves, filled with wild schemes and ambition!¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about those who opened the Yong Pass as well as Hubei¡¯s city gates?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Elder Li nodded, ¡°The one who opened the Yong Pass should be the former cavalry general of the capital, Lu Feiyi. His sister of the same mother, Imperial Concubine Lu, died from sickness in the pce. Afterwards, the Lu n was demoted to guard the frontier fortress, the Yong Pass.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face. Most likely, Concubine Lu¡¯s death had something to do with Empress Dowager Xie ah.

    ¡°About Hubei...¡±

    ¡°Never mind, don¡¯t talk about it anymore, Old Gramps,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t want to listen to secrets and injustices of the past.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan...¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s precisely a scoundrel.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Elder Li up. ¡°Old Gramps, sooner orter, I¡¯m going to kill Grand Preceptor Xie.¡± She must kill him, or else she would be letting herself down.

    The court officials were quickly ordered into the pce. The ministers were all stunned speechless after hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s decision. Pei Yan took some time to think about it before he spoke. ¡°Then, this subject will also take a troop of soldiers out the capital.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao could guarantee her own safety but she couldn¡¯t look after so many people ah.

    ¡°If Your Majesty leaves the capital alone, would the Northern Hu and rebel forces believe that it¡¯s really you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes. He has a point.

    ¡°Your Majesty will take one path, while the troops and I will take another. Your Majesty will be safer like this.¡± Second Young Master Pei didn¡¯t care to find out why Ning Xiaoyao was leaving the capital. Since Lou Zigui isn¡¯ting, then His Majesty must leave. Staying in the capital would only lead to eventual death.

    ¡°What about you ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was worried about Pei Yan. ¡°This subject will not go too far out the capital. This subject will quickly return to the city so don¡¯t worry about my safety, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, please give us the permission then,¡± said Elder Li. Right now, Old Gramps had regained his senses. Rather than stay here and wait for death, His Majesty might as well take a gamble and leave the capital.

    ¡°Does Your Majesty think that this subject¡¯s martial arts skills are too weak?¡± Pei Yan asked Ning Xiaoyao with his eyebrows raised.

    They haven¡¯t quarrel in a long time. Are they about to start a mouth battle again? Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Fine then. Second Young Master, be careful.¡± If worstes to worst, she¡¯ll escort this Second Young Master back into the capital before she leaves.

    ¡°When does Your Majesty n to leave the capital?¡± Pei Yan asked.

    ¡°Tonight.¡± Since she had already made up her mind, it was better to leave sooner thanter. No point in wasting time.

    ¡°This subject will go make preparations.¡± Pei Yan left after speaking. The ministers in the pce hall looked at Ning Xiaoyao, then looked at the silent Elder Li. They all looked lifeless. How can such an important matter be decided in a few words?!

    ¡°That¡¯s all, you can all go back now.¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand to dismiss the ministers. Then, she stood up and left.

    The ministers were all momentarily dumbfounded before one of them finally regained his senses and rushed up to Elder Li. He eximed, ¡°Elder Li, ah!¡±

    ¡°Ai!¡± Elder Li sighed faintly and uttered four words, ¡°For themon people.¡±

    After Ning Xiaoyao left the main pce hall, she headed straight to the pce room where Xie Duoying was staying. She spoke to Fifth Young Miss Xie from outside the door. ¡°I won¡¯t let Shadowgale follow me. He wants me to watch him die. Not just him, Second Thunder and Third Rain all want me to watch them die.¡±

    Xie Duoying walked to the door, one of them was standing inside while the other stood outside. Fifth Young Miss Xie was still in her wet dress as she greeted Ning Xiaoyao in a curtsy, ¡°Your Majesty, let Shadowgale follow you. He¡¯s a Dragon Guard ah.¡±

    ¡°You clearly can¡¯t bear to let him go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dug at her palms.

    ¡°Even if I can¡¯t bear to let him go, he¡¯ll still go. So, I don¡¯t want to make it difficult for him.¡±

    ¡°Forget it then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned to leave. Second Young Master is correct. If she leaves the city on her own, the Northern Hu and rebel forces definitely won¡¯t believe that she¡¯s the emperor. Those two forces surely has never met such a formidable opponent like herself! After all, she is dashing enough to pierce through the heavens! Who else would dare to fight on a mighty force single-handedly?

    Xie Duoying watched as Ning Xiaoyao left.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took two steps forwards before stopping and looking back at Xie Duoying. ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to Shadowgale. Since you¡¯ve promised to wait for him, you must wait for him.¡±

    ¡°This peasant girl obeys,¡± Xie Duoying¡¯s voice trembled as she replied with her head bowed.

    She obviously can¡¯t bear for him to leave. Ning Xiaoyao drooped her head and walked away.

    Xie Duoying sat alone in the pce room and watched as the sky gradually turned dark. When Shadowgale walked into the room with silver banknotes in his hands, Xie Duoying was crying in anguish. The tears of beauties were always pitiful. Shadowgale felt terrible for causing her pain.

    Shadowgale put the silver banknotes on the table. ¡°This is for you to use. The bottom three sheets are worth more, so keep them safe.¡±

    Xie Duoying walked to the table and looked at the worn silver banknotes. Shadowgale must have been saving these for years.

    ¡°Don¡¯t wait for me like a fool.¡± Shadowgale looked at Xie Duoying. His mouth opened and closed many times before he finally uttered this sentence.

    ¡°Am I not already a fool for falling for you?¡± Xie Duoyingughed. Shadowgale fell silent again before finally saying, ¡°I don¡¯t want.....¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± Xie Duoying covered his lips with her hand and gently assured, ¡°I willingly want to wait.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯srge hand stroked Xie Duoying¡¯s tear-stained face. Then, he bent down to kiss her forehead. The kiss felt very hot, but very gentle at the same time. Out the window, twilight broke and the sky was dyed an inky ck. Shadowgale turned and strode out, not looking back.

    Xie Duoying¡¯s face was soaked with tears but she didn¡¯t make a sound. It turns out liking someone could cause so much suffering.

    In Lord Protector¡¯s estate, Ning Yan helped Pei Yan put on his armor. Looking at her husband, she wanted to speak but then held back.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Pei Yan smiled at his wife in a very elegant and loose manner.

    ¡°Mhmm,¡± Ning Yan softly replied as she walked behind Pei Yan. She wanted to see him off.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to see me off. Wait for me at home. Since I said that I¡¯ll be back, I¡¯ll definitely make it back.¡± Pei Yan halted his steps. Lady Ning obediently listened and paused her steps.

    ¡°I won¡¯t abandon you.¡± Pei Yan quickened his pace after he finished speaking. The night breeze blew open his cloak, revealing the inner red lining.

    -----

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of her bedroom window and tossed the white jade amulet from her hand. Itnded onto the soil in the flowerbed.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale stood outside the door and knocked gently. Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath before closing the window and carrying a little bundle on her back. Then, she opened the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Windy.¡±

 Chapter 348: His Majesty leaves, Supreme Commander comes

    <h4>Chapter 348: His Majesty leaves, Supreme Commanderes</h4>

    His Majesty was going to leave the city and put himself in danger in order to draw the Northern Hu army and the rebel forces away from the capital. Elder Li and various subjects gathered at the southern gates and got down on their knees to bid His Majesty farewell. In no time, news spread throughout the entire capital.

    Therefore, by the time Ning Xiaoyao and her troops arrived in in clothes at the south city gate, a mass of people were already there waiting on their knees. Not only were there officials, but manymon people as well.

    Amidst the heavy rain, tens of thousands of people silently kneeled to send her off. This action greatly stunned Ning Xiaoyao. Had she done something very touching?

    Elder Li heavily pressed his head against the ground. Under the heavy rain, others had trouble hearing the respected elder, but Ning Xiaoyao heard him very clearly. Elder Li was telling her, ¡°This subject wishes Your Majesty a safe return.¡±

    Touching her belly, Ning Xiaoyao nodded at Elder Li. She¡¯s definitely going to take good care of herself and her baby.

    "Open the gates!" Pei Yan ordered. One of the city¡¯s gatewatchers shot an arrow into the sky. With that sound, the heavy south city gate gradually opened.

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched the reins in her hands. It¡¯s time for battle!

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui stood in an open area of the barracks and tightly grabbed onto the reins of Little Red.

    "Chengying!¡± Mister Huihu rushed over and called out when he saw Lou Zigui getting ready to mount his horse. Lou Zigui turned around to look at his respected teacher.

    Mister Huihu quickly walked over to Lou Zigui. "What are you nning on doing?¡±

    "I¡¯m returning back to the capital," Lou Zigui replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

    "You!" Mister Huihu looked unconvinced. His disciple isn¡¯t someone who would change his mind once he decides on something. Even if he loses, he isn¡¯t the type to me anyone else. So what¡¯s this about? The arrow had already left the bow, yet his disciple wants to head back?

    "Once an arrow leaves the bow, there¡¯s no way to retrieve it.¡± Mister Huihu told Lou Zigui. ¡°Do you not understand this principle?¡±

    As a military leader, how could he not understand this concept? Buttely Lou Zigui had spent his days in hesitation. He visualized himself leading his men and conquering thousands of miles. However, instead of joy, the possibility of upying morend caused more distress within him. That¡¯s right. The magnificent Supreme Commander of Anyuan was afraid. What if something happens to Miss Ning? Like that time when Xiaoyao inexplicably fell into his arms on the streets of the capital? What if she falls over again but doesn¡¯t ever wake up?

    "Chengying," Mister Huihu calmed down and looked intently at Lou Zigui. "You¡¯ve already split the army and sent some troops to Qiufeng City. What if you meet with trouble on your way back to the capital? What will you do then? With the limited number of soldiers you presently have, are you sure that you can solve the encirclement issue once you arrive at the capital?¡±

    Lou Zigui looked at the generals around him, but all of them had their heads lowered. They were unwilling to meet Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes.

    "Chengying, ah!" Mister Huihu still had more to say.

    "Respected teacher," Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes came to a stop on Mister Huihu''s face, and he coldly stated, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t meddle in the affairs of my army. I knew you were the one who privately incited Fang Tang and my men to kill off Prince Zui¡¯s entire family. Once is enough. I respect you, but that does not mean I will hand over control of the ck Frost Cavalry to you. I also won¡¯t ept those who view teacher as the one in power.¡±

    This was probably the first time in his life that Mister Huihu had heard Lou Zigui speak to him in such a cold manner. He was momentarily stunned.

    Fang Tang and Shen Mu also felt a chill. Furthermore, the other generals felt a jolt of difort after hearing Lou Zigui¡¯s words. Indeed, thinking about it on a deeper level, Fang Tang and Shen Mu should be condemned for their actions. It didn¡¯t matter what their intentions were. They had gone behind Supreme Commander¡¯s back. At the end of the day, who was their master?

    "If you have anything to say, then say it now, "Lou Zigui swept a nce over his men. When Supreme Commander Lou is in a good mood, his generals could speak and even joke around, but now with his cold face and frosty stare, no one dared to speak.

    Lou Zigui mounted his horse. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Everyone, set off!¡± a mid-ranked officer immediately shouted out. A troop of nearly 100,000 quickly left for the south. Sound of hooves thudded through their departure and soon disappeared from Mister Huihu¡¯s views.

    "Let''s go." Master Priest You said with augh. "Do you still want to stay by your disciple¡¯s side, acting as someone who is only under one and above all other men?¡±

    You¡¯re looking down on your disciple, old friend. Since ancient times, men of integrity who scrupulously abide by the rites of the world would never be the sovereign who establishes a dynasty. Lou Zigui isn¡¯t a kind type to begin with.

    Master Priest You looked at Mister Huihu and shook his head. From how his friend had tried to force things to happen behind Lou Zigui¡¯s back, there¡¯s no way his friend can take up an official post again even if Lou Zigui bes the emperor someday. Lou Zigui had been pricked, and pulling out the thorn won¡¯t make a difference.

    Looking up at the sky full of stars, Lou Zigui touched his cuffs. Before setting off, he had specifically ordered some soldiers to go into the nearby farmhouses to find a box of sugar beans. They weren¡¯t as delicious as the ones in the capital city andcked the osmanthus flower vour, but as long as they were sugar beans, Miss Ning should like them.

    At the capital, Ning Xiaoyao rode out of the gates under heavy rain. Shadowgale and Pei Yan followed closely behind, one to the left and the other to the right.

    "Be careful, ah!" Ning Xiaoyao shouted to the Dragon Guards behind her when she saw the enemy camp up ahead. ¡°Don¡¯t think about unnecessary things. Your life is the most important!¡±

    ¡°Fatuous ruler! It¡¯s the fatuous ruler!¡±

    From the wooden lookout tforms, several rebels raised their voices simultaneously and shouted out as loud as they could. "The fatuous ruler has left the city!¡±

    ¡°Fatuous ruler your sister!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cursed back.

    ¡°Your Majesty, watch out!¡± Pei Yan then ran to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. ¡°Once we enter the enemy camp, you can charge ahead. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao did not speak.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ran ahead of Pei Yan again. "How can I not worry about you? Don''t be ridiculous, you can''t even beat me in a fight, and yet you want to protect me?¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Second Young Master Pei wanted to rebel.

    "You can''t beat me," Ning Xiaoyao stuck out her tongue and made a face as she rushed past Second Young Master Pei.

    "If you¡¯re going to be like this, then let''s not even go to the enemy camp, let''s just head back," Pei Yan bit out angrily.

    "I don''t want to!" Ning Xiaoyao shook her head and protested.

    All the Dragon Guards in the back:... is this the time to quarrel? Can you guys be serious!

    "Arrows! The rebels have arrows! Watch out!¡± When Pei Yan saw archers appear, he did not wait for them to make a move. Instead, Second Young Master Pei directly warned Ning Xiaoyao.

    "I¡¯m not afraid!" Ning Xiaoyao shouted back.

    "You..." After hollering back a word, Pei Yan didn¡¯t have anything else to retort with.

    Spying arge rock lying on the ground, Ning Xiaoyao jumped down from her mid-galloping horse.

    The rock was taller than Ning Xiaoyao, and more than 6 times her width. His Majesty Ning easily lifted it above her head and tossed it towards the rebels.

    The rock flew out, and Bujing the horse had also run its way back to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side. Ning Xiaoyao leaped onto the horse with grace and style.

    At this point, the Dragon Guards only had one thought. Their Majesty really is someone who¡¯s dashing enough to pierce through the heavens!

    The rebel archers hadn¡¯t even reloaded their bows when they suddenly saw arge stone in the air. Amidst their shock, the rock had already reached the top of their heads and all the light from the camp was suddenly block off by itsrge shadow.

    "Run!¡± Someone yelled from inside the camp. But, it was toote. Right when the shout had sounded, the rocknded with a heavy thud.

    The archers, who reacted toote, were crushed under the boulder. Blood flowed from under the stone, mixing with the rain and flowing to the lower terrain.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s countenance was very cold as she charged into the enemy¡¯s camp. She also picked up a spear off a rebel and directly copsed a tent.

    The tent flew up and hit the wooden pir supporting the watchtower, causing it to copse from the middle. Not only did many soldiers fall to their deaths, the soldiers on the ground were also smashed to death by the falling debris. Altogether, around twenty or thirty people were wiped out in an instant.

    "Enemy soldiers approaching!" Pei Yan yelled out to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao knew the charging cavalry wasing for her head, and so without a second¡¯s thought, she hurled a nearby iron basin over. The iron basin was filled with oil since it was used for lightingnterns.

    The cavalry saw this zing murder weapon fly over, but could not react in time; their horses were still charging forwards. A momentter, the iron basin fell from the sky, sshing hot oil onto the soldiers. People were killed and injured, horses were spooked, and sparks fell onto the cloth tents, immediately igniting the fabric.

    It happened to be raining heavily. Otherwise, with all the sparks, the camp would have been set on fire already.

    Pei Yan gracefully wielded his sword and chopped off the head of a nearby rebel. However, by the time he was finished, Pei Yan realized His Majesty had already done away with more than a dozen rebel soldiers.

    Second Young Master Pei fell silent. His Majesty Ning¡¯s overbearing actions and murderous aura really shows he has no intentions of throwing away his life!

    ¡°Charge!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted to the men behind her.

    "Do you still want to split up?¡± a deputy general following behind Pei Yan asked. Pei Yan nodded. It was necessary to split the rebel forces.

    "Split what, ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned around and scolded, "Are you going to listen to him or me? I¡¯m the emperor!¡±

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Pei Yan suddenly eximed. A rebel general had appeared in front of Ning Xiaoyao and was about to smash a giant hammer down her head!

    If he could capture this fatuous ruler, then he¡¯s definitely going to benefit from this meritorious service in the future!

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t bother to dodge; she just raised the sword in her hand and thrust forward.

    The rebel general did not see Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s movements but he suddenly felt the cold bite of steel right before a sharp pain. The spear pierced through the rebel general¡¯s side and Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s grip loosened. With that, the merciless human-and-horse duo galloped past the fallen soldier.

    ¡°Charge!!¡± Pei Yan gestured towards Shadowgale and the rest of the men. By the time he turned around, he noticed that His Majesty was already waving another sword in the air.

    Ning Xiaoyao headed for where the most people were gathered. In order to create more chaos, the best way is to instill mass panic.

    "Wolf King," outside of the Northern Hu barracks, a general rushed into the leader¡¯s tent and urgently reported, "A team of Yongning Cavalry has escorted Ning Yu out of the capital.¡±

    Modou''s first thought was that Ning Yu, the emperor of Yongning, was trying to make a run for it.

    Wolf King Modou sat up straight, and his pair of dark blue eyes shed with murderous intent. Although he was approaching forty, he still appeared very young. "Men, we¡¯re going to go and take Yongning¡¯s little emperor''s life!"

    The drums of war in the Northern Hu barracks sounded, and a heavy fog rolled onto the ins with the thundering rain. Along with the sound of the drums, the heavy rain pounded the ground, instilling fear in themon people¡¯s hearts. It sounded as if it came from the deepest dungeons of Hell.

    Xiang Nong hurried out of his tent and into the unrelenting rain. He watched his camp descend into chaos as enemy soldiers appeared everywhere.

    "Father," Xiang Tiange and a small team of soldiers hurried to where Xiang Nong was.

    "What''s going on here?¡± The heavy rain soaked Xiang Nong¡¯s clothes in an instant. "Ning Yu has entered the camp," Xiang Tiange replied loudly.

    "How many soldiers did that dog Emperor bring?!¡± Xiang Nong¡¯s eyes glittered with anger. How many enemy soldiers had attacked his camp, rendering it to this state of chaos??

    ---

    You guys should read on vre so you can join in thement section below! So many readers created ounts to curse Lou Zigui on chapter 345. :P (please do not support aggregator sites)

 Chapter 349: Emperor Ning wants to enter the rebel forces

    <h4>Chapter 349: Emperor Ning wants to enter the rebel forces</h4>

    ¡°The fatuous ruler has left from the south gate. He thinks he can escape down south,¡± Xiang Nong stood in the heavy rain and muttered. Then, he casually raised his head and ordered his foster child, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the army camps. Bring your troops to stop the fatuous ruler!¡±

    Xiang Tiange cupped his fist and made a loud sound of assent before heading south with his battalion.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Xiang Nong got on to his horse and shouted, ¡°Let¡¯s go and meet the fatuous ruler!!¡± After leaving the army camp, Xiang Nong and the rebel forces realised that there were many silhouettes all around the campsite. Where is the fatuous ruler?!

    ¡°Are we going to go out?¡± Pei Yan apanied Ning Xiaoyao and squatted outside one of the army tents. Ning Xiaoyao made a small slit on the tent, allowing the two of them to look out through the hole. They were in the tent where the rebel forces would take their rest. All the rebel soldiers had already been ughtered by Shadowgale and the others.

    Ning Xiaoyao and Pei Yan squatted at the entrance of the tent to keep watch while Shadowgale and the others changed into the outfit of the rebel forces. Ning Xiaoyao released her hand and the slit in the tent closed. Pointing behind her, Emperor Ning asked, ¡°Before we discuss our following steps, Second Young Master Pei, please exin to me what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was pointing at Erya and Xiaoqiu. The two of them were sitting on a wooden stool and innocently gazing at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Pei Yan replied, ¡°Your Majesty changed to casual wear and left the pce to infiltrate the camp of the rebel forces right? Otherwise, why didn¡¯t Your Majesty choose to leave from the north gate?¡± Did he think that the rebels were easier to bully than the Northern Hu? That obviously can¡¯t be the reason why Ning Xiaoyao chose to leave from the south gate.

    ¡°What does this have to do with you bringing Erya and Xiaoqiu out?!¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at Pei Yan. Earlier, she was distracted by the hundred thousand troops at the scene and didn¡¯t take note of the troops Pei Yan brought out of the capital. She would never have guessed that this crazy bastard would take Erya and Xiaoqiu out of the capital ah!!

    ¡°There is no better way to hide our identities than to bring two kids along.¡± Pei Yan grinned. Pei Yan¡¯s smile made him look handsome as always but that only triggered Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s anger. ¡°Time was of the essence and I didn¡¯t have time to tell Your Majesty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao exploded, ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have found a proper reason?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± Pei Yan continued smiling. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s clenched fist could be heard loud and clear. She really wants to beat this useless guy up ah!!!

    ¡°No one would ever think the ruler of the country would be travelling with two children unrted to him,¡± Pei Yan shook his head closely at Ning Xiaoyao and lowered his voice, ¡°Your Majesty, is this reason eptable?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Erya shyly chirped in, ¡°Then.. Then should I bring Xiaoqiu back?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...What could she say? They¡¯ve already braved the danger and escaped. How could she toss them back?

    ¡°What is happening below?¡± Pei Yan pulled opened the slit in the tent. Ning Xiaoyao looked out of the tent, ¡°Do you hear it? It¡¯s the Northern Hu dialect.¡± Pei Yan nodded. Thenguage of the Northern Hu and Yongning people were different and it was easy to tell them apart.

    ¡°When we exit the tent, we will shout that the fatuous ruler ran south,¡± Ning Xiaoyao twirled the dagger in the hand and whispered, ¡°We will lead the two groups and run to the south.¡±

    ¡°What happens after that?¡± Pei Yan asked. At this moment, Shadowgale and the others arrived.

    Ning Xiaoyao licked her parched lips, ¡°That¡¯s the exciting part.¡±

    Everyone, including Pei Yan, held their breaths. ¡°Our purpose is not to escape,¡± Ning Xiaoyao excitedly exined, ¡°Our purpose is to get the rebel forces to fight against the Northern Hu!!¡±

    No one responded and everyone was stunned. ¡°We don¡¯t have enough troops,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued her n without a care, ¡°But the rebel forces have so many people ah. And all these people are from Yongning. Why shouldn¡¯t they protect the country too?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point,¡± Pei Yan finally responded, ¡°Why would the rebel forces listen to you ah?¡±

    ¡°I am not that influential,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had self awareness.

    ¡°Then what are you going to do?¡± Second Young Master Pei did not understand. In the rebel forces, His Majesty was known as the fatuous ruler. How was he going to convince the rebel troops to fight against the Northern Hu with their lives on the line?!

    ¡°There is a female camp in the southwest direction of the campsite,¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered. Everyone stared at Ning Xiaoyao. No one believes that His Majesty would be thinking about women at times like this. But why would His Majesty suddenly bring up the matter of the female camp ah?

    ¡°Xiang Nong has no son,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°He only has a daughter called Wanwan.¡±

    ¡°You want to kidnap Wanwan and use her to threaten Xiang Nong?¡± Pei Yan blurted. ¡°That move would be useless,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, ¡°Xiang Nong isn¡¯t impotent yet, he could probably deal with the death of his daughter.¡±

    ¡°Then what do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll kidnap thedy when the Northern Hues over. Then we¡¯ll kidnap one with a high status,¡± Ning Xiaoyao put her thumbs together, ¡°You understand right...¡± Everyone present looked at each other, then turned to Ning Xiaoyao and shook their heads. They really didn¡¯t understand...

    ¡°We won¡¯t strip thedy,¡± Ning Xiaoyao beamed gleefully, ¡°But we will strip the Northern Hu man. Then we¡¯ll call the rebel forces over and push the me on the Northern Hu!!¡±

    A Northern Hu man forcing himself on Xiang Nong¡¯s only daughter. In public. In front of so many people.

    If Xiang Nong doesn¡¯t take revenge, he would be seen as a man who couldn¡¯t even protect his daughter¡¯s innocence. How could a man like that be fit to be the Lord of the rebel forces?!

    ¡°In order to make it seem legit, we have to kidnap a few more girls,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked out of the tent, ¡°This will make it seem like the rebel forces didn¡¯t know Wanwan¡¯s true identity.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute. Now it¡¯s going to be a group of Northern Hu?¡±

    ¡°I just decided on this. You have an issue with that, Second Young Master?¡± Pei Yan realised he didn¡¯t know how to respond when he was facing this punk. How could he think up such things on the spot?!

    ¡°Windy, do you have any objections?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked up and asked Shadowgale and the others. Shadowgale and the others shook their heads. They actually came with the thought of sacrificing their lives when they left the capital with His Majesty. Never would they have expected to ride directly into the camp of the rebel forces.

    The people outside were all out for their lives and yet they were squatting in their military tent and having a meeting. Shadowgale and the other guards felt a little dizzy. This situation really deviated too much from their imagination!!!

    ¡°This way, that Xiang Wanwan will lose her innocence in name and cannot marry out in the future right?¡± a kind Dragon Guard voiced out. After saying this, apart from Ning Xiaoyao, Erya and Xiaoqiu, everyone stared at this little bro. You still care about the marital affairs of a rebeldy?! Ning Xiaoyao puffed out her cheeks. What she ns to do is despicable and morally wrong but...

    Ning Xiaoyao took a breath, ¡°Xiang Nong wants to kill me but I can¡¯t ruin his daughter¡¯s innocence? Also, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m really taking her innocence!!¡±

    Everyone: ...It isn¡¯t real but this may cause the young miss to be suicidal, okay?!

    ¡°Thisment is rejected,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hands, ¡°Are there any other issues?¡±

    Pei Yan added, ¡°What happens after we save Xiang Wanwan? Do we escape immediately?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, ¡°I have decided to join the rebel forces. Fighting to death against the Northern Hu is my new job.¡±

    *Gulp* One of the Dragon Guards choked on his saliva. The military tent was quiet again.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t any of you saying anything?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Join the rebel forces?!¡± Second Young Master Pei sted, ¡°Your Majesty, you think they will let you join?¡±

    ¡°We are the poor and unfortunatemon people who can¡¯t wait to kill the fatuous ruler, Ning Yu. Second Young Master, do you think I can join the rebel forces based on this reason?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty wants to fake death?¡± Shadowgale furrowed his brows.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Mhm your head ah! Pei Yan regretteding along with Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°How are you going to fake your death?¡±

    ¡°I have already thought it through,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted the bundle on her back. Everyone else: ... His Majesty has already thought it through ah?

    Ning Xiaoyao took out something from the bundle. ¡°You!¡± Pei Yan eximed when he saw what was in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    Ning Xiaoyao covered Pei Yan¡¯s mouth with a ¡°pa!¡± sound. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just the jade seal, what is there to be excited about?!¡±

    Pei Yan pulled away Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand and wanted to shout at him. But then he thought, he is the emperor. I guess it¡¯s not wrong for an emperor to carry around his jade seal ah...

    ¡°Find me a corpseter,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°The kind that has been trampled by horses. What¡¯s that called...Horse what soil?¡± Shadowrain replied, ¡°Horse stamped to soil?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes that¡¯s the phrase,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave a thumbs up to Shadowrain. Pei Yan thought while squatting, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be convincing if you¡¯re the only one dead, right?¡±

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s clothes are here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the clothes that Shadowgale and the others changed out of. ¡°Find some corpses and change them into these outfits. Just make it seem like we all died ah.¡±

    ¡°What if someone finds out about the identity of these bodies?¡± Pei Yan asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately replied, ¡°Disfigure the faces.¡± Pei Yan retorted, ¡°If all the bodies had disfigured faces, wouldn¡¯t it seem like you¡¯re just trying to deceive yourself into thinking your n would work?¡±

    ¡°What do you suggest then, Second Young Master?¡±

    ¡°Light a fire. If the bodies are burnt, no one would be able to tell what they look like. This solution is simpler.¡±

    ¡°Deal!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands together, ¡°Let¡¯s settle on this happily. Second Young Master, we can split now. You can go back to the pce and I will go to the female camp!¡±

    Pei Yan stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes, ¡°You¡¯re not returning to the pce?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll apany Your Majesty to finish the task first.¡± Pei Yan actually didn¡¯t want to apany Ning Xiaoyao to do crazy things. But after thinking about it, if they managed to get a Northern Hu man to ruin Xiang Wanwan, perhaps they may really be able to force Xiang Nong into going against them.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Erya ran to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°What about me and Xiaoqiu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Pei Yan.

    ¡°We want to be with Your Majesty!!!¡± Erya didn¡¯t wait for Ning Xiaoyao to reply before stating resolutely. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Pei Yan and sighed, muttering, ¡°What¡¯s the point of having a face like that.¡±

    Second Young Master Pei was amused. ¡°I may be born with such fairy-like looks, but I already have a family. How could Erya be interested in me?¡±

    Everyone in the vicinity felt that His Majesty and Pei Yan¡¯s entanglement wasn¡¯t random. These two people both thought differently from everyone else and only they could have a conversation. (Author: o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    ¡°How about this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at Xiaoqiu who was sitting obediently at the side. When Xiaoqiu ran in front of her, Ning Xiaoyao reached out and picked him up. ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll be a strong independent widow with Erya and Xiaoqiu as my daughter and son.¡±

    Everyone else: ...

    ¡°What did you say?!¡± Second Young Master Pei lost count of the number of times he was stunned by this bugger today. ¡°What did you just say? Can you repeat that for me?¡± Second Young Master Pei roared at Ning Xiaoyao.

 Chapter 350: Daya, Erya, and Wang Xiaoqiu

    <h4>Chapter 350: Daya, Erya, and Wang Xiaoqiu</h4>

    ¡°His Majesty is a dashing man,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said while looking very seriously at Pei Yan, ¡°Who would think that the widow is His Majesty? Look, guys!¡± Ning Xiaoyao showed everyone her little bundle. Everyone extended their necks and saw a grey dress in the bundle.

    Pei Yan pinched his temple and muttered, ¡°Can someone your age even be Erya¡¯s mother?¡±

    ¡°Uh, I¡¯ll just pretend I¡¯m thirty this year.¡±

    ¡°Even an idiot wouldn¡¯t believe it!¡± Pei Yan immediately shot Ning Xiaoyao down. ¡°Then...¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought of another idea, ¡°Erya is my sister. Xiaoqiu is my son.¡± Everyone thought this may be believable.

    ¡°Xiaoqiu, what are you going to call me from now on?¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and asked. ¡°Mummy!¡± Xiaoqiu immediately beamed affectionately.

    Then, Ning Xiaoyao looked up at Erya. ¡°Big sis!¡± Erya called out.

    ¡°Great. It¡¯s settled.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders at Pei Yan. ¡°Then how are we rted to Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale questioned. ¡°Are we all your brothers?¡± Pei Yan asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao counted with her fingers. Paternal cousins, maternal cousins, god-siblings. It wasn¡¯t impossible for her to have so many brothers ah.

    ¡°Also,¡± Pei Yan continued, ¡°Has Your Majesty thought about it? Why would a bunch of young men listen to the words of a widow?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because...because...¡± an idea suddenly popped up in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mind, ¡°Because my husband is their big bro. The eldest sister-inw would be treated like their mother. That¡¯s why you guys all listen to me!¡±

    ¡°Countless of vigers were killed by the officials,¡± Shadowgale lowered his voice, ¡°We didn¡¯t have any choice and decided to follow our sis-inw out into the real world.¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Pei Yan looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You¡¯re now a person of the Jianghu?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that Shadowgale¡¯s excuse was pretty good and clenched her fist. ¡°I will give myself the title of Poison Widow. Do y¡¯all think this name is good?¡±

    Everyone else: ... Can we not focus on the widow part?

    ¡°What name!?¡± Pei Yan asked. This punk can call himself whatever he wants as long as his wife isn¡¯t the widow.

    ¡°Uh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nced at Erya, ¡°Actually, I wanted to call myself The Invincible Pei. But Erya is now my little sister. So I can only call myself Daya now*.¡±

    Pei Yan was about to ask Xiaoyao to let his surname off when he heard him say, ¡°I¡¯m Pei Daya. Erya is Pei Erya. Xiaoqiu will be Pei Xiaoqiu.¡±

    Shadowthunder took this very seriously and sincerely stated, ¡°Xiaoqiu can¡¯t have the surname Pei. Xiaoqiu must follow his father¡¯s surname ah.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...

    When Pei Yan saw Ning Xiaoyao looking at him, he huffed, ¡°My family¡¯s name has already been used by His Majesty.¡± So, Ning Xiaoyao looked at the deputy general behind Pei Yan. The deputy general could only add, ¡°Your Majesty, this general¡¯s surname is Wang.¡±

    ¡°Wang Xiaoqiu!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pped her hands together and dered. Hence, Xiaoqiu¡¯s name was decided like this. What else could Deputy General Wang say?

    ¡°Are there any more questions?¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at the men around her. Everyone thought about it and shook their heads. They had no more questions. Besides, even if they don¡¯t want to join in with His Majesty¡¯s madness, it¡¯s not like they have a choice.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to take the opportunity to return back to the pce while the Northern Hu and rebel forces are after me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Pei Yan again.

    Pei Yan just stared at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Deputy General Wang again. Deputy General Wang immediately felt anxious. Why is he involved again?!

    ¡°If Your Majesty decides to knock me out and hand me over to Old Wang so they can take me back to the pce, I will definitely kill Old Wang and the others when I wake up.¡± growled Pei Yan.

    All the soldiers following Second Young Master Pei: ...Why do they have such shitty luck?!

    Ning Xiaoyao took a deep breath. ¡°Mark my words.¡± Pei Yan repeated. Ning Xiaoyao loosened her fist. It¡¯s amazing. How did Second Young Master figure out what she was about to do?!

    Pei Yan nced at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands. ¡°Then, shall we leave?¡±

    ¡°Onest question,¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Who is going to the female camp and who is going to kidnap the Northern Hu?¡±

    ¡°I will grab the Northern Hu men,¡± Pei Yan muttered without a thought. Ning Xiaoyao retorted, ¡°Based on our fighting abilities, I feel that it is better if Second Young Master Pei go to the female camp. This would make things easier.¡±

    Pei Yan didn¡¯t even look up. ¡°Your Majesty, my underlings and I don¡¯t know what Xiang Wanwan looks like.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rushed to respond, ¡°It¡¯s fine ah! Shadowgale¡¯s Little Gyrfalcon is outside. He will take you to Xiang Wanwan.¡±

    ¡°You expect me to believe a bird?!¡± Pei Yan¡¯s eyes twitched and looked at Ning Xiaoyao like she was an idiot.

    ¡°You...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was upset, ¡°What makes you think Little Gyrfalcon is unreliable ah?¡±

    ¡°Based on the fact that I am not an idiot?¡± Second Young Master Pei responded immediately. Ning Xiaoyao thought about what he said and finally understood. He¡¯s trying to say she¡¯s foolish for believing in Little Gyrfalcon. ¡°Aiya, I¡¯ll go then!¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to explode.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale pulled Ning Xiaoyao back and reminded her, ¡°We are in the rebel forces¡¯ camp.¡±

    Everyone looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Please don¡¯t cause trouble ah! Second Young Master Pei of the Pei n has always had a nasty mouth. He deserves to get smacked and they want to beat him up as well, but this was no time to have an internal strife ah!!!

    ¡°Heh heh, you better not regret this!¡± Ning Xiaoyao jeered at Second Young Master Pei. Pei Yan ignored Ning Xiaoyao and asked, ¡°Where do we meet after?¡±

    ¡°There is a Wuli Pavilion down south on the official road,¡± Ning Xiaoyao responded, ¡°We will meet there.¡±

    Pei Yan lightly patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head and instructed his underlings, ¡°Take the clothes we¡¯ve changed out of. We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao warned, ¡°You guys have to be careful ah! Escape if you can¡¯t beat them inbat.¡±

    For some reason, the soldiers and general felt a surge of confidence. They believe nothing will go wrong this time!

    Ning Xiaoyao walked into the military tent and changed into the grey dress before saying to Shadowgale, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The Dragon Guards were calm as it wasn¡¯t their first time seeing His Majesty in a dress. But Pei Yan and his subordinates couldn¡¯t help but secretly steal a few more nces at Ning Xiaoyao.

    When Erya saw that Ning Xiaoyao was about to leave, she shouted, ¡°Your Majesty! Don¡¯t forget me and Xiaoqiu ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao reached out to carry Erya and Shadowbolt carried Xiaoqiu. The whole group left the military tent.

    Little Gyrfalcon had been flying around in the sky and when he saw Ning Xiaoyao and his owner leaving the tent. So, he immediately chirped and flew towards the southwest of the campsite.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at Shadowgale and the others and instantly ran after Little Gyrfalcon. ¡°You guys are...¡± a battalion of rebel soldiers ran towards Ning Xiaoyao and the others.

    ¡°The fatuous ruler went south!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted at the top of her lungs, ¡°Chase after him ah!¡±

    ¡°Chase, chase ah!¡± Shadowthunder promptly joined in and shouted at the top of his voice.

    Everyone shouted to kill the fatuous ruler and ran far away. Pei Yan stood in the tent and watched as Ning Xiaoyao and the group ran away. They were seriously fighting a war right now?

    Within a short time, Little Gyrfalcon led Ning Xiaoyao and the rest to the female camp of the rebel forces. ¡°It¡¯s really female soldiers ah,¡± one Dragon Guard soldier was stunned, ¡°Women can fight in wars?!¡±

    ¡°How do we go in?¡± another Dragon Guard soldier asked. Since all the people in the female camp were women, it would be too eye-catching if a random group of men walked in, right?

    Ning Xiaoyao ordered, ¡°Windy, you can bring the bros to the official road and wait for me there. Be careful to not expose your identities. I¡¯lle to find you guys soon.¡±

    ¡°I thought we were going to kidnap a few female soldiers?¡± Shadowgale was puzzled, ¡°Your Majesty is going to bring the female soldiers alone? How can you leave the campsite without catching other people¡¯s attention?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dered, ¡°That¡¯s not a problem. I can just make two trips.¡±

    Shadowgale was worried about Ning Xiaoyao doing everything alone. One trip could cost his life. He wants to make two trips?!

    ¡°Windy, are you doubting my fighting prowess?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was starting to get mad that another person was doubting her abilities again.

    ¡°Move aside!¡± Just when Ning Xiaoyao wanted to fight Shadowgale on this, a group of female soldiers came out of the female camp. They surrounded a female general who was riding on a horse that had the marks of a sakura flower. She had a narrow sword in her hand.

    Little Gyrfalcon shouted at Ning Xiaoyao in midair, ¡°Xiaoyao, she¡¯s Xiang Wanwan.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hurriedly looked at the female general. She wouldn¡¯t be categorized as very beautiful -her facial features were simr to her father¡¯s and her skin wasn¡¯t pale and smooth.

    When Ning Xiaoyao was staring at Xiang Wanwan, Miss Xiang also noticed Ning Xiaoyao. After all, it was very obvious when there was a woman standing with a bunch of burly men. Naturally, the female would stand out. Pulling at her reins, Xiang Wanwan stopped her horse and asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth and randomly spouted some rubbish, ¡°This one is here to find Great Lord Xiang and join the rebel forces!¡±

    Xiang Wanwan measured Ning Xiaoyao with her eyes. What could this small body do? ¡°Any random cat and dog wants to join the rebel forces now. Scram!¡±

    After deeming that Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t of much use, the words Miss Xiang used were unkind.

    ¡°Aiya, f**k!¡± When Ning Xiaoyao saw Xiang Wanwan leave with her battalion, Ning Xiaoyao refused to ept this. ¡°She¡¯s looking down on me?!?!¡± It¡¯s karma that Xiang Tiange doesn¡¯t like her ah!! (Author: Why do you even care?)

    ¡°What should we do now?¡± Shadowgale asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°We chase!¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran forward.

    A group of people haphazardly chased after Xiang Wanwan. A soldier behind Xiang Wanwan turned and saw Ning Xiaoyao and the others chasing after them. So, she notified Xiang Wanwan. ¡°Miss, the woman who wants to join the rebel forces is chasing after us.¡±

    ¡°Tell her...¡± Before Xiang Wanwan could say to get lost, she heard the shouts of kill the fatuous ruler and saw an army wearing felt robes waving a g and rushing towards her.

    ¡°There¡¯s a fire ah!!¡±

    ¡°An official set fire to the grains ah!!¡±

    ...

    Random chaotic shouts suddenly filled the air. Several tents were dismantled by Ning Xiaoyao and flew towards Xiang Wanwan and her troops.

    A group of female soldiers didn¡¯t manage to escape and were trapped under the felt tents. ¡°It¡¯s the Northern Hu!!!¡± Shadowrain raised his voice and shouted.

    Ning Xiaoyao tiptoed and looked. Ai, there really was a team of Northern Hu peopleing. Without thinking, Ning Xiaoyao shrieked at the top of her lungs, ¡°The Northern Hu are here to kidnap women from the female camp!!¡±

    The female soldiers were trapped and the rebel soldiers were busy trying to rescue them. This situation was already messy enough. After hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shout, many of the rebel soldiers subconsciously looked up towards the female camp.

    ¡°Quick,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Erya, ¡°Erya, you¡¯re now a child soldier!¡± Erya was very bright and immediately ran forward with sparkling eyes. It was raining heavily and no one could tell whether she was really crying or not. Erya pretended to sob and eximed, ¡°The Northern Hu have forced their way into the female camp!!!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s them!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the Northern Hu troops. ¡°It¡¯s His Majesty,¡± Deputy General Wang was behind this battalion of Northern Hu soldiers and whispered to Pei Yan.

    Pei Yan made a face. How could it be so coincidental that they both had their eyes on this group of Northern Hu soldiers?

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Deputy General Wang asked.

    ¡°Steal the provision!¡± Second Young Master Pei suddenly pointed towards the Northern Hu in front of them and shouted, ¡°These damned assholes stole our provisions!!!¡±

    Shadowgale and the others: ...

    Deputy General Wang and the others: ...

    They were now used of kidnapping their women and stealing their provisions. The Northern Hu were in big trouble.

    *Erya = 2nd Lass

    Er means two in Mandarin

    Daya = 1st Lass/Big Lass

    Da means eldest or 1st in Mandarin

    Xiao means little in Mandarin

    Xiaoyao = Little Yao, Dayao = Big Yao (the name she told Xiang Tiange aka Young Lord aka the guy with the mole on his face from chapter 308) XD hehe. Please read the trantions on vre! If you''re reading this on any other site, it has been stolen.

 Chapter 351: His Majesty says itâ€™s just a piece of jade

    <h4>Chapter 351: His Majesty says it''s just a piece of jade</h4>

    The sky was dark, it was raining heavily. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group and Pei Yan¡¯s group attacked from both front and back. They rushed forward, seizing the Northern Hu soldiers, and started fighting without even saying a word.

    The troop of Northern Hu soldiers didn¡¯t understand the Yongning dialect, so they had no idea what the bunch of wretched Yongning paupers were shouting about. They didn¡¯t understand why they were surrounded and beaten, so the Northern Hu soldiers started to get angry. Since taking a beating but not being able to return the ¡°favor¡± wasn¡¯t the norm for this bunch of men from the grasnds, both sides started fighting.

    The rebel forces all heard Ning Xiaoyao and Pei Yan shouting, but they didn¡¯t quite believe it was real. They¡¯d all agreed to kill this fatuous ruler together. Why would these Northern Hu soldiers enter their camp to harm their women and steal their grain? However, Shadowgale and the rest were disguised as the rebel forces. So when the real rebel soldiers saw this, they joined to help their rades¡± as well. After all, they can¡¯t just watch their own people get beaten ah!

    However, once they saw Shadowgale and the others fight with the Northern Hu soldiers, the rebel soldiers joined in as well. They can¡¯t just watch their own people get beaten ah!

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her body and rushed towards Shadowgale. ¡°Stop fighting, let¡¯s carry him and leave ah!¡±

    Shadowgale lifted his hand to strangle the Northern Hu man next to him. Then he seized the man¡¯s torch while conveniently tossing it at a tent.

    ¡°It¡¯s wet, it won¡¯t burn!¡± Pei Yan yelled from the back.

    ¡°You still want to set ces on fire?!¡± Right then, Ning Xiaoyao seized one Northern Hu soldier who didn¡¯t have a torch.

    ¡°Kill them!¡± shouted an angry rebel soldier. ¡°Yes!¡± Deputy General Wang also shouted along. ¡°Kill this bunch of Northern Hu men!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao ran at lightning speed. While everyone were fighting, all of the items used for lighting, torches, braziers, had already been put out by Ning Xiaoyao.

    In the darkness, Shadowgale wiped his face that was wet from the rain while holding onto Ning Xiaoyao who had just run up in front of him. He whispered, ¡°Do you know where Xiang Wanwan is?

    ¡°I do,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grabbed Shadowgale as she ran forwards. An evolved person such as herself has no problem seeing in the dark ah.

    ¡°Grab a few Northern Hu men and quickly leave!¡± Pei Yan pressed a Northern Hu soldier onto the ground then knocked him out before smacking Deputy General Wang on the shoulder. Deputy General Wang was waving his sword and cutting down men next to him. Now that everyone is dead, how will they keep up the act?

    The rebel soldiers in front were fighting with the Northern Hu men. All the while, the rebel soldiers in the rear were trying to help the injured. By the time Ning Xiaoyao brought her Dragon Guards and withdrew to the back, the rebel soldiers had already managed to rescue some of the female soldiers.

    Looking at the ce where Xiang Wanwanid crushed, Ning Xiaoyao let out a sigh of relief. Shadowgale and Shadowrain stood beside her and Ning Xiaoyao pointed out, ¡°That youngdy is still here, let¡¯s go!¡±

    The bunch of them rushed up at the same time, forcibly pushing away the rebel soldiers who were trying to save Xiang Wanwan.

    ¡°There¡¯s still someone underneath.¡± Ning Xiaoyao squatted down, in a position to rescue. Under such circumstances, Shadowgale had no choice but to stand and put on an act. ¡°Move faster, hurry up and save whoever that¡¯s under there.¡±

    The nearby rebel soldiers didn¡¯t suspect anything. Since the rebel forces personnel were made up of all sorts of people, it was normal for members not to know each other even if they were part of the same team. The real rebel soldiers really thought Xiaoyao¡¯s group were there to rescue others.

    Lifting a tent was as easy as flipping through the pages of a book for Ning Xiaoyao. As soon as the tent was lifted up, the back of Xiang Wanwan¡¯s head was exposed.

    Shadowgale put his fingers to his lips and let out a loud whistle. The Dragon Guards had already found their targets. As soon as they heard Shadowgale¡¯s signal, they made the same moves. First, they struck the neck of the person they intended to kill, then they covered their mouths and plunged their swords into that person¡¯s chest. With a turn of their hands, they dug out their swords. The rebel soldiers immediately went limp and took theirst breath.

    Meanwhile, the Northern Hu soldiers in the front were fighting the rebel soldiers with all their might, shouting at their fellowrades.

    Shadowgale and the rest of the Dragon guards were done killing when a troop of Northern Hu soldiers rushed over on their horses. They had rushed over as soon as they heard theirrades calling for help.

    ¡°The Northern Hu soldiers havee up from behind!¡± shouted Shadowbolt as he carried Xiaoqiu.

    ¡°Go! Hurry!¡± Ning Xiaoyao lifted the unconscious Xiang Wanwan with one hand, while holding Erya between her other underarm before dashing off.

    Windy and his group also carried several unconscious female soldiers and ran after Ning Xiaoyao.

    The Northern Hu soldiers had rushed to save theirrades and didn¡¯t care about the dead rebel soldiers on the ground. They also didn¡¯t have time to ask theirrades why they were fighting with their ¡°allies¡±. After all, they were supposed to be working together to take down Ning Yu. Anyhow, this troop of Northern Hu cavalry rushed forward on their horses and started fighting.

    Some of the rebel soldiers turned around to face their attack. From the light emanating off the torches held by the Northern Hu soldiers, they saw that the horses of these Northern Hu soldiers had trampled all over the dead rebel soldiers. Hence, the rebel soldiers immediately shouted angrily, ¡°The Northern Hu has killed our men!¡±

    In the open area near the female southwest camp, both sides quickly went from casual fighting to killing with all their might.

    Ning Xiaoyao and Pei Yan left and ran along the official road. They did not stop to catch their breaths and calm their nerves until they reached the Wuli Pavilion.

    Pei Yan threw the Northern Hu man onto the ground from his back. Despite his face hitting the floor of the stone pavilion, the man didn¡¯t wake up from the pain.

    Ning Xiaoyao released Xiang Wanwan from her arms and put her down onto the ground. She looked at the man Second Young Master Pei tossed andmented, ¡°He¡¯s a General ah.¡±

    Pei Yan replied, ¡°He was the one who lead the troops. I¡¯m just not sure what his rank in the Northern Hu army is.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao touched the Northern Hu general¡¯s armor. The next moment, she had already removed his money bag. Opening it, His Majesty Ning was immediately all fired up. ¡°Hurry! Come and look at this. There are precious stones!¡±

    The silk bag contained more than thirty precious stones. Shadowthunder lit up the fire piston in his hand. Although the me was only the size of a bean, the precious stones shone brightly in reflection. In Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s opinion, it¡¯s simply blinding to the eyes ah!

    ¡°This person¡¯s rank should be pretty high,¡± Pei Yan spoke up after seeing all the jewels in the bag. An average low ranked soldier would never have so much money.

    ¡°We¡¯ll use him then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stated decisively. Pei Yan stretched out his hand towards Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°What are you doing ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly safeguarded the bag in her hands.

    Second Young Master Pei grinned at Ning Xiaoyao. So Xiaoyao turns out to be the type that would risk his life but not his money. What a surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s useless to smile. I was the one who found this bag.¡±

    ¡°Give me the jade seal.¡± Pei Yan sighed, ¡°This subject wants to arrange one of the corpses to fake Your Majesty¡¯s death.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao readily handed over the jade seal to Pei Yan. ¡°All the corpses here are Northern Hu men. Where are you going to find corpses of Yongning men ah?¡±

    Pei Yan stood up. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Majesty. I¡¯ll make sure this matter is handled properly.¡±

    Pei Yan left the stone pavilion with Deputy General Wang and a few others before walking back. The soldiers chasing them haven¡¯t yet passed Wuli Pavilion. If His Majesty¡¯s ¡°corpse¡± is discovered outside Wuli Pavilion, then their deception would be deemed a failure.

    Shadowgale stood inside the pavilion, watching Pei Yan in a distance. He turned to ask Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Your Majesty, what do we do if the jade seal is picked up by the rebel forces or the Northern Hu?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a piece of jade.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips and casually muttered, ¡°Whoever wants it can have it. Without conquering territories, the piece of jade is useless. You think you could be Emperor with just a piece of jade?¡±

    Shadowgale ...That¡¯s true ah.

    Second Young Master Pei stood on the official road and yed with the jade seal in his hand. ¡°So this is the jade seal.¡±

    Deputy General Wang looked at the jade seal in Second Young Master Pei¡¯s hand, his face full of reverence.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a piece of jade,¡± Second Young Master Pei evaluated. Deputy General Wang and the rest didn¡¯t dare to reproach Second Young Master Pei. They could only scold him in their hearts. This is the Emperor¡¯s jade seal ah, what do you mean by ¡°just a piece of jade¡±?!

    ¡°Go,¡± Pei Yan put the jade seal inside his clothing, next to his chest, and instructed, ¡°Go and kill a few more Northern Hu men.¡±

    Meanwhile, inside the pavilion, Xiang Wanwan let out a soft groan. The Dragon Guards all held their breath. She¡¯s about to wake up!

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand and pped Xiang Wanwan on the head. Miss Xiang was knocked out again. In the face of His Majesty¡¯s violence, Shadowgale could only let out a dry cough and ask, ¡°Should we remove the Northern Hu man¡¯s clothes now?¡±

    ¡°Wait a bit longer. The soldiers chasing us haven¡¯t even caught up yet. Who are we putting on a y for?¡±

    ¡°Then what do we do while waiting?¡± Shadowthunder asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao grabbed her little bundle, felt for an oil-paper packaging which contained deep-fried buns and asked the Dragon Guards in front of her, ¡°Do you guys want some?¡±

    Everyone looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s little bundle. What else does she have inside this bundle ah?

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on the floor of the stone pavilion, distributing the buns while she spoke, ¡°These buns were specially made for me by Chef Huang ah. He also dipped the buns in egg. It¡¯s super yummy ah!¡±

    Deep-fried buns only taste good when they¡¯re eaten straight out the pan. Right now, the buns had already cooled down and the taste was disappointing. But when everyone saw the satisfied expression on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face, no one wanted to say that the buns tasted bad. Even Xiaoqiu was coaxed by Ning Xiaoyao, and said that the deep-fried buns dipped in egg were extra delicious!

    ¡°Do you remember what to call me?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Mother!¡± Xiaoqiu called out loud and clear.

    Ning Xiaoyaoughed happily and touched her belly. She¡¯s really about to be a mother ah!

    ¡°Xiaoyao.¡± Little Gyrfalcon flew into the pavilion,nded on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder and chirped, ¡°There is a troop of rebel soldiers waiting to catch you up ahead.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood up and bent her ears attentively in the direction of the official road.

    Amid the pitter-patter of the heavy rain, there was the thump of human heartbeats and the sound of breathing. Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows. There were also the sounds of horse hooves hitting the ground.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    Ning Xiaoyao pointed straight ahead and replied, ¡°There are rebel soldiersing our way.¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s hand subconsciously reached for his sword. ¡°Shhh,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily interjected at this point. ¡°There are also peopleing from behind. Let¡¯s hide!¡±

    The bunch of them brought their captives and hid behind the pavilion. Within five minutes, a troop of Northern Hu soldiers ran past the front of the pavilion.

    ¡°We have to snatch a horse,¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Shadowgale, ¡°The Northern Hu soldiers should have horses ah.¡±

    Shadowgale:...At this time, where is he going to get a horse from?

    ¡°ze.¡± Shadowrain rushed over to the both of them.

    Ning Xiaoyao heard a noise, so she stretched her neck to take a look. ¡°The big troops are here, we can act now.¡±

    Shadowgale asked, ¡°What about the horse?¡±

    ¡°The horses have left. Now¡¯s not the time to worry about the horses. Get to work. Take off their clothes.¡±

    ¡°But they¡¯re still unconscious ah,¡± Shadowthunder anxiously blurted.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran into the pavilion andmanded, ¡°Arrange them into the right pose first. When you¡¯re done, I can wake them up any minute!¡±

    They ced the Northern Hu general with partly opened pants near to Xiang Wanwan. Ning Xiaoyao got Shadowgale to take everyone else out of the pavilion.

    Seeing therge troops approaching, Shadowgale signaled his bros with a wave of his hand. The Dragon Guards skillfully withdrew to the back of the pavilion.

    Ning Xiaoyao squatted down beside Xiang Wanwan, uttered an apology and raised her hand to hit Xiang Wanwan.

    ¡°Hurry up!¡± Among the troops heading towards the pavilion, an official shouted at his subordinates, urging them to speed up. Xiang Nong was apanied by many soldiers as he dashed down the official road on his horse.

 Chapter 352: Pei Daya of Anyuan

    <h4>Chapter 352: Pei Daya of Anyuan</h4>

    Xiang Wanwan''sst recollection was when a military tent flew over and smacked her on the head. By the time she opened her eyes again, she saw a stone roof. Xiang Wanwan was stunned. She turned around when she heard a man''s voice.

    ¡°Ah-----!¡± Xiang Wanwan screeched. She was panic-stricken and in disbelief.

    When the Northern Hu general saw the dazed Xiang Wanwan, he remembered that he was fighting against Yongning''s poor rebel forces. The general swept his eyes across the stone pavilion. Why is a woman lying next to him? Howe all his subordinates had women next to them?

    The female soldiers had now regained their consciousness. When they found themselves in such a situation, the women started to scream their heads off.

    Squatting behind the stone pavilion, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. They are supposed to be female soldiers, ah! They don¡¯t fit soldiers¡¯ image! The Northern Hu general¡¯s reaction was quick. While the female soldiers were still shrieking, he clutched Xiang Wanwan¡¯s throat. He didn''t know who put him with these Yongning women, but he must have been set up!

    Xiang Wanwan was struggling to breathe. However, she still wildly swung her hands and attempted to scratch the Northern Hu man choking her.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± the Northern Hu general shouted at Xiang Wanwan.

    Since neither of them spoke each other¡¯s dialects, they naturally weren¡¯t able to understand each other. Seeing that Xiang Wanwan was just screaming and trying to fight him, the Northern Hu general loosened his grip a bit before applying on more pressure. Since you don''t want to talk, just die! By now, the female soldiers had regained their senses and rushed to rescue theirdy. However, the general¡¯s subordinates didn''t have any tender feelings towards the fairer sex. They immediately seized those female soldiers as they struggled ferociously. The Northern Hu men began to swear.

    Hiding within the bushes from behind the stone pavilion, the Dragon Guards looked at His Majesty. When should they step in?

    Ning Xiaoyao could hear the horsesing toward the stone pavilion. The hoof beats were evidently urgent. The troops must have heard Xiang Wanwan''s screams and were rushing toward them at an elerated speed.

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Shadowgale called out softly.

    ¡°Hold on, wait a minute.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lifted her hand. All the Dragon Guards looked at Ning Xiaoyao''s raised hand. Ning Xiaoyao was calcting the timing in her mind. The timing must be just right, not too early and not toote. The fight inside the stone pavilion had reached a climax. The female soldiers were even using their teeth in battle; however, they were still no match against the burly Northern Hu men.

    ¡°It''s alright.¡± Ning Xiaoyao told the Dragon Guards. ¡°With me here, those girls won''t die.¡±

    The Dragon Guards:...They don''t care about those rebel women. They just want to know what they''re supposed to do, ah!

    ¡°You should love yourpatriots.¡± Ning Xiaoyao reminded.

    Shadowgale suddenly muttered, ¡°Those women are traitors.¡± Shadowgale heard the phrase patriots¡¯ love¡± the first time, but he understood the meaning right away.

    Sounds of torn clothing echoed from the stone pavilion. ¡°Is Xiang Nong''s daughter dying?¡± a Dragon Guard whispered. The shrubs in front of him was thinly spread, so the gap was wide enough for him to see the current situation.

    ¡°Stay calm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao''s hand was still half-raised. She was absolutely still.

    ¡°General, Yongning''s rebel forces areing.¡± a Northern Hu soldier standing outside the stone pavilion loudly warned his general.

    ¡°Wait a bit longer.¡± Ning Xiaoyao spoke.

    The Northern Hu general looked outside the stone pavilion. ¡°Save us!¡± hollered the female soldiers who were still able to speak.

    One, two, three, four, five. Ning Xiaoyao counted in her mind. She put down her raised hand suddenly and whispered, ¡°Go!¡± Shadowgale reacted quickly. He dashed to the stone pavilion the moment Ning Xiaoyao lowered her hand. However, Ning Xiaoyao was still faster than the Dragon Guards. She jumped out of the shrubs and shouted, ¡°Ah! The Northern Hu are snatching our women by force!¡±

    The Northern soldiers were shocked by the sudden shout from behind them. By the time they turned around, Shadowgale had already rushed up with the Dragon Guards. The four Dragon Guard Commanders surrounded the Northern general while the other Dragon Guards dealt with the general¡¯s subordinates. As for Ning Xiaoyao, she was only a spectator.

    The Northern general''s martial art skill was very high. He empty-handedly blocked Shadowrain¡¯s sword. Then he drew his sword out of its sheath. Although it was four against one, the winner wasn¡¯t evident.

    After struggling desperately, Xiang Wanwan copsed on the ground, unable to move nor speak.

    Ning Xiaoyao could see her Shadow Commanders struggling to capture the Northern Hu general. They were still unable to lock him down in three moves. So, Ning Xiaoyao took a stone from the ground and threw it at the general¡¯s head.

    The Northern Hu general could tell something was amiss from behind him. The wind sounded strange. However, before he could dodge, the stone had already hit his head. Shadowgale¡¯s team of four also heard the sound of the wind. Ning Xiaoyao managed to single-handedly knock out the general that four of them had struggled with all their might. Blood spurted from the back of the general¡¯s head and quickly dyed the ground red.

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He lifted his de and chopped off the general¡¯s head. At the time, the general still had a bit of consciousness left. From outside, Ning Xiaoyao looked coldly into the pavilion. Aside from the silk bag with precious stones tied with silk rope around his waist, there was also a string of human ears varying in sizes. The left ears were males while the right ears were females. Those ears were air-dried and hung around the waist like the trophy of a victor. From the moment she saw those ears, Ning Xiaoyao sentenced the Northern Hu general with the death penalty. Suddenly, another Northern Hu head flew down to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s feet. She looked down to take a nce before kicking it to the official road.

    The duration of the fight was short. By the time Xiang Nong¡¯s troops came, all the Northern Hu men from inside the stone pavilion had already been killed or beheaded by Shadowgale¡¯s team.

    ¡°Miss, Miss!¡± a female soldier climbed over the corpse in front of her and threw herself at Xiang Wanwan. Xiang Wanwan was still befuddled from exhaustion. When a general of the rebel forces reached the stone pavilion and saw the dishevelled Xiang Wanwan, he was so frightened that he hurriedly turned around and ran to Xiang Nong.

    "Is this yourdy?" Shadowgale, with a sabre in his hand. He deliberately asked the female soldier that was kneeling in front of Xiang Wanwan. The female soldier wept and nodded.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Ning Xiaoyao entered the stone pavilion, squatted down, and patted Xiang Wanwan on the shoulder. "Your father is here."

    Xiang Wanwan regained a bit of strength and saw Ning Xiaoyao crouching in front of her in poor lighting. Her facial features looked fuzzy and vague.

    ¡°Your father.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed her finger outside.

    Xiang Wanwan pushed away the female soldier kneeling in front of her and shoved Ning Xiaoyao to the ground. Then, she broke into a run and fled from the stone pavilion. Ning Xiaoyao sat on the ground with a smile on her face. She ran out with her clothes in disarray. That was truly not her fault.

    When Xiang Wanwan rushed out of the stone pavilion, the rebels standing on the official road were bewildered. Their eldest miss had dishevelled hair and her face was red and swollen from being beaten. There was a trace of purple on her neck from being choked. Most importantly, the eldest miss¡¯ outer garment was torn and her undergarment exposed. The soldiers didn¡¯t dare to imagine what took ce.

    Xiang Wanwan was almost at the official road before she suddenly turned around and ran back to the stone pavilion.

    When Shadowgale and his team saw Miss Xiang turning back, they guarded Ning Xiaoyao in a calm and collected manner. Ning Xiaoyao was not afraid to fight with Miss Xiang. But she was curious as to why the girl ran back again. Xiang Wanwan rushed into the stone pavilion and found the body of the Northern Hu general. She picked up a de from the ground, and thrust it into the general¡¯s corpse ruthlessly.

    Xiang Nong arrived in a hurry. Earlier, the rebel forces¡¯ general that ran away was obviously not a good messenger. At the very least, he didn''t clearly exin to Great Lord Xiang what had happened in the stone pavilion. So rather than appearing at the scene alone, Xiang Nong came with a group of people.

    The generals carried many torches. The light from those torches drove the darkness in the stone pavilion away. This allowed Xiang Wanwan to clearly see that her belt was untied, her pants were loose, and her body was exposed. She finally realized her clothes were dishevelled.

    Another piercing scream came out of Xiang Wanwan¡¯s mouth again. The knife fell from her hand and Miss Xiang wrapped her arms tightly around her body and knelt on the ground.

    They were all men. When they looked at Xiang Wanwan and the Northern Hu general¡¯s corpse, Xiang Nong and his generals immediately made the connection. Xiang Nong''s face was ashen in an instant, while his generals moved away from the line of sight.

    Ning Xiaoyao then pointed to the corpse on the ground and mumbled, "He¡¯s from the Northern Hu." Xiang Nong looked up at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Previously when they had met, Ning Xiaoyao was standing by the crenel. Hence, Xiang Nong had the impression that Xiaoyao was short and weak. Although she was still the same person, the dragon robe had now been reced by a grey skirt, and the jade crown headband was now randomly used to tie up her hair. Xiang Nong could not tell the girl in front of him was Ning Yu.

    Ning Xiaoyao was very calm toward Xiang Nong and his generals. Last time, her face was not exposed and her gender was male. She firmly believed that these people would not recognize her. Xiaoyao took a quick nce at the people who came with Xiang Nong.

    Xiang Tiange and that Danian weren¡¯t here! Sticking out her small chest, Ning Xiaoyao was even more confident. Without asking who Ning Xiaoyao was, Xiang Nong untied his cloak and went into the stone pavilion. He went over to his daughter, squatted down, and wrapped her in a cloak. Xiang Nong got up again and looked at Ning Xiaoyao. "Who are you?" Ning Xiaoyao replied, "My name is Pei Daya. People from Jianghu* call me the Poison Widow." Boss Xiang had never heard of such a figure in the Jianghu, but his face remained unchanged. "So why are you here, Mrs. Pei?"

    "We came from Anyuan," Ning Xiaoyao answered, "The officers and soldiers took our means to survive, so I wanted to take my brothers to seek shelter with Great Lord Xiang. Just now we all entered the camp and unexpectedly saw the brothers from the rebel forces fighting against the Northern Hu men. The elder brother who referred us was killed by the Northern Hu. We,¡± at this point, Ning Xiaoyao sighed before continuing, ¡°When we heard that the fatuous ruler was heading south, we wanted to stop and ughter him on the official road. We didn''t expect to encounter this instead.¡±

    The Dragon Guards:... His Majesty is getting more and more skilled at telling lies!

    Xiang Nong asked, "You guys are from the six states of Anyuan?"

    "Yes. Great Lord Xiang can send people to the six states of Anyuan to ask questions. I, the Poison Widow, am well known to all the authorities. They know how ferocious I am!¡±

    Once again, Xiang Nong gazed at Shadowgale and others. Shadowgale and the others were originally wearing the rebel forces¡¯ uniforms. However, when they got to the stone pavilion, they had discarded those clothes. Now, they were only dressed in undergarments that were stained with mud, rain, and blood. Their faces were dirty, and since all the blood was mixed with mud, their true features were hidden.

    "Father," Xiang Wanwan sobbed. She was crying her eyes out as Xiang Nong sized up Shadowgale and his team.

    *Jianghu basically means ¡°society¡± in Chinese.

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 Chapter 353: Great Lord Xiang is the son of Heaven

    <h4>Chapter 353: Great Lord Xiang is the son of Heaven</h4>

    The shock was too much for Xiang Wanwan. She cried like a baby in front of Xiang Nong. The rebel generals quietly retreated far away. They never should havee over.

    Ning Xiaoyao quietly sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, the scoundrel didn¡¯t seed.¡± Xiang Wanwan lifted her head. Now that the area was brightly lit, she was able to recognize Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± she quietly sobbed.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me, does Eldest Miss still recognize me?¡± asked Ning Xiaoyao. Xiang Nong reached out and pulled his daughter up from the ground. ¡°You know Mrs. Pei?¡±

    Xiang Wanwan nodded. By now, the number of rebel troops have sharply increased and their voices rose. The rebel forces treated Xiang Wanwan like a princess. Simrly, Xiang Wanwan also considered herself a princess. So naturally, her temper was fairly unpleasant. However, when faced with her life savior, Miss Xiang put away her previous disdain towards Ning Xiaoyao and disyed her gratitude. She turned to Xiang Nong, ¡°She came to enlist.¡±

    To Xiang Nong, everything seemed to make sense. So, he became less suspicious of Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Great Lord Xiang, aren¡¯t you working together with the Northern Hu to fight the fatuous ruler?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pretended to be puzzled, ¡°How did it turn out like this?¡± Xiang Nong¡¯s face turned pale. So should he have a fall out with the Northern Hu and meet them on the battlefield? Clearly, that wasn¡¯t a good idea. But now that something like this has happened, how could he let it go? A Northern Hu general nearly raped his daughter. Even if he, Xiang Nong, could temporarily suffer in silence for the greater mission, his subordinates would not see it this way. Instead, they would think he was a coward. They would be disappointed in him and may lead to the copse of his army¡¯s morale.

    From the beginning, Ning Xiaoyao has been discretely monitoring Xiang Nong¡¯s expression. She could see his doubts and hesitation on his face. Ning Xiaoyao coldlyughed to herself. Looks like Boss Xiang is debating whether he should choose his daughter or the country. Simr to Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fists.

    ¡°Great Lord!¡± someone shouted from down the official road. Everyone turned around and looked in the direction of the sound. Xiang Wanwan nervously tightened the cloak around her body.

    Military Advisor Niu Nanning quickly ran towards them. He was soaked and stumbling.

    ¡°Is the Northern Hu going against us?¡± a rebel general immediately suspected.

    ¡°The guy has a smile on his face.¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Xiang Nong in the stone pavilion.

    ¡°Great Lord, the fatuous ruler is dead!¡± Niu Nanning eximed before Xiang Nong could say anything. Everyone stood around, bbergasted. The fatuous ruler is died?!

    Niu Nanning arrived at the edge of the stone pavilion and saw Xiang Nong¡¯s joyous expression. Advisor Niu felt truly happy. Ning Yu¡¯s death means Xiang Nong could be the new emperor! It means that he is the new emperor¡¯s number one advisor!

    Xiang Nong stared at his own military advisor. Finally, he managed to stutter, ¡°You¡¯re...serious?¡±

    ¡°Great Lord,¡± Niu Nanning kneeled down in front of the stone pavilion and presented the jade seal with both his hands above his head. When Shadowgale saw a rebel holding onto the jade seal, he subconsciously stepped forward.

    Ning Xiaoyao lifted her hand a little to stop Shadowgale, then lightly shook her head at him. Shadowgale turned his head the other way and pretended not to see it. What the eyes doesn¡¯t see, the heart doesn¡¯t grieve over.

    Xiang Nong was in shock. For a long time, Great Lord Xiang couldn¡¯t find any words as he stared at the four-sided seal.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao decided to act like a country bumpkin after a long period of silence. She was impatient. ¡°It¡¯s a square jade?¡±

    Advisor Niu only noticed Ning Xiaoyao standing next to Xiang Nong after she spoke aloud. He turned to her, ¡°You are?¡±

    ¡°Is this jade?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    Xiang Nong took several steps forward and reached out his hand to touch the jade seal. When he finally held the four-sided jade seal in his hands, Xiang Nong believed it was real. This represents imperial power. He¡¯s not dreaming!

    ¡°Congrattions, Great Lord!¡± Advisor Niu didn¡¯t care about Ning Xiaoyao. She was merely a country bumpkin thatcked knowledge. He was not going to waste his time on someone like that. Instead, Advisor Niu got down on his knees and shouted, ¡°Congrattions for attaining the jade seal! Great Lord is the son of Heaven!¡±

    Hearing this, there was a hugemotion amongst the crowd. One after another, everyone got down on their knees and pressed their foreheads to the ground. They loudly yelled, ¡°Long live His Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao also got down on her knees and signaled Shadowgale and the others to do the same as well.

    Soon, Xiang Nong snapped out of it and calmed down. He told everyone to get up and handed the jade seal to one of his leaders. ¡°Where is the fatuous ruler¡¯s corpse?¡± he asked Advisor Niu.

    Advisor Niu replied, ¡°Great Lord, the fatuous ruler¡¯s corpse has already been trampled to pulp by horses. His followers were either killed or decided to die with their emperor. All the bodies have already been burnt. None of them had a good death.¡±

    ¡°Who killed the fatuous ruler?¡¯ Xiang Nong continued to ask.

    ¡°It was Senior General Liu.¡± Advisor Niu rushed to reply. Immediately after, sounds of horse hooves could be heard from the official road. Xiang Nong¡¯s trusted aide, Senior General Liu of the rebel forces, had arrived with his cavalry.

    ¡°Liu Shitie.¡± Shadowgale whispered to Ning Xiaoyao. Xiaoyao nodded to show she understood. Even if he was steel, she wouldn¡¯t be afraid! (Note: This is a Chinese pun. The name ¡°tie¡± part of the general¡¯s name means ¡°iron¡± in Mandarin. So she is saying, well, I ain¡¯t afraid even if you¡¯re steel!)

    Liu Shitie tookrge strides and stood to face the stone pavilion. Heughed heartily, ¡°Congrattions, Great Lord! The fatuous ruler is dead and now the jade seal is in your hands. From now on, the world is yours!¡±

    Once again, everyone else congratted Great Lord and said, ¡°Long live His Majesty!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao analyzed Senior General Liu. He looked like a tall burly fellow. He was rather tan and gave her the impression of a manly man. Who would¡¯ve thought someone with his image would be a greedy liar? She wasn¡¯t even dead. How did you kill the emperor, huh?

    Xiang Nong signaled for Liu Shitie to enter the stone pavilion. Senior General Liu stepped in and didn¡¯t even spare a nce at Ning Xiaoyao and her group. Xiang Nong smacked Senior General Liu on the shoulder. ¡°Brother, we should be congratting each other. This country is not only mine. Bro, you killed the fatuous ruler and attained the jade seal for me. It is a great merit. In the future, if I am the ruler of the country, we shall rule side by side!¡±

    Boss Xiang promised his brother high position and great wealth. Liu Shitie instantly got down on his knees. ¡°Thank you, Great Lord!¡±

    ¡°Motherf**ker!¡± Shadowgale muttered angrily in a low voice. ¡°He gets to rule side by side just like that?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao repeated the title. Side ruler. It sounds pretty cool. No wonder the tan man lied.

    ¡°What happened to our Eldest Miss?¡± Liu Shitie noticed Xiang Wanwan and eximed, ¡°What happened to your face?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the Northern Hu!¡± Xiang Wanwan replied in a low voice. Liu Shitie immediately looked down and noticed the corpse.

    ¡°Report!¡± a soldier¡¯s voice could be heard from a distance. Xiang Nong looked outside as the soldier ran towards them and got down on his knees. ¡°Wolf King of the Northern Hu arrived at our barracks an hour ago. He heard the fatuous ruler had been killed by Senior General Liu and brought his own troops back to their camp.¡±

    The atmosphere instantaneously turned tense. ¡°Those barbarians sure get their news quickly.¡± Liu Shitie turned to Xiang Nong.

    ¡°Father, you must kill the Northern Hu!¡± Xiang Wanwan raged. Liu Shitie noticed the cloak around Miss Xiang¡¯s body. Then, he shifted his gaze at the Northern Hu general¡¯s corpse. Earlier, he was too excited to process his thoughts. Now that he was calm, he figured out what happened. His mood had shifted from joy to fury. ¡°How dare those barbarians!¡±

    With an elder backing her up, Xiang Wanwan felt even more emotional. Her eyes were red. However, Advisor Niu had his lips pursed.

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the garbage who failed to pass the imperial examination even after ten years. If this piece of shit tries to ruin her n, she will think of a way to crush him now.

    ¡°The Northern Hu wouldn¡¯t be so fearless.¡± Advisor Niu opened his mouth.

    ¡°Those guys didn¡¯t know who I was.¡± Xiang Wanwan replied with hatred. Ning Xiaoyao was about to speak but shut her mouth again. With Miss Xiang here, she probably doesn¡¯t need to talk rubbish.

    ¡°Now that the fatuous ruler is dead, it¡¯s time to get rid of the Northern Hu. They seriously expect us to divide the country equally with them?¡± snarled Liu Shitie.

    Advisor Niumented, ¡°From what I know, Xie Wenyuan has turned to Modou for help.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao clenched her fists behind her back. That bastard has turned to the Northern Hu? Howe she hasn¡¯t been able to find out any of his whereabouts?

    ¡°What are you trying to say, Advisor Niu? You don¡¯t think you can fight against the traitor?¡± Liu Shitie challenged.

    ¡°Old Iron!¡± Xiang Nong intervened. Liu Shitie was born forging ironware. Advisor Niu had been a schr all his life. Why would a schr get upset over what an iron worker says? Advisor Niu smiled. ¡°I just think it doesn¡¯t make sense. Why would the Northern Hu attack our barracks to kill our men and snatch our women?¡±

    ¡°I saw it with my very own eyes!¡± Xiang Wanwan was annoyed with Advisor Niu. Does he think she was putting on an act? No wonder her brother (Young Lord) doesn¡¯t get along with him! He¡¯s so horrid!

    ¡°Eldest Miss. Maybe it¡¯s a misunderstanding.¡± Advisor Niu was still calm. Honestly, he was stating this for the rebel forces. Although Great Lord Xiang had the jade seal in his hands, they have not sessfully invaded the capital yet. Most of the country was still ruled under the Ning n. There will be many battles ahead. If they were to start a war against the Northern Hu now, it would not be wise. In fact, it would be foolish.

    Xiang Wanwan did not understand Advisor Niu¡¯s painstaking efforts. Actually, most people didn¡¯t.

    ¡°Misunderstanding? I was nearly killed by a Northern Hu man. You call that a misunderstanding?!¡± Xiang Wanwan roared.

    ¡°Eldest Miss...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Xiang Wanwan screeched.

    ¡°Wanwan.¡± Xiang Nong could see how upset his daughter was bing. Liu Shitie was cynical, ¡°The bodies of our brothers are still lying in the barracks. Why would my niece end up at the Wuli pavilion for no reason? Advisor Niu, tell me how this could be a misunderstanding? Was it caused by Ning Yu? That fatuous ruler is already dead!¡±

    Advisor Niu was speechless. Deep down, his instincts told him something was wrong. Yet, he couldn¡¯t figure out what it was.

    ¡°We should fight them. Even if we disregard the fact that we¡¯re not going to split thend equally, we can¡¯t let this issue go. Great Lord, we must fight this war!¡± Senior General Liu stated.

    The vile character inside Ning Xiaoyao was pping. Wonderfully said!

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 Chapter 354: His Majesty said, I donâ€™t want to be Emperor anymore

    <h4>Chapter 354: His Majesty said, I don''t want to be Emperor anymore</h4>

    ¡°Return to camp,¡± Xiang Nong didn¡¯t agree with anyone and justmanded everyone to return to camp.

    ¡°What about these bodies?¡± Senior General Liu asked.

    ¡°Bring it back to camp,¡± Xiang Nong instructed and looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Mrs. Pei can follow us back to camp too.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao nodded. This time, they¡¯re officially invading into the enemy''s inner circle.

    The rebel forces had new members practically every few days. Every time Big Boss Xiang left the camp, he would bring back a group of people from the Jianghu.

    However, this was a small matter inparison to the news about the fatuous ruler¡¯s death and the imperial jade seal. Xiaoyao¡¯s group was assigned two tents and given some general military provisions. Senior General Liu mentioned he saw her potential, so Xiaoyao¡¯s group was selected to be under his jurisdiction.

    Of course, not everyone was as weing. An official led Ning Xiaoyao, Shadowgale and the others into the military tents and handed them their armours and supplies. On the surface, he was friendly and they exchanged conventional greetings. The official made some small talk with Ning Xiaoyao and asked her a few questions. However, the moment he left the tent, he immediately went to find Advisor Niu and repeated their conversation to him, word for word.

    ¡°That little boy is her son eh...¡± Niu Nanning stroked his beard.

    ¡°That little kid called the widow ¡®mother¡¯. It doesn¡¯t seem like he¡¯s pretending or lying.¡±

    Advisor Niu waved his hand and dismissed the official. It is difficult to bring such a young child out to venture the world. Perhaps, the woman really isn¡¯t lying. Maybe they really couldn¡¯t stay at Anyuan any longer and had to escape all the way here to join the rebel forces.

    ¡°Military Advisor, Great Lord has asked you to enter the main tent to discuss some matters,¡± one of the soldiers ran from afar to send a message and loudly informed Advisor Niu.

    After putting Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s matters at the back of his mind, Advisor Niu headed to the main military tent.

    ¡°Will the rebels really fight the Northern Hu?¡± Inside the tent, Shadowrain asked worriedly.

    Ning Xiaoyao jumped down from the huge bed made for all upants and dered, ¡°You guys should rest first. I¡¯ll go eavesdrop on their meeting.¡±

    ¡°You want to go to the main military tent?¡± Shadowrain frantically tried to stop Ning Xiaoyao. That¡¯s not a ce where people can enter as they please!

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll just walk around nearby. With these ears,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed to her ears, ¡°I can hear anything.¡±

    Shadowgale and the others: ... What kind of ears are those?!

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and went under Shadowgale¡¯s arm before dashing off like the wind.

    It was still raining heavily outside the tents. Ning Xiaoyao tightened her cor and walked towards the darkly lit area. Before long, she found Xiang Nong¡¯s main military tent.

    From a distance, she could see three rows of soldiers inside and outside the military tent standing on guard. Ning Xiaoyao found two tents and squeezed herself in between. Then, she began to eavesdrop on the conversation.

    Within the main tent, a verbal battle had already begun. Now that there were more and more schrs seeking shelter with the rebel forces, this was inevitable. Advisor Niu was the leader representing the schrs. Although the schrs weren¡¯t mortal enemies with Senior General Liu and the other rebel generals, there were still many things they could not see eye to eye on.

    The schrs suggested taking down the capital first. However, the generals believed it was more important to defeat the Northern Hu before seizing the capital.

    ¡°The Emperor is already dead. How difficult could it be to capture the capital?¡± a general from the rebel forces taunted loudly, ¡°This old man has never studied but understands the concept of dragons without a head. They are no threat to us!¡±

    Ning Nanning shook his head, ¡°But there are still troops in the capital. Even if the fatuous ruler is dead, the royal family is still around to take over. This is the best time for us to gather our forces to capture the capital.¡±

    Everyone was verbally sparring within the main tent on whether or not they should capture the capital now that there was no monarch.

    Xiang Nong saw that Liu Shitie was quiet and haven¡¯t said anything for a long time. So, he asked, ¡°Old Iron, why haven¡¯t you said anything?¡±

    Senior General Liu nced at Niu Nanning, ¡°Based on Advisor Niu¡¯s opinion, you believe it will be difficult to conquer the capital. Let me pose this question to you. Let¡¯s say we¡¯ve fought our way into the capital, would we still have the energy to beat the Northern Hu out of Central ins?¡±

    Advisor Niu immediately replied, ¡°The Northern Hu also want to send their troops into the capital.¡±

    ¡°If the Northern Hu enters the capital as well, who is going to get the city in the end?¡± Senior General Liu asked, ¡°Would we be fighting the Northern Hu in the capital?¡±

    ¡°Senior General,¡± Advisor Niu shot back, ¡°This matter can be discussed after we have conquered the capital.¡±

    ¡°Military Advisor, you wouldn¡¯t understand the severity of this matter as you are not the one risking your life for it,¡± Liu Shitie sneered at Niu Nanning.

    Looking at Xiang Nong, he continued, ¡°Great Lord, the capital is just in front of our eyes. It is impossible for the capital to fly away. I personally feel that we should fight the Northern Hu first.¡±

    ¡°Great Lord!¡± Advisor Niu eximed and wanted to continue speaking.

    ¡°Also, the Northern Hu already knows the imperial jade seal is in Great Lord¡¯s hands,¡± Liu Shitie continued, ¡°Why would Modou go back to the campsite? While we¡¯re here discussing about whether we should capture the capital, the Northern Hu may already be plotting to eliminate us first. Wouldn¡¯t this let them monopolize the central ins? By then, how are we going to reason with them?¡±

    ¡°I can try to ask about the Northern Hu¡¯s opinion on this matter!¡± Advisor Niu instantly burst.

    Senior General Liu just coldly chuckled and stayed silent. Everyone in the tent looked at Xiang Nong.

    The wrinkles on Xiang Nong¡¯s face deepened. After a few moments of silence, Xiang Nong smiled widely. ¡°Looks like this imperial jade seal might burn my hands ah.¡±

    The rebel generals immediately started arguing again. The Great Lord is the chosen one. How could he say something like the imperial jade seal may burn his hands?

    Niu Nanning predicted Xiang Nong¡¯s decision and the light in his eyes dimmed.

    ¡°We can¡¯t let the Northern Hu seize our beautifulnd,¡± Xiang Nong decided, ¡°Let¡¯s fight the Northern Hu first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stood in the space between two tents. Rubbing her nose, she turned back towards the tent she was assigned to. The n was a sess and now she just had to decide which path to take.

    Within the tent, Pei Yan sat by the fire and kept it going. He only turned after hearing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s voice. ¡°What are the rebels nning to do?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re going to fight the Northern Hu.¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat beside Pei Yan.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to change?¡± Pei Yan was puzzled. ¡°Nope, I have internal power,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said uncaringly, ¡°I¡¯m able to air dry my clothes in a few moments.¡±

    Everyone looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Their emperor looked like a drowned chicken. Then you should quickly dry your clothes ah!!

    ¡°The rebels have already started to spread the news of your death,¡± Pei Yan continued, ¡°The dragon robe is now hanging on a g pole by the entrance, together with the pile of minced meat. Shadowgale and his team¡¯s corpses are also there.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s brows furrowed, ¡°Can¡¯t you put it nicely? Could the minced meat version of me still be able to talk to you?¡± She then pointed at Shadowgale and the rest. ¡°You¡¯re calling them dead bodies?¡±

    Throwing two pieces of wood into the fire, Second Young Master Pei retorted, ¡°I¡¯m just saying it as it is. You came up with the idea. If you are going to ignore taboo, why should I care?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... She can¡¯t out talk this asshole?!

    ¡°Second Young Master isn¡¯t returning to the capital?¡± Shadowgale cut in.

    ¡°I know, right?¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed, ¡°You have such an unforgettable face. If you continue to stay here, you¡¯re going to expose us.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel assured leaving without you,¡± Pei Yan nced at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao dry coughed twice and seriously turned to face Pei Yan, ¡°I feel that Second Young Master should worry about Ning Yan sis-inw instead.¡±

    ¡°As long as she stays in the capital, she¡¯ll be safe,¡± Pei Yan lowered his voice, ¡°Your Majesty, if I were you, I would focus on something else. What do you think will happen when the news of your death arrives at the capital? How do you think the others will react?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stroked her chin and thought to herself. Elder Li and the rest would be upset. But without Ning Xiaoyao, they would still be happily living right?

    ¡°Just let them think I¡¯m dead then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand and positioned her mouth so she could suck the rain water in. ¡°In any case, I don¡¯t n on going back.¡±

    Shadowgale and the others immediately stood up when they heard Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words.

    Pei Yan didn¡¯t appear to have much of a reaction. He just continued to stare at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Is that really what you want, Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Ever since I became Emperor, I haven¡¯t had a good day yet. I would be an idiot to choose that life again.¡±

    ¡°Then who is going to be the emperor?¡± Pei Yan inquired.

    ¡°Whoever wants to take on the role can do it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao paused for a moment before adding, ¡°Whoever has the ability can do it, but I¡¯m not going to do it.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowgale ran to Ning Xiaoyao and half kneeled. Looking at Ning Xiaoyao, he cried, ¡°You¡¯re giving away your ownership of the country?¡±

    ¡°I have to, ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyaoined, ¡°I even had to drag the rebel forces to fight the Northern Hu. What kind of emperor am I?Windy, you guys don¡¯t have to worry too much. Even if I¡¯m not the emperor, with your skills, you guys still...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!!¡± Shadowgale frantically roared.

    ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t talk about it anymore,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shut her mouth, ¡°We have to deal with the Northern Hu first. We¡¯ll talk about the future events in the future, ok?¡±

    Shadowgale cursed under his breath, ¡°These low-life should all die!¡±

    Pei Yan smiled. ¡°Are you talking about the rescue troops who refused to help us?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Shadowgale¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Wanna eat something? I brought some sugar beans.¡±

    Second Young Master Pei gave the leader of the Dragon Guards a sympathetic look. What could you do if your master feels that eating is more important than the country?

    Meanwhile, in the capital, Elder Li fell on his bottom in the middle of arge street. Apanied with the wailing sounds around him, Old Gramps chanted that the Heavens were blind and fainted dead on the spot.

    Prince Fu, who had been sleeping all this time, only found out that His Majesty left the capital an hour ago. He frantically staggered up the city gate tower and saw the bloodstained dragon robe hanging as a g in the rebel camp. The dragon on the dragon robe was embroidered with gold thread and the clouds were embroidered with silver thread. Even after being stained by blood, it continued to shine under the burning sun.

    Prince Fu stared intensely at the dragon robe until he was dizzy. Ultimately, he stumbled and fell down onto the ground. Opening his mouth widely, he wanted to cry out but no tears came out.

    How could the incredibly and irritating punk just die like this?!

    Prince Fu shoved away the soldiers that wanted to help him up and held onto the wall for support. Looking out of the capital, Prince Fu squinted his eyes but failed to figure out the item in the bamboo baskets underneath the g.

    ¡°The rebels say that... that is His Majesty... His Majesty¡¯s corpse,¡± a young soldier cried out to Prince Fu.

    That asshole Ning Yu doesn¡¯t even have a whole corpse?!

    Prince Fu fell into a daze again before suddenly falling backwards and losing consciousness.

    ¡°Prince?!¡± the soldiers at the city gate tower saw Prince Fu fainting and immediately descended into chaos. At this time, several princes arrived at the city walls but the generals guarding the city gate tower didn¡¯t let them up.

    Prince Fu was awakened by the soldiers¡¯ fight and the voices from below.

    ¡°Who do you think you are?!¡± Third Prince¡¯s finger almost poked the general¡¯s nose. ¡°Who do you think you are?!¡± Two soldiers supported Prince Fu down the city gate tower. Looking at the third prince, he scoffed, ¡°What official position do you have? Are these your soldiers and generals?!¡±

    Third prince shot back, ¡°I heard that His Majesty...¡±

    ¡°Pa!!!¡± Prince Fu spat all over Third Prince¡¯s face. ¡°Even if His Majesty is dead, you won¡¯t be the one sitting on the throne. Scram!¡±

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 Chapter 355: Young Lord Xiang asks, do you hate me?

    <h4>Chapter 355: Young Lord Xiang asks, do you hate me?</h4>

    His Majesty was dead and it was time to choose a new emperor. The rebel forces have also decided to start the war against the Northern Hu. The actual battle wouldn¡¯t happen right away.

    Through Little Gyrfalcon, Ning Xiaoyao received news of the capital. Many of themon people had set up an altar to worship her. Also, Elder Li, Prince Fu, the madam from the Lord Protector¡¯s estate as well as many others all fainted from grief when they heard about her death.

    Little Gyrfalcon also mentioned the incident where the imperial princes went to the south city gate and tried to cause trouble. Prince Fu ordered them to be beaten and the princes ran away. Little Gyrfalcon told Ning Xiaoyao everything.

    Ning Xiaoyao eximed ¡®aiya¡¯, and sighed in her head. Looks like the efforts that she put in all this time wasn¡¯t a waste. Everyone still miss her ah!

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Little Gyrfalcon also asked Ning Xiaoyao amon question, ¡°If you leave, who is going to be the emperor?¡±

    ¡°Whoever wants to be can be,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had the same response. Little Gyrfalcon immediately asked again, ¡°Xiaoyao, if you don¡¯t want to be the emperor, what are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°Go around and y ah! Ha ha ha~¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed. She has already decided. When the war with the Northern Hu ends, she will rescue Lou Jing then travel around the world with her baby.

    Little Gyrfalcon thought Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s idea was pretty good. The little animals thought differently from humans.As long as Xiaoyao was happy, they didn¡¯t care who the emperor was.

    In the blink of an eye, five days had gone by. The gates of the capital were still tightly shut and the Northern Hu had retreated fifteen kilometres. They had formed a confrontational stance against the rebel forces. Both sides were now preparing for the battle, causing Ning Xiaoyao and the rest to have nothing to do.

    ¡°The iron guy must have trusted aides,¡± Second Young Master Pei had a huge ster on his face,pletely ruining his look. Lying on arge bed in the tent, he continued talking to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°We¡¯re just neers, why would he use us?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was sitting and roasting a sweet potato by the firece. ¡°So you¡¯re just going to lie around all day ah? It¡¯s good to get up and walk around right?¡±

    Pei Yan continued to lie there motionlessly, ¡°Then could you stop eating?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stated very seriously, ¡°I¡¯m doing it with pleasure!¡±

    Pei Yan yawned, ¡°Then I¡¯m lying here with pleasure.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao realised that saying anything would be useless and decided that she wasn¡¯t going to say a single word to Second Young Master Pei today. If she did, she would cut her tongue out!

    Since Shadowgale and the others had left the tent, Ning Xiaoyao and Pei Yan were the only ones in the tent. Neither of them spoke so the whole tent was quiet. The delicious scent of the roasted sweet potato slowly diffused into the air around the tent.

    Just as Ning Xiaoyao was about to eat her sweet potato, Erya ran into the tent to inform her. ¡°Big sis, there¡¯s meat in the cookhouse today!¡±

    Meat?

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately got up and ran. The rations of the rebel forces were too poor. During the five days she had been here, this was the first time the cookhouse was cooking meat!

    Pei Yan muttered, ¡°You¡¯re not going to eat your sweet potato anymore?¡±

    ¡°You can have it!¡± Ning Xiaoyao took Erya and ran outside. How could she not run when she heard there was meat? Would she still care about her sweet potato?! Did he take her as an idiot ah?

    Pei Yanzily got down from the bed, sat by the firece and started to worry again. How do you roast a sweet potato?

    ¡°Where¡¯s Xiaoqiu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran towards the cookhouse and asked Erya simultaneously.

    ¡°Xiaoqiu is queuing at the cookhouse!¡± Erya answered, ¡°Big sis, today we are first as well!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great!!!¡± Ning Xiaoyao cheered. They were first! That means their group would definitely get to eat meat today ah!

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Erya nodded her head. Ever since Erya started following Ning Xiaoyao, she also became abnormally persistent when it came to eating.

    The soldiers in the cookhouse all recognised Ning Xiaoyao. During meal time, this person would always be present. Either her son would be queuing in front, or her sister would be queuing in front, or all three of them would be queuing together as number one.

    Furthermore, when Ning Xiaoyao looked at chinese cabbage, her eyes would glow as if the item was shark fin. It would be hard for the soldiers in the cookhouse to forget a character like her.

    ¡°Uncle Hu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood at the table where they distributed meals and gleefully eximed, ¡°My Xiaoqiu loves to eat meat, could you give us an extra half spoonful?¡±

    The uncle nodded his head as three sparkling pair of eyes looked at him.

    ¡°Son,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Xiaoqiu¡¯s head. ¡°Uncle Hu, make it one full scoop please. My mother loves to eat meat too!¡± Xiaoqiu looked at the uncle and drooled.

    ¡°What about me!¡± Erya raised her hand, ¡°I also love meat! Can we get an extra half spoonful?¡±

    The cookhouse soldiers: ...That would add up to two spoonfuls.

    The uncle took thedle and nodded at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You guys are really a family ah!¡±

    ¡°Ha ha ha,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed, ¡°Isn¡¯t my son cute, Uncle?¡±

    He¡¯s pretty cute, but I can¡¯t afford to raise him, the uncle thought in his heart.

    A huge portion of red meat was carried over by two cookhouse soldiers to the long table. Ning Xiaoyao and the two of them kept salivating.

    ¡°It smells so good!¡± Xiaoqiu eximed.

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said, ¡°I¡¯ll let you have one piece of my meat.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mother!!¡± Xiaoqiu raised his head to grin at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Erya, is it Erya?¡± the trembling voice of a man travelled from the back of the ¡®family of three¡¯. Ning Xiaoyao turned her head and a smile froze on her face. How could Xiang Tiange recognise her Erya?!

    Erya nkly stared at the person who shouted her name and suddenly ran towards Xiang Tiange as if she had turned insane. She screamed, ¡°Big bro!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... Erya did previously mention that she has a big brother whom she lost contact with when they were fleeing as refugees. Xiang was Erya¡¯s surname, Xiang was also Xiang Tiange¡¯s surname. Young Lord was Erya¡¯s long lost big bro?!

    Xiang Tiange tightly embraced Erya. He thought that all his family members were dead. Now that one of them was suddenly standing in front of him in good health, he was extremely emotional and overwhelmed.

    ¡°Big bro!¡± Erya hugged Xiang Tiange¡¯s neck and called him several times before bursting into tears.

    ¡°Where is Grandfather?¡± Xiang Tiange continued to hug Erya.

    ¡°Grandfather is dead,¡± Erya continued to sob loudly. Xiang Tiange patted Erya¡¯s head and let her tears fall onto his shoulders.

    ¡°Xiaoqiu,¡± Erya who was crying and crying, momentarily forgot about Xiaoqiu. She frantically turned to shout for Xiaoqiu.

    Xiaoqiu couldn¡¯t recognise his elder brother anymore and refused to let go of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t run away even if she wanted to.

    When Xiang Tiange saw Xiaoqiu, he wanted to wave and call him over. But then he looked up a little and saw Miss Dayao. Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and hoped that Xiang Tiange wouldn¡¯t see her.

    Why would she be in the rebel forces¡¯ camp?! Xiang Tiange looked at Ning Xiaoyao and was at a loss for words for a long time.

    ¡°Young Lord, she is your little sister?¡± a few of the generals from the rebel forces walked up to Xiang Tiange¡¯s side and looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Isn¡¯t this Mrs. Pei¡¯s little sister?¡±

    ¡°Xiaoqiu is Mrs. Pei¡¯s son,¡± another military officer added.

    Xiang Tiange: ...

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s brain was working at full speed. What should she do now?!

    Erya could tell that the situation wasn¡¯t looking good. She was His Majesty¡¯s little sister ah, what should she do with this big bro?!

    Xiaoqiu hid behind Ning Xiaoyao. He was too young anyway, he didn¡¯t have to worry about anything.

    ¡°Wuwuwu!¡± Erya started to wail again, ¡°Big bro, sis-inw brought us all the way from Anyuan but we still couldn¡¯t find you. The soldiers even wanted to kill us! Big bro, why didn¡¯t youe find us?!¡±

    Everyone in the vicinity: .... The amount of information in this statement was too shocking, they had to seriously think through it.

    Erya continued sobbing, ¡°Sis-inw gave birth to your son. Xiaoqiu is your son!!!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao scratched her head. Now she doesn¡¯t have to pretend to be a widow anymore. (Author: Hello!?! That isn¡¯t the point ah!)

    Xiaoqiu peeked out from the back of Ning Xiaoyao. Looking at Xiang Tiange, he innocently asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Mummy, is that daddy?¡±

    You shouldn¡¯t add to the mess ah! Ning Xiaoyao pushed Xiaoqiu¡¯s head behind her.

    ¡°Young Lord, you...!¡± a few generals from the rebel forces stared at Xiang Tiange, ¡°You already have a wife ah?¡± Wouldn¡¯t Eldest Miss cry to death then?

    Xiang Tiange looked at Ning Xiaoyao and thought, what should I do?!

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Xiang Tiange and thought, if a fight breaks out, which direction should I run?

    ¡°Big bro,¡± Erya looked pleadingly at her big brother.

    ¡°If it¡¯s Young Lord¡¯s wife, why is Mrs. Pei surnamed Pei?¡± a general from the rebel forces raised another question.

    ¡°My...my family¡¯s surname is Pei!¡± Ning Xiaoyao blurted out.

    ¡°Even if you thought Young Lord was dead, you shouldn¡¯t use your own family¡¯s surname ah!¡± the general added.

    ¡°I..¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought, or should I say I remarried once?

    ¡°Do you hate me?¡± Xiang Tiange carried Erya and walked over to Ning Xiaoyao.

    What? Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes and looked at Xiang Tiange.

    ¡°I sent people to look for you guys, you and Erya,¡± Xiang Tiange saw that Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t very natural but his story was pretty smooth, ¡°I couldn¡¯t find you guys. I didn¡¯t know you went to Anyuan and didn¡¯t know that you...you had Xiaoqiu.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao blinked her eyes. How should she act out a loving couple reunion? She really didn¡¯t know how.

    ¡°Dayao,¡± Xiang Tiange lightly called out to Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao was still deeply contemting.

    ¡°Now is the time for you to cry ah,¡± Xiang Tiange murmured, hinting to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Oh right, cry. Ning Xiaoyao started to cry. There were no tears, but her crying sounds were very loud.

    Xiang Tiange put down Erya and briefly hesitated before extending his arms and pulling Ning Xiaoyao into his embrace.

    Ning Xiaoyao pinched her nose and continued to cry. She didn¡¯t know what to say so she could only cry.

    At this moment, Shadowgale and the rest were standing in the crowd. Initially they thought that His Majesty¡¯s disguise was blown and were about to risk their lives to protect His Majesty. But what¡¯s going on now? Shadowgale and the others really didn¡¯t understand what was happening.

    The soldiers of the rebel forces finally processed what was happening and hurriedly began to congratte their Young Lord and his wife for reuniting. She was a single woman who raised her son, daughter and a bunch of nsmen to travel around the Jianghu. Their Young Lord¡¯s wife was just a little too gutsy. But when it came to fighting the war, it was good that their Young Lord had such a gutsy wife ah.

    Xiang Tiange thanked a few generals and took Ning Xiaoyao away.

    ¡°There¡¯s also your sworn brothers,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°I have also brought them over.¡±

    Thisdy even brought some helpers along. Xiang Tiange became even more gloomy. Ning Xiaoyao innocently blinked at Xiang Tiange.

    ¡°Bring all the people that followed madam into my tent,¡± Xiang Tiange turned his head andmanded a new soldier. The soldier epted the order and ran off.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Xiang Tiange carried Xiaoqiu. Xiaoqiu was immersed in character and immediately called out to Xiang Tiange, ¡°Daddy!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned and looked away. Xiang Tiange could only raise his arm to rub his little brother¡¯s head. If their father were still alive, he would have be a grandfather now.

    -----

    ¡°Bang¡ª¡ª¡±

    The tong that Second Young Master Pei used to roast the sweet potatoes fell on the ground. His Majesty has found a husband? Didn¡¯t that asshole just go to eat meat? Where did this husband even pop out from?!

    ¡°Quick,e with me,¡± the soldiers were very happy for their Young Lord, ¡°I only heard that the Young Lord¡¯s entire family was dead. Who would have thought that madam had already given birth to a little young master for him?¡±

    Second Young Master Pei: (£þ¡÷£þ£») Young Lord!??!?!?!??!

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 Chapter 356: Daughter-in-law meets her father-in-law

    <h4>Chapter 356: Daughter-inw meets her father-inw</h4>

    Inside the tent, Xiang Tiange sat face to face with Ning Xiaoyao and herpatriots. There was a clear separation between them. Xiang Tiange wore no expression on his face. Nevertheless, Young Lord Xiang felt hurt when he saw Erya and Xiaoqiu standing firmly by Ning Xiaoyao''s side.

    Pei Yan entered the tent. His face was covered with dog skin sters. Tiange''s bodyguard stood behind him.

    Ning Xiaoyao briefly gazed at the curious bodyguard. Then she shifted her attention back and pointed to Xiang Tiange. ¡°Younger brother, I found your brother-inw.¡± Ning Xiaoyao told Pei Yan.

    Young Lord Xiang and Second Young Master Pei red at each other. ¡°Acknowledge him.¡± Ning Xiaoyao blurted with thick skin. Second Young Master Pei turned his head and looked at the bodyguard standing behind him. "Why are you still standing there? Do you want to hear us talk about our family matters?

    The bodyguard hurriedly shook his head. He didn''t dare.

    ¡°By the way, have you always waited upon my brother inw? My sister hasn¡¯t been by his side all these years. Who serves him now? Does he have any other children?¡±

    Everyone: ... Second Young Master Pei, you got into your role so quickly!

    The bodyguard ran away. How could he mention anything about Young Lord and their Eldest Miss?!

    Now that there were no outsiders in the tent, Ning Xiaoyao breathed a sigh of relief. Shadowgale nced at Shadowrain and Shadowbolt. The twomanders stood behind the tent¡¯s door to guard it.

    "Isn¡¯t your name Qingshan?" Ning Xiaoyao took the initiative to break the silence. Since they all lied, no one was a victim, right?

    Erya looked up at Ning Xiaoyao and said, "Xiang Qingshan is my eldest bro¡¯s former name."

    Ning Xiaoyao:...

    Xiang Tiange looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°You¡¯re Dayao?¡±

    ¡°That was my former name.¡± Ning Xiaoyao sincerely replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Xiaoqiu chimed in. Xiaoqiu clung to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arm. He looked so guarded towards Xiang Tiange that Tiange couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡±You don¡¯t remember me anymore?¡±

    Xiaoqiu looked at Ning Xiaoyao. What¡¯s he supposed to say?

    "That¡¯s not a big deal." Ning Xiaoyao replied, "Young Lord, why don¡¯t we discuss business now?¡± Xiang Tiange waited for Ning Xiaoyao to start. "My brother and I found life to be too difficult in the capital city, so we left." Ning Xiaoyao exined.

    "I think you are younger than your brother." Xiang Tiange murmured. "I look young for my age. He looks old." Ning Xiaoyao answered quickly.

    "Aren''t you Pei Yan''s lover? He didn¡¯t protect you?"

    Second Young Master Pei: ...

    Shadowgale and others: ...

    When did you spout this nonsense?!

    ¡°He¡¯s already married,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pretended to be heart broken, "I was not the bride. In retaliation, I brought my brothers to the rebel forces. I''m going to make that couple..."

    Second Young Master Pei coughed out loud. "I''m going to kill that ungrateful man!" Ning Xiaoyao shouted. She decided to let Miss Ning Yan off.

    "Can I trust you?" Xiang Tiange asked.

    "Yes, you can!" cried Xiaoqiu, ¡°Everything my mother says is true!"

    "She''s not your mother!" sted Young Lord Xiang. He could not bear it any longer. Tears suddenly filled Xiaoqiu¡¯s big eyes.

    "I will raise him whether or not I¡¯m his mother," Ning Xiaoyao stroked Xiaoqiu¡¯s head, "Young Lord, can you give me a way out?"

    Xiang Tiange eximed, "What on earth do you want to do?"

    "I''m going to kill that heartless man Pei Yan," Ning Xiaoyao enunciated word by word. Shadowgale and others could not help but look at Pei Yan with sympathetic eyes. Second Young Master Pei responded, "After we kill Pei Yan, we will leave immediately. We will never cause trouble for Young Lord."

    "Yes," Ning Xiaoyao nodded. "Your older sister is Pei Yan''s lover, so what is your role?" Xiang Tiange asked Pei Yan again.

    "I was Pei Yan¡¯s bodyguard." Second Young Master Pei didn¡¯t alter his expression. "What about them?" Xiang Tiange pointed at Shadowgale and others.

    "They¡¯re people of our n. Young Lord asks so many questions. You still don¡¯t trust us?¡±

    Xiang Tiange looked deeply at Pei Yan, "I don''t trust you guys."

    "Hey! Don''t be like that!" Ning Xiaoyao hollered. "Who the hell are you?" Xiang Tiange asked Ning Xiaoyao with a serious expression.

    Before Ning Xiaoyao could continue lying, the voice of Young Lord¡¯s bodyguard echoed from outside the tent. "Young Lord, Great Lord has summoned you and yourdy to bring the little young master to his tent."

    Xiang Tiange''s head throbbed immediately. "OK, OK!" Ning Xiaoyao answered enthusiastically, "We''ll being shortly."

    ¡°Right now, Danian is at my adoptive father¡¯s side. He will recognize you."

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. "Then let''s say our goodbye, Young Lord, will your rebel forces dere war on the Northern Hu?"

    Pei Yan patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s back. How could he always be so optimistic? He is always thinking of the best case scenario. Also, are they leaving now?

    Xiang Tiange stood up and held out his hand to Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao foolishly took Xiang Tiange¡¯s hand and was pulled up by him. "Young Lord, you want to join me and put on an act in front of Great Lord Xiang?"

    Xiang Tiange looked at Xiaoqiu. "We¡¯re going to meet my adoptive father in a moment. What are you going to call him?" Xiaoqiu bit his fingertip and answered after thinking about it, "Grandpa?"

    "Hahaha," Ning Xiaoyao chuckled, "Isn¡¯t my Xiaoqiu smart?" Xiang Tiange was silent. He¡¯s from my family!

    "Shall we?" Ning Xiaoyao looked at Xiang Tiange.

    "What about Danian?" Xiang Tiange asked. "Let''s first think of a way to get Danian to leave the tent," Pei Yan suggested.

    "Why would Danian exit the tent? All his family members are dead, "Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Young Lord Xiang did not understand this. What does calling Danian out from the tent have to do with the death of his family members?

    "Just say that some people from his vige came to look for him. It¡¯s easy as long as we get him to exit the tent." When it came to doing bad things, Second Young Master Pei and Ning Xiaoyao had nomunication barriers at all.

    "Win-," Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say Shadowgale but recalled that Xiang Tiange was standing in front of her. She felt tongue tied and immediately corrected herself. "Big brother, you take Danian away."

    Shadowgale nodded. Xiang Tiange couldn''t help but blurt, "You guys are going to kill Danian?"

    "Nope. We''re nning to kidnap him."

    "He''s my adoptive father''s personal guard. If he is missing, my adoptive father will definitely go look for him."

    "That''s alright," Ning Xiaoyao said with a grin, "We''re leaving tomorrow."

    ¡°Did I say that I¡¯m letting you go?¡±

    Pei Yin and Shadowgale¡¯s team instantly turned murderous.

    "Then I won''t go," Ning Xiaoyao grinned and tugged Xiang Tiange''s hand. "First, we¡¯ll tie him up. We¡¯ll discuss what to do after meeting your adoptive father."

    Xiang Tiange willingly allowed Ning Xiaoyao to hold his hand and lead him out the tent.

    "My goodness," whispered one of the Dragon Guards, "His Majesty became Young Lord¡¯s wife just like that? Would Young Lord go mad if he finds out that his wife is actually a man?¡±

    Shadowgale pped him. Are you tired of living? Why is your mind filled with nonsense?

    "Thank you, Young Lord." On their way to see Xiang Nong, Ning Xiaoyao whispered her thanks to Xiang Tiange.

    "I don''t believe your words, but as long as you don''t harm our rebel forces, I''ll help you."

    The smile on Ning Xiaoyao''s face froze. She was very touched. "Young Lord, you are such a good man!" she gushed. "You¡¯ve saved me too, didn''t you?" Xiang Tiange smiled at Ning Xiaoyao.

    He¡¯s a really good person. He¡¯s also very handsome when he smiles!

    Xiang Tiange entered the tent first. Before he gave a salute, Xiang Nong asked, "You didn¡¯t bring Mrs. Pei?"

    "She''s outside." Xiang Tiange answered while saluting Xiang Nong.

    "Tell her toe in now!" Xiang Nong smiled. Xiang Tiange took a look at Danian, who was standing beside Xiang Nong. "While I was on my way here, I came across a person from Danian¡¯s vige. He came to the camp to look for you. Shouldn¡¯t you go see him, Danian?"

    "A person from Danian¡¯s vige?" Xiang Nong looked at Danian. Confused, Danian asked Xiang Tiange, "Young Lord, what''s his name?"

    "I didn''t ask," Xiang Tiange shook his head.

    "Go and take a look," Xiang Nong gave him permission, "It has been many years since you''ve left your vige. Go." Danian had no suspicion at all. He thanked Xiang Nong, thanked Xiang Tiange, and quickly exited.

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and dodge sideways. Shadowgale stepped forward and took Danian away in a jiffy.

    "Come in," shouted Xiang Tiange from inside. "Aye," Ning Xiaoyao responded and entered the tent.

    Xiang Nong looked at Ning Xiaoyao. The woman was still wearing the grey cloth skirt from that night. Her head was wrapped with a piece of printed cloth. She had big eyes, a small face and a small body. It was hard for Great Lord Xiang to picture her as a married woman who had already given birth.

    "This is my adoptive father," said Xiang Tiange as he reached over to pull Ning Xiaoyao to his side.

    "Adoptive father!" Ning Xiaoyao beamed in a loud and clear voice. She was counting on this man to help them defeat the Northern Hu!

    Xiang Nong nodded at Ning Xiaoyao with a smile. "I didn''t expect you to be Tiange¡¯s wife."

    "Mm. Adoptive father, I also didn''t realize that my Qingshan was still alive." Ning Xiaoyao sniffled. "I should show my gratitude to adoptive father by getting down on my knees and bowing!¡±

    "Who is your adoptive father?!" Xiang Wanwan screeched as she stormed into the army tent.

    "Impudent!" Big Boss Xiang''s face instantly darkened. "Where do you think you are? You think you can randomly charge in here and create a scene?¡±

    Xiang Wanwan couldn¡¯t be bothered with her father and growled at Ning Xiaoyao. "Are you my brother''s wife?"

    ¡°Wanwan!" Xiang Tiange''s face also turned gloomy. "Brother, her nickname is the Poison Widow!" yelled Xiang Wanwan.

    Ning Xiaoyao pushed Xiang Tiange behind her. "Whether I am poisonous or not, I have already given birth to Qingshan¡¯s son. Do you have a problem with it?"

    "You!" Xiang Wanwan''s angry face turned pale at once.

    "She''s your sister-inw." Xiang Tiange stepped forward and positioned Ning Xiaoyao behind him. Although he knew it was false, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s words made him really happy.

    "Why are you making a scene?" Xiang Nong got up and stood in front of Xiang Wanwan. "Get out."

    "You two have been apart for so many years," snarled Xiang Wanwan while staring at Xiang Tiange, "Do you even know what this woman has done?"

    Ning Xiaoyao:... Is she trying to say she may have an illicit lover somewhere?

    "From now on, we won¡¯t be separated anymore," Xiang Tiange firmly replied. He gave Xiang Wanwan a look of indifference. "I don''t care about what happened before."

    "Brother!" Xiang Wanwan screamed. "What''s the matter?" Ning Xiaoyao poked her head out from behind Xiang Tiange. "Eldest Miss doesn''t want my Qingshan to have a wife?"

    "Adoptive Father, we¡¯re going to leave first." Xiang Tiange held Ning Xiaoyao''s hand and dered. Now that Xiang Wanwan had created a ruckus, Xiang Nong was no longer in the mood to chat with his daughter-inw. So, he approved and nodded.

    "You are not allowed to leave!¡± Xiang Wanwan stood in front of Xiang Tiange and Ning Xiaoyao and blocked them from leaving.

    ---

    Please check out the thoughts section on chapter 355 for fan fic announcement! It''s on vre novels. If you''re reading this anywhere else, the trantion has been stolen.

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 Chapter 357: Allies become enemies

    <h4>Chapter 357: Allies be enemies</h4>

    Xiang Wanwan wanted to stop them when Xiang Tiange pulled Ning Xiaoyao away, but Xiang Nong grabbed her arm.

    Ning Xiaoyao could tell Xiang Wanwan couldn¡¯t wait to bite her to death. Chasing after a boy won¡¯t get you anywhere ah, girlie!

    ¡°You¡¯re not good enough for my brother!¡± Xiang Wanwan shrieked. Since she was held back by her father, she was unable to move a step. Xiang Tiange pulled Ning Xiaoyao out of the main army camp tent.

    There were many people standing outside the tent but they all pretended not to see them. ¡°What is she trying to say?¡± Ning Xiaoyao flung off Xiang Tiange¡¯s hand and shouted, ¡°I¡¯m not good enough? She¡¯s just a sister. Who is she to meddle in her brother¡¯s bedroom matters? So she thinks she¡¯s good enough, ah? Even if she is, can she actually marry her own brother?¡±

    If Xiang Tiange hadn¡¯t seen Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s wink, he would¡¯ve thought she was really angry. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Xiang Tiange grabbed her hand once more and dragged her away.

    ¡°Xiang Qingshan, this isn¡¯t over!¡± Ning Xiaoyao angrily sted. The people on the sidelines:... Young Lord is quite pitiful ah.

    In the main tent, Xiang Nong released Xiang Wanwan¡¯s hand. As soon as Wanwan was free, she wanted to dash out of the tent. ¡°Stay where you are!¡±manded Xiang Nong. Xiang Wanwan stood in ce. She didn¡¯t have the courage to run off but she was daring enough to re at her father.

    ¡°You two are siblings! How many times do I have to repeat this?¡±

    ¡°Qin Xuan married the Qin¡¯s family young miss,¡± Xiang Wanwan retorted, refusing to listen, ¡°Why can¡¯t my brother and I do the same?¡±

    ¡°Your brother doesn¡¯t like you that way. Do you really want to hear the harsh truth from me?¡± roared Xiang Nong.

    Xiang Wanwan stomped her foot and yelled, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare!¡±

    ¡°A real man does not abandon the wife who has gone through thick and thin with him.¡± Xiang Nong looked at his daughter and asked, ¡°Do you want your brother to be a heartless wretch who throws his wife aside?¡±

    At that moment, Xiang Wanwan couldn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡°Get out.¡±

    Xiang Wanwan obstinately wiped her eyes and ran out. Xiang Nong stood there sighing. If they were in love, he would¡¯ve definitely given them his blessing. But Xiang Tiange didn¡¯t like Wanwan in that way. Furthermore, Advisor Niu had repeatedly reminded him about the benefits of marrying his daughter off for connections. But how could he just let anyone have his only daughter?

    ¡°Oh yeah, I just remembered,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said on her way back, ¡°We forgot to bring Xiaoqiu to meet your adoptive father.¡±

    Xiang Tiange¡¯s footsteps halted. ¡°You don¡¯t like Miss Wanwan?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s just my younger sister.¡± emphasized Xiang Tiange. ¡°Oh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded but raised her eyebrows.

    ¡°Why do I feel like you don¡¯t believe me?¡± Young Lord Xiang asked.

    ¡°Whatever ah, whether she¡¯s your elder sister or younger sister or even wife has nothing to do with me.¡±

    Hearing this, Xiang Tiange¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°But Great Lord Xiang doesn¡¯t have any sons. If he bes the emperor in the future, wouldn¡¯t that make you the crown prince?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Xiang Tiangeughed bitterly.

    ¡°Alright then, even if you don¡¯t be the crown prince, it¡¯s none of my business.¡±

    ¡°Pei Yan has already gotten married?¡± Xiang Tiange suddenly asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Whaa? Ah. Yeah, he¡¯s married.¡± Ning Xiaoyao pretended to look furious.

    ¡°What are your ns for the future then?¡±

    ¡°Hmmm, I¡¯ll travel around. Young Lord, I think you need to be careful.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say so?¡±

    ¡°Because since ancient times, crown princes have always had ill fates. Do you know what happened to the crown prince Yanhui? He died miserably and none of his family survived.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll also be killed?¡± Xiang Tiange asked.

    ¡°Who knows what will happen in the future. In any case, you should be careful ah. The night you set out to kill that fatuous ruler on the official road, wasn¡¯t Danian by your side? Last time, he was with you as well. He¡¯s obviously Lord Xiang¡¯s personal guard, so why does he follow you when you leave to carry out tasks? It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t have any soldiers with you ah!¡±

    Xiang Tiange continued walking forwards in silence. ¡°I have nothing to hide, so there¡¯s nothing for me to be afraid of.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too naive!¡± Ning Xiaoyao rushed towards Xiang Tiange and shook her finger at him. ¡°Do you think crown prince Yanhui had something to hide then? Get rid of this gullible belief immediately ah.¡±

    ¡°My adoptive father was the one who saved my life.¡± Xiang Tiange solemnly affirmed as he gazed at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I¡¯ve saved your life as well ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders, ¡°What has it got to do with saving your life? I heard that your rtionship with Advisor Niu isn¡¯t very good. My God ah, aren¡¯t you afraid that the scoundrel will make up issues to sway your father? You know? Like pillow talk.¡±

    Pillow talk? Xiang Tiange stared at Ning Xiaoyao for quite some time before bursting intoughter. ¡°Since you haven¡¯t read much, don¡¯t speak nonsense.¡± Young Lord Xiang gently patted Ning Xiaoyao on the head.

    ¡°What has this got to do with how many books I¡¯ve read ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was starting to lose her patience. ¡°I got it,¡± Xiang Tiange smiled and assured her, ¡°I will be careful. If all else fails, I¡¯ll go out travelling the world with you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was dumbfounded. ¡°Go with me? You don¡¯t want to be crown prince anymore?¡±

    ¡°My adoptive father has avoided women all these years,¡± Xiang Tiange spoke in a low voice, ¡°But once he has the country in his hands, he will have many women by his side. My adoptive father will definitely have his own sons.¡±

    ¡°But what if he doesn¡¯t end up having any sons?¡±

    ¡°You, yourself also said what if,¡± Xiang Tiange was still smiling next to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°I¡¯ve never once thought of inheriting the family business from my adoptive father.¡±

    ¡°In that case...¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Xiang Tiange, attempting to decipher whether he was speaking the truth.

    ¡°Will you allow me to follow you?¡± Xiang Tiange softly asked. Ning Xiaoyao continued walking forward. Xiang Tiange reached out and tugged her sleeves. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it after we¡¯ve defeated the Northern Hu!¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned mischievously.

    Xiang Tiange was still holding onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°We¡¯ll be going to war with the Northern Hu in two days.¡±

    ¡°Will you also be fighting on the battlefield?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leading the vanguard.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll follow you then. I¡¯m very good at fighting ah.¡±

    ¡°Where the husband goes, the wife follows ah?¡± Xiang Tiange joked.

    ¡°When the timees, I¡¯ll pretend to die in battle!¡± Ning Xiaoyao had already started to n ahead. ¡°That way, if anyone asks where your wife is in the future, you can just tell them your wife is dead ah.¡±

    Xiang Tiange fell silent again.

    ¡°It¡¯s better for Erya and Xiaoqiu to follow me. While you¡¯re fighting a war, it¡¯s not convenient for them to follow you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve already thought this through.¡± Xiang Tiange crisply replied. ¡°Mhmm!¡± Ning Xiaoyao seemed very proud of herself. ¡°I¡¯ve always been very reliable.¡±

    Young Lord Xiang¡¯s expression stiffened. I¡¯m not praising you ah!

    In Young Lord¡¯s tent, Pei Yan looked at Danian and turned to Shadowgale. ¡°You gave him such a heavy blow?¡±

    The unconscious Danian had a bruised and battered face. His right hand was twisted in an unnatural angle and looked as if it was broken. Shadowgale stood to the side to allow Pei Yan to look at the Dragon Guards behind him.

    Pei Yan eyed this bunch of Dragon Guards. They looked rather pitiful as well, one of them even had his head bashed in and had applied medicine and wrapped up the wound with a bandage, making his head appear two times bigger.

    ¡°Second Young Master, this rascal¡¯s martial arts is not bad,¡± one of the Dragon Guard told Pei Yan. ¡°His martial arts are not just not bad, it¡¯s excellent.¡± Pei Yan rolled his eyes at him.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pity someone like him isn¡¯t fighting against the Northern Hu.¡± Shadowgale muttered apprehensively.

    ¡°It is indeed,¡± Pei Yanmented. But can you me His Majesty? Obviously not ah.

    ¡°There¡¯s something else I want to ask,¡± Shadowgale said while habitually raising his hand. ¡°Is His Majesty sleeping with that Young Lord tonight?¡±

    The people inside the tent:....

    -----

    ¡°The battle willmence in two days.¡±

    After the time it took to burn half a stick of incense, Xiang Tiange told Pei Yan and his group, ¡°I will be at the main tent to receive my orders.¡±

    Hearing this, everyone was relieved. It wasn¡¯t a big deal for His Majesty to share a bed with Young Lord, but they just felt ufortable thinking about it...even though they didn¡¯t know why.

    ¡°In two days, we will follow the rebel forces!¡± Ning Xiaoyao crouched in the tent while sharpening her sword. ¡°Think of a way to infiltrate the Northern Hu barracks. Grand Preceptor Xie could be in the army camp. We have to find this scoundrel and kill him!¡±

    Pei Yan rapped his knuckles on the bed board and closed his eyes. ¡°I know.¡±

    The rebel forces were prepared to go to war with the Northern Hu in two days, but the Northern Hu cavalry rushed into their joint camp and started killing a dayter.

    ¡°Take her with you and leave!¡± Xiang Tiange quickly rushed back to camp and stuffed a bundle into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms as he asked Pei Yan and the Dragon Guards to escort Ning Xiaoyao away from here.

    When Ning Xiaoyao opened the bundle a little to take a look, her hands quivered. The bundle was filled with gold.

    ¡°Be careful on the road.¡± Xiang Tiange reminded Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I can¡¯t take this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head.

    ¡°Take good care of Erya and Xiaoqiu for me.¡± Xiang Tiange smiled as he rubbed her head. Ning Xiaoyao thought about it before stuffing the bundle into Shadowgale¡¯s arms. ¡°I¡¯m going to follow Young Lord to war. You guys leave with Erya and Xiaoqiu first.¡±

    ¡°Young Lord!¡± a soldier called out loudly outside the tent. ¡°Leave now!¡± Since there was an urgent military matter, Xiang Tiange couldn¡¯t stay back to chat with Ning Xiaoyao. He immediately rushed out the tent.

    ¡°You guys must be careful.¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale and the other Dragon Guards before she turned and left. Shadowgale ced the bundle into Shadowrain¡¯s hands and left the tent as well.

    ¡°Shadowrain, Shadowbolt, take Erya and Xiaoqiu and leave,¡±manded Pei Yan as he grabbed his sword and headed out the tent.

    The Dragon Guards let out a sigh as they all left the tent at once. Shadowrain and Shadowbolt exchanged looks. Then, they picked up Erya and Xiaoqiu and left the army tent as well.

    Within the joint camp, sounds of killing thundered out. Ning Xiaoyao followed after Xiang Tiange to god knows where.

    ¡°Head east,¡± Pei Yan shouted out on his horse. A troop of soldiers on horseback followed Pei Yan east. ¡°We¡¯re going to help His Majesty?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to the Northern Hu camp. His Majesty doesn¡¯t need your protection,¡± answered Pei Yan. With His Majesty¡¯s skills, if they were to follow along, he would probably end up protecting them instead.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± shouted Ning Xiaoyao as she rode on Bujing and chased after Xiang Tiange.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to my adoptive father¡¯s.¡± Xiang Tiange let Ning Xiaoyao ride on the inner side out of consideration and care for her.

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly stopped and didn¡¯t go any further. ¡°You¡¯re not looking for Modou ah?¡±

    Since Ning Xiaoyao stopped her horse from going forwards, Xiang Tiange and his troop could only follow suit. Xiang Tiange had no idea how his adoptive father was doing. Currently, he was very anxious but still patiently exined to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I have to wait on my adoptive father¡¯smand.¡±

    ¡°Young Lord,¡± a soldier ran out from the army tent and stood in front of Xiang Tiange. He was speaking in a light voice, ¡°Great Lord has instructed you to send troops to the Northern Hu camp.¡±

    Xiang Tiange nodded to acknowledge the soldier. Then, he whipped his horse around and left. Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°He¡¯s one of Great Lord¡¯s men?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s Advisor Niu¡¯s messenger.¡± Xiang Tiange replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows as she turned back to look at the army tent. She had a bad feeling about this. Did the messenger not eat? Howe his voice sounded like a mosquito? Was he afraid that others would hear him?

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 Chapter 358: Ambush, big fire, ferocious battle

    <h4>Chapter 358: Ambush, big fire, ferocious battle</h4>

    The Northern Hu cavalry was ferocious, especially when they rode on the tnds out in the open ins. As a result, the rebel forces were seriously wounded under their square matrix military formation. On the whole, the rebel soldiers either died or were severely wounded. Since the rebel forces were far less skillful on horsebackspared to their counterparts, their only advantage was the size of their troops.

    ¡°Why are your troops so shittypared to theirs?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Xiang Tiange after watching him behead a Northern Hu soldier on horseback. She pointed to a ce not far away from them.

    Xiang Tiange nced at the direction where Ning Xiaoyao pointed. ¡°Those are my uncle¡¯s troops.¡±

    ¡°Whaa?¡±

    ¡°He is my adoptive mother¡¯s younger brother¡¯s men.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao curled her lips. ¡°No wonder. He is an immediate family member.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense,¡± Xiang Tiange immediately warned her, ¡°Are my troops that bad?¡±

    ¡°I speak the truth so don¡¯t be upset.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°You have only one cavalry for every twenty soldiers. Whereas they are almost all on horses.¡±

    ¡°War horses are hard toe by.¡± Xiang Tiange exined. If the rebel forces could amass the kind of cavalries that the Northern Hu army could produce, then the fatuous ruler Ning Yu would have been killed by them long ago.

    ¡°Then what makes your uncle worthy of leading them?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. ¡°Great Lord Xiang is not kind to you ah. Since your uncle has a full troop of cavalry, why didn¡¯t Great Lord Xiang ask him to go to the Northern Hu barracks instead? With a fully equipped cavalry, even if they lose the battle, they could retreat and escape much faster than soldiers on foot, right?¡±

    Xiang Tiange looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Remember my words,¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned solemn, ¡°From time immemorial, the crown prince¡¯s life is never smooth. Your uncle was born from within the family, while you were adopted. Use your brain! Wouldn¡¯t riding a horse to the Northern Hu army camp be faster than using two legs to run? Great Lord Xiang is really great to you!¡±

    After listening to Ning Xiaoyao, Xiang Tiange was starting to suspect whether he was being abused by his adoptive father. Had his adoptive father wanted him dead all along?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head again. ¡°He is your savior. Even if your own blood is shed, you must return this gratitude in full.¡± Young Lord Xiang could not continue the conversation.

    Meanwhile, Pei Yan and his troops had already whipped their horses and left the rebel forces¡¯ camp. ¡°Second Young Master, do you really think Xie Wenyuan is in the Northern Hu¡¯s barracks?¡± Shadowbolt asked Pei Yan.

    ¡°Xie Wenyuan isn¡¯t our priority right now,¡± Pei Yan replied, ¡°At this point, even if Xie Wenyuan dies, would the Northern Hu retreat?¡±

    ¡°Go find out where they keep their rations,¡± Shadowgale instructed his brothers, ¡°Burn down the Northern Hu¡¯s grains.¡± Without food, it wouldn¡¯t matter how ferocious an army was. It would be impossible to win the war.

    Pei Yan looked at Shadowgale with praising eyes. It¡¯s a pity this person is merely His Majesty¡¯s personal guard.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Inside the camp, Ning Xiaoyao pped her own little chest and assured Xiang Tiange. ¡°I am here, I will protect you.¡±

    Xiang Tiange wanted to reject her protection. I will protect you, he wanted to tell her. But upon thinking of her capabilities, Xiang Tiange could only swallow down his words. He couldn¡¯t even beat her in a fight, how could he protect her?

    With two army troops fighting, the number of corpses started piling up. Very soon, those corpses became unrecognizable after being stepped on by soldiers and horses.

    Ning Xiaoyao nced at the direction of the capital¡¯s city walls. The capital wasn¡¯t well lit but a lot of people stood there.

    ¡°Dog-eat-dog!¡± Prince Fu, standing at the city gate tower shouted. ¡°All of you, die!¡±

    ¡°Who will be the new emperor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was thinking as she rode Bujing.

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Xiang Tiange hollered at Ning Xiaoyao, who was deep in thought. Ning Xiaoyao came back to her senses. She realized she had almost reached the army camp of Northern Hu. Something was wrong. Why haven¡¯t any Northern Hu soldiers tried to stop them on their way here? It doesn¡¯t make sense!

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Xiang Tiange was very anxious. They were about to enter the Northern Hu camp, yet thisdy was still in a daze. In her current state, could he even bring her to attack the Northern Hu camp?

    Suddenly, Ning Xiaoyao heard the sounds of human heart beats and breathing nearby. Ning Xiaoyao looked at the t, open ins in front of her. Nothing obstructed her view. People could ambush at a ce like this?

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± a barking sound came from the front. The moment Ning Xiaoyao heard Big Yellow, she no longer hesitated and shouted to warn Xiang Tiange. ¡°Ambush ahead!¡±

    Xiang Tiange¡¯s war horse was galloping at full speed when Ning Xiaoyao pulled him down from his horse. The two of them were wrapped up in an embrace as they rolled across the ground several times beforeing to a stop.

    Ning Xiaoyao hugged Xiang Tiange¡¯s face against her chest, causing him to turn bright red. He was about to speak when the sounds of arrows piercing the air rung in his ears.

    ¡°Dismount! Hide covertly!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled. Upon thinking that the people from this world were unlikely to understand the meaning of hiding covertly, she shouted out another instruction, ¡°Get down on the ground!¡±

    Behind the cavalry were the soldiers on foot. The clever ones followed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s instructions even though they did not see anyone shooting arrows. Hence, they were able to escape death. Those who reacted slower died under the rain of arrows.

    Ning Xiaoyao saw the Northern Hu soldiers climbed up from the ground. They had grassting on their backs. During the night, if theyy on the ground without any movement, it was practically impossible for others to detect them. Ning Xiaoyao opened her mouth in astonishment. They know military camouge? These Northern Hu aren¡¯t just good at riding horses!

    ¡°Kill!¡± the general of the Northern Hu troop loudlymanded. Almost a thousand Northern Hu soldiers charged towards Ning Xiaoyao and her troops.

    At the same time, Xiang Tiange stood up with his sword out. He gave the samemand stridently, ¡°Kill!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao also stood up. Bujing had five to six arrows on him as he ran to Ning Xiaoyao and gave a mournful cry. Ning Xiaoyao removed the arrows from Bujing and healed his wounds.

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Big Yellow ran to Ning Xiaoyao and barked, ¡°Big Boss ck found the grain camps of the Northern Hu army. He told me to tell you to hurry!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had no time to question how ck Tubby had managed to get out of the tightly closed doors of the capital. She flipped herself onto her horse and shouted to Big Yellow, ¡°Let¡¯s go burn down the grains!¡±

    Big Yellow ran speedily towards the direction of the Northern Hu barracks.

    ¡°Dayao, you..? When Xiang Tiange saw Ning Xiaoyao charging ahead, he immediately shouted.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand at Xiang Tiange, ¡°Be careful. Be wary of the Northern Hu soldiers, and of your own people. I will be back very soon!¡±

    ¡°Please be careful!¡± Xiang Tiange hollered back. Ning Xiaoyao waved her sword in the air. With one swing, she beheaded the Northern Hu soldier who had rushed towards her. Her actions were exactly the same as those in her previous world where she had hacked down those zombies.

    Meanwhile, Pei Yan and the rest were unable to enter the army camps of the Northern Hu. They were stopped by a troop of Northern Hu soldiers outside the camp and were now surrounded.

    ¡°Kill them all and enter the camp.¡± Pei Yan¡¯s clothes was soaked in red blood. On the way here, countless Northern Hu soldiers had died under Second Young Master Pei¡¯s de.

    The general leading the Northern Hu army shouted louder than Pei Yan. ¡°Kill these Yongning dogs!¡±

    Pei Yan swung his sword towards the Northern Hu general. The Northern Hu general had a pair of silver hammers in his hands. He crossed them into an ¡°X¡± and raised them against his forehead, pitting against Pei Yan¡¯s sword.

    In the Lord Protector¡¯s estate, Old Madam and Ning Yan were kneeling in the Buddhist temple. Both had their hands sped together, praying piously. After His Majesty had ¡°died¡±, there were no further news of Pei Yan. Since Pei Yan had followed His Majesty out the capital, everyone believed he was dead aside from them.

    ¡°Second Master promised me he will return,¡± Ning Yan opened her eyes to reassure Old Madam, ¡°I believe him.¡±

    Old Madam did not speak. She continued to press her forehead to the floor. After her eldest son left the capital, there were no further news. Now, she had no idea whether her second son was dead or alive. Old Madam could only put her hopes on Buddha¡¯s blessings and their Pei ancestors to keep her two sons alive and safe.

    ¡°Second Master will be fine.¡± Ning Yan resolutely stated.

    ¡°It will be fine.¡± Old Madam turned her head to look at Ning Yan. Her wan and aged face was peaceful. ¡°The Heavens could not possibly have their eyes closed all the time.¡±

    On the battlefield outside the capital, Pei Yan shed his sword towards the Northern Hu general. Blood burst out from the wounds on the general¡¯s face, drenching Second Master Pei¡¯s face.

    The enemy general fell onto the ground, his body twitched once then stopped moving. Pei Yan let out a sigh of relief. But at that moment, Second Young Master felt a coldness behind him. A Northern Hu soldier had pierced his long spear deeply into his back.

    Shadowgale rushed over. With one swing of his sword, he beheaded the soldier and took out his left shoulder. The soldier copsed onto the ground, but the long spear remained lodged in the back of Pei Yan.

    ¡°Second Young Master!¡± Upon seeing Pei Yan falling off his horse, Shadowgale immediately ran towards him.

    Three Northern Hu soldiers blocked Shadowgale¡¯s path. They may not know each other, nor have they spoken to each other before. However, Shadowgale and the rest were hateful enemies in their eyes.

    Pei Yannded heavily on the ground. The long spear hit the ground and pushed itself out to the front of Pei Yan¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Second Young Master!¡±

    Upon seeing Pei Yan falling off his horse, Shadowgale immediately ran towards him.

    Three Northern Hu soldiers blocked Shadowgale¡¯s path. They may not know each other, nor have they spoken to each other before. However, Shadowgale and the rest were hateful enemies in their eyes.

    Pei Yannded heavily on the ground. The long spear hit the ground and pushed itself out to the front of Pei Yan¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Second Young Master!¡±

    Second Young Master Pei heard many people shouting his name. Some of them sounded urgent, and some sounded like they were crying. It was as though he was about to die. Spitting a mouthful of blood, Pei Yan thought that perhaps he was really going to die.

    Another Northern Hu general rode his horse towards Pei Yan, the halberd in his hand glinting with cold intent.

    Pei Yan spat out more blood. He looked at the Northern Hu soldier who was about to kill him and suddenly curved his lips into a smile. Who would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d die under the hands of the Northern Hu?

    ¡°Fire!¡± some Northern Hu soldiers suddenly shouted.

    On the battlefield, the Northern Hu soldiers involuntarily turned their heads towards the camp. There were thick smoke billowing from the grain camps.

    ¡°Ai ma!¡±

    The startled Northern Hu general heard someone shouting behind him. He was unable to ascertain if it was a male or female voice when, without him turning around, a fist smashed his head.

    Shadowgale could not see clearly the face of the new arrival. However, from the body shape, he could tell His Majesty had arrived. He had no time to speak but urged his horse forward, as he leaned as forward as possible to sh the back of the general who was knocked out by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s fist. He nearly cut the general¡¯s back into two.

    Pei Yan was still conscious. He nced at the person carrying him and mouthed, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Why are you still talking when you are already wounded?¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand to pull out the spear and threw it away. Blood rushed out from the wound.

    Pei Yan felt very cold, but in a few moments, he felt warmth flowing into his body.

    ¡°Stay conscious! Look at me.¡± Ning Xiaoyaoid her hand against Pei Yan¡¯s back. ¡°It¡¯s only a small injury, caused by a pole. Second Young Master is a real manly man! Don¡¯t be so weak!¡±

    The sounds of fighting started again. With the grain camps on fire, the Northern Hu soldiers were mad with anger. Since they could not capture the arsonists, they would kill off these Yongning dogs in front of them!

    ¡°Speak to me! Hey hey!¡± Ning Xiaoyao ignored the fighting around her as she shouted anxiously at Pei Yan.

    ¡°That was not a pole.¡± Second Young Master Pei gathered his strength and finally spoke.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was not able to follow Second Young Master Pei¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°That was a long spear, not a pole.¡± Pei Yan replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao:...Was he more heroic because it was a long spear that pierced through him? Is this person mad?

 Chapter 359: His Majesty says, this world is really dark and shady

    <h4>Chapter 359: His Majesty says, this world is really dark and shady</h4>

    ¡°Retreat!¡± Ning Xiaoyao wanted to carry Pei Yan but Second Young Master Pei had already gotten up from the ground himself. Retracting the arm that she extended, Ning Xiaoyao jumped onto Bujing.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Pei Yan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back to the rebel forces¡¯ camp ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°I discovered a conspiracy. If I don¡¯t figure out exactly what¡¯s going on, I won¡¯t be happy for the rest of my life.¡±

    Second Young Master Pei scoffed, ¡°You¡¯ve already lost the country and you still seem fine. What conspiracy have you discovered?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about the country if you still want to be my bro.¡± Ning Xiaoyao red at Pei Yan. ¡°Please share.¡± Pei Yan gestured to Ning Xiaoyao as if he was saying please.

    ¡°I found out that someone wants to kill Young Lord Xiang.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice to tell Pei Yan, Shadowgale and the others.

    All the bros: ... This news really was more important than the country ah!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Bujing¡¯s head and turned back to their original destination.

    ¡°Stab those who are still alive.¡± Pei Yan ordered Shadowthunder who stood next to him. Ning Xiaoyao stiffened but acted like she didn¡¯t hear anything and rode her horse forward.

    Pei Yan walked to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s side and measured her reaction. Second Young Master Pei only rxed after seeing that Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression was normal.

    Touching the area around his heart, the blood on the robes was still damp. It was sticky to the touch but the wound on his body hadpletely recovered. ¡°Your Majesty, who is the master that taught you the art of healing?¡± Pei Yan couldn¡¯t resist and asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You really want to know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked while trying to listen out for any movements in the surroundings.

    ¡°Your Majesty can take it that I didn¡¯t ask if Your Majesty is unwilling.¡±

    ¡°Oh ok, I¡¯m unwilling ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao revealed a set of pearly white teeth and looked a little silly as she turned her head back to tease Pei Yan.

    Second Young Master Pei suddenly felt very frustrated. He shouldn¡¯t have been polite if he knew this would happen!

    ¡°Do you wanna take a look at the capital?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed towards the city gate tower of the capital.

    ¡°How are you going to investigate the matter about Xiang Tiange?¡± Pei Yan didn¡¯t look at the capital but stared at Ning Xiaoyao instead.

    ¡°Oh, Little Gyrfalcon has gone back to investigate,¡± Ning Xiaoyao answered in a matter of fact tone.

    Pei Yan: ...

    ¡°There are only a few who would want Young Lord to die.¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave an expression saying I have experience with this. ¡°The number one suspect is Xiang Nong -perhaps he doesn¡¯t want his son anymore. The second suspect is Xiang Wanwan -she wants to destroy the man she can¡¯t obtain. The third suspect is still a mystery ah. But those who want Young Lord¡¯s life could only be after power. But let¡¯s say we go deeper, where does Young Lord Xiang¡¯s powere from?¡±

    Pei Yan immediately replied, ¡°Naturally it would be from Xiang Nong.¡±

    ¡°Yup! Then how do we obtain Xiang Nong¡¯s power?¡±

    ¡°Rebel. Or inherit it.¡±

    ¡°Do you think rebelling works?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Pei Yan shook his head. At the moment, none of the generals in the rebel forces could threaten Xiang Nong¡¯s position.

    ¡°So, inheriting is the only possibility. But Xiang Nong only has daughters or sisters. So that person is waiting to be like Grand Preceptor.¡±

    Pei Yan¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°The world is a dark and shady ce ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed.

    An hourter, Modou rushed via horseback into the barracks. The night sky was filled with stars but there wasn¡¯t rain to put away the fire. The zing fire engulfed the supplies and with addition of the wind, it was impossible to salvage anything.

    ¡°Put out the fire!¡± Modou frantically boomed, ¡°Put this fire out now!¡±

    A few generals had to join hands to stop Modou from rushing into the fire. Deep down, the generals and soldiers all knew in their hearts that there was no way they would be able to extinguish the fire but no one dared to say it to their ballistic leader.

    Modou breathed in some smoke and violently coughed for awhile before he slowly calmed down. Turning to his generals, he instructed, ¡°Follow me to the rebel forces¡¯ camp.¡±

    Since you burn down my campsite, I¡¯ll kill all you rebels, it¡¯s an eye for an eye. Modou had always been bad-tempered.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao stood in front of Xiang Tiange and exchanged nces with Pei Yan. What should I say? Looking at Xiang Tiange, she stretched out an ¡°oh¡± sound and muttered, ¡°So Advisor Niu also has another daughter.¡±

    Xiang Tiange nodded his head.

    ¡°The one surnamed Niu is so sure that his daughter can birth a son for Great Lord?¡± Pei Yan sneered.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao rolled up her sleeves. ¡°We can¡¯t just let this matter go. Young Lord, let¡¯s go look for your adoptive father!¡±

    Xiang Tiange reached out to stop Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°We¡¯re about to face a powerful enemy, let¡¯s just...¡±

    ¡°You want to forget about it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao widened her eyes, ¡°Advisor Niu doesn¡¯t only want to harm you ah, he wants to kill all of us!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao gestured in a circle, including the people on her side and the people on Xiang Tiange¡¯s side. Xiang Tiange¡¯s subordinates didn¡¯t speak up but a few of them had unsettling expressions.

    ¡°You,e with me.¡± Ning Xiaoyao dragged Xiang Tiange away.

    Young Lord Xiang couldn¡¯tpete against Ning Xiaoyao in terms of strength so he was yanked to the campsite. Just as he was about to tell Ning Xiaoyao that the war was more important and their enmity with Advisor Niu could be discussedter, a toon of soldiers ran over to them.

    ¡°What do you want ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao had an intuition that these people had bad intentions. ¡°Young Lord,¡± the general in his forties did not get off his horse when he saw Xiang Tiange and icily stated, ¡°Great Lord wants to see you.¡±

    ¡°Great Lord has a problem?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Young Lord,¡± the general ignored Ning Xiaoyao and continued to stress to Xiang Tiange, ¡°Great Lord has summoned you.¡±

    ¡°Why is adoptive father asking for me?¡±

    The general waved his hand to his subordinate behind him. Upon seeing the people opposite them rushing towards them with their swords, Ning Xiaoyao immediately attacked to get the upper hand. She picked up a pebble on the ground and threw it, hitting the general to the ground with his head bleeding.

    The general¡¯s subordinates were stunned. Shadowgale ran forward and dragged a soldier over to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed a sword at the soldier, ¡°Why is Great Lord looking for Young Lord?¡±

    The soldier remained silent. Pei Yan looked back and saw a few Dragon Guards moving forward and beating this soldier up. ¡°We won¡¯t hit you if you speak.¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face was expressionless as she gazed at the soldier getting beaten.

    ¡°Advisor Niu said that Young Lord stole the troops and secretly sent them out because he wants to earn a meritorious aplishment!¡± the soldier who was being beaten couldn¡¯t take it anymore and hugged his head while blurting out, ¡°Great Lord is angry and wants to punish Young Lord.¡±

    ¡°The guilty party files the suit.¡± Pei Yan muttered to Xiang Tiange.

    ¡°Plus he¡¯s a schr ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao furiously growled, ¡°How can he do such a shameless thing? Let¡¯s hunt him down!¡±

    Once again, Xiang Tiange grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand to stop her. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you still want to let this go at this point?¡±

    Before Xiang Tiange could reply, his troops exploded. Niu Nanning is a piece of shit!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao flung off Xiang Tiange¡¯s hand and instructed Young Lord Xiang¡¯s subordinates. ¡°Let¡¯s go look for the Niu asshole!¡±

    ¡°The Northern Hu are here!¡± Just when everyone was getting fired up to look for Advisor Niu with Ning Xiaoyao, they heard a shout from the back of the troops.

    ¡°Let¡¯s fight the war first.¡± Xiang Tiange pushed Ning Xiaoyao behind him to protect her. Soldiers from the opposing sides began to fight.

    Afterzing in the campsite for half a day, Little Gyrfalcon came to find Ning Xiaoyao andnded on her shoulder. ¡°Xiaoyao, it¡¯s Advisor Niu.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was protected by Shadowgale and the others, so she didn¡¯t personally join in the fight with the Northern Hu. Nodding, Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Mhm, I know.¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon added, ¡°Advisor Niu¡¯s youngest daughter is pregnant. It¡¯s Xiang Nong¡¯s child.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao groaned at the ground and repeated the news to Pei Yan, Shadowgale and the others. ¡°Advisor Niu¡¯s daughter is already pregnant with Xiang Nong¡¯s child.¡±

    ¡°No wonder,¡± Shadowrain sneered, ¡°With a real son, he can just kill off his god son.¡±

    ¡°What makes him so confident that it¡¯s really going to be a son?¡± Ning Xiaoyao snorted, ¡°Isn¡¯t it too early to be celebrating?¡±

    Pei Yan nced at the crowd that was currently fighting and walked towards a military officer from the Northern Hu. Speaking fluently in the Northern Hu dialect, Pei Yan asked, ¡°Do you want to earn a big merit?¡±

    The military officer was startled. ¡°I know where Xiang Nong is,¡± Pei Yan lowered his voice, ¡°I can bring you to him.¡±

    ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± the military officer challenged Pei Yan.

    ¡°Because I hate him,¡± cing a silk bag in the military officer¡¯s hands, Second Young Master Pei continued, ¡°A little token that represents my feelings. Just take it as a tribute.¡±

    The military officer opened the silk bag and saw that it was filled with precious jewels. ¡°When the matter is finished, I will gift you another bag.¡± Pei Yan stated.

    With money, you could do whatever you want. The military officer felt that he was just an insignificant military officer and the man with the ster on his face didn¡¯t have to bother with him.

    Gripping the silk bag filled with precious jewels, the military officer nodded to Pei Yan. ¡°When the matter is done, I will be expecting another bag.¡±

    Pei Yan nodded at the military officer. He didn¡¯t actually have another bag of precious jewels. In fact, this bag was from His Majesty. He had given it to him for safekeeping. Anyway, that doesn¡¯t matter. Regardless, he doesn¡¯t n on giving another bag of precious jewels. (Author: His Majesty will not let you off for this...)

    Waving at Little Gyrfalcon that was squatting on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders, Pei Yan instructed, ¡°Come over.¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon hesitated for a second before flying to Pei Yan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Bring me to Xiang Nong,¡± Pei Yan stroked Little Gyrfalcon¡¯s head, ¡°I think you can understand what I¡¯m saying.¡±

    Little Gyrfalcon flew up and circled above Pei Yan¡¯s head before heading towards the campsite.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± Pei Yan waved to the military officer of the Northern Hu. The military officer brought a few subordinates and followed Pei Yan towards the campsite of the rebel forces.

    Ning Xiaoyao saw Pei Yan leading a group of people away and thought about it. After deciding that it was a good idea for Xiang Nong to die, Ning Xiaoyao shut her mouth and chose not to say anything.

    After Pei Yan followed Little Gyrfalcon into the campsite, he gestured it toe over. So, Little Gyrfalconnded back on Pei Yan¡¯s shoulder again.

    ¡°Take me to Advisor Niu¡¯s daughter.¡± Pei Yan muttered softly under his breath. Little Gyrfalcon couldn¡¯t understand why this Second Young Master Pei kept changing his mind but he didn¡¯t really care. Flying up, he led Pei Yan deep into the campsite.

    Niu Nanning¡¯s youngest daughter was sixteen years old. It would be an exaggeration to say her beauty would cause the downfall of a city but she was young and beautiful.

    She heard from her father¡¯s subordinates that Great Lord was furious and definitely wouldn¡¯t forgive Xiang Tiange this time. Upon hearing this news, thedy was ecstatic and dismissed the messenger before walking around her tent a few times. She thought about the future where Xiang Tiange was dead and she gave birth to a son. Sheughed as she pondered about it.

    ¡°He¡¯s inside.¡± Pei Yan told the military officer of the Northern Hu when they got close to the tent. The military officer looked at the guards outside the tent and hesitated. ¡°So many guards?¡±

    ¡°Just set a fire.¡± Second Young Master Pei said before shooting a burning arrow to a nearby tent.

    What would Xiang Nong¡¯s reaction be if he knew that his son was killed by Xiang Tiange¡¯s ¡°brother-inw¡± in collusion with the Northern Hu?

    Looking at the burning tents, Pei Yan¡¯s eyes lit up. Let these hooligans fight each other to death.

 Chapter 360: The Great Lord Xiang loses his son

    <h4>Chapter 360: The Great Lord Xiang loses his son</h4>

    The military officer of the Northern Hu brought his subordinates and set fire to the tents. Pei Yan stood close by and was seen by a few of the guards standing near the tents.

    Miss Niu ran out with the support of two maids. Although she wasn¡¯t dressed like a nobledy, Miss Niu still adorned various gold and silver essories. With such a shy outfit, she was easily spotted amidst the crowd of soldiers by the Northern Hu soldiers.

    ¡°Kill!¡± the military officer of the Northern Humanded loudly. With the killing happening so close to her, Miss Niu was terrified. However, she suppressed the urge to scream and tried her best tomand her two legs away from this ce.

    An arrow flew over and shot the left eye of the guard that was aiding Miss Niu to escape.

    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª¡±

    The guard held onto his eye and fell to the ground, shrieking. His screams terrified everyone around.

    Miss Niu finally let out a screech. ¡°Madam, hurry!¡± The two maids were also terrified but they knew that if anything happened to Miss Niu, they would definitely lose their lives. Thus, these two maids could only try their best to drag Miss Niu along to escape.

    A soldier¡¯s corpse was sent flying. On his way down, his arm identally struck Miss Niu¡¯s stomach. Miss Niu didn¡¯t dare to stop but blood rapidly flowed down and stained her pants.

    Pei Yan only turned away after he saw that Miss Niu¡¯s body turn limp and was being dragged like a corpse by the two maids.

    ¡°Xiang Nong is not here!¡± a Northern Hu soldier shouted at the military officer.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk after we kill these Yongning dogs!¡±

    At this point, the military officer already knew that the precious jewels had affected his judgment. Xiang Nong had countless of guards, how could an insignificant military officer like himself win over Xiang Nong and his guards?

    But it was toote for him to turn around so the military officer could only thicken his skin and continue to motivate his subordinates. ¡°How could a Yongning dog be a Northern Hu man¡¯s opponent? Let¡¯s kill them, kill all the Yongning dogs!¡±

    The frantic sound of horses galloping travelled over. Pei Yan stood in an area with low light and looked over to the origins of the noise. The banner embroidered with wolf head fluttered in the wind. This was the King g of the Northern Hu, Modou has killed his way over.

    ¡°Kill.¡± Modou crisplymanded with one concise word.

    The two maids continued to drag their motionless madam. They turned around and wanted to beg Miss Niu to run faster but after a nce, their faces drained of colour. Miss Niu¡¯s lower body was drenched in blood and she had already lost consciousness.

    One of the maids reached out and shakily touched Miss Niu¡¯s belly. ¡°How is it?¡± the other maid asked hysterically.

    Pressing into her stomach, the maid looked at Miss Niu¡¯s lower body. The foetus had already slid out of her and was clumped up in a ball. ¡°It¡¯s gone,¡± the maid sat on the floor in a daze.

    At this moment, a toon of rebel soldiers also arrived. Before they could take a break, this toon was tangled up with the Northern Hu army in a fierce fight. Miss Niu was carried by a few soldiers and immediately brought to Xiang Nong.

    ¡°Quick! Take a look at her!!¡± Xiang Nong remained stoic even after seeing Miss Niu¡¯s condition and onlymanded the two burly madams from the female camp.

    The two madams ran forward and before long, they were able to pick up a partially developed foetus of a boy under Miss Niu.

    For years, Xiang Nong had been anticipating for a son. Even thought he could control his emotions well, Xiang Nong still couldn¡¯t bear to see the dead body of his son. Xiang Nong¡¯s eyes were red when he stared at the two maids who had dragged Miss Niu to escape.

    ¡°It was Young Madam¡¯s little brother!¡± a guard who followed along shouted loudly. Everyone¡¯s gasps could be heard in the rtively small open field. ¡°His face had a medicine ster on it.¡± the guard kneeled and pointed to his own face.

    ¡°Scoundrel!¡± a general following Xiang Tiange reacted and immediately went forward to kick the guard, ¡°You¡¯re going to push all the me on Young Lord?!?¡±

    ¡°Yes ah,¡± another general spoke, ¡°We weren¡¯t even aware the woman was pregnant, yet Young Lord knew?¡±

    Niu Nanning was standing beside Xiang Nong this whole time and when he saw his daughter drenched in blood. He was dumbfounded.

    At this moment, a few ridiculing eyes turned towards him. Advisor Niu¡¯s body trembled and he suddenly fell to his knees eximing, ¡°Great Lord, you have to seek revenge for my daughter ah!!!!¡±

    He lost his reputation. Not only that, he just lost his precious grandson and his daughter looks like she is about to die. What is he supposed to do now?!

    Although Niu Nanning didn¡¯t do well in the imperial exams, he still managed get Xiang Nong¡¯s trust and became the number one strategist of the rebel forces. Niu Nanning wasn¡¯t an idiot and he knew that if Xiang Tiange didn¡¯t die now, the person dying would definitely be him.

    ¡°You could get revenge,¡± another general that didn¡¯t respect Niu Nanning spoke up, ¡°But how do we find the perpetrator? We can¡¯t simply act based on the words of an insignificant soldier.¡±

    ¡°Great Lord!¡± Niu Nanning banged his head to the ground in front of Xiang Nong.

    ¡°Report!¡± Just then, a messenger soldier rushed over on a horse. He dismounted and kneeled after arriving beside Xiang Nong. ¡°Great Lord, the Young Lord has killed General Lin!¡±

    General Lin was sent by Xiang Nong to look for Xiang Tiange. There was silence on the field and everyone looked at each other. The Young Lord has rebelled?!

    ¡°Modou is here!¡±

    ¡°The Northern Hu have killed their way over¡ª¡ª¡±

    ......

    Continuous sound of attacks could be heard nearby. ¡°Mount your horses!¡± Xiang Nongmanded. Niu Nanning remained still in the same spot and watched as Xiang Nong brought his troops and rode past him.

    Just then, Miss Niu woke up and was struggling to sit up when a general of the rebel forces rode past her and flicked his reins.

    The battle horse shifted its direction slightly and his left hoofnded on Miss Niu¡¯s stomach. Miss Niu let out a scream but the battle horse continued to trample over her.

    Who would purposely look under the horses when they were fighting in a war?

    The guards who were protecting Miss Niu also had a tacit understanding with the generals of the rebel forces and scattered their horses. Initially, they didn¡¯t agree with Advisor Niu anyway. Also, if this wretched girl managed to give birth to the Great Lord¡¯s son and earns his favour, wouldn¡¯t they have listen to Niu Nanning in the future? The generals would rather die than listen to him!

    In no time, Miss Niu became a pile of meat and her two servants also had the same fate. After the troops rode away, Niu Nanning saw the pile of meat and fainted without saying a word.

    ¡°The matter is settled,¡± while Great Lord Xiang and Modou were fighting, Pei Yan stood in the campsite and told Xiang Tiange, ¡°Young Lord should consider establishing your own sect.¡±

    After hearing what Pei Yan had to say, Xiang Tiange was not prepared for this and stood there dazedly for a long time.

    ¡°You¡¯re a sinner.¡± Ning Xiaoyao whispered to Pei Yan.

    ¡°If that woman gave birth to a son, Young Lord would definitely die,¡± Pei Yan seemed to care deeply for Xiang Tiange, ¡°Niu Nanning tries to kill Young Lord at every opportunity. He didn¡¯t even let it go at the presence of facing the enemy today. What I am doing is called strike first to get the upper hand.¡±

    ¡°What my lil bro says is right,¡± Ning Xiaoyao agreed with Pei Yan. Xiang Tiange suddenly pointed his sword at Pei Yan. Ning Xiaoyao jumped and wanted to say something but was pushed back by Pei Yan. ¡°Young Lord wants to kill me?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t fight! Let¡¯s talk nicely.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was stuck behind Pei Yan but she still tried to break up the fight.

    ¡°Young Lord!¡± one of the rebel soldiers ran out from the campsite towards Xiang Tiange. Looking flustered, he lowered his voice, ¡°The baby in Miss Niu¡¯s stomach is gone and all her guards say that it¡¯s the work of Young Lord.¡±

    ¡°Was it a boy or a girl?¡± Pei Yan asked.

    ¡°It was a boy. Young Lord, my family¡¯s general advises you to find a ce to hide and let him think about a solution.¡±

    The rebel soldier turned and ran back towards the campsite. ¡°That¡¯s Senior General Liu¡¯s underling,¡± a subordinate standing at Xiang Tiange¡¯s side looked nervously at him, ¡°Even Senior General Liu can¡¯t protect Young Lord?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better to get the pain over with than to prolong the agony,¡± Pei Yan coldly chuckled, ¡°You will be abandoned sooner orter. It is better to take advantage of your current situation and form your own group.¡±

    Xiang Tiange¡¯s expression looked terrible but he stopped pointing the sword at Pei Yan.

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡± Pei Yan pulled Ning Xiaoyao away.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Xiang Tiange caught Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arm. Ning Xiaoyao asked Pei Yan, ¡°Ya, where are we going ah?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s to get away from here,¡± Second Young Master Pei replied, ¡°We¡¯re not interested in the throne, why should we stay?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to travel the world,¡± Ning Xiaoyao gave Xiang Tiange a reply. Xiang Tiange didn¡¯t let go of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You can¡¯t leave now ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the people behind Xiang Tiange. ¡°Do you want us to help you fight Xiang Nong?¡± Pei Yan asked Xiang Tiange. Young Lord Xiang slowly released his grip.

    ¡°We can help.¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand.

    ¡°Let me have a few words with her privately.¡± Xiang Tiange calmly said to Pei Yan. Pei Yan released Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s other hand.

    Xiang Tiange brought Ning Xiaoyao to a side and lowered his voice, ¡°Please take care of Erya and Xiaoqiu for me.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, definitely,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Could you let me know the general direction you¡¯re going?¡± Xiang Tiange asked again, ¡°I¡¯lle find you guys after everything is over.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought about it and realised she had to go and save people. Other than that, she wasn¡¯t sure where else she¡¯d be.

    ¡°Young Lord, since you have your troops, it would be easier for me to find out your whereabouts, I¡¯ll look for you instead.¡±

    ¡°You also want me to form my own sect?¡± Xiang Tiange asked Ning Xiaoyao another question.

    ¡°This is up to you ah. As long as this country doesn¡¯t fall in the hands of the Northern Hu.¡±

    Raising his hand to cup Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face, Xiang Tiange wanted to say something but stopped himself. In the end, he reminded Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Be careful while travelling.¡± With his current qualifications, he couldn¡¯t ask thisdy to stay by his side. Since he couldn¡¯t keep her by his side, he could only send her away.

    Ning Xiaoyao reached out and hugged Xiang Tiange. ¡°You be careful too. See you soon.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao and her group got on their horses and rode towards the north, quickly disappearing into the horizon.

    ¡°Young Lord, where are we going?¡± Xiang Tiange¡¯s subordinates didn¡¯t dare to ask why Young Lord¡¯s wife would leave at a time like this but they had to ask this question.

    ¡°Kill the Northern Hu,¡± Xiang Tiange also mounted his horse.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Ning Xiaoyao also asked Pei Yan. There were dead bodies all over the road. Soldiers of the rebel forces and the Northern Hu. Who knows how many more lives will be sacrificed in this war.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave this ce before we decide.¡± Pei Yan rode his horse beside Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Do you still want to have another round with the Northern Hu?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. She really didn¡¯t want to.

 Chapter 361: His Majesty says, "Iâ€™m a woman"

    <h4>Chapter 361: His Majesty says, "I''m a woman"</h4>

    North of the city, approximately 5km of the public road, Shadowgale and Shadowbolt stood waiting in the farewell pavilion. They were relieved to see Ning Xiaoyao and their brothers safe and sound.

    ¡°Your elder brother will be alright,¡± Ning Xiaoyao hugged Xiaoqiu and patted Erya on the head. Erya and Xiaoqiu were relieved. His Majesty is fine, their elder brother is fine, the Dragon Guards who have been taking care of them are all fine. Right now, Erya and Xiaoqiu thought everything was great.

    ¡°Where does Your Majesty n to go after this?¡± Pei Yan sat in the pavilion, took a sip from his waterskin and asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°I¡¯m headed beyond the mountain pass. The Northern Hu are still holding Lou Jing captive. I¡¯m going to save him.¡± Stupefied, Pei Yan raised his head to stare at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Lou Jing? Lou Zigui¡¯s elder brother?¡±

    ¡°Yes ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°He¡¯s not dead?¡± Pei Yan was startled.

    ¡°My reliable sources told me he¡¯s still alive.¡±

    Pei Yan hung the waterskin onto his waist and suddenly sneered, ¡°Lou Zigui left you in the lurch, yet you still want to save his brother?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s two separate matters,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sat beside Pei Yan and continued, ¡°Lou Jing was captured when he was at war, fighting for our country. I¡¯m not saving him because of Lou Zigui ah.¡±

    ¡°Do you even know what sort of dangers you¡¯ll face when you¡¯re outside the mountain pass?¡± Pei Yan asked.

    ¡°His Majesty is dead ah. No one will know that I¡¯m Ning Yu.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be winter soon. Are you looking to freeze to death by going there now?¡±

    ¡°Modou isn¡¯t there now, so I¡¯m taking advantage of the situation. Unless you think it¡¯s a better idea to go rescue him while Modou is home?¡± Ning Xiaoyao frowned, ¡°Second Young Master, can¡¯t you tell this is our chance?

    ¡°Shall I go with you?¡± Pei Yan felt obliged to ask.

    ¡°Are you nning to throw the capital to Old Gramps?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was surprised, ¡°Do you really think Old Gramps is both a schr and proficient in martial arts? Or are you counting on my imperial uncle, Prince Fu?¡±

    Second Young Master Pei didn¡¯t count on either of them.

    ¡°Second Young Master, I¡¯m leaving the capital to you ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Pei Yan on the shoulder, ¡°The burden on your shoulders are very heavy.¡± Pei Yan felt that if he still insisted on apanying Ning Xiaoyao outside the mountain pass, he would be letting the citizens of the capital down.

    ¡°Umm, actually...¡± Ning Xiaoyao straightened her body, looked at Pei Yan, then looked at Shadowgale and the rest who were sitting next to them. ¡°Right now, there¡¯s something I can finallye clean about.¡±

    They all stared at Ning Xiaoyao. There¡¯s no point in trying to guess what Ning Xiaoyao is thinking. They can only wait for this person to speak.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a man,¡± Ning Xiaoyao guiltily choked out.

    ¡°Who dares to say Your Majesty isn¡¯t a man?¡± Pei Yan¡¯s expression darkened, ¡°Your Majesty has given your all for this country.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dismissed with a wave of her hand. ¡°I¡¯m trying to say my gender is female ah.¡±

    ¡°What did you say!?¡± Pei Yan boomed. Windy and the rest also thought there was something wrong with their hearing.

    ¡°I am a woman,¡± Ning Xiaoyao had no choice but to repeat each word slowly.

    Pei Yan looked at her face and jumped up suddenly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao apologized to Pei Yan and her group.

    ¡°How is that possible?!¡± Pei Yan loudly shouted. Second Young Master Pei rarely had moments where he lost his cool. With this one shout, he scared Erya and Xiaoqiu into hugging each other.

    Left with no other choice, Ning Xiaoyao reluctantly grabbed Pei Yan¡¯s hand and pressed it onto her little chest. The softness under his hand made Pei Yan feel as if his hand was scalded by boiling water. He jerked backwards and flung off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Is it true?¡± Shadowgale asked Pei Yan. Second Young Master Pei stared nkly at Ning Xiaoyao, as if he had not heard Shadowgale¡¯s words at all.

    ¡°This is what happened...¡± Ning Xiaoyao arranged her speech and started to tell a very long and sorrowful tale of how she was forced into this miserable situation.

    As Pei Yan and the rest listened to her story, their expressions were extremely serious. An hourter, Ning Xiaoyao spread her arms out. ¡°So that¡¯s what happened. I didn¡¯t mean to lie, I just didn¡¯t have a chance to tell you.¡±

    Pei Yan moved backwards until his legs bumped into the pavilion railing and sat his butt down.

    ¡°Empress Dowager Xie!¡± After a long time, Shadowgale finally spoke, opening his mouth to curse at Empress Dowager Xie. ¡°How dare she?! This damn woman!¡±

    ¡°Anyways, her life hase to this,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°After I¡¯m gone, she can no longer be Empress Dowager. Let her find her own way out then.¡±

    Pei Yan roughly rubbed his face as he looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Does Lou Zigui know?¡±

    ¡°Mhmm, he does,¡± Ning Xiaoyao honestly admitted. ¡°No wonder,¡± Pei Yan said softly.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Since he knows that Your Majesty is a woman, naturally he knows Your Majesty isn¡¯t bound to sit on the throne for a long time. That¡¯s why Lou Zigui wants to fight for the throne ah,¡± Pei Yanughed coldly, ¡°Your Majesty, perhaps Lou Zigui had this intention from the start.¡±

    Is that so? Ning Xiaoyao thought about it and decided that this person had nothing to do with her from now on. She waved her hand. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Whoever wants to be Emperor can be Emperor then.¡±

    Pei Yan looked at Windy and the rest, ¡°What about you all? What are your ns?¡±

    Shadowgale¡¯s emotions were still in a mess, but hearing Pei Yan¡¯s question, he answered without thinking, ¡°Naturally, we¡¯re following His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not His Majesty anymore,¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly denied with a shake of her head.

    ¡°Then....¡± Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao who was in a grey dress. ¡°Young Miss?¡± Shadowrain asked. They can¡¯t use Your Majesty anymore, but calling her ¡°young miss¡± shouldn¡¯t be a problem right?

    ¡°No need, just call me big sis ah.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Pei Yan startedughing. After he finishedughing, he really had to hand it to himself. He can stillugh at this time ah!

    ¡°This won¡¯t do,¡± Shadowthunder had always been a straightforward person. He scratched his head, ¡°We¡¯re all older than Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Call me lil sis then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao conceded. She felt guilty for lying to her little bros all this time. Whenever she felt bad, she was very amodating.

    The words ¡°lil sis¡± hovered on the Shadow Guards¡¯ lips. Despite killing without batting an eye, they couldn¡¯t bring themselves to say the words.

    ¡°No worries,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was very understanding, ¡°After a few times you¡¯ll get used to it. Windy, take your brothers and follow Second Young Master back to the capital. Now that the war is mainly outside the capital, I doubt our enemies will be able to attack the capital.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Shadowthunder and the other Shadow Guards shouted out loud. Shadowgale remained silent, but his expression told Ning Xiaoyao that if she didn¡¯t let him tag along, he would rather die than let her go without him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take Erya and Xiaoqiu back to the capital.¡± Pei Yan decided on his own, ¡°Shadowgale and the others will follow you outside the mountain pass.¡±

    ¡°I want to follow His Majesty!¡± Erya anxiously eximed after hearing what Pei Yan said. Pei Yan waved his hands, beckoning Erya toe closer and softly whispered, ¡°If you go with His Majesty, His Majesty will have to look after you. His Majesty will be very tired this way.¡±

    Erya kept quiet. Not only could she not be of any help, both Xiaoqiu and herself have always been a burden for His Majesty.

    ¡°I¡¯lle back and look for you.¡± Xiaoqiu ran into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms and she picked him up, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m very strong!¡±

    Pei Yan stood up, walked to Ning Xiaoyao and took Xiaoqiu from her. ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose, I¡¯ll take these two into the capital. Your Majesty should leave as soon as possible as well.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao also stood up, seeming very unwilling to part with them. Erya and Xiaoqiu were already wiping away their tears. ¡°Listen to whatever Second Young Master says ah. I¡¯ll definitely return.¡±

    Erya cried as she nodded. She doesn¡¯t care about a woman being Emperor, she doesn¡¯t want to care. She only knows that His Majesty is a good person and that she really likes His Majesty.

    ¡°Please take care of her,¡± Pei Yan looked at Shadowgale and stated solemnly. Shadowgale bowed in greeting to Pei Yan. His master may not be the emperor anymore, but she saved his life. He will always remember this favour.

    As Ning Xiaoyao watched Pei Yan get up the horse with Erya and Xiaoqiu, she suddenly thought of something. ¡°Right, Second Young Master, where are my precious jewels?¡±

    The corners of Pei Yan¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°The precious jewels should be saved for Erya¡¯s dowry.¡±

    Whaa?! Ning Xiaoyao was dumbstruck. Pei Yan urged his horse forwards and left immediately. Before this girl has the time to react, he better flee!

    ¡°My jewels are gone?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned her head to look at Shadowgale. Shadowgale nodded. If the jewels are to be used for Erya¡¯s dowry, that just means it¡¯s all gone ah.

    Saving money for Erya¡¯s dowry was one of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s life goals, but when she thought about that bag of jewels, even her flesh hurts. Can¡¯t they leave her half the bag?!

    ¡°Should I go chase after Second Young Master?¡± Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao in all seriousness.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao let out a sigh. Since she promised to prepare Erya¡¯s dowry, then prepare her dowry she must!

    ¡°To Anyuan?¡± Shadowgale asked once more. ¡°Mhmm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded, ¡°Windy, in regards to this, I can go al...¡±

    ¡°Get on your horses,¡± Shadowgale instructed his fellow brothers, ¡°We¡¯re going to Anyuan.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her nose. Even if she¡¯s no longer Emperor, shouldn¡¯t he at least spare her the respect of finishing her sentence?

    ¡°Meow!¡±

    ¡°Awoo~¡±

    ¡°Squeak squeak, Xiaoyao~¡±

    Just as she was about to get on her horse, three voices shouted out from behind her. When she turned back, Oil Jar had already scuttled up her shoulder. Big Boss ck sat on Bujing¡¯s head. Little White Fatty couldn¡¯t jump high enough and could only look at Ning Xiaoyao and howl.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, my grandfather told me to follow you out the mountain pass.¡± Oil Jar gently rubbed his head against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face.

    ¡°I have to go with you,¡± Big ck Boss dered, ¡°Or else what¡¯s going to happen if a ninny like you gets bullied?¡±

    ¡°Master!¡± Little White Fatty shouted, ¡°You can¡¯t leave little fatty behind, awoo~¡±

    Alright then, looks like she¡¯ll have to bring these three along too. Ning Xiaoyao carried up the dead-weight Little White Fatty and turned to the Shadow Guards. ¡°Let¡¯s set out to the mountain pass!¡±

    Shadowgale rode behind Ning Xiaoyao and felt that he was truly blind. After spending so much time with His Majesty, he couldn¡¯t even tell that His Majesty was a woman. He also felt a bit awkward. Without any rhyme or reason, how did His Majesty suddenly turn into a woman?

    ¡°Windy, do you still have the money Young Lord gave us?¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned and asked Shadowgale all of a sudden.

    ¡°Yes, the money is with us.¡±

    ¡°Whew.¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed in relief as she patted her chest. Shadowgale observed Ning Xiaoyao and suddenly grinned. As long as the person he vowed loyalty and devotion to doesn¡¯t change, it doesn¡¯t matter if she¡¯s a man or a woman.

    Heading north, they quickly disappeared into the night.

    Pei Yan originally thought that he would have to face another battle before reaching the capital, but the Northern Hu and the rebel forces were busy fighting in the rebel army¡¯s joint camp. As a result, there weren¡¯t any obstacles along the way. Just like that, Pei Yan rode his horse all the way back into the capital.

    ¡°I am Pei Yan!¡± Second Young Master Pei shouted at the city gate tower. ¡°Quick! Open the city gates!¡±

    After a brief moment of silence within the city gate tower, the sound of voices rose up.

 Chapter 362: Supreme Commander asks, Is His Majesty in good health?

    <h4>Chapter 362: Supreme Commander asks, Is His Majesty in good health?</h4>

    "Once we¡¯ve entered the city, say that His Majesty is dead." While they stood waiting to enter the gates, Pei Yan whispered to Erya and Xiaoqiu. They could see people hurriedly running above on the city gate tower. Erya nodded quickly, but Xiaoqiu pouted and looked unwilling, "His Majesty is not dead."

    "We must say this if we want His Majesty to be safe." Pei Yin looked at Xiaoqiu. "Because right now many people want to kill His Majesty. This is the same as lying to your big brother. Xiaoqiu, you didn¡¯t tell your big brother that Dayao is His Majesty, right? Do you understand?"

    Xiaoqiu looked up at Pei Yan. The dog skin ster had been torn off. Second Young Master Pei had turned back into a handsome man again.

    ¡°Xiaoqiu?¡± Pei Yan called out again and lifted his hand to stroke Xiaoqiu¡¯s head. ¡°Mm,¡± Xiaoqiu nodded. He didn¡¯t want someone to kill His Majesty.

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s gone. Then, what about my big brother?¡± Erya asked Pei Yan. ¡°Your big brother will take care of himself.¡± Pei Yan smiled at Erya.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Erya obediently replied. She didn¡¯t feel as free and unrestrained with Pei Yan as she did with Ning Xiaoyao.

    The hanging basket was lowered down from the city gate tower. First, Erya and Xiaoqiu were lifted up to the city gate tower. Then several soldiers went down using the hanging basket. Pei Yan worked busily with these soldiers to tie up his war-horse with a rope and lifted it up to the city gate tower. Then Second Young Master Pei brought those soldiers up in the hanging basket.

    Elder Li and his party were waiting at the city gate tower. When they saw Pei Yan, Elder Li opened his mouth to ask, "Where is His Majesty?" Pei Yan knelt on the ground with tears in his eyes, "His Majesty had died fighting in the battlefield. He¡¯s gone."

    Erya had been around with Ning Xiaoyao long enough to know what to do during crucial moments like these. Along with Xiaoqiu, they cried very loudly but without tears. Elder Li¡¯s final hope was vanquished. A minister pointed at Pei Yan angrily and barked, "Why did you return then?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is dead, what are you doing alive?" another minister with tears streaming on his face shouted at Pei Yan. Pei Yan knelt quietly on the ground while curses flew at him from every direction. Elder Li sighed and calmed the crowd, "Stop. What''s the use of scolding him?"

    For a moment, only the sound of weeping could be heard at the city gate tower. Prince Fu rushed over from the imperial pce. When he heard a loud wailinging from the city gate tower, he sat stiffly on his horse and didn¡¯te down. This kind of wailing could only mean one thing. His Majesty was truly dead.

    ¡°Rise.¡± Elder Li helped Second Young Master Pei up. Pei Yan stood up and turned around to look toward the outskirts of the capital. The stars were like embers twinkling and leaping in the wind. The two opposing military forces in the night battle already formed a jigsaw-like pattern. Nobody could guess the oue of this battle since both parties¡¯ troops could not be distinguished.

    "So many dead people," whispered Erya in a low voice while she stood on tiptoes watching the city¡¯s outskirts. Erya was obviously more experienced to gruesome scenespared to the many adults on top of the city gate tower who did not dare to look at those corpses.

    "How did the rebel forces and the Northern Hu end up fighting each other?" Elder Li asked. Erya lifted her head to look at Pei Yan. How would you exin this? Should they say that His Majesty had joined the rebel forces and then sowed dissension between them?

    "The rebel forces has the jade seal," Pei Yan exined, "The Northern Hu and the rebel forces are fighting for the jade seal." Erya felt relieved. It was a good excuse.

    Hearing that the jade seal was in the rebel forces¡¯ hands, the people on the city gate tower had trouble breathing again. The jade seal was lost?!

    "What should we do?" a minister asked in a helpless tone.

    ¡°Wait. Wait until tomorrow to see whether the Northern Hu or the rebel forces will win.¡± replied Pei Yan. ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± asked Elder Li.

    ¡°The Northern Hu¡¯s army provisions were burnt down.¡± Pei Yan¡¯s pupils reflected the mes at the outskirts. ¡°Even if they win against the rebel forces, these barbarians will not have a way to stay in the central ins for long.¡±

    ¡°And what if the rebel forces wins?¡± a minister asked.

    ¡°Internal strife broke out inside the rebel forces,¡± Pei Yan answered, ¡°Even if they win against the Northern Hu, their strength will have been greatly depleted. So, likewise, they wouldn¡¯t be able to attack the capital.¡±

    The crowd was stunned again. So, the capital city¡¯s siege has been broken?

    "We witnessed the Northern Hu army camp¡¯s congration." Elder Li¡¯s heart caught on fire at the moment, but Old Gramps still maintained his usual caution. He went to stand next to Pei Yan and looked at him, "How did you find out about the internal strife from inside the rebel forces?¡±

    "Elder, where do you think this official have been hiding these past few days?" Pei Yanughed mockingly at himself. Elder Li was silent for a long time before finally releasing a long sigh.

    "There are women and child soldiers in the rebel forces," Pei Yan exined to Elder Li, "so I brought Erya and Xiaoqiu to hide there. We did not arouse the rebel forces¡¯ suspicion."

    ¡°If His Majesty didn¡¯t leave the capital...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Elder Li turned around and rebuked his follower. Pei Yan sneered inwardly. If it weren''t for His Majesty, the capital city would have already been conquered by the rebel forces and the Northern Hu.

    Behind them came the sound of hasty footsteps. Pei Yan turned around. Chen Lu, dressed in military uniform, rushed to the city gate tower. Pei Yan nodded to acknowledge Chen Lu. "Brother Chen, in the future, we brothers must cooperate in good faith to defend the capital city."

    Chen Lu nodded, "Where¡¯s His Majesty?" ¡°His Majesty is dead.¡± Pei Yan exined once again. Chen Lu''s chest rose and fell several times violently. For Great General Chen, Pei Yan''s remark shattered his final hope.

    Pei Yan turned to look toward the outskirts again. The hand-to-handbats still continued and the horizon was indistinctly turning white. After a night of bloody battle, the rebel forces and the Northern Hu continued to fight.

    ¡°They¡¯re entwined together,¡± Chen Lu, standing on the city gate tower together with Pei Yan, said with a sigh, ¡°They won¡¯t stop until there¡¯s a clear winner.¡±

    ¡°Then let them kill each other,¡± Pei Yan hadn¡¯t left the city gate tower ever since he had returned to the capitalst night. He only gave an order to send Erya and Xiaoqiu back to Lord Protector¡¯s estate.

    ¡°Second Young Master.¡± the butler of Lord Protector estate followed a military officer and called out from behind Pei Yan. Chen Lu turned to Pei Yan, "Second Young Master had better return home. Old Madam and your wife have suffered a lot."

    Before Pei Yan could answer, a young soldier rtively close to him and Chen Lu shouted, "There are troops heading over from over there!" Pei Yan and Chen Lu quickly turned around. As far as they could see, a cavalry had appeared on the horizon.

    "Is it the ck Frost Cavalry?" Chen Lu eximed. Pei Yan kept silent. His expression was cold. His Majesty told him with a solemn vow that Lou Zigui would note. So why would he appear in the capital city again?

    "It''s the ck Frost Cavalry." Chen Lu had already calmed down. "In Yongning, only Lou Zigui¡¯s ck Frost Cavalry are able to pull that square-shaped cavalry formation. Also, they¡¯reing from the north.¡± Pei Yan loudlymanded the soldiers, "Don''t fret, let¡¯s confirm first."

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± a messenger in front of Lou Zigui¡¯s horse reported with a loud voice, ¡°General Fangmanded this lowly one to give you a report. The Northern Hu and the rebel forces are currently fighting a fierce battle up ahead. It seems like they have been fighting all night. Both sides have a lot of casualties; their bodies have piled up into mountain below the capital city.¡±

    The generals next to Lou Zigui immediately began to whisper between themselves. No one could figure out why the Northern Hu and the rebel forces would be fighting against each other. ¡°What about the capital city?¡± Lou Zigui asked.

    ¡°Replying to Supreme Commander, the capital city¡¯s city gates are tightly closed. They should be fine.¡± Lou Zigui slowly loosened his tightly clenched fist. It was good that the capital city was unaffected. This meant that Miss Ning was safe and sound.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Song Jin opened his mouth, ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°Charge in and kill the enemies,¡± Lou Ziguimanded coldly, ¡°No matter if it¡¯s the Northern Hu or the rebel forces, ughter them all." The cavalry''s weapon of victory was speed. After figuring out what was happening, it was time to whip out the battle sword and iron hoof to kill the enemy.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the generals epted the order in a simultaneous voice. "General!" a soldier ran up to the capital¡¯s city gate tower and made a report to Pei Yan and Chen Lu, "There¡¯s news from south city gates, the Destruction Prisoner Army has broken through from the southwest direction. They have already started fighting against the rebel forces!"

    "The Duke of Yue¡¯s estate hase to send reinforcements to rescue us?" Chen Lu was surprised again. Pei Yan dug his fingers into a city wall brick and almost caused his fingers to bleed. His Majesty had leftst night, but Lou Zigui and Duke of Yue¡¯s estate¡¯s troops obtained a footing this morning. If His Majesty had dyed her departure by a night, then...

    Second Young Master Pei took his hand away from the wall. So what if His Majesty didn''t leave? Spend her lifetime dressing as a man?

    ¡°Second Young Master?¡± Chen Lu saw Pei Yan standing in a daze and shouted at him. "Let¡¯s leave behind two thousand soldiers in the capital," Pei Yan stated, "The remaining troops will be split evenly between us. Brother Chen, please lead your troops out of the south gate and I will lead the troops out of the north gate. Now it''s time to attack the Northern Hu and the rebel forces on both sides."

    "It''s a pity that His Majesty has already...aaii!" Chen Lu sighed heavily. "Now is not the time to talk about that." muttered Pei Yan as he ced his hand on the de at his waist. "Let''s settle the Northern Hu and the rebel forces first.¡± Chen Lu nodded and hastily left the city gate tower with his personal soldiers to gather his troops.

    ¡°Second Young Master,¡± a soldier shouted to Pei Yan, "The ck Frost Cavalry has stormed into the enemy ranks." Pei Yan looked toward the city¡¯s outskirts. The ck Frost Cavalry had rushed into the battlefields like a ck torrent in their silver armour and ck robes. They rushed into the fighting ground between the Northern Hu and the rebel forces.

    ¡°Guard the city well.¡± After warning the city¡¯s soldiers, Pei Yan went down the city gate tower with his personal soldiers.

    After Pei Yan had gathered his troops and rushed out of the city gate, Elder Li and the ministers of the court showed up. They watched from the city gate tower and saw the silhouettes of the ck Frost Cavalry from outside the capital.

    "If His Majesty had not left the capital, he would be all right now," muttered an official in a low voice. Elder Li heard thisment and lifted his hand to p the official across the face. He shouted angrily at his forty plus old disciple, "Thoughtless bastard!"

    The official was dumbfounded by Elder Li¡¯s p. "If His Majesty hadn¡¯t left the capital, do you honestly think the capital would still be here?" Elder Li shouted at his disciple, "You are only alive right now because of His Majesty!"

    The official looked down in shame, red-faced. He did not dare to speak any more. "Lou Zigui," Elder Li turned towards the city¡¯s outskirts again and shook his head. "Anyuan is far closer to the capital than Fengzhou. Yet, he arrived on the same day as the Destruction Prisoner Army. The ck Frost Cavalry did not rush to the capital with all its strength."

    ¡°Perhaps they were dyed on their way?" a minister spected. Elder Li sneered. His Majesty said that Lou Zigui would note. Old Gramps believed that wind couldn¡¯te from an empty cave. His Majesty would never say that if Lou Zigui had no disloyalty.

    "Supreme Commander," Fang Tang yelled. He brought Deputy General Wang and his men, who had been ordered to remain hidden in the rebel forces, to Lou Zigui. "They are Pei Yan''s men."

    Lou Zigui looked at Deputy General Wang and asked, "Is His Majesty in good health?"

 Chapter 363: Black Frost Cavalry and the Destruction Prisoner Army

    <h4>Chapter 363: ck Frost Cavalry and the Destruction Prisoner Army</h4>

    Deputy General Wang heard Lou Zigui¡¯s question and stared at the soil that had fresh blood slowly seeping into it. Previously, Second Young Master hadmanded him to never ever mention His Majesty¡¯s matters, no matter who it was.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s asked. Deputy General Wang shook his head. ¡°With regards to Supreme Commander¡¯s question, this Deputy General doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander!¡± Just then, another general ran from the front of the troops and eximed, ¡°There are troopsing out from the capital!¡±

    Lou Zigui turned his horse away from the direction of Deputy General Wang¡¯s troops. Deputy General Wang and the rest were still in a daze when the sound of horses passed by them. Twenty to thirty thousand troops ran past them, causing dust to fly and the earth to shake.

    ¡°W.. What should we do?¡± a soldier asked Deputy General Wang. Wiping his face, Deputy General Wang instructed, ¡°Just follow them.¡± After all, with Second Young Master still around, he didn¡¯t have to fret.

    But after pondering a bit deeper, Deputy General Wang still wasn¡¯t assured and lowered his voice to remind his subordinates. ¡°Watch your mouths. You all know what Second Master¡¯s temper is like. Even if Second Master lets you off, from how His Majesty had managed to torment the Northern Hu and the rebel forces, you¡¯d all be idiotic if you dare to ruin His Majesty¡¯s ns!¡±

    Everyone: ... They will definitely keep themselves in check. If they don¡¯t, who knows how His Majesty will torment them ah?

    ¡°Kill!¡± Deputy General Wang shouted hoarsely. A toon of soldiers joined the ck Frost Cavalry in the battlefield.

    -----

    ¡°You¡¯re still not leaving?¡± Pei Yan had stuck another medicinal ster on his face. Currently, he was standing opposite of Xiang Tiange.

    ¡°Great Lord wants to kill the Young Lord!¡± a personal soldier beside Xiang Tiange frantically eximed to Pei Yan. ¡°If you continue to stay here, either your adoptive father will kill you, or the Northern Hu will,¡± Pei Yan stared at Xiang Tiange, ¡°Or, are you waiting for Lou Zigui to kill you?¡±

    Xiang Tiange looked at Pei Yan for a long time before he replied, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Pei Yan: ...Oh yeah, he¡¯s supposed to be His Majesty¡¯s lil bro right? Why would he still be here if His Majesty is gone?

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you leave with them?¡± Xiang Tiange was puzzled. ¡°I still have matters to settle,¡± Pei Yan thought up an excuse, ¡°I will naturally leave after I have finished dealing with my matters. Please do not get involved, Young Lord. I can¡¯t tell you even if you continue to ask.¡±

    ¡°She has left?¡± Xiang Tiange changed the topic. Pei Yan was speechless. You¡¯re about to die and you still have time to worry about His Majesty? No, wait. Suddenly, Second Young Master Pei thought of another possibility. Does he know that His Majesty is a woman?

    After this thought crossed his mind, Second Young Master Pei looked at Young Lord Xiang with a different expression. The first time they had met, His Majesty released this asshole. This time, he was willing to act with His Majesty. Was his act with His Majesty really just to return the favour?

    Ning Xiaoyao appeared in Second Young Master Pei¡¯s mind and he made an analysis. Although His Majesty¡¯s upper body was a little t and not exactly a beauty with a brain, His Majesty was still cute ah. Could it be?! Second Young Master Pei kept questioning himself. Xiang Tiange was getting goose bumps from Second Young Master Pei¡¯s stare. He¡¯s looking at him like he¡¯s looking at a lecher. Is this asshole aware of his feelings towards his elder sister?

    Should I just ask him directly? Pei Yan thought. If he¡¯s going to ask me about it, how should I answer? Xiang Tiange thought.

    ¡°ck Frost Cavalry!¡± While Second Young Master and Young Lord were having these internal thoughts, a soldier of the rebel forces shouted out.

    ¡°Quickly leave!¡± Pei Yan kept the suspicions he had about Xiang Tiange and urged him, ¡°If you want to find them, just keep heading north. If you want to make a name for yourself, create your own sect. That is all I have to say. You¡¯re on your own, Young Lord.¡±

    ¡°Young Lord!¡± a whole toon of soldiers looked towards Xiang Tiange. It was time to decide whether to fight or to run. Xiang Tiange looked around and saw that there were still fights happening around him. The soil had absorbed most of the blood and became soft and loose. Bodies and limbs were scattered all over the ground and sounds of fighting and screams were everywhere. He didn¡¯t know where his adoptive father could be.

    ¡°Go!¡± Pei Yan called out. ¡°We¡¯re leaving!¡± Xiang Tiange turned his horse andmanded loudly. Right after Xiang Tiange and his men left, Fang Tang and his troops arrived. Fang Tang nced at Pei Yan and shouted to them, ¡°Who are you people?¡±

    Looking at Fang Tang, Pei Yan sighed, ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry has finally arrived.¡±

    Fang Tang recognised Pei Yan¡¯s voice and hurriedly asked, ¡°What happened to your face?¡± Pei Yan turned his horse and replied icily, ¡°What does my face have anything to do with you?¡±

    Fang Tang: ...When did he offend this person?

    ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry arrived really quickly ah,¡± Pei Yanmented sarcastically, ¡°Actually, you guys could have taken your time.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Fang Tang didn¡¯t understand. This person was telling them they arrived too soon?!

    ¡°If you came a littleter, the capital walls would have been destroyed and your Supreme Commander could have conquered the throne.¡± Pei Yan looked at Fang Tang and icily stated. Fang Tang was triggered by Pei Yan and wanted to blow up. But General Fang still felt a little guilty so he appeared somewhat dumbfounded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s kill the enemies first,¡± Pei Yan said with a mocking smile, ¡°You¡¯ve fought many battles with Lou Zigui. With your experience, do you think we should be chatting right now?¡± Fang Tang charged forward with the ck Frost Cavalry. He was an idiot for stopping to talk to Pei Yan.

    -----

    ¡°Wolf King.¡± Seven to eight Northern Hu generals stood beside Modou and guarded him. The soldiers and their horses were drenched in blood. One of the generals wanted to say something when the blood on his face dripped into his mouth. This general didn¡¯t even bother wiping his face and frantically blurted to Modou, ¡°The Destruction Prisoner Army of Yongning are here. The rebel forces at the south gate have suffered heavy casualties. Wolf King, we have to retreat.¡±

    Their soldiers had already been fighting all night. Just as the ck Frost Cavalry arrived, the soldiers within the capital also fought their way out and surrounded them. Their food and supplies had already been set on fire. Modou knew they had to retreat. If he continues this battle with the Yongning men, he may very well die on this battlefield.

    ¡°These Yongning dogs got lucky!¡± Modou angrily waved his sword in the air andmanded, ¡°Retreat!¡±

    A group of twenty odd people heard themand and immediately ran off in different directions to pass on the order. Someone struck the gong next to Modou, informing the Northern Hu generals that it was time to retreat.

    Although the Wolf King wanted to retreat, the ck Frost Cavalry wasn¡¯t about to let the Northern Hu army go just like that. Hence, both sides quickly started another battle. Unlike the rebel forces which consisted mainly of infantry, the ck Frost Cavalry were all on horseback. Aside from those operating the military supply wagons, the ck Frost Cavalry didn¡¯t have anyone on foot. The two cavalries faced each other and the intensity of this battle far exceeded the one between the Northern Hu and rebel forces the night before.

    A Northern Hu soldier was hacked in half by a ck Frost Cavalry soldier and the bottom half of his body was still on the moving horse. Elder Li saw this scene from the city gate tower and couldn¡¯t help but gag and feel nauseous.

    ¡°Is your brain filled with grass?¡± Pei Yan shed a Northern Hu soldier to the ground and shouted at Fang Tang, ¡°Why are you not looking for Modou? Do you think you are aplishing a great merit by killing the small fries here?¡± Fang Tang was annoyed to death by Pei Yan. There are over twenty thousand people on the battlefield, how is he supposed to find Modou?!

    -----

    ¡°Supreme Commander!¡± a personal soldier pointed towards the northeast direction. ¡°It¡¯s the Wolf g of the Northern Hu!¡± Lou Zigui looked in the same direction and saw the huge embroidered wolf g as well.

    ¡°Modou is heading towards the northeast direction!¡± another general eximed. Lou Zigui ordered, ¡°Let¡¯s move to the southwest.¡± Would Modou raise his g to seek his own death? Obviously not. The Wolf King of the Northern Hu must be trying to create a diversion.

    The fierce battlested until the very next morning. By then, the moat waspletely dyed red from human blood. At the faint light of dawn, Lou Zigui aimed an arrow at Modou, who was d in gold armour.

    The ck Frost Cavalry also released their arrows in session. The arrows rained down on the road where the Northern Hu were furiously riding towards. Despite wearing the golden armour, several arrows pierced through Modou¡¯s back. Nheless, he continued to ride fiercely for a few kilometers before falling from his horse.

    When the Northern Hu soldiers charging ahead noticed Modou falling off his horse, they frantically tried to turn their horses around and started another intense battle with the ck Frost Cavalry. Lou Zigui saw a few Northern Hu soldiers supporting Modou up his horse and felt that something wasn¡¯t right. Even if the situation is dangerous, how could these Northern Hu men not even bother to check whether Modou was dead or alive?

    At this moment, Deng Rong made his way to the center of the Northern Hu and swung his sword to cut off Modou¡¯s head. The ck Frost Cavalry let out a series of cheers. But when Deng Rong saw the face of Modou, his expression changed and he shook his head at Lou Zigui. This person was not Modou!

    Lou Zigui looked towards the forest beside him and saw that many of the Northern Hu and rebel forces ran into it. Most likely, the real Wolf King had also escaped into the forest.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Deng Rong shouted. ¡°Kill,¡± Lou Ziguimanded. On the official road, roughly a thousand ck Frost Cavalry soldiers in five hundred Northern Hu soldiers.

    ¡°Now that Modou has entered the forest, how are we going to find him?¡± Song Jin lowered his voice to ask Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Since we can¡¯t find him, then forget it,¡± Lou Zigui instructed without looking at the bodies on the ground, ¡°We are returning to the capital.¡±

    Meanwhile, the troops guarding Xiang Nong had already retreated five kilometers away from the capital. A soldier on horseback ran up to Xiang Nong and whispered, ¡°Great Lord, Senior General Chen reported that Young Lord has left with the troops. Senior General Chen also requests Great Lord to quickly retreat. He will dy the Destruction Prisoner Army for as long as he can.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Xiang Wanwan shrieked next to Xiang Nong, ¡°My brother would never leave us!¡± The soldier who sent the message was bewildered by Xiang Wanwan.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Xiang Nong said gravely, ¡°Everyone has their own path, just let him go.¡± They were the biggest losers of this battle. The infantry lost out when they fought against the cavalry and their tired soldiers lost out when they fought against the Destruction Prisoner Army.

    Other than obtaining the jade seal, Xiang Nong couldn¡¯t find any benefits from this bloodshed. His son is dead and his adopted son rebelled. What is the use of having the jade seal?

    ¡°Father!¡± Xiang Wanwan burst into tears. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xiang Nong ordered. ¡°Great Lord,¡± Niu Nanning called out with two ck eyes, ¡°You¡¯re just going to let Xiang Tiange off like that?¡±

    Before Xiang Nong could reply, Xiang Wanwan stared poisonously at Niu Nanning. Furiously, she shouted, ¡°It¡¯s your fault! If it weren¡¯t for you, my big bro wouldn¡¯t have left!¡± After shouting those words, Xiang Wanwan raised her sword to sh Niu Nanning.

    ¡°Eldest Miss!¡± Niu Nanning¡¯s guards frantically raised their swords to parry Xiang Wanwan¡¯s blow. Seeing the de so close to him, Niu Nanning¡¯s face nched.

    ¡°Imbecile!¡± Xiang Nong raised his hand and seized Xiang Wanwan¡¯s sword. Throwing it on the ground, he roared, ¡°If you want to die, I¡¯ll help you!¡±

    Xiang Wanwan continued to stare at Niu Nanning with contempt before suddenly taking off on her horse. There will be future opportunities. She will never let Niu Nanning off!

    ¡°Advisor Niu, my girl doesn¡¯t know better. Please pardon her behaviour.¡± Xiang Nong apologised to Niu Nanning. Advisor Niu wanted to speak up but he didn¡¯t dare to. He felt like he ate a goldthread flowering nt and it was bitter beyond belief. He couldn¡¯t help but foresee that his future in the rebel forces would be filled with hardship.

 Chapter 364: The empty and lonely imperial palace

    <h4>Chapter 364: The empty and lonely imperial pce</h4>

    The sounds of battle continued on until the next afternoon before it slowly faded out. Arge number of troops entered the forest next to the official road and began their search. Before long, piles of bodies could be seen.

    Lou Zigui tried to rush back to the capital but was slowed down by the war. He only managed to arrive at the capital with a small cavalry of soldiers at dusk. The capital was surrounded by white banners.

    Elder Li and the others at the city walls were all in mourning attire. Seeing white everywhere, Lou Zigui immediately panicked. Whose death would cause the whole capital to mourn? Lou Zigui was afraid of the answer.

    On his horse, Lou Zigui was greeted coldly by Elder Li, ¡°It must have been a tough journey, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Lou Zigui remained dazed on his horse until Song Jin called out to him. Flipping to dismount his horse, Lou Zigui¡¯s body trembled and he nearly fell off. Fang Tang saw the imperial ministers watching them and meekly asked, ¡°Who are you all m.. mourning for?¡±

    The sound of hooves travelled over and Pei Yan halted his horse beside Lou Zigui, ¡°His Majesty has passed.¡±

    Lou Zigui snapped his head to look at Elder Li. Elder Li nodded once. The piercing cold breeze blew past the city walls and caused all the white banners to make a rustling sound. This was exactly the replica of the scene inside the funeral hall of the Lou estate years ago. Lou Zigui felt as if he had fallen into the Yellow Springs (aka hell). He had no idea where his body was.

    Fang Tang was rooted on the spot. He wanted to speak up but his face felt like it was on fire and he really wished he could hide in a hole. Pei Yan got off his horse. Second Young Master Pei wasn¡¯t dressed in mourning attire and only wore battle armour. Staring at Lou Zigui, he asked, ¡°Supreme Commander, how many days does it take to get from Anyuan to the capital?¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t bring himself to say anything.

    ¡°The Duke of Yue¡¯s Destruction Prisoner Army arrived on the same day as you guys,¡± Pei Yan sneered, ¡°I didn¡¯t realise Anyuan and Fengzhou were the same distance from the capital.¡±

    ¡°W-we,¡± Fang Tang tried to exin with difficulty, ¡°We were dyed by some enemy troops while we were on our way.¡± Pei Yan raised his eyebrow and the tip of his brows contained a hint of mockery. Fang Tang¡¯s face burned even hotter. ¡°His Majesty...¡± Lou Zigui stuttered, ¡°How did His Majesty die?¡±

    ¡°He waited too long for the auxiliary troops to arrive,¡± Pei Yan replied, ¡°To protect themon people, His Majesty risked his life and died on the battlefield. Even the jade seal was taken away by the rebel forces.¡±

    Someone started sobbing quietly and quickly spread through the crowd, causing amotion. ¡°Enter the capital,¡± Pei Yan¡¯s voice remained icy, ¡°Whatever has happened, has already happened and talking about it won¡¯t change anything.¡±

    ncing at Lou Zigui who was still dazed on his horse, Elder Li told Pei Yan, ¡°That¡¯s enough. You can go to the south gate to look for the Duke of Yue.¡±

    ¡°The Duke of Yue personally brought the troops here?¡± Pei Yan eximed. Initially, he thought that it was First Young Master Ning. He would¡¯ve never thought that the Duke of Yue would personally lead the troops here.

    Elder Li nodded, ¡°We will follow behind. You can go first.¡± Pei Yan didn¡¯t look back at Lou Zigui and mounted his horse. Then, he headed towards the south gate.

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± Fang Tang quietly called out to Lou Zigui. They can¡¯t stand here forever right?

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Elder Li murmured, ¡°This old man wants to ask, where is Modou now?¡± Lou Zigui let out a breath, ¡°Modou escaped into the forest beside the official road. My soldiers are still after him.¡±

    Elder Li turned around. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll talk more in the capital.¡± Lou Zigui looked up to the streets in front of him and could only see the white banners. Elder Li got on the sedan and an official outside the sedan quietly whispered to him, ¡°Elder, Supreme Commander is still standing there.¡±

    ¡°Go to the south wall,¡± Elder Limanded. What¡¯s the point of showing regret now?! His Majesty is already dead!!!

    The officials outside the capital walls all left in a hurry but Lou Zigui and his troops continued to stand outside the barren city gate. The scene was lonely and gloomy but no one cared.

    ¡°Are we still entering the capital?¡± Fang Tang asked Supreme Commander. Lou Zigui stood around nkly for a while. Suddenly, he mounted his horse and rode towards the pce. How could he believe that Miss Ning is dead without going to the imperial pce and confirming with his own eyes?!

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Fang Tang hastily mounted his horse and called out to the troops to keep up. Now that the imperial pce had lost its monarch, it also seemed to have lost the dragon air. On this day, the colour of the sunset was dull, as if it was depleted of life.

    Empress Dowager Xie was currently sitting in the Xi Yan Pce. This was the pce that she had resided in while she was a concubine. Empress Dowager Xie hadn¡¯t been back here since she was crowned the Empress Dowager.

    Before Ning Xiaoyao left the pce, she had ordered people to let the Empress Dowager go and to give her some gold taels. Ning Xiaoyao wanted to free Empress Dowager Xie so she could seek her own path. Empress Dowager Xie stood in front of the pce gates for a night and eventually ended up in the Xi Yan Pce.

    An hour after the sounds of fighting ceased, Empress Dowager finally got up from the seat. Walking towards the dressing table, she wanted tob and prepare her hair. It wasn¡¯t until she stood in front of the copper mirror that she realised her hair was already gone.

    ¡°Where can I go?¡± Empress Dowager Xie asked her reflection. Her n was gone. The man who loved and spoilt her was dead. The daughter who hated her but provided for her was also dead. Her son was forcefully taken from her and she had no idea where he was, or if he was even still alive. She had been fighting for her whole life but in the end, Empress Dowager Xie looked around and realised that the pce was massive but also incredibly empty.

    Empress Dowager Xie could imagine all her female victimsing together and making fun of her. She had been cursed by countless of people to suffer a fate worse than death. Who would have thought that she would really be living a life worse than death?

    After half an hourter, Mute Nanny opened the doors and saw the Empress Dowager had hung herself with her own bed sheets. Gold taels were scattered underneath her feet.

    Grandpa Ash ran across the beam. When she was living proudly, Empress Dowager Xie would never have imagined that she would end up like this. Who could be med for that?

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui pushed the doors into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bedchambers. The room was still the same as before, only the wardrobe was open and there were a few sets of clothes. Lou Zigui held the table and slowly sat down before waving for Fang Tang and the others to get out. ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Fang Tang stuttered, ¡°W-we were justte for a few days ah!¡±

    ¡°Get out,¡± Lou Zigui snapped. Fang Tang and the others retreated and even closed the doors for Lou Zigui.

    After being empty for a few days, the scent of the room waspletely different. Lou Zigui sat in the room for half a day and still couldn¡¯t find any traces of Ning Xiaoyao in the room.

    Meanwhile, at the south gate, the Duke of Yue eximed lifelessly, ¡°What?! His Majesty has passed?!¡± Pei Yan nodded.

    ¡°T-that¡¯s impossible!¡± Ning Xiaoluo yelled out, ¡°His Majesty¡¯s martial prowess is so high, how could the rebels and the Northern Hu be his match?! I don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    Pei Yan showed Ning Xiaoluo the white banners along the street behind him. Ning Xiaoluo stood in a daze before bursting into tears. The Duke of Yue just stared at his firstborn son. ¡°Is this real?¡± Duke of Yue asked First Young Master Ning. First Young Master Ning turned to look at the streets before turning back with redden eyes and nodding.

    The Duke of Yue stood in a daze for a while before exploding in rage. Grabbing on to Pei Yan¡¯s robes, he hollered, ¡°How did His Majesty die? You have to give this old man an exnation!¡±

    ¡°Father,¡± First Young Master Ning rushed to pull his father¡¯s hands away. The Duke of Yue loosened his grip and stared at Pei Yan with bloodshot eyes, ¡°Speak, what happened?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty waited too long for the auxiliary troops to arrive. His Majesty risked his life for the people and left the capital to distract the Northern Hu and the rebel forces,¡± Pei Yan exined, ¡°No one thought His Majesty would be defeated.¡±

    First Young Master Ning roared, ¡°Even if we couldn¡¯t arrive in time, why did Lou Zigui and the ck Frost Cavalry arrive sote?¡± Pei Yan nced at First Young Master Ning, ¡°His Majesty received news that Lou Zigui wasn¡¯ting.¡±

    The Duke of Yue became even more confused, ¡°But.. hasn¡¯t Lou Zigui arrive?¡± First Young Master Ning replied dully, ¡°He has.. But he took too long.¡±

    ¡°Can you say it in a way that this old man understands?!¡± The Duke of Yue couldn¡¯t hold it in and shouted at his eldest son. ¡°If he waited for the capital to fall and His Majesty to die, Lou Zigui would have been able to seize the throne,¡± First Young Master Ning quietly muttered. The Duke of Yue fell into a daze again. Even Ning Xiaoluo forgot to cry.

    ¡°The country currently has no emperor,¡± Second Young Master Peimented, ¡°First Young Master, do you have any ns?¡±

    First Young Master Ning looked towards his father and little brother. ¡°What are you looking at this old man for?!¡± the Duke of Yue roared at his son again. The Duke of Yue really wanted to burst into tears, kill someone and destroy the capital. It would be best if he could use his life to trade for his daughter¡¯s life. Fifteen years ah. He only managed to sway his daughter twice before she was taken from him. And now, after travelling for over five hundred kilometers, his daughter was dead. Were the heavens ying with him?!

    ¡°The jade seal was taken away by the rebel forces,¡± Pei Yan told First Young Master Ning. ¡°What about His Majesty¡¯s body?¡± First Young Master Ning asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s no body,¡± Pei Yan lowered his voice, ¡°His Majesty¡¯s body was trampled on by horses and reduced to minced meat. Shadowgale and the others also apanied His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Father!¡± Ning Xiaoluo eximed. After hearing that his daughter¡¯s body was reduced to mince meat, the Duke of Yue couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer and fainted due to heartache.

    First Young Master Ning hurriedly squat down to catch the Duke of Yue and Pei Yan let the Duke of Yue use his thigh as a pillow. As for Third Young Master Ning, he was so frightened that he forgot to cry and could only stand at the side in a daze.

    After half a day, the Duke of Yue slowly regained consciousness and immediately started crying painfully and cursed, ¡°This old man wants to kill Xie Wenyuan. This old man will eventually will peel that old dog¡¯s skin!¡±

    Pei Yan heard the Duke of Yue¡¯s curses and his heart jumped. Looking up to First Young Master Ning, he gave him a questioning look. What did the Duke of Yue¡¯s curses mean? Has the Duke of Yue estate already discovered that His Majesty was a daughter from their estate?!

    First Young Master Ning wiped away his father¡¯s tears and lowered his voice, ¡°Father, there¡¯s no point being upset anymore.¡± The person is already dead, what¡¯s the point of being upset?

    ¡°Where is the dog, Xie Wenyuan?¡± the Duke of Yue furiously asked Pei Yan. ¡°He is now relying on help from the Northern Hu,¡± Pei Yan hurriedly replied. ¡°F*ck,¡± the Duke of Yue jumped up from the ground beforemanding, ¡°Mount your horses, follow this old man to the north gate.¡±

    ¡°Father, you want to kill your way there?¡± First Young Master Ning looked at his subordinates. The Destruction Prisoner Army was about to mount their horses but immediately stopped in their tracks. The Duke of Yue was currently delirious with fury and fiercely shouted, ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Not eating or drinking, resting or sleeping?¡± First Young Master Ning inquired. The Duke of Yue was stumped by his son. ¡°Dongfu,¡± First Young Master Ning called Third Young Master Ning, ¡°Follow father out of the capital for now. I will go to the pce to see Lou Zigui. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo replied, ¡°Big bro, why are you looking for Lou Zigui?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a person with bad character!¡± the Duke of Yue heard Lou Zigui¡¯s name and immediately explode with rage, ¡°What could you possibly have to say to that useless garbage?!¡±

 Chapter 365: Supreme Commander cries bitterly & the furious father

    <h4>Chapter 365: Supreme Commander cries bitterly & the furious father</h4>

    ¡°Wait for me outside the capital, Father,¡± First Young Master Ning insisted on meeting with Lou Zigui. After the Duke of Yue got on his horse, he whispered into his ear, ¡°Rest assure father, I will not let Lou Zigui off.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± the Duke of Yue grabbed his son. If he wants to beat someone up, they should go together ah! Since they can¡¯t get that dog Xie Wenyuan yet, they might as well first beat up Lou Zigui!

    ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry has already entered the capital,¡± First Young Master Ning continued whispering into the Duke of Yue¡¯s ear, ¡°We don¡¯t even know if Lou Zigui has anything up his sleeves. It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you still going?¡± the Duke of Yue hastily asked. First Young Master Ning looked at those behind his family and remained silent.

    The Duke of Yue wasn¡¯t stupid and immediately understood what his eldest son meant. With them waiting at the south gate, Lou Zigui would have to ask him for permission before killing his eldest son ah!

    ¡°Elder Li and the others have arrived,¡± Pei Yan added from behind the father and son duo. ¡°Father please tell Elder Li I¡¯ll be back.¡± First Young Master mounted his horse.

    ¡°Big bro!¡± Ning Xiaoluo shouted. First Young Master Ning sat on his horse and looked at his dumb little brother and suddenly blurted out, ¡°Dongfu can follow me to see Lou Zigui.¡±

    ¡°Ah? Ok.¡± Ning Xiaoluo heard that and immediately mounted his horse. Seeing both his sons ride away, the Duke of Yue wiped his eyes and slowly made his way down the bridge to greet Elder Li.

    ¡°What are we going to say when we see Lou Zigui? Are we going to give him a scolding?¡± On the way there, Ning Xiaoluo asked his big brother.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything. Just let Lou Zigui look at you.¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked dumbly, ¡°After seeing me, His Majesty will be alive again?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something I can finally tell you. Do you know why father rushed all the way here?¡± Ning Xiaoluo was puzzled. ¡°Because His Majesty saved my life? Father has said it before, I have to repay that favour no matter what it takes.¡±

    First Young Master Ning sighed and ryed to Ning Xiaoluo, ¡°Fifteen years ago, mother birthed a daughter in Grand Preceptor¡¯s estate...¡± Third Young Master Ning listened attentively to First Young Master Ning¡¯s story and stayed silent throughout.

    ¡°That¡¯s what happened,¡± First Young Master Ning finished the story. Third Young Master Ning touched his face and only uttered one sentence, ¡°No wonder.¡±

    ¡°Both of you take after mother,¡± First Young Master Ning stated. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you take her away while we were here?¡±

    After First Young Master Ning highlighted the resemnce to their mother, Ning Xiaoluo was set aze and instantly shouted, ¡°Why did you leave her in the capital!?¡± Tears glistened in First Young Master Ning¡¯s eyes. Lowering his voice, he muttered, ¡°Because I never thought things would end up like this.¡±

    ¡°You.. Did you tell His Majesty?¡± Third Young Master Ning trembled.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why ah?!¡± the fire that was repressed immediately red up again and Ning Xiaoluo passionately shouted. ¡°Because I couldn¡¯t do anything for her then,¡± First Young Master Ning helplessly replied, ¡°Even if I told her the truth, what¡¯s the point? Was His Majesty supposed to give me a title or rewards?¡±

    Third Young Master Ning stayed silent. An hourter, First Young Master Ning brought Third Young Master Ning to the courtyard away from Fang Tang¡¯s suspicious eyes. Pushing open the doors to the Supreme Splendor Hall, the two brothers walked into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bedroom.

    Lou Zigui looked up and saw First Young Master Ning on the first nce. On second nce, he saw Third Young Master Ning with red and swollen eyes. Lou Zigui frantically got up and smashed the chair onto the ground.

    ¡°Your.. Your Majesty?¡± Lou Zigui probed and called out to Third Young Master Ning. Third Young Master Ning looked at Lou Zigui with hatred in his eyes.

    ¡°You are not His Majesty,¡± Lou Zigui whispered dejectedly. Miss Ning would never look at him with those eyes.

    ¡°He is Ning Xiaoluo.¡± First Young Master crisply told Lou Zigui. So what Miss Ning said was true after all. Ning Xiaoluo really looked exactly like.. like her? Lou Zigui widened his eyes and his expression morphed from disbelief to panic.

    ¡°Wait for me outside.¡± First Young Master Ning patted Third Young Master Ning¡¯s shoulders. Third Young Master Ning turned to leave.

    ¡°Wait a second!¡± Lou Zigui called out.

    ¡°You¡¯re not the emperor yet,¡± Third Young Master Ning said erratically, ¡°You think you can order me around now? Pah! *spits on the ground*¡± After shouting at Lou Zigui, Third Young Master Ning mmed the door and left.

    ¡°You might feel that you don¡¯t owe His Majesty anything,¡± First Young Master Ning sat down on the opposite of Lou Zigui and slowly drawled, ¡°Perhaps that is so. His Majesty saved you once and you helped her resolve the division of the capital. The debts between you two have been settled. Thus, it doesn¡¯t matter why you took so long toe. Your motives are understandable. You are only human and the allure of the country is too seductive.¡±

    Lou Zigui remained still while he stared at First Young Master Ning. He wanted to speak but no words came out. ¡°I brought Dongfu to meet you,¡± First Young Master Ning continued, ¡°Because I wanted to let you know about the past. His Majesty is my Duke of Yue¡¯s Fourth Young Miss. Fifteen years ago, my mother gave birth to a girl on the same day as Empress Dowager Xie in the Grand Preceptor estate. The little princess must have died during childbirth. Xie Wenyuan used my sister to rece that little princess.¡±

    Lou Zigui slowly retreated and lowered himself down to a chair.

    ¡°She and Dongfu both take after my mother. They are very simr.¡± Lou Zigui opened his mouth but nothing came out.

    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you this to make you guilty and upset. His Majesty is not a male and also not of royal descent. She is the Fourth Young Miss of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. Of course, I could just be making a mountain out of a molehill. Perhaps, Supreme Commander is not guilty and upset at all,¡± First Young Master Ning got up from the chair and looked at Lou Zigui, ¡°Currently, the throne has no owner. I should congratte Supreme Commander in advance.¡±

    First Young Master turned to leave. ¡°We¡¯re leaving just like that?¡± Third Young Master Ning shouted indignantly from outside the door, ¡°Big bro, are we just going to let it go like this?!¡±

    Sounds of footsteps faded. Ning Moyuan must have took Ning Xiaoluo away. Immediately, the door opened again and Fang Tang ran into the Supreme Splendor Hall. ¡°Get out!¡± Lou Zigui screamed.

    ¡°The Ning brothers...¡±

    ¡°Get out!¡± Lou Zigui furiously roared. Fang Tang could only retreat.

    The Duke of Yue¡¯s Fourth Young Miss, Fourth Young Miss... Lou Zigui kept chanting these three words and couldn¡¯t help butugh to himself. He mocked himself for being too stupid. Mocked himself for being obsessed with power.

    In the end, Lou Zigui could no longer hold back as his mouth quivered and water dripped on his hands. Anyuan¡¯s Supreme Commander sat in the empty pce room and wept bitterly.

    Meanwhile, in another chamber, Prince Fu¡¯s servants were packing Prince Fu¡¯s luggage. A few imperial princes stood in front of him. After staring at each other for a long time, Third Prince finally opened his mouth, ¡°Imperial Uncle, you¡¯re going to leave?¡±

    Prince Fu stared coldly at the princes before him, ¡°The capital gates are open now, why would I stay?¡±

    ¡°But His Majesty is already gone... If you leave as well, we...¡± Prince Fu waved his hand to stop Third Prince from continuing, ¡°Have you already forgotten my scolding from the other day?¡±

    Third Prince forced a smile, ¡°I know that Imperial Uncle only said that in a fit of rage.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t in a fit of rage,¡± Prince Fu sighed, ¡°I have no ability to be the emperor. So, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Imperial Uncle ah!¡± the princes eximed simultaneously.

    ¡°Currently, all the troops in the capital lie in the possession of Pei Yan and Chen Lu,¡± Prince Fu continued, ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s ck Frost Cavalry is located just outside the north gate. The Duke of Yue¡¯s Destruction Prisoner Army is waiting outside the south gate. Aside from that, the Lord Protector still has the troops from thirty-six barracks. Xu Jing is in Xiyuan City. You guys can test your abilities and try to gain possession of these troops.¡±

    Third Prince choked, ¡°Imperial Uncle, you must be joking.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not joking. Without troops, how are you going topete for the throne? Are you going to fight with the troops with your bodyguards?¡± The princes were stumped to silence by Prince Fu¡¯s words.

    ¡°His Majesty sent an imperial edict asking for rescue troops,¡± Prince Fu shook his head, ¡°I heard that the Destruction Prisoner Army didn¡¯t enter the capital. The Duke of Yue and his sons may be bringing their troops back to Fengzhou tonight.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re just leaving like that?¡± Fourth Prince asked. ¡°The nine states in the southwest is the Duke of Yue estate¡¯s haven,¡± Prince Fu icily stated, ¡°If they wanted to fight for the throne, it would definitely be better for them to start from Fengzhou.¡±

    ¡°This is a country belonging to our Ning n ah!¡± Third Prince anxiously yelled, ¡°Imperial Uncle, are we just going to hand over our ancestor¡¯s throne like this?!¡±

    ¡°I am useless trash,¡± Prince Fu sighed, ¡°You can protect the throne if you have the abilities.¡±

    Without troops in their possession, who would have the ability to fight for the throne? The imperial princes were at a loss for words.

    Prince Fu stood up and patted his robes. ¡°If you don¡¯t have the abilities, you should learn from me. Live incognito from now on and don¡¯t worry about the throne. Change your surname and live a peaceful life ah.¡±

    ¡°Imperial Uncle!¡± the imperial princes all got down on their knees. ¡°His Majesty was a good person,¡± Prince Fu sighed, ¡°Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t defeat his fate.¡± Prince Fu bypassed around the imperial princes before walking out of the pce hall.

    The imperial princes stayed on their knees for a long time before Third Prince blurted out, ¡°What are we going to do now?¡±

    ¡°With Lou Zigui and the other¡¯s greedy ambitions, wouldn¡¯t those scumbags think of killing us all?¡± Fifth Prince asked.

    The imperial princes got up from the ground and hastily ran out of the pce hall. Protect their ancestor¡¯s throne? Before they could protect the ancestor¡¯s throne, they had to find a way to protect their own lives!

    Outside the pce doors, Ning Xiaoluo turned to his big bro, ¡°The imperial princes are trying to escape now?¡±

    First Young Master Ning coldly replied, ¡°If they don¡¯t leave, they would be awaiting death.¡±

    ¡°You return to the estate!¡± Third Prince ordered his steward from outside the pce doors, ¡°Bring my wife and son. I.. I¡¯m going to leave the capital first. I¡¯ll be waiting for you outside the south gate.¡±

    The steward nodded in assent and ran towards the Third Prince¡¯s estate alone. Third Prince then brought his guards and ran towards the south gate.

    ¡°We are just going to let them off like this?¡± Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t have any interest in the imperial princes¡¯ affairs. But after seeing the Third Prince bringing his people away, he couldn¡¯t help but ask his big bro how exactly they were going to get revenge for His Majesty.

    First Young Master Ning replied, ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait here, you can go and fight to the death with Lou Zigui.¡±

    Third Young Master Ning made a face, How could he be Lou Zigui¡¯s opponent?

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for the Destruction Prisoner Army to be fighting the ck Frost Cavalry,¡± First Young Master Ning coldly uttered. Third Young Master Ning was still unconvinced and wanted to add on when he saw that his big bro had already turned his horse and was heading towards the south gate. Hastily shutting his mouth, he quickly followed behind him.

    An hourter, a military officer informed the Duke of Yue outside the south gate. ¡°Duke, Third Prince and Fifth Prince have left the capital.¡±

    The Duke of Yue didn¡¯t even lift his head, ¡°At this juncture, where can they go?¡±

    ¡°Duke¡¯s intention is?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do a good deed. We shouldn¡¯t let these nobles suffer. Let¡¯s send them off.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    Duke of Yue scoffed, ¡°You don¡¯t understand ah?¡± ¡°Understood,¡± the officer raised his voice and epted the order.

    Why did my precious daughter have to sacrifice her life for the throne? The Duke of Yue was currently like a bloodthirsty demon. Since my daughter is dead, none of the Imperial Ning n can dream of living!

 Chapter 366: A reunion in the Snow White Valley

    <h4>Chapter 366: A reunion in the Snow White Valley</h4>

    Third and Fifth Prince were shot to death outside the south gate. After experiencing so much death for the past few days, the soldiers at the gate were unfazed by it. The princes were shot down by arrows in session. By the time the soldiers realized what had happened, the horses the princes were riding on were shot to the ground by the Destruction Prisoner Army.

    Elder Li had already returned to his estate. When he found out about the death of Third and Fifth Prince, he closed his eyes and sat down for a long time before speaking to his disciples, ¡°You all should look for a new master.¡±

    ¡°Teacher!¡± everyone eximed. Elder Li waved his hand dismissively and lowered his voice, ¡°Leave.¡±

    On the same night, a housekeeper knocked and entered Elder Li¡¯s study room to report, ¡°Master, there is news from the capital saying that the ck Frost Cavalry is gathering their troops. Great General Chen says that they may be leaving the capital tonight.¡±

    After a long pause, Elder Li finally made a sound of assent. The housekeeper looked up and saw the faint light in study room before quietly retreating.

    Lou Zigui stood in the flower bed of the garden and held the white jade amulet in his hand. This was the item that he had instructed Shadowbolt to give Ning Xiaoyao. However, he found it hanging on the branch of a begonia nt.

    That means Miss Ning chose to throw the amulet away. To throw this charm away would mean that Miss Ning had given up on him when she left the capital.

    ¡°Supreme Commander is still in the garden?¡± a group of ck Frost Cavalry generals stood outside the courtyard while peeking in, yet did not have the courage to enter.

    ¡°Prince Fu and Fourth Prince have already left. Third and Fifth Prince have been shot dead under the Duke of Yue¡¯smand. Seventh Song ah, Supreme Commander still hasn¡¯t said anything?¡± Fang Tang was stunned.

    Song Jin hesitated for a long time before telling the generals to wait outside the courtyard for him as he entered the garden alone. Hearing the sound of footsteps, Lou Zigui tightened his grip on the amulet, clenching it tightly in his fist.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± Song Jin stood behind Lou Zigui, ¡°Supreme Commander, whether we stay or leave is up to you.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is already dead. What¡¯s the point of staying in the capital?¡± Lou Zigui bitterly stated. Song Jin felt better when he heard Lou Zigui¡¯s response. The worst must be over if Supreme Commander is willing to speak.

    ¡°Can I still die?¡± Lou Zigui turned to face Song Jin. The happiness that Song Jin felt quickly faded away. Coming to his senses, he fell onto his knees and frantically eximed, ¡°Supreme Commander, how could you say such a thing?!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t die,¡± Lou Zigui slowly made his way towards the courtyard, ¡°I¡¯ve never been able to live for the sake of myself anyway.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s tone sounded indifferent but Song Jin could suddenly hear the sorrow within those words.

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving the capital tonight,¡± Lou Ziguimanded without looking back. The amulet felt warm in his hand, but despite being surrounded by the generals under him, Lou Zigui felt incredibly lost and alone.

    Elder Li sat in the study room until the dawn. Eventually, he picked up a brush and wrote four words, chaos under the heavens. Elder Li¡¯s wife pushed open the doors of the study and walked to Elder Li. After seeing those four words, the old madam sighed, ¡°If His Majesty was still alive, what would the world be like now?¡±

    Elder Li did not say anything and rolled up the piece of paper before cing it over the candle me to burn. Watching the slip of paper burn, the old madam murmured, ¡°I heard that Lou Zigui sat in the Supreme Splendor Hall for a long time yesterday.¡±

    Elder Li snapped, ¡°He still has the nerve to sit in the Supreme Splendor Hall?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps he may have his own hidden reasons? Maybe he is suffering secretly.¡± the old madam suggested.

    ¡°Yeah ah,¡± Elder Li coldly replied, ¡°There¡¯s a big group of people relying on him to make a living. There is a huge group of people relying on him to ascend the throne. He has to think for those around him, and for his nephew, and even for his future children. He has to ount for thousands of people, yet he did not even spare a thought for His Majesty.¡±

    The old madam softly patted her old man¡¯s back. ¡°What do we do now?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see who will ultimately change the surname of the dynasty.¡±

    The old madam let out another long sigh. ¡°Prepare a few more paper money to burn for the dead,¡± Elder Li put out the candlelight and lowered his voice, ¡°For the first seven days, we have to burn enough for His Majesty, as well as for Shadowgale and the other guys to use.¡±

    The old madam nodded her head in assent. Watching the wisps of smoke rise from the ashes, the old madam couldn¡¯t help but think of the word ¡°annihtion¡±.

    The Yongning Dynasty waspletelyannihted. A monthter, many warlords were vying for supremacy. Thend of Yongning was ignited with wars and battles.

    Another month passed. Beyond the Great Walls in the wastnd, Ning Xiaoyao spat out the snow in her mouth before turning to Shadowgale and the others, ¡°The Snow Wolf Valley is just up ahead.¡±

    Shadowgale and the others looked into the distance. Lots of snow was swirling in the air and no matter how they hard they tried, they could only see snow. ¡°Lou Jing is currently in the hunting ground of the Snow Wolf Valley,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°Should we set off now or try to investigate our enemies first?¡±

    Shadowrain reminded, ¡°If it is Modou¡¯s hunting ground, there would definitely be guards, right?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± Ning Xiaoyao threw a sugar bean in her mouth and munched, ¡°There will definitely be someone guarding ah.¡±

    Shadowrain also felt that this question was dumb andughed to himself before confidently volunteering, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°I should go instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sniffed, ¡°None of you can outrun me.¡±

    Everyone: ... Although that was the truth, no one wanted to admit it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go first and quicklye back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t mount a horse and got ready to run off. Originally, Little White Fatty was rolling in the snow. But when he saw that Ning Xiaoyao was about to leave, he immediately howled and bit onto Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pants. Ning Xiaoyao could only pick up Little White Fatty and sighed, ¡°Can¡¯t you stay with Windy and the rest?¡±

    ¡°He wants to eat me, ao!¡± Little White Fatty lifted his paw and pointed towards Shadowthunder. Ning Xiaoyao paused for a moment before carrying Little White Fatty and taking off. This dumb thing had actually peed on Second Thunder. Little White Fatty was already incredibly lucky that Second Thunder hadn¡¯t peeled his skin off and eaten him yet.

    Little Gyrfalcon called out and flew up into the sky, leading the way for Ning Xiaoyao. The Dragon Guards watched as Ning Xiaoyao took off carrying Little White Fatty. Not only that, there was a mouse called Oil Jar on her head and a fat ck cat on her shoulder. Nheless, she was gone in a blink of an eye.

    ¡°My lightness abilities can¡¯t evenpare to a littledy,¡± Shadowthunder sighed dejectedly. Shadowgale raised his hand to smack Shadowthunder¡¯s head. Did he really have to remind them that they were all inferior to the littledy?!

    After watching Shadowthunder get hit, the Dragon Guardsughed and rejoiced at his misfortune. Now that they were no longer in the pce, they unknowingly felt a lot more rxed and lively. ¡°We¡¯re just going to wait here?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    ¡°Mount your horses,¡± Shadowgalemanded, ¡°We¡¯ll follow along.¡± Even if they couldn¡¯t catch up to His Majesty, they still had to follow behind. How could they actually let His Majesty go to the White Wolf Valley alone?!

    The strong winds blew from the wastnds as a snow storm began. The snow storm made it difficult for Shadowgale and the others to even open their eyes.

    Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t affected by the snowstorm and allowed Little Gyrfalcon to crouch on her other shoulder before running all the way to the Snow Wolf Valley in one breath. After seeing that the valley entrance was empty, Ning Xiaoyao dashed right in.

    ¡°Wow, it¡¯s huge ah!¡± Oil Jar peeked out from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s robes, only revealing his eyes. The Snow Wolf Valley was incrediblyrge and it was impossible to see the other end of the ins whilst standing at the entrance.

    ¡°There¡¯s movement up ahead!¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned her head to listen, ¡°But they¡¯re pretty far from where we are.¡±

    ¡°There aren¡¯t any wolves here ah,¡± Big Boss ck meowed, ¡°Why is this ce called the Snow Wolf Valley?¡±

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. This is also her first time here okay?! Just then, wolves howled from both sides of the valley.

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...

    Oil Jar squeaked, ¡°ck Tubby, it¡¯s obviously called the Snow Wolf Valley because there are wolves here ah!¡±

    Big Boss ck: ... He was just curious. He didn¡¯t want to see any wolves ah!

    Several grey wolves jumped down the cliff. Upon seeing them, the wolves stared nkly at the strange group consisting of Ning Xiaoyao, Oil Jar and the others. ¡°Hello there!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved at the grey wolves.

    ¡°This ninny looks kinda stupid,¡± one of the grey wolves told hispanions, ¡°Should we bite her to death and eat her meat?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao fell silent. Did they have to be so savage?!

    ¡°She does look quite stupid,¡± a grey wolf that could only see with its right eye observed Ning Xiaoyao for a few moments before concluding.

    ¡°You¡¯re the stupid one, your whole family is stupid!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was furious. The grey wolves were shocked by Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s reaction. This dumb ninny could understand them?!

    At this moment, three white wolves and over ten grey wolves jumped down from the cliff and surrounded Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group. ¡°Can we even run away?¡± Big Boss ck asked Ning Xiaoyao warily.

    Ning Xiaoyao stared at the white wolf standing in front of her. ¡°I don¡¯t know why this wolf looks so familiar to me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been out of the country?!¡± Big Boss ck lifted his paw and smacked Ning Xiaoyao. When will this ninny be smarter?! ¡°Ao!¡± Little White Fatty buried his face in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bosom, ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯m scared...!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was exasperated. You¡¯re also a white wolf ah...!!

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± At this moment, the white wolf called out to Xiaoyao. ¡°Peach?¡± Ning Xiaoyao also eximed. The white wolf ran to Ning Xiaoyao quickly before proiming happily, ¡°It¡¯s really Xiaoyao ah!¡±

    ¡°Ai ma!¡± Ning Xiaoyao breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, she didn¡¯t have to fight the wolves this time. ¡°Big Boss ck?¡± Peach peered at the one sitting on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Meow~¡± Big Boss ck greeted Peach. Peach looked at the wolf in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms and excitedly howled, ¡°Xiaoyao, is this my son?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao turned and ced Little White Fatty on the ground. ¡°Little White Fatty, quick! Take a look! This is your mummy, ah!¡±

    Little White Fattyid his stomach on the ground with his head buried in the snow and butt high up in the air. Covering his face with his front paws, he slowly peeked to look at the big white wolf.

    ¡°This is my other son?¡± a white wolf walked over from behind Xiaoyao and asked Peach. ¡°This is little brother?¡± another small white wolf ran over asking, ¡°Why is he trembling?¡±

    Big Boss ck quietly whispered to Xiaoyao, ¡°Look what you¡¯ve raised their child to be... do you think Peach will bite you to death?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: (¡Ñ£ß¡Ñ£») Would Lil Peach believe it if she said she didn¡¯t mean it?!

    ¡°Little White Fatty?¡± Peach raise her paw and patted Little White Fatty¡¯s head, ¡°That¡¯s your name?¡± Little White Fatty quietly made a sound of assent.

    ¡°He¡¯s really quite fat,¡± Little White Fatty¡¯s elder brother smacked his little brother¡¯s butt. Even without using any strength, Little White Fatty ended up tumbling.

    ¡°I think we should run...¡± Oil Jar started adding his opinion too. Peach will definitely want to bite Xiaoyao to death.

 Chapter 367: The wolves attack

    <h4>Chapter 367: The wolves attack</h4>

    ¡°I can exin.¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head to face Peach. Then, she observed Little White Fatty¡¯s brother and Little White Fatty whom she had raised. Ning Xiaoyao felt deeply apologetic towards Peach.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, thank you for raising Little White Fatty!¡± Peach thanked Ning Xiaoyao instead. ¡°I was wrong!¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt like crying. She really did not expect that Little White Fatty to turn out so differently from his pack.

    Peach walked towards Ning Xiaoyao and affectionately rubbed her mouth against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face. ¡°This is Xiaoyao I have mentioned to you about. She saved me and Little White Fatty in the past.¡± Peach told therger white wolf next her.

    The big white wolf looked at Ning Xiaoyao and introduced himself, ¡°I am Wei.¡± ¡°I am Ning Xiaoyao.¡± Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand towards Wei.

    ¡°I am Oil Jar.¡± ¡°Big Boss ck.¡± ¡°Little Gyrfalcon.¡± The other animals quickly introduced themselves.

    ¡°I am Wu.¡± Little White Fatty¡¯s brother introduced himself. Ning Xiaoyao and the rest looked at Little White Fatty, who was lying on his stomach. He resembled neither Wei nor Wu.

    ¡°His courage iscking,¡± Wei patted Little White Fatty on his head a few times and told Peach, ¡°Train him for a few days and he should be fine.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Peach nodded. Ning Xiaoyao and the rest of the animal friends looked at Little White Fatty with sympathy. There will be tough days ahead for Little White Fatty. ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Little White Fatty stood up from the snowy ground and howled, attempting to run to her.

    Wu lifted his paws and with one swat, Little White Fatty was t on the ground again. Ning Xiaoyao and the rest looked away, pretending not to see anything. Although they felt heartbroken, they could not interfere with this.

    Little White Fatty wanted to cry. Hey! You guys can¡¯t abandon me like that!

    ¡°Xiaoyao, why are you here?¡± Peach sat down in front of Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°We came to rescue a person from the hunting ground up ahead.¡± Upon hearing Peach asking about their business, Ning Xiaoyao immediately turned serious. ¡°Peach, are you guys aware of a person named Lou Jing?¡±

    Peach shook her head and looked at Wei. Wei asked his subordinates, ¡°Do you guys know?¡±

    The pack of wolves shook their head. ¡°He is a ve,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to exin, ¡°His face was disfigured by the Northern Hu, and he has no tongue. His right hand and left leg are crippled.¡±

    Wei cocked his head. ¡°A Yongning citizen?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Oil Jar squeaked.

    ¡°There is indeed such a person in the hunting ground. Every ten to fifteen days, the Northern Hu will chase him out into the sunlight. We have seen him before. His face is uglier than a hyena.¡±

    ¡°He was disfigured,¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately objected, ¡°Lou Jing used to be very handsome in the past!¡±

    ¡°Why is he being chase out into the sunlight?¡± Big Boss ck was more astute than Ning Xiaoyao and asked Wei, ¡°He usually doesn¡¯t see the sun?¡±

    ¡°He is being imprisoned in the dungeons,¡± Wei exined, ¡°If you want to save him, you have to go into the dungeons.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s extremely dangerous.¡± Peach cautioned. Ning Xiaoyao caught a few fluttering snowkes. ¡°In this weather, it is unlikely that the Northern Hu will let Big Brother Lou out of the dungeons.¡±

    ¡°He is as good as dead. Xiaoyao, I can help you to bite him to death.¡± Wei growled.

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...nooooo!!!

    ¡°Are there many Northern Hu men in the hunting ground?¡± Big Boss ck asked. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of them, but fewer than my pack of wolves.¡± Wei replied.

    ¡°Wei is the most powerful wolf of the wastnd.¡± Peach looked at Ning Xiaoyao and exined.

    Since her hubby is the Big Boss Wolf of the wastnd, why did Peach choose to go all the way into the forests near the capital to give birth? Ning Xiaoyao looked at Peach and then nced at the imposing Wei, whose height was beyond her waist-level. She made a wise decision then and there - she would not ask this question.

    ¡°Would you like me to help?¡± Wei asked Ning Xiaoyao again. ¡°I want Big Brother Lou to survive.¡± Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palms. ¡°Can you not bite him to death?¡±

    Wei and Peach exchanged nces with each other. The wolves know to pay a debt of gratitude. Hence, Wei said to Xiaoyao, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s y a higher stake game instead.¡±

    ¡°A higher stake?¡± ¡°I will lead our pack of wolves and attack the hunting ground. Xiaoyao, you can take this time to go into the dungeon to save that person. Wu knows where the dungeon is. He can show you the way.¡±

    ¡°Are you nning to bite all the Northern Hu men to death?¡± Little Gyrfalcon asked.

    ¡°It is not possible to bite them all to death.¡± Wei was a very realistic wolf boss. He was well aware of their limits. Ning Xiaoyao let out a breath of relief. It would be too cruel to bite them all to death!

    ¡°How will you save him?¡± Wei questioned Xiaoyao. ¡°Wait, what are you all doing here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao responded with a question. Surely the wolves¡¯ den was not at the cliff?

    Wei was silent for a moment. Although he still looked majestic, Ning Xiaoyao could see that he was a bit embarrassed. ¡°What is the matter?¡± Xiaoyao turned to Peach.

    ¡°It is snowing now. Our wolf pups need meat to survive. We intend to attack the hunting ground tonight.¡± Since Peach did not consider Ning Xiaoyao as an outsider, she exined the n without hesitation. ¡°You came at the right time.¡± Wei informed Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao felt that she definitely came at an apt time. However she wanted to rify further. ¡°Are the wolves intending to attack humans for meat?¡± ¡°How could the delicious meat of the cows or goats bepared to human meat?¡± Wei was disgusted. Ning Xiaoyao felt she was out of line, and decided to keep quiet.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you join us tonight?¡± Peach invited Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Okay.¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded.

    ¡°Someone¡¯sing!¡± a sentinel wolf called out. ¡°Let¡¯s meet here after dark.¡± Wei suggested to Ning Xiaoyao. Just as Little White Fatty attempted to jump onto Ning Xiaoyao, Wei held him by the scruff of his neck. Then, Wei departed with the rest of his pack.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, aooooo~¡± Little White Fatty cried out pitifully. ¡°We will meet tonight. Listen to your parents!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hollered to Little White Fatty. Now that the Big Boss Wolf¡¯s family has reunited, she no longer had any reason to take Little White Fatty with her.

    Meanwhile, Shadowgale and the rest of the group rode hard on their horses and arrived shortly. Fresh wolf paw prints could still be seen on the snowy ground. Shadowgale noticed them and immediately raise his alertness. He dismounted and asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°There were wolves here?¡±

    ¡°Little White Fatty¡¯s parents came,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was reluctant to part with Little White Fatty and sighed, ¡°They took Little White Fatty away.¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest: ... The snow pup that His Majesty adopted from the forests near the capital? His biological parents are from the Snow Wolf Valley? How bizarre!

    ¡°Little White Fatty¡¯s father is the Big Boss Wolf here. He is a gigantic snow wolf.¡± Ning Xiaoyao gesticted an estimation of his size. ¡°I have already made a deal with Little White Fatty¡¯s father. The wolves will attack the hunting ground tonight, while we go into the dungeons to save Lou Jing.¡±

    ¡°You made an agreement with a wolf?¡± Shadowrain was bbergasted. ¡°Yes, ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied. The Dragon Guards did not know how to respond. His Majesty could speak to wolves?

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for dusk,¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hand, ¡°I am hungry. Let¡¯s find a ce to prepare food first.¡± Ning Xiaoyao led the whole group out of the valley and didn¡¯t give them a chance to voice any furtherments.

    ¡°Is this for real?¡± While they were searching for a ce to take shelter from the snowstorm, Shadowbolt whispered to his brother. Shadowgale replied, ¡°If the wolves really appear tonight, we will simply follow them into the hunting ground.¡±

    Shadowbolt¡¯s mouth twitched. True, this is a simple matter. Why is he making it soplicated?

    After sunset, the snowstorm continued to rage on. The wind carried the howls far away as answering howls echoed indefinitely around the valley. However, since the pack of wolves weren¡¯t visible, it gave people goose bumps.

    ¡°Holy sh*t! There are so many wolves!¡± a Dragon Guard eximed. Although he knew that the pack of wolves would not hurt him, he instinctively reached for his knife and held onto it. The rest of the Dragon Guards did the same.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, I hope we will both seed on our mission.¡± Wei looked at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Mmhm.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuck her hand out. Wei looked at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. He did not understand her gesture.

    Oh right. This wolf is not Little White Fatty. How would the Big Boss Wolf understand how to shake hand with a human! Retracting her hand, she responded, ¡°Wei, you guys have to be careful. Northern Hu men are pretty ferocious.¡±

    ¡°I know. This isn¡¯t our first time doing something like this.¡± Ning Xiaoyao suddenly felt that people from the ins have it hard.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, I will lead you guys to the back so you can bypass them.¡± Wu ran ahead and told Ning Xiaoyao to follow him. ¡°Where is Little White Fatty?¡± Before departing, Ning Xiaoyao did not forget to ask about her Little White Fatty.

    ¡°He is in the wolves¡¯ den.¡± Wei replied, ¡°The little guy is too weak. He cannot follow us to the hunting ground.¡± Scratching her head, Ning Xiaoyao decided that she will avoid all topics regarding Little White Fatty. She felt that she had let down both Wei and Peach.

    -----

    As wolf howls surrounded the valley, the people in the hunting ground started to feel anxious. ¡°I knew it!¡± the manager of the hunting ground snarled, ¡°After a few snowstorms, these bastards are here again! Get the men to prepare. We¡¯re going to ughter them all!

    Thundering drums quickly rang out from the hunting ground. When the men hadpleted the formation of their defence, the packs of wolves appeared around the fences of the hunting ground. They were so numerous that they covered the entire ce, causing the men in the hunting ground to suspect that the entire wolf poption was here.

    Ning Xiaoyao and her group followed Wu to the back fence on the left side of the hunting ground. There was a man-made deep ditch. Since the wolves could not jump over such a wide gap, there was nobody guarding this side of the hunting ground.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, are you guys able to get across? My mother told me you are amazing.¡± Wu asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°No problem!¡± Ning Xiaoyao picked up Wu and jumped straight over the deep trench.

    Wu had never been up close and personal with a human before. When Xiaoyao picked him up, his fur stood on ends. However, he forgot his uneasiness when he realised he had prated over the fence with Ning Xiaoyao. He looked at Ning Xiaoyao with admiration, ¡°Xiaoyao, you can fly!¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest flipped over the fence. Wu was dumbfounded. ¡°All of you can fly?¡±

    ¡°We humans have no wings, so we can¡¯t fly. We were using the lightness technique.¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted Wu on head. ¡°Are we heading to the dungeons?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Wu regained his focus and led Ning Xiaoyao further into the hunting ground. A long and deste shrill howl came from the front of the hunting ground followed by a series of wolf howls. The humans in the hunting ground started to shout, ¡°Kill!¡±

    ¡°They are fighting now.¡± Wu told Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Those sounds indeed suggested that the fight have begun.

    ¡°Why is nobody here?¡± Shadowgale asked.

    ¡°They have hidden the women, the children and the old ones underground.¡± Wu exined to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°These cowardly human beings.¡±

    Shadowrain asked, ¡°Your Majesty, is the wolf talking to you?¡± Ning Xiaoyao chuckled. She felt that she was unable to trante what the wolf said.

    Wu took Ning Xiaoyao and the rest across the east-west line of the hunting ground and stopped in front of a row of small houses made of worn out wood and felt cloth. ¡°The servants live here. The ves are living in the caves behind the houses.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Shadowgale. She suddenly felt very anxious now that she was about to meet Lou Jing. Heavens know what condition he was in.

 Chapter 368: Warmth on a stormy snowy night

    <h4>Chapter 368: Warmth on a stormy snowy night</h4>

    ¡°He¡¯s behind the building,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at the dpidated house in front of them. Shadowgale didn¡¯t say anything aside from cing Ning Xiaoyao behind him. Peeking from behind Shadowgale, Ning Xiaoyao saw the door of the wooden house was left ajar and ady with an extremely dirty face was staring dazedly at them.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been discovered,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered. A few of the Dragon Guard nocked their arrows and got ready to shoot the olddy before she could shout for help. The olddy fiercely retreated and mmed the wooden door shut.

    ¡°You, take a few people and stay here,¡± Shadowgale ordered Shadowrain, ¡°If anyone shouts, kill them immediately.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shadowrain epted the order. Ning Xiaoyao could only hope that the people in the wooden house wouldn¡¯t shout, while diligently running to the back of the wooden house with Wu. There was a torch lying in the snow and Wu stopped beside this torch. ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly swept all the snow away and a stone b appeared.

    ¡°There should be a mechanism to open it right?¡± Shadowbolt squatted beside Ning Xiaoyao and questioned. Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips and reached into a small gap on the b before pulling the entire b out and throwing it to the side.

    The Dragon Guard:... Every time they witness His Majesty¡¯s incredible strength, they feel ashamed of themselves.

    After the b was removed, there was a hole where it used to be. It was dark and unlit, and cold air could be felt from the deepest part. ¡°How the f*ck could this be a ce be suitable for a human to live in?!¡± Shadowthunder cursed. Ning Xiaoyao turned her head to listen into the hole. ¡°There¡¯s someone inside.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go first,¡± Shadowgale said and immediately headed into the chasm.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go instead,¡± Ning Xiaoyao climbed down the wooden steps in the hole and jumped directly into the abyss. Wuid on the snow-covered ground and waited for Xiaoyao to save the ve. He still has to lead these humans back outter.

    The stench in the abyss was unbearable but Ning Xiaoyao was unaffected as she was someone who had experienced the smell of zombies. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s attention was solely focused on a corner of the stone wall. A tall and incredibly skinny man was sitting with his body scrunched up against the corner. Ning Xiaoyao purposely stamped on the ground twice but the man in the corner didn¡¯t react.

    Is he also deaf?

    Ning Xiaoyao ran towards the man and pushed aside the hair covering his face. After seeing his face, Ning Xiaoyao bit her lip. His face was burnt beyond recognition and all his skin had regrown after the fire. As a result, his skin was ck and his facial features were also distorted as his lips were burnt away and teeth were exposed. His current condition was worse than some zombies she had seen in her previous life.

    Just then, the man moved slightly but still didn¡¯t make any sound. ¡°Big Bro Lou Jing!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled. Hearing his name, the man¡¯s body violently shook.

    ¡°I am a Yongning citizen. I¡¯m here to save you!¡± Ning Xiaoyao said while spreading out the quilt she brought along and wrapping Lou Jing with it. Lou Jing slightly moved in the nket. Perhaps he wanted to speak but he was currently too weak to say anything.

    Since Ning Xiaoyao was pregnant with a baby, her superpowers were weaker than usual. With difficulty, she managed to use some power to heal Lou Jing¡¯s face a little. But even after Lou Jing¡¯s face absorbed the pale green light, it didn¡¯t react like the previous wounds under Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands and began healing immediately.

    ¡°It will be okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao carried Lou Jing and looked up towards the light above the hole before she continued, ¡°Everyone experiences some difficulties throughout their lifetime. Big Bro Lou, you can rest assure. With me around, there are no wounds that can¡¯t be healed.¡±

    Lou Jing remained silent on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulders. After hearing his heartbeat, Ning Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t too worried about something happening to Lou Jing. Taking a deep breath, Ning Xiaoyao jumped towards the entrance of the hole.

    Shadowgale and the others were waiting outside the chasm and upon seeing Ning Xiaoyao bring up a person wrapped in a quilt, they fell into a frenzy. ¡°Is this Lou Jing?¡± Shadowthunder asked. ¡°Is he still alive?¡± a Dragon Guard asked.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao simply made a sound and decided that she answered both questions, ¡°Let¡¯s leave quickly.¡± The group ran back towards the fence they came from. However, by the time they got to the wooden house, they came across a group of guards from the hunting ground.

    ¡°Who are you people?!¡± the leader of the guards shouted. He was stunned to see Ning Xiaoyao and her group. Wu made a low growling sound. It was difficult to spot a white wolf in the snow. These guards were focused on Ning Xiaoyao and didn¡¯t realise that there was a huge snow wolf standing in front of them. ¡°Wolf.. The wolves have broken in!¡± one of the guards shouted and turned to run off. Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t understand the Northern Hu dialect but knew that he man had ran off to alert more people.

    Wu lept and gave chase to the escaping guard, wanting to bite him. Shadowgale and the others also reacted and immediately caught up with the guard.

    Both sides started fighting and Ning Xiaoyao stood at the side watching. She was still carrying Lou Jing and couldn¡¯t really join in the fight. Just then, she saw arge group of people carrying torches and making their way towards them. Ning Xiaoyao could no longer just watch from the sidelines.

    ¡°You should leave first,¡± Shadowgale saw light from the torchesing from afar and turned to shout at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Help me carry him for now,¡± Ning Xiaoyao passed Lou Jing to a Dragon Guard next to her and ran towards the back.

    The Dragon Guard carried Lou Jing and turned to see His Majesty studying the wooden house. ¡°Everyone.. Everyone move away ah!¡± the Dragon Guard frantically warned all his bros.

    After making sure that there weren¡¯t anyone in the house, Ning Xiaoyao lifted the little wooden house and threw it towards the Northern Hu guards. Wu was scared to death and loosened his jaw before jumping and running towards Shadowgale and the others.

    The Northern Hu didn¡¯t react as quickly as Wu and could only be ttened by the wooden house. Many of them had no clue what happened. ¡°Quick quick quick!¡± Ning Xiaoyao urged, ¡°We have to retreat quickly ah!¡±

    The group and Wu sprinted to the fence. By the time another toon of Northern Hu soldiers rushed over, they were greeted with a pile of wood debris.

    ¡°Check the underground prison!¡± Rather than instructing his men to rescue the victims, the Northern Hu leadermanded this instead.

    Ning Xiaoyao took Lou Jing from the Dragon Guard. Then, she flipped over the high fence without using her arms and legs. Wu used Shadowgale as a support and started climbing the fence before leaping into the deep pit outside the fence.

    A few momentster, they heard loud shouts from the Northern Huing from where they were. The ve in the underground prison is gone! ¡°The people of Yongning entered from the back of the hunting ground?¡± the manager of the ce was stupefied by this piece of news.

    ¡°Aside from a Yongning citizen, who else woulde all the way here to save the Yongning ve?¡± a Northern Hu warrior frantically eximed next to him, ¡°The Wolf King isn¡¯t going to let us off if this ve escapes!¡±

    There was a wolf pack in front of them and the Yongning people behind them. The manager was so anxious that he got himself a lip blister. What is he supposed to do now?!

    ¡°Chase them,¡± the manager forced himself to stay calm andmanded, ¡°Bring the ve back here!¡± The Northern Hu men didn¡¯t say a word but pointed ahead for the manager to see.

    Right in front of them were people and wolves fighting with each other. They were so desperate that children who could pull bows were dragged into the fight as well. Where would they find people to seize the Yongning men? If they remove anyone from here, the rest will end up in the wolves¡¯ bellies!

    The manager was at a loss for words. ¡°We¡¯re already short of a toon,¡± a few of the older Northern Hu men told the manager, ¡°If we send another toon to chase the people, even if we do manage to catch up, there is no guarantee we can defeat them. Is it really worth it for a dying ve?¡±

    The answer was obvious. It was obviously not worth it.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we report that the ve died of an illness,¡± a Northern Hu warrior cautiously suggested. ¡°You dumbass!¡± the manager exploded. He swung his sword at the guy who dared to lie to their Wolf King.

    After the warrior received a kick from the manager, he continued standing at the original spot without moving. Protecting his neck, he eximed, ¡°Then what should we do?¡± the warrior asked before immediately running off to fight with two grey wolves. Since the one with the ideas ran off, the other Northern Hu men could only stare at each other. Instead of speaking, they all used their eyes tomunicate with one another.

    ¡°Do we feed all our family members to the wolves just to catch this ve?¡± another Northern Hu warrior blurted. ¡°The Wolf King isn¡¯t back yet,¡± another warrior mumbled. The manager clenched his teeth and decided, ¡°Let¡¯s just say that the ve died of an illness and his corpse was eaten by the wolves.¡± All the decision makers of the hunting grounds nodded their heads.

    ¡°Wolves.. More wolves areing!¡± While they were having their meeting, someone shouted from the fence. Another pack of wolves had charged in and their glowing green eyes stood out in the snowy night. The wolves densely covered the entire in of snow.

    The manager hurriedly sprinted to the fence. The manager had already stopped thinking about the matter of the escaped ve. Right now, he only cared about whether the pack of wolves could break through the fence.

    ¡°The wolves have broken in¡ª¡ª¡± Right after the blood-curdling screech, a grey wolf broke through the fence. Behind him, thousands and thousands of wolves followed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with the humans!¡± Weimanded from the back of the wolf pack, ¡°Our preys are the cows and sheep!¡±

    The pack of wolves dashed to the farm of the hunting grounds. They were incredibly familiar with the route. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t their first time inside these hunting grounds. ¡°White wolves!¡± one of the Northern Hu men standing at the fence pointed towards Wei and shouted at the manager, ¡°I see white wolves!¡±

    ¡°Kill! ughter these white wolves for me!¡± the manager shouted hysterically, sounding worse than Wei¡¯s howling.

    Ning Xiaoyao and the rest ran all the way to the entrance before stopping to catch their breaths. Walking to the front of Ning Xiaoyao, Wu barked, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside the cave first.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked towards the hunting ground and thought, the sounds of battle between the wolves and humans sound horrible.

    ¡°Vultures,¡± Shadowrain pointed upwards. ¡°They must have smelt the scent of blood,¡± Wu raised his head to look to the sky before urging Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Quickly leave, Xiaoyao. Those from the hunting grounds may chase after us.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Shadowgale lowered his voice, ¡°This is a matter between the Northern Hu men and the wolves of the ins. We shouldn¡¯t meddle with it.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stamped her feet and said to Wu, ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡± Wu lead Ning Xiaoyao out of the Snow Wolf Valley.

    Shadowbolt lowered his voice from behind, ¡°We¡¯re going to the Wolves¡¯ den?¡± Shadowgale turned to re at Shadowbolt. Shadowbolt shut his mouth, Wolves¡¯ den it is. Anyhow, it seems like His Majesty has a good rtionship with the wolves. Shadowbolt also pulled to loosen his cor. It seems like His Majesty could reallymunicate with the wolves ah!

    At this moment, Ning Xiaoyao brushed against Lou Jing¡¯s face. A pale green light appeared at her fingertips before beingpletely absorbed by Lou Jing¡¯s skin.

    Snow swirled in the roaring wind. The snow on the ground piled up to everyone¡¯s knees. Despite the weather, Lou Jing felt warmth instead. He hadn¡¯t had this feeling in many years.

 Chapter 369: Letâ€™s not meet again

    <h4>Chapter 369: Let''s not meet again</h4>

    The wolf pack retreated after dawn, leaving countless corpses on the field. More than half of the cattle from the hunting ground were either hurt or dead. The wolves also dragged the cattle away after killing them. The hunting ground was drenched in human, wolf and cattle blood.

    The women and children of the Northern Hu came out of hiding and burst into tears when they saw the scene that greeted them. When the women started crying, the children started to bawl too.

    ¡°What are you crying for?¡± the manager scolded, ¡°Isn¡¯t everyone still alive?!¡± The women stopped crying and hurriedly covered their children¡¯s mouths when they got scolded by the manager.

    ¡°That Yongning ve is dead and his corpse had been dragged away by a wolf,¡± the manager gravely announced. There was no reaction when people in the vicinity heard this news. Aside from the manager of the hunting grounds, nobody knew the true identity of the Yongning ve. After such a disaster, who would care about the life and death of an insignificant Yongning ve?

    The manager said all this for a reason, he was afraid that Modou wouldn¡¯t believe his words in the future. Thus, hemanded everyone to keep the corpses of the wolves. It didn¡¯t matter if they were damaged. Everything had to be salvaged, even the wolves¡¯ skin.

    Everyone in the hunting ground worked day and night. After working tirelessly for seven days, they finally managed to finish rebuilding the fences of the hunting ground. Standing next to the fences, the manager looked towards it and sighed. It has been seven day, yet it¡¯s still snowing. Although the snow was far worse seven days ago, at the current rate, the starving wolves will be back.

    Suddenly, a toon of troops rode into the hunting grounds. The leader of the soldiers sat on his horse and shouted, ¡°Where is the manager?¡±

    The manager saw the outfits of these soldiers and knew that they were the Wolf King¡¯s personal guards. Frantically, he ran towards the general and affirmed, ¡°This lowly one is the manager.¡±

    ¡°Where is the Yongning ve? Take him out. The Wolf King has ordered for the ve to be brought away.¡± The general raised his hand and lightly threw Modou¡¯smand letter into the manager¡¯s bosom. The manager received the order and skimmed over the report. In his heart, he had a bad premonition.

    ¡°Where is the ve?¡± the general asked the manager again. ¡°This official hase at an unfortunate time,¡± the manager bowed and muttered, ¡°The ve had died seven days ago due to illness. On that night, we were ambushed by wolves and the ve¡¯s body had been devoured by the wolves.¡±

    After the general heard the manager¡¯s words, he sat on his horse for a few minutes with no response. He then mercilessly whipped the manager in the face. In an instant, the manager fell to the ground, covered in blood and died. The general dismounted his horse and seized the manager¡¯s follower by his cor. ¡°Bring me to the area where the ve was held!¡± he screeched.

    The petrified follower led the general and his men to the underground prison, not daring to look at his master. The general went into the underground prison. Aftering back up, he ordered his men to tie up the manager and furiously roared, ¡°You¡¯ve ruined the Wolf King¡¯s matters!¡±

    The manager was tied onto the horse¡¯s back and taken away, leaving the people in the hunting grounds to stare dazedly in shock. From the beginning to the end, none of the people in the hunting ground understood what had happened.

    Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyao just finished wrapping her face with a scarf. With only her eyes revealed, she said to Wei, ¡°We have to leave now. Big Boss Wei, thank you for your hospitality these past few days.¡±

    ¡°No worries, you have also saved many of my underlings.¡± Lowering her head to look at Little White Fatty who was holding onto her leg tightly, Ning Xiaoyao wanted to say something but found it difficult to open her mouth.

    ¡°Little White Fatty,¡± Wei called his youngest son. Little White Fatty heard Wei calling him and his body trembled. Little White Fatty had lost some weight these past few days.

    ¡°Let me ask you,¡± Wei smacked Little White Fatty off Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s leg and barked, ¡°Do you want to leave the wolf pack and follow Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°Mhm!¡± Little White Fatty nodded his head furiously with tears in his eyes. ¡°Fine then,¡± Wei raised his paw and patted Little White Fatty¡¯s head.

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was startled, ¡°Little White Fatty can leave ah?¡± ¡°This is Little White Fatty¡¯s decision,¡± Wei looked at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, Little White Fatty will protect you.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Alright then, in any case Little White Fatty is still a wolf. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again if it¡¯s meant to be.¡± Wei said goodbye to Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Peach. After a few days of interaction, she realised that the hierarchy in the wolf pack was incredibly strict. When Wei was speaking, even Peach had to stay silent.

    ¡°Bye Xiaoyao,¡± Peach said. Little White Fatty rushed forward and tightly hugged Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s thigh. Let¡¯s quickly leave this scary ce!

    Ning Xiaoyao helped Lou Jing get on Bujing. Then she turned around onest time before telling her horse, ¡°Bujing, let¡¯s go.¡± Bujing neighed and ran forward. After seeing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s group depart, howls sounded from the wolves¡¯ den again.

    ¡°Wei and the others are saying bye to us,¡± Ning Xiaoyao tranted to Shadowgale and the others. Shadowgale and the others could only remain silent. They don¡¯t understand beast tongue!

    ¡°Bye bye!¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. ¡°Ao¡ª¡ª,¡± Little White Fatty also howled, saying goodbye to his family and all the wolves.

    For the past few days, Lou Jing stopped feeling like he was living a life worse than death. Despite being in aa, First Young Master Lou could still feel that he was riding on a horse with his savior. However, he didn¡¯t have enough energy to get up and look at her.

    ¡°From here to the mountain pass is really far. Do you think he can make it?¡± Concerned, Shadowgale rode beside Ning Xiaoyao and asked. Ning Xiaoyao confidently replied, ¡°No problem, as long as I¡¯m here, everything will be alright. If I weren¡¯t pregnant, I would have healed Big Bro Lou ages ago.¡±

    ¡°Big bro!¡± The troops fell into a frenzy as Shadowgale fell off his battle horse. Ning Xiaoyao was so shocked that she immediately stopped Bujing. What¡¯s going on?! (Author: What do you think?!)

    Shadowgale didn¡¯t let anyone help him up. After he stood up on his own, he looked at Ning Xiaoyao and eximed, ¡°What did you just say?!¡±

    ¡°I said I would have healed Big Bro Lou ages ago.¡±

    ¡°You said you¡¯re pregnant?¡± Shadowgale strained his voice and asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°What?!!!??!?¡± yelled all the Dragon Guards.

    ¡°Yes ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao patted her tummy, ¡°I¡¯ve been pregnant for a long time ah. You didn¡¯t know?¡±

    The Dragon Guards: ... How the hell would they know?!

    ¡°Are you for real?¡± Shadowgale asked. ¡°Would I lie about this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled till her eyes became crescents, ¡°We have to reach the mountain pass soon. I want to look for a ce with delicious food and give birth to my baby.¡±

    ¡°Whose child is it?¡± Shadowgale was in no mood to think of a ce with yummy food and for Xiaoyao to give birth. He lifted his pale face and stared at her.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened and closed her mouth. Shadowgale thought about it before asking, ¡°It¡¯s Lou Zigui¡¯s?¡± The Dragon Guards exploded into an uproar.No one knew how to face His Majesty anymore.

    ¡°When did you guys be so sharp?¡± Ning Xiaoyao started to feel a bit embarrassed. Shadowgale felt faint. He wanted to shout but didn¡¯t know who to shout at. He wanted to hit someone but didn¡¯t know who he could hit. If Supreme Commander Lou was present, Shadowgale would definitely cut his corpse to a thousand pieces.

    ¡°But you have to keep it a secret ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao remained on her horse and whispered, ¡°Supreme Commander dumped me ah.¡±

    When Shadowgale heard this, he tasted a disgustingly sweet taste in his mouth. If he didn¡¯t hold it in, he might have vomited blood. ¡°He¡¯s an asshole!¡± Shadowthunder furiously shouted, ¡°Your Majesty, we¡¯ll go find him!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. ¡°By the time we¡¯re back in the country, three months would have passed. Who knows, maybe Supreme Commander would have already be the emperor. Second Thunder, are we going to kill the emperor?¡±

    ¡°Even if he¡¯s the emperor, I¡¯m still going to ughter him!¡± Shadowthunder heatedly hollered. The Dragon Guard all nodded. They are not just going to let this go.

    ¡°Forget it! Let¡¯s talk about it after I give birth. Windy, are you ready?¡± Shadowgale didn¡¯t say anything and just mounted his horse. This time, the Head Commander rode in front of Ning Xiaoyao, blocking the winter wind for her.

    ¡°Windy?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Shadowgale replied after a long time, ¡°Even without Lou Zigui, Your Majesty can still live well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hastily nodded. ¡°Stop talking. Your Majesty, let¡¯s hurry.¡± Shadowgale¡¯s heart was heavy and he didn¡¯t have the energy to continue conversing with Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Shadowrain ran forward to ask, ¡°What are we going to do with First Young Master Lou? Where are we sending him ah?¡±

    ¡°Send him back to the ck Frost City ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Isn¡¯t the Lou estate at ck Frost City?¡± Shadowrain felt very sullen about this. Why did they have to save him? But he didn¡¯t dare to bring it up.

    The group continued to brave the weather and moved along the wastnd for another two months before they arrived at ck Frost City. By this point, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s baby bump was really obvious and Shadowgale was now the one responsible for Lou Jing.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, I¡¯ve asked around. The Lou estate is just three streets away.¡± Shadowrain returned and reported to Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao was ecstatic now that everyone had finally gotten ustomed to calling her by her name instead. Nodding her head cheerfully, she replied, ¡°We¡¯ll head to the Lou estate when Windy is back.¡±

    After a short while, Shadowgale returned. ¡°What happened, ah?¡± Shadowthunder hurriedly asked.

    ¡°The Northern Hu have been defeated,¡± Shadowgale ryed, ¡°Lou Zigui¡¯s ck Frost Calvary has conquered the capital. Qin Xuan of Jiangnan, the Zhou estate¡¯s army and even the thirty-six barracks are now under his rule.¡±

    ¡°Well dang!¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed, ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been half a year. Supreme Commander is already going to be the emperor ah.¡±

    ¡°Prince Fu has escaped,¡± Shadowgale continued, ¡°People are saying that he¡¯s bought a boat and is preparing to set sail.¡± Preparing to set sail. That means that Prince Fu is fine ah. Ning Xiaoyao was assured.

    ¡°Xiang Tiange has joined Lou Zigui. The Lord Protector¡¯s estate as well,¡± Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao and continued.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked as if she didn¡¯t care. It was normal for people to go where the wind blows. Since Lou Zigui has the opportunity to be the emperor, it was normal for Young Lord Xiang and Second Young Master Pei to join Lou Zigui. They made the right choice.

    ¡°Then where can we go?¡± Shadowrain asked. After hearing all this news, the Third Commander of the Shadow Guards felt even more aggrieved.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to Lou estate first,¡± Ning Xiaoyao cut in, ¡°We¡¯ll pass Big Bro Lou to the Lou family before going to Jiangnan, ok?¡±

    The winter was nearly over. This was a pretty good time to head down to Jiangnan where the grass was growing. All the Dragon Guards looked at Shadowgale. Could they go?

    ¡°We can go to Jiangnan as long as there is no war happening over there,¡± Shadowgale looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Although he didn¡¯t smile, the tone of his voice was very gentle, ¡°We¡¯ll go to Jiangnan together.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop by the capital,¡± Ning Xiaoyao added, ¡°Let¡¯s pick up Fifth Young Miss on the way.¡±

    ¡°What if we end up bumping into Lou Zigui?¡± Shadowbolt worriedly asked. ¡°I¡¯ll go alone,¡± Shadowgale said, ¡°You guys apany Xiaoyao to Jiangnan.¡±

    ¡°Actually it¡¯s fine even if I see him. I¡¯m not afraid of him,¡± Ning Xiaoyao calmly stated. Shadowgale shook his head, ¡°Since you¡¯ve already decided not to meet, you can¡¯t give Lou Zigui the opportunity to see you.¡±

    Shadowgale knew what imperial power could do. He had experiences with it for twenty plus months. Thus Shadowgale understood that it was best that they continued hiding after Lou Zigui bes the emperor. Ideally, it would be best if they were to never meet again.

 Chapter 370: I donâ€™t like him anymore

    <h4>Chapter 370: I don''t like him anymore</h4>

    As they got closer towards the Lou estate, Ning Xiaoyao suddenly started to worry. Concerned, she turned to Shadowgale, "What if the people of the Lou estate don¡¯t recognize Big Bro Lou?¡± Shadowgale wanted to reply that their act of rescuing Lou Jing from the Snow Wolf Valley and sending him all the way here was already very benevolent of them. But when faced with Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s blinking almond eyes, Shadowgale couldn¡¯t say anything.

    By now, Lou Jing¡¯s face had pretty much recovered back to normal, and his features were very simr to that of Lou Zigui, albeit slightly less contoured. His broken hamstrings had also been treated by Ning Xiaoyao. It¡¯s just that his energy level was still quite poor, and his mind was rather slow. Every time he attempted to use his brain, he would experience arge headache. Hence, he had spent his whole journey in a dazed state. Shadowgale had also deliberately concealed their identities; up to this date, Lou Jing had no idea who had saved him. The Dragon Guards that took care of him were ones who didn¡¯t have regr interactions with Lou Zigui, and every time Shadowgale interacted with First Young Master Lou, he had his face covered.

    In short, Shadow Commander¡¯s goal was to not leave Lou Zigui any hints of their whereabouts, not even the slightest bit.

    "Go find an elderly servant," Shadowgale told Shadowrain and Shadowbolt. "The younger ones might not know their First Young Master, but the elderly definitely should recognize him.¡±

    "Yes," Shadowrain and Shadowbolt nodded. "The guards of the estate are quite strict, you must be careful," Shadowgale added a cautionary warning.

    "Then I''ll go," Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand. She could freelye and go in this kind of heavily guarded ce.

    Shadowgale nced pointedly at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s belly. Ning Xiaoyao put down her hand, not letting out another squeak.

    "You have a baby, behave yourself!" Big Boss ck swatted Ning Xiaoyao with his paw. "He¡¯s right, Xiaoyao," Little White Fatty howled in support. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s heart felt very stuffy. She had been reduced to such a state that even Little White Fatty was lecturing her!

    Shadowrain and Shadowbolt urged their horses forward. Shadowgale found an inconspicuous alley behind the Lou estate, and so the rest of them decided to wait there. A few minutester, Shadowrain and Shadowbolt brought the household manager of the Lou estate over, and shoved him towards Lou Jing without a second word.

    With his face concealed, Shadowgale asked the old housekeeper, "Do you recognize him?"

    The old housekeeper was very old, after squinting at Lou Jing for a long while, his whole body suddenly shook. ¡°First Young Master?!¡± he eximed. Ning Xiaoyao and the Dragon Guards all let out a sigh of relief. Now that they found an acquaintance, things should be much easier!

    "We are travelling merchants," Shadowgale didn¡¯t care whether the excited old housekeeper could hear him or not. "We rescued him from the Snow Wolf Valley in the Northern Hu. He said he¡¯s the Lou estate¡¯s First Young Master, so we sent him here."

    The old housekeeper knelt in front of Lou Jing, who was sitting on the curb, and gently grasped one of his hands. For a few moments, tears streamed down his face. Eventually, tears began bursting out like a flood and the elderly servant started to wail.

    Shadowgale motioned for Ning Xiaoyao to leave. "The guards have already arrived," Ning Xiaoyao sighed instead. Shadowgale quickly looked out towards the alley. Loud footsteps could be heard heading their way and a team of Lou estate guards stormed into the alley.

    "They are quick!" Shadowrain spat on the ground.

    "Grandpa Housekeeper!" Before he even ran into the alley, Lou Nan had already begun shouting. The old housekeeper heard his little master¡¯s voice and quickly stood up from the ground. But after a little bit of hesitation, he knelt down again and yelled, "Little Master,e quickly! The First Young Master, your father, has returned! First Young Master hase back alive!¡±

    Everyone who had dashed into the alley were stunned by the old housekeeper¡¯s words.

    Ning Xiaoyao saw a little boy approximately ten years of age appear in the alley. The little boy looked very weak and his head wasrger than his body. Furthermore, his lips were purple, and the front half of his fingers were quite thick. "Congenital heart disease," Ning Xiaoyao muttered to herself.

    "What?" Shadowthunder couldn¡¯t hear what Ning Xiaoyao had just murmured. He turned his body slightly closer, indicating Ning Xiaoyao to repeat herself.

    Ning Xiaoyao sniffed a little. "It¡¯s nothing. That child is Lou Nan." Shadowthunder gave Lou Nan a considering nce. ¡°Looks like a sick little ghost."

    In just a few short steps, Lou Nan was already panting after he ran to Lou Jing. However, he did not remember his father''s face. After staring for a while, he turned to the old housekeeper again, dazed. "Grandpa Housekeeper?"

    Ning Xiaoyao raised a corner of her mouth. She went over to Lou Nan¡¯s side and patted his shoulder. "Little Young Master, we brought your father back."

    "Little Master," cried the old housekeeper, "This is First Young Master!" Having used up all her energy, Ning Xiaoyao swayed a little. Shadowgale immediately went up to support her and Ning Xiaoyao turned to say, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Shadowgale turned around and faced hisrades. The old housekeeper realized suddenly that Ning Xiaoyao and the gang were about to leave. So, he hurriedly stood up, "Benefactors, please wait!"

    Only after Shadowgale had helped Ning Xiaoyao onto the horse did he turn around to face the old housekeeper. "This is all we can do. Your First Young Master¡¯s body is weak, so be sure to treat him carefully."

    "Yes, yes, of course," replied the old housekeeper. "Benefactors, may I ask for your names?¡± "Since we won¡¯t meet again, there is no need for us to leave a name." Shadowgale gave the old housekeeper a cupped fist salute and then jumped swiftly onto his house. ¡°Go!¡±

    Carrying Ning Xiaoyao, Bujing dashed ahead. Oil Jar sat on Big Boss ck¡¯s head, and both cat and mouse stared worriedly at Ning Xiaoyao. "It''s all right," Ning Xiaoyao waved off their concern. "I''ll be fine in a bit."

    Big Boss ck turned around, facing his butt at Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao did not understand how she had offended the fat cat, but right now she did not have the energy to ask. Lou Jing also wanted to stop Ning Xiaoyao, but had no strength to speak as well. The people of the Lou estate were all crying. Since the old housekeeper didn¡¯t give an order, none of them thought to chase after their benefactors.

    As for Little Master Lou Nan, the child was still in a daze. He still hadn¡¯t caught up on the fact that his father was still alive, and hadn¡¯t realized that he had miraculously be healthier.

    Ning Xiaoyao rode out of ck Frost City and took a deep breath of the prairie air. She felt like she had aplished everything she needed to do. Now all that was left was to take care of her baby, and travel the world with Shadowgale and the rest of the bros.

    "Let¡¯s go to Jiangnan," Ning Xiaoyao beamed at Shadowgale. Shadowgale¡¯s face finally showed a smile, "Alright."

    "Jiangnan has a lot of delicious food!" Ning Xiaoyao gave an excited shout. She wished she was in Jiangnan right now. Big Boss ck turned his head around to look at Ning Xiaoyao, muttering, ¡°Xiaoyao, Supreme Commander is a bad guy. In the future, don¡¯t think about him anymore.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao:.... This was the first time this cat had mentioned Supreme Commander Lou in over half a year. She hadn¡¯t expected that he would say something like this.

    "I don''t like him anymore," Big Boss ck meowed. Ning Xiaoyao nodded her head firmly. ¡°Mhmm. I don¡¯t like him either.¡± And so a human and a cat achieved harmony via the same ideological agreement.

    "Once it gets dark, we¡¯ll find an inn to spend the night," Shadowgale rode forward to speak with Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°I¡¯ve already looked into it, there are quite a few inns ahead.¡±

    "Sure," Ning Xiaoyao replied, "We¡¯re heading south so no matter what we¡¯ll pass by the capital. Windy, go pick up Fifth Young Miss. I will be waiting for you guys on the road."

    "Okay, that would be great.¡±

    "Then it¡¯s been decided!" Ning Xiaoyao refreshingly pped her hands. Since things have all been decided, then there was nothing to stress about anymore.

    "Hurry! Bring First Young Master in quickly!¡± the old housekeeper instructed the crowd to carefully carry Lou Jing, who was still too weak to walk, indoors.

    "What''s wrong with my dad?" Lou Nan noticed his long lost father looked dazed and couldn¡¯t speak. Furthermore, he couldn¡¯t walk either. Lou Nan was was jerked out of his excitement and started crying as he asked the old housekeeper.

    "Little Master, don¡¯t cry," The old housekeeper was also very sad deep down. Back in the day, First Young Master was very handsome. Although he currently didn¡¯t appear to have any outward injury, he looked very haggard and weak. This contrast would cause pain to anyone who had seen him back in his prime.

    "Did my father get a disease?" Lou Nan tugged at the old housekeeper''s sleeve, unrelenting and crying while he asked.

    "Ah San already went to find a physician," the old housekeeper was afraid the little master would get sick from all his crying, and so he quickly reassured Lou Nan. "We¡¯ll wait and see what the physician says - the First Young Master has been away from home for so long, he should be fine after some rest. Don¡¯t fret anymore, Little Master. If your father sees this, he will be concerned!¡±

    Hearing this, Lou Nan wiped his tears away. ¡°I won¡¯t cry anymore.¡± "Ah, Little Master is so mature," the old housekeeper praised Lou Nan. Because Lou Jing¡¯s room had not been used for so long, and there hadn¡¯t been enough time to clean it, the old housekeeper made a split-second decision to put Lou Jing into Lou Zigui¡¯s room instead.

    Almost all the physicians of ck Frost City were called in by the Lou estate. Upon learning that First Young Master Lou Jing was still alive and had been rescued, they were all very surprised. Once they arrived, they were ushered into the room by the old housekeeper, to assess Lou Jing¡¯s situation.

    Lou Nan stayed resolutely by the bed, staring at the physicians. The physicians took turns taking First Young Master Lou¡¯s pulse and after discussing for a long time, came to the consensus that First Young Master Lou was fine - his body was just currently too weak. After a few years of rehabilitation, he may not be able to resume ying enemies on the battlefield, but daily tasks shouldn¡¯t be a problem.

    The old housekeeper wiped away his tears as he thanked the physicians. What more could he wish for? Their first young master had been thought to be dead for so many years, and yet now he came back alive. This was the blessing of the Heavens!

    The physicians looked at the old housekeeper and also felt a twinge in their hearts. They still remembered the pain-filled funeral from years ago, with paper money blowing around everywhere.

    "This is a happy event," Doctor Ji saw Lou Nan staring at him. Doctor Ji had been the official doctor of Lou Nan for many years. "Little Master Nan should be happy.¡± Lou Nan nodded, but turned around to look at his father. "My father doesn''t talk though."

    "Once he recovers his strength, First Young Master will naturally speak with Little Master Nan.¡± Doctor Ji took his gaze away from Lou Jing lying on the bed, and instead started to scrutinize Lou Nan. A look a doubt began to appear on the physician¡¯s face. It¡¯s been but a few days, so why did this little master¡¯splexion appear so much better?

    With this question in his heart, Doctor Ji simply decided to just take Lou Nan to the side and sat down to take his pulse.

    Lou Nan himself was still ignorant and protested, "Mr. Ji, I don''t feel ill." Doctor Ji took his time taking the pulse, and after a while, he looked at Lou Nan in shock. He hadn¡¯t changed the prescription ah, so how did this little master''s body suddenly get better?

 Chapter 371: Supreme Commander waits for the world to forget him

    <h4>Chapter 371: Supreme Commander waits for the world to forget him</h4>

    Currently, the central ins were caught up in the mes of war. Even though the Lou estate¡¯s housekeeper sent someone to report to the army on the day of Lou Jing¡¯s return, Lou Zigui was fighting to take control of the country and still hadn¡¯t gotten the news. By March, Lou Jing could sit up and speak with some effort.

    Lou Zigui hadn¡¯t received the good news, yet bad news kept arriving, one after another. First of all, there waspletely no news from the troops he had secretly sent to rescue Lou Jing from the hunting grounds of the Snow Wolf Valley. After a few months, the news of his troops being decimated finally reached his ears.

    ¡°Supreme Commander,¡± the Chief Imperial Bodyguard marched into the tent, preparing to tidy up after his meal. He realized that Supreme Commander hadn¡¯t touched his food at all. The Chief Imperial Bodyguard was anxious. These past few days Lou Zigui had no appetite. Does Supreme Commander intend to practice abstaining from food to be an immortal ah?! ¡°Lord should at least eat a little.¡±

    Lou Zigui wasn¡¯t in the mood to eat right now. Hearing the Chief Imperial Bodyguard speak, he turned to look at the food on the table. ¡°I didn¡¯t touch the food at all. Take it away and split it amongst yourselves.¡±

    Chief Imperial Bodyguard asked, ¡°Should I get Imperial Physician Gao toe take a look?¡± Lou Zigui shook his head and instructed, ¡°Tell Song Jin and Fang Tang toe see me.¡±

    Chief Imperial Bodyguard didn¡¯t dare to persuade him anymore and removed the food. He got one of the soldiers by the tent to call Song Jin and Fang Tang over. When Song Jin and Fang Tang quickly rushed over, they saw Chief Imperial Bodyguard standing by the tent entrance with a bitter expression on his face. Fang Tang immediately asked in a low voice, ¡°Supreme Commander has refused to eat again?¡±

    Chief Imperial Bodyguard nodded. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have any appetite but won¡¯t let Imperial Physician Gao take a look at him.¡± Fang Tang¡¯s face fell as he turned to talk to Song Jin, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Supreme Commander?¡±

    Song Jin shook his head as he directed his voice towards the interior of the tent, ¡°Supreme Commander, General Song Jin greets you.¡±

    ¡°Supreme Commander, General Fang Tang greets you.¡± Fang Tang shouted out. ¡°Enter,¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s voice echoed from within the tent. Both generals walked into the army tent. Lou Zigui was seated behind the table. There was antern which illuminated the area in front of Lou Zigui but couldn¡¯t light up Lou Zigui¡¯s surroundings.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, why have you skipped your meal again?¡± Fang Tang asked after giving his greeting. ¡°I have something I need the both of you to do.¡± Lou Zigui waved his hand, beckoning Song Jin and Fang Tang toe closer, ¡°Head outside the mountain pass. My elder brother, Lou Jing, is currently being held in Modou¡¯s hunting grounds of Snow Wolf Valley.¡± Song Jin and Fang Tang were stunned.

    ¡°This matter should¡¯ve been handled by me. It¡¯s just that I can¡¯t leave the army right now. I have attempted to send men out five times but all of them failed. I¡¯ll have to trouble you with this matter.¡±

    ¡°First....¡± Fang Tang stuttered, ¡°First Young Master is alive?¡± ¡°He¡¯s alive. It¡¯s just that his face has been disfigured by Modou. His right arm and left leg has been crippled, and his tongue was cut off as well.¡± Lou Zigui kept a t expression as he spoke, ¡°He isn¡¯t difficult to find but sneaking into Snow Wolf Valley is a problem. Don¡¯t lose your lives because of my brother either. If you really can¡¯t save him, then go back into the mountain pass.¡±

    Song Jin and Fang Tang stared nkly for a long time before Fang Tang suddenly burst out angrily, ¡°Damn it, I¡¯m going to kill Modou!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll happen sooner orter,¡± Lou Zigui icily stated, ¡°Be careful on the road.¡± At this moment, the anger had gotten to Fang Tang¡¯s head. He pounded his chest and was about to guarantee Lou Zigui that he would get Lou Jing out. However, before Fang Tang could open his mouth, Song Jin cupped his fist and spoke up first, ¡°This general will follow your orders.¡±

    ¡°I am giving you guys five hundred men and horses. It¡¯s not advisable that you bring too many men into the valley. I¡¯ll leave it up to you how many men and horses you want to take with you. Also, don¡¯t breathe a word to others regarding this matter.¡±

    Song Jin and Fang Tang were about to leave after receiving their orders. Song Jin took a look at Lou Zigui and couldn¡¯t help blurt, ¡°I hope Supreme Commander will take care.¡± The smile on Lou Zigui¡¯s face was indifferent as he nodded his head.

    Fang Tang withdrew three steps backwards, turned around and walked out in long strides. Song Jin walked to the entrance door and turned his head to look at Lou Zigui again. Supreme Commander Lou was enshrouded by the dark and silence. Song Jin suddenly had a weird feeling in his heart; Lou Zigui sat there as if he was waiting for the world to forget him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go ah,¡± Fang Tang lifted the tent p and urged Song Jin, who had yet to make a move. Song Jin shook his head and threw this ridiculous thought to the back of his head and followed Fang Tang out the tent.

    ¡°In a bit, send more food to Supreme Commander,¡± Fang Tang exited the tent and eyed the Chief Imperial Bodyguard, ¡°If Supreme Commander doesn¡¯t eat, send in more foodter. There¡¯ll eventually be a time when he wants to eat.¡±

    Chief Imperial Bodyguard had a forced expression on his face but responded positively. General Fang Tang makes it sound so easy...as if it was nothing to keep sending in food when Supreme Commander refuses to eat. Does he think that His Excellency Supreme Commander won¡¯t lose his temper?

    ¡°I feel that there¡¯s something off about Supreme Commander,¡± Fang Tang walked behind Song Jin and asked, ¡°Song Jin, do you feel anything?¡± In battle, Supreme Commander Lou has been on a winning streak ofte. When he¡¯s with Qin Xuan and Lord Protector and those people, he would still talk andugh sometimes. But somehow, Fang Tang just felt like there was something off about Supreme Commander.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Supreme Commander. Just focus on Snow Wolf Valley and aim to aplish the task.¡± Song Jin replied.

    Fang Tang smacked his head, and immediately shut up. That night, Song Jin and Fang Tang left the army camp with five hundred skillful soldiers and headed north. The next day, the ck Frost Calvary soldiers continued riding south.

    The little troops and the main army forces separately traveled forth, the former headed north while thetter headed south. By the time Song Jin and Fang Tang returned to ck Frost City and were about to head out the mountain pass, the ck Frost Calvary army was already in Jiangnan with the former Jiangnan Governor.

    ¡°First Young Master is back?¡± In front of the south gate of ck Frost City, Fang Tang shouted in shock at the general guarding the gate, ¡°If you are spouting nonsense, we can¡¯t be friends anymore ah!¡±

    The general at the south gate rolled his eyes at Fang Tang, ¡°Would I dare joke about this? Use your brain ah?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the residence and take a look,¡± Song Jin urged his horse into the city. ¡°If you¡¯re lying....¡± Fang Tang poked the general with his finger before leaving. ¡°Then I¡¯ll settle the score with you!¡±

    ¡°Why are you guys back?¡± the general asked. Fang Tang brushed him off and followed after Song Jin. Aside from them, Song Jin knew that Lou Zigui had sent multiple troops to rescue Lou Jing. First Young Master Lou must have been rescued by one of the previous troops.

    ¡°How can this be?¡± Fang Tang remained puzzled as he walked beside Song Jin, repeating the phrase over and over again. ¡°Shut up! Once we get there, we¡¯ll know what is going on. Must you be so long-winded?¡± Song Jin barked. ¡°Why are you getting angry for ah?¡± Fang Tangined with dissatisfaction. ¡°Seventh Song, your temper is getting worse and worse ah. Can¡¯t you just let me be?¡±

    Song Jin sneered. Who would have a good temper if they have to deal with an idiot like you?

    They quickly rushed to the Lou estate. In the time it took to get off a horse, the old housekeeper hade out from the residence to greet them. ¡°I heard First Young Master has returned?¡± Fang Tang asked as soon as he saw the old housekeeper. The old housekeeper replied in a hurry, ¡°Yes, this old ve has ordered people to report the good news to Supreme Commander. But although we sent many people out, we never heard anything in return. Did both generals return on Supreme Commander¡¯s orders?¡±

    ¡°Can you take us to see First Young Master?¡± The old housekeeper quickly brought Song Jin and Fang Tang to see Lou Jing. Lou Jing had already moved back into his old bedroom. When Song Jin and Fang Tang got there, the sound of someone reciting came from within Lou Jing¡¯s bedroom.

    ¡°Young Master Nan is studying ah,¡± the old housekeeper happily eximed, ¡°Young Master has recovered. It¡¯s been almost half a year since he had taken any medicine.¡±

    Song Jin and Fang Tang were both surprised and delighted. ¡°First Young Master,¡± the housekeeper announced at the door, ¡°This old ve has brought General Song Jin and General Fang Tang over.¡±

    ¡°Come in,¡± the voiceing from the man in the room sounded weak but his words were very clear. Fang Tang was stunned again, and quickly turned to look at Song Jin, who stood beside him. Didn¡¯t Supreme Commander say that First Young Master Lou¡¯s tongue was cut off by Modou? How is he still able to talk?

    Song Jin¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. He merely replied with an ¡°ok¡± and entered the bedroom. Lou Nan stood in front of the bed, his hands still holding a book he was reading earlier. When he saw Song Jin and Fang Tange in, he broke into a smile. Young Master Lou was ill and weak for many years, constantly living in the seclusion of his home, so he wasn¡¯t familiar with the army generals.

    ¡°Young Master,¡± Song Jin remembered to greet Lou Nan but Fang Tang was in a daze,pletely forgot what he should do.

    Lou Jing was half sitting, half lying down on the bed. His face was rather pale but his handsome eyebrows and slight smile didn¡¯t look like someone whose face had been disfigured. ¡°Song Jin,¡± Lou Jing saw Song Jin and called out, then looked at Fang Tang, ¡°You are Fang Tang?¡±

    Fang Tang forcefully rubbed his eyes and stared at First Young Master Lou for a long time. He suddenly rushed towards the bed and eximed, ¡°It really is First Young Master!¡± Song Jin walked to the front of the bed as well, staring at First Young Master Lou in a daze.

    ¡°How is Chengying?¡± First Young Master Lou asked. ¡°Supreme Commander is... he¡¯s doing well,¡± Fang Tang excitedly replied. ¡°First Young Master is alright? Supreme Commander said that you¡¯re heavily injured, your face was disfigured and you¡¯re even....¡±

    Song Jin raised his hand and elbowed Fang Tang, gesturing him to look at Lou Nan who was standing beside them. Lou Nan looked horrified as he asked Fang Tang, ¡°His face is disfigured?¡±

    ¡°Go out first,¡± Lou Jing told his son, ¡°Your father has something to say to these two generals. Nan¡¯er, you can join us in a bit.¡± Lou Nan nodded his head and obediently left the room.

    ¡°First Young Master,¡± Song Jin started talking as soon as Lou Nan left the room. ¡°Supreme Commander ordered us to bring troops to Snow Wolf Valley to rescue you. The five troops that were sent out previously were all wiped out. First Young Master, who rescued you?¡±

    ¡°Who was the one who sent news to Supreme Commander?¡± Fang Tang asked. ¡°When Supreme Commander told us about First Young Master, I was shocked. He said that First Young Master¡¯s face was disfigured, your tongue was cut off by that scum dog, and your arms and legs were crippled. That rascal must¡¯ve been spewing nonsense.¡±

    ¡°The person who saved me also healed all my injuries,¡± Low Jing said in a low voice as he gestured for Song Jin and Fang Tang to take a seat. Song Jin and Fang Tang were both stunned.

    ¡°I also thought that it was impossible. Either the past years were a nightmare, or I must be living in a beautiful dream right now,¡± First Young Master Lou continued. ¡°Then, who... who was it that saved First Young Master?¡± Fang Tang¡¯s throat moved up and down as he stammered.

    ¡°During that time, I was always unconscious. I didn¡¯t get a glimpse of their faces.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t they tell you their names?¡± Song Jin asked. Lou Jing shook his head. ¡°Then where are they now?¡± Fang Tang asked.

    ¡°They sent me to the Lou estate and left after that. At the time, everyone was only concerned about me. No one bothered to ask who they were or what their names were,¡± Lou Jing forced augh, ¡°Those from the residence only know that they rode on horses and headed south.¡±

    ¡°Do you know roughly how many people there were?¡± Song Jin interjected, ¡°First Young Master has no recollection about them at all?¡±

    ¡°The person who saved me is called Xiaoyao. But the old housekeeper has sent people out to find out more. There aren¡¯t any information about a divine physician named Xiaoyao.¡±

    Xiaoyao?*

    Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao. Both Song Jin and Fang Tang looked at each other. In this world, only Ning Xiaoyao has the ability to regrow a tongue that has been cut off, heal a face that has been disfigured by burns and nurse broken bones back to recovery.

    *Note: Lou Jing said this in a different tone. In Chinese, you have to get the tone right or else you might be saying something else. Ex. Depending on the tone you use, the word ¡°yao¡± could mean ¡°want, medicine, bite, waist, shake, demon, and etc.¡± So be careful!

 Chapter 372: The chubby baby that looks like Miss Ning

    <h4>Chapter 372: The chubby baby that looks like Miss Ning</h4>

    ¡°Do you know the person that saved me?¡± Lou Jing saw the change in Song Jin and Fang Tang¡¯s expression and immediately asked. Fang Tang didn¡¯t dare to say anything. Every man for his lord. It was nothing personal but Fang Tang didn¡¯t have any face to see His Majesty.

    Song Jin shook his head, ¡°We can¡¯t conclude without actually seeing the person.¡±

    Lou Jing was disappointed once again.

    ¡°Since First Young Master is fine, we won¡¯t have to lead the troops to the Snow Wolf Valley any longer,¡± Song Jin forced a smile at First Young Master Lou, ¡°We will go find Supreme Commander to ry the good news that you are safe.¡±

    ¡°How are you guys doing in the war?¡± This was a question that Lou Jing had to ask.

    Song Jin selected a few important war issues and shared it with Lou Jing. But Song Jin didn¡¯t dare to mention Lou Zigui¡¯s recent behaviour. Lou Zigui had be increasingly silent and refused to eat most of the time.

    After hearing that his brother was about to obtain the throne, a small smile appeared on Lou Jing¡¯s face. ¡°First Young Master can rest assure,¡± Fang Tang promised First Young Master Lou, ¡°Once Supreme Commander ascends the throne, we¡¯ll go look for Modou and imprison that piece of shit.¡±

    Lou Jing didn¡¯t have much of a reaction and only replied, ¡°Thanks for the hard work.¡±

    After being tortured for so many years in Snow Wolf Valley, First Young Master Lou had thought of killing himself. However, Modou had ordered his people to keep him alive. Furthermore, Lou Jing couldn¡¯t let go of his little brother. His parents had already died, leaving only Lou Zigui. Could his little brother hold up the responsibilities of the estate? And there was also his wife and child. Because of them, First Young Master Lou had the willpower to live on.

    Now that he made it out alive and appeared like a normal person, First Young Master Lou wasn¡¯t actually too fixated on getting revenge. This had nothing to do with heroism and dignity. It was just that after his numerous encounter with death, he cared more about the fact he had another chance at life.

    Song Jin dragged Fang Tang to retreat. The other people in the estate could ry the happenings in the past few years. Song Jin was just afraid that First Young Master Lou would ask them about His Majesty Ning¡¯s matters. These questions would have to be answered by Lou Zigui himself. Whether it could be said or not depended on Supreme Commander.

    After Fang Tang exited the room, he shook off Song Jin¡¯s hands and lowered his voice, ¡°Is it His Majesty? It¡¯s His Majesty right?¡± Song Jin replied, ¡°Let¡¯s return to army.¡±

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Fang Tang anxiously asked. Song Jin stood dazedly at the door for a while before he lowered his voice, ¡°I would be very happy if His Majesty is really alive.¡±

    Fang Tang just looked at Song Jin. Song Jin headed to the courtyard. Fang Tang chased Song Jin out to the courtyard, furiously eximing, ¡°You make it sound like I wouldn¡¯t be happy if that were true! Do I seem like such a heartless person?!¡±

    Song Jin sighed, ¡°You¡¯ve already done such a heartless thing. Don¡¯t say such words in the future, it would just seem like a joke.¡± Fang Tang was stumped by Song Jin¡¯s words and couldn¡¯t refute at all.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave it to Supreme Commander to decide what to do after we return to the army,¡± Song Jin stated, ¡°If His Majesty doesn¡¯t want to appear, it would also mean that he wouldn¡¯t want the throne anymore.¡±

    Fang Tang drooped his head. What would he do if he sees His Majesty again? He has no face to see him ah!

    Song Jin and Fang Tang didn¡¯t even return home but immediately rode to the army camp after leaving Lou estate and ck Frost City.

    ¡°This means that Pei Yan lied to us,¡± after leaving ck Frost City, Fang Tang connected the dots and furiously roared, ¡°He was the one that said His Majesty is dead!¡±

    Song Jin couldn¡¯t be bothered with Fang Tang anymore, ¡°What if he was also fooled by His Majesty?¡±

    Fang Tang: ...He always sounded like an idiot when he was talking to this person.

    While Song Jin and Fang Tang were still on the road, Lou Zigui and his army fought across the Spring River and killed Qian Zhengfang, conquering the entire Jiangnan.

    Lou Zigui rode past the Spring River shores to see his banners fluttering. The waves crashed against the shore. In a vige nearby, the sound of an infant¡¯s cries sounded from a delivery room.

    ¡°The baby is out!¡± Shadowrain hollered in the courtyard. All the Dragon Guards in the courtyard had smiles on their faces.

    ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t even make a sound,¡± Shadowthunder realised and said worriedly, ¡°I was worried something would happen to her!¡± When Shadowthunder turned nervous, he would revert to calling Ning Xiaoyao His Majesty.

    Just then, the door to the delivery room opened and the midwife carried a little bundle out. Shadowgale, who had been standing stiffly on the porch frantically rushed over. But before he could open his mouth, Shadowbolt loudly asked, ¡°Is it a boy or a girl?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a little precious daughter!¡± the old midwife beamed, ¡°Madam birthed a precious daughter!¡±

    Shadowgale and the others surrounded the midwife as they tried to get a glimpse of the littless in her arms.

    The little baby had a chubby face and her eyes were closed. But judging from the outline of her eyes, they could tell that her eyes weren¡¯t small. Her mouth was also pouted, looking exactly like Ning Xiaoyao.

    The midwife continued, ¡°This old woman has helped birth many babies and it¡¯s really rare to see such a good looking baby ah.¡±

    Usually, infants would have wrinkly and red skin at birth. They would be covered in fetal hair, looking practically like little monkeys. But when it came to Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s daughter, her skin was also a little wrinkly. However, her skin was milky white and there weren¡¯t any fetal hair on her, making her look like a really pretty baby.

    This was the first time the midwife saw a group of youngds surrounding the baby in her arms. The midwife suddenly recalled the little madam saying that her husband wasn¡¯t around anymore. Looking at Shadowgale and the others, the midwife thought, with this group of helpers around, the little madam and her baby wouldn¡¯t have too much trouble.

    ncing at the littless in her bosom, the midwife couldn¡¯t help but worry about Ning Xiaoyao. How is she going to continue the family business after giving birth to a daughter?

    ¡°Meow meow meow~¡±

    ¡°Ao ao ao~¡±

    Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty called out loudly from outside the circle. They also want to see the little baby ah! Oil Jar had been hiding in the room since the morning and has definitely already seen the little baby. Little Gryfalcon could just hover above the people to see the baby but they couldn¡¯t see anything ah!

    The midwife carried the little bundle and walked towards Shadowgale.

    Shadowgale kept retreating backwards. How is he supposed to carry this tiny baby? He might crush her even if he doesn¡¯t use any strength.

    The midwife turned to look at the littleds who didn¡¯t know whether to get closer or further away from her.

    The Dragon Guards kept retreating. None of them dared to carry the baby. The midwifeughed and carried the bundle back into the room. What is she gonna do about theseds?

    Ning Xiaoyao went through tremendous pains to give birth to the baby. Although she¡¯d already stopped hurting, she didn¡¯t have the strength to revert back to normal. Lying on the bed, sheined to Fifth Young Miss Xie. ¡°I didn¡¯t think that giving birth was like that!¡±

    Not only did she lose all her special powers during her pregnancy, her physical strength was also extremelycking. Even her evolved body couldn¡¯tpare to normal humans!

    Xie Duoying tried to hide herughter. Initially, when she found out His Majesty was a woman, she nearly had a heart attack. Then she recalled how she had wanted to marry Ning Xiaoyao nearly all her life and was furious that she had been doting over a woman. But before she could react, Ning Xiaoyao patted her tummy and announced she was pregnant. Fifth Young Miss Xie could not remember her own reaction. But from what her Windy had told her, it was pretty priceless.

    ¡°Aiya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao touched Xie Duoying¡¯s stomach, ¡°Don¡¯tugh, you¡¯re going have tough days ahead too.¡±

    Xie Duoying immediately turned red. ¡°Pah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pouted, ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve said it so many times. The innocent act doesn¡¯t suit you. I¡¯ve just gone through so much pain. Can¡¯t we just drop the innocent act now?¡±

    Xie Duoying made a face. ¡°How do you still have the strength to talk?¡±

    ¡°Your words...¡± Ning Xiaoyao was about to continue when she saw the midwife carrying her baby back inside. Ning Xiaoyao then hurried called the midwife, ¡°Grandma*, I didn¡¯t get a close look just now! Is my daughter sturdy and robust?¡±

    The midwife:...

    Fifth Young Miss Xie: ...

    There was someone who wanted their daughter to look sturdy and robust?!

    ¡°Hurry and let me see her again!¡± Ning Xiaoyao yelled. The midwife got back to her senses and carried the infant to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Look Little Madam, Little Miss is very pretty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand to touch her daughter¡¯s head, pinching her face. After pressing her stomach and patting her legs, she was satisfied. Mhm, her daughter was sturdy and robust. She could raise her.

    When the midwife saw Ning Xiaoyao checking the baby¡¯s mouth to see her teeth, she couldn¡¯t smile any longer. Was she appraising an animal?

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Ning Xiaoyao was very satisfied and smiled widely at the midwife, ¡°My daughter is sturdy and robust!¡±

    The midwife looked at Xie Duoying. How is she supposed to reply to that?

    Xie Duoying was smooth and hurriedly pushed the midwife out of the delivery room. Smiling, she quickly handed the red packet she prepared earlier to the midwife. ¡°My little sister-inw hopes that my little niece can be stronger. Otherwise, how would she be able to protect the family property in the future?¡±

    The midwife finally understood Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s actions. That¡¯s true, how could she protect the family¡¯s property with a delicate young miss. This young miss didn¡¯t have a father or brothers to help her.

    ¡°I will let Grandma know if there¡¯s anything else,¡± Xie Duoying said and bowed to the midwife.

    The red packet was very full and you could tell that it was very generous just from the thickness. The midwife happily replied, ¡°Many thanks to Madam Xie for the bonus. If there¡¯s anything else, Madam can call me over anytime.¡±

    Xie Duoying let Shadowgale send the midwife out. Shadowgale sent the midwife out of the house and mumbled, ¡°Grandma take care!¡±

    Just when the midwife was about to leave, her grandson ran all the way here and eximed to both the midwife and Shadowgale, ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry is passing by. I can see Supreme Commander Lou!¡±

    ¡°Aiya, this kid,¡± the midwife raised her hand immediately started hitting him. The midwife didn¡¯t care about Supreme Commander Lou and only cared about her grandson, ¡°They¡¯re fighting a war ah, you want to join in? You¡¯re asking for it kid!¡±

    The young boy was hit till he covered his head and ran off. The midwife hurriedly said her goodbyes to Shadowgale before chasing after her grandson to hit him some more.

    Shadowgale heard the sound of horses from the streets and frantically went back into the house and shut the gates tightly.

    ¡°Lou Zigui is here?¡± Shadowrain stood at the door and asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him,¡± Shadowgale lowered the bolt and locked the gate ¡°He wouldn¡¯t stop here for long. He¡¯s probably just passing by.¡±

    ¡°He has even conquered Jiangnan,¡± Shadowrain sighed, ¡°This person is really fated to be Emperor?¡±

    Shadowgale walked towards the courtyard. ¡°What does this have anything to do with us?¡±

    Meanwhile, Lou Zigui rode his horse through the long street with green cobblestones. While passing a small alley, he heard the sounds of an infant crying and he subconsciously stopped his horse.

    ¡°Stop pinching her face!¡± Fifth Young Miss Xie snatched the baby from Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms and furiously scolded, ¡°This is your daughter!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. She didn¡¯t pinch that hard, ok?

    ¡°Baby, don¡¯t cry!¡± Xie Duoying carried the baby who wouldn¡¯t stop crying and coaxed, ¡°Mummy is bad, Auntie will beat her!¡±

    *In Chinese, it ismon to address people as family even if they aren¡¯t rted to us. So we may call a random old man, ¡°uncle¡± even if we don¡¯t know him.

 Chapter 373: Unlocking the mysteries of life

    <h4>Chapter 373: Unlocking the mysteries of life</h4>

    ¡°Supreme Commander?¡± a middle officer turned to ask Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui returned to his senses and guided his horse forward. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Inside a house within the alley, an infant with a chubby face was crying inconsbly until she fell asleep. The baby had a mucus bubble hanging from her nose and was lying in Xie Duoying¡¯s arms. Ning Xiaoyao also let out a yawn. She told Xie Duoying she was going to sleep and closed her eyes.

    Xie Duoying looked at the one in her arms and the one on the bed and the corner of her mouth twitched. They really are mother and daughter. She ced the baby beside Ning Xiaoyao and looked around the freshly cleaned room. After thinking for a bit, Fifth Young Miss Xie took a small box of pastries and ced it beside Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s pillow before leaving the house with ease.

    In the courtyard, Shadowgale stood on the flight of steps and looked dazedly at the withering flowers. Without realising, the weather had slowly entered the autumn season. Xie Duoying walked over to Shadowgale¡¯s side and whispered, ¡°Just now, Xiaoyao said she heard the sounds of horses and even said that Lou Zigui has entered the town?¡±

    Shadowgale smiled for a second and sighed, ¡°Her ears are really sharp.¡± (Author: Yes, Miss Ning¡¯s thief ears are very sharp~)

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Xie Duoying asked, ¡°Once he finds out his elder brother is fine, Lou Zigui will definitely know Xiaoyao is still alive.¡±

    Shadowgale and the rest have already thought about this matter before they left Anyuan. Previously, Lou Zigui already knew about Lou Jing¡¯s wounds. But now, aside from his weak body, Lou Jing appeared to bepletely normal.

    Who else could possibly heal Lou Jing? It couldn¡¯t be His Majesty¡¯s master. Lou Zigui had already caused the death of his own disciple, how could her master possibly save his enemy¡¯s brother?

    But Shadowgale and the others still haven¡¯t thought of a solution to this. After all, they couldn¡¯t go back and ughter Lou Jing to destroy the evidence. Ning Xiaoyao was very open about it. So what if he finds out? At the end of the day, Lou Zigui was no match against her.

    This matter was like a heavy stone weighing on the hearts of Shadowgale and the others. Who knows what Lou Zigui will do?

    ¡°When Xiaoyao finishes her one-month confinement* period, we¡¯ll leave,¡± Shadowgale lowered his voice, ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry wouldn¡¯t randomly search different houses. If we hide within the courtyard, we¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Xie Duoying nodded. I guess that¡¯s all we can do.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much,¡± there was no one in the courtyard and Shadowgale squeezed Xie Duoying¡¯s hand, ¡°Now is the time to fight for the throne, Lou Zigui isn¡¯t going to stay in this area for long.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not worried,¡± Xie Duoying smiled. As long as she¡¯s with Shadowgale, she didn¡¯t have to worry about anything.

    Just then, a sparrownded on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s window. As Ning Xiaoyao was still on confinement, her window was closed to prevent any wind from getting in. This sparrow tried to push open the window. After failing multiple times, the fat sparrow called out, ¡°Xiaoyao, is Ning Xiaoyao in the house? Ning Xiaoyao?¡±

    Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty were lying beside the bed. After hearing the sparrow¡¯s words, they ran towards the window and Big Boss ck projected out of the window, ¡°Xiaoyao is asleep. Why are you looking for her?¡±

    ¡°Grandfather Sparrow and Grandpa Ash from the pce asked Wheat to send some news to Xiaoyao,¡± the fat sparrow replied.

    Ning Xiaoyao opened her eyes while lying on the bed. News from the pce? Ning Xiaoyao scrambled out of bed and rushed to the window. ¡°I am Ning Xiaoyao ah.¡±

    The window suddenly opened, surprising the fat sparrow as he soared into the air and spun twice beforending on the window ledge again. ¡°Nice to meet you Xiaoyao, I am Green Feather.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t understand why this little sparrow would call himself Green Feather when he didn¡¯t have a single green feather on his body. However, she still greeted him,¡°Hello, Green Feather.¡±

    ¡°Exactly what news did Grandfather Sparrow and Grandpa Ash want you to send!!¡± Big Boss ck got impatient.

    ¡°Grandfather Sparrow and Grandpa Ash said they heard Ning Xiaomu and Luo Zigui talking.¡±

    Little White Fatty stretched out his head, ¡°Who is Ning Xiaomu?¡± Ning Xiaoyao quickly replied, ¡°The heir of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. My Big Bro Ning ah.¡±

    Green Feather continued, ¡°It¡¯s rted to Xiaoyao¡¯s past ah!¡± The fat sparrow spent almost an hour telling the whole story to them.

    Little White Fatty eximed, ¡°Omg! Xiaoyao, you¡¯re a young miss of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate ah!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was incredibly shocked by the news. This world is too crazy. She couldn¡¯t take it even as an evolved person!

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Green Feather chirped, ¡°Grandfather Sparrow, Grandpa Ash and even Yellow Great Immortal all miss you a lot.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed. She also misses her little friends ah. Xiaoyao turned around to carry her daughter and the snacks over to the window. She offered some snacks to Green Feather and showed her newborn baby to him. ¡°Green Feather, can you help me with something? Spread the news to the capital. Just tell them I¡¯m very well. Shadowgale and the rest are also well. I even gave birth to a little girl, look!¡±

    Green Feather pecked a bit of the peach pastry and measured Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s daughter. ¡°Your baby is really fat ah, chirp~¡±

    ¡°Mhm, she¡¯s very sturdy. It will be easy to raise her,¡± Ning Xiaoyao proudly stated.

    Big Boss ck and Oil Jar both jumped up to the windowsill. Little White Fatty was no longer the fat ball he used to be. Now, when Little White Fatty jumped up, his front paws could reach the windowsill. The fat baby was surrounded but still slept soundly.

    ¡°Xiaoyao, what are you going to name this little thing?¡± Big Boss ck asked.

    Yes ah, what should I name my daughter?

    ¡°Fatty!¡± Oil Jar suggested.

    ¡°How can a small girl be called Fatty?¡± Big Boss ck scoffed, ¡°This cat remembers that Big Yellow has a son called Fatty.¡±

    Okay then, Ning Xiaoyao inhaled, her daughter couldn¡¯t steal Big Yellow¡¯s son¡¯s name.

    ¡°Actually, the baby¡¯s name should be given by the father,¡± Little White Fatty mumbled, ¡°This is what my mum taught me, ao~¡± Big Boss ck hurriedly smacked Little White Fatty and scolded him fiercely, ¡°You talk too much!¡±

    ¡°Stop fighting,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pulled Big Boss ck and Little White Fatty apart, ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it. This baby shall be called Taosu (peach pastry)!¡±

    The little animals looked at the peach pastry in the pastry box. You saw the peach pastry and decided to name your daughter that, right?

    ¡°Can¡¯t you use your brain?¡± Big Boss ck asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You guys don¡¯t like it?¡± Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows and thought, ¡°How about Fantuan (rice ball)?¡± Big Boss ck swung his tail before concluding, ¡°I think we should stick with Taosu.¡± Thus, when chubby Taosu was in dreand, her name was decided by her mother.

    ¡°Ning Taosu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao looked at her chubby daughter andughed. Ha ha ha, what a good name ah! (Author: You¡¯re taking advantage of your daughter while she¡¯s asleep and can¡¯t speak! o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Green Feather filled his stomach and said bye to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, where are you going next? Are you going to stay here? Maybe Grandfather Sparrow and Grandpa Ash will want toe find you ah!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao replied, ¡°Nah, I¡¯ve decided to go to Fengzhou. I want to go and find my family.¡± It was fine when she didn¡¯t know. But now that she knew, she felt that she ought to make the trip to see her real parents, Big Bro Ning and even Xiao Luoluo.

    ¡°Fengzhou¡¯s Duke of Yue Estate,¡± Big Boss ck repeated to Green Feather, ¡°Remember to tell Grandpa Ash and the rest. Also tell my cat little brothers ah. Meow~¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Green Feather flew off. Ning Xiaoyao watched as Green Feather flew over the wall before turning to Big Boss ck and the others. ¡°We¡¯re leaving tomorrow.¡±

    Big Boss ck thought about it and decided not to tell Ning Xiaoyao that Lou Zigui was currently still in town. Nodding his head, Big Boss ck repeated, ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll leave tomorrow.¡±

    That night, Ning Xiaoyao drank more than half a pot of chicken soup before walking out of the room to tell Shadowgale and the others about her decision.

    ¡°You still have to do your confinement ah!¡± Xie Duoying frantically said. She didn¡¯t have any power to control this person who tried running around immediately after giving birth. Now she was saying that she wanted to leave for Fengzhou, which was a thousand miles away. Fifth Young Miss Xie was even more anxious. Was she courting death?!

    ¡°Let me tell you ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her voice and told the story of her birth to everyone.

    Shadowgale and the rest: ...

    ¡°Really?¡± Xie Duoying couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Ning Xiaoyao confirmed, ¡°The news is reliable.¡±

    ¡°No wonder Third Young Master Ning looks so simr to you ah!¡± Shadowrain gasped.

    ¡°Ya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued, ¡°We¡¯ve overlooked how shameless Grand Preceptor Xie can be. So we were tricked, I was never part of the royal family ah.¡±

    The Dragon Guards all nodded their heads. There was no one that could beat Xie Wenyuan when it came to shamelessness.

    ¡°We¡¯ll leave for Fengzhou after your confinement,¡± Shadowgale concluded after the shock wore down and discussed with Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°This is better for you and the baby.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao insisted, ¡°I don¡¯t need to go through the confinement period. I am a miracle doctor!¡±

    Shadowgale realised that he had nothing to rebut to that. ¡°Oh yeah, my daughter¡¯s name is Taosu, Ning Taosu,¡± Ning Xiaoyao also announced, ¡°This name is pretty good, right?¡±

    ¡°Pfft,¡± Shadowthunder spat out the water that he just drank. ¡°Not good?¡± After seeing Shadowthunder¡¯s reaction, Ning Xiaoyao received another blow.

    Shadowgale and the others saw the two animals next Ning Xiaoyao. The cat was called ck Tubby and the wolf was called Little White Fatty. They really shouldn¡¯t expect His Majesty to choose a good name.

    ¡°That should be the childhood name right?¡± One of the Dragon Guards felt that he couldn¡¯t just give up hope like that and questioned Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°So I have to give it an adult name too?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stared nkly into space.

    ¡°Just call her Ning Taosu,¡± Shadowgale decided. Let¡¯s just stop tormenting ourselves. Xie Duoying suddenly added, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault, I gave Xiaoyao the peach pastries.¡±

    All the youngds chuckled. Luckily it was peach pastries, if she gave her mung bean cake, wouldn¡¯t the little baby be called Ning Ludou (mung bean)? What if it was a meat bun? Ning Roubao (meat bun)? They couldn¡¯t continue thinking about it ah!

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ll be ok on the trip? Shadowgale asked Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Of course!¡± Ning Xiaoyao hopped on the spot a few times. After giving birth, she was back to her original form, the evolved human Ning Xiaoyao!

    ¡°You¡¯re good at healing people, not yourself ah!¡± Xie Duoying protested out of concern. ¡°That is a normal doctor. I¡¯m a godly doctor!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved her hands, ¡°We¡¯re leaving for Fengzhou tomorrow. I am going to go study the maps now.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao turned and ran off. After watching her hop off with her legs moving as fast as the wind, everyone believed that thisdy would be fine.

    ¡°Study the maps?¡± Shadowbolt was puzzled, ¡°Xiaoyao is worried that we can¡¯t recognise the roads?¡±

    ¡°She just wants to see where there¡¯s good food to eat,¡± Shadowgale stood up from the stone chair and instructed his brothers, ¡°Go pack your bags. Check if Lou Zigui and his army has left the town. We¡¯ll leave as soon as possible.¡±

    After bringing up the serious matter of Lou Zigui, the smiles on the Dragon Guards¡¯ faces all dimmed. None of these youngds wanted to encounter Lou Zigui.

    Shadowthunder drank a cup of water before continuing, ¡°What if the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate doesn¡¯t want to acknowledge Xiaoyao as his child when we reach Fengzhou?¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll leave,¡± Shadowgale said icily, ¡°With how vast the world is, there will surely be a ce for us to call home.¡±

    *×øÔÂ×Ó is verymon in China (maybe in Asia too? Not sure). After a mother gives birth, she¡¯s supposed to follow a special diet, and do various things to protect her body from exposure to the ¡°wind¡±. Lol this means no showering/getting wet, going out, etc. It¡¯s supposed tost the entire month. People still do this nowadays. In fact, some of my friends actually followed this. LOL

 Chapter 374: Go back to your cave!

    <h4>Chapter 374: Go back to your cave!</h4>

    The next day, Shadowrain and Shadowbolt went out before dawn to make discreet inquiries. They returned to the courtyard for a sip of hot tea. Shadowrain and Shadowbolt reported, "Lou Zigui has left with his troops. Qin Xuan is the armymander of the town now."

    Shadowgale was puzzled, "I thought he was the navymander?"

    "The Jiangnan Navy is at Spring River at the moment," Shadowbolt remained standing with Shadowgale. "Sources say that Xiang Nong has a small hiding ce upstream of the Spring River. This time, Lou Zigui issued a ruthless order to kill the traitor."

    ¡°The ck Frost Cavalry and the Jiangnan Navy are attacking Xiang Nong from bothnd and sea,¡± Shadowrain borated, ¡°Even if Xiang Nong tries to run away again, he would be toast. However, me and Shadowbolt heard Xiang Tiange was told to remain in town. It seems like Lou Zigui still have some humanity left by not making Xiang Tiange fight Xiang Nong.¡±

    Shadowgale sat in silence for a while, his fingers tapping on the octagon table next to him. He softly replied, "It''s none of our business." ¡°So are we leaving just like this?¡± Shadowrain asked.

    Shadowgale stood up. If they continue to stay here, wouldn¡¯t the ck Frost Cavalry find them?

    -----

    While Ning Xiaoyao and her party left their dwelling town of Jiangnan and headed for the southwest, Lou Zigui was on the road with his cavalry.

    Passersby who encounter the cavalry would get out of the way from both sides of the road. When the war raged on, those who could remain home would try to stay in as much as possible. However, whether in peacetime or in turbulent times, people always had to make a living. So there were always some people on the streets working hard to survive.

    An old woman stood by the roadside with a bamboo basket covered with a blue flowery cloth. She was waiting for the army to pass before heading to the town to do business. Lou Zigui smelled a fragrance, then he stopped his horse and noticed the old woman carrying the basket. "What are you selling?"

    The old woman was too frightened to raise her head. Her reply was as light as a mosquito¡¯s buzz. "Osmanthus cake and osmanthus candy."

    Osmanthus candy.

    Lou Zigu¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the bamboo basket for a long time until the frightened old woman could barely stand up. Finally, he spoke. "Sell your osmanthus candies to me."

    The old woman was taken aback. Who would¡¯ve thought that the icy general on horseback would turn out to have a sweet tooth? Soon, a packet of sweet-smelling osmanthus candies was in Lou Zigui¡¯s hand. He urged his horse to move on and popped a candy in his mouth. Lou Zigui shook his head. It tasted different from what he had tried on the streets of the capital. It wascking some vour.

    Meanwhile, sitting in the carriage, Ning Xiaoyao also threw a sweet-scented osmanthus candy in her mouth. She squinted happily. Ning Xiaoyao dered to her fellow passenger Xie Duoying, "Delicious! Better than anything I''ve ever eaten in the capital!"

    Fifth Young Lady Xie¡¯s mouth twitched. As long as the food was edible, what kind of food was not delicious to her?

    -----

    Although Lou Zigui didn¡¯t quite like the taste, he did not want to throw it away. Instead he put the sweet-scented osmanthus candies in a leather bag and hung it around the horse''s neck.

    His soldiers saw Lou Zigui¡¯s action but nobody said anything. Supreme Commander liked to buy candies, but he did not eat much. Whenever the candies melted, he would throw them away. He kept throwing the candies away yet also kept buying them. Nobody knew how to describe this type of hobby.

    "Supreme Commander," a voice rang out behind him and Lou Zigui turned around. Zhao Feiran, his senior apprentice brother and eldest disciple of Mister Huihu, rushed towards him on horseback.

    "Supreme Commander!" Zhao Feiran arrived in front of Lou Zigui and cupped his fists in greeting, "Teacher has a letter for you."

    Lou Zigui led his senior apprentice brother off the road. The two of them stood on the edge of the Spring River. Lou Zigui opened the envelope to read the letter. Zhao Feiran whispered, "Teacher has written this letter through the night. Teacher said that right now, we have to seize the opportunity to capture the cities in the south and we are not in a hurry to kill Xiang Nong. The rebel forces have already lost millions of soldiers. All that is left are ten thousand of disabled soldiers. They are really not worth your attention, Chengying."

    The content of Mister Huihu''s letter was pretty much the same as what Zhao Feiran said, but the phrasing was not as life-like as Zhao Feiran. At the end of the letter, Mr Huihu asked Lou Zigui, is the country more important or the traitor¡¯s disabled soldiers? After finished reading the letter, Lou Zigui crumpled the letter in a ball and gripped it in his hand.

    The teacher''s personally written letter should be respected. Lou Zigui¡¯s action made it clear to Zhao Feiran that this junior apprentice brother was dissatisfied with their teacher. "Chengying," Zhao Feiran eximed, "Teacher is doing this wholeheartedly for your sake!"

    Lou Zigui threw the ball of paper into the Spring River. The paper absorbed the water quickly and started to sink. A wave came and devoured Mister Huihu¡¯s letter from sight. "You!" Zhao Feiran was about to yell.

    "Should Teacher be interfering with military affairs?" Without waiting for Zhao Feiran to speak, Lou Zigui asked in a cold voice. Zhao Feiran was stunned.

    "It seems like Teacher wants to be in control of the country. If I conquer the country, should I wee Teacher to sit on the throne?¡±

    Zhao Feiran was scared by Lou Zigui¡¯s harsh words. This would put their teacher at death door. "I have already sent for Li Wuqi, Elder Li," Lou Zigui coldly replied, ¡°As for Teacher, I think it¡¯s more suitable for him to remain on the mountains.¡±

    Zhao Feiran was startled, "You want to drive Teacher out?" "Not driving him away," Lou Zigui answered, "I just don''t want him to stress mentally and physically. Of course, if Teacher wants the country, he can tell me."

    "Chengying, ah!" Zhao Feiran protested, "Do you have some misunderstandings with Teacher?"

    "I have to listen to him even when I use my troops. In your opinion, what should I think?" Lou Zigui crisply stated.

    "He''s not. He-" Zhao Feiran was speechless. "Teacher is nowhere near the army,"ughed Lou Zigui, "Yet, within a day, he knows exactly what¡¯s happening here. He even had enough time to get you to catch up to me. I see, very impressive."

    "Chengying, what are you trying to say?"

    "Senior apprentice brother, apany Teacher back to the mountains and forests," Lou Zigui icily replied.

    Zhao Feiran was bewildered. As a disciple of Mister Huihu, he and his junior disciples were unable to get ahead when their teacher lost power. So, now that Lou Zigui had started to conquer the world, their fellow disciples finally had another chance to be officials. But, not only did Lou Zigui want to expel their teacher, he also wanted to expel them as well?

    "If I can betray the monarch, there¡¯s no one I can¡¯t betray in this world." said Lou Zigui, looking at his senior apprentice brother. "Brother, pass the message to Teacher: don¡¯t push me to my limit."

    When Lou Zigui finished speaking, he strode away. Zhao Feiran stood dumbstruck like a wooden chicken by the Spring River.

    That evening, Mister Huihu looked at the disciples standing in front of him and spoke after a long period of silence, "He even drove you all back."

    Several fellow apprentice brothers driven out by Lou Zigui were resentful. They wanted toin but since the soldiers who escorted them back were still standing outside the door, they did not dare to speak.

    "Teacher," Zhao Feiran ran into the study, trembling, "Li Wuqi has arrived." Mister Huihu mmed his hands on the table, with his green veins popping out. Li Wuqi actually arrived today. His good disciple had long thought of driving him back to the mountains. It wasn¡¯t a decision he made just now.

    "Teacher, what should we do?" a disciple asked. Mister Huihu was full of knowledge, but now his learning couldn''t help him.

    Shortly after, Elder Li appeared outside the door of the study. He raised his hand and knocked on the door. Before Mister Huihu could speak, Elder Li entered the room and looked at Mister Huihu. "Long time no see."

    Mister Huihu stood up, gave a bitterugh, and cupped his fists in greeting. "It has been a while."

    Elder Li, as usual, didn¡¯t have a smile on his face. He swept his eyes across the room and saw Zhao Feiran and the others. "You were all kicked out?"

    Zhao Feiran:... Can his tongue be less poisonous?!

    "There is nothing wrong with what you want Lou Zigui to do, except he loathes you right now." Elder Li openly told Mister Huihu. Mister Huihu looked at the soldiers outside the door. The sheathed sword in the soldiers'' hands shed coldly in the autumn night.

    Elder Li turned around and looked outside the door. He looked at Mister Huihu and asked, "Are you returning tonight or spending the night in Jiangnan?" Mister Huihu challenged, "Elder Li is so eager to let me go?"

    "It''s not me," Elder Li coldly replied, "It''s your little disciple who wants you to return home as soon as possible." The atmosphere in the study dropped to a freezing point.

    Elder Li doesn¡¯t take shit from nobody. The man standing in front of him had an extremely unsightly expression. Yet, Old Gramps acted as if he saw nothing and continued, "At the end of the day, Mister Huihu is also the emperor¡¯s teacher. It is definitely something else to end up without any power and such a terrible reputation."

    These words were like ps on his face. He had studied the Book of Songs and the Book of History intensively. Yet he ended up spending a majority of his life living secluded in the mountains. His only life achievement was to educate a disciple who had a fall out with him?

    "Servants, help Mister Huihu pack his baggage." Elder Li did not wait for Mister Huihu to speak and instructed. Outside, the soldiers assented in a loud voice.

    "You are a faithful official," Mister Huihu looked at Elder Li, "The little emperor of the former dynasty was kind to you. Now you have vowed loyalty and devotion to Chengying?"

    "What are you trying to say? I must punish Lou Zigui?" Elder Li asked, "He cannot tolerate you so you''re going to instigate all the former dynasty¡¯s ministers to kill him?"

    "You!" How could Mr Huihu undertake this usation? If this charge stands, he wouldn¡¯t be returning back to the mountains. Instead, he would be in Hell, right?

    "Why do you and I study the books?" Elder Li questioned Mister Huihu. "For the sake of understanding justice and truth, for the monarch and the people," replied Mister Huihu.

    "Cultivating one''s moral character, governing one¡¯s family, and ruling the world," Elder Li said, "You''re right. I''ll ask you again, who are you governing the world for?" Mister Huihu answered, "For the sake of themon people."

    "Good," said Elder Li, "So when you stopped your disciple from returning to the capital, were you doing it for themon people?"

    "Naturally," answered Mister Huihu.

    "Are the people of the imperial capital themon people?" Elder Li asked. Mister Huihu replied, "At that time, none of the rescue troops came to the imperial capital, but you me me alone?"

    "Everyone in the world kills people, so it¡¯s fine if you kill people?" Elder Li looked at Mister Huihu with disdain. "You dream of reaching the highest official position through the emperor? Go back to your cave, you are not Xie Wenyuan. You did not give birth to a daughter that can confuse the monarch!¡±

    "Teacher!" Zhao Feiran and the others in the room cried out in fear. Mister Huihu¡¯s body swayed as he fell to the ground.

    "You must all leave the camp before tomorrow¡¯s sunrise," Elder Li said coldly, "If not, don¡¯t me this old man for being merciless."

 Chapter 375: Ning Xiaoyao returns home

    <h4>Chapter 375: Ning Xiaoyao returns home</h4>

    It took nearly five months for Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s party to go from Jiangnan to Fengzhou. By now, she knew that it was pointless of her to worry about the fate of the country. So, Ning Xiaoyao was not particrly concerned. At most, once in a while, she would hear people talk about the country¡¯s situation during her temporary stay in certain cities. People would talk about how Supreme Commander was doing and where the ck Frost Cavalry was conquering now. In any case, the general situation of the country was inseparable from Lou Zigui.

    ¡°Should we go to Duke of Yue¡¯s estate like this?¡± After the party entered Fengzhou, Shadowrain inquired, ¡°Don¡¯t we need to make some preparations?¡±

    ¡°Such as?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°Buy them gifts, for example?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had some money in her hands, so she wasn¡¯t stingy. ¡°Then, what should we buy?¡±

    The nine provinces of the southwest were located by the border. The me of war on the Central ins had not yet spread to this ce. Fengzhou was where the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate was located. Furthermore, it was the most prosperous city out of all the nine provinces in the southwest. The streets were lined with shops and there were an endless stream of horses and carriages. The streets were packed with travellers. Only the buildings looked less magnificentpared to the capital.

    "Logically speaking, the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate is not short of food, clothing or anything," Shadowbolt said, "What can we bring as a gift?¡± Everyone was staring at each other, but nobody coulde up with a gift idea.

    "Ai," sighed Ning Xiaoyao, "Then give them money." Whenever you¡¯re in a situation where you¡¯re unsure of what to gift the other party, giving money would be the best option. People could use the money to buy whatever they wanted.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that bad?¡± Xie Duoyingmented, ¡°If we give them money, wouldn¡¯t it seem insincere?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged,¡± Then what do you suggest?¡±

    Fifth Young Miss was speechless. Regarding the Duke of Yue¡¯s family status, the highest level of gift-giving should be both generous in terms of a mary sense and an emotional sense. But how would Ning Xiaoyao show affection through her gift?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Ning Xiaoyao continued to proceed forward, ¡°Giving money is the best.¡±

    ¡°Do you know where Duke of Yue¡¯s estate is?¡± asked Xie Duoying. Ning Xiaoyao pointed toward the sky. Little Gyrfalcon flew in Fengzhou City in advance. Currently, it was flying above Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head. ¡°Little Gyrfalcon knows the way. Let¡¯s go.¡± Ning Xiaoyao strode forward.

    The gates of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate were like all the aristocratic residences. Usually, they weren¡¯t open. When Ning Xiaoyao and her entourage followed the little gyrfalcon to the estate, the gates were closed and soldiers were standing on the stairs of the gate stoop. Each of them carried amanding presence.

    Ning Xiaoyao''s party stood outside the gate, and a soldier immediately shouted loudly. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°We are...¡± Shadowgale answered. ¡°Third Young Master?¡± Before Shadowgale finished speaking, a soldier standing close by Ning Xiaoyao eximed.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao sucked in her breath. She¡¯s currently wearing a flowery skirt yo! How could people confuse her as Ning Xiaoluo? Does she seriously look like a man right now? (Author: This is way more traumatic for Third Young Master than you, ok? o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    All the soldiers looked at Ning Xiaoyao. Third Young Master has failed to live up to expectations, but he would be unlikely to go as far as to run outside in a flowery skirt. If this person is not Third Young Master, who is she?

    The side door next to the gate was opened from inside. Ning Xiaoluo, dressed in a white garment walked out supporting a taller married woman. When Ning Xiaoyao and her party saw the pair, they were all stunned. Were they seeing things? When did they be a pair?

    "Isn''t that Miss Ji?" Shadowrain muttered to Ning Xiaoyao, "Am I seeing things?"

    "Yes, it''s her," Ning Xiaoyao answered, "Our friendship formed because we were beat up together. I¡¯d recognize her even if she were burnt to ashes. My God, look at her stomach, she''s pregnant ah!"

    Shadowrain was bbergasted, "You¡¯re right! Oh my goodness, when did they be a couple?" Everyone wanted to know the answer to this question.

    Ning Xiaoluo and Ji Yuerong were stunned to see the people standing on the steps. They also suspected that something was wrong with their eyes. The person in the middle was supposed to be dead. The people next to him had all died together with their master. None of them had an intact corpse. How could these people stand in front of them now?

    ¡°Miss Ji, Xiao Luoluo!¡± Ning Xiaoyao waved to Ning Xiaoluo and Ji Yuerong. Ning Xiaoluo''s face was twisted and he suddenly turned around and ran into the mansion. Ji Yuerong stood in front of the door and continued to be in a daze. Her lips trembled but she could not speak. The soldiers in front of the door were all confused. They were stunned and couldn¡¯t fathom whether this group was their enemy or not.

    "What do we do now? Ning Xiaoyao inquired Shadowgale. "Let¡¯s get inside."

    "Ok," Ning Xiaoyao walked up the stairs. "Halt!¡± a soldier quickly shouted at them again. "Let theme up," Ji Yuerong said with a shaky voice. "Your Majesty, all of you,e up quickly."

    Now the soldiers didn¡¯t dare to stop them. Ning Xiaoyao ran to Ji Yuerong in a few steps. "How did you end up with Xiao Luoluo?" Ji Yuerong grabbed Ning Xiaoyao''s hand and yelled, "What happened to you?!" Ning Xiaoyao was surprised by Ji Yuerong¡¯s shout.

    ¡°You!" Ji Yuerong raised her hand and stroked both Ning Xiaoyao''s head and forehead. Her skin was warm, which meant that she was touching a living person. Ning Xiaoyao was alive.

    "Girl, you¡¯re pregnant!" Ning Xiaoyao stared at Ji Yuerong''s stomach. "Let''s talk inside," Ji Yuerong dragged Ning Xiaoyao into the house, thinking that it was hard to talk to this guy and she should talk to Shadowgale instead.

    Ning Xiaoluo rushed all the way to the rear courtyard. He burst into the main hall and shouted, "Xiaoyao is here!"

    Currently, Duke of Yue and his wife, Ning Xiaomu and his wife, and Second Young Master¡¯s wife, nee Qiu, were together. The whole family was dumbfounded by Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s cry. First Young Master asked, "What are you talking about?"

    "Xiaoyao," Third Young Master Ning panted and pointed outside of the estate, "I saw Xiaoyao, Shadowgale and the others. They are all alive!"

    "What?!" Duke of Yue¡¯s Madam, nee Li, jumped up from her chair and hysterically cried, "Are you telling the truth?" Ning Xiaoluo felt crushed. "Mother, do you think I¡¯d deceive you on a matter like this?"

    By the time Ning Xiaoyao and Ji Yuerong had arrived at the rear courtyard, Ning Heng, the Duke of Yue, was already waiting for them with the family. When Madame Li saw Ning Xiaoyao''s face, she was positive that this was her daughter. There was no mistake.

    "Xiaoyao,e here," First Young Master Ning beckoned Ning Xiaoyao. "Okie!" Ning Xiaoyao ran up to him. Xiaoyao¡¯s face was not as plump as before, but she seemed very energetic. First Young Master Ning stroked Ning Xiaoyao''s head andughed, "Since you¡¯re wearing a flowery skirt, why didn''t youb your hair properly?"

    Ning Xiaoyao touched her hair bun casually and chuckled, "I can''t braid my hair."

    "It''s all right. Sister-inw can help you braid your hairter." The young woman standing next to First Young Master Ning had a gentle smile on her dignified and quiet face. "Elder, elder sister-inw," Ning Xiaoyao called out.

    Nee Cheng responded, "Ai, little sister." Ning Xiaoyao pondered and then asked First Young Master Ning, "Big Bro Ning, is this considered a reuniting sess?¡±

    Ning Xiaomu tapped Ning Xiaoyao''s head gently. "Come with me." Ning Xiaoyao obediently followed First Young Master Ning and stood in front of the Duke of Yue couple. First Young Master Ning pointed to the Duke of Yue, "This is our father," and then pointed to Madame Li, "This is our mother."

    "Dad, mom," Ning Xiaoyao called out. She smiled widely, exposing her white teeth. Ning Heng was very emotional, but he wanted to maintain his strict father image in front of his children. However, Madame Li didn¡¯t care. When she heard Ning Xiaoyao call her ¡®Mother¡¯, she embraced Ning Xiaoyao and burst into tears. When her daughter was born, she only took a brief nce at her. Who would¡¯ve thought it would be over a decade before she could take a second look?

    Ning Xiaoyao was saddened by Madame Li''s tears. Most likely, Ning Yu never found out about her past while she was alive. Likewise, thisdy will never know that Ning Yu was her actual daughter.

    "Stop crying," Duke of Yue told his wife, "Xiaoyao is back. It''s a good thing. You should be happy." Madame Li wiped her eyes and dragged Ning Xiaoyao inside the house. There was no reason to keep her daughter standing and talking in the courtyard.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at Duke of Yue eagerly. Her father didn''t smile. Was he unhappy to see her?

    Duke of Yue looked at his little daughter. She had big eyes and grew up looking very much like her mother. However, her posture was not good and was too thin. He must fatten her up. Ning Heng¡¯s daughter must be white and fat. (Author: Your taste...)

    "Why are you stiff-faced when Xiaoyao is back?" Madame Li noticed that Duke of Yue still had a coffin face without a smile. She could see her daughter staring at her husband. "You are not happy that my daughter is home?"

    The Duke of Yue:...she¡¯s also his daughter!

    "Dad, you don¡¯t smile," Ning Xiaoyao spoke. Madam Li red at the Duke of Yue. First Young Master Ning spoke on behalf of his father, "Xiaoyao, father, he..."

    Ning Xiaomu wanted to say that their father was born with a resting bitch face. But before he could say that, Duke of Yue pulled his facial muscles and stretched the corners of his mouth. For the first time ever, his dad was smiling!

    "Dad!" Seeing the Duke of Yue smile, Ning Xiaoyao was relieved. Her father was happy to see her too.

    "Good girl," Duke of Yue patted Ning Xiaoyao''s head with unpracticed movement. Sure enough, daughters were so lovable. She was tiny and had big eyes. Her voice was soft and the way she called him dad was so sweet! Besides being thin, his daughter had no other shorings.

    Third Young Master Ning was stupefied by all this. He was happy that Ning Xiaoyao came back alive but he could already predict that he was going to lose all his status at home!

    At this time, Shadowgale came forward with Shadowthunder, Shadowrain and Shadowbolt to greet the Duke of Yue. "Fourmanders, please forego the formalities," said Duke of Yue.

    Ning Xiaoyao remembered that she hadn''t properly made her salute yet. While she was still pondering whether to bow or kneel, Madam Li dragged Ning Xiaoyao to the central room. "Xiaoyao, tell Mother everything that you have encountered."

    Ning Xiaoyao was dragged into the room to talk. Xie Duoying stood in the courtyard with little baby Ning Taosu. She looked up at the sky speechlessly. The mother forgot about her daughter again!

 Chapter 376: Eldest Young Master Ning asks, is Taosu Lou Ziguiâ€™s daughter?

    <h4>Chapter 376: Eldest Young Master Ning asks, is Taosu Lou Zigui¡¯s daughter?</h4>

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in the main room, recounting to her family about the incidents after she faked her death. It was as if she was narrating a story; a legendary tale without all the bloodshed but still brimming with adventure.

    ¡°I learned it from Xie Wenyuan,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exined, ¡°His n to extricate himself of his criminal charges was to cause chaos. So, I just followed along and got the Northern Hu and rebel forces to fight each other. That way, I could save our capital. Haha, aren¡¯t I smart?¡±

    Madame Li quietly wiped away her tears, ¡°You are, Xiaoyao is the smartest.¡± Duke of Yue and Eldest Young Master Ning looked at each other. They didn¡¯t expect his daughter (sister) to have the courage and insight to seek victory from danger.

    Madame Li asked, ¡°What happened after that? Where did you go?¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought for a bit. The matter regarding Lou Jing was personal. It wasn¡¯t right for her to talk about it. She decided to hide her trip to the Snow Wolf Valley. ¡°After that, I went travelling around. I even.....¡± She stopped here and suddenly remembered, what happened to her daughter?

    Ning Xiaoyao ran off like a rabbit that had lost its tail. Her family jolted in surprise. Did something happen?

    ¡°Xiaoyao!¡± Madame Li chased after her. ¡°Slow down,¡± Duke of Yue quickly reached out to steady his wife. What if she falls down?

    In no time, Ning Xiaoyao ran back like the wind and introduced the baby in her arms. Ning Taosu was currently nibbling on her own fingers. ¡°Look, this is my daughter!¡± For the longest time, no one said a word. ¡°Ya?¡± Ning Taosu innocently looked at Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°You gave birth to her?¡± Ning Xiaoluo eximed, ¡°You¡¯ve already gotten married?!¡± Third Young Master Ning was extremely distressed. His own wife had just gotten pregnant, but his niece was already so big? Can¡¯t Xiaoyao at least pay attention to the ancient traditions? They should be going in order of seniority! He¡¯s the third brother! She¡¯s supposed to be the fourth!

    ¡°Yup, I gave birth to her.¡± Disappointment shed through her eyes but Ning Xiaoyao quickly straightened her small back again. ¡°But I didn¡¯t get married!¡± There was another moment of silence before Third Young Master Ning shouted, ¡°What did you say? Then who is your daughter¡¯s father?!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s smile looked slightly deted. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want me anymore so he definitely won¡¯t want my daughter either.¡±

    This time, the silence in the room stretched longer. The Ning family wasn¡¯t mentally prepared for the sudden switch in emotions. The happiness was too brief. ¡°Eeee, ya!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Eldest Young Master Ning and stretched out her arms, asking to be carried.

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Big Bro Ning, this brat likes being carried by handsome men.¡± Eldest Young Master Ning stood up and buried his anger in his heart. The gloomy expression on his face also faded away before he reached over to pick up chubby little Ning Taosu. ¡°How old is my little niece?¡±

    ¡°Five months,¡± Ning Xiaoyao grinned. Eldest Young Master Ning carried Ning Taosu close to his chest. Ning Taosu pouted her lips and a sloppy kissnded on her uncle¡¯s cheek, smearing his face with her saliva.

    Eldest Young Masterughed, and turned to his own wife, ¡°Go with sister-inw and take...¡± Then he asked Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, what is her name?¡± ¡°Taosu, I named her Ning Taosu.¡±

    That name... Eldest Young Master Ning¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°The kind that you eat?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes ah! Peach pastries are so yummy ah!¡± ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu babbled loudly to her uncle.

    ¡°You little thing,¡± Eldest Young Master Ning was amused by her and gave Ning Taosu a kiss. ¡°Do you understand what your mother and I are talking about?¡±

    Ning Taosu broke into a wide grin, looking exactly like her mother. When she smiled, her eyes disappeared and her teeth were exposed.

    Madame Li recovered from her shock. ¡°Honey, hurry up and bring her over so I can take a look at the little darling!¡± Before Eldest Young Master Ning could turn around, Duke of Yue mmed his hand down on the table. It was incredibly loud, scaring Ning Taosu but little miss chubby didn¡¯t cry. She merely widened her eyes and looked over at Duke of Yue.

    ¡°Who is the bastard?¡± Duke of Yue furiously roared, ¡°Xiaoyao, who is the man? Tell father, father will go and skin him alive!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s jaw dropped in confusion. Nee Cheng and Nee Qiu exchanged a quick nce before looking away. ording to the current customs, an unmarried woman who has a child out of wedlock and is abandoned by the father would be cast out of the n. In worse cases, she would be drowned ah! But this is their inws¡¯ and husbands¡¯ response? Not even a word of reproach for this sister-inw ah!

    ¡°Tell me,¡± Duke of Yue persisted, ¡°Who is this bastard? Father will help you take care of him!¡±

    ¡°Father, if I want to kill him, I¡¯ll do it myself. Why would I trouble father at all?¡± Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows.

    Duke of Yue:...That¡¯s right, his eldest son and youngest son have both mentioned that this daughter of his is unparalleled in martial arts ah.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can take care of my own daughter.¡± Ning Xiaoyao assured. ¡°Father can support the both of you!¡± Duke of Yue¡¯s expression darkened. Is his daughter afraid that he can¡¯t support the both of them?

    ¡°Now that you¡¯re back, just set your mind to rest.¡± Eldest Young Master Ning wiped the saliva off his little niece¡¯s face. He smiled at Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°You¡¯ve done everything that you can for this country. From now on, just be yourself. Fengzhou is near the border, but it¡¯s also a good resourceful ce. Xiaoyao, you¡¯ll really like it here.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao looked a little awkward. She only came back to see her family and maybe to stay a little while. But she wasn¡¯t thinking of settling down here ah.

    ¡°Listen to me,¡± Eldest Young Master continued, ¡°Even if you don¡¯t want to stay, at least wait till everything settles and the country is peaceful again.¡±

    ¡°What about Windy and the other Dragon Guards?¡± She could spend her days eating and drinking leisurely with Taosu, but what about her group?

    ¡°You¡¯re still nning to travel and go on a scenic tour with them?¡± Eldest Young Master Ning¡¯s smile became even more gentle. ¡°Xiaoyao, let Windy and the others serve the army.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rubbed her chin as she pondered. In the past, she had already wanted to let her Dragon Guards join the army. They are all good men. It would be such a waste to have them remain by her side as bodyguards forever. Now that her eldest brother brought this up, Ning Xiaoyao was also convinced.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go ask them in a bit. If Windy and the other Dragon Guards agree to join the army, would you support the idea?¡±

    ¡°Even if they disagree, I would still agree. They won¡¯t have any future prospects if they keep following me. Am I right?¡± Eldest Young Master Ning patted Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head.

    ¡°Do you agree, father?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Duke of Yue. She still has to ask the Big Boss¡¯ opinion if she wants to find a job for her Dragon Guards ah. Duke of Yue replied, ¡°I¡¯ll leave this matter up to your eldest brother. Xiaoyao ah, tell father, who is that bastard?¡±

    ¡°Father,¡± Eldest Young Master Ning looked at Duke of Yue. ¡°If Xiaoyao doesn¡¯t want to tell us, then let her be. We¡¯ll just pretend this person doesn¡¯t exist. Taosu will take on the Ning surname.¡± Duke of Yue felt his heart aching. Right now, all he wants to do is find the bastard who abandoned his daughter and cut him into pieces!

    ¡°I¡¯m also to me,¡± Ning Xiaoyaomented, ¡°I took it for granted. I thought I was some big beauty.¡±

    Eldest Young Master Ning¡¯s gaze turned dark when he heard Ning Xiaoyao speak, but he didn¡¯t say anything. Duke of Yue had an even uglier expression on his face now. That bastard thinks his daughter isn¡¯t good enough?!

    ¡°I¡¯m not gentle,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pouted, ¡°I¡¯m not thoughtful, I don¡¯t know any of the feminine arts, I don¡¯t even know how to style my hair nicely. What¡¯s more, I¡¯m also poor, I¡¯m uncultured, I¡¯m...¡±

    ¡°My sister is someone who was once Emperor,¡± Eldest Young Master Ning smiled, ¡°Has any other girl sat on the imperial throne? Or managed to overthrow XIe Wenyuan? You don¡¯t need all of that!¡± Ning Xiaoyao thought about it and agreed. She suddenly realized how she was still dashing enough to pierce through the Heavens!

    Eldest Young Master Ning¡¯s words were directed at Ning Xiaoyao, but both Nee Cheng and Nee Qiu were astonished. That¡¯s right! They¡¯ve all forgotten that this sister-inw of theirs once sat on the imperial throne, discussed politics at court, and ruled the country! For someone like her, why would she need to abide by the usual customs ah?

    ¡°Mhmm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao admittedly replied, ¡°I¡¯ll live here from now on. I¡¯ll open a hospital, no, I mean I¡¯ll open a medical clinic and treat patients ah.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Eldest Young Master immediately responded. As long as his sister stays under his watch, there¡¯s no way she will ever be wronged or bullied by others again with his protection and care.

    ¡°Thank you, eldest brother!¡± Ning Xiaoyao had on a broad grin. ¡°Cough,¡± Duke of Yue let out a cough. ¡°Thank you, father!¡± Ning Xiaoyao smiled with her eyes squinted. Duke of Yue sighed and wanted to keep talking but swallowed back his words when he saw his eldest son shaking his head at him.

    Right then, Madame Li said, ¡°Ningmu, bring my granddaughter over so I can take a look at her!¡±

    Nee Cheng and Nee Qiu:... just like that, their mother-inw kissed the baby and epted her as the granddaughter.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go have a talk with the Dragon Guards,¡± Eldest Young Master Ning told Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Stay here to chat with mother.¡± ¡°Ok!¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. ¡°Father, Dongfu, let¡¯s go.¡± Eldest Young Master Ning called out to the Duke of Yue and Ning Xiaoluo, who didn¡¯t have the chance to speak the entire time.

    As the three of them left, Ji Yuerong was still staring out the door in a daze. She felt someone tugging her hand and turned to see Ning Xiaoyao smiling at her. Ji Yuerong didn¡¯t know what to think. She pinched Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s cheek that had already lost all baby fat. ¡°Do you know how much I cried because of you, meanie?!¡±

    ¡°Hehe, Miss Ji, how did you end up with Xiao Luoluo ah?¡± Ji Yuerong softly replied, ¡°You want to talk about this here?¡±

    Looks like it¡¯s a long story. Ning Xiaoyao disyed an expression to show she understood. ¡°Ok, let¡¯s talk privately.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Madame Li shouted. ¡°Coming!¡± Ning Xiaoyao ran towards Madame Li. ¡°Mother, is there anything yummy to eat in Fengzhou City?¡±

    Ji Yuerong:... Looks like this rascal hasn¡¯t changed at all!

    Meanwhile, in Duke of Yue¡¯s study, the four Dragon Guards were ordered to take a seat. They sat facing Eldest Young Master and Third Young Master Ning. Duke of Yue first thanked the Dragon Guards for looking after Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°It¡¯s been hard on all of you, looking out for Xiaoyao the entire way here.¡± The Dragon Guards had just been seated, but rushed to stand once they heard Duke of Yue.

    ¡°Sit,¡± Duke of Yue gestured for them to remain as they were. ¡°We don¡¯t have such strict rules here.¡± The Dragon Guards could only remain seated.

    Eldest Young Master Ning asked, ¡°Windy, is Taosu Lou Zigui¡¯s daughter?¡±

    Duke of Yue and Ning Xiaoluo:...

    The Dragon Guards:...

    ¡°From your expressions, there¡¯s no doubt Taosu is Lou Zigui¡¯s daughter.¡± Eldest Young Master replied.

    ¡°What about their expressions?¡± Ning Xiaoluo had been staring at the Dragon Guards the whole time but couldn¡¯t tell anything from their expressions. Eldest Young Master Ning didn¡¯t want to speak to his stupid brother.

 Chapter 377: Supreme Commander Lou wants to go to Fengzhou

    <h4>Chapter 377: Supreme Commander Lou wants to go to Fengzhou</h4>

    Shadowthunder was the most dense out of the four brothers. When Shadowgale and the other two were thinking of what to do, Shadowthunder frantically asked First Young Master Ning, ¡°How did you figure it out, First Young Master Ning???¡±

    First Young Master Ning shed a smile. There were only a few people who could get close to his little sister and cause her to lower her guard. Lou Zigui was the number one suspect.

    This time, the Duke of Yue was only stunned for a short time. He then exploded in anger and flipped his table, hollering, ¡°It¡¯s that f*cker again!¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo was also furious and jumped out of his chair. ¡°Not only that, he waste on purpose. He was waiting to see Xiaoyao get killed by the Northern Hu and the rebel forces! This f*cker has no conscience!! I.. I knew from the start that he wasn¡¯t anything good!¡±

    ¡°Send the troops!¡± the Duke of Yuemanded First Young Master Ning, ¡°Immediately send someone to the army camps. Tell Ol¡¯ Second that this old man wants to bring the Destruction Prisoner Army to fight the f*cker with the surname Lou!¡±

    Shadowgale and the others: ...They¡¯re going to start a war like that ah?

    ¡°Ya,¡± Ning Xiaoluo shouted, ¡°Or else the one with the surname Lou will think that the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate is easy to toy around with!¡±

    First Young Master Ning sat down and didn¡¯t move. ¡°Lou Zigui wille and find us on his own.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± sted Duke of Yue, ¡°He still has the face to look for us?¡±

    ¡°Is heing to fight?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t Lou Zigui have to take down the nine states of the southwest to obtain the throne?¡± First Young Master Ning lowered his voice. The Duke of Yue was bbergasted. ¡°He still wants to bring his troops to fight us?¡±

    ¡°How could there be someone this shameless?!¡± Ning Xiaoluo started hopping in anger. First Young Master Ning coldly chuckled, ¡°We¡¯ll just wait for him here. The nine states of the southwest are different from the central ins. When he brings the ck Frost Cavalry here, Second Bro and I will show Lou Zigui our prowess in our mountain terrains.¡±

    Third Young Master Ning: ...His Big Bro has excluded him again.

    Duke of Yue walked around his study several times beforeing up with a decision. ¡°This old man will make a trip down to the army camps tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Why are you going to the camps?¡± Shadowthunder asked stupidly. Duke of Yue coldly uttered, ¡°To prepare for war.¡±

    Shadowthunder hastily stood up. ¡°Duke, can this lowly one join the battle when Lou Zigui is here?¡± He has to be included when beating Lou Zigui ah!

    Duke of Yue observed Shadowthunder. He¡¯s tall with good stature, a good youngd. ¡°No problem. Xiaoyao¡¯s intention was for the Dragon Guards to enter the army anyway. About that, Shadowgale ah, are you all willing?¡± Shadowgale, Shadowrain and Shadowbolt all rushed to stand and simultaneously replied, ¡°This lowly one will do as you bid.¡±

    ¡°Good. Then we¡¯ll wait for Lou Zigui. This old man will not let him leave this ce alive!¡±

    When the people in the study were talking about amon enemy, Ning Taosu opened her mouth to eat. This cheerful and chubby little girl smiled whenever she saw food. In no time, she gained all the love and affection of thedies in the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. Everyone liked adorable things and this was especially so for females.

    Seeing her mother and the wives fawning over Ning Taosu, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. This fatty is trying to get more food again. How can she be so persistent towards food? Who does she resemble ah? (Author: Hey! You seriously can¡¯t tell?)

    ¡°Here,¡± Ji Yuerong brought another tray of pastries over to NIng Xiaoyao, ¡°These are flower cakes, try some.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately reached out to take a piece to try. She devoured half of the cake in one bite. ¡°Delicious!¡±

    Watching Ning Xiaoyao eat caused Ji Yuerong to feel hungry as well. Taking a piece of flower cake herself, she turned to Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°The Ning n doesn¡¯tck sons. However, theyck daughters. Look at how happy your mother is.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about Taosu the fatty. Miss Ji, Third sis-inw ah, if you¡¯re here, where is Senior General Ji? Is he still in Anyuan?¡±

    ¡°Grandfather and brother followed me over,¡± Ji Yuerong lowered her voice, ¡°My brother suddenly fell sick. He didn¡¯t get better even after seeing various doctors. We came here after hearing that there was a witch doctor that could treat him in the southwest.¡±

    ¡°Then you met Xiao Luoluo and heunched a wild attack on you! And you couldn¡¯t hold on and was defeated by him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao mischievously asked.

    Ji Yuerong giggled. Ning Xiaoyao saw Ji Yuerongugh and nodded. Looks like she figured out the truth.

    Ji Yuerong ate half of the flower cake in her hand but lost her appetite when she heard Ning Xiaoyao asking about her brother¡¯s condition.

    ¡°You couldn¡¯t find the witch doctor?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been much improvement,¡± Ji Yuerong spoke in a tiny voice.

    ¡°What kind of doctor is a witch doctor? I¡¯ve never heard of it before.¡±

    Ji Yuerong changed the topic. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. My brother is already at the end of his days and we don¡¯t know if he will be able to see the one in my tummy.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao wiped her mouth. ¡°The witch doctor may be useless, but I¡¯m here now!¡± Ji Yuerong was stunned for a moment. Oh yeah! The person in front of her is obsessed with eating but she is also a miracle doctor ah!

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up, ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll go check up on your brother. I can also say hi to Senior General Ji on the way.¡±

    After hearing that her daughter wanted to go to her third daughter-inw¡¯s brother to heal his illness, Madame Li immediately agreed on the spot.

    That very evening, Ning Xiaoluo walked out from his father¡¯s study to search for his wife. He then found out that Ning Xiaoyao and his wife had gone back to her family home.

    Third Young Master Ning suffered another blow. No one even bothered to invite him or let him know about this matter?!

    The Ji n was residing in a courtyard in Fengzhou City. Ji Jiu and Ning Xiaoyao stood at Ji Ze¡¯s bedside. Ji Yuerong couldn¡¯t stand for long periods so she sat by the bed.

    ¡°Time¡¯s up?¡± Senior General Ji asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the incense burner to the side and saw that the incense was still burning. She had lied and said she needed the time of three incense to heal him. When Ning Xiaoyao saw that Senior General couldn¡¯t wait, she blurted out, ¡°Mhm, it¡¯s almost done.¡±

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Ji Jiu asked his eldest grandson. Ji Ze had been ill for a long time and his body was very weak and could only shake his head after hearing Ji Jiu¡¯s question.

    Ning Xiaoyao instantly removed the bandages covering Ji Ze¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°It should be fine now. Big Bro Ji, you can open your eyes and look around.¡±

    Ji Ze slowly opened his eyes. First Young Master Ji wasn¡¯t really expecting anything so his expression didn¡¯t really change. But when he opened his eyes, he realised that the world was bright and emotion could finally be seen on his face.

    ¡°He.. He can see?¡± Ji Jiu eximed. Ning Xiaoyao raised three fingers to Ji Ze. Ji Ze raised his hand and followed Ning Xiaoyao, showing three fingers.

    ¡°Ha ha ha~,¡± Ning Xiaoyaoughed happily. Sess! This means he could see now.

    Ji Jiu and Ji Yuerong were stunned for a long time before bursting into tears. Ji Ze finally believed that his eyes were healed when he saw his father and sister crying. They looked different from his memories but that wasn¡¯t important right now. ¡°I¡¯m healed?¡±

    ¡°Yup!¡± Ning Xiaoyao beamed gleefully, ¡°Now you won¡¯t have to live in distress anymore.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Ji Yuerong grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hands as she continued to sob, ¡°Thank you.¡± Ning Xiaoyao brushed it off, ¡°No problem ah. Dang, we are family now! You don¡¯t have to be so polite with me yo!¡±

    An hourter, Ji Yuerong¡¯s personal maid ran into the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate and notified Madame Li, nee Cheng and nee Qiu, ¡°The First Young Master of the Ji household is healed! And he can see now!

    Madame Li and the other two madams didn¡¯t react for a long time. ¡°Yes it¡¯s Young Miss, Young Miss healed First Young Master Ji!¡± the maid eximed.

    ¡°Quick!¡± Madame Li instructed, ¡°Tell the Master and the others, we¡¯re heading to the Ji Estate.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± a maid at the door made a sound of assent before running to the Duke of Yue¡¯s study.

    Just like that, the news that the Duke of Yue¡¯s Fourth Young Miss had returned home as a miracle doctor spread all around the nine states of southwest.

    At the same time, Lou Zigui was returning to the capital with Xiang Nong¡¯s head. He finally saw his big brother and nephew and heard about the news that Ning Xiaoyao was still alive.

    ¡°Song Jin and Fang Tang rode south to look for you but they must have missed you,¡± Lou Jing said before realising that Lou Zigui¡¯s expression was strange and worriedly asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s hand was shaking but he didn¡¯t lose hisposure in front of his brother. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Has Elder Li and the rest decided on the day of coronation?¡± Lou Jing asked. ¡°Big brother, I want to go to Fengzhou,¡± Lou Zigui raised his head to answer Lou Jing, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the coronation another time.¡±

    ¡°You want to first seize the nine states of the southwest?¡± Lou Jing hurriedly asked. Lou Zigui shook his head and lowered his voice, ¡°I know the person that saved you, her name is Ning Xiaoyao.¡± Lou Jing was originally half lying down but he immediately jumped up when he heard this. ¡°She is your friend?¡±

    Lou Zigui started to tell his big brother the story of Miss Ning and himself. From their first meeting at the execution ground all the way to the part that he had returned to the capital and found out that Miss Ning was gone, leaving only the white jade amulet he found in the garden.

    Lou Zigui talked for a long time. He ryed everything regardless of its importance. Lou Zigui had been suppressing this for a long time and he wanted to tell someone all about this.

    After Lou Jing heard Lou Zigui¡¯s story, he pped Lou Zigui across the face. Lou Zigui epted his elder brother¡¯s p and sat there without moving.

    ¡°You!¡± Lou Jing was enraged, ¡°You actually did something like this?!¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao is definitely at Fengzhou. I want to go find her.¡± Lou Zigui blurted out of desperation. Lou Jing wanted to tell Lou Zigui to scram, but this was his little brother and he had been missing his little brother all these years. First Young Master Lou really couldn¡¯t bring himself to say the word ¡®scram¡¯.

    ¡°I regret it now. But by the time I arrived with the troops, Xiaoyao was already gone.¡± Lou Zigui muttered, ¡°I was just a dayte.¡±

    ¡°Stop with the bullshit,¡± First Young Master Lou yelled, ¡°How many days did you hesitate on the road? Even if you got the throne, would your conscience be okay with that?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lou Zigui sighed, ¡°I was just hoping to see Nan-er quickly grow up, I......¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll let him be the emperor?¡± Lou Jing icily snapped, ¡°Then you¡¯ll kill yourself? And meet Xiaoyao in the underworld?¡±

    Lou Zigui opened his mouth but no words came out. ¡°Go to Fengzhou,¡± Lou Jing decided, ¡°I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    Lou Zigui hurriedly asked, ¡°You will?¡±

    ¡°There are three people you¡¯ll have to face in the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate,¡± Lou Jing sighed, ¡°You¡¯ve done such a horrendous thing. Why would her father and brothers give Xiaoyao to you?¡±

    Lou Zigui had nothing to refute.

    ¡°Nan-er can help you oversee the matters of the capital. But it¡¯s up to fate whether Xiaoyao would return to your side. If Xiaoyao is unwilling, there is nothing you can do. You only have yourself to me.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll just remain in Fengzhou,¡± Lou Zigui lowered his voice and muttered.

    ¡°You think you can stay in Fengzhou just because you want to?¡± Lou Jing was furious, ¡°Would the Ning n let you stay there? You¡¯re not even the emperor yet. Even if you were, they have the Destruction Prisoner Army. Would they be afraid of you?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°What? You want to cry ah?¡± Lou Jing just wanted to beat his little brother to death, ¡°What¡¯s the point of showing me your tears?!¡± First Young Master Lou fiercely scolded his little brother.

 Chapter 378: First Young Master Ning and Second Young Master Ning

    <h4>Chapter 378: First Young Master Ning and Second Young Master Ning</h4>

    News of Lou Zigui heading towards Fengzhou spread, eventually making its way to the southwest half a monthter. Second Young Master of the Duke of Yue, Ning Xiaoxiao, nced once at the messenger bearing this news. The messenger trembled under his stare, feeling as though he had done something wrong.

    ¡°Go and seize your rewards.¡± Second Young Master Ning waved dismissively. The messenger hurriedly retreated from the hall. He did not dare to stop to get any rewards. In all of the nine states of the southwest, nobody dared to take Second Young Master Ning¡®s rewards!

    Second Young Master Ning left the army camp that night. Given his terrible demonic reputation, none of his guards dared to ask him where they were going. It was only when they stopped in front of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate did they confirm that their Second Young Master Ning was indeed going home. (Author: That¡¯s enough, guys...)

    When the guards at the main gate saw their demonic master, they subconsciously straightened their backs and nearly stopped breathing. Second Young Master Ning entered through the gates and headed straight to the back of the residence.

    ¡°Little Taosu, Third Uncle will bring you to buy sweets. Are you happy?¡± Ning Xiaoluo ced Ning Taosu on his shoulders as he cooed little miss chubby and walked towards the main door.

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu pped her hands.

    ¡°Yay, we will go and have candies, we will....¡± The smile on Third Young Master Ning¡¯s face froze when he saw his second brother standing near him.

    Actually, Second Young Master Ning looked simr to First Young Master Ning. The only difference was that First Young Master Ning gave people a feeling of graciousness and gentleness, whereas Second Young Master was considered a scary viin. He would not even smile at his own parents.

    ¡°S-second brother...¡± Third Young Master Ning straightened his back and stuttered, ¡°W-why are you back?¡±

    Second Young Master Ning walked towards Third Young Master Ning, ignoring himpletely as he stared at little miss chubby. ¡°Eee ya!¡± Ning Taosu beamed happily.

    ¡°Still remember me?¡± Second Young Master Ning grunted.

    ¡°Second brother ah!¡± Third Young Master Ning could not hold back any longer. ¡°Don¡¯t scare our little niece. You always sound so icy. Don¡¯t...¡± Third Young Master Ning swallowed the rest of his words as Second Young Master Ning lowered his head.

    ¡°Oh! ¡°Ning Taosu lifted her hands towards Second Young Master Ning. Second Young Master Ning directly reached over to Ning Taosu and picked her up from Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°So you do remember me.¡±

    Previously, when Ning Xiaoyao had returned home, Duke of Yue had hosted a banquet for her. That day, Second Young Master Ning rushed home from the Fengzhou¡¯s army camp and met his sister Ning Xiaoyao and niece Ning Taosu. Second Young Master Ning did not expect that Ning Taosu would remember him from that one encounter.

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu was extremely enthusiastic. She tightly gripped her little hands on Second Young Master Ning¡¯s cor as she stretched her neck to nt a kiss on his face.

    Second Young Master Ning and his wife n¨¦e Qiu had two sons together. Yet he had never carried both of his sons before. Whenever his sons saw him, they reacted as though they had seen a ghost. They acted as if they wanted him to disappear or for themselves to disappear. Getting a kiss from a soft and cute baby was definitely a once in a lifetime experience for him.

    Ning Taosu gurgled withughter. Seeing that Second Young Master Ning had no reaction, she gave him several more kisses. I have kissed you, please give me something to eat ah~!

    Second Young Master Ningughed and kissed Ning Taosu. He walked off with little miss chubby.

    Ning Xiaoluo remained rooted on the ground in shock. Was he hearing things? The legendary devil who didn¡¯t even cry during his own birth and had neverughed his entire life actuallyughed just now?

    Ning Taosu did not get the food she wanted but she was a good tempered little baby. Although Second Young Master Ning did not feed her, she was not angry and continued toughingly stick her little face against her second uncle¡¯s face. She was little miss chubby, someone who naturally knew how to make people happy.

    Second Young Master Ning carried Ning Taosu into the study. The guards at the courtyard and the boy servant outside the study room saw himing but did not dare to say anything. They didn¡¯t dare to stop him either, let alone report his arrival to the upants in the study room.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Ning Taosu called out as they entered the study room.

    The Duke of Yue immediately interpret this as: My little fatty granddaughter is calling me grandpa!

    First Young Master Ning interpreted this as: My little fatty niece is calling me eldest uncle!

    ¡°Why are you back?¡± Duke of Yue stood up, intending to carry Ning Taosu. However his second son gave him a bow and carried the little fatty girl away as he sat down on a chair at the side. Duke of Yue¡¯s hands came up empty.

    ¡°Lou Zigui is on his way here.¡± Second Young Master Ning got straight to the point. Duke of Yue¡¯s face immediately darkened. ¡°Is Lou Zigui bringing his troops over here?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s onlying with Lou Jing. They are not bringing any soldiers.¡± Second Young Master Ning said as he pinched Ning Taosu¡¯s plump face. The news that First Young Master Lou was still alive had spread throughout the entire country. Although Ning Xiaoyao and the rest did not mention it, they all found out regardless.

    ¡°Just the two of them?¡± Duke of Yue asked. ¡°Perhaps they areing with a few bodyguards and some servants?¡± Second Young Master Ning muttered, ¡°I heard that Lou Jing¡¯s health is not good.¡±

    ¡°What does Lou Zigui want to do?¡± Duke of Yue could not fathom his intentions. Second Young Master Ning did not care about this. ¡°How about I bring some people and ughter him halfway?¡±

    Duke of Yue¡¯s eyes and mouth started to twitch. Besides killing off people, what else could this son of his possibly do for the rest of his life?

    ¡°Eldest bro?¡± Second Young Master Ning looked at First Young Master Ning. First Young Master Ning did not speak right away.

    Duke of Yue thought to himself, what is the best spot to make a move on Lou Zigui? (Author: Hey, don¡¯t be like this ah!)

    ¡°Lately, Xiaoyao has been saying that she wants to go into the mountain to talk about life with the witch doctor.¡± First Young Master Ning thought for a moment and smiled, ¡°Tomorrow, I will ask Dongfu to apany Xiaoyao into the mountains.¡±

    Duke of Yue spoke up, ¡°Third sister-inw is pregnant. Can Dongfu leave at this time?¡±

    ¡°Third sister-inw and Elder Ji, as well as Ji Ze will go into the mountains together.¡± First Young Master Ning replied, ¡°The Ji n is on friendly terms with the Lou n. Although Elder Ji left Anyuan partly because he was unsatisfied with Lou Zigui, I believe we would put them in an ufortable position if they feel like they have to choose between us.¡±

    ¡°Can n¨¦e Ji can go into the mountains while she¡¯s pregnant?¡± Duke of Yue could not feel assured. ¡°Ji Ze¡¯s eyes were blinded but he eventually recovered due to Xiaoyao¡¯s medical skills. Father, you seriously think Xiaoyao would not be able to take care of third sister-inw?¡± First Young Master Ningughed. ¡°Let them go y in the mountain. Bring Taosu along.¡±

    Second Young Master Ning questioned, ¡°You intend for Lou Zigui to arrive here and then kill him off?¡±

    ¡°Can you stop talking about assassinating people while you¡¯re carrying Taosu?¡± Duke of Yue felt a headacheing on. ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Second Young Master Ning.

    ¡°This is my Ning n¡¯s baby.¡± Second Young Master Ning hugged Ning Taosu and pecked her cheek. Then, he icily stated, ¡°I am killing off the one with the surname Lou. What has it got to do with Taosu?¡±

    Although her second uncle wanted to kill off her own father, Ning Taosu continued to smile and kiss Second Young Master Ning from time to time. Give me something to eat!

    ¡°You like Second Uncle, don¡¯t you?¡± Second Young Master Ning was in a great mood. In this world, there was finally a little child that was no longer afraid of him. More importantly, this little child was his niece! ¡°Second Uncle likes you too!¡± Second Young Master informed Ning Taosu. Ning Taosu beamed.

    Second Young Master saw a te of corn strips and handed one to Ning Taosu. Ning Taosu finally got what she wanted. She excitedly hugged her second uncle and kissed him twice before revealing a single tooth to gnaw at the corn strip.

    Duke of Yue patted Ning Taosu¡¯s head and praised, ¡°She is just like her mom, so easy to raise!¡± Second Young Master lifted his head to stare at his own father.

    Duke of Yue thought, did I say something wrong?

    ¡°What are your ns?¡± Second Young Master asked his brother, ¡°If you have no ns, then I will follow my own ns.¡±

    First Young Master Ning countered, ¡°If we kill Lou Zigui, wouldn¡¯t his subordinates avenge him?¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s start a war.¡± Second Young Master Ning crisply replied. ¡°But we are unprepared.¡± First Young Master Ning spoke in a low voice. ¡°Also, Lou Zigui is noting with troops. He is trying to tell us that he doesn¡¯t want to start a war.¡±

    ¡°So just because he doesn¡¯t want a war, we can¡¯t start one?¡± Second Young Master replied coldly, ¡°Is this a matter he can decide on?¡±

    ¡°He is here for Xiaoyao.¡± First Young Master Ning murmured. ¡°So what?¡± Second Young Master Ning snarled, ¡°Do we let Xiaoyao leave with him?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Duke of Yue burst out angrily, ¡°Eldest son, don¡¯t speak nonsense. Second son, go back and prepare for war. The ck Frost Cavalry is indeed amazing but our Ning n¡¯s Destruction Prisoner¡¯s Army should not be taken lightly.¡±

    Second Young Master Ning carried Ning Taosu and prepared to stand. First Young Master Ning pressed him down and asked, ¡°What about Lou Jing? What do you intend to do with him?¡±

    Second Young Master Ning sneered coldly, ¡°What has Lou Zigui¡¯s big brother got to do with me? If he wishes to live, he can live. If he wishes to die, I won¡¯t stop him.¡±

    Duke of Yue was hesitant. ¡°Lou Jing is not a bad person. Ningmu had met him before. When I thought he died in battle with his father, I was quite sad.¡±

    ¡°Who is more important? Lou Jing or Xiaoyao?¡± Second Young Master Ning asked his father menacingly.

    Of course his own daughter is more important! Duke of Yuemented, ¡°I was only just saying...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s unnecessary for us to go to war.¡± First Young Master Ning interrupted them. ¡°We do not have enough money nor grains to sustain a prolonged war, hence it is unwise to fight against Lou Zigui.¡±

    Second Young Master Ning coldly asked, ¡°Are you afraid?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. I just think this war is unnecessary. As long as Lou Zigui doesn¡¯t see Xiaoyao, then he has to go back. He doesn''t have time to y with us. We just have to deny that Xiaoyao is the person he¡¯s looking for. What can he do then?¡±

    Second Young Master Ning asked, ¡°You want to act like a shameless person?¡±

    ¡°Kingdom and beauty,¡± First Young Master Ningughed, ¡°He got his kingdom. If his beauty is still alive in this world, Lou Zigui must think that the heavens are treating him well.¡±

    ¡°F**k!¡± Duke of Yue cursed, ¡°He can dream on!¡±

    ¡°If Xiaoyao scolds him or hit him, he will be more than willing to ept the punishment. The only thing that he cannot ept would be Xiaoyao treating him like a stranger. Father, Second Brother, believe me. This is the way to make Lou Zigui to feel worse than death.¡±

    Duke of Yue:...So it turns out that his eldest son is more vicious than the second one. After his second son kills, the matter would be over. But his eldest son would not be satisfied until the person feels worse than death.

    ¡°What makes you so sure he would feel like this?¡±Second Young Master Ning asked, ¡°He was able to let Xiaoyao die.¡±

    ¡°Whether he will or not, we will know soon. ¡°First Young Master Ning countered, ¡°Whatever he feels, it is of no loss to us.¡±

    ¡°Sure, this is no loss to us,¡± Second Young Master Ning said grudgingly, ¡°But why must we watch this show? I do not want to watch.¡± Duke of Yue looked at his second son, and then at his eldest son. Indeed, nobody wants to watch this show. So what are you going to do?

    ¡°Speak the truth. Don¡¯t speak in circles.¡± Second Young Master snapped.

    ¡°You don¡¯t wish to watch, but I wish to torture him. Are you satisfied with this answer?¡± First Young Master Ning replied. Second Young Master Ning stayed silent. His big brother has nothing better to do?

 Chapter 379: Little White Fattyâ€™s revenge

    <h4>Chapter 379: Little White Fatty''s revenge</h4>

    Second Young Master Ning carried Ning Taosu and walked off. Duke of Yue shouted after him, ¡°We¡¯re talking about serious matters, where are you going ah?¡±

    Second Young Master Ning retorted, ¡°Will you let me do things my way?¡±

    Duke of Yue: ...

    Second Young Master Ning continued walking away with Ning Taosu in his arms.

    What is with this unlucky child? Duke of Yue felt stifled. Luckily this son of his doesn¡¯t live at home or he would die early!

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu called out.

    ¡°Second Uncle will bring you out to y,¡± Second Young Master Ning pinched Ning Taosu¡¯s face. Ning Taosu let out another ¡®oh¡¯ and continued to gnaw at the corn cob in her hand. Although she couldn¡¯t bite it, Ning Taosu didn¡¯t give up.

    Seeing his second son carry his granddaughter away, Duke of Yue sat down and asked First Young Master Ning, ¡°What exactly are you going to do about this?¡±

    First Young Master Ning sat on the chair where Second Young Master had just gotten up from and replied, ¡°I haven¡¯t figured it out yet.¡±

    Duke of Yue¡¯s face had a ¡®I don¡¯t believe you!¡¯ expression on his face. ¡°This matter has to do with Xiaoyao and Taosu, I have to think about it properly,¡± First Young Master Ning muttered.

    ¡°You think that Xiaoyao should be with Lou Zigui..?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want Xiaoyao to have anything to do with Lou Zigui. But it¡¯s not up to me to decide.¡±

    ¡°Then, should we tell Xiaoyao that Lou Zigui ising?¡±

    First Young Master Ning took a cob of corn and murmured, ¡°Let¡¯s not disturb Xiaoyao and find out what Lou Zigui is thinking before we act.¡± Duke of Yue scratched his head in annoyance.

    ¡°Send Xiaoyao up the mountains,¡± First Young Master Ning threw the corn back onto the porcin te, ¡°Second Brother can deal with this matter. I¡¯ll observe for now.¡±

    Duke of Yue¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°What if Ol¡¯ Second directly ughters him?¡± ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± First Young Master Ning stood up to leave.

    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Duke of Yue stood at the door of the study and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t you know the character of your second bro?!¡± First Young Master Ning continued to walk off.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you at least show some acknowledgement when this old man is talking?!¡± Duke of Yue hollered after him.

    -----

    ¡°To the mountains?¡± Aftering back from breakfast, Ning Xiaoyao heard her big brother asking if she wanted to go to see the witch doctor on the mountains. ¡°Do you want to go?¡± First Young Master Ning grinned.

    ¡°Ok!¡± Ning Xiaoyao immediately nodded. She was definitely excited to go and y ah.

    ¡°Old Ji and the others have been in Fengzhou for so long but they haven¡¯t really gone out to y. Bring them along as well,¡± First Young Master Ning added, ¡°Your Third sis-inw is pregnant. You¡¯ll have to take care of her Xiaoyao.¡±

    ¡°Sure, no problem,¡± Ning Xiaoyao instantly agreed. ¡°Then, you¡¯ll leave tomorrow?¡± First Young Master Ning asked. ¡°Mhm,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She doesn¡¯t even care about the location. Why would she be picky about the time?

    Meanwhile, Second Young Master Ning sat in his room and red at Ning Xiaoluo, ¡°Do you remember everything I said?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo nodded. Take care of Ning Xiaoyao. Watch Ning Xiaoyao. Don¡¯t let the asshole, Lou Zigui, bully their little sister again. That¡¯s basically what his second brother was trying to say. Although Third Young Master Ning felt that Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t need his protection at all, he could only nod his head. There was no other option when he was in front of his second bro.

    ¡°Alright, leave.¡± Second Young Master Ning told him to scram. ¡°But, what are you guys going to do to Lou Zigui?¡± Ning Xiaoluo was curious.

    ¡°I want to murder him but Eldest Bro has other ideas. Do you have any suggestions?¡±

    ¡°I d-don¡¯t have any opinions.¡± stuttered Ning Xiaoluo.

    ¡°Then why are you still standing here? You still have something to say?¡± growled Second Young Master Ning. Ning Xiaoluo immediately ran off. He didn¡¯t have anything to say, really!

    The next morning, Ning Xiaoyao and her group left on the journey. Ning Xiaoyao took Ning Taosu from Ji Ze¡¯s embrace and asked Madame Li, ¡°Mother, you¡¯re really noting with us?¡± ¡°You can go with Dongfu and the others,¡± Madame Li smiled kindly at Ning Xiaoyao. Lou Zigui ising, how could she leave?

    ¡°Okay then.¡± Although Ning Xiaoyao felt that it was unfortunate, she couldn¡¯t possibly kidnap her mother and bring her on the trip. Second Young Master Ning signalled to Ning Xiaoluo who was on a horse. Ning Xiaoluo hurriedly announced to everyone, ¡°We¡¯re leaving ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao and the group of people left Fengzhou for the mountains.

    -----

    Half a monthter, the Lou brothers entered the nine states of southwest and arrived at Fengzhou. It was already almost summer.

    Second Young Master Ning had been sharpening his sword for the past several days. After hearing someone report that the Lou brothers wanted an attendance, Second Young Master Ning¡¯s hands stilled.

    The guards at the door retreated a step. Their Second Young Master was a scary individual who could instill fear simply by standing there. But the sight of him sharpening his sword was even more frightening to them.

    ¡°Send them to the main hall,¡± Second Young Master Ning sheathed the sword he was sharpening, ¡°I¡¯ll go and meet them.¡±

    After the guards received the orders, they turned and immediately ran off. Nee Qiu stood at the side and couldn¡¯t stop worrying, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that Ningmu said that you have to keep Lou Zigui¡¯s life ah.¡± Second Young Master Ning made a sound of assent and left with his sword.

    Nee Qiu: ...Why couldn¡¯t she stop worrying?

    The Lou brothers were brought to the Duke of Yue¡¯s main hall. As one of the most influential families in the nine states of the southwest, the Duke of Yue¡¯s main hall could be described asvish and magnificent. Ever since Lou Zigui walked through the Duke of Yue¡¯s gates, his fists were clenched. Second Young Master Ning walked into the main hall expressionlessly and carefully measured the two people.

    The people outside the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate were bbergasted when they saw that it was the Second Young Mastering out to meet the guests. Only the rtives of the family knew about the matter between Ning Xiaoyao and Lou Zigui. The servants and workers in the estate didn¡¯t know. So upon seeing their Second Young Master Ning, they couldn¡¯t help but think if their Duke of Yue¡¯s estate had some beef with the Lou brothers.

    ¡°This official is Ning Xiaoxiao,¡± Second Young Master Ning introduced himself while eyeing Lou Zigui and First Young Master Lou.

    Lou Jing wanted to greet Second Young Master Ning. However, Second Young Master Ning waved his hand dismissively. ¡°There¡¯s no need. Our Duke of Yue and your Lou n doesn¡¯t really have any friendship. There is no need for First Young Master Lou to be so polite.¡±

    Lou Jing smiled, ¡°The necessary courtesies must still be given.¡±

    After First Young Master Lou said that, Second Young Master Ning could only cup a fist and salute First Young Master Lou. Second Young Master Ning was a person who could distinct between revenge and favour. He didn¡¯t have any grudge against First Young Master Lou. This person had gone through several years of torture and pain for the country and deserved respect.

    ¡°Why did Supreme Commander Loue?¡± After greeting First Young Master Lou, Second Young Master Ning turned to Lou Zigui, ¡°You¡¯re not fighting for the throne anymore?¡±

    ¡°Where is Xiaoyao?¡±

    Second Young Master Ning didn¡¯t think that there woulde a day where someone could cause him to be speechless. This asshole is so shameless ah, he dared to ask about Xiaoyao immediately after his arrival?

    ¡°I want to see Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui repeated. Second Young Master Ning tightened his grip on his sword. ¡°How do you know the name of my little sister?¡±

    Lou Zigui frowned.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, please know your ce,¡± Second Young Master Ning snapped, ¡°My little sister still has to wed in the future. It wouldn¡¯t be honourable of you to ruin her name like this.¡±

    ¡°She is...¡±

    ¡°She is my little sister,¡± Second Young Master Ning didn¡¯t wait for Lou Zigui to finish his sentence and continued, ¡°She is unacquainted with Supreme Commander. So why are you looking for her?¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to see me?¡± Lou Zigui ignored Second Young Master Ning¡¯s words and replied with another question. Second Young Master Ning wanted to draw his de. Why should he waste his energy talking to this shameless piece of shit?!

    ¡°I just want to see her once.¡± Second Young Master Ning¡¯s expression was scary enough to scare a ghost but Lou Zigui continued to press. ¡°Did he damage his brain from the war?¡± Second Young Master Ning asked First Young Master Lou.

    Lou Jing didn¡¯t think that his brother would act this way the moment he arrived at the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. Isn¡¯t he asking for a beating?!

    ¡°Second Brother,¡± Lou Zigui called. Second Young Master Ning¡¯s anger exacerbated when he heard this. Who is your Second Brother?! Second Young Master Ning wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk anymore. Without saying anything, he drew his sword.

    ¡°Old Two!¡± First Young Master Ning¡¯s voice travelled in from outside the door. Second Young Master Ning¡¯s sword halted just right above Lou Zigui¡¯s head. He didn¡¯t swing it and turned to kick Lou Zigui instead.

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t flinch and directly received Second Young Master Ning¡¯s kick. He fell to the ground and crawled back up again.

    First Young Master Ning walked into the main hall. Second Young Master Ning snarled, ¡°This asshole wants to hurt little sister¡¯s reputation, you¡¯re going to let him off?!¡±

    First Young Master Ning¡¯s expression sank. ¡°I want to see Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui said to First Young Master Ning.

    Although Lou Zigui didn¡¯t look too different from before, it seemed like all his energy had been sucked out of him and anyone could see that he was thin and pallid. After First Young Master Ning measured Lou Zigui, he said, ¡°Supreme Commander. The Duke of Yue¡¯s estate doesn¡¯t have the Xiaoyao you¡¯re looking for. Please leave.¡±

    Lou Zigui repeated again, ¡°I just want to see her once.¡± ¡°How could an external man see an unmarried girl? Is Supreme Commander trying to insult the Ning n?¡±

    ¡°First Young Master Ning,¡± Lou Jing had to cut in at this point. The Duke of Yue¡¯s young masters were more merciless than beating them. This family was going to be adamant on not letting them see Xiaoyao.

    ¡°First Young Master Lou,¡± First Young Master Ning politely greeted Lou Jing. ¡°Xiaoyao saved my life, First Young Master Ning. Even if Xiaoyao doesn¡¯t meet Chengying, can¡¯t you let me see her to show my gratitude?¡±

    First Young Master Ning shook his head. ¡°First Young Master Lou, you¡¯re looking at the wrong ce. Xiaoyao is not your benefactor. She has never left home before. How could she have gone to Snow Wolf Valley to save you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve done something wrong,¡± Lou Zigui repented, ¡°I just want to see Xiaoyao once. You can punish me however you like after that.¡±

    ¡°It seems like Supreme Commander is capable of sweet words,¡± First Young Master Ning sighed, ¡°But you¡¯re at the wrong ce.¡±

    ¡°You told me back at the Supreme Splendor Hall,¡± Lou Zigui stared at First Young Master Ning. ¡°Oh?¡± First Young Master Ning raised his eyebrows, ¡°What did I say?¡±

    ¡°You said that Xiaoyao is the Fourth Young Miss of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate.¡±

    ¡°I never said anything like that,¡± First Young Master Ning directly denied the im. How could First Young Master Ning lose to Lou Zigui in terms of shamelessness?

    ¡°Servants, send the guests off,¡± Second Young Master Ning was losing his patience and shouted at the door, ¡°Now.¡±

    The door guard immediately ran in but did not dare to say anything. ¡°Please,¡± First Young Master Ning raised his hand and gestured to the gate. Lou Zigui walked out. Lou Jing was shocked. Was his little brother just going to give up like that?!

    When the Lou brothers walked out of the main hall, Second Young Master Ning yelled, ¡°What is this asshole thinking?¡± First Young Master Ning murmured, ¡°Send someone to follow him.¡±

    ¡°Just kill him and get it over with!¡± Second Young Master Ning spat out and walked away withrge strides. Just now, he only managed to kick Lou Zigui once. Thinking back, he should have done more.

    ¡°Xiaoyao is not in the estate,¡± Lou Zigui walked out of the Duke of Yue¡¯s gate and quietly told Lou Jing. ¡°What?¡± Lou Jing was startled, ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°If she was in the estate, she would definitely have heard what I said,¡± Lou Zigui replied.

    ¡°Then it just means that she doesn¡¯t want to see you.¡± The truth hurts but Lou Jing didn¡¯t know how else to say it. Lou Zigui expression dimmed.

    Lou Jing asked, ¡°What are you going to do now?¡±

    ¡°Ao~!¡± Little White Fatty¡¯s howl travelled over from across the street as he opened his mouth to ruthlessly bite Lou Zigui. Yesterday, he, Big Boss ck and Oil Jar overheard the conversation between Xiaoyao¡¯s father and the brothers. Then Little White Fatty came up with the idea to bite the horrible Lou Zigui to death.

 Chapter 380: Ning Taosu wants to take the middle path

    <h4>Chapter 380: Ning Taosu wants to take the middle path</h4>

    The soldier following Lou Zigui saw his master getting bitten and immediately went forward to hit Little White Fatty.

    There was blood and a chunk of meat in his mouth. After knowing that he did some damage to Lou Zigui, Little White Fatty turned and ran off. He wanted to find Xiaoyao. He already took revenge for Xiaoyao ah~

    Lou Zigui pushed aside the crowd and chased after Little White Fatty.

    ¡°Ao?¡± Little White Fatty was shocked. He managed to bite off a huge chunk of meat but Lou Zigui could still run? (Author: You¡¯ve exposed Xiaoyao¡¯s location ah!) The other soldiers wanted to give chase but was stopped by Lou Jing. He has an impression of this big white dog. This was Xiaoyao¡¯s dog. (Author: He¡¯s not a dog, he¡¯s a snow wolf... ¨r(¨s_¨t)¨q£©

    ¡°Supreme Commander is hurt ah!¡± Concerned, the guard leader eximed to First Young Master Lou.

    ¡°He¡¯s already a grown man. He should know how to take care of himself. Let¡¯s go.¡± Lou Jing turned and left. The crowd wanted to chase after Lou Zigui but they had to obey First Young Master Lou. They could only keep turning back to check while leaving with Lou Jing.

    From the gate, Second Young Master Ning red at First Young Master Ning. ¡°Are you trying to act as a middleman for that asshole and Xiaoyao?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Stop acting!¡± Second Young Master Ning said with a ck face, ¡°Why did you stop me from attacking him. You¡¯ve already decided from the beginning right?¡±

    First Young Master Ning turned and left. Second Young Master Ning took a step forward and blocked his older brother from leaving. He coldly spat, ¡°I don¡¯t agree.¡± First Young Master Ning retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t agree either. And neither does Mother and Father. So what? This matter depends on how Xiaoyao feels.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you trick Xiaoyao into going to the mountains?¡± Second Young Master Ning¡¯s words were harsh but First Young Master Ning was used to it. With his arms behind his back, he murmured, ¡°It¡¯s best if none of us meddle in this matter. We have to let Xiaoyao make the decision.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell Old Three.. Oh right,¡± Second Young Master Ning realised, ¡°There¡¯s no difference if that idiot is around or not.¡± (Author: Hey!)

    ¡°Xiaoyao will be fine,¡± First Young Master Ning patted Second Young Master Ning¡¯s arm, ¡°All we can do is respect her wishes.¡±

    ¡°The mountains and forests are huge. Are you sure they can find each other?¡±

    ¡°That would depend on their fate then,¡± First Young Master Ning smiled and walked towards the rear residence. He would respect his sister¡¯s decision, but that doesn¡¯t mean that he would let Lou Zigui off.

    Second Young Master Ning raised his leg and smashed a big pot of lotuses in the courtyard. The servants in the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate shook with fear. Howe their Second Young Master looks like he¡¯s about to eat someone?

    ¡°First Young Master,¡± the guard leader walked alongside Lou Jing. The more he thought about it, the more worried he felt for his Supreme Commander. Cautiously, he suggested to Lou Jing, ¡°Should this lowly one bring someone to look for Supreme Commander?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Lou Jing curtly replied, ¡°We¡¯ll wait for him in the city.¡±

    ¡°How long do we have to wait?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not going tomit suicide. So he¡¯ll probably be back in ten days to a month.¡±

    The guards: ... They have to wait for ten days to a month? And Supreme Commander isn¡¯t going tomit suicide? Is Lou Jing really his biological brother?

    Of course Lou Jing knew what he was doing. He insisted oning with Lou Zigui because he knew that the Ning n wouldn¡¯t treat his little brother too badly with him around.

    And he was right. Although the Second Young Master Ning¡¯s words were unpleasant to hear, his words were not to the point of no return. Ning Xiaoxiao had a reputation of a killing star. But he had only drawn his sword and didn¡¯t actually stab his little brother.

    That big white dog (Author: I¡¯ve already told you it¡¯s a wolf!) didn¡¯t run back to the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate after biting Lou Zigui. This meant that Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t in the estate. First Young Master Ning might have had a different motive for sending them off. He wanted none of them to meddle in this matter, including the Duke of Yue couple. He wanted it to bepletely Xiaoyao¡¯s decision.

    First Young Master Lou saw a small stall selling flower pastries and stopped to buy a few. After taking a piece, he gave the rest to the guards to share. First Young Master Lou continued walking after biting into the flower pastry. Since the situation has already progressed to this state, he couldn¡¯t do anything anymore. It would depend on his little brother¡¯s fate now.

    -----

    The battle horse, Little Red, finally caught up to Lou Zigui and called out to his owner. Lou Zigui flipped and mounted the horse.

    Little White Fatty heard the sound of a horse behind him and looked back to see Lou Zigui on his horse. Little White Fatty let out another howl and ran forward frantically. Could this bad guy have figured out that Xiaoyao is not in the Duke of Yue estate? Who betrayed Xiaoyao?! (Author: Who do you think? ‡å)

    Lou Zigui chased Little White Fatty out of Fengzhou and into the mountains. When Little White Fatty ran into the dense forest, Lou Zigui lost track of him. Little Red let out a neigh. What do they do now?

    Lou Zigui had some bandages on him and simply wrapped his wound before he stood up and told his horse, ¡°Wait for me here.¡± Little Red solemnly looked at Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui patted Little Red¡¯s head before walking into the dense forest. Since Little White Fatty ran into the forest, he was certain that Ning Xiaoyao was inside.

    -----

    Two dayster, Ning Xiaoyao sat in the home of the witch doctor and mumbled dejectedly, ¡°The witch doctor is not here ah.¡± Ning Xiaoluo couldn¡¯t bear Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s disappointment and asked the person in charge, ¡°Can you go look for the witch doctor and ask him to return?¡±

    The person in charge apologised, ¡°Third Young Master, we have no idea where the witch doctor has gone with his disciples.¡±

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have toe back next time,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed and took another portion of bamboo rice, ¡°Xiao Luoluo, you¡¯re not eating?¡± Ning Xiaoluo retorted angrily, ¡°I¡¯m your Third Brother!¡±

    ¡°I know. Xiao Luoluo, you¡¯re really not eating?¡± Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t want to talk to this rascal anymore.

    ¡°Uncle, you should sit down and eat too,¡± Ning Xiaoyao invited the person in charge. The person in charge was not interested in bamboo rice. His focus was all on Ning Taosu. This old uncle has never seen a baby with saliva streaming down like a river ah!

    ¡°Is she hungry?¡± the person in charge looked at Ning Taosu and asked Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao looked at the empty bowl in front of her. The man also looked at the empty bowl and remembered, oh yeah! This baby just had a bowl of egg soup. The egg soup consisted of three eggs and the baby¡¯s little mouth quickly slurped it all up. How could she still be hungry?

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Do you want to stuff yourself to death ah?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Ah ah!¡± Ning Taosu replied. ¡°Even if you call me mother, I won¡¯t let you eat,¡± Ning Xiaoyao took a bite of the bamboo rice. Ning Taosu reached out to snatch it. Ning Xiaoyao ced Ning Taosu on the ground. How could this baby be like this?

    Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t want to talk to Ning Xiaoyao but he could onlye over and scold her. Picking up Taosu, he lectured, ¡°Is there anyone who treats their baby like you? Would you lose a piece of flesh if you let her have a bite?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao rolled her eyes. ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Ning Xiaoyao. Give her something to eat!

    ¡°The baby is still small,¡± the man in charge noticed Third Young Master Ning was about to feed the baby bamboo rice and hurriedly said, ¡°She can¡¯t eat glutinous rice. It¡¯s difficult to digest.¡±

    Ning Taosu started to drool. Ning Xiaoluo wiped the saliva off his little niece and told the man, ¡°Let¡¯s have another bowl of egg soup then.¡± The man in charge could only ask someone to prepare another bowl of egg soup. ¡°Let¡¯s have a free day tomorrow,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said to Ning Xiaoluo.

    ¡°What is a free day?¡±

    ¡°That means go and y by yourself. Xiao Luoluo, you can apany Big Bro Ji. His body is fine now but his mood is still down. You have to cheer Big Bro Ji up.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo was suspicious, ¡°My brother-inw is unhappy? Howe I wasn¡¯t aware?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed to her head. Did she seriously have to answer this question?

    ¡°You,¡± Ning Xiaoluo was furious, ¡°You¡¯re the idiot!¡±

    ¡°Fine fine fine,¡± Ning Xiaoyao muttered, ¡°We¡¯re both idiots, ok?¡±

    ¡°I know this is not how you truly feel!¡± Ning Xiaoluo red at his little sister.

    ¡°Ha ha.¡±

    Third Young Master Ning: ... I knew it.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Taosu threw an empty bamboo shoot and hit Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head.

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...

    ¡°Good baby!¡± Third Young Master Ning kissed Ning Taosu. In this household, only his little niece was on his side.

    ¡°I see how it is!¡± Ning Xiaoyao pointed at Ning Taosu and conjured a n in her heart. Tomorrow she is going to eat and only let this fatty watch.

    ¡°Where are you going tomorrow?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Just walking around. There are so many herbs on the mountains. I want to take a look.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t know much when it came to the study of medicine. So he didn¡¯t say anything. After all, he didn¡¯t want to hear his little sister call him an idiot again.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± After finishing the bamboo rice, Ning Xiaoyao lifted Big Boss ck up. The entire time, Big Boss ck was sleeping by her feet. ¡°You¡¯re not sick ah. Do you miss your wife or something?¡±

    Big Boss ck looked up to Ning Xiaoyao and his thoughts were in disarray. Lou Zigui wasing but he couldn¡¯t tell Xiaoyao this. He didn¡¯t want Xiaoyao to be sad ah.

    ¡°Hello!?! Are you going to be like this?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted. Big Boss ck struggled free of Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms and dashed off like a puff of smoke.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked Ning Xiaoluo. Ning Xiaoluo was busy feeding Ning Taosu egg soup and didn¡¯t even bother to raise his head. ¡°How would I know?¡±

    ¡°Could it be that something happened?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stroked her chin and thought. Ning Xiaoluo was startled, ¡°What could happen? Don¡¯t have strange thoughts after eating!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao thought about it and agreed. The nine states of the southwest was peaceful. ¡°I¡¯m going to go check on Third sis-inw.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up. ¡°You can y with the little fatty.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo stretched out his neck to see Ning Xiaoyao run off before pinching Ning Taosu¡¯s nose. ¡°Don¡¯t be like your father in the future ah! You are a little miss of the Ning n!¡±

    Ning Taosu just called out ah ah. The egg soup is delicious ah!

    The next day, the weather wasn¡¯t very good. Ning Xiaoyao carried Ning Taosu and ran off early in the morning. Ning Xiaoluo went hunting with Ji Ze. Ji Jiu apanied the pregnant Ji Yuerong in the house.

    Ning Xiaoyao used a long cloth to tie Ning Taosu to her chest and explored the mountains and forest. It was the early summer season and the mountains were filled with wild berries. Ning Xiaoyao walked and ate and found an incredibly sour berry. Ning Xiaoyao sneakily plucked a few more of these berries and put it in Ning Taosu¡¯s hands.

    Ning Taosu bit into it and her face immediately scrunched up to show how sour it is. But Ning Taosu was born to be obsessed with food. Despite the fruit being strangely sour, Ning Taosu continued to munch. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Her daughter¡¯s attitude makes her speechless ah.

    They arrived at a three-way intersection. Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t even think about it and immediately made her way towards the north direction.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Taosu called out. Ning Xiaoyao looked at Ning Taosu and said, ¡°You don¡¯t want to walk to the left?¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    ¡°Okay then,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked towards the right. ¡°Ah, ah ah!¡± Ning Taosu continued to call out.

    Thus, Ning Xiaoyao ended up choosing the middle path. Ning Taosu stopped making noises and continued eating the sour berries with a bitter face.

    Ning Xiaoyao thought, this little fatty insists on taking the middle path. Could there be something delicious up ahead?

 Chapter 381: Supreme Commander fell off the cliff

    <h4>Chapter 381: Supreme Commander fell off the cliff</h4>

    The road to the mountains changed ording to the terrain and was narrow and rugged. Ning Xiaoyao plucked two banana leaves and ced one on her head and another smaller leaf on Ning Taosu¡¯s tiny head.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao looked at her daughter, ¡°My god, you can even chew on such a sour berry ah.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Ning Taosu replied. ¡°Here, you can have another one,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wickedly gave another wild berry to her daughter. The sourness represented a high vitamin content. Since this little fatty wasn¡¯t averse to it, she should eat more. ¡°Your mother is awesome, isn¡¯t she?¡± Ning Xiaoyao teased Ning Taosu.

    Ning Taosu immediately bit into the berry and scrunched up her face again. However, she still didn¡¯t spit it out.

    Currently, a small stream was right in front of Ning Xiaoyao. Actually, Ning Xiaoyao heard the sound of running water an hour ago. Ning Xiaoyao decided to ask Ning Taosu, ¡°Did you also hear the sound of the water?¡±

    Her child could inherit her supernatural abilities, although the degree may vary. Ning Taosu was still small so Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t tell if her daughter inherited any of her powers or which type she had.

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu¡¯s chubby finger pointed ahead. ¡°When are you going to learn how to speak the humannguage?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked.

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    The sky rumbled thunderously. ¡°You¡¯re an unlucky child,¡± Ning Xiaoyao sighed.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Taosu raised her head and looked to the sky. ¡°It¡¯s going to rain,¡± Ning Xiaoyao also looked to the sky.

    The sky remained unchanged despite a few thunderps. ¡°There¡¯s only thunder and no rain,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pouted, ¡°Rain if you dare.¡± Suddenly, the skies turned dark and rain poured down profusely.

    Ning Xiaoyao: ...

    ¡°Oh!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Luckily I had some foresight. We¡¯re not afraid of the rain. We have a banana leaf! Haha!¡± A huge gust of wind blew past and the banana leaf on Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s head was blown away.

    ¡°Do you have to be like that?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was upset now. Were the heavens trying to mess with her? ¡°Ah,¡± Ning Taosu pointed to the downstream of the little brook.

    Ning Xiaoyao carried Ning Taosu and walked upstream. Why should she always listen to this little punk?

    The rain continued to pour for a long time and Ning Xiaoyao found refuge with Ning Taosu in a cave. Currently, the mother and daughter duo were in a valley, sandwiched by mountains on both sides. At the bottom of the valley was a deepke. It was where the little stream led to.

    ¡°This ce is pretty nice,¡± Ning Xiaoyao said to Ning Taosu, ¡°Do you know why?¡± Ning Taosu was still munching on the sour berries with a bitter face and didn¡¯t bother lifting her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s because theke is so deep. Even if an unlucky person were to fall off the cliff, he¡¯d probably survive as long as he doesn¡¯tnd on his head,¡± Ning Xiaoyao pinched Ning Taosu¡¯s face, ¡°But let¡¯s not jump off the cliff for fun. Life is precious. Remember my words ok, little fatty?

    Ning Taosu continued to suck on the berry. ¡°It¡¯s ok. It is rare for gluttons tomit suicide. Because there wouldn¡¯t be anything nice to eat after death.¡± ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu reacted to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Aiya,¡± Ning Xiaoyao observed the downpour from inside the cave, ¡°I knew that it was gonna rain today. Why did I still bring you to y in the mountains? I¡¯m too foolish. What¡¯s the difference between this and falling off a cliff?¡±

    A human shape object fell like a meteor in front of Ning Xiaoyao and heavilynded in theke of the valley. ¡°Holy moly!¡± Ning Xiaoyao eximed, ¡°Little fatty! Someone really jumped off the cliff tomit suicide!¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Ning Taosu and Ning Xiaoyao both stared in astonishment.

    Ning Xiaoyao got up and ced Ning Taosu on a rock nearby. She then dashed out of the cave and jumped into theke to pull out the person before running back into the cave. The whole process only took around ten seconds.

    ¡°Ah, ah ah!¡± Ning Taosu shouted. Ning Xiaoyao wiped away the water on her face, ¡°I hate it when peoplemit suicide.¡± Back in her other world, people were fighting to survive. Right now, it¡¯s just a war...there aren¡¯t even zombies in this world. Yet this person wants to die? Outrageous!

    Ning Taosu looked at the person that her mother left on the ground. Ning Xiaoyao suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go find out what this death-seeking person looks like?¡±

    Ning Taosu agreed, ¡°Ya!¡±

    After flipping the person over, Xiaoyao was stunned. Lou Zigui was still unconscious. His brow was furrowed and he appeared to be in pain.

    Damn! Ning Xiaoyao thought, Isn¡¯t he supposed to be the emperor? Someone that¡¯s about to be the emperor ran all the way to a southwestern mountain to kill himself? Did he lose the throne or something? She didn¡¯t hear any news about this ah.

    ¡°Ah ah, ah, ah ah!¡± Ning Taosu yelled. Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face again. ¡°Okay. Look closely at this face. There, this is your father. Look properly ah. When you grow up, don¡¯t me me for not showing you your father.¡±

    Ning Taosu saw the berries behind Ning Xiaoyao. Give me more berries ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao inspected Lou Zigui¡¯s body. He was running a high fever with an unknown animal bite on his thigh. The wound has been tended to and there was no infection. But after getting soaked, the wound was slightly red. It would be better to disinfect it.

    ¡°Little fatty, are you done looking?¡± Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head and patched up Lou Zigui¡¯s wound and told her daughter, ¡°If you are, we¡¯re leaving.¡±

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu called out. ¡°Ok, you¡¯re done. Then let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Suddenly a voice sounded beside her, causing Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand to stiffen. Lou Zigui opened his eyes and stared at the person squatting next to him.

    Ning Xiaoyao turned her head. Lou Zigui reached out to grab Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. Ning Xiaoyao pulled away and avoided Lou Zigui¡¯s hand before smiling at him, ¡°Hello, Supreme Commander. Goodbye, Supreme Commander.¡±

    When Ning Xiaoyao reached out to carry Ning Taosu, Lou Zigui hurriedly stood up and grabbed Ning Xiaoyao, yelling, ¡°Xiaoyao!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao sighed, ¡°Supreme Commander, there¡¯s no point of you acting like this.¡± Lou Zigui hugged Ning Xiaoyao and refused to let go. He knew Miss Ning¡¯s capabilities. He may never find thisdy again if he lets her go.

    Ning Xiaoyao wanted to pry open Lou Zigui¡¯s hands. ¡°I was wrong,¡± Lou Zigui managed to open his mouth and speak before Ning Xiaoyao could make a move, ¡°I havemitted a grave mistake.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I forgive you.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s mood soared.

    ¡°Supreme Commander, let¡¯s separate amicably.¡± Lou Zigui¡¯s heart fell back into an abyss. Ning Xiaoyao pushed away Lou Zigui¡¯s hands and thought for a while before she continued, ¡°Why did you jump off the cliff tomit suicide?¡±

    Lou Zigui: ...It was raining and the roads were slippery, causing him to roll down the hill. The cliff was at the end of the hill. Hended here identally.

    ¡°Did you meet a formidable opponent?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked, ¡°Who ah? Who could be so strong?¡±

    Lou Zigui didn¡¯t know how to respond. ¡°Omg. It can¡¯t be Modou right? Is the Ning territory in danger?¡±

    Lou Zigui wanted to say, I lost everything. Can you return to my side? But Lou Zigui didn¡¯t want to lie to Ning Xiaoyao anymore. He shook his head, ¡°The country is not in danger.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you jump off the cliff?¡±

    ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ning Xiaoyao dismissed, ¡°Regardless if you jumped off the cliff or not has nothing to do with me. Just pretend I didn¡¯t ask, Supreme Commander.¡±

    Lou Zigui finally spoke, ¡°Can¡¯t you return to my side?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head. She didn¡¯t want to anymore. It was a heavy blow to Lou Zigui. Ning Xiaoyao carried Ning Taosu and prepared to leave.

    ¡°The Empress tried to kill you,¡± Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao walking out of the cave and suddenly reacted, ¡°But you let her go. The Empress Dowager also tried to kill you but you also let it go. Xiang Tiange saved Xie Wenyuan but you are still willing to be his friend.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t understand and turned to look at Lou Zigui. ¡°What are you trying to say ah?¡±

    ¡°I was just a dayte!¡± Lou Zigui was indignant, ¡°Can¡¯t you just forgive me for being a dayte? Yes, at one point, I was uncertain and had bad thoughts. I assumed nothing could happen to you and you could wait for my arrival. But I regret it ah! I brought the troops to the capital. I was justte for a day! Just a day!¡±

    Ning Taosu was startled by Lou Zigui¡¯s shouting and buried her head into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s bosom.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe find me in the capital?¡± Lou Zigui continued to question Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Xiaoyao, you can scold me and beat me but you can¡¯t torture me like this. Did I reallymit such a terrible sin?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s face stiffened. After she lost the baby fat on her face, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes seemed even bigger on her face. ¡°I forgave the Empress and chose not to kill the Empress Dowager because they were not important to me. It was best to be friends, but it was also fine if we were strangers. I wouldn¡¯t be afraid of them even if they were my enemies. When Young Lord let Xie Wenyuan go, I could still be his friend because he wasn¡¯t the one who made that decision. And I want to be his friend.¡±

    Lou Zigui stiffly stared at Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°But you¡¯re different,¡± Ning Xiaoyao exhaled, ¡°I wanted to spend my whole life with you. And I thought you felt the same, but...¡±

    ¡°I do want to spend the rest of my life with you ah!¡± Lou Zigui interrupted Ning Xiaoyao and eximed.

    ¡°But you didn¡¯te. Nothing would have happened to me. No one can kill me, but how about themon people of the capital?¡±

    ¡°I was justte for a day ah,¡± Lou Zigui felt that he had to try harder, ¡°Nothing would have happened even if you didn¡¯t leave the capital.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s expression worsened, ¡°Are you trying to say that I was courting death? How could I have known that you¡¯re such a fickle person?¡±

    Lou Zigui: ...

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of saying all this now?¡± Ning Xiaoyao still wanted to leave, ¡°I¡¯m doing pretty well. You should also take care.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui forced himself to stand up and limped his way to her. His voice trembled, ¡°Yes, I deserve to die. I didn¡¯t think about themon people of the capital. I put you in danger. I really regret it. I regret it every day. I feel that I¡¯ll definitely die an early death. But I¡¯m also afraid of death. I¡¯m afraid that I won¡¯t be able to find you in the afterlife. And even if I find you, you won¡¯t forgive me.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao lowered her head. She didn¡¯t want Lou Zigui to see the expression on her face.

    ¡°Can you give me another chance?¡± Lou Zigui asked, ¡°Can we start over? You can take it that I¡¯m shameless and will continue to pester you. Xiaoyao, don¡¯t do this to me please?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao drew circles on the floor with her feet and muttered, ¡°How can I tell whether you¡¯re sincere or not?¡±

 Chapter 382: Hello, my little princess

    <h4>Chapter 382: Hello, my little princess</h4>

    ¡°What do I have to do for you to trust me again?¡± Lou Zigui pleaded. Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips.

    ¡°Thank you for saving my brother,¡± Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand again, ¡°I¡¯ll leave the position of emperor to my big brother. From now on, I¡¯ll apany you to wherever you want to go.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao suddenly raised her head. After putting in so much effort and even destroying their rtionship, he says he doesn¡¯t want to be the emperor anymore? Is he serious?

    ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui softly called to her. Ning Xiaoyao was still in a state of shock and hadn¡¯t gotten back to her senses. Ning Taosu was the one who replied to Lou Zigui with some ¡®ah¡¯ sounds. She curiously stared at the person in front of her with a pair of almond eyes that were simr to her mother¡¯s.

    Lou Zigui was too focused on Ning Xiaoyao and didn¡¯t pay attention to Ning Taosu. But when Ning Taosu called out to him, Lou Zigui looked down and saw the little rascal in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Lou Zigui again and habitually reached out to him, asking Lou Zigui to carry her. Ning Xiaoyao raised her hand and smacked her daughter¡¯s hands down. Do you even know who that person is? You¡¯re just going to let him carry you like that?

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu retorted Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Stop making noise!¡± Ning Xiaoyao was in a horrible mood and scolded Ning Taosu fiercely.

    Ning Taosu was not afraid of her mother and tried to appease Ning Xiaoyao by stuffing berries in her mouth. Ning Xiaoyao turned her face. Only an idiot would eat this sour berry ah!

    Lou Zigui measured Ning Taosu. This child appears to be around five to six months old and her face isn¡¯t fully developed yet. But her looks... Lou Zigui looked towards Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°Who is she?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao stayed silent but she had a ¡®this baby has nothing to do with you¡¯ expression on her face.

    ¡°Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s wife is pregnant,¡± Lou Zigui analysed, ¡°This child definitely isn¡¯t over six months old. This can¡¯t be Ning Xiaoluo¡¯s child.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao: ... This person even did his research on his enemies beforeing?

    ¡°Who is she?¡± Lou Zigui questioned. ¡°My big brother¡¯s ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao nonchntly replied.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Taosu called out. ¡°Shut up!¡± Ning Xiaoyao smacked her daughter¡¯s head.

    ¡°This child is so simr to you,¡± Lou Zigui softly responded.

    ¡°You should hurry and head back,¡± Ning Xiaoyao changed the subject, ¡°After everything that¡¯s happened, you¡¯re not going to be the emperor? Who are you kidding? What about the people under you?¡±

    ¡°My big brother is around. Originally, the ck Frost Cavalry belonged to him anyway.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve discussed this with your big brother?¡±

    ¡°My big brother is also here. Let¡¯s go and tell him.¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shook her head, ¡°This is a matter between you two. Don¡¯t drag me into it.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t let go now that I¡¯ve found you,¡± Lou Zigui stood in the cave and blocked Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s way out.

    ¡°Are you going to be this shameless?¡± Ning Xiaoyao furrowed her brows. Lou Zigui stood there without moving. What is dignity in front of his future wife? ¡°Is this my daughter?¡± Lou Zigui pointed to Ning Taosu.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Ning Xiaoyao promptly replied and squeezed pass him to leave. The sky thundered and the ground even shook. Ning Taosu heard the loud thunderps and was afraid again. She burrowed her face into Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s chest and crooned.

    ¡°It¡¯s just thunder ah,¡± Ning Xiaoyao coaxed Ning Taosu, ¡°It¡¯s a natural urrence. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. We don¡¯t have to be scared.¡±

    Just as Ning Xiaoyao said those words, the sky replied with another round of thunder. A fewrge rocks rolled down from the cliff andnded in the river, creating a huge ssh. Ning Taosu was frightened and immediately started wailing.

    Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. This baby isn¡¯t simr to her at all. How can she be afraid of thunder? (Author: Can you say that with a clear conscience?)

    ¡°Be good, don¡¯t cry,¡± Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t bear the sight and reached out to carry Ning Taosu.

    When Ning Taosu saw a pair of hands reaching out to her, she looked up and saw Lou Zigui¡¯s face. She started squirming in Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s embrace. She wanted Lou Zigui to carry her.

    Just when the father was about to carry his daughter, Ning Xiaoyao heard some noise from outside the cave. She reached out to grab Lou Zigui. At this moment, Lou Zigui opened his arms and hugged both Ning Xiaoyao and Ning Taosu.

    Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s world seemed to be flipped around when she heard the dull sound of iron being stabbed into the body. Lou Zigui fell to the ground. However, he was afraid of squashing Ning Xiaoyao and Ning Taosu and could only hold onto the wall of the cave.

    Ning Xiaoyao pulled Lou Zigui behind her and took a knife from the assassins with her bare hands.

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Lou Zigui shouted. Ning XIaoyao ced Ning Taosu in Lou Zigui¡¯s embrace and shouted, ¡°These aren¡¯t your underlings?¡±

    Lou Zigui¡¯s body slowly slipped down the wall. But he still kept Ning Taosu tight in his embrace.

    The hand Ning Xiaoyao used to grab the knife was stained with blood. The wound stretched from the tip of her middle finger all the way down to her palm. You could even see her bone within the flesh.

    Lou Zigui wanted to say something but was dizzy from the loss of blood and couldn¡¯t make a sound. Ning Xiaoyao hurriedly tapped Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder before rushing out of the cave. More than ten people ran over and started fighting in the cave.

    The people that arrived weren¡¯t wearing what Ning Xiaoyao would imagine assassins to wear. She had assumed that they would be wearing camouge clothing but these people were in normal viger¡¯s outfits. Their faces weren¡¯t even masked.

    When Ning Xiaoyao ran out by herself, the assassins didn¡¯t even pay any attention to her. They risked their lives and hiked down the cliff to mount a sneak attack on Lou Zigui. Now that Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t move, they didn¡¯t expect a tinydy like Ning Xiaoyao to fight back. The assassins felt that they¡¯ve alreadypleted their mission.

    ¡°Who sent you guys?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked in the pouring rain. The assassins didn¡¯t reply and surrounded Ning Xiaoyao instead.

    Ning Xiaoyao picked up a rock on the way out of the cave. She made her move after she saw them rushing towards her. The battle was over in a sh. It was a fight between normal humans and an evolved human being. Obviously, normal humans didn¡¯t stand a chance.

    Ning Xiaoyao weighed the brick in her hand and squatted in front of an assassin and asked, ¡°You¡¯re from Northern Hu?¡± The assassin¡¯s leg was injured by Ning Xiaoyao and he was struggling on the ground. However, he was still stubborn and refused to answer to her question.

    ¡°I can tell even if you don¡¯t say anything,¡± Ning Xiaoyao wiped her face, ¡°Based on your appearance, it¡¯s obvious that you¡¯re from Northern Hu.¡±

    The assassin stared at Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. Earlier, he clearly saw hisrade slicing through her hand and drawing blood. But now there¡¯s no wound on her hand at all. How could this be?!

    ¡°You were sent by Modou right? Xie Wenyuan haven¡¯t pissed him to death? ¡± The assassin stared at Ning Xiaoyao and his face paled, ¡°You monster...!¡± he screamed.

    Ning Xiaoyao knocked this assassin out with her brick. She hated this type of people the most -the kind that casually used the word ¡®monster¡¯. Standing up, she swept a nce at all the assassins. They consisted of both Northern Hu and Yongning men.

    ¡°You¡¯re Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked the guy that looked like he was from the Central ins. This man was more pitiful than the previous Northern Hu person. Both his legs were injured and his head was even split open by Ning Xiaoyao. He couldn¡¯t stop trembling when Ning Xiaoyao asked about Xie Wenyuan.

    ¡°Okay, you don¡¯t have to tell me. I can see you trembling. I guess you are Xie Wenyuan¡¯s underling.¡±

    The man wanted to say that he wasn¡¯t but couldn¡¯t speak.

    Xie Wenyuan is still alive. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mood worsened. Could this unlucky bastard really live for a thousand years?

    ¡°Xiaoyao?¡± Lou Zigui said from inside the cave. Ning Xiaoyao walked back into the cave. ¡°It¡¯s Modou and Xie Wenyuan¡¯s men. You¡¯re being followed.¡±

    Lou Zigui knitted his brows. ¡°Let me see your injury,¡± Ning Xiaoyao walked forward. Lou Zigui obediently let Ning Xiaoyao remove his clothes to take a look at his back. He actually felt quite happy that Ning Xiaoyao still cared about him. This meant that he still had a ce in her heart.

    Ning Xiaoyao looked at the wound. It was very deep and the bleeding stopped but the damage was extensive. In fact, even his muscle flesh could be seen. This wound could have taken his life. ¡°I could have evaded it. Why did you have to risk your life like that?¡±

    The corners of Lou Zigui¡¯s mouth were curved upwards but he didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°You almost died ah. Can you still be the emperor if you¡¯re dead?¡± Xiaoyao muttered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be the emperor anymore,¡± Lou Zigui repeated, ¡°I¡¯ve already said I¡¯ll travel the world with you.¡±

    ¡°W-who said I want to travel the world?¡± Ning Xiaoyao stuttered, ¡°My big brother said that he would set up a clinic in Fengzhou for me. My big brother also said I can earn a lot of money with my medical skills.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be your assistant,¡± Lou Zigui said optimistically, ¡°I don¡¯t need a sry. You can just provide me with food and lodging.¡±

    Suddenly, Ning Xiaoyao wanted to kill the person in front of her. How could he have the mood to chat with her when he just got stabbed?!

    ¡°Modou can¡¯t enter the Central ins,¡± Lou Zigui reassured Ning Xiaoyao, ¡°So, there is no reason for him to work with Xie Wenyuan anymore. Xie Wenyuan is not from the same n as Modou. Modou will definitely get rid of him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not worried about that. It has nothing to do with me.¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to do with me either,¡± Lou Zigui immediately followed.

    ¡°Can you talk properly?¡± Ning Xiaoyao was angry, ¡°If you really thought this way, why did you listen to your teacher the other time? Do you think I¡¯m stupid? Stop trying to deceive me.¡±

    Lou Zigui flipped over to face Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao had a deadpan expression. ¡°Turn around. I¡¯ll heal your injury. You can leave with Big Bro Lou after we get out of the mountains. Go and do what you have to do.¡±

    Lou Zigui grabbed Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s fine. As long as I won¡¯t die, that¡¯s good enough. Healing me will make you tired.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao was startled.

    ¡°You can talk to animals. You can heal people,¡± Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao was shocked and took the opportunity to stroke Ning Xiaoyoa¡¯s face. ¡°My big brother was disabled but you could still treat him. I know that you¡¯re not an ordinary person. At the time, I already knew you would be fine. But I have made a huge mistake. It¡¯s not whether you would die or not. Instead, where was I when the enemies surrounded the city walls?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao dug her fingers into her palm. Actually, Ning Xiaoyao didn¡¯t know what she was upset about. She was just upset.

    Lou Zigui carefully hugged Ning Xiaoyao, making sure not to squish Ning Taosu in the middle. ¡°I was able to continue living because I knew you were fine. It¡¯s great that you are alive. Thank you, Xiaoyao.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao inhaled. She didn¡¯t get it. Why did Lou Zigui have to thank her for being alive?

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Taosu reached out to touch Lou Zigui¡¯s face. Lou Zigui hugged the mother and daughter duo in his embrace. He knew, even without Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s confirmation, that this was his daughter. It could only be his daughter.

    ¡°Hello, my little princess,¡± Lou Zigui kissed Ning Taosu¡¯s chubby face and leaned his head against Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s neck. In no time, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s shoulder was wet.

    (Wtf? Why is her shoulder area wet? Is he drooling on her shoulder or something? #confused... oh maybe he was crying. Oops.)

 Chapter 383: Taosuâ€™s surname is Ning

    <h4>Chapter 383: Taosu''s surname is Ning</h4>

    Ning Xiaoluo stood on the veranda, watching the heavy rain for the past hour. Finally, Ji Ze couldn¡¯t bear it any longer and asked his sister anxiously, ¡°How much longer is he going to be like this?¡±

    Ji Yuerong swallowed the pickled plum in her mouth as she walked to the door, ¡°Are you going to stay here like this? If you have something to say, just spit it out.¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo eximed, ¡°Yuerong, I¡¯m doomed!¡± Young Miss Ji asked, ¡°Why are you doomed?¡± Ning Xiaoluo walked into the room and cried out pitifully, ¡°My older brother is going to kill me.¡±

    The corner of Ji Yuerong¡¯s mouth twitched while she tried to hold back herughter. Young Miss Ji was certain her husband would cry if she actuallyughed out loud. ¡°It¡¯s not as bad as you think,¡± Young Lord Ji assured with a meager sentence offort after thinking for a while.

    Third Young Master Ning looked sullen. ¡°Lou Zigui was injured and was brought back by Xiaoyao. Xiaoyao went out with Taosu alone, this really has nothing to do with me ah!¡±

    Strangely enough, Young Lord Ji agreed, ¡°Yes ah, just say the same thing when you get back.¡± Ning Xiaoluo argued dejectedly, ¡°My eldest brother might listen to me, but what about my second brother ah?¡±

    Ji siblings:...that¡¯s right, that¡¯s going to be a problem ah.

    ¡°Second Brother is going to kill me.¡± Third Young Master Ning clutched his head in despair and suddenly turned to Ji Yuerong, ¡°How about we let Xiaoyao bring Lou Zigui back first while we stay here for a few more months?

    Ji Yuerong couldn¡¯t stand to look at her silly husband any longer. ¡°If Second Brother wanted to kill you, wouldn¡¯t he juste into the mountains to find you?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo gave up all hope. ¡°Xiao Luoluo,¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted from the veranda. Ning Xiaoluo didn¡¯t want to reply the rascal downstairs.

    ¡°It¡¯s no longer raining, should we head home?¡± Ning Xiaoyao shouted again. Ning Xiaoluo looked out the window. Why did it stop raining so soon?

    ¡°Hey! Hey! Xiao Luoluo! Did you fall asleep?¡±

    Ning Xiaoluo yelled back, ¡°I¡¯ve told you to stop calling me Xiao Luoluo! I¡¯m your older brother!¡±

    ¡°Xiao Luoluo, when are we going back home?¡±

    Third Young Master Ning was on the verge of a breakdown. He angrily shrieked, ¡°I¡¯m not going back!¡±

    ¡°Why not ah? Are you crazy? Your wife is about to give birth and here you are throwing a tantrum, saying you want to run away from home!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I want to run away from home! What¡¯s that got to do with you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll break your leg!¡± Ning Xiaoyao lost her temper.

    Third Young Master Ning felt that he couldn¡¯t live like this anymore. Second Brother is going to kill him, his younger sister is threatening to break his leg. Furthermore, he still has eldest brother. That guy is even more scary. He¡¯ll give him a fate worse than death ah!

    Ning Xiaoyao ran upstairs, steaming. She stared nkly at both Ji siblings for a moment, then turned to point at Ning Xiaoluo, who crouched down while clutching his head. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±

    Ji Yuerong waved her hand and looked at Ning Xiaoyao, who had walked up to her. She whispered softly, ¡°Xiaoyao, have you decided what to do with Supreme Commander?¡± Ning Xiaoyao pursed her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t know ah. I haven¡¯t decided yet.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t decided yet?¡± Ning Xiaoluo roared and jumped up from his crouched position. ¡°Since you¡¯re unsure, why did you bring him back with you? Did you forget the scoundrel left you to die in the capital?¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao hung her head, not saying a word. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, I don¡¯t agree with this. If you bring that guy back with you, wanna bet that Second Brother will directly ughter him?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been to our house ah. It was Second Brother who received him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! He¡¯s still alive after meeting Second Brother?¡± When has his Second Brother ever been so soft-hearted?!

    ¡°Supreme Commander said so ah. He met Eldest Brother too. He was bitten by Little White Fatty. Then, he followed Little White Fatty into the mountains. Those assassins must¡¯ve followed him into the mountains.¡±

    ¡°Is Little White Fatty stupid?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked. ¡°Little White Fatty has always been this dumb ah.¡± Ning Xiaoyao said.

    Ning Xiaoluo felt that it was so unfair! Eldest Brother and Second Brother saw Lou Zigui and didn¡¯t kill off the scoundrel. But because he didn¡¯t stop Lou Zigui, he¡¯s going to be beaten to death. Where¡¯s the logic in that?!

    ¡°Then you better think this through ah,¡± Ji Yuerong advised Ning Xiaoyao. ¡°Or else, what will you tell Father, Mother, Eldest Brother and Second Brother when you get back?¡±

    ¡°Then... Should we just stay here?¡± Ning Xiaoyao asked. Ji Yuerong wanted tough. How could she be the one to decide?

    ¡°It¡¯s better to go back,¡± Ji Ze still wanted to help out Lou Zigui. No matter what happened in the past, Lou Zigui actually chased her all the way here. That shows Fourth Young Master Lou isn¡¯t a heartless person ah.

    Ning Xiaoluo looked at Ning Xiaoyao and fiercely retorted, ¡°Let me say this again! I. Disagree!¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao shrugged her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll go pack my bags.¡± After Ning Xiaoyao ran off, Ji Yuerong gently persuaded Ning Xiaoluo, ¡°Even if you don¡¯t agree, will that change anything?¡± Third Young Master Ning was stopped by those words.

    ¡°If Father, Mother, Eldest Brother and Second Brother agree, will it matter if you agree or not?¡±

    Third Young Master Ning found it even harder to say anything in return.

    Five dayster, Ning Xiaoyao brought Lou Zigui back with her to the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. In his study, Duke of Yue heard the news and dropped the teacup in his hand. ¡°Injured?¡± Duke of Yue angrily shouted, ¡°Go and find out if those assassins were arranged by Lou Zigui. If this kid dares to scheme against my daughter again, I¡¯ll kill him!¡±

    Second Young Master Ning didn¡¯t even bother lifting his eyelids. ¡°Xiaoyao was the one who brought him back. How are you going to kill him?¡±

    Duke of Yue:...Why can¡¯t his second son just stay mute?!

    Second Young Master Ning got up and left. He¡¯s not going to bother with this matter anymore.

    Duke of Yue looked at his eldest son and asked, ¡°What are your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°Investigate those assassins first.¡±

    ¡°And after that?¡± Duke of Yue asked. Eldest Young Master Ning smiled and got up to leave.

    Duke of Yue snapped, ¡°Can¡¯t you at least say something?¡± What sort of sons does he have ah?!

    -----

    Ning Taosu was very clingy with Lou Zigui, The past few days, she stuck close to Lou Zigui, barely sparing a nce at Ning Xiaoyao.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat on the edge of the bed, watching the conversation between the father and daughter duo. It didn¡¯t matter what Lou Zigui said, Ning Taosu would always reply with an ¡°Ah, ah!¡± Yet, both father and daughter were very happy.

    ¡°Taosu likes me,¡± Lou Zigui said to Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth twitched. Little miss chubby likes anyone who looks good.

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu called out to Ning Xiaoyao.

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Ning Xiaoyao was annoyed.

    Ning Taosu climbed back into Lou Zigui¡¯s arms. Her mummy always snatches her food! Humph! (Author: Hey, hey! Don¡¯t be like this ah!)

    ¡°Pour me some water,¡± Lou Zigui requested. Ning Xiaoyao poured him a cup of water. Lou Zigui drank half of it and gave Ning Taosu the other half, not spilling a drop at all.

    ¡°Fourth Young Miss,¡± a maid¡¯s voice could be heard from behind the doors. ¡°The old Madame has invited you over.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see Mother.¡± Ning Xiaoyao stood up. ¡°Xiaoyao,¡± Lou Zigui held onto Ning Xiaoyao who was about to leave. ¡°Bring me some food on your way back. I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Ning Xiaoyao had a stoic expression, but nodded in the end. Lou Zigui watched as Ning Xiaoyao exited the room, lowered his head and whispered to Ning Taosu, ¡°Father can only hound your mother like this. I¡¯m contented as long as she pays attention to me.¡±

    Ning Taosu smiled at Lou Zigui and stuffed a biscuit into his mouth. Lou Zigui gobbled up the biscuit his daughter fed him, finding it hard to put into words the feeling he was experiencing on the inside.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ning Taosu grabbed another biscuit off the te of sweets and licked on it till her saliva covered the entire biscuit, turning it soft and soggy. Then, she offered the rest to Lou Zigui, stuffing it into his mouth once more.

    Any obsession with cleanliness that Lou Zigui hadpletely disappeared in the face of his chubby daughter. He opened his mouth to swallow the biscuit without hesitation. Lou Zigui held Ning Taosu in his arms as he gave her a kiss. Hearing her giggle happily, Lou Zigui also started tough.

    When Duke of Yue opened the door and saw both father and daughter lying in bed, his face darkened immediately. Where was this bastard when his daughter carried her baby for ten months and where was he when she gave birth? Now that his daughter is born and canugh and y, this bastardes back. But what has he done so far?!

    Lou Zigui forced himself to sit up straight the moment he saw Duke of Yue enter the room. ¡°Father,¡± Lou Zigui greeted.

    Duke of Yue almost vomited blood in anger. How shameless is this scoundrel?!

    Lou Zigui said, ¡°Father, I...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a son as big as you,¡± Duke of Yue snapped. ¡°Lou Chengying! Don¡¯t assume I won¡¯t do anything to you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s I who do not dare,¡± Lou Zigui sincerely pleaded, ¡°Father, I¡¯ve let Xiaoyao down. Father has every right to kill me, even cut me into pieces¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t kill you, or cut you up. I¡¯ve already instructed someone to find your older brother. Just get out of here.¡±

    Lou Zigui lowered his head, then raised it up again to dere with resolution, ¡°I won¡¯t let go of Xiaoyao.¡± Duke of Yue thought to himself, I should just kill the bastard and be done with it!

    ¡°Father can¡¯t take on Lou Zigui,¡± Eldest Young Madame said to Eldest Young Master Ning. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go in as well then?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯spletely shameless now,¡± Eldest Young Master Ning replied, ¡°It¡¯s either I let Old Two kill him or....¡±

    Nee Cheng waited for a long time for him to continue speaking. Eventually, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Or what?¡±

    ¡°It depends on what Xiaoyao wants,¡± Eldest Young Master Ning turned and walked away from the window.

    ¡°What?!¡± Nee Cheng caught up to her husband and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nee Cheng and Eldest Young Master Ning had been a couple since they were young. After being together for so long, she knew exactly what sort of person her husband was. He has no issues with using dirty tricks to bury someone at any time or anywhere!

    ¡°It¡¯s what it is. At first, I was firmly resolved on getting revenge for what Lou Zigui did to Xiaoyao. Even if it took me my whole life, I would crush Lou Zigui and the Lou n.¡±

    Nee Cheng:... So her husband did have such destructive goals ah?

    ¡°But now that Xiaoyao is still alive and Lou Chengying has shamelesslye here, Wife, I think I won¡¯t have to suffer so much in the future.¡±

    How is she supposed to respond to that?

    ¡°Lou Zigui!¡± From within the room, Duke of Yue¡¯s angry shout could be heard. ¡°Don¡¯t try to act shameless with me!¡±

    Nee Cheng¡¯s mouth twitched. What¡¯s the point of shouting so loud? Let your fists do the talking ah.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our room,¡± Eldest Young Master Ning pulled Nee Cheng along. Behind Eldest Young Master Ning, his wife suddenly grinned widely as she trotted along. She sighed softly, ¡°You said so yourself! Don¡¯t go doing something crazy while I¡¯m not paying attention!¡±

    Eldest Young Master Ning assured, ¡°I won¡¯t¡±

    Eldest Young Master Ning reached to grab hold of Nee Cheng¡¯s hand and the both of them continued walking together, hand in hand.

    Duke of Yue had an ugly expression on his face as he left the room carrying Ning Taosu in his arms. He stood outside the door, facing Lou Zigui as he furiously yelled, ¡°Taosu¡¯s surname is Ning! Her surname is Ning! You can stop dreaming!¡±

    ¡°Ya!¡± Ning Taosu called out, her chubby little face wrinkling up in a smile.

 Chapter 384: Once an emperor, now an empress (finale)

    <h4>Chapter 384: Once an emperor, now an empress (finale)</h4>

    Although Lou Zigui was not weed by most at the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate, his skin was thick enough that he hung around for half a month. During that time, First Young Master Lou visited once to inquire about his brother''s injury and then talked to Ning Xiaoyao while carrying Ning Taosu. He didn¡¯t give his brother another look.

    First Young Master Lou¡¯s health was still not considered very good, but his face had regained some colour. His elegant and handsome face was like eye candies for Ning Xiaoyao and Ning Taosu. In fact, they stared at him for so long that Lou Zigui¡¯s face became as dark as ink.

    Lou Jing sighed inwardly. Before, all his elder brothers including himself were worried about Lou Zigui¡¯s cold temper and his reputation as the star of misfortune. They had no idea whether he could ever have a family of his own. However, now that their youngest brother had fallen for ady, his personality hadpletely changed. Lou Ziguicked moral integrity. He behaved shamelessly at hisdy¡¯s family home and relied on them to take care of him. Furthermore, he ate vinegar (aka got jealous) without any reasons. Lou Jing did not want to acknowledge this kind of younger brother.

    ¡°Taosu,¡± First Young Master Lou called out her name as he carried her.

    Ning Taosu kissed his uncle¡¯s face enthusiastically, her saliva dripping out like a puddle. Little miss fatty felt very good about herself and kissed Lou Jing incessantly.

    "Who taught her this?" Lou Zigui couldn''t help questioning Ning Xiaoyao. Who taught his unmarried daughter this bad habit? Whenever she sees First Young Master Ning, she would give him a kiss. The same thing happens whenever she sees Second Young Master Ning, Third Young Master Ning, Duke of Yue, and even the Dragon Guards. She would kiss all of them. Why does his daughter want to kiss those people? Shouldn¡¯t it be enough to kiss only him?£¨o(¨s¡õ¨t)o£©

    "I don''t know ah! I don''t have this bad habit. Who the hell knows who this fatty takes after?"

    If she doesn¡¯t take after her mother, then she must resemble her father. Lou Zigui looked at Ning Xiaoyao. He also doesn¡¯t have this bad habit.

    First Young Master Lou walked away with Ning Taosu in his arms. He could not stand his foolish brother. "Look," Ning Xiaoyao sighed as Lou Jing stepped out of the house. "Now even Big Bro Lou doesn¡¯t want to pay attention to you."

    Lou Zigui remained unmoved. He¡¯s not going to leave until he wins his woman back.

    Lou Jing only came to visit Lou Zigui once. Afterwards, he often came to Duke of Yue¡¯s estate to y with Ning Taosu. Together with Ji Ze, they went to see the scenery of the southwest.

    "How are these two brothers going to rule the world like this?" After a long time, Madame Li¡¯s hair began to turn white from stress. Every day, she nagged at Duke of Yue, ¡°Are you going to let Lou Zigui stay here forever?"

    Duke of Yue was sullen. "I tried to get rid of him by scolding, but he is shameless. Plus, the Lou boy is injured. I can''t attack him yet. What if I kill him identally?"

    "I think Old Two is about to explode. If this drags on, he¡¯s probably going to directly ughter Lou Zigui."

    When Duke of Yue thought about his second son going mad, his heart suddenly felt more calm. It is rare for a man to give Old Two a hard time.

    The Duke of Yue couple weren¡¯t the only ones who were worried. The entire Duke of Yue estate, with the exception of First Young Master Ning and Ning Xiaoyao, were waiting to see when Second Young Master Ning was going to kill Lou Zigui. If it weren''t for Second Young Master Ning¡¯s notoriety, all the people in the Duke of Yue estate would gamble when he would make his move.

    To everyone''s surprise, Second Young Master Ning wasn¡¯t the one who ended up making the move. When Third Young Master Ning realized that Lou Zigui had stayed at their estate for a month, he stacked a pile of firewood outside Supreme Commander¡¯s bedroom window and whispered to his manservants, "Later, Lou Zigui won¡¯t be able to endure the smoke and will surely exit his room. When hees out, carry him out of the estate."

    Several little manservants sensed Third Young Master¡¯s trick was unreliable. A little manservant spoke with a frowning and worried expression, "Third Young Master, we lowly ones are no match for him ah."

    "He''s injured," Ning Xiaoluo spoke as if he had a card up his sleeve, "Lou Zigui won¡¯t be able to ward off your attacks. You can all rest assured."

    The little manservants:... We can''t rest assured.

    Third Master Ning lit the firewood stack.

    Since summer had just begun, it was sizzling hot. The fire started to burn immediately, but before the smoke can get to Lou Zigui, Ning Xiaoluo already failed to endure it. The air he breathed in was scalding. Ning Xiaoluo covered his mouth and nose and retreated. Suddenly, Third Young Master Ning felt that his idea might not be a good one.

    The breeze picked up the sparks. While Ning Xiaoluo was retreating, his feet knocked over something and made a crashing sound. Third Young Master Ning hurriedly looked down and saw that he had kicked over a bucket of oil.

    Third Young Master Ning: ...

    The little manservants: ...

    ¡°Why did I bring a bucket of oil?¡± Ning Xiaoluo asked. The little manservants looked at their Third Young Master. We should be asking you, ah. There¡¯s already firewood, why did you need a bucket of oil?

    The oil spilt on the ground. The wind swept the sparks to the ground and arge fire enveloped the whole garden.

    "Third Young Master, run quickly!" The little manservants couldn¡¯t attend to their duties and carried the dumbstruck Ning Xiaoluo away.

    Ning Xiaoyao ran to the front of the courtyard and immediately saw that the room was aze. Ning Xiaomu was next to Xiaoyao and immediatelymanded, "Quick, put out the fire!" After giving the order, he immediately asked, "Has Lou Ziguie out yet?"

    The people shook their heads.

    "Ah!" Returning to her senses, Ning Xiaoyao issued a blood-curdling screech, "My Supreme Commander ah!" Ning Xiaoyao stormed directly into the fire.

    When First Young Master Ning heard Ning Xiaoyao screaming ¡®My Supreme Commander¡¯ he knew in his heart that Lou Zigui would ultimately still be his brother-inw.

    When the congration started, the wounded Lou Zigui was sleeping soundly in his room. By the time he was awoken by the thick smoke, the whole room was aze. "Supreme Commander?" Ning Xiaoyao rushed inside the room. When Lou Zigui saw Ning Xiaoyao, he hurriedly dashed toward her.

    The roof was starting to snap. Lou Zigui looked up at the beam and shouted at Ning Xiaoyao, "Xiaoyao!"

    Ning Xiaoyao looked up and saw that the main beam had caught fire and began to crack in the middle. Lou Zigui rushed forward, holding Ning Xiaoyao. They fell to the ground and rolled to the side. The burning beams of the house smashed into the ce where Ning Xiaoyao had just stood. Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s hand felt sticky. The knife wound on Lou Zigui¡¯s back had split open again. "Let''s go." Lou Zigui pulled Ning Xiaoyao to leave.

    The whole room waspletely engulfed with smoke. Since Lou Zigui was holding onto her hand, Ning Xiaoyao could see he had lost a big part of its skin on the back of his hand.

    "I can get out on my own. What are you doing here?" Lou Zigui couldn¡¯t stop coughing due to the thick smoke, but he was still berating Ning Xiaoyao.

    The eaves that caught fire also copsed, with bricks raining down. Lou Zigui raised his arms subconsciously and protected Ning Xiaoyao in his arms.

    "Xiaoyao?!" In the courtyard, First Young Master Ning¡¯s anxious yell rang out. Ning Xiaoyao lifted her fist and smashed the wood to pieces. She picked Lou Zigui in a princess carry and dashed out.

    Seeing that the building was about to copse, Ning Xiaomu was about to storm into the fire as well. However, when he saw this scene, he was speechless. In fact, all the people who came to put out the fire were speechless. They had seen a man carrying a youngdy like this before. However, it was their first time witnessing a girl carrying a man this way.

    "It''s all right," Ning Xiaoyao told Lou Zigui, "I''m here, there¡¯s no need to be afraid."

    The moment Ning Xiaoyao stopped speaking, rain unexpectedly fell. Lou Zigui was somewhat in a daze. Spring was over. Right now was the start of an early summer, yet rain drizzled in the setting sun. In the midst of a boiling cauldron of voices, Miss Ning told him that it was all right and not to be afraid, just like when they first met in the capital execution ground.

    Ning Xiaoyao yelled, "Supreme Commander, how are you feeling ah?" Lou Zigui could smell the sweet scent of grass. Miss Ning was treating him again.

    "You should be ok!" Seeing Lou Zigui paid no heed, Ning Xiaoyao¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. Supreme Commander shouldn¡¯t have inhaled too much smoke ah.

    "I have reincarnated," Lou Zigui whispered. "Whaa?" Ning Xiaoyao didn''t understand. They are not dead. Where would they reincarnate to?

    Lou Zigui¡¯s feetnded on the ground as he tightly embraced Ning Xiaoyao. Ning Xiaoyao still felt a lingering fear. If she was a stepte, her Supreme Commander would have burnt to death ah!

    "Marry me. If you want to leave, I''ll apany you anywhere, to all the mountains and rivers. If you want to stay, I''ll give you the country as my betrothal gift. I¡¯ll take you as my wife, Xiaoyao. Please don¡¯t be mad anymore. Return to my side."

    Ning Xiaoyao immediately sniffled. Lou Zigui lowered his head and kissed Ning Xiaoyao''s lips.

    Everyone in the courtyard:... Should they still put out the fire?

    "Put out the fire," First Young Master Ning ordered. They can¡¯t let the fire grow bigger and burn down the whole Duke of Yue estate because these two.

    -----

    "You didn''t burn anybody to death." Outside the courtyard door, Second Young Master Ning took a quick nce at Lou Zigui holding his baby sister. He turned his head toward Ning Xiaoluo. "You ended up putting them together instead."

    "No!" Third Young Master Ning burst into tears. "This is not what I wanted!"

    Second Young Master Ning red at his stupid brother. "Second Brother!" Ning Xiaoluo rushed forward to hug Second Young Master Ning''s big thigh. "Trust me, I want to get rid of that fellow!" Please don''t beat me up!¡±

    Second Young Master Ning grabbed Ning Xiaoluo like a small chick and icily stated, "I don''t believe you."

    That day, Third Young Master Ning, being the culprit of the fire, was ruthlessly dealt with by Second Young Master Ning. He went back to his room in the evening and cried in Ji Yuerong¡¯s arms. Ning Xiaoluo could not understand why he was always out of luck no matter what happened at home.

    Ji Yuerong looked at her husband¡¯s unrecognizable face. After much thought, she couldn¡¯t think of anything to say. He set fire to frighten Lou Zigui. Instead, he burned down the whole west courtyard. No ordinary person couldmit such a deed.

    "I don''t approve Xiaoyao marrying Lou Zigui!" Third Young Master Ning yelled. Ji Yuerong did not want to talk to Ning Xiaoluo.

    -----

    "Are you positive?" In the main courtyard, while the Ning n sat down together, Madame Li asked her daughter. Ning Xiaoyao nodded. She didn''t want Lou Zigui to die. Her heart would beat irregrly the moment she imagines his death. Since she could not let him go, she would not let him go.

    Lou Zigui knelt down in front of the Duke of Yue and Madame Li, requesting to marry Ning Xiaoyao, the Fourth Young Miss of the Duke of Yue¡¯s estate. Duke of Yue groaned, then got up and left. His daughter was still swindled away by the Lou bastard.

    "You want to be an emperor," First Young Master Ning asked Lou Zigui, "The emperor has a harem. How about you?" Lou Zigui solemnly swore, "With Xiaoyao as my empress, I will not have a harem."

    ¡°What if you can¡¯t keep your promise?" Second Young Master Ning asked. "Second Brother can kill me at any time," answered Lou Zigui. Second Young Master Ning looked at his elder brother. "So, this matter is now settled?"

    Ning Xiaomu got up and bent down to lift Lou Zigui from the floor. Then he patted Lou Zigui¡¯s shoulder. Lou Zigui felt relieved. He turned his head to look at Ning Xiaoyao and smiled.

    Ning Xiaoyao was starstruck by Lou Zigui¡¯s smile. She already agreed! Why is he still using the beauty trap? (Author: You two are never on the same wavelength)

    "What are your uing ns?" First Young Master Ning asked Lou Zigui. Lou Zigui¡¯s smile vanished. He answered resolutely, "Eldest Brother, I''m going to send troops to invade the Northern Hu."

    Ning Xiaomu nodded. The Northern Hu people had already attempted to invade the Central ins twice. However, they returned in low spirits following their defeat. They had spent a lot of money and grain fighting the war. In the end, they got nothing and suffered heavy casualties. Now that the Northern Hu were seriously injured and their strength had greatly depleted, they would be foolish not to take advantage of their precarious situation.

    -----

    Three monthster, Lou Zigui ascended the throne as emperor and established Miss Ning of Fengzhou as his empress. The Northern Hu people sent envoys to bring congrattory gifts. The biggest one of those was Xie Wenyuan''s head.

    Ning Xiaoyao sat in the Imperial Pce and looked at the decapitated head in front of her. Despite being a schemer, Xie Wenyuan did not figure out a good ending for himself. His head was chopped off like useless trash by Modou.

    Ning Xiaoyao was once an emperor and now an empress. She looked up at Lou Zigui holding Ning Taosu. She got a husband and daughter, she didn¡¯t waste her second life.

    As emperor, Lou Zigui had vast ns and great aspirations to aplish. The empress, Ning Xiaoyao, also had her own path to take. However, these two people will never separate again. Whatevering next will be another new beginning.

    -----

    And that¡¯s it, folks! Unfortunately, the ending felt very rushed. I would like to know what happened to Young Lord! Also, Pei Yan never returned. Wahhh. I want to see the poisonous mouth guy in action! Boo hoo.

    Anyway, I would like to thank Ruyi for tranting the first 269 chapters of UPX! Although I took over from 270, I¡¯d rather read her trantions :P. If you guys don¡¯t know already, Ruyi is an amazing trantor and the trantor of Poison Genius Consort! Over 800 chapters have been released! In fact, she just tranted a snu snu (steamy) scene yesterday! So if you guys want some physical action, it is time to read!

    I would also like to thank my team for their hard work!! Mazu, Chai, Elizabeth, Mo Ly, Eden, Susan, Rakumon, and HF!! These girls are the only ones that made it out of maybe 50 applicants! A lot of people quit after one chapter because of how much work it is. It takes A LOT of perseverance to keep going.

    Mo Ly is now the novel lead of Show me the money!

    Rakumon will be debuting with a new novel next month (called Consort of a Thousand Faces! So stay tuned!)

    Eden and Chai will also be debuting with a new novelter on this year!

    I also will be debuting with another novelter on this year. However, I don¡¯t have time to do that until I finish a bunch of other stuff. It will be a transmigration novel and the female MC has magical powers to heal people too! When she transmigrated, she entered the body of the 6th Princess. The 6th Princess had justmitted suicide because the 6th Prince wanted to file for divorce right after their marriage to marry his sweetheart (He was forced to marry her because of an imperial edict). The 6th Prince had no idea how or why Lin Haihai''s personality changed so drastically. She even opened a clinic to treat patients! Anyway, it is a very intriguing novel so stay tune for the future announcement. (I don¡¯t know how I will trante the title yet so don¡¯t ask me what it¡¯s called)

    Please read on vrenovels! If you''re reading this on another site, this trantion has been stolen.

    Note: There aren''t any extra chapters. Many people have asked me. If there were side stories, I would''ve tranted them!

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!