Tang Shen spoke with heartfelt sincerity, his expression earnest.

Wang Zhen gazed at him quietly, his eyes reflecting deep and complex emotions before he suddenly smiled.

Tang Shen’s heart stirred slightly, and he asked, “Senior Brother, why are you smiling?”

Wang Zhen replied, “So, in your heart, how much space does Su daren occupy?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tang Shen didn’t even need to think. “How much space? None at all!” There was no way Su Wenyun could hold any place in his heart—they weren’t even friends.

Wang Zhen sighed and said, “Then it seems I hold no place in your heart either.”

“Ah?”

Wang Zhen explained, “You said Su daren isn’t worth even one ten-thousandth of me in your heart, meaning I’m ten thousand times more important than him. But since Su daren is worth zero, multiplying that by ten thousand still makes zero, doesn’t it?”

Tang Shen: “…”

We get it—you’re good at math. Now, could you please stop talking?

It was already late, so Wang Zhen didn’t linger long. Tang Shen walked him to the door. As they bid each other farewell, Wang Zhen remarked, “Although it’s already June, the lands beyond the Great Wall never see spring, unlike Shengjing. Spring winds don’t pass through Yumen Pass. When you return to Shengjing in a few days, be sure to change your attire. Don’t dress the same as usual.”

Tang Shen froze in surprise. “Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen simply smiled and said, “No need to see me off.”

Tang Shen stood at the door, watching Wang Zhen leave.

Once back inside, he frowned deeply, thinking for a long while before letting out a helpless sigh. “Clearly, he had something to say but refused to say it directly. Wang Zifeng—four years, and he still can’t just speak plainly!” Yet, Tang Shen understood that there were some matters Wang Zhen either couldn’t express openly or simply enjoyed teasing him about. Seeing Tang Shen’s bewildered expression probably gave Wang Zhen a sense of satisfaction.

Tang Shen couldn’t be entirely blamed for wanting to tease his senior brother back now and then. After all, “the one who flirts first is at fault.” It was always Wang Zifeng who started things, and Tang Shen only ever retaliated occasionally.

“Something has changed in Shengjing? What could be different?”

If he could vaguely infer the meaning behind Wang Zhen’s final words, the earlier evaluation of Su Wenyun left Tang Shen’s expression gradually turning cold. He recalled the information he had gathered over the past few years regarding the former crown prince, Zhong daru, the late emperor, and late empress—particularly that palace coup thirty-one years ago.

Su Wenyun was only twenty-six this year, so he couldn’t have been involved in the coup three decades ago. However, Wang Zhen had described Su Wenyun as ruthless and unscrupulous. If all the matters Zhao Fu wanted done but couldn’t handle personally were entrusted to Su Wenyun, then…

“Was his senior brother hinting at something? Thirty-one years ago had nothing to do with Su Wenyun, but what about five years ago, when Zhong Taisheng died in prison? Was Su Wenyun involved?”

Tang Shen closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. As soon as he did, he seemed to hear a faint, exasperated voice echo in his mind, teasing him with a laugh: “Begone, you!”

He was beginning to forget many of the things Liang Song had once told him, but one message remained clear: Liang Song had repeatedly urged him not to get involved in matters concerning the former crown prince. Liang Song only wished for Tang Shen to live a peaceful life as a wealthy landowner. Even if he himself sacrificed himself for his principles, he never wanted Tang Shen to get entangled in such dangerous affairs.

“But how could I possibly stay out of it?”

The more Tang Shen uncovered about that palace coup, the more fearful he became.

If Liang Song believed Zhong Taisheng had been wronged, then the former crown prince must have been wronged as well. But back then, the crown prince’s faction was at its peak. Zhao Fu alone couldn’t have orchestrated their downfall—there had to be another force at play.

What was the real truth?

It was like a den of dragons and tigers, yet Tang Shen had no choice but to venture in alone.

Meanwhile, back in his room, Wang Zhen didn’t go to bed immediately. He summoned Lin Xu from the Silver Pull Division. Lin Xu bowed respectfully, and Wang Zhen asked, “How many of the people who went to the Liao capital Shangjing in December last year are still there?”

Lin Xu gave a precise number.

Wang Zhen mused, “I never realized until now that the second prince of Liao, Yelü Shege, is a cut sleeve.”

Lin Xu was startled. He instinctively glanced at Wang Zhen, knowing that rumors of Wang Zhen’s preference for men had circulated among officials. He couldn’t help but wonder if Wang Zhen was implying something.

“Minister, this is the first I’ve heard of it. Yelü Shege does have concubines in his household, so the matter is likely complicated.”

“A prince of a nation—even if he is a cut sleeve—should at least conceal it somewhat.” Wang Zhen pondered. “Yelü Shege seems rather interested in Qiao Jiu’s ‘son,’ doesn’t he?”

Lin Xu knew nothing about that.

Wang Zhen chuckled. “We’ll need to meet him anyway. Su daren must have taken precautions. Holding a Left Minister’s weakness may not be enough to secure absolute success. Send word to Su daren in Xijing Prefecture: inform him that Tang daren will return to Shengjing soon. Whether Qiao Jiu’s ‘son’ should show his face or suddenly die—it’s up to him to decide.”

Lin Xu asked, “How should the message be relaid?”

Wang Zhen pondered, “Repeat my words exactly.”

“Understood.”

It took three days for the message to reach Xijing.

By then, Qiao Jiu had gradually gained Xiao Zhen’s trust, and Lu Shen and the others had secured their footing in Xijing Prefecture. After hearing Wang Zhen’s words from the messenger, Su Wenyun’s face darkened. He sneered, “Tang Jingze is leaving, never to return, and Wang Zifeng expects me to clean up his junior brother’s mess? Why doesn’t he just dream a little bigger?”

The messenger merely repeated the original message and didn’t dare respond.

After cursing Wang Zhen for his wishful thinking and Tang Shen for his foolishness, Su Wenyun paused, then mused aloud, “It might not be entirely impossible. Hmph, Wang Zifeng, you’ve played your cards well. But have you considered that if I clean up after Tang Jingze, he’ll owe me a favor?”

Without delay, Su Wenyun summoned Qiao Jiu and instructed him to arrange a banquet through Xiao Zhen, inviting Yelü Qin and Yelü Shege.

In Youzhou City, Tang Shen’s mission had lasted over three months since he arrived in March. Zhao Fu had now sent Yu Chaosheng to take over, and after a few days of handing over duties, Tang Shen was ready to return to Shengjing.

Upon finishing the handover, Yu Chaosheng smiled and said, “Congratulations, Tang daren.”

Feigning surprise, Tang Shen asked, “Thank you, Yu daren, but I don’t understand—what are you congratulating me for?”

Yu Chaosheng stroked his short beard and smiled gently. “When you return to Shengjing, you’re bound to receive a great opportunity. Since I won’t be accompanying you, I thought I’d offer my congratulations in advance.”

Tang Shen responded with a look of pleasant surprise.

Later, when meeting privately with Wang Zhen, Tang Shen asked, “Senior Brother, did His Majesty send Yu Chaosheng because of me?”

Wang Zhen raised a brow. “Oh?”

Encouraged, Tang Shen continued, “During this mission to Liao, while I wouldn’t claim it was perfectly executed, I certainly didn’t make any mistakes. Now that Su daren has gone and almost completed the task, only a few of us know the full details. His Majesty cannot publicize the matter. If he intends to reward me, it’s difficult to do so openly. You once said that under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t be promoted to second rank within five years, at most to third rank. But now, it seems His Majesty intends to promote me.”

Wang Zhen smiled elegantly. “Rising four ranks in four years—His Majesty truly has keen eyes, and little Junior Brother is indeed a pillar of the state!”

Tang Shen deadpanned, “I’m being serious.”

Wang Zhen blinked, apparently not expecting Tang Shen to be so blunt. After regaining his composure, he whispered, “You’ve become more dependent on me.”

His voice was so low that only he could hear it. Tang Shen asked, “What did Senior Brother just say?”

“I said your guess is right.” Wang Zhen smiled.

Tang Shen had already suspected he might be promoted upon returning to Shengjing, and now that Wang Zhen had confirmed it, he felt both excited and conflicted. With a trace of guilt, he said, “But in order to promote me, His Majesty sent Yu Chaosheng to divide your power.”

If Tang Shen were promoted, he and Wang Zhen’s faction would naturally grow stronger. To maintain balance in the court, Zhao Fu had dispatched Yu Chaosheng. Since Yu Chaosheng was also involved in Silver Pull Division matters, Zhao Fu would likely reward him similarly upon his return. Moreover, while Tang Shen had come to Youzhou not explicitly for the Silver Pull Division, Yu Chaosheng had.

In a few months, Yu Chaosheng would likely gain insight into the division’s internal affairs, and his mentor Xu Bi would learn of them too.

Tang Shen, rising to third rank at just twenty years old, had set in motion political undercurrents that could not be ignored.

Tang Shen felt guilty that his own matters had involved Wang Zhen, and that it had caused him to be constrained by Yu Chaosheng. Wang Zhen, however, said, “Even without you, His Majesty would have sent someone else. This matter was destined to happen. The Silver Pull Division has never been entirely under my control.”

Tang Shen responded, “But before Yu Chaosheng came, it wasn’t like this. The Silver Pull Division was yours.”

Wang Zhen’s lips moved slightly as he gazed deeply at Tang Shen, remaining silent for a long time. Tang Shen felt uneasy under his gaze and couldn’t help but ask softly, “Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen’s voice suddenly became stern: “I’ve suddenly been wondering, in little Junior Brother’s heart, what kind of person do you think I am?”

Tang Shen replied, “Huh?”

Wang Zhen didn’t respond. Tang Shen thought deeply for a moment, then gave his answer: “In my eyes, Senior Brother, you are wise and insightful, smooth yet not overly worldly, cautious but not overly rigid. As long as you’re around, I always feel at ease, no matter the difficulty. You’re nine years older than me, but in nine years, I will never be able to match up to you.”

Wang Zhen asked, “Then, why do you think I do the things I do?”

Tang Shen was completely confused and didn’t understand what Wang Zhen was trying to say.

Wang Zhen seemed somewhat disappointed, his gaze lingering on Tang Shen. After a long pause, he said, “You and I are kindred spirits. I see little Junior Brother as the person who understands me best, the one who knows my intentions most. I’ve waited alone for twenty-nine years, and finally, I found someone who truly understands me. Yet you’ve never once thought about why I went to Cizhou three years ago, why I took on the responsibilities of the Silver Pull Division last year. Even on that day in the Xuji Tower, when I said ‘comrades in the same school are called friends; those with the same aspirations are called companions’, what exactly was I trying to say?”

Tang Shen’s heart shook. Wang Zhen’s expression revealed a trace of disappointment, but what struck him more was the sense of hurt and loneliness that came through in his voice.

After saying this, Wang Zhen turned and left.

Tang Shen was deeply shaken. He grabbed Wang Zhen’s sleeve and called out, “Senior Brother, why do you serve as an official?”

Wang Zhen’s steps halted. He turned around and looked steadily at Tang Shen, his eyes filled with hope and expectation.

Tang Shen took a deep breath, looking at Wang Zhen seriously. He spoke each word deliberately: “I know, I’ve always known. Senior Brother, you serve as an official not for fame or fortune, not for overwhelming power. You are not a virtuous official in the traditional sense, nor do you rigidly follow the conventional methods and rules. But you are a true official. So, when I received the memorial regarding the emergence of new currency in Shu, the first person I thought of was you. Because I know, only you would not fear difficulties or obstacles, and would grasp that faint glimmer of light at the end of a dark and long road.”

Wang Zhen stood there, stunned.

Tang Shen tightened his grip on Wang Zhen’s sleeve, and after a long pause, Wang Zhen reached out and took Tang Shen’s hand. He gripped it tightly, pulling it away from his sleeve. But even after pulling it away, he didn’t release Tang Shen’s hand, instead holding it even more firmly.

The two stood silently, gazing at each other. In Tang Shen’s heart, it was as if an answer was about to emerge. He felt as though he understood something, yet at the same time, felt like he understood nothing.

At this moment, Wang Zhen chuckled softly, “I’m not a virtuous official?”

Tang Shen was taken aback.

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Wang Zhen held Tang Shen’s hand with one hand, while his other hand gently rose, hovering near Tang Shen’s forehead. He lightly tapped his forehead. The gesture was incredibly gentle, without any hint of reprimand.

Wang Zhen said, “Little Junior Brother, are you complimenting me, or are you criticizing me?”

Tang Shen instinctively touched the spot on his forehead where Wang Zhen’s finger had tapped. Suddenly, he came to his senses. “Senior Brother, you’ve tricked me again!”

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After the assassin was captured, he immediately confessed that night, implicating Xiao Lü.

Xiao Lü, tortured to near death by Yelü Shege in prison, finally yielded under duress and revealed the mastermind behind the plot. Had this taken place in Shangjing, such brutal interrogation would never have been allowed, especially not by Yelü Shege’s men. This was because, in Shangjing, Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding wielded immense power. Hence, Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin traveled all the way to Xijing, the Southern officials’ stronghold, to handle the matter personally.

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When Xiao Lü named the mastermind, Yelü Shege acted incredulous. He widened his eyes in confusion and muttered repeatedly, “How could it be His Excellency, the Grand Preceptor? How could it be?”

The evidence seized from Xiao Lü’s residence wasn’t entirely fabricated by Yelü Shege’s men. The government officers found several rare treasures unique to Shangjing and, shockingly, a blood-stained garment in the backyard—proof that Xiao Lü was indeed an accomplice of the assassin. However, whether the mastermind was truly Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding was something only Xiao Lü himself could confirm.

Due to his injuries, Yelü Qin didn’t personally interrogate Xiao Lü. After the confession, he skeptically remarked, “Your Highness, by all accounts, Xiao Lü should be an ally of the Third Prince. The evidence found in his home is irrefutable. Yet, his behavior leaves me puzzled. Having navigated the political arena for years, I sense he may not be who we think he is.”

Yelü Shege agreed. “I feel the same. Something’s amiss. However, Commander, someone in Xijing must have aided the assassin. How else could he have hidden in the city for so many days without being discovered?”

A cold expression flashed across Yelü Qin’s face as he pondered. After a moment, he speculated, “Could it be that Xiao Lü isn’t aligned with the Third Prince at all…” He clapped his right hand over the back of his left, lowered his voice, and continued, “…but was framed by the other two princes? They might be trying to sow discord between you and the Third Prince, hoping to profit from your conflict.”

Yelü Shege chuckled coldly. “I considered that possibility as well, and it’s utterly laughable. The saying ‘When the snipe and clam struggle, the fisherman benefits’ implies that the fisherman must have the strength to act, not merely pick up a windfall. It’s not that I look down on my elder brother and fourth brother, but Yelü Zhan’s schemes are transparent, and Yelü Long, though wanting to appear shrewd, lacks any real cunning. Even if they were aided by a brilliant strategist to set this trap, luring me into conflict with Yelü Han, what of it?”

Yelü Qin asked, “Your Highness means?”

Yelü Shege snapped open his folding fan with a flick, gently waving it like a refined gentleman from Jiangnan. Yet, the dark look in his eyes betrayed his demeanor. “I only want to deal with Yelü Han—or rather, the Grand Preceptor behind him. As for the others? Why concern ourselves with them? They’re merely clowns.”

Realizing his intent, Yelü Qin saluted. “Your Highness is wise. I am willing to follow you through fire and water, no matter the cost!”

Confident they had considered everything, neither of them realized that behind the scenes, the forces of the Song Dynasty were also involved.

Meanwhile, at the Left Minister’s residence, Xiao Zhen, already ill from fury about Xiao Lü’s crime. Now, upon hearing that Xiao Lü had implicated him as an accomplice, he was so enraged that his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and he almost passed out.

Though distant relatives with little connection, there were no other outstanding children in their lineage so when Xiao Lu came to please Xiao Zhen and presented him with generous gifts, Xiao Zhen refused for a few times, then accepted the gifts and even treated Xiao Lu as his confidant. 

Xiao Lü’s accusation wasn’t baseless. 

First, the officers found several precious gifts related to the assassin in his home. Xiao Lü said that one of them was given by Qiao Jiu, a tea merchant from Song, and another one was something Xiao Zhen gave to him casually. When Xiao Lü heard that there were problems with these two things, he hated Xiao Zhen and Qiao Jiu with a passion. He had been tortured to the point of losing his mind and being unable to think. Knowing that he was doomed, he wished to drag everyone else down with him.

Hearing this news, Qiao Jiu hastily sought out Xiao Zhen for help. With no other options, Xiao Zhen donned his official robes and personally visited Yelü Qin’s residence. Astonishingly, Yelü Shege agreed to see him. As soon as they met, Xiao Zhen fell to his knees, crying, “Your Highness, I’ve been wronged! I had no idea Xiao Lü was involved with the assassin. I have always been loyal to His Majesty and Your Highness!”

Yelü Shege, seemingly surprised, responded, “Why such a grand gesture? Please rise and speak.”

Xiao Zhen, trembling, remained kneeling. “Your Highness, I truly knew nothing. Please have mercy!”

Yelü Shege smiled faintly. “It appears that Minister Xiao has already heard about Xiao Lü’s confession. Indeed, he did name you. However, I know well what kind of person you are. Please stand up and speak.”

Relieved yet apprehensive, Xiao Zhen stood and, after an hour of tense conversation, left the residence pale and shaken.

After Xiao Zhen left, Yelü Qin emerged from a side room. “Your Highness, I’ve been feigning illness and avoiding visitors. Thank you for dealing with fools like that on my behalf.”

Yelü Shege chuckled. “Don’t mention it. Though foolish, Xiao Zhen holds a significant position. We can still use him. With this incident, we now have leverage over him—he won’t dare betray us.” After a pause, he asked, “By the way, who is this Qiao Jiu that Xiao Lü implicated?”

Yelü Qin’s expression shifted slightly. “…I have heard of him. Your Highness knows that Xiao Lü has always wanted to please Your Highness. Now it seems that he had evil intentions and was plotting something from the start. We attended a banquet at the Xiao Manor that day. After the banquet, His Highness and Xiao Lü went to appreciate paintings. Xiao Zhen once told me that Qiao Jiu was a tea merchant from Song whom Xiao Lü knew. He was very wealthy and had a beautiful son.”

Yelü Shege paused, then smirked. “Ah, I remember now. So, that’s the Qiao Jiu Xiao Lü mentioned.”

Yelü Qin nodded. “After being spurned by Your Highness, Xiao Lü harbored resentment toward Qiao Jiu. According to his captured shopkeeper’s confession, Xiao Lü despised Qiao Jiu and had long intended to harm him. Knowing he had no chance of survival, he likely implicated Qiao Jiu out of spite.”

Yelü Shege thoughtfully nodded, leaving the room in silence. After a while, he suddenly asked, “Is his son truly that beautiful?”

Yelü Qin, unperturbed by the unusual question, replied casually, “I’ve never seen him. If Your Highness desires, we can fabricate a charge and capture him.”

Yelü Shege frowned slightly. “I am no bandit. I won’t abduct people without reason.”

Yelü Qin immediately corrected himself. “My apologies, Your Highness. I misspoke. Please forgive me.”

Yelü Shege sighed. “These are troubled times. I have no interest in frivolities.”

Meanwhile, upon returning home, Xiao Zhen was met by a waiting Qiao Jiu, who had been anxious for news. Seeing him, Xiao Zhen felt conflicted. After all, he had now been forced onto the Second Prince’s boat, making him an enemy of the Third Prince and Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding, who would never let this slide.

Qiao Jiu lamented, “Daren, this calamity came out of nowhere! I only wanted to do business in Xijing. How did it come to this?”

Xiao Zhen, seeing the shared misfortune, sighed. “The Second Prince saw through Xiao Lü’s lies and didn’t believe him. But we must remain cautious. Though he claims to trust us, who knows when he might change his mind? Life is becoming increasingly difficult.”

After delivering gifts and returning home, Qiao Jiu reported everything to Su Wenyun, who was slightly surprised. “So Yelü Shege just let Xiao Zhen go?”

Hearing Qiao Jiu’s account, Su Wenyun sneered. “Yelü Shege knows how to win people over. He’s done this many times before. But after this, Xiao Zhen will see us as friends as we are in the same boat. Have you learned how Xiao Lü curried favor with Xiao Zhen?” 

Qiao Jiu responded, “Rest assured,  daren.”

Su Wenyun said, “We don’t necessarily have to turn him to our side. We can still get information from him by being his confidant. After this incident, he will never doubt us again. And after he becomes part of the second prince’s party, we can get information from him. How could this not be a blessing in disguise?” He paused and continued, “Earlier, Xiao Lü often asked Tang Jingze to meet the second prince. I always felt that something was wrong. You should check it carefully. Clearly, there may be anomalies.”

Qiao Jiu: “Yes, daren.”

For several days, Qiao Jiu visited Xiao Zhen regularly, bringing generous gifts. Gradually, Xiao Zhen grew close to him. One night, after a few drinks, he revealed a shocking truth. Alarmed, Qiao Jiu immediately reported it to Su Wenyun.

Su Wenyun: “…”

That night, he personally penned a letter and dispatched it urgently to Youzhou City.

The letter, marked as urgent, reached Tang Shen in just a day and a half. Realizing its importance, Tang Shen quickly opened it, only to find two short lines:

“Yelü Shege has a fondness for men.
Tang daren, your foresight is unmatched.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen burned the letter in exasperation, thinking, How was I supposed to know he had such tendencies? It wasn’t deliberate. And what’s with calling me ‘unmatched’? Whether or not Yelü Shege prefers men, Xijing remains a dangerous place. You’re already there—what’s the point in worrying about one prince’s personal preferences?

When Tang Shen received the letter, Wang Zhen was beside him and he didn’t hide it from the other either.

Wang Zhen noticed his displeasure and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Tang Shen fell silent for a moment, then pursed his lips, as if tattling, and recounted everything Su Wenyun had said to Wang Zhen.

Feeling aggrieved, Tang Shen added, “Senior Brother, you tell me, that Yelü Shege being a cut sleeve is not something I forced on him. He was born that way. Su Wenyun was originally going to Xijing Prefecture anyway, that has nothing to do with me either—I didn’t compel him to go.” (TN: cut sleeve: A historical euphemism for homosexuality, originating from a tale involving Emperor Ai of Han)

Wang Zhen frowned slightly but said nothing.

Tang Shen called out, “Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen seemed to snap out of a daze. “How is the situation in Xijing now?”

Dropping the previous topic, Tang Shen began reporting on Xijing Prefecture. “Su Wenyun is indeed quite capable, though it’s a pity he failed to turn Xiao Zhen onto our side. My initial plan was merely to use the captured assassin to frame Xiao Lü and use that as leverage to establish a connection with Xiao Zhen. But the timeframe was too tight, and I didn’t come up with a concrete plan—just an idea. Su daren, however, managed to pull it off entirely.”

Wang Zhen asked, “Do you know why His Majesty favors Su Wenyun?”

Tang Shen’s interest was piqued. “Why?”

He could understand why Zhao Fu favored Li Jingde—Li Jingde was a war hero with no ambitions beyond exterminating the Liao people. As for himself, Tang Shen was aware that Zhao Fu appreciated him because he was low-ranking, had no powerful background, and was adept at flattering in ways that put the emperor at ease. Wang Zhen, however, was trusted because he always aligned perfectly with the emperor’s intentions.

Whether it was something Zhao Fu had done, wanted to do, or hadn’t yet dared to do, Wang Zhen handled it flawlessly. Even if the emperor wasn’t Zhao Fu, as long as it was an emperor, Wang Zhen would always be trusted.

But Su Wenyun?

Wang Zhen glanced at the sky, noticing that dark clouds had shrouded the moon. He pointed outside and said, “Night has fallen. There are always matters the emperor cannot openly handle but still wishes to see done. Su Wenyun is someone without limits—ruthless and unscrupulous in achieving great aims. Such a person is naturally favored and employed by His Majesty.”

Tang Shen asked casually, “To achieve great aims without regard for means—has he done anything particularly ruthless?”

Wang Zhen looked at Tang Shen quietly, then smiled leisurely. “Anything you can imagine that His Majesty might want to do but cannot do openly—Su Wenyun has done it for him.”

Tang Shen felt a jolt in his heart but forced a smile and changed the topic. “Between Su Wenyun and you, Senior Brother, whom does His Majesty trust more?”

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Wang Zhen seemed to fall into deep thought at that question. After pondering for a long time, he countered, “Although it’s said that one shouldn’t speculate on the emperor’s thoughts, it’s just the two of us here, so there’s no harm in discussing it. What do you think, little Junior Brother—who does His Majesty favor more?”

Was there even a need to think about it?

Tang Shen answered without hesitation, “Naturally, I lean towards Senior Brother. No matter whom His Majesty favors, to me, Su Wenyun can’t compare to even one ten-thousandth of you.”

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Having lived for over thirty years, Xiao Lü recently found himself plagued by bad luck, as if all the good fortune of his earlier life had been completely spent.

Originally, he had gone to great lengths to curry favor with the Second Prince, Yelü Shege—hosting elaborate banquets and buying famous paintings as gifts. His efforts seemed to be paying off, and the prince had begun to take notice of him. Yet, overnight, everything changed when Yelü Qin was injured in an assassination attempt. From then on, the Second Prince had no time for a minor figure like Xiao Lü and cast him aside.

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Flattering someone is a skill not everyone can master.

Despite his repeated attempts to please Yelü Shege, the prince shut his doors and refused to see him.

Xiao Lü grumbled, “What rotten luck! If it weren’t for Qiao Jiu’s son falling ill suddenly, preventing him from meeting the prince and causing the prince to vent his anger on me, would I be in this mess now?”

As he ate breakfast, Xiao Lü grew increasingly irritated, finally flapping his sleeves in frustration. “From now on, I, Xiao Lü, will have nothing to do with that Qiao Jiu!”

Before his words had fully landed, a servant entered and reported, “Master, that tea merchant Qiao Jiu is here again!”

Xiao Lü fumed, “He dares show up again?”

The servant hesitated and said, “Master, Qiao Jiu has been waiting outside every day. Today, he’s already been standing at the gate for an hour, and he brought many gifts. He also said…”

“What else did he say?”

“He said he won’t leave unless he sees you today.”

Xiao Lü sneered, “He’s just a merchant. If I don’t want to see him, then I won’t. Tell him to get lost!”

“Wait,” said Xiao Lü’s trusted shopkeeper suddenly. After a moment of contemplation, the shopkeeper advised, “Master, that’s not the best approach. Qiao Jiu is a businessman. His daily visits are likely because he offended you and wants to mend things to continue doing business with us. May I ask, Master, how much do you dislike Qiao Jiu? Would you consider partnering with him again, or do you never want to see him again?”

Xiao Lü snapped, “I never want to see him again. He ruined my plans—I wish he were dead!”

The shopkeeper smiled shrewdly. “Then you should meet him. If you refuse to see him, he’ll only lose the opportunity to do business with us, but he can still partner with others in Xijing Prefecture. If you truly despise him, why not pretend to reconcile, lure him into a deal, and then stab him in the back?”

“Brilliant idea!” Xiao Lü turned to the servant and ordered, “Bring Qiao Jiu in.”

Qiao Jiu entered with his servant, carrying a heap of gifts. Upon seeing Xiao Lü, he bowed deeply and said apologetically, “I am sorry, Mr. Xiao. Please don’t be angry with me.”

Feigning magnanimity, Xiao Lü smiled and said, “Oh, no need for such words. I was merely venting my frustration. Upon reflection, it was wrong of me to take it out on you. Please don’t hold it against me, Brother Qiao.”

Qiao Jiu smiled and insisted, “Mr. Xiao, please accept these gifts. Only then will I be at ease.”

The two exchanged knowing glances and smiled in unison.

“Care to join me for breakfast?” Xiao Lü offered.

“With pleasure,” Qiao Jiu replied.

At the dining table, Qiao Jiu appeared cautious, as if still worried about Xiao Lü’s temper. Xiao Lü felt disdain for his timidity but maintained a facade of generosity and pretended to be completely at ease. After the meal, Qiao Jiu left behind the gifts and departed with his servant. They agreed that at the start of the following month, Qiao Jiu would supply tea leaves, which Xiao Lü would sell through his shops.

After Qiao Jiu left, Xiao Lü ordered the gifts to be stored in the warehouse. They were fine items, and there was no need to refuse them just for the sake of plotting against Qiao Jiu.

Watching Qiao Jiu’s departing figure, Xiao Lü flashed a sinister smile, unaware that upon Qiao Jiu’s return to his residence, Su Wenyun greeted him and asked, “Did he accept everything? Did Xiao Lü suspect anything?”

Qiao Jiu replied respectfully, “Yes, daren. Xiao Lü noticed nothing unusual.”

Su Wenyun’s pale face curved into a faint, wry smile. “Another fool.”

Three days later, Xiao Lü was at home reviewing the accounts for the past six months with his shopkeeper when a servant rushed into the study, shouting, “Master, news just came in—the assassin has been captured!”

Startled, Xiao Lü stood up abruptly. “Captured?”

The servant nodded. “You instructed us to closely monitor the situation with the assassin. We’ve just learned that the Left Chancellor has apprehended the culprit and is escorting him to the prefectural office for interrogation.”

Overjoyed, Xiao Lü exclaimed, “Finally! That damned assassin—he couldn’t have come at a worse time, ruining my plans! Prepare some gifts. I’ll go visit the Second Prince and congratulate him on this happy event.”

The shopkeeper smiled and said, “Congratulations, Master. Your luck has turned—you’re bound to rise to great heights.”

Xiao Lü laughed heartily.

Since the assassination attempt, Yelü Shege had been too preoccupied to entertain visitors, and Xiao Lü had been turned away each time. Now, with a legitimate reason to visit, he could resume his efforts to ingratiate himself with the prince.

His spirits lifted, Xiao Lü had a servant help him change into formal attire while he pondered how best to flatter the prince when they met. Just then, he heard the clamor of hurried footsteps outside. Curious, he stepped out of his room, only to see an armored soldier kick open the gate to his courtyard, sword in hand.

Shocked, Xiao Lü demanded, “Who are you? How dare you trespass on private property?”

The soldier sneered at Xiao Lü’s frightened expression and asked coldly, “Are you Xiao Lü?”

Bewildered and wary, Xiao Lü replied, “Yes, I am. Since you know who I am, you should also know that I’m a relative of Left Minister Xiao Zhen. Surely, this is some kind of misunderstanding?”

The soldier paused briefly, then burst into laughter. “A misunderstanding? You’re exactly the one we’re here to arrest! Men, bind him and take him to the Second Prince!”

Panic swept over Xiao Lü like a freezing tide. As two soldiers tied him up, he began struggling violently and shouting, “I’m loyal to the Second Prince! Who are you? How dare you frame me?”

Without a word, the soldier stuffed a rag into Xiao Lü’s mouth, silencing him.

Bound hand and foot, Xiao Lü was dragged to the prefectural office.

Upon entering the hall, he frantically looked around for Xiao Zhen, but the official was nowhere to be seen. Instead, seated at the head of the hall was Yelü Shege, dressed in luxurious blue robes, gazing at him with a chilling smile—one that sent shivers down Xiao Lü’s spine.

Desperate to plead his innocence, Xiao Lü could only emit muffled sounds through the rag in his mouth.

Yelü Shege lowered his eyes and said with a calm, eerie tone, “Since you’ve come, it’s only proper to give a greeting gift. Chalu, cut off his left hand and present it to me.”

“Understood,” Chalu replied without hesitation.

Xiao Lü’s eyes widened in disbelief as he saw a burly man walking toward him. With a metallic clang, the man drew the saber from his waist.

At that moment, Xiao Lü suddenly recalled the horrifying tale of how Yelü Shege once cleaved a male courtesan in two with a single stroke for displeasing him.

In the next instant, searing, excruciating pain tore through Xiao Lü’s body.

News of the captured assassin spread rapidly throughout Xijing Prefecture, soon reaching the ears of Xiao Zhen, the Left Minister. Initially, Xiao Zhen was delighted—now that the assassin was caught, he wouldn’t have to leave at dawn and return late every day, tirelessly searching the city for the culprit. However, within the hour, a government worker rushed in with shocking news: Xiao Lü had been arrested as the assassin’s accomplice by none other than Yelü Shege!

Xiao Zhen’s face turned deathly pale as he shouted, “Nonsense! How could Xiao Lü possibly be involved with the assassin?”

The government worker, looking helpless, replied, “It’s true, daren. After the Left Chancellor captured the assassin, he tortured him severely, and the assassin confessed that Xiao Lü was his accomplice. He claimed that Xiao Lü helped him hide and had already sent the secret letter out of Xijing Prefecture. Not long after confessing, he managed to poison himself and died on the spot.”

Xiao Zhen slumped into his chair, speechless. “How could it be Xiao Lü…”

Xiao Lü was equally baffled. He had no idea why the assassin had falsely implicated him as an accomplice!

Over the course of a day and a night, Xiao Lü was subjected to relentless torture, leaving his body bloodied and unrecognizable.

He lay sprawled on the ground like a lifeless piece of flesh. When Yelü Shege approached, Xiao Lü trembled uncontrollably, instinctively trying to crawl away. Yelü Shege, famed as one of the most handsome princes in the Liao royal family, now appeared more terrifying than a demon in Xiao Lü’s eyes.

Yelü Shege’s dark eyes remained fixed on Xiao Lü. After a moment, he smiled, crouched down, and asked gently, “Are you the assassin’s accomplice?”

Xiao Lü shook his head frantically, his hoarse voice rasping like stones scraping against the ground. “I-I don’t know the assassin, Your Highness! I’ve been framed!”

Yelü Shege sighed. “But the assassin pointed you out in front of everyone. Whether it’s true or not doesn’t matter anymore. Tell me—who is your mastermind?”

Xiao Lü, on the verge of madness, screamed, “I didn’t do it! I didn’t do it!”

Yelü Shege’s expression turned icy as he commanded coldly, “Speak. Who’s behind this?”

Xiao Lü stared at him in a daze, utterly lost.

Suddenly, Yelü Shege smiled again, this time with an unsettling gentleness. He reached out and patted Xiao Lü’s face, his hand coming away slick with blood. In a soothing tone, he said, “Your mastermind is Yelü Ding, Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding. Remember that name.”

In the dim, damp cell, the sound of dripping water echoed. Yelü Shege’s voice, soft and persuasive, continued, “Remember him, and I promise you a swift death.”

Xiao Lü’s mind went blank, as though his soul had left his body. He laid there, mouth agape, staring vacantly at Yelü Shege. The prince repeated the name “Yelü Ding” over and over again by his ear. After what seemed like an eternity, Xiao Lü let out a guttural roar, like a wild beast in despair. Then, all at once, he fell silent and said, “The one behind me is Grand Preceptor… Yelü Ding.” As he finished speaking, tears rolled down his face.

With Xiao Lü’s confession, Yelü Shege immediately ordered a raid on his residence. Sure enough, incriminating evidence was found in the storeroom.

Upon hearing the news, Xiao Zhen nearly fainted and collapsed onto his bed, gravely ill.

The next day, an unexpected guest arrived at his residence. The servant led Qiao Jiu inside to see Xiao Zhen, who glanced weakly at him and said coldly, “You seem to be a friend of Xiao Lü?”

Qiao Jiu fell to his knees and began wailing, “Please, daren, spare my life! Save me!”

Xiao Zhen was taken aback. “What nonsense are you spouting, you Song merchant?”

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Through his sobs, Qiao Jiu said, “Daren, have you not heard? This morning, Xiao Lü confessed and revealed his mastermind. But not only that—he even falsely accused me and implicated you, claiming that we were both in on it, acting as his accomplices!”

Xiao Zhen shot upright from his bed like a startled fish, his plump body slamming into the headboard, causing him to cry out in pain.

“Are you telling the truth?”

“It’s absolutely true!”

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Since Yelü Qin’s assassination, five days had passed.

Yelü Qin’s arrival at Xijing Prefecture had been sudden, and the attack on the night of his arrival left Tang Shen with little time to investigate the truth. However, as time went on, he gradually pieced things together:

“Xijing Prefecture is the stronghold of Southern officials. Yelü Shege, as the second prince of Liao, wouldn’t have come all this way without reason. The assassin was likely not sent by them—if that were the case, why would Yelü Qin stab himself? He could have simply let the assassin injure him. The assassin was real, but the secret letter may not have been. Yelü Qin being an innocent victim isn’t necessarily true either. This whole thing is likely a trap set up by Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin!”

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As the saying goes, those in the game are confused, but onlookers see clearly.

Lu Shen had witnessed Yelü Qin stab himself, which allowed Tang Shen to discern part of the truth.

Tang Shen continued, “Yelü Shege came to Xijing Prefecture to lay this trap because most of the powerful officials here support him. In the Liao court, the Liao Emperor has long been indifferent to state affairs. Northern officials support the third prince, Yelü Han, while Southern officials back the second prince, Yelü Shege. This move by Yelü Shege is a classic case of ‘using the enemy’s scheme against them.’ By capturing the assassin, they could seize the opportunity to move against Yelü Han. Even the secret letter is likely a forgery. Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin have clearly gone to great lengths to deal with Yelü Han.”

Tang Shen’s analysis was logical and nearly flawless, matching Wang Zifeng’s own speculations.

In Liao, the one who most wanted to eliminate Yelü Shege was Yelü Han, and vice versa.

However, there was one point Tang Shen didn’t fully grasp, as he was still relatively new to Liao politics. Wang Zifeng added, “It wouldn’t require such an elaborate scheme to deal with just Yelü Han.”

Tang Shen looked up, puzzled. “What do you mean, Senior Brother?”

Wang Zifeng explained, “While most Southern officials support Yelü Shege, not all do. Yelü Han, on the other hand, has a powerful backer—Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding.” As if recalling something, Wang Zifeng sighed, “Yelü Ding is like a stabilizing force for the Liao court. Without him, the war between Song and Liao twenty-one years ago wouldn’t have dragged on for a full decade.”

Tang Shen quickly caught on. “So Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin’s scheme isn’t just targeting Yelü Han—they’re really after Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding.”

Wang Zifeng smiled. “Do you know why, out of the four princes, Yelü Ding supports the rather dim-witted Yelü Han instead of the more talented Yelü Shege or the other princes?”

Tang Shen paused, then reasoned, “Yelü Ding comes from a noble lineage, so he likely prefers Yelü Han, who also has a distinguished background.”

“That’s one reason.”

“There’s another?”

Wang Zifeng’s lips curved into a faint smile. “A fool is always easier to control than someone who isn’t.”

Tang Shen suddenly understood.

The Silver Pull Division had been established for two years, and Wang Zifeng’s knowledge of Liao politics far surpassed Tang Shen’s. Unlike the Song Dynasty, where Emperor Zhao Fu was a master of political maneuvering, the Liao Emperor had long withdrawn from governance due to injuries and illness sustained during his youth. In the Liao court, Yelü Ding wielded immense power, unlike the Song court where officials formed distinct factions. Zhao Fu’s skillful handling of imperial authority ensured that even though he was older than the Liao Emperor, no official dared to openly support any prince.

Whether it was Wang Zhen, Su Wenyun, or other royalists, even non-royalist ministers never voiced any opinions about appointing an heir. One Zhao Fu was worth more than countless aspiring princes.

If Tang Shen were to ask Wang Zhen whether he preferred Zhao Fu to die early and be succeeded by a prince, or for Zhao Fu to somehow succeed in cultivation and live a hundred more years, he would answer without hesitation: “All of the princes added together is not even comparable to one ten-thousandth of His Majesty.”

This was no sycophantic flattery but an honest statement.

And if Tang Shen was asked, he would only be able to sigh: “Every day Zhao Fu lives, peace between Song and Liao continues.”

That night, seeing that Tang Shen had recovered and his fever had subsided, Wang Zhen prepared to leave for the Silver Pull Division to handle official business.

Tang Shen tried to dissuade him. “It’s already late. Why not rest here at the Youzhou camp, Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen asked, “Do you know why Yu Chaosheng came to Youzhou?”

Tang Shen, having received the imperial edict upon waking, answered, “His Majesty sent Yu daren to Youzhou to take over my duties in supervising the Silver Pull Division.”

Wang Zhen bluntly asked, “And have you been supervising it?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Wang Zhen sighed dramatically. “If I don’t return to the Division tonight to manage the backlog of affairs for you, who will cover for you tomorrow when Yu daren arrives?” With a mock sigh, Wang daren added, “I never thought I, Wang Zifeng, would one day bend the law for personal reasons.”

Wang Zhen’s earnest tone left Tang Shen momentarily speechless. Then he remembered—since when had Wang Zifeng ever been a law-abiding official? Even Li Jingde wouldn’t believe that!

Overcome with gratitude, Tang Shen felt an urge to sing “In This World, No One Is As Good As Senior Brother” for Wang Zhen. But recalling that the song was originally meant for mothers and Wang Zhen’s past comment about worrying like a mother, he shuddered and awkwardly said, “Senior Brother treats me so well that I feel grateful and… a bit awkward.”

Wang Zhen: “Awkward about what?”

Tang Shen didn’t answer directly. Instead, he said, “Let me sing a song for Senior Brother.”

Wang Zhen looked at him, puzzled. Before he could ask, Tang Shen began to sing, “In this world, no one is as good as senior brother. Without a senior brother, I’d be like grass…”

Wang Zifeng, ever sharp, remained silent for a moment before saying, “I feel like that song isn’t supposed to go that way.”

Tang Shen: “It’s late. There are wolves outside the city. You’d better hurry back before it’s too dangerous.”

Wang Zhen suddenly chuckled involuntarily. He seemed about to say something but stopped himself, merely smiling as he boarded his carriage and left.

After Wang Zhen’s departure, Tang Shen finally breathed a sigh of relief. Left alone, he pondered, “What was Wang Zifeng about to say before he left?” Somehow, a phrase came to mind and he blurted out loud: “Growing bold with favoritism?!”

Half a year ago, Wang Zhen once said this word to Tang Shen, and now he recalled it again. Tang Shen was silent for a long time, muttering, “When did Wang Zifeng and I become like this?” He was acting completely different from the cautious attitude he had shown when they first met. He actually began to trust this person wholeheartedly.

Lost in thought, Tang Shen recalled their interactions over the past four years. Before he could make sense of it, a soldier entered to report that someone had come to visit him.

Surprised, Tang Shen said, “Let them in.”

Soon, a slender man in a black cloak entered the tent. Standing nearly six feet tall, he was entirely shrouded in the cloak, with only a pale, pointed chin visible beneath the hood. Once they were alone, the man removed his hood, revealing a pair of striking, alluring eyes. It was Su Wenyun. He scanned Tang Shen from head to toe and quipped with a smirk, “I heard you were gravely injured and unconscious. Even Wang daren took care of you for a whole day. I thought you were about to kick the bucket, so I came to bid you farewell. But it looks like you’re doing just fine.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Nothing good ever comes from a dog’s mouth.

Tang Shen didn’t bother arguing with him and said calmly, “Greetings to Su daren. Thank you for sending the secret message. Had I returned a day later, it would have been too late to prevent disaster.”

Hearing this, Su Wenyun’s expression turned serious. “I’ll head to Xijing Prefecture tonight. If I ride swiftly, I’ll reach it in two days.”

Tang Shen asked, “Has there been any word from Lu Shen about capturing the assassin?”

“Not yet.” Su Wenyun paused, then asked solemnly, “Did you make any preparations before leaving Xijing Prefecture?”

Although they often clashed over policies in the past, with each belonging to opposing factions, they set their differences aside and engaged in a focused discussion. Tang Shen said, “I made some arrangements. Allow me to explain…”

Su Wenyun remained in Tang Shen’s tent for an hour.

In the middle of the night, Su Wenyun donned his cloak, ready to depart for Xijing Prefecture. As he was leaving, he turned back and said, “Xijing Prefecture is in chaos. I’ll handle the cleanup. You should focus on recovering from your injuries.”

Tang Shen thought to himself: I never intended to interfere again. I’m just waiting for you to infiltrate the enemy camp and take care of Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin for me.

Outwardly, he said respectfully, “I’ll leave it to you, Su daren.”

Su Wenyun sneered at Tang Shen’s outwardly polite demeanor before turning and leaving.

After seeing off this troublesome figure, Tang Shen put out the lamp and went to sleep. Little did he know that shortly after Su Wenyun stepped out of the tent, he was ambushed and had a sack thrown over his head.

Panicking, Su Wenyun shouted for help, but no one responded. The attacker remained silent, and even punched him squarely.

After taking the hit, Su Wenyun calmed down, his expression darkening as he barked, “Li Jingde! Stop this!”

The assailant paused mid-motion.

Unbeknownst to Tang Shen, while he was away in Liao, Su Wenyun had often come to inspect the Youzhou military camp, making life difficult for the military officials. Although Su Wenyun’s rank as a third-rank Right Vice Minister of Works was technically lower than Li Jingde’s, he had been appointed as an imperial inspector overseeing military affairs, leaving Li Jingde with no choice but to obey him. Over time, the military officials in Youzhou grew increasingly resentful of Su Wenyun. Now that he had shown up alone in the middle of the night, how could he resist ambushing him?

Li Jingde, deliberately lowering his voice, growled, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not Li Jingde.”

“You coward! If you don’t stop, I’ll report you when I return to Shengjing and have you ruined!”

“Damn, why are you so vicious, you pale-faced sissy!”

Su Wenyun shot back angrily, “Dumbass! Try hitting me again!”

Li Jingde’s eye twitched, and after a moment’s hesitation, he pulled a token from his sleeve and threw it at Su Wenyun. “Fine! I’m done with you damn officials. Take this—it’s the Western Expedition Marshal’s token. I only hit you once, so we’re even. Return the token when you’re back.”

With that, Li Jingde bolted, not daring to stay any longer.

Su Wenyun yanked the sack off his head, furious, and kicked a nearby tent in frustration.

The next morning, when Tang Shen heard about the incident, he remarked, “General Li acted with the best of intentions.”

Two days later, Tang Shen returned to Youzhou City and formally handed over his duties to Yu Chaosheng.

Meanwhile, Su Wenyun, disguised as a servant, quietly infiltrated Xijing Prefecture. After altering his appearance, he met with Qiao Jiu and Lu Shen.

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Su Wenyun asked, “Have you caught the assassin?”

Lu Shen cupped his hands and replied, “We caught him this morning. He’s being held in the rear courtyard.”

Su Wenyun raised an eyebrow in surprise and smirked. “It seems I bring good fortune. I arrive, and you catch the assassin right away. Come, let’s go to the rear courtyard and choose a fitting method for him to die.”

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Inside the military tent, the physician was brewing medicine for Tang Shen. Upon seeing the three men enter, he immediately rose and saluted.

Wang Zhen approached the bed and took a steady look. Tang Shen was dressed in a white inner garment, his clothes from the shoulder down had been cut open, exposing his smooth arm. Near the elbow, a thick layer of medicine had been applied, without any bandage tied around it. There was no fresh bleeding, but upon closer inspection, traces of dried pus could be seen.

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Wang Zhen’s heart tightened as he asked, “Is the wound infected with an abscess?”

The physician replied, “There’s some infection.”

Wang Zhen followed up, “Is it serious?”

“The wound itself is small, so the abscess isn’t too severe. However, as daren knows, abscesses have always been difficult to treat, and I cannot guarantee a full recovery. For now, Tang daren’s health seems to be holding on, and if he wakes up tonight, he should be fine. He’ll need some time to recuperate afterward, but the scar on his arm cannot be removed.”

Yu Chaosheng stepped forward and asked, “Since the wound is only on his arm, why is he still unconscious?”

The physician hesitated, “This…”

Only Yu Chaosheng believed Tang Shen had been injured just this morning. The physician had already been instructed by Li Jingde not to reveal Tang Shen’s true condition. Yu Chaosheng’s sudden question left the physician momentarily at a loss for words.

Li Jingde was also caught off guard and was about to explain, “Tang Shen isn’t unconscious, just asleep,” when Wang Zhen calmly said, “Yu daren may not know that although Tang daren’s injury appears minor, the wound became infected, leading to an abscess. Abscesses cause weakness, persistent high fever, and thus unconsciousness.”

Yu Chaosheng glanced at Tang Shen, who was sweating profusely, and remarked, “Tang daren is surely blessed and will recover without issue.”

Since Yu Chaosheng was not particularly familiar with Tang Shen, he didn’t stay long and soon returned to the city.

As Tang Shen’s senior brother, it was only natural and proper for Wang Zhen to stay and take care of him. After Li Jingde left to handle military affairs, only Wang Zhen and the physician remained in the tent. The physician gently fanned the fire while brewing the medicine.

Wang Zhen said, “You may leave. I’ll take over.”

The physician was stunned. “Daren, this…”

“What precautions should I take?”

Though the physician did not recognize Wang Zhen, he had noticed how even Li Jingde seemed somewhat deferential to him earlier. Since Wang Zhen had given the order, the physician dared not object. After all, brewing medicine wasn’t particularly difficult, and the patient wouldn’t wake up anytime soon. He replied, “It requires slow simmering over a low flame for about four hours.”

After bowing, the physician prepared to leave but was stopped by Wang Zhen. “The scar on his arm—can it truly not be removed?”

The physician wasn’t sure how much Wang Zhen knew, so he hesitated before vaguely answering, “If there had been no abscess, there might have been ways to remove the scar. But with the infection being somewhat severe, even with the best scar-removal ointment, it’s unlikely to fade completely.”

“Good. Let it remain, so that I may see it every day and remember this lesson, never to forget.”

The physician didn’t quite understand Wang Zhen’s meaning and asked in confusion, “Daren?”

“It’s nothing. You may go.”

“Yes, daren.” The physician bowed and left.

In the now silent tent, only the sound of bubbling medicine could be heard. Wang Zhen checked the medicine to ensure everything was in order before walking over to the bedside and sitting down. His gaze lingered on Tang Shen’s pale face for a moment before moving to his wounded arm.

A slender, elegant hand gently touched Tang Shen’s cheek.

Wang Zhen’s hands were exceedingly beautiful—his fingers long and delicate, his knuckles well-defined. Whether playing the qin or writing, his hands always moved with a graceful fluidity, as if painting a picture. His hands were slightly pale, but compared to Tang Shen’s sickly pallor, they looked far healthier. Even Tang Shen’s lips were pale, and though his fever had subsided somewhat, his forehead was still warm. Fortunately, the small wound meant that the overall severity wasn’t too great.

Wang Zhen’s hand lingered on Tang Shen’s cheek for a long moment before sliding down slowly to rest on his chapped lips.

Too dry.

Due to the high fever and lack of water, Tang Shen’s lips had become cracked and parched.

Wang Zhen fetched a cup of water and dipped his fingers into it, carefully moistening Tang Shen’s lips. The water brought a slight flush back to them, but once it dried, the color faded again. Wang Zhen patiently continued the process several times until Tang Shen’s lips finally regained some softness and a hint of pink.

Setting the cup down, Wang Zhen sat quietly by the bed, gazing at Tang Shen without a word. No one knew how long had passed before a long sigh broke the silence in the tent.

“I gave you a chance to leave. But little junior brother, it was you who failed to take care of yourself.”

“There won’t be a next time.”

By nightfall, Tang Shen’s condition had indeed improved, and his fever had subsided, though he remained unconscious.

Wang Zhen left the tent and summoned the soldier who had escorted Tang Shen back to Youzhou. Initially, the soldier tried to feign ignorance, insisting that Tang Shen had only been injured that morning while hunting with Li Jingde. But Wang Zhen immediately asked, “How is the situation in Xijing Prefecture?”

The soldier was stunned.

“Speak.”

“…Yes, daren.”

The soldier truthfully recounted everything he knew, though his low rank meant he lacked many crucial details.

Wang Zhen listened carefully, narrowing his eyes. “Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin went to Xijing Prefecture?”

“Yes. It was because an assassin suddenly attacked Yelü Qin that the city was locked down, preventing Tang daren from returning.”

“An assassin targeted Yelü Qin…” Wang Zhen repeated, mulling over the information. A faint smile curled his lips, carrying a trace of inscrutability. He returned to the tent, used Li Jingde’s stationery to write a letter, and handed it to the soldier. “Return to Xijing Prefecture immediately and deliver this letter to Qiao Jiu. He’ll know what to do.”

Hearing Qiao Jiu’s name, the soldier’s confidence in Wang Zhen increased. “Understood!”

After attending to the matter of Xijing, Wang Zhen returned to the tent. As he looked up, his eyes met Tang Shen’s.

Tang Shen was propping himself up with his arm, about to get out of bed. Seeing Wang Zhen, he froze, his voice hoarse and filled with shock. “Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen, ever perceptive, quickly approached and poured a cup of water. “Thirsty?”

“Yes.”

Tang Shen took the cup and drank two large gulps, finally feeling a bit better. Just as he was about to ask why Wang Zhen was there, he noticed the way Wang Zhen lowered his eyes, his gaze dark and tinged with displeasure. Tang Shen’s heart sank. He didn’t know what he had done to anger Wang Zifeng, but it was clear from his expression that Wang Zhen wasn’t pleased.

“Senior Brother… are you angry?”

“Yes.”

“At what?”

“Why did you get hurt?”

Wang Zhen had already heard the soldier’s account of Tang Shen’s injury, but he asked nonetheless. Tang Shen felt aggrieved—it wasn’t like he had expected Yelü Qin to be attacked, Zhao Fu to suddenly send him to Youzhou, or the lockdown of Xijing Prefecture to prevent his return!

Feeling wronged, Tang Shen recounted the entire incident in detail.

Wang Zhen poured him another cup of water and asked, “After saying so much, are you thirsty?”

Tang Shen: “…” Weren’t you the one asking all the questions?

Wang Zhen: “Oh you… don’t make me worry like this again.”

Tang Shen was holding the cup with both hands, sipping the water in small gulps. Hearing this, he instinctively looked up at Wang Zhen. Their eyes met—Tang Shen sitting on the bed, gazing straight into Wang Zhen’s deep eyes. Within them, he saw a mix of worry and affection. He had never seen Wang Zhen express his emotions so openly before. His senior brother had always been a serene figure, unbothered by worldly matters, always composed and elegant, as though nothing could ever stir him.

But with just that glance, it was as if Wang Zifeng came alive.

More vivid, more… captivating, making it difficult for others to look away.

Tang Shen felt something deep within his chest tremble violently. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but realized he didn’t know what to say at this moment.

Quickly averting his gaze, Tang Shen muttered, “I didn’t want to get injured either, but there was nothing I could do. No one in this world wants to get hurt…”

“There won’t be a next time.”

Tang Shen didn’t catch it clearly. “What?”

Wang Zifeng smiled. “Nothing.”

Tang Shen stared at him, perplexed. After a moment, he said, “I feel like today’s senior brother is different from usual.”

“Oh? How so?”

“Usually, you seem like an immortal, and I often wonder what you’re thinking. Most of the time, I can’t figure it out. But today, though I still can’t tell what’s on your mind, it feels like you’ve made some sort of decision. You seem very resolute.”

Initially, Wang Zifeng had wanted to tease Tang Shen, but hearing this, he froze for a moment.

“You think… I’ve made a decision?”

“Haven’t you?”

Wang Zifeng showed a strange expression. He paced two steps inside the tent, then suddenly turned back and, with a light-hearted smile, said, “Yes, you’re right. I’ve made a decision—a very important one.”

Tang Shen asked curiously, “What decision?”

Wang Zifeng replied, “Not long ago, I received a painting from our teacher. The painting is breathtakingly beautiful, so much so that it stirs the soul. I love it deeply. However, this painting may not feel the same about me, and we don’t walk the same path. I was greatly conflicted, pondering night after night whether I should claim the painting as my own, whether I should disregard its will and decide its fate for the rest of its life.”

Tang Shen chuckled softly, exposing him, “A painting isn’t a person. How could it have preferences? If you’re going to use a metaphor, Senior Brother, you should find a better one.”

Wang Zifeng raised an eyebrow. “Taking the chance to poke fun at me?”

Tang Shen finally caught on. “You deliberately gave me an opening so I could tease you! So, what did you decide about the painting? Are you going to keep it?”

“He’s mine now.”

Tang Shen didn’t quite understand. “What?”

Wang Zifeng gazed at him steadily, a leisurely smile playing at his lips. “I said, he’s already mine.”

Tang Shen: “?”

What on earth is Wang Zifeng talking about?

Wang Zifeng was still as cryptic as ever. When Tang Shen pressed for clarification, he refused to elaborate further, only saying, “The time hasn’t come for everything to be revealed.” Tang Shen could only grumble inwardly, knowing he couldn’t not accept his senior brother’s eccentric ways.

Once Tang Shen’s condition improved, they began discussing matters concerning Xijing.

Tang Shen knew far more than the soldier had. After he shared his information, many of Wang Zifeng’s speculations were confirmed, aligning perfectly with his deductions.

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Tang Shen said, “The assassination attempt on Yelü Qin is likely staged, a ploy between him and Yelü Shege. The assassin didn’t even harm him, yet he stabbed himself. Over the past few days, I’ve thought a lot about it, and I suspect that Yelü Qin’s self-inflicted wound was a performance to put pressure on Xijing Prefecture and capture the so-called assassin. As for the assassin’s identity… it might be connected to other royal princes. Who do you think it could be, Senior Brother?”

Wang Zifeng responded with a question, “Who do you think it is?”

Tang Shen thought for a moment and answered, “The third prince of Liao, Yelü Han!”

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The night Yelü Qin was ambushed, a masked assassin seized a secret letter and fled westward. Lu Shen witnessed everything. Strangely, it wasn’t Yelü Qin who recalled the assassin’s appearance but Lu Shen.

Lu Shen had his own methods of tracking people. Following the route west from Yelücomm’s residence, he ruled out inns, as the Liao soldiers had already searched all of them without finding the assassin. He also excluded ordinary residences—this was Xijin Prefecture, under the control of southern officials and especially Yelü Qin. The assassin would never dare meet with others, as doing so would expose his whereabouts.

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Soon, Lu Shen identified dozens of abandoned houses needing inspection. Meanwhile, Qiao Jiu, bearing gifts, personally visited Xiao Lü to apologize, claiming that his son had fallen ill again from a lingering cold and could not meet the Second Prince.

Xiao Lü, growing impatient, restrained his temper and said, “Qiao Jiu, it was you who insisted on leaving Xijin quickly. I went through so much trouble to arrange this meeting with the prince, and now you put me in this position!”

A shrewd man, Qiao Jiu sensed something unusual in Xiao Lü’s words. Why did Xiao Lü seem particularly eager for Tang Shen to meet the prince? Could he have already discovered Tang Shen’s identity?

Probably not. If Xiao Lü truly knew, he wouldn’t wait for Tang Shen to meet Yelü Shege; he would capture Tang Shen immediately and offer him to curry favor.

Feigning distress, Qiao Jiu wailed, “Mr. Xiao, I’m truly suffering! My household is filled with the sick, both old and young. My son genuinely cannot get out of bed. If he meets the Second Prince in this condition, he might spread the illness. How about I go with you to explain in person?”

Having no other options, Xiao Lü brought Qiao Jiu to see Yelü Shege. Upon hearing of the illness, Yelü Shege was a little surprised at first but then sneered coldly, “How convenient. His illness has saved his life. If he can’t even leave his bed, then he can’t leave the city. Naturally there’s no need for Xiao Lü to bring him.”

Dismissed and offended, Xiao Lü stormed out without another glance at Qiao Jiu, who chased after him with repeated apologies. Xiao Lü ignored him entirely. 

Once Xiao Lü departed, Qiao Jiu’s fawning expression vanished. He thought grimly, “Now it’s clear—I can’t let Xiao Lü live. Offending him like this will make it impossible for me to succeed in Xijin if he remains.”

Meanwhile, Tang Shen pretended to be bedridden, planning to wait for Lu Shen to locate the assassin before leaving. Unexpectedly, a secret letter from Su Wenyun arrived in the city. Although Xijin was under strict lockdown, the letter had managed to enter, while Tang Shen remained trapped inside. The letter contained a coded poem, which, after deciphering, caused Tang Shen’s heart to tighten: An envoy from Shengjing has arrived!

Someone from Shengjing had come!

Tang Shen couldn’t gauge the severity of the situation but dared not take it lightly. The mission to gather intelligence in Liao was a closely guarded secret, known to few. Even Wang Zhen had deduced it without being explicitly informed. There was no telling whether the envoy from Shengjing might jeopardize the mission.

Gripping the letter tightly, Tang Shen spent the afternoon in deep contemplation. As night fell, he burned the letter and summoned Qiao Jiu. “By tomorrow at the latest, I must leave the city. Do you have a plan?”

Qiao Jiu asked cautiously, “Daren must leave?”

“Yes, I have to.”

After a moment’s thought, Qiao Jiu nodded. “I do. Please leave it to me.”

At dawn the next day, a scrawny servant pushed a slop cart toward the western gate. Upon reaching the gate, he was stopped by guards. The servant, putting on a pitiful expression, pleaded, “Daren, have mercy. Our tavern hasn’t been able to dispose of waste for days. If this continues, the stench will drive everyone out.”

Before the guards could respond, the foul smell assaulted their noses, causing them to gag. One guard waved his hand in disgust, “What is this stench? Don’t you know the city is under lockdown?”

“I’m just a servant from the West Sparrow Tavern, here to dispose of kitchen waste,” the servant explained, almost tearfully.

The guards hesitated. Completely sealing the city was impractical—without allowing waste disposal, the city would become unlivable in days. Holding his breath, one guard approached the cart and lifted two lids. The putrid smell intensified, making him retch. He ordered his companion to check the other two barrels, and the servant also cooperated by hurriedly lifting one lid himself.

“Enough, enough,” the other guard muttered, pinching his nose. “Go ahead.”

The young servant was overjoyed and quickly knelt to bow to the two guards, helping lift the cart and preparing to leave.

At that moment, one of the guards said, “Those two barrels still haven’t been checked.”

“What could be in them? They stink so badly, could they be hiding someone?”

Just as the guard was about to say something else, his companion, irritated, drew his sword and casually stabbed it into the remaining two large barrels. “Is this better? Ugh, it stinks even more now. The slop’s leaking out, and my sword’s covered in it! Damn it, hurry up and go, don’t delay us.”

In the past, the city guards often casually used their swords to poke through the goods they were inspecting. This time, the guard, dazed by the smell, unconsciously drew his sword and stabbed, completely forgetting this was a cart of slop. After doing so, he immediately regretted his action.

The young servant stared in shock, his eyes wide open. The guard’s swift movement had been so quick he didn’t even have time to react. However, this time, he couldn’t not leave even if he didn’t want to. The two guards directly kicked him out of the city gate to prevent the contents of the barrels from spilling onto the ground.

Once out of sight, he quickly moved to a deserted area and opened a hidden compartment in one of the barrels. Tang Shen, soaked in foul liquid, emerged, gasping for air.

“Are you all right, daren?” the servant asked anxiously.

Tang Shen, drenched and reeking, could only manage to stagger away and retch violently by the roadside.

The mechanism within the barrel had been hastily constructed and leaked badly. Tang Shen’s body and hair were covered in the foul-smelling, dirty water. The fact that he had managed to endure this far was a testament to his incredible willpower.

The servant accompanying him out of the city was a trusted subordinate of Lu Shen. He handed Tang Shen a water pouch, but Tang Shen couldn’t drink it. He vomited for a long time, only stopping when his stomach was completely empty.

The servant asked, “Daren, earlier the guard stabbed the barrel twice. Are you injured?”

Tang Shen wiped the acidic water from his mouth and raised his arm. “I’ve only been scraped a little, but the wounds aren’t deep. It’s nothing serious. The barrel I was in was half filled with foul water. When stabbing it, he probably didn’t notice anything unusual. Don’t waste time. We must hurry back to Youzhou City.”

The servant carefully examined the wound on Tang Shen’s arm, which was indeed shallow, and the blood had dried up during their time leaving the city.

They were in a hurry, so they didn’t pay much attention to their surroundings. Soon, they found a small town, changed clothes, bought a horse, and set off for Youzhou City.

Though it had taken Tang Shen six days to reach Xijin, the return journey, driven by urgency, took only two.

By the time they neared Youzhou, Tang Shen was pale and feverish. He clutched his arm and coughed weakly. “I was careless. The wound must have become infected.”

Alarmed, the soldier quickly dismounted to check Tang Shen’s wound. He saw that although the wound wasn’t deep, it had turned pale and was oozing pus. When he touched Tang Shen’s skin, it was scalding hot. The soldier exclaimed, “This is bad, the wound needs to be treated immediately. Daren, please bear with the pain.” With that, the soldier drew a dagger, lit a fire with a fire striker, and placed the dagger in the flames to heat it.

Once the dagger was glowing red, he said again to Tang Shen, “Daren, please bear with it.”

Tang Shen gasped for breath and gently nodded. The next moment, the red-hot dagger was pressed against his arm. Tang Shen’s face twisted in agony, the excruciating pain radiating from the wound and spreading throughout his body. His muscles spasmed uncontrollably around the injury, as if his whole body was reacting to the pain.

He eventually succumbed to unconsciousness.

When he woke up again, they were almost at the gates of Youzhou City. The soldier didn’t think much of it and was about to directly enter the city. “Your wound must be treated quickly, we need to get you to a doctor. I only did a simple treatment, it’s not enough.”

At this moment, Tang Shen was burning with fever, his body scalding hot. He grabbed the soldier’s arm and shakily pulled out a token from his sleeve. “We cannot enter the city like this. Go to the Youzhou military camp and find General Li. Tell him about this, and deliver a message for me… The favor owed in Shengjing, the general can repay it.”

The vast grasslands were bathed in the glow of a low-hanging moon, the stars scattered like scattered children.

A small soldier holding the Western Expedition General’s token from Li Jingde galloped under the night sky toward the Youzhou military camp. The sky was about to brighten when the soldier still had not returned. But by dawn, two horse-drawn carriages slowly made their way into Youzhou City.

After the two carriages entered the city, one went to the Youzhou government office, and the other went to the Silver Pull Division.

The carriage that went to the government office only stayed for an hour before heading to the Silver Pull Division.

By the time the sky brightened, Yu Chaosheng, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, got out of the carriage. He looked up and saw the three-character plaque of “Silver Pull Division” hanging above the gate. Inside the building, a crowd of officials had already gathered and started working.

An official came out to greet Yu Chaosheng and led him through two courtyards to the back of the Silver Pull Division.

Outside the door, Yu Chaosheng said, “Lower official, Yu Chaosheng, here to pay respects to the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.”

The door creaked open, and Wang Zhen, dressed in a crispy pressed dark red official robe, smiled and said, “Yu daren just went to the Youzhou government office, and now you’re here at the Silver Pull Division?”

Yu Chaosheng replied, “I was ordered to oversee the Silver Pull Division’s affairs, so I must not delay.”

Wang Zhen smiled leisurely and said, “Then come in.”

After a brief exchange, Yu Chaosheng asked, “The officials of the Silver Pull Division are all diligent. Before I entered, they had already started working. However, I did not see Tang daren. He came to Youzhou a month ago to oversee the Silver Pull Division affairs. I need to discuss things with him, but why is he not here? Do you know where he is?”

Wang Zhen did not immediately respond. He smiled lightly and began preparing tea.

Although Yu Chaosheng wasn’t from an aristocratic family, his family was still well-known and affluent in the local area. Seeing Wang Zhen start making tea, Yu Chaosheng had no choice but to stay silent and observe Wang Zhen’s method, appreciating his skill. He was puzzled and wondered if Wang Zhen had sent Tang Shen on an errand, which was why he was unwilling to tell him his whereabouts.

However, Wang Zhen’s demeanor was calm and elegant, like the moonlight reflected on water.

Even though Yu Chaosheng was puzzled, he couldn’t help but admit that watching Wang Zhen’s tea-making technique was truly pleasing.

By now, the two had idled a good part of an hour in the room. Yu Chaosheng had finished his tea and was about to ask again when an official came into the room and saluted, saying, “This morning, General Li and Tang daren went hunting outside the city. They have not returned yet. I have already gone to inform them.”

Wang Zhen’s gaze shifted. He thought to himself, my junior brother is quite clever, he’s returned just in time and even thought to find Li Jingde for help.

Wang Zhen nodded and said, “No hurry. Yu daren, would you like another cup of tea?”

Yu Chaosheng had already drunk a belly full of tea, and though he wanted to leave, he dared not without Wang Zhen’s signal. Officially, he had been sent by the emperor to oversee the Silver Pull Division’s affairs, but everyone knew the Silver Pull Division was Wang Zifeng’s domain. In Youzhou, it was better to be humble and not offend Wang Zifeng.

Another hour passed, and then the soldier sent by Li Jingde arrived, as if he had timed it perfectly.

Yu Chaosheng asked, “Have Tang daren and General Li returned?”

The soldier replied, “During the hunt, Tang daren was accidentally struck by a stray arrow and is now receiving treatment at the Youzhou military camp.”

Wang Zhen furrowed his brows, but then he thought this was a delaying tactic by Tang Shen. He pretended to be surprised and asked, “Struck by a stray arrow? How serious is the injury? Is it life-threatening?”

Upon hearing this, Yu Chaosheng glanced at Wang Zhen. He thought, Wang Zifeng doesn’t seem to be in much of a panic. Could it be that these two senior and junior brothers don’t get along and their feelings are not as good as they appear?

The soldier, following Li Jingde’s instructions, answered honestly, “Tang daren lost consciousness and hasn’t woken up. General Li has already called for two military doctors. When I left, the doctors had already applied the best hemostatic powder.”

Wang Zhen’s eyes flickered, as if he had sensed something. He subtly tightened his grip on his teacup, then asked, “He’s at the Youzhou military camp?”

The soldier and Yu Chaosheng were both surprised and looked at Wang Zhen strangely. The soldier had already said that Tang Shen was being treated at the military camp—had Wang Zhen not heard?

The soldier obediently confirmed, “Yes, Tang daren is at the military camp.”

Wang Zhen’s hand trembled slightly, and the teacup slipped from his grip, spilling tea across the table. The room fell silent. Yu Chaosheng silently observed Wang Zhen. Wang Zifeng’s calm, elegant face showed no emotion, but he remained silent, as though he had forgotten how to speak.

After a long while, Wang Zhen exhaled, then said quietly, “Yu daren, would you like to visit the military camp and see how Tang daren’s injury is?”

Since Wang Zhen wanted to visit his junior brother, Yu Chaosheng naturally agreed to go along. “Of course.”

The next moment, Wang Zhen stood up, then paused, as if realizing his movement had been too abrupt. He nodded to Yu Chaosheng, then turned to the soldier, saying, “You go ahead and tell General Li. We will be there shortly.”

Soon, Wang Zhen and Yu Chaosheng got into a carriage and headed toward the Youzhou military camp.

Yu Chaosheng secretly observed Wang Zhen, who appeared composed and had his eyes closed, resting without speaking. After a while, Yu Chaosheng withdrew his gaze, unsure whether Wang Zhen was concerned about Tang Jingze’s injury or not. If he was worried, why did he not seem particularly concerned when he first learned of the injury? But if he wasn’t worried, it didn’t seem that way either.

“Wang daren?”

Wang Zhen opened his eyes and looked at Yu Chaosheng.

Yu Chaosheng met his gaze and was suddenly shocked. He quickly lowered his gaze and said lowly, “Nothing, it seems we are almost there.”

The carriage stopped outside the Youzhou military camp. The two of them got out and walked inside. Soon, Li Jingde emerged from a tent.

Yu Chaosheng saluted and said, “This lower official greets General Li.”

Li Jingde looked at Wang Zhen, who seemed calm, and asked, “Strange, Wang Zifeng, you don’t seem worried at all about your junior brother. Why aren’t you concerned?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Wang Zhen asked, “How is his injury?”

Li Jingde had originally intended to say, “It’s extremely serious, he’s near death,” but he stopped after the first three words. Wang Zhen’s gaze was extremely frightening. Li Jingde quickly changed his words, “It’s not good, but it’s not that bad either.”

Wang Zhen closed his eyes and remained silent for a long time. When he opened his eyes again, he said, “Let’s go in.”

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