Chapter 586: Discussion

Chapter 586: Conversation

Ji Zai was a name given to Li Huowang by Zhuge Yuan long ago, in order to conceal his true identity.

Now, this name belonged to the Keeper of Fate, who governed the bewildering heavens—the future Li Huowang himself.

Li Huowang did not know that his future self bore this name, yet when he heard it spoken, instinctively, he felt that it truly belonged to him.

The figure that had just dissipated like yellow sand must have been Ji Zai—or perhaps a fragment of Ji Zai.

Li Huowang wasn’t entirely certain; facing his future self as the Keeper of Fate, all he could do was guess at what might be.

More than his identity, what puzzled him most was the meaning behind those words he had spoken before leaving.

“He should be called Ji Zai,” Li Huowang’s words caused the Astronomer Minister to feel confused.

If he remembered correctly, wasn’t Ji Zai merely a pseudonym for Li Huowang? Could it be that he had just been speaking to himself?

In the meantime, Gao Zhijian and Bai Lingmiao returned from their errand. Seeing that Li Huowang was unharmed, they both let out a breath of relief.

Having learned that the other Astronomer Minister they had encountered was a fake, they feared that the impostor might harm Li Huowang.

“Men! Send the imperial guards to secure this place! Anyone approaching must be verified for identity!” With Gao Zhijian's command, dozens of eunuchs who had appeared from nowhere prostrated themselves on the ground, accepting their orders.

“No need for such a fuss. I’m fine. You go about your business. No need to hover around me.” Li Huowang tugged at the blanket, lying back down and resting his head gently against the pillow.

“Senior Brother Li, that Astronomer Minister was a fake!” Bai Lingmiao approached again with her food tray.

“I know, I know,” Li Huowang patted her hand lightly. “Don’t worry. Don’t look at my current state—though I am injured, if anyone dares to lay a finger on me, they won’t get the better of me.”

After all, he was now the heart of Ji Zai.

Hearing this, Gao Zhijian thought for a moment and realized it made sense. If this man could easily handle dice, who else could possibly sneak up on him?

“Senior Brother Li, who was that person just now?” Gao Zhijian stepped forward and asked.

“He’s just a friend. You don’t need to worry about him. It has nothing to do with you,” Li Huowang looked at the transformed Gao Zhijian before him, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. He changed the subject abruptly: “Not bad, Gao Zhijian. That outfit really suits you.”

He didn’t want others to know that he had become the heart of the Keeper of Fate, nor did he wish for them to worry over him.

Because even he didn’t know exactly when he had become the future Ji Zai.

Perhaps one year from now, or ten years hence, or maybe even after his death—but Li Huowang didn’t care. Before coming up with a way to deal with the dice, he had already foreseen the consequences.

Upon hearing Li Huowang’s words, Gao Zhijian wanted to scratch his head. Though his Senior Brother looked perfectly fine, there was something subtly different about him compared to before.

His appearance hadn’t changed at all, but somehow, he seemed much more open-minded.

Looking at the silent Astronomer Minister beside him, Gao Zhijian recalled why he had come to find Li Huowang. “Senior Brother Li, is the dice really gone? Can it no longer control me?”

Li Huowang thought of the eighteen dice taken away by Yi Donglai and nodded slightly. “You can rest assured. It will never return.”

Hearing this, Gao Zhijian finally exhaled in relief. He trusted his Senior Brother. If Li Huowang said the dice would never return, then it truly wouldn’t.

“Oh, by the way, Zhijian, arrange a carriage to take me back to Niuxin Village. My wounds are healing well enough.”

Gao Zhijian shook his head vigorously. The head that remained on Li Huowang’s body looked far from healed. “No way. There are physicians here who can tend to you. Your injuries are still severe. You need rest.”

“I’m almost recovered. Why would I need rest? This is just a minor injury. Do you really think I can’t handle it?” Li Huowang pulled back the blanket and stood up.

Gao Zhijian immediately rushed forward, carefully shielding Li Huowang’s lotus-like head with both hands, afraid that he might fall.

But just as Li Huowang was about to leave, Bai Lingmiao held him tightly by the arm.

“Senior Brother Li, please. Wait until your wounds heal completely. You’re not fit to travel like this.” Seeing her pleading face, Li Huowang gave in and sat back down.

“If I don’t go, that’s fine too. This place is stuffy. I’d like to walk around a bit and breathe some fresh air.”

Of course, Gao Zhijian wouldn’t stop him. As long as his Senior Brother didn’t cause trouble and risk his life, anything was acceptable.

After chatting for a while, Gao Zhijian couldn’t help but ask, “Senior Brother Li, Bai Simei said you’ve recovered from your illness?”

“Ah, yes, I’m better now,” Li Huowang nodded calmly. “I don’t even know how it happened. The illness just disappeared on its own.”

Hearing this, Gao Zhijian genuinely smiled with joy. His Senior Brother was fine in every other way, but his illness had always been the worst in Qingfeng Monastery.

If he was cured, then his Senior Brother could live a normal life from now on.

And since he was now Emperor of the Great Liang, whatever his Senior Brother chose to do in the future, he could fulfill.

“Zhijian, how does it feel being an emperor?” Li Huowang asked again.

Gao Zhijian chuckled warmly, “It’s great. Being an emperor is wonderful. I love being an emperor. I can eat so many delicious things I’ve never seen before. Once your wounds heal, I’ll have the cooks prepare some for you.”

“And soon, I’ll also have... many wives. Over a hundred.”

“Over a hundred? Then don’t tell Gouwa. If he finds out, he’ll be jealous to death.”

Gao Zhijian opened his mouth wide, laughing even more joyfully. “That’s impossible. With so many wives, I must show off in front of him!”

The atmosphere in the room lightened considerably. They seemed to forget their roles and returned to their old days as brothers-in-arms.

After chatting for a while, under the urging of the Astronomer Minister, Gao Zhijian left Li Huowang’s ward. He was now emperor, and a new one at that, full of ignorance. There was much to learn, and no time to waste.

But just after stepping outside the room, the Astronomer Minister slowly spoke, “I can no longer see through him, Your Majesty. Be cautious when dealing with him in the future.”

Gao Zhijian turned his head to look at him, his expression turning slightly displeased. “Why? He’s my Senior Brother Li. He wouldn’t betray me.”

“It’s not about betrayal, Your Majesty. Human hearts are unpredictable. Remember, the dice was once the Emperor of the Great Liang. If he can defeat the dice, defeating you would be child’s play. How can you sleep peacefully with someone like that by your side?”

“Moreover, his relationship with the White Lotus Holy Maiden…”

“Naturally, the White Lotus Sect saved the Emperor’s life. I’ve already removed them from the list of those hunted by the Heavenly Surveillance Bureau. So, we must still seek to gain their favor. I’m simply laying out the facts for you.”

“What to do, it’s up to you. After all, you are the Emperor of the entire Great Liang, while I only oversee the Heavenly Surveillance Bureau. But for the sake of the Great Liang, I must give you this advice.”

Gao Zhijian frowned deeply, walking forward with heavy steps.

“Being an emperor may seem difficult, but it’s actually simple. If you have any questions, you can ask the dragon veins. Whether it’s balancing ministers, handling memorials, or understanding the factions within the court—they can all teach you.”

The Astronomer Minister lectured methodically, while Gao Zhijian listened silently.

———

Next chapter update at 00:02

(End of Chapter)