Chapter 820: Emperor

Chapter 820: The Emperor

Li Huowang gazed at the little boy in Gao Zhijian’s arms, whose big eyes were wide with innocence as they stared up at him. He picked up his chopsticks, dipped them into the broth, and brought them to the child's mouth.

Just as the old eunuch beside him was about to step forward and intervene, a single glance from Gao Zhijian sent him retreating.

The chubby prince licked the broth with his tongue, only to immediately wrinkle his face in disgust upon tasting its spiciness. His features crumpled like a dumpling, and he burst into a loud, healthy cry.

Seeing this scene, both men exchanged knowing smiles, and the atmosphere returned to what it once was.

“How’s life in the village?” Gao Zhijian handed the crying child to an attendant beside him and asked Li Huowang.

“It’s fine. With the silver you gave us, there’s no way things could go too badly,” Li Huowang replied, picking up a piece of camel hump with his chopsticks and popping it into his mouth while speaking.

“I heard that Sun Baolu brought his family from Qingqiu to our village,” Gao Zhijian said, taking a piece of steamed bun and dipping it into the braised pork dish before chewing it slowly.

“That’s not true,” Li Huowang shook his head. “Back then, the grass in Qingqiu turned yellow. He thought he couldn’t survive there, so he had these thoughts.”

“But when the grass turned green again, he naturally stayed in Qingqiu with his people to tend sheep,” Li Huowang continued. “I reckon, unless absolutely necessary, they won’t come to Niu Xin Village. Farming and tilling the land—those people from Qingqiu might not be able to handle it.”

“Oh, I see,” Gao Zhijian nodded. Just as he raised his tiger-head wine jar, the attendant quickly poured him more. “Senior Brother Li, come, let’s have a cup together.”

Li Huowang shook his head. “No wine. I get drunk easily, and besides, this stuff isn’t that great. Why drink it?”

“Heh,” Gao Zhijian tilted his head back and slowly poured the wine down his throat, closing his eyes as he placed the jar on the table.

“Wine isn’t really about taste. Sometimes when your heart is troubled or your mind is chaotic, one pot can give both rest and a good night’s sleep.”

“You’re troubled? Aren’t the sects all gone now? What else could you possibly be worried about?” Li Huowang brought over the creamy yellow fish soup and sipped along the edge.

He had been rushing and resting in between for the whole journey, and now he was genuinely hungry. He wanted to eat well, then take a nap before heading back.

“Ah, it’s just… troubling. A good emperor gets troubled, but a foolish one doesn’t,” Gao Zhijian raised his wine jar again, and the attendant hurriedly refilled it. “Senior Brother Li, come, let’s drink.”

Li Huowang shook his head. “No wine. I get drunk too easily. Besides, this stuff isn’t that good. What’s the point?”

“Heh,” Gao Zhijian tilted his head back and drank deeply, placing the jar down after closing his eyes.

“Wine isn’t about taste. Sometimes, when the heart is heavy or the mind is scattered, one pot can let both rest and allow a peaceful sleep.”

“You’re troubled? Aren’t the sects gone? What else could you possibly be upset about?” Li Huowang brought over the milky yellow fish soup and sipped from the edge.

They had traveled fast and slow all day, and now he was truly hungry. He wanted to eat his fill, then rest before going back.

“Oh, I’m troubled. A good emperor gets troubled, but a fool wouldn’t,” Gao Zhijian raised his wine jar again, pouring the wine into his mouth once more. A faint flush appeared on his cheeks.

“Senior Brother Li, everything’s settled now. What are you planning to do next?”

“What else? I’m still a Taoist, aren’t I?” Li Huowang patted his red robe. “A Taoist must cultivate. Maybe one day I’ll reach the peak of the three flowers blooming, ascend to immortality, and become a real god.”

“Haha, Senior Brother Li, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have forgotten you’re even a Taoist,” Gao Zhijian laughed heartily.

“What? Am I pretending to be a Taoist?” Li Huowang chuckled.

“No, definitely not,” Gao Zhijian turned to the old eunuch beside him. “Eunuch, send over a set of Taoist robes for my senior brother. My senior brother must be a real Taoist.”

With a gentle smile, Li Huowang poured himself some wine from a small bowl and clinked it against Gao Zhijian’s jar, drinking deeply.

Seeing this, Gao Zhijian’s smile deepened. He snatched the wine jug from the attendant and personally poured wine for Li Huowang.

Under the feast of fine wine and food, the two grew closer, as if they had returned to their days traveling through Daliang after leaving Qingfeng Monastery.

After a full meal and drink, Li Huowang felt drowsy, though he had the ability to avoid getting drunk—he simply didn’t want to.

“Alright, enough for tonight,” Li Huowang said, leaning on his tiptoes and slinging his arm around Gao Zhijian’s shoulder.

“Do you have a place to sleep here? I’m tired,” Li Huowang yawned.

“Yes, of course. Eunuch, take Senior Brother Li to the palace quarters,” Gao Zhijian replied.

Li Huowang staggered and turned, supported by two attendants as he walked toward the sleeping chambers.

Just as he reached the entrance, he suddenly remembered something and turned back. “Almost forgot the important matter because of the wine.”

“What was it? What did I just say?” Li Huowang slapped his forehead. “Oh, right. The people in Daqi are starving. Don’t forget to send grain for relief.”

Li Huowang turned and walked out. Just as he stepped past the main hall’s entrance, Gao Zhijian’s voice rang behind him. “Senior Brother Li, I can agree to anything else, but not this.”

“Huh?” Li Huowang almost thought he had misheard. He turned to face the three heads of Gao Zhijian, who stood close together. “What did you say?”

“I said no. I cannot provide aid to Daqi.”

“Oh, you mean you can’t go to Daqi? It’s okay. Just prepare the supplies. I’ll deliver them myself.”

“Senior Brother Li, I am the emperor of Daliang. Why should I waste the hard-earned grain of the people to help Daqi?”

Li Huowang shoved the attendant who was supporting him, sending him stumbling. “What do you mean? Daqi has nothing left—they’re eating grass!”

He thought this was a minor issue, but it turned out to be exactly the opposite.

“What does it matter if they eat grass? They don’t contribute grain to Daliang, nor do they offer labor.”

“The people of Daqi are nearly dead! We don’t need much grain!”

“Daqi is twice the size of Daliang. Even if few live, there are still many,” Gao Zhijian’s stance was firm.

Seeing the man before him completely transformed, Li Huowang sighed softly, his tone gentler.

“I know that. There’s no need to save everyone. As long as they don’t starve to death, we’re fine. We’ll send them seeds to tide them over.”

“No! Daliang is rebuilding. Every grain matters—it shouldn’t be wasted carelessly.”

“Gao Zhijian!!” Li Huowang leapt onto the table, towering over him, his hand instinctively gripping the sword hilt.

In an instant, he was surrounded. “All of you, step back!”

Looking up at Gao Zhijian, who stared straight at him without flinching, Li Huowang slowly released his grip on the sword.

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Li Huowang forced a smile, gritting his teeth. He lightly patted Gao Zhijian on the shoulder.

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right. You’re a good emperor of Daliang, not of Daqi.”

“If you won’t help, I’ll help instead. I’m the emperor of Daqi now. I’ll manage it.”

Li Huowang reached out and removed Gao Zhijian’s crown, placing it firmly on his own head. Then, turning sharply, he drew the Spinal Sword and slashed open a rift in the air. Without another word, he leaped through.