Chapter 54: There Is A Secret, Do You Want Me To Tell You

Chapter 54: Should I Tell You a Secret?

"Blind date" is a joke, but in essence, it's quite similar to one.

As always, how important this false prince identity is, how others will treat him—that has always been Xia Chichi's imagination, even wishful thinking. Head Tang has her own thoughts, other choices, even other plans, and will adapt as circumstances change. She's not necessarily set on a false prince, and even if she chooses that route, the candidate doesn't have to be Zhao Changhe.

Moreover, what Xia Longyuan thinks remains a mystery. If this complete ignorance of the enemy truly followed Xia Chichi's imagination, that would be strange indeed, even if her imaginings seem reasonable on the surface.

Of course, the probability that Zhao Changhe is the real prince does exist... So the wanted poster can only be left hanging, handled coldly—neither daring to remove it and arouse suspicion, nor daring to actually arrest him for fear of mishap.

Now, fate has brought things to this point. The Cui family, given their status, must have some inkling of these matters. So let the Cui family take a look: "What do you think of this one?" It also gives Zhao Changhe a legitimate way to interact with the great clans. To the outside world, this is just a mission to capture a wanted criminal, drawing no attention.

As for uncontrollability, she never intended to control it. What path Zhao Changhe might carve out through this thread is exactly what she wants to observe. She also wants to know if this man is capable, and what changes might arise from his contact with the great clans.

And among it all, there's an unmarried young lady of the Cui family. Zhao Changhe is also unmarried. In the Cui family's considerations, might they have other thoughts? If it truly fits?

Isn't it a match made in heaven? Half of the Great Xia's peace is secured!

Just now, when Cui Yuanyong opened with a few pleasantries, what did he say? He said, "Are you interested in my sister?" and "Don't I feel the same about you? Whether it's Xia Chichi or Yue Hongling."

Putting it together, the meaning is crystal clear.

The two men stared at each other, both seeing the mix of exasperation and amusement hidden in the other's eyes. Such words couldn't even be spoken openly; they had to be hinted at.

Cui Yuanyong finally took a sip of wine and said leisurely, "There's a secret. I'm wondering if I should tell you... If I do, will you think I'm too loose-lipped, that even Yue Hongling's secret might not be safe..."

"Cough." Zhao Changhe cleared his throat. "People are always hypocritical, right? Please keep Yue Hongling's matter confidential. What's this secret? Let's hear it."

Cui Yuanyong laughed out loud: "You..."

"Come on, come on, I'm treating you to dinner."

"The former crown prince's consort died of illness. After that, Head Tang and the crown prince discussed marriage, but before the betrothal was set, the man died... Anyone with a bit of political awareness knows that the real meaning of this marriage discussion was an alliance between the Tang family and the position of crown prince, not about who the prince was. Since this matter had already begun, with a new crown prince, the marriage discussion might happen again."

Zhao Changhe let out a "pfft," nearly spraying the wine across the table.

So, "What exactly is your relationship with Head Tang?"

"Tang Wanzhuang's thoughts are probably complicated too." Cui Yuanyong leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "Perhaps this move of hers is also a way to fight for some freedom for herself? It gives her actions a bit more explanation. Haha... hahaha..."

"Hey, that laugh of yours—your persona is crumbling a bit." Zhao Changhe was both amused and exasperated. "You're a gossip at heart, aren't you? Now I'm really worried about Yue Hongling's matter..."

"Tsk, didn't you beg me to tell you?" Cui Yuanyong put away his smile and lowered his voice. "She has her thoughts, and I can understand them. But my Cui family is not a clay idol to be manipulated by her. Don't think about my sister—at least not for now."

Zhao Changhe said helplessly, "Let me reiterate: I'm not interested in fools. Remind you of one thing: I haven't even asked her name yet. No. Interest."

"Heh..." Cui Yuanyong leaned back again. "Her name is no secret. She's of the Yuan generation in the Cui family. Her full name is Cui Yuanyang, and her childhood name is Yangyang."

"Hey, telling me the full name is one thing, but why are you telling me her childhood name?"

"Tang Wanzhuang's thoughts are complicated, but aren't mine as well?" Cui Yuanyong finally stood up. "I've had my fill of fun. We've talked enough. For now, I want to see Zhao Changhe test his blade against the world, not get tangled up in meaningless affairs. Go on your way. I've already arranged to cover your tracks. At least you won't have to worry about being disturbed while eating."

Zhao Changhe also stood and cupped his hands: "Thank you."

"No need to thank me. It's only right." Cui Yuanyong sighed. "I really do want to know what you'll do next, but wouldn't it be strange for me to follow you?"

"I told you, you're a gossip... And you won't let your sister follow me."

"You wish." Cui Yuanyong turned to leave. "Alright. Let me wait until I see your name shining on the Book of Chaos again. Keep it up. The man Tang Wanzhuang can never have, hahaha..."

"Laugh at your sister! Who said they weren't good at jokes?"

Throughout their conversation, they never directly said what Zhao Changhe's identity was, only skirting around the edges—whether Luo Zhenwu was involved, Tang Wanzhuang's marriage discussion partner.

But in truth, everything was said. Cui Yuanyong got the confirmation he wanted, and whether Zhao Changhe was the real deal might not even matter in his eyes.

And Zhao Changhe gained a lot of unknown information and insights into the thinking of various families.

The Cui family is indeed inclined to bet on this man... But they won't make it clear. You need to continue delivering results. If you die in the martial world, they won't even sigh for you.

Getting a great family to place a heavy bet on someone has always been difficult, across both dimensions.

Long after Cui Yuanyong left, Zhao Changhe suddenly drained his cup and burst into laughter, coughing a little.

"Damn, I forgot. I was supposed to ask him about the history of the great clans and the significance of the era. Damn it! Women really do affect efficiency in everything!"

Zhao Changhe picked up the long knife on the table and turned to leave.

What Head Tang, what Qinghe Cui.

Each one more self-important than the last.

Do I care about being picked over, examined, and scrutinized by you? As if!

If it weren't for being caught up in this identity mess because of the position, who would bother with such things? Just getting dragged into trouble, uncomfortable wherever I go.

What to do next? What's there to be curious about? Of course, level up and train!

One day, when the hidden dragon emerges from the abyss and my name is on the Heavenly Ranking, it won't be you choosing me—it will be me choosing you. Isn't that how the world works?

In the misty rain, the young man donned a straw cloak, shouldered his long knife, and strode out of the town.

After leaving Mount Mang, the land grew increasingly prosperous, no longer as desolate as before. Ahead lay a prefectural city, home to many sects, martial arts schools, and martial families, teeming with experts.

Night deepened, and the rain poured down.

Before a martial arts school, a travel-worn figure arrived through the rain.

The gatekeeper raised a hand to stop him: "It's late, young brother. If you want to become a disciple, come back tomorrow morning."

The newcomer grinned, sunny and bright: "I've heard that your school's Wandering Dragon Bagua Broadsword technique is rigorous and its footwork exquisite. I've come to seek instruction... I hope your master will not begrudge me a lesson."

"A challenger?" The gatekeeper looked him up and down. "Don't court death, young man. Our master is at the third level of the Mystic Gate."

"What a coincidence. So am I." The newcomer's smile grew even brighter. "Old sir, please go and inform him."

"...First, state your name."

"Zhao Changhe of North Mang."

"Clatter!" The gatekeeper couldn't sit still. He flew into the school like the wind: "Master, master! A mountain bandit has come to rob us!"

Zhao Changhe: "?"

If Cui Yuanyong knew that the traces he had painstakingly helped erase were being casually revealed again by this fool, he wondered what his mood would be.

But setting aside Zhao Changhe's journey of challenges and training, Cui Yuanyong traveled over mountains and rivers for half a month to return home. As soon as he arrived, he was grabbed by an elder: "Why did you come back alone? Where's your sister?"

Cui Yuanyong was dumbfounded: "She didn't come back? I had someone escort her back first, didn't I?"

"She ran off halfway and sent word to you. Didn't you know?"

"..." Cui Yuanyong had taken shortcuts using light kung fu on his way back; how could he have easily encountered the messenger? Instinctively, he wanted to turn around and go back—he knew where his sister had run off to.

Then he stood there, his head aching.

He knew where his sister had been heading before, but with all this time passed on the return journey, who knew where she had followed her "heavenly god" by now?