Chapter 612: Your Life is More Important than Tang Wanzhuang's

Chapter 612: Your Life Matters More Than Tang Wanzhuang’s

Though he said “immediately,” it was clearly not so urgent. At this moment, Zhao Changhe’s soul power was weak; he likely lacked even the strength to control the Dark Steed in flight. He would have to rest for a while before anything else, and he still needed to write out the subsequent life-prolonging prescriptions for Wan Tianxiong.

Wan Dongliu busied himself arranging for everyone to eat—nothing lavish, just a simple meal in the hall. Over the table, they discussed the general state of affairs.

There was one minor episode Wan Dongliu found awkward to mention. Back then, the courtesan Ruyan from the Xiaoxiang Pavilion had already been taken by him as a concubine. He had originally considered having her serve the honored guest to rekindle old ties—gifting concubines was common in this world, even considered a refined pastime. But with the Venerable One and the Saintess seated on either side of Zhao Changhe, Wan Dongliu’s thoughts were completely quashed.

Too bizarre—what was happening around Zhao Changhe… treating the Four Symbols Sect like the Xiaoxiang Pavilion? Was this a feat any mortal could accomplish?

He steadied himself and began to explain: “Originally, Xuzhou was under the Yang family’s control. When we raised our banner, the Yang family simply withdrew and handed Xuzhou over to us.”

Zhao Changhe paused in writing the prescription, startled: “Handed it to you?”

“Yes. They made an agreement with us: as soon as our people arrived, they would leave, and we would take over directly, giving the Wang family no chance to slip in. It was an outright gift.” Wan Dongliu said, “Father believes Yang Jingxiu had no good intentions. With him as a buffer, we and the Wang family wouldn’t have clashed, and both sides would have kept an eye on that territory. By pulling out directly, he forced us into direct contact with the Wang family. Our alliance with the Wang family is fragile; conflict is inevitable.”

Xia Chichi ate her rice as she spoke: “Then why not give it to the Wang family instead of us? Just because the Wang family once ambushed their swords? It seems unlikely that a power’s strategy would be swayed by such past grievances—unless giving it to us benefits the Yang family more.”

Wan Dongliu shot a surprised glance at Xia Chichi, then nodded: “Yes. After the Wang family rose up, they sent envoys to negotiate with Yang Jingxiu many times, likely making many concessions and promises. Yang Jingxiu remained evasive, but then suddenly handed Xuzhou to us… We asked the Vermilion Venerable, and she said that while she had exchanged friendly overtures with the Yang family, she never mentioned Xuzhou—after all, she hadn’t planned to directly clash with the Wang family at that time. She doesn’t know why Yang Jingxiu made that choice.”

“Whatever the Yang family’s motives, this move seems to have had an effect now. Wang Daoning’s assassination attempt on Uncle Wan is likely a direct result…” Zhao Changhe sighed. “If this was a scheme by Old Xia or Wanzhuang to sow discord between your two families, that would be understandable. But if it was his own idea, then none of them are reliable.”

Xia Chichi said pointedly: “He plundered half of the soul power from the Yang family’s Lianshan Sword.”

Zhao Changhe paused, then nodded. On the surface, the Yang family were still high-ranking court officials, but in reality, who knew? The great families had never been loyal—even Old Cui’s resistance to the Wang family had deeper reasons unrelated to preserving the Great Xia, let alone Yang Jingxiu, who had been deeply disappointed in Xia Longyuan. It was hard to say what Old Yang was thinking now.

His own “favors” were far from enough… If he wanted to protect the Xia dynasty, he would face the whole world as enemies, including those present here, who were vanguards of rebellion.

Zhao Changhe didn’t want to protect the Xia dynasty; he only wanted to pull Tang Wanzhuang out of this mess. Let the rest be as it may. When he said those things in Jiangnan were for Chichi, he didn’t mean handing her the throne—Xia Chichi seemed to have forgotten she’d need to conquer it herself…

For now, understanding these matters was mainly to analyze what Wang Daoning would do next and where his confidence came from. Others might not know how terrifying Xia Longyuan was, but Wang Daoning, who had personally witnessed the sea battle and might have been hiding nearby watching, should know better than anyone. How did he plan to operate? If he couldn’t figure this out, he’d have no peace of mind.

“Any other unusual information?” Zhao Changhe continued.

Wan Dongliu thought for a moment: “There is one odd thing… My confrontation with Buqi was a mix of friend and foe—not much hostility, and we understood each other well. I know he’s still torn about seceding and hasn’t reached a consensus with Chief Tang. But for several days now, news that the Tang family had proclaimed themselves the Prince of Wu has spread all over Huaiyang… I suspect Tang Buqi himself doesn’t know about it. It might be his subordinates trying to force his hand.”

Zhao Changhe frowned slightly. This could have been one of the triggers for the intense kingly aura over Jinling, but was it really just subordinates?

Around that time, those two envoys that Tang Buqi had executed must have been on their way south…

If they had spread the rumor, was it to drive a wedge between Wanzhuang and Buqi?

Longyou and Jinzhong, sending envoys to Jiangnan, just for this? It seemed a bit childish, not quite reliable…

What other pieces of the puzzle were still missing?

Zhao Changhe shook his head and handed the completed prescription to Wan Dongliu: “Give this to your father morning and evening, without fail.”

Wan Dongliu received it like a treasure: “Thank you, Brother Zhao.”

Zhao Changhe waved his hand and bent his head to eat.

Seeing Zhao Changhe distracted, unable to even enjoy his meal, Xia Chichi finally sighed: “You’re thinking of taking the Dark Steed and leaving first, aren’t you?”

“Uh…” In theory, the Dark Steed could carry a person in flight, but Zhao Changhe really didn’t want Xia Chichi to step into this battle where nothing was clear yet—it was extremely dangerous, and even he wasn’t sure he’d return. So he made an excuse: “The Dark Steed just advanced; its abilities are limited. Carrying two people might be a stretch.”

Xia Chichi said, “Don’t worry, I don’t want to go.”

Zhao Changhe: “…”

Xia Chichi gazed absently at the night sky outside the window and murmured to herself: “You know, leaving Uncle here is also to spare her from a difficult position… Because among those plotting against Xia Longyuan right now, the Vermilion Venerable must be one. If Uncle goes, she’ll be part of the siege, and so would I.”

San Niang, who had been eating and drinking without a care, froze, then sat up straight. Was that also a consideration for leaving her here?

Come to think of it, if they really asked San Niang to join the siege on Xia Longyuan, looking at Xia Chichi’s pale face now, she probably couldn’t bring herself to do it. And helping Xia Longyuan? The Vermilion Bird’s eyes would pop out in fury—why would anyone help him?

Not going was the right choice… Even if they had to go, it would be to quietly support the Vermilion Venerable, making sure she wasn’t hurt.

San Niang finally caught on and said seriously: “We can not go… I know your main purpose isn’t to get involved in Xia Longyuan’s battle, but to save Tang Wanzhuang. Then I must entrust you with another matter.”

Before she could say it, Zhao Changhe had already volunteered: “Of course, I’ll prioritize getting Qing’er out of the palace. She’s only at the ninth level of Xuan Pass, unable to fend for herself. Once she’s safe, I’ll do the rest.”

San Niang lowered her head to eat.

“Only at the ninth level of Xuan Pass, unable to fend for herself”—whatever you say.

Xia Chichi said, “Do you think the Venerable is stupid? In such a battle, that slutty snake staying there would be suicide. The Venerable would have moved her out first—she’s her direct confidant, and she’s partial to her. Why do you need to worry?”

San Niang buried her head even lower.

Xia Chichi sighed again and turned to Zhao Changhe: “Logically, even you shouldn’t go… But I know your heart has already flown there. If I don’t let you go, you’ll be distracted. If you must go, I won’t stop you, but you must promise me one thing…”

Zhao Changhe said earnestly, “Yes, tell me.”

Xia Chichi said word by word: “Remember, your life is more important than Tang Wanzhuang’s, and more important than Xia Longyuan’s. Ensure your own safety first, then worry about the rest.”

Zhao Changhe stared at her for a long moment, then softly replied, “Mm.” He stood up: “I’ve rested enough. I’ll leave now.”

Xia Chichi sighed helplessly. He was truly restless—rested enough, my foot. He clearly planned to rest on the road…

Wan Dongliu pondered their conversation, a chill running down his spine.

They were convinced there would be a hunt for Xia Longyuan?

Who was involved? No matter who won or lost, the world was truly about to change!