Chapter 332: The Sacred Mind is Hard to Guess! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 332: The Sacred Heart Shrouded in Mystery! (Please cast a monthly vote)

The art of strategic foresight, though potent, is not absolute.

It is a matter of drawing conclusions from the known to illuminate the unknown, not the arcane art of divination.

Thus, Chen Yi could discern many truths, yet remain blind to others.

Like when Yan Fei of the Five Poison Sect abruptly snatched Pei Wu’s jade pendant from his grasp.

Like when the “wolf” Du Cangxiong, tracking the scent left behind, found the Xiao clan and abducted Xiao Wan’er.

Like when Liu Hong orchestrated calamities, plotting to plunder the refugees.

Chen Yi could foresee Liu Hong’s grand machinations, yet never his hidden schemes.

For lacking the essential threads of evidence.

Yet, on the morrow, when Liu Hong visited the Xiao clan, Chen Yi could surmise his intent.

The reason was simple.

Liu Hong, cornered with no path left save death or flight, would not seek the Xiao elders’ humiliation.

Such a course clashed with his nature.

After much deliberation, only one path remained—he would strike at the Xiao household.

A blow, not fierce, but scathing.

Chen Yi lifted his headscarf, gazing toward the magistrates standing on Nan Street.

Rain fell like curtains, their windows aglow with flickering lanterns.

Dozens of trench-coated officers, hoods drawn, moved silently through the night.

The stars of the Belt, the Tiger of the South, and the Phoenix of the North—each led a squad of executioners, their golden and silver tiger masks gleaming.

The sound of footsteps echoed, a relentless tide.

Chen Yi lowered his gaze, a thoughtful nod escaping his lips.

“Liu Hong, though humbled by the western mountains, still bears the grace of a deputy governor in Shu. His wit and bearing are evident.”

Thus, the punch Liu Hong would hurl at the Xiao clan the next day would not be mere bravado—it would be calculated.

A web of schemes, or a direct assault, who could say?

Yet one truth Chen Yi knew for certain: Liu Hong harbored death wishes.

“When a man nears death, are his words virtuous?”

“Hah, it depends on the man.”

Chen Yi cast his eyes over the countless lanterns, then returned to the Xiao estate, moving with silent purpose.

This time, he lingered longer than before, deliberately skirting three martial masters of the highest renown.

He also erased traces in the Purple Bamboo Grove, lest others discover his passage.

As dusk approached, Chen Yi slipped back to his chambers, shedding his cloak for a loose robe, seated cross-legged on his bed to practice the Four Symbols Technique.

Five days had passed since his breakthrough to the fourth rank, and his cultivation had deepened.

Within his forehead’s acupoint, the “Spirit” swelled with circulating yuanqi, tendrils winding around the four sacred totems.

This sharpened his senses to a razor’s edge and magnified the might of the totems’ spiritual power.

But moments after settling into meditation, a sudden tremor stirred his mind.

He awoke abruptly, lying still on his bed.

The Xuanwu Contraction Secret swiftly gathered all qi, smoothing the tremors rippling through the realm’s spirit.

A faint sigh drifted through the air.

It was then that a shadowy figure, wielding a longsword, emerged from the north.

It was Xiao Hong, returning from Guangyuan County.

She glanced once at the Spring Lotus Garden, then strode directly into the Pure Abode.

The Xiao household erupted in alarm. Dozens of elite soldiers, without orders, stood guard around the Pure Abode.

Liu Si’er held his post near the Martial Arena, staring fixedly toward the courtyard.

Xiao Hong had returned, though she knew little of the turmoil in Shu or its ties to her.

And old Uncle Xiao…

Liu Si’er’s thoughts wandered, his gaze unyielding, like stone carved into stillness.

In the Pure Abode, Xiao Elder, too, was roused. Dressed in a outer robe, he limped to the main hall, taking his seat.

Xiao Hong had awaited him. She bowed, saying, “My lord, I humbly present myself.”

Xiao Elder regarded her, then waved her to sit. “Family need not such ceremony.”

He inquired, “Has the matter in Guangyuan been resolved?”

Xiao Hong spoke briefly: “Zhu Hao sought to flee, but was slain by my blade.”

“You killed him?”

Xiao Elder’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Explain.”

Xiao Hong nodded, recounting the events. “When Li Fu sought to assign blame to Zhu Hao, I refused.”

Xiao Elder sighed. “You acted wisely.”

Yet he said no more, his thick fingers drumming on the chair’s back, lost in thought about the consequences.

Xiao Hong understood her act’s gravity—spare a life, spare the family. But such mercy left her heart uneasy.

Two evils, choose the lesser; better to end both.

After a pause, Xiao Elder questioned her further, probing Li Fu’s views and those of Kyoto’s governor.

Xiao Hong answered each, “The provincial governor’s offices rife with corruption in salt and iron trades, especially in the levying of funds for the Lingyuan Army.”

“You believe this matter involves many, yet it’s not Li Fu’s way to shrink grand designs to small.”

Xiao Elder inclined his head. “Li Fu’s actions were beyond reproach.”

“Guangyuan’s affairs are complex. As the overall commander, he must balance all factions, prioritizing safety.”

Then his words shifted: “But our Xiao clan cannot be the one to yield.”

“Zhu Hao once wronged the Lingyuan Army. His death demands accountability for those behind him.”

“The only snag is that Feng Erbao remains present. If the Sacred Summit hears of bias…”

Xiao Jinghong understood his meaning and said, "Yes, then it's settled."

Xiao Laotai's eyes grew cold. "Do you think so?"

Xiao Jinghong's gaze never wavered, meeting his directly. "My niece believes the Emperor should know the situation in Shuzhou, even—"

"Whether Feng Gongzi speaks or remains silent, it won't affect the Emperor's view of Shuzhou or our Xiao family."

When Xiao Laotai remained silent, her voice softened. "Grandfather, I speak with respect."

"Yet it's undeniable that my niece has long faced obstacles in the Lingguan Army, and the Emperor and court officials have paid no heed. It's a fact."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Laotai's expression grew complex.

After a long pause.

Xiao Laotai withdrew his gaze, leaning back into his chair with a relieved smile: "Jinghong has grown so much these years."

Xiao Jinghong slightly lowered her head, whispering, "Jinghong only wishes not to disappoint the eternal spirits of Father and Mother."

If not for Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wennqing dying on the battlefield, she would never have taken up arms, nor could she sustain the vast Xiao family.

After all, a person's actions and thoughts are shaped by their position in the world.

Now that Xiao Jinghong had become the commander of the Lingguan Army, her thoughts were no longer hers alone to control.

Previously, many matters had been handled with care, mindful of Grandfather's concerns about court politics and the Emperor's sentiments, yielding too much.

But now she realized that such concessions only invited further encroachment, so she refused.

Moreover, she acted not for herself, but for the Xiao family, the Lingguan Army, and the stability of Shuzhou.

Xiao Laotai himself understood these things, smiling and shaking his head: "Feng Qi was right—staying in the mansion too long, seeking perfection and stability, has made many old comrades cold."

Xiao Jinghong looked at him. "My niece—"

Xiao Laotai raised a hand to interrupt. "I don't blame you. On the contrary, you've done well."

"Actually, when I sent you your uncle with the memorial to Kyoto Prefecture, besides dealing with Liu Hong and Zhu Hao, it was also to observe the Emperor's stance toward our Xiao family. Today..."

His smile grew wider. "Today, it seems the Emperor has not forgotten our Xiao family."

Xiao Jinghong paused, wanting to speak, but seeing her grandfather's expression, she merely nodded silently. Xiao Laotai sighed softly.

He knew Xiao Jinghong's thoughts, and he knew the Xiao family's current plight.

Yet the Sacred Heart is hard to read.

Often, the more one does, the more mistakes one makes, leading things into trouble.

Especially as our Xiao family grows ever weaker—at least compared to the North.

He rather hoped the Emperor, remembering the two hundred years our Xiao family had labored to guard the nation's gates, and acknowledging our family's hardships and Shuzhou's emptiness, would turn his gaze northward.

Otherwise, even if we filled our entire Xiao family into the city, how far could we push back the Mongol Pass?

The barbarians... were not so easily slain.

Xiao Laotai's thoughts were complex, his face unchanged as he continued asking: "What of Liu Hong?"

Xiao Jinghong's voice was subdued. "After noon tomorrow, when Feng Gongzi arrives at the mansion, he will announce his seizure."

Xiao Laotai's eyes lightened slightly. "Then it's settled."

"When Liu Hong falls, all those he had gathered will lose their purpose, scattering like leaves in the wind, unable to regroup."

"But..."

Xiao Laotai looked toward the north, sighing. "I wonder who the Emperor will appoint as Governor of Shuzhou."

Xiao Jinghong nodded, though she couldn't guess who it would be.

Of course, in her view, the ideal candidate was Yang Ye.

That way, our Xiao family could rest peacefully for at least a year or two.

Xiao Jinghong took a deep breath, about to rise to report to Feng Erbao's carriage, when she heard hurried footsteps outside.

She sat back down calmly.

Not long after.

Xiao Zheng's figure entered the hall. Seeing Xiao Jinghong beside him, he bowed deeply and reported: "Lord Xiao, General, the city outside the mansion has had an incident."

Xiao Laotai glanced at Xiao Jinghong, then asked quietly: "What happened?"

"White Tiger Guard has appeared, leading the Execution Office officials, seizing people everywhere."

"White Tiger Guard? Who have they taken?"

"Xiao's family, Zhu's family—"

Xiao Zheng listed several names, his expression somewhat agitated, "Even the deputy commissioner of the Affairs of Border Affairs, Ye Changzhi, was seized by someone wearing a golden mask!"

Xiao Jinghong nodded knowingly. "White Tiger Guard, golden banner officers."

Xiao Laotai smiled. "White Tiger Guard acting, they must have received orders from Kyoto Prefecture."

"Liu Hong, Liu Gongmu, they've managed to escape this time!"

As he spoke, he slightly raised his hand and commanded, "Xiao Zheng, continue investigating, uncover the identities and motives of these people."

"This time, I must make them all spill the truth."

Though he scorned such petty revenge, none of Liu Hong's followers were not scheming to tear down our Xiao family.

For such people, Xiao Laotai would not show mercy.

Xiao Zheng received the order and left.

Xiao Jinghong also rose to take her leave. "Before Feng Gongzi enters the city, let it be reported that tomorrow morning there are matters to discuss. My niece will return first and meet them upon entering the city."

Xiao Laotai nodded. "Very well."

"When Feng Erbao announces Liu Hong's sentencing tomorrow, having you by his side will further intimidate those who harbor doubts about our Xiao family."

Xiao Jinghong bowed and left swiftly.

Yet as she rushed past the mansion gates, her eyes instinctively glanced toward the Spring Lotus Garden.

Through the rain-soaked courtyards and buildings, she saw the gentle figure of a familiar face.

Once the dust settled over Liu Hong's matter, Shuzhou would find peace...

Xiao Jinghong hadn't finished thinking when she frowned. Another matter was approaching.

She couldn't tell if it would bring trouble.

But upon careful thought, she smoothed her brow, and the rain curtain from the sky plunged straight toward the northern gate of the mansion.

The White Deer stood right before her—this was trouble, yet she had the means to resolve it.

Xiao Laotai knew none of this.

However, tonight he had received some good news, and it was rare for him to laugh so heartily.

In addition, his health had been good lately, so he sent a servant to prepare some wine, meat, and dishes.

He drank and poured wine for himself.

Meanwhile, in the Chunhe Garden, Chen Yi had quietly opened his eyes, looking toward the northern direction, his face etched with resignation.

The Empress’s presence was both lofty and down-to-earth, truly quite alarming.

He had thought that it was already deep into the night, and Xiao Jinghong wouldn’t return, but to his surprise, he came back so quickly.

If it weren’t for his cultivation reaching the fourth rank, understanding the subtle uses of the “Spirit” technique, he might not have been able to sense Xiao Jinghong’s arrival in advance.

Chen Yi thought, turned over, and fell asleep. Cultivation couldn’t be practiced now. Who knew if his wife would pull a fast one on him?

……

The next morning, the rain had lessened somewhat, but the clouds still densely covered the sky.

A cold wind with a hint of chill blew through, whistling mournfully everywhere.

Perhaps the wind was too boisterous, causing the rumors in the capital city to spread to every corner.

On the streets and alleys, everyone was discussing the events of last night. Who had been arrested by the authorities, who was an official, and who was related to whom?

Even the travelers who had just arrived in Shu Zhou gathered around, interestedly cursing the corrupt officials to death.

In the commotion, some people asked about the reasons for the arrests, but no one could explain the matter.

This, too, caused some to become agitated.

“Has the master of Lingchuan from the prestigious Guiyun Academy been arrested?”

“Why would he be arrested? Was it because of his elder brother?”

“It’s quite possible.”

“Though the Zhu family is a renowned clan, Master Lingchuan never meddles in family affairs; he simply teaches at the academy.”

“It seems he was caught in the crossfire…”

The common folk all presumed so, especially since he was a scholar from Guiyun Academy.

Thus, early the next morning, many scholars rushed to the academy to verify the facts or seek aid.

Master Yue was also stirred.

However, having weathered many storms, he was not swayed by his students’ concerns and adopted a more cautious stance.

Master Zhuo had intended to do the same, but seeing more and more students arrive, he could only go to Master Yue’s residence.

“Master Yue, this matter is grave; it’s best to clarify the cause as soon as possible.”

“Moreover, the examination season is near, and this is an untimely disturbance to the students’ minds.”

Master Yue nodded, pondering, “If we are to inquire, we must ask the right person…”

After a moment’s thought, he had an idea: “I’ll go seek Lord Yang; as the Governor of Circuits, he should have some information.”

Master Zhuo relaxed his expression. “Then I’ll also visit the Prefect’s Office.”

Master Yue stood and said, “The Judicial Bureau should be visited, and also…”

He looked at the several students outside and said, “Let them also inquire about Qing Zuo.”

Master Zhuo: “Qing Zuo?”

“He’s been studying at Hou Fu recently; he might not be aware of the situation.”

“He doesn’t know, but Xiao Yuan that old fool surely does…”

(End of chapter)