NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 19:
Chapter 19: The Rift Between Senior Sister and Junior Brother
Northern Guardian Prince’s Residence. Dog tunnel.
The masked man crawled through the secret passage and only removed his hood once inside. He was Zhao Wujian—always cunning, always ahead. Though his sneak attack had failed, the trap had been sprung perfectly.
Just as he changed out of his disguise, the Old Housekeeper came in to report, “Young Master Zhao, the commander of the city patrol is here to see you.”
“Invite him in.”
The Imperial Cavalry commander entered, holding his helmet. He downed the tea in one gulp and wiped his messy beard with a heavy hand. “Young Master Zhao, just as you predicted—someone impersonated Chiba Rizhao. It was a woman, quite the beauty, but frighteningly strong. She injured several of my brothers. Many people saw it with their own eyes. There’s no way it was staged. I’ll submit a report to His Majesty right away.”
“Thank you, Commander Wang,” Zhao Wujian said with a gentle smile. He moved his fingers slightly to signal the Old Housekeeper to fetch something.
The commander waited until the Old Housekeeper left, then leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Since the princess gave me her word, I’ll do what I can to help.”
With that, he prepared to leave for the palace and report what happened that night.
“Commander Wang, hold on a moment…” The Old Housekeeper returned, holding a wooden tray wrapped in red paper, filled with silver.
When Commander Wang saw this, he frowned. “Young Master Zhao, what is the meaning of this?”
Zhao Wujian took the tray and walked over to him.
Commander Wang signaled with his eyes. “The princess already gave instructions. There’s no need for this…”
“Commander Wang, I never mistreat my brothers.” Zhao Wujian staggered forward, playing the part of someone physically weak from excessive indulgence. He pretended to lose his balance and fell toward the commander, and the tray naturally landed in his arms.
Commander Wang froze. As a straightforward man, he’d never experienced this kind of courtly tactic before. Was this the legendary art of bribery? How exciting!
Zhao Wujian clasped his hands behind his back, giving him no chance to return the tray. “Commander Wang, you must be busy. I won’t keep you.”
Feeling the heavy weight in his arms, Commander Wang cupped his hands and nodded firmly. “If you ever need anything, just give the word!”
…
Imperial Palace. Imperial Study.
The Emperor, Li Zaiyuan, was still handling affairs when the report from the Imperial Cavalry arrived. His brows furrowed deeply.
“Imperial Father, have some tea.” Li Yunrui sweetly brought over a cup of refreshing tea.
She too had read the report and couldn’t help but smile. Zhao Wujian was incredible. In just one day, he had cleared his name. He really was the man she had faith in.
The Emperor smiled kindly, took a sip of the tea, and felt some fatigue fade.
“Imperial Father, look at Zhao Wujian. In just a single day, he found the real murderer. Doesn’t he deserve a reward for such capability?”
Hearing his beloved daughter speak up for Zhao Wujian, Li Zaiyuan let out a silent sigh. His sweet daughter was clearly smitten.
Zhao Wujian had indeed solved the case quickly. But how did he manage to enlist the help of the Imperial Cavalry? That was one of the city’s elite forces. Without his own imperial decree, Zhao Wujian should not have been able to mobilize them.
Zhao Wujian… I truly can’t see through you anymore…
The Emperor’s wariness deepened as his brows creased. “Proving his innocence is reward enough.”
“Imperial Father!” Li Yunrui pouted and took the tea away. “If you won’t reward him, fine. But two major crimes occurred in the capital. The real murderer is still at large. Doesn’t that mean the Imperial Cavalry and the Jingzhao Office failed in their duties? You’ve always been wise and just. Shouldn’t there be punishment for that?”
Even if she couldn’t win Zhao Wujian a reward, Li Yunrui would never let those who bullied him off the hook!
The Emperor rubbed his forehead. He now knew—he had to discipline Long Zhan and the Jingzhaoyin. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be getting that tea back…
…
Long Zhan’s residence.
Ling Qingxue had barely escaped and was now hiding in a side chamber to tend to her injuries. Her face was cold, laced with killing intent.
She still couldn’t understand how Mirror Flower, Water Moon had been broken. The patrol soldiers had gongs, and the deafening sound was no coincidence—it was intentional, precise, and targeted.
And worst of all, someone had ambushed her from the shadows. That palm strike carried the unmistakable energy of the True Yang Heart Technique!
“Senior Sister, are you alright?” Long Zhan entered and saw Ling Qingxue pale and wounded.
But the moment she saw him, her heart tensed. She immediately raised her guard.
That ambusher used True Yang power. Besides Long Zhan, who else could it be?
“Senior Sister, you’re hurt?”
At that moment, Ling Qingxue had the delicate appearance of a snow lotus blooming on an ice peak—ethereal, fragile. Her graceful figure stirred something heated within Long Zhan.
Maybe this was his chance to get closer to her. Maybe… tonight, he could win her over completely.
He took a few steps forward. “Senior Sister, let me use the True Yang Heart Technique to treat your injuries. You’ll need to remove your top…”
Sensing the sudden heat in his gaze, Ling Qingxue’s eyes turned cold. “No need.”
“Senior Sister, I swear, I’m a gentleman…”
“Long Zhan! Listen well. Even if Master believes you’re the chosen one, destined to raise our sect above the imperial throne… even if he wants all of us sisters to give everything for your sake—
That’s about the man you might become in the future.
But you, as you are now—you are not worthy!
Get out of my room!”
Long Zhan was flatly and coldly rejected. Frustration boiled in his chest.
But to save face, he quickly changed the subject. “Senior Sister, I was only worried about your injuries. After all, the Heavenly Sword is about to appear. If you’re too badly hurt, it’ll affect your chances of claiming it.”