stunted

Shen Qiao ultimately did not go back to Qingchengshan, what Yan Wushi said was right, now there was already a day and night since shijiandahui, what was supposed to cease had already ceased, to rush over now would be pointless, many of the people from various sects had made their way down the mountain, Shen Qiao sought them out, and found that after Yan Wushi left with him, Hulugu also departed, Duan Wenyang had not, and stayed behind with Hehuan Sect to have a go against Chunyangguan.

But Chunyangguan also had teeth, Yi Bichen was injured, but with Li Qingyu Gu Hengbo Zhao Chiying, although not ranked within the worlds top ten, to say their wugong was leagues away from Duan Wenyang would be incorrect, the others who had come to attend shijiandaihui, seeing the biggest threat leave, could not disregard their face and run, so helped Chunyangguan: what followed was a scene of chaos.

Yuan Xiuxiu and Sang Jingxing werent aligned, her faction didnt put forth too much effort, in the ensuing confusion only managed to hold Sang Jingxing back, in the end, Chunyangguan suffered some casualties, but Hehuan Sect also didnt pick up much advantage, it could be considered as a loss on both sides.

In the chaos, there was no shortage of death, wandering the jianghu, a life was the most worthless, jianghu swords are all blood-stained, this saying was not exaggerated, if youre not as skilled as the other, and die by their hands, who were you to blame, if some member of your family had better wugong and sought revenge, killed them to do so, no one would have anything to say either, these were the rules of the jianghu.

The closest relation to Shen Qiao was his shimei Gu Hengbo, but he had watched her grow up, her wugong was very good, and she wasnt stupid, if she couldnt beat them she could outrun them, Shen Qiao wasnt worried, within the Bixia Sect, the people most in danger were Fan Yuanbai and Zhou Yexue, but Shen Qiao had heard from the people coming down from the mountain that among the dead there were no Bixia Sect disciples, and was reassured.

Besides this, there was another reason that he didnt go back, and that was because Yan Wushi had received a letter from Changan.

It was an SOS letter.

And it was delivered on the instruction of Yan Wushis senior disciple Bian Yanmei.

Since Yuwen Yongs death, Yuwen Yun ascending the throne, Huanyue Sects standing in Changan had turned overnight, wind and cranes crying, they were subject to external pressures, Bian Yanmei had received Yan Wushis instructions, adapting to the situation and withdrawing where necessary, its formal holdings were completely left to Hehuan and the Buddhist sects to fight over, he himself retreated into the shadows with his people, previously when Shen Qiao with Dou Yan and Yuwen Song had been able to fight his way out of the army blockade and have no pursuers leaving Changan, in this matter Bian Yanmei had also contributed.

But the one requesting assistance was not Bian Yanmei, but Puliuru Jian.

Puliuru Jians eldest daughter had married Yuwen Yun, after his ascension, she became the empress, Puliuru Jian became guozhang, logically his days should have shone, but the reality was not the case.

Back when Shen Qiao was in Changan, he had already heard an earful of Yuwen Yuns depravities, now hearing Puliuru Jians request, still was surprised: Yuwen Yun wont even spare his father-in-law?

Yan Wushi smiled: Yuwen Yun dared act against his own father, never mind the father-in-law.

He had nearly forgotten that ordeal, Shen Qiao furrowed his brows: Yuwen Yun killing his father, that was because he didnt want to wait to ascend the throne, what is Puliuru Jian to him?

Yan Wushi: If the emperor wants to kill someone, it must be because he feels that person must die, to talk about reason, its all an excuse. Puliuru Jian was born into a high-ranking family, his father Sui Zhoutai, his ancestors led the revolution, supported the then-emperor, within the military he also has potential, this potential in Puliuru Jians hands, he excels in management, within the court military, things have taken form, although not to the extent that he can threaten the emperors control, but what emperor can remain indifferent? Nevermind a broken-brain, insane emperor.

Towards the absolute right of emperors he had no qualms, to Yuwen Yong he had used his full name, and now with Yuwen Yun, this was still the case.

Yan Wushi saying this, sighed: A-Qiao ah, with your personality, lucky you werent born into a high-ranking officials family, otherwise the political triangulations, how could you outmaneuver the others, you probably would have been long mauled by others until even your bones were gone!

This roundabout way of saying he was a fool, Shen Qiao wasnt upset, instead he smiled: My personality, nevermind political triangulation and deceit in court, even as a zhangjiao in the jianghu, I fell to others schemes.

Yan Wushi laughed: Now youre belittling yourself, your personality isnt suited to outmanipulating others, but you still have strengths, you no longer have your position as Xuandushan zhangjiao, but there are still many who are willing to interact with you, what they value is you as a person, and not your position. But, even if youre susceptible to schemes it doesnt matter, arent I here, with this venerable one beside you to overlook things, you dont have to be afraid of others tricking or cheating you!

To be honest, this person just wants to boast about himself, right?

Shen Qiao was a little speechless, under his robes his hair stood on end, he hurried back to the original topic: Then, what is Puliuru Jians request?

Yan Wushi, casually: His daughter is not trusted by Yuwen Yun, is being confined and held hostage, Sui-guogong manor, who enters and who exits, is under total surveillance, eradicating their entire family is within the emperors one impulse, Puliuru Jian has a guilty conscience, how can he be not afraid?

Yuwen Yun indulged in pleasure, since his ascension all the different depravities dont need further mention, first killing off Yunwen Xian, for the purpose of eliminating any branch of the royal family that might pose a threat to the throne, now that those direct risks were gone, and to not restrict himself in any way, he had passed the throne onto his son Yuwen Chan, himself manipulating politics from behind the scenes.

Having the material benefit of being emperor, but not having to bear any of its responsibilities, with officials seeking meetings with him left and right, vexing him to no end, Yuwen Yun had accomplished two feats with one action, with his little tactic he was extremely satisfied, but he was very suspicious, after killing off the threat of his relations, he began to suspect the officials that might have potential to revolt, Puliuru Jian, as the emperors father-in-law and a high ranking official, bore the brunt of this suspicion, was subject to special attention from Yuwen Yun, now during the day he couldnt eat, at night he couldnt sleep, above his head a knife was suspended at all times, his inner turmoil need not be described.

Shen Qiao had only met Puliuru Jian a couple of times, and had a good impression of his straightforward, open character, and he knew after the fact that his departure from Changan with Yuwen Song was indebted to Puliuru Jians efforts then, otherwise it would not have gone as smoothly. Experts considered cause and effect, the Daoist sects also considered them, especially when a debt was owed, you must find an opportunity to pay it back, otherwise it will hinder your cultivation.

To help was one matter, but many things need to be explained in full.

Shen Qiao was not dumb, many powerful relations he could come to understand, it was just that he wouldnt use them to harm or scheme.

That he would write an urgent letter, and Bian Yanmei would give this letter to you, indicates that Puliuru Jian and Huanyue Sects relationship is not bad. Before you said to me that Yuwen Xian could become a good soverign, but later Yuwen Xian died, I didnt see you lament, you must have already had a backup plan, could it be that Puliuru Jian is your backup plan?

Yan Wushi had rented a courtyard with rooms in Suizhou, Shen Qiao was recovering there, he was a quiet person, while he was recovering he rarely went out, most of the time when the weather was nice, he would sit in the courtyard with a book under the grapevine trellis, even without speaking it made a beautiful scene.

The sunlight refracted through the grape leaves, hitting Shen Qiaos body in spots and splashes, the contours of his face and neck basked in its glow, refined and soft, look and your heart would itch, if only you could carry the beauty home and hide him, so that he could only be seen by one person henceforth.

What kind of person was Yan Wushi, having perused beauty all over and still be mesmerized by one, naturally this one could not be compared to commoners.

But he hid his sentiments very well, this secret and reckless desire like a rainstorm engulfed his heart, but his gaze on Shen Qiao merely paused momentarily, before he smiled lazily: Thats correct, but backup plan isnt quite right, even if there was no Puliuru Jian, Huanyue Sect wouldnt fall, but without Huanyue Sects assistance, if Puliuru Jian wanted to accomplish things, it would be no small feat, so Huanyue Sect should be considered as his backup plan.

Shen Qiao believed in Yan Wushis eye for politics, but this didnt mean he thought everything the other did was right, before when he agreed to side with Yuwen Yong to end the chaos of their times, unify the country, that was because he had met Yuwen Yong, the other was definitely a sovereign of their generation, even if he was a severe ruler, in political and military affairs he was quite accomplished, the people of the north because of him saw the end of several years of war, could rest and live their lives, in his hands the north saw unity, if only he had more time, whos to say that he couldnt have been the one to end this century of conflict.

Unfortunately, the sky has unpredictable weather, Yuwen Yong was brilliant all his life, but got stuck with a disaster son, Yan Wushis ability to sense the direction of the winds and sail accordingly was faster than anyone, in a turn of the eye he had tossed Yuwen Xian and connected with Puliuru Jian, but how could he be sure that Puliuru Jian will be a good sovereign in the future? What if the other was adequately ambitious, but not enough to accomplish only fall short?

Shen Qiao didnt really understand his logic here.

Seeing his uncertain expression, Yan Wushi said slowly: A-Qiao is someone who has his own ideas, I can say it a thousand or ten thousand times, if you dont see him yourself, you still wouldnt believe it, he has Yuwen Xians ability, but none of his pliability, and moreover has the ambition that Yuwen Xian didnt have, back then Yuwen Xian didnt dare mobilize an uprising, which resulted in his entire familys execution, Puliuru Jian is not someone who will sit and wait for death, just that his current position is precarious, if I can lend him some assistance at this time, it will only benefit Huanyue Sect down the line. More importantly

Shen Qiao saw him hesitate, thought there must be an important reason he hadnt mentioned yet, so he put his book down, and listened earnestly.

Yan Wushi gradually spit out the latter part of his sentence: More importantly, hes easy on the eyes!

Shen Qiao couldnt help but glare at him.

Yan Wushi smiled: I think that in the future you shouldnt glare at people, if you must glare, then just glare at me only, otherwise other people will think you are flirting with them.

When had it started, that everytime he spoke to Shen Qiao it had taken on this teasing tone? Shen Qiao thought back, when his eyes were injured, Yan Wushi had carried him in and out, purposefully misleading bystanders, his words at the time had also been overly familiar, almost counting on others to think that Xuandushans previous zhangjiao was Huanyue Sect zongzhus plaything, but now his words were even more familiar, in front of others however he made no drastic moves, only in private did he laugh and speak without holding back.

The remarkable shift, previously Shen Qiao hadnt thought too much of it, but now, he could no longer pretend not to see it.

Shen Qiao massaged his temple, felt everything was a mess.

Yan Wushi stretched out a hand, his palm resting on his temple gently massaging it, with his other hand he held the back of his head, not letting Shen Qiao evade, as if he could read his thoughts: Dont the Daoist sects talk about going the way of fate, between you and me isnt it a stretch of golden life fate, why does A-Qiao have such a worried expression?

Shen Qiao: Going the way of fate is a Buddhist saying, we only talk about the natural progression of things, besides what we have between us can only be considered enough for disaster fate, please can Yan-zongzhu stop misusing terms!

He wanted to pry away the others hands, in a moment the two of them had passed several moves, Yan Wushi didnt feel at all he was taking advantage of the situation, in the end directly sealed the others meridian points, pulled the beauty into his embrace and groped him thoroughly, smiled and said: Life fate or disaster fate, isnt it all fate, for all the years youve spent cultivating how come you are so superficial, since Qi Fengge is already dead, it looks like Ill have to take his place in teaching you the finer details.

Saying this he lowered his head, and kissed the person until he couldnt breathe, and against the fabric he vaguely explored the terrain of the beautys body, nevermind that when the other was asleep he had claimed how many benefits already, but Yan-zongzhu was proud, if there was a margin he gained he had to make sure the other understood it clearly, he was also intentional in not taking things too far, he caught the moment right before Shen Qiao would erupt and the boundary of what he could tolerate, the precision was infuriating.

Shen Qiao was flushed bright red, breathing audibly, the former was due to anger, the latter was because a lecher had bullied him.

Yan Wushis gaze swept past his moist and swollen lips, and was satisfied, only then did he say: See, you clearly feel it too, why constrain yourself, and deny it again and again?

Shen Qiao didnt speak.

Not because he couldnt speak, but because he was mad and didnt want to speak.

Yan Wushi smiled again: A-Qiao, when you were in peril, I rushed a thousand li back to save you, wasnt it enough to demonstrate this venerable ones true intentions for you?

The words were spoken with sincere affection, but he didnt unseal the meridian points.

Because he also knew, as soon as he unsealed Shen Qiaos meridian points, the other would immediately leave, he wouldnt possibly continue to listen to him spout nonsense.

Yan Wushi: I know that because of what happened before, you still have grievances against me, but now towards you, Ive long since had a change of heart, time reveals true intentions, didnt you sense it as well?

Shen Qiao steadied his breathing, said coldly: Ive never seen Yan-zongzhus heart, how would I know that youve changed it?

Yan Wushi grabbed his hand and placed it on his own heart, said softly: If you dont believe it, you can dig it out yourself and see, from now on, all this is yours.

The corners of Shen Qiaos mouth spasmed, hit by his sappy words as if a cold front, personally he felt that the others face was thicker than the walls of the Great Wall, his entire life even if he tried he wouldnt be able to catch up, when he tried to talk logic with the other, the other would speak illogically, Shen Qiao felt that even if he were to grow ten more mouths, he still wouldnt be able to outspeak Yan Wushi.

First release me.

Yan Wushi laughed: Cant do that, as soon as I unseal your meridian points, youll run, I wont rush you into things too fast, but you also shouldnt count on something like forgetting and wandering the jianghu, the person I want, even if he hid in Qi Fengges grave, I will go dig him out from Qi Fengges gravesite!

Shen Qiao turned his face away: This poor one is a cultivator, in this life, will not wade into relationships or love, will not desire to receive someone in marriage.

Yan Wushi: Were not talking love or relationships, youre too superficial, we can be called companions in cultivation, Im also not forcing you to receive me in marriage, if you like, I can receive you.

It was like playing with a cat, seeing that the other was about to erupt, he made to soothe it, unsealed his meridian points: Come on, I just made a joke, how come youre mad? Back to the topic at hand, Puliuru Jian has encountered a huge inconvenience this time, whether or not hell be a good sovereign, whether or not youll support him, it wont be too late to consider this later, Im letting you come along, because theres something to be gained.

As soon as his meridian points were unsealed, Shen Qiao immediately stood up and put at least three chi between them: Can Yan-zongzhu please explain?

Yan Wushi fluttered his eyes at him: Not right now, but dont you want to return this person a favour, why not accompany me to Changan and appraise the situation?

Gods, still acting cute!

Shen Qiao held his chest where his wound ached dully, not wanting to see he twisted his head, but he also couldnt get the image of what just happened out from his head, he was angry and couldnt do anything.

I can accompany Yan-zongzhu, but we have to agree to basic rules, and treat each other respectfully, if Yan-zongzhu cannot abide, I would rather set out alone.

Yan Wushi thought: if I wanted to follow, where can you go to be rid of me?

But he smiled and said magnanimously: Fine.

The author would like to say:

Got a bit high from writing, forgot the time > __>

Finally the window coverings torn A-Qiao, what will you do next, whereas before you could pretend like you didnt know ~

Chapter 108

Yan Wushis repeated teasing, day-by-day shift in attitude, Shen Qiao wasnt oblivious to it, but from the bottom of his heart, he really couldnt see himself as having any sort of appeal.

For a person living in the world, moral character was the most important, appearance was secondary, women dressed up for their beloveds, even Zou Ji, Song Yu, those beautiful men paid attention to their appearance, but as a cultivator distant from the world, Shen Qiao did not have this habit, so he could not understand at all what part of him Yan Wushi liked.

And because of these doubts, he read Yan Wushis attitude as a passing storm, after all there was a precedent, if he left himself open, who knew if hed be sold again, Shen Qiao in matters of cunning was no match for Yan Wushi, deep in his heart he was still afraid, there was still doubt, he would not trust so easily.

In the end, Yan Wushi did this to himself.

That day Shen Qiao clearly already considered him a friend, sincerity in a jade flask, reflected in heaven and earth, but he scoffed at it like throwing away a pair of old shoes, on the surface he smiled and talked, but behind the scenes he had already contacted Sang Jingxing, in the blink of an eye he had delivered the person personally, hurled Shen Qiaos pure heart onto the floor and stomped it into a million pieces, to want to redeem this was like wanting to complete a broken mirror, recover overturned waters, maybe he should count himself lucky that the person he liked was Shen Qiao, if it was anyone else, after experiencing that event, their temperament would change, everyday they would plot their revenge, at the very least towards Yan Wushi they wouldnt reserve any trust or good feeling.

But Shen Qiao was an exception, this person treated everyone earnestly, if someone was kind to him in one part, he would have to return it ten or twelvefold.

Outside Tuyuhuns capital city, Yan Wushi due to severe injuries manifested multiple personalities, and then because of Chen Gong, Yan Shen the two of them fell deep underground in Ruoqiang, inevitably things grew more entangled between them, later during Hehuan Sects pursuit, Yan Wushi was willing to act promptly, use himself to draw away the cruelest of them Sang Jingxing, to give Shen Qiao breathing room to escape. Although Shen Qiao was aware that with Yan Wushis shrewdness, he couldnt have gone in completely unprepared, still watching the other leave, how could his heart not be affected?

That ordeal, when Yan Wushi reflected on it later, he was quite pleased with himself.

Shen Qiao had a place in his heart, so this persons temperament, behaviours, inside out he had to excavate thoroughly.

If it was anyone else, hearing Yan Wushis mocking, frivolous words, even if they managed not to erupt in rage, then they would at least think about how to escape far from Yan Wushis side, end things cleanly between them, the farther the better, but Shen Qiao had not.

For Shen Qiao, Yan Wushi had just rescued him on Qingchengshan, first was this debt; Puliuru Jian requested aid, if Shen Qiao wasnt aware then he could overlook it, but knowing he would have to make the trip, their objectives were aligned, this reason was second.

These two reasons together were more important than not wanting to be caught up in the others words and actions, so Shen Qiao was able to put his feelings to the side, and focus on the task at hand.

This type of earnest seriousness, a little more would appear old-fashioned, a little less would be hypocritical, but for some reason on Shen Qiao, many people felt it was only natural, and wasnt the least bit contradictory.

This person when he was Xuandushan zhangjiao was the opposite of famous, when people mentioned him, at most would tack on Qi Fengges favoured disciple, and nothing else, now as he wandered the jianghu, people thought of him first as Shen Qiao, before anything else.

Yan Wushi was proud that as he lived no one could sway him, doing as he pleased, whatever he desired, he never thought that one day it would all fall to this one person.

He considered people inherently evil, never believed that there could be true kindness, if it existed, in his eyes, it became a weakness.

For some reason Shen Qiao was an exception, Yan Wushis tendency to compromise for no one, when it came to Shen Qiao he was willing to give way.

Someone who all the world believed to be good, if Yan Wushi disagreed, he wouldnt give them a second glance, but if it was someone that Yan Wushi believed to be good, and the world agreed, he would of course have to make his move fast to snatch them away, whether by force or as the rain that has no need to explain its results, he must first gather the person in his arms, then teach them the finer details, so the other was also willing.

Overall, the trajectory so far was more or less successful.

Leave it to Yan Wushi to be proud of himself in this situation: this venerable one has traversed the jianghu for decades, discounting wugong and position, the men and women sliding over were numerous, this is the first time in my life Ive spent so much effort and intention on one person, if he still doesnt come easily, then the first part of my life Ive surely wasted, might as well just die now.

So when Shen Qiao brought up basic rules, treat each other with respect, propriety, no salacious actions, etc. Yan Wushi put up no dispute.

This straightforward response, instead made Shen Qiao a little suspicious, but since the other had already agreed, if he still didnt let it go, then it would appear petty on his part.

The next morning, the two of them set out on their journey, by nightfall if by chance they passed a city or town, they would seek shelter there.

People in the jianghu could survive on a meal of wind and dew, spending a night in the countryside was not unusual, but if they had the choice, everyone would prefer a warm, comfortable place to rest, unless circumstances dictated otherwise, even wugong masters would prefer an inn.

Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao were no exception, the two of them set out at a fast pace, and within two days had reached not-far-from-Changan Xining City.

With Changan within sight, they could slow down, more or less could plan to enter the city tomorrow, Yan Wushi also said: Puliuru Jian is in a dangerous position, but not to the point that no moment can be spared, its already evening, lets rest here for now.

Shen Qiao was aware that he paid attention to his appearance, everytime he made an entrance, he was stately dressed, with a commanding presence, behind the scenes who knew how much effort was required, to let the impressive Huanyue Sect zongzhu enter the city battered by the dust of his journey, Yan Wushi certainly would not be willing, so he agreed.

They picked a reasonably sized inn and walked in, Shen Qiao was afraid hed say something along the lines of sleep in the same bed, so when the manager asked do you two want two rooms, he interjected yes before the other could.

Yan Wushi didnt disagree, he smiled as he let him decide.

The manager seeing this remarked: Are the two of you brothers, you seem close.

Yan Wushi: We are not brothers.

The manager said ah, then continued a little hesitantly: Then father-son?

Yan Wushi didnt say anything, just threw him an ambiguous smile, then glanced at Shen Qiao, smiled at the manager again.

The manager had seen all manners of guests and travellers, at this moment he seemed to realize something.

Yan Wushi: Its a no-go, hes still mad at me.

The manager opened his mouth, when he saw a person he spoke human when he saw a ghost he spoke ghost: They say ten years you travel the same boat, a hundred years you something something, you two esteemed guests are dragons among commoners, your relationship must not be an ordinary one, since you have this fate, you should each give way, peace brings fortune, peace brings fortune!

Shen Qiao: What is what, you should state it clearly!

But the manager seemed to follow Yan Wushis lead and did not speak in more detail, Shen Qiao couldnt have possibly gone ahead and corrected him, the denial became proof, like a sign that professed: no three hundred silvers here.

The manager organized their rooms, Yan Wushi also requested a private dining room, and ordered food and drink.

The room had four tables in a row to one side, the other side was for when guests could call upon musicians or dancers to perform during their meal, currently there were no dancers, so the space appeared a bit empty.

Shen Qiao sat down at the table closest to the door, Yan Wushi however didnt sit at the same one, instead he sat three tables away, at the table in the corner.

Why does Yan-zongzhu sit there? Shen Qiao did not understand.

Whenever I see your face, I want to reach out and touch it, but since I promised your condition to treat each other with respect, naturally its better if I keep my distance, in case in your mind I become an untrustworthy bad guy over and over.

Yan Wushis words were not just innocent, but spoken seriously, if you didnt know you would have assumed he was the one subjected to Shen Qiaos uncouth desires.

Shen Qiao was somewhat speechless, after a while he remembered what had happened earlier: Then the words you spoke earlier to purposefully mislead the manager, what happened then to treating each other with respect?

Yan Wushi, even more innocently: Where did I mislead? The entire time I only said two things, you also heard it, we are not brothers, is this sentence incorrect, does A-Qiao want to become my brother? The second sentence youre still mad is definitely not incorrect, it was the managers own misunderstanding, I am not at fault.

Shen Qiao when it came to verbal sparring with him already had learned his lesson, hearing this felt no energy to refute.

Yan Wushi smiled: What you asked for, Ive done it all, how come youre still unsatisfied?

A pause, then he began again softly: A-Qiao, this venerable one in this life looks favourably upon very few, those Im willing to give way for, none, you are the only exception.

Ensconced in the softness was steel, these sweet words carried a certain force, how was one supposed to react?

Shen Qiao furrowed his brows: I would rather not have this particularity.

Thats not up to you. Yan Wushi smiled wordlessly.

Shen Qiao thought some more, then said seriously: Yan-zongzhus intentions are hard to gauge, unfathomable to others, I even more so, with my ordinary qualities, what part can draw Yan-zongzhus regard? Since we are going to speak openly today, can Yan-zongzhu please tell me the truth?

Yan Wushi: A-Qiao, you have many strengths, I could talk about it for three days and three nights and still have more to say.

He had opened with a joke, seeing the other silent, smiled again: Your kindness alone, theres no one in the world that can compare.

Shen Qiao, gloomily: I didnt know when kindness had become a strength, I just remember Yan-zongzhu always disapproved of soft-hearted, merciful people.

Yan Wushi laughed contentedly: Isnt that why they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

Fine, after all this, he was duped again, Shen Qiao realized that he would get no answer from his words.

He felt more and more that the others intentions were a passing storm, Shen Qiao was faced with two choices: he could wait until Yan Wushis interest in him waned, stopped his antics, then hed finally get some peace and quiet; or he could wait until his wugong surpassed Yan Wushis, beat up the other mercilessly, afterwards Yan Wushi would never dare annoy him again.

Their food and drink arrived, they each picked up their chopsticks, and said no more.

Halfway through the meal, Yan Wushi drank a sip of wine, smiled: To like a person, does there have to be a reason, when you dislike someone, seeing them you are already disgusted, but you dont know why, isnt it the same thing? You cant on account of me liking to tease you, say that my intentions are fake, how would I be able to bear it?

This almost sounded partially sincere, but in reality it was all illogical, Shen Qiao thought, to have a honest conversation with this person, why was it so hard?

He turned the words he wanted to say in his mind several times, was about to speak when there was a small commotion at the other table, lifting his head he saw Yan Wushi spit out a mouthful of blood.

Shen Qiaos expression changed, forgetting everything else, he rushed to his side to support him: How are you doing, was there poison in the wine?!

Since Shen Qiao hadnt touched the wine, so quickly jumped to that conclusion.

Thinking back to his own experience being poisoned by xiangjianhuan, immediately his face looked worse than Yan Wushis.

Only for Yan Wushi to suddenly laugh, and press him into his embrace: You do care about me, A-Qiao you really dont say what you mean!

Shen Qiao glared: You, you havent been poisoned?

Yan Wushi wiped away the blood at the corner of his lips: I just accidentally scraped my lip, maybe got too worked up.

Getting too worked up can make you spit blood?

Go tell it to the ghosts!

Chapter 109

Ever since Yan Wushi tricked him with pretend spitting blood, until they entered Changan walked into Sui-guogong Manor, Shen Qiao did not speak another sentence to Yan Wushi.

In his mind, he had connected this person to the word treacherous, his plots more numerous than wasp nests, even if he were to use all of his skills he couldnt outplot him, therefore silence was golden, saying nothing, no matter what Yan Wushi said, Shen Qiao would en or oh, hed leave no openings.

Yan Wushi also realized he had overdone it, although he had forced out Shen Qiaos reaction under those circumstances, but people have their pride, even for someone well-tempered like Shen Qiao, if you dont leave them any face, can they still grin and bear it, it would be normal to get angry, if they werent angry it would make less sense.

Changan was her usual colours, its tall city walls, imposing faades, a thousand permutations within herself, no wonder she was an imperial capital, her grand spirit alone, Shen Qiao had not seen the likes of it in the southern capital Jiankang City.

Jiankang City had been the imperial capital for several dynasties, since the Three Kingdoms when Sun, Wu built their capital there, the palace walls were three layers in and three layers out, the south had Qinhuai, the north had Houhu, back when Yan Wushi had undertaken Yuwen Yongs request to escort Zhous ambassadors to the southern dynasty, Shen Qiao had spent time in Jiankang, to compare the two, Jiankang had more charm and flourish, but several parts less gravitas. The saying goes imperial energy decides the capital, where the emperor breathes, a dynasty is born, although this sounds like something one might hear from a swindling fortuneteller, it had its own logic, Daoists did not cultivate the yin yang arts, so although cursory, Shen Qiao did have some ability when it came to observing energies, that day observing Yuwen Yongs energy, he had the impression he would not live a long life, today comparing Jiankang and Changan, he had the impression that the former had several parts less imperial energy, losing to Changan by a margin, and this margin, may well decide a dynastys destiny.

These superstitious ramblings, enough to think them to yourself, even if the emperor was a believer, there havent been many emperors willing to move capitals for this reason.

In the end, a dynastys fortune: timing, geography, people, all crucial, Zhou dynasty having lost Yuwen Yong, even if it attained the most favourable hand from heaven and earth, what would be the use? No more than chrysanthemums marking the past.

Why does A-Qiao look so deep in thought? Beside him Yan Wushis voice broke his reverie.

Shen Qiao did not want to deal with him at all, and pretended not to hear.

Like encountering a metal nail, Yan Wushi was still was able to smile, not a hint of displeasure, he followed behind as they entered the city.

The day that Shen Qiao fought his way out of the barricades with Yuwen Song had left a strong impression, at this moment even his outfit was unaltered, still in the green-blue Daoist robes, a sword on his back, his face was also one that didnt blend into crowds, even the sentries recognized him right away, they watched wide-eyed as he walked straight through the main gates, no one had the courage to approach or question him.

Most people will admire someone with true ability, Shen Qiaos performance on that day was truly brilliant, even the lowest level soldier, participating in the ambush of Shen Qiao and Yuwen Song, in the bottom of their hearts towards this person who carried the Yuwen family orphan away against a wall of archers and numerous martial masters, respected this Daoist, despite later hearing the emperor fly into a rage when he learned he hadnt killed his uncles entire family, his cousin becoming the fish that burst from the net, but in their private conversations, who wouldnt give Shen Qiao a thumbs-up, the battle in front of the city gates that day, had long been spun into folktales and performed in the city, residents might not know of the number one martial artist in the world Qi Fengge, but they definitely knew about the righteous, powerful Shen-daozhang.

But Changan was Changan, since they entering the city, the two of them drew the attention of numerous pairs of ears and eyes, Yan Wushi didnt care much, and didnt caution Shen Qiao, he brought him directly to shaoshi manor.

Huanyue Sect was diminished, but Yan Wushi was not a wanted criminal, Shen Qiao had escaped with Yuwen Song, but afterwards Yuwen Yun decided that a mere seven year old couldnt pose much threat, moreover he spent his days in pleasure, didnt care for much else, and was too lazy to pursue the matter further, so when these two entered the city, although they attracted attention, no one tried to stop them, first there was no good reason, second, even if they wanted to, they werent capable of doing so.

Since the ascension of the new emperor, shaoshi manor had been seized and sealed, a lock put on its doors, the notice plastered over, Yan Wushi pulled at it without great force, never mind the notice, even the thick metal chains crumpled to the floor, he pushed the doors open and went inside, watching this kind of total disregard for official regulations made Shen Qiao who stood behind him grimace.

Was he so set on supporting Puliuru Jian, that even in broad daylight he didnt hold back?

Shen Qiao wanted to ask, opened his mouth, resisted.

Yan Wushi didnt turn around, but as if he had eyes on the back of his head, volunteered: This iteration of shijiandahui, Hehuan Sect went to make trouble for Chunyangguan, in the aftermath of that chaos, Sang Jingxing and Yuan Xiuxiu are certainly injured, they cant have rushed back so quickly, the remaining ants arent worth considering, to say who else has my regard, Changan currently only has Xueting, that old bald donkey has to retain the orthodoxy of the Buddhist sects, he wont be willing to plot espionage behind-the-scenes. As for Yuwen Yun, when he was crown prince, I taught him, he knows not to annoy me, and is totally focused on his pleasure and leisure, unless he can be totally sure, he will not act prematurely, even if someone were to report this to him, he can only open one eye and shut the other.

Shen Qiao frowned, it looked like Yuwen Yun was not completely incapable, after all after his ascension he had managed to kill off all of his uncles families, though this kind of strategy really was disheartening.

As if Yan Wushi sensed his thoughts a second time, he said: Yuwen Yun values the Buddhist sects, and also pulled Hehuan Sect into it, clearly he doesnt want to see the Buddhist sects grow unhindered, when it comes to managing his subjects, decentralizing power, he does have some talent, otherwise he wouldnt have been able to pretend for so many years in front of Yuwen Yong and not be deposed, but that is the extent of his ability, if Yuwen Yong had listened to me back then and made Yuwen Xian his successor, the Zhou dynasty could have had at least another three generations of peace.

Shen Qiao didnt expect Yan Wushi to have made this kind of suggestion to Yuwen Yong, no wonder Yuwen Yun as soon as he ascended moved against Huanyue Sect, he probably hated Yan Wushi. Unfortunately this emperor did not use his smarts on proper matters, and continued to act wantonly.

As things stood, the north had Tujue, the south had its dynasty, even the current territory of the north was conquered by its previous emperor, any normal emperor, even if they didnt wish to unify the country, would not be able to do such a thing as pass on their throne to their son, and make himself taishanghuang, when Shen Qiao was in Xining Town, he had heard rumours that the emperor was excitedly building imperial gardens, making a scene with his concubines in tow, if Yuwen Yong in the afterlife knew how his son trampled on his decades of night-and-day toil, he probably could rage back to life.

Yan Wushi said further: Although Yuwen Xian was pliable, he had skill leading troops, even if he couldnt fulfill Yuwen Yongs ambition, he wouldnt bring the family enterprise to its knees, too bad in the end Yuwen Yong couldnt shake the shackles of normativity, insisting that his son inherit the throne, his vision was too narrow and short-sighted, he toiled his entire life, was killed by his son, efforts amounting to nothing, his self-fashioned fate met him in the end!

He paid the previous emperor no more respect than anyone else, the criticisms spouted as he opened his mouth, if it were anyone else they would have long been frightened to death, but Shen Qiao couldnt help secretly rolling his eyes once, he thought: werent you the one outside the Tuyuhun capital ambushed by grandmasters that your skull was broken open, only barely avoided death, saying Yuwen Yong was short-sighted, and youre so much better?

Yan Wushi didnt look back, in a teasing tone: A-Qiao, I didnt expect you as a man of integrity to have learned to not speak directly, but curse people behind their backs, this isnt a good habit!

Shen Qiao knew he was provoking him into saying something, so instead he shut his mouth tightly like a clam.

In the interim, the two of them had passed the central hall, and arrived in the back gardens.

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Shen Qiao didnt know why he was brought here, but looking at the surrounding greenery and furnishings, they were not on account of their owners absence overgrown or dustcovered, instead they appeared orderly and well-attended to, someone had been taking care of things, but the notice and the lock on the front door had been left intact, the whole affair required more thinking over.

Yan Wushi pushed open the doors to a side room, inside it was not empty, several people were already seated.

Seeing the two arrive, they got up to greet them, the one in the middle stepped forward, folded his hands in respect: I heard Yan-zongzhu has experienced much difficulty recently, unfortunately I am not a jianghu person, unable to assist in any way, Im glad to see that you are well, now my worries are appeased.

Turning to Shen Qiao: Shen-daozun, your flying colours from that day, I find hard to forget to this day, even more so for Changan residents, they take great delight in discussing it, seeing you today, you appear even more charismatic than before!

This was an old acquaintance, Shen Qiao wouldnt have not recognized him, Yan Wushi had mentioned it previously so he was prepared, at this moment he also folded his hands in a gesture of respect and said: Sui-guogong is too kind, I heard that when I was leaving the capital with Qi-lang, I was lucky to receive your behind-the-scenes assistance, which resulted in our safe departure, on this matter this poor one has yet to thank Sui-guogong.

Puliuru Jian laughed: It was no hardship, no need to dwell on it!

He introduced to Shen Qiao the person that accompanied him: This is inner court official Zheng Ze.

The last person did not need introductions, he was a familiar face Yan Wushis eldest disciple Bian Yanmei. Earlier when Yan Wushi had walked in, he had already paid his respects, now seeing Shen Qiaos gaze fall on him, he also smiled and folded his hands in respect.

With Yan Wushis pride, unexpectedly he did not posture with Puliuru Jian, instead he said very amiably: While I was out I received da-langs letter, that you had run into some troubles.

Everyone took their seats, Puliuru Jian smiled bitterly: Yes, definitely some trouble, Ive thought long and hard but havent come up with anything, so I can only humbly make this request of Yan-zongzhu.

Yuwen Yun was not adept at managing the affairs of the state, but when it came to political games he was like an old stovefire turned green, since killing his uncles he turned his attention to his other subjects, the first target was his father-in-law, Sui-guogong Puliuru Jian.

Puliuru Jian was not Yuwen Xian, had no desire to sit and wait for his death, or maybe he already had plans to revolt, seeing Yuwen Yun this kind of emperor, could not wholeheartedly be a willing subject, so while he kept up appearances, in truth he had long made preparations secretly, first was establishing troops trying to reclaim Yuwen Xians previous holdings after Yuwen Xians death, the people previously loyal to him were subject to violent suppression, were in various stages of desperation, seeing Puliuru Jians extended olive branch, naturally accepted. With his time in court, many officials were also inclined towards him, some were in his core group, Zheng Ze was one of them.

But Yuwen Yun wasnt entirely clueless, Puliuru Jians daughter was Yuwen Yuns empress, Yuwen Yong couldnt find anything concrete upfront about Puliuru Jian, his attitude towards his empress worsened everyday, frequently hurling invective, several times threatening death, it was only by the grace of Puliuru Jians wife Dugu-shi entering the palace to beg for mercy, that her life was spared.

Puliuru Jian said: A couple of days ago, it was the empress birthday, the emperor had no intention of holding a large celebration, just gifted several things, and permitted my wife to enter the palace for a visit, on account of a message from the palace saying that the empress wanted to see her brothers, my wife brought my first and second son with her into the palace to celebrate, who knew that after meeting the empress, an excuse was made to force my wife to leave, when she returned she was told that the empress had missed her brothers and intended to have them stay for a meal, my wife requested an audience but was declined, she bitterly begged the emperor, and was chased out of the palace, since then, I have not seen the empress or my sons, Ive tried every route, the emperor is not willing to let them go, I dont know if they are alive or dead.

To say it another way, Puliuru Jians two sons and one daughter were being held hostage by Yuwen Yun.

Puliuru Jian had five sons, the eldest, the one who had been brought into the palace, was not yet nine years old.

He stopped here, his face distraught, his devotion to his children was evident: I tried everything, flattery, begging, the emperor isnt willing to release them, he insists that my sons want to stay in the palace to keep the empress company, Xueting-chanshi overesees things in the palace, martial masters everywhere, to use brute force, I cannot guarantee the safety of my children, I didnt think Yuwen Yun would resort to this strategy, I do not know what else to do, can only make this request of Yan-zongzhu!

Inside it was so quiet one could hear a pin drop, Yan Wushi smiled, slowly and with every reason he said: Ill say something you wont like, Sui-guogong is fully prepared, just waiting for the east wind, even if you lost two sons, youd still have three left, in truth it doesnt affect the grand scheme of things, as long as you stand your ground, Yuwen Yun cannot use this to threaten you.