Martial Cultivator

The plotting continued late into the night, and when it was finally over, the few men departed. Song Ting personally escorted Zhang Yu to the door. As they spoke about their past merits, they recalled that during the great battle back then, the two of them had been the key figures. Consequently, they were the only two granted the title of marquis. However, one had limited martial ability and talent, while the other had nearly caused a great disaster. Thus, neither of them held much influence in the current court.

Zhang Yu fared better, at least being in charge of the entire Patrol Camp, while Song Ting was entirely without an official position, having shed all his burdens.

However, his military prestige from earlier years was significant, and even though he had no real authority at the moment, the others still showed him considerable respect.

The two stood at the door. Just as Zhang Yu was about to leave, Song Ting could not help but remind him again, "Brother Zhang, in this matter, your role is the most critical. Be sure not to make any mistakes."

Zhang Yu laughed heartily. "Back then, when fighting the war, when have I ever made mistakes? His Majesty even dared to trust me with his back. Are you still not confident in me, old friend? Or do you really think that just because you've read a few more books, you look down on us martial artists?"

Song Ting smiled bitterly and said, "It's not that at all. It's just that this matter is of great importance, and I had to say a few extra words."

Zhang Yu nodded, then, after a moment of silence, asked a question that Song Ting never expected. "Brother Song, do you truly believe that His Majesty wants to kill him?"

Song Ting was stunned and then asked in confusion, "Why do you say that, Brother Zhang?"

Zhang Yu said with vicissitudes of emotion, "His Majesty has never shown much affection toward the princes. People say that His Majesty is truly a solitary figure, but in truth, it's because the personalities of these princes are so vastly different from His Majesty's. He doesn't like it, so naturally, he doesn't favor them. But this Chen Chao, even though he's the late Crown Prince's offspring, His Majesty. despite the irreconcilable enmity with the deposed emperor, still respects the late Crown Prince. The deep bond they shared as brothers wasn't a facade. Moreover, Chen Chao displays many traits that resemble His Majesty's younger self. His Majesty likely sees his own past in him, which is why he favors him so much."

Song Ting nodded, "Brother Zhang makes a valid point. His Majesty is dissatisfied with all the princes under him, but now that a junior he approves of has appeared, it's natural for him to show affection. Perhaps that's why His Majesty is hesitant. But you and I both know that this man harbors ulterior thoughts. His Majesty treats him like a nephew, but he doesn't regard His Majesty as his uncle. Therefore, he must be eliminated. Any hesitation could cause the downfall of the empire. His Majesty's lifetime achievements could collapse into ruin. How can we stand by and watch that happen?!"

Zhang Yu smiled and spoke frankly, "There's no one else here now, so be honest, Brother Song. Are you truly doing this solely for His Majesty?"

Song Ting had the reputation of being a scholar-general, and among the military commanders who helped the Great Liang Emperor conquer the empire, his thinking was naturally more meticulous. However, Zhang Yu had also studied military strategies from a young age, and after years of experience, he was no longer just a simple martial artist who knew only how to charge into battle. He could not be compared to the likes of Liu Hu and Li Yue.

Zhang Yu did not believe that Song Ting was taking the initiative to do all this solely for the sake of His Majesty.

Song Ting let out a bitter laugh and quickly said, "Since Brother Zhang is asking, I, Old Song, won't hide it anymore. We are all people who rose up with His Majesty. Whose empire did we snatch back then? It was the deposed emperor's empire. Now, the late Crown Prince's offspring wants to take it back. Let's not even talk about anything else, once they reclaim the throne, do you and I, along with the other old brothers, think we'll be spared?" "When the time comes, if His Majesty steps down, whether he lives or dies is hard to say. His cultivation is profound, so he might safely leave the Divine Capital and find a place to live out his days. But us brothers, we'll likely end up gathered at the execution ground."

Zhang Yu sighed, "A whole bunch of people named Chen. To the common folk, it might not matter much who sits on that throne, but to us, it's a different story."

Song Ting nodded, "Exactly. Even if His Majesty doesn't want to kill him, we have to kill for His Majesty - for his throne, and for ourselves. As for whether His Majesty will be angry once he finds out, surely it wouldn't come to the point where he'd take our lives, right? After all, we fought for the empire together. His Majesty should still have some consideration for old comrades."

"Since that’s the case, I understand. I'll take care of this matter properly." Zhang Yu clasped his fists and smiled as he turned around.

Behind him, Song Ting said solemnly, "Then I'll leave it to you, Brother Zhang."

Zhang Yu did not turn around but simply smiled, "We're all just doing something for ourselves, there's no need to say this."

Song Ting remained silent, standing in place and watching him depart.

Only after Zhang Yu’s carriage had disappeared into the distance did Song Ting take the lantern from a servant nearby and walk off into the distance.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, taking several twists and turns, Song Ting finally arrived at a secluded alley where an ordinary carriage stood. Song Ting approached it, bowed respectfully, and whispered, "Everything has been arranged. Zhang Yu had some suspicions, but I managed to deflect them."

Though Song Ting held no real power, he was still a genuine marquis. Even in the Divine Capital, where the wealthy and noble were everywhere, there were not many people who could command such respect from him.

A voice quickly came from inside the carriage, "Well done. Now we can just wait and see."

Song Ting hesitated for a moment and then said softly, "I'm just concerned that there might be some changes. If he returns to the academy, it might become very difficult to proceed."

"No matter. Everything is within the plan. You just need to handle your part properly. Be sure to select the right people for the job. Oh, and I'll also send some of my own men when the time comes. This matter must be completed successfully."

The person inside the carriage laughed, "If this plan doesn't work out, I have backup plans. But with the way we've arranged everything, if he still manages to escape death, it would truly defy all reason."

Song Ting replied, "It’s impossible. With your careful planning, success is guaranteed.

"Marquis Huainan, don't be so quick to flatter. The things you've done, I'll naturally remember them. If this succeeds, that character in your title could change."

The voice from inside the carriage was soft and calm.

Song Ting gave a bitter smile and said, "Even if we succeed, I fear that in His Majesty's eyes, I'll still be seen as utterly detestable. Even if he doesn't kill me, he'll likely exile me back to my hometown."

"Don't worry, as long as you keep your life, that's what matters. If you truly desire it, you can live as a carefree recluse for a few more years. Afterward, your fortune will naturally turn around."

The person in the carriage smiled and continued, "There's no need to rush things. Just like back then, when you had the nerve to do all those shady things right under His Majesty's nose. You were far too bold."

Song Ting lowered his head in regret and said, "It was just a moment of impulsiveness. Now, every time I think about it, I feel like slapping myself."

The person in the carriage simply smiled without saying more.

……

……

Chen Chao had left the academy and was temporarily living in the residence that Song Lian had arranged for him earlier. These days, he would occasionally show up at the Left Guard office.

However, he keenly noticed that the gazes of the constables there had become somewhat strange when they looked at him. Presumably, it was due to the rumors that had been circulating. Chen Chao did not mind. Now, whether in court or among the common folk, the rumors were growing more intense by the day. Chen Chao had already become vaguely aware that he was at the center of the whirlpool.

Even the most oblivious person could sense that a storm was currently brewing.

Song Lian was also a bit troubled by this. Initially, he thought that Chen Chao was simply a young martial artist admired by His Majesty, but now, things have gotten much more complicated.

"Be honest with Elder Brother. Are you really whatever they say you are?"

Seeing no one else around, Song Lian pulled Chen Chao aside and promised, "I swear I won't tell anyone."

Chen Chao glanced at him with a smile. "What do you think, Elder Brother?"

Song Lian was not too dumb. He recalled how the Empress had once summoned him to the palace to ask about Chen Chao, and from that, he could more or less guess that Chen Chao's background was not simple. However, guessing was one thing, but getting Chen Chao to admit it directly was another matter entirely.

Just as Chen Chao was about to speak, Song Lian waved his hand and said, "Forget it, don't tell me. If I really knew, and His Majesty decides to kill you, do I help you or not?"

Chen Chao asked in surprise, "Your Excellency, you'd dare go against His Majesty's orders without knowing this lowly official's identity?"

Song Lian pulled a bitter face and replied, "Enough, I'm already stuck in the middle and it's tough enough. But let me make one thing clear: unless there's a decree, I'll always treat you as my Left Guard's Deputy Commander. If anything happens, I won't stand by and do nothing."

Chen Chao clicked his tongue and said, "I didn't realize that you're so sentimental, Your Excellency"

Song Lian spat, "You better watch yourself. Right now, there are plenty of people who'd love for you to disappear from this world. If I were you, I'd stay quietly at the academy and not come out. Oh right, why don't you just go back to the academy? If that's no good, why not stay in the office here?"

Chen Chao asked curiously, "Your Excellency, what if a Nepenthe Realm came to kill me? Would you die with me?"

Song Lian frowned. "A Nepenthe Realm isn't that big of a deal."

Chen Chao immediately understood and, clasping his hands, smiled as he said, "Congratulations, congratulations! Your Excellency, it looks like you're about to step into the Nepenthe Realm. It seems that your appointment as Lord Warden Commander is just around the corner. When will you host a celebration?"

Song Lian smiled slightly. "It won't be long now. I'm planning to find some time to go into seclusion and make a breakthrough. But looking at things now, with all the trouble surrounding you, I think I'll postpone it for a while."

Chen Chao shook his head. "It's not necessary. For every person who wants to kill me, there's another who wants me alive. It's not as difficult as it seems."

Song Lian thought for a moment but could not grasp the reasoning. He just said, "Forget it. Your head works better than mine anyway. But in the meantime, I'll have Weng Quan follow you around? That way, if anything happens, I'll know right away."

"Please no, that chatterbox can stay and bother someone else. This lowly official doesn't want to lose my peace."

Song Lian wanted to speak but swallowed his words back.

Chen Chao shook his head. "It's really not that serious. As long as His Majesty doesn't want to kill me, then I definitely won't die."

Song Lian sighed. "But I’m just afraid that His Majesty does want to kill you."

Chen Chao said helplessly, "If that’s the case, then nothing you do will make a difference."

Indeed, in the Divine Capital, if His Majesty wanted someone dead, how could they survive?