Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 242: What of the Empress

Watching Zhao Changhe drinking heavily on his own, Huangfu Shaozong was left speechless. This guy really knows how to put on a show. Everyone else contributed to his fame, sure, but his personal “efforts” make up for at least half of it. Telling them that there’s no need for them to announce their names, not drawing his sword, using only one hand, and not even getting off his seat.... He even said that there’s too little wine!

He really did posture and showboat quite a bit, but he did have the ability to back his actions. If Huangfu Shaozong did not make a move himself, there truly was not anyone else around who could make him budge.

It was time for him to snatch the spotlight.

Until Zhao Changhe finished his bowl of wine, nobody else stepped forward to challenge him. This small event served as a vivid lesson for the youths of the capital. It perfectly showcased why those on the Ranking of Hidden Dragons stood out from everyone else.

With all the tens of thousands of martial artists in the world, why was it that only two or three hundred names could appear on the ranking?

If they did not far surpass their peers, then why would the rankings be called the Ranking of Hidden Dragons? Those on the top and bottom of the ranking were not even on the same level, so how could Zhao Changhe, who ranked high even among hidden dragons, deign to compare himself to these people who could not even make it onto the rankings?

Especially since Zhao Changhe had been able to make it to the higher rankings when he was merely at the fifth layer of the Profound Gate, standing out among a group of peers at the seventh or eighth layer. It was only now that people finally gained a bit of an understanding as to why that was.

There was a reason for his renown.

Not to mention other people, even Huangfu Shaozong had given up the thought of challenging Zhao Changhe at this moment. He realized that he might not even be able to beat his new friend. It would be a better choice for him to preserve face, especially with him being two places higher in the ranking. What was the use of forcing his saber out for no reason, only to end up moving lower in the rankings? No... it was a much better idea to show hospitality, like the good host he was.

Was this not better? Others feared Zhao Changhe, while he should also be regarded even more as he was at a higher ranking.

In the midst of the silence, a waiter carried a jar of wine up the stairs with an expression full of admiration. He placed it in front of Zhao Changhe, bowing as he said, “Our boss said that this wine is on the house as a tribute to the hero”

Huangfu Shaozong’s mouth twitched. “Do you think that I have no money?”

“No, no, absolutely not. That was not our intention.”

Huangfu Shaozong slapped a golden leaf heavily on the table. “Go, fetch another ten jars, and bring out your signature dishes! I’m the one treating, but don’t think I’m being foolish with my kindness.”

Zhao Changhe chuckled helplessly and said, “Brother Huangfu, whether you’re treating me or not, I’m grateful either way.”

Huangfu Shaozong looked at him meaningfully for a moment, then sighed and said, “Is it because I set up the stage for you?”

Zhao Changhe clapped his hands and laughed. “It was a wonderful stage.”

Huangfu Shaozong gestured to his servants. “Move them out.”

The servants stepped forward and carried away the challengers who were scattered all over the floor. After a moment of silence, Huangfu Shaozong finally regained his composure and poured the wine leisurely, “Brother Zhao, weren’t you a little bit too ostentatious?”

Zhao Changhe smirked, “But wasn’t it you who set up the stage?”

“I never thought that you would be so wanton and brazen. I thought you would be a bit more low-key, a bit more humble... After all...”

“Those who watch from the sidelines may applaud the boldness. What’s the harm in doing what I want? What’s the harm in being brazen?” Zhao Changhe raised his bowl again and finished it in one gulp. “Since we’re here, why shrink back? If this is the end of the excitement, then I’m honestly rather disappointed.”

Boom!

Dark clouds gathered, lightning flashed, thunder roared, and rain poured down heavily.

The sky had completely darkened.

The noisy restaurant quieted down. The rain outside pattered down on the terrace, while silence reigned inside.

Huangfu Shaozong could not conceal the admiration in his eyes. This man is truly interesting. No wonder my sister told me to interact more with him.

It seemed that with his arrival in the capital, there would be a stir... Yet here he is, sitting on a terrace and drinking leisurely, while the entire capital falls into silence. Other than a few young challengers who came to challenge him, there has not been much turmoil at all.

It’s as if someone merely at the sixth layer of the Profound Gate has suppressed the entire city.

Although he knew that this was obviously not the case... His arrival in the capital was unexpected, and there were also the unforeseen reactions of several people. The various forces within the capital likely had to engage in intense discussions and disputes over how to deal with him or what attitude to take toward him. Each side had their own concerns. For example, with Huangfu Shaozong and the imperial noble consort appearing with him, did that already indicate a certain trend?

If someone made a move, would others intervene? Then would everything be laid out in the open, to everyone’s satisfaction?

Battles of succession were a delicate matter, and no one dared to act rashly. Furthermore, Xia Longyuan was still alive...

So even if he laughed loudly and acted arrogantly, the capital remained silent.

Where is the supposed tigers’ lair and dragons’ den? Is this all this place has to offer?

Even though he knew the reason, Huangfu Shaozong still could not help but admire Zhao Changhe. He had come to the capital as a practitioner merely at the sixth layer of the Profound Gate, and he was connected to powerful winds and clouds, facing experts from the Rankings of Heaven and Earth, numerous powers and countless challenges. Who else could do what he did, looking down on everything with such profound arrogance?

In the eyes of those who were observant, it was as if he was asking, Today, in this realm, who dares challenge me?!

From a distant terrace, Tang Wanzhuang watched quietly, her beautiful eyes gradually becoming hazy. Meanwhile, Vermillion Bird lifted her arm.

“Brother Huangfu.” Amidst the clinking of bowls and the passing of time, Zhao Changhe seemed to have become a little tipsy. “Is there a gambling den here? I’m in the mood for a few hands.”

I thought you were going to ask about the prostitutes here... After all, right across us is the Blissful Red Tower. With your company, I wouldn’t get scolded by my sister. But why are you suddenly asking about a gambling den?

I’ve never heard of him being someone who enjoys gambling... Could he be referring to gambling with his life?

Huangfu Shaozong’s thoughts raced, and he slowly replied, “There is... At the end of this street, just around the corner is Anle Gambling House.”

“Huh, Kangle, Anle, are they a chain?”[1]

Huangfu Shaozong shook his head. “I’ve never heard of Kangle Gambling House.”

“Oh, yeah.” Zhao Changhe knocked his head. “It’s a shabby gambling house in Sword Lake City. It isn’t surprising that you guys from the capital have never heard of it. Well, either way, wanna come with me to have some fun?”

“I don’t think I’ll be going. My family is extremely strict regarding this... I’m afraid my sister will break my legs if she finds out. But if you want to go, then just go.”

“Okay, I’ll go play by myself.”

In the midst of the wind and rain, Zhao Changhe staggered out of the restaurant. “Thanks for hosting me, brother Huangfu.”

Huangfu Shaozong stood on the terrace, watching Zhao Changhe leave. He did not know why Zhao Changhe wanted to go to a gambling den, but he knew why Zhao Changhe had gone out alone, so he deliberately did not see him off.

A straight road, heavy rain pouring down. Lanterns swayed, creaking as they did, mingling with the sound of the pouring rain, creating a unique symphony.

There were some pedestrians, passing by in a hurry holding umbrellas. A swaying drunken man staggered through the middle of the road, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings.

Would it not be perfectly fitting if a flash of sword light were to suddenly appear at this moment?

However, even after Zhao Changhe walked through the long, rainy street in the darkness of night, no movements were made.

Zhao Changhe took out his gourd and took another big gulp, as if he hadn’t drank enough. He laughed heartily as he moved forward. “The glamor of the capital, so it was nothing more than this! It turns out that the pure-hearted Young Master Dai could bring the most straightforward answer. It turns out you and I have both been overthinking!”

No one knew who the “you” he was referring to was, but everyone who heard it felt like he was speaking directly to them.

Unfortunately for them, the true “you” he was referring to was still in the Four Idols Cult.

Bang!

Zhao Changhe staggered through the door of the gambling den.

The doorkeeper hurriedly stopped him. “Sir, weapons are not allowed inside the gambling den.”

Zhao Changhe glanced at him and grinned. “What if I want to wager this blade?”

Boom!

Thunder rumbled in the sky.

Finally, a sigh came from inside the gambling den. “No one in the capital would dare take such a wager.”

Zhao Changhe smiled and said, “Not even the one ranked eighth on the Ranking of Heaven?”

“No, especially since the fifth lord isn’t here. We dare not make decisions on his behalf,” the man said leisurely. “But there is no problem in letting you bring your saber in. Our establishment is more than just a gambling den, after all. We have the best hot springs and the best dealers, should you desire.”

“Indeed, as I thought, you’re way more interesting than Huangfu Shaozong.”

“Nobility have too many concerns, no matter whether they are Huangfu, Cui, or Tang. Commoners like us don’t have so many scruples. When guests arrive, we entertain them. Sir, please come in.”

“Who said we’re scrupulous?” the guqin-carrying maid interjected indignantly. “Young Master Zhao is my young master’s friend, and he has helped our clan thwart the schemes of the Maitreya Cult. The young lady said that we should have entertained him, but it’s just that we’re busy today, so we had Young Master Huangfu receive him.”

Zhao Changhe’s mouth twitched. “What are you doing? I have things to do!”

Are you really that eager to enjoy some hot springs or have some fun gambling?

The man from the gambling den was also feeling a little helpless. “Since Lady Qin has spoken, we have no right to force guests. Please do as you wish.”

Before he could finish speaking, Huangfu Shaozong came in a hurry. “Erm, Brother Zhao, although I can’t accompany you to the gambling den, our family’s guest house is fully prepared, with gentle maids...”

But then, before he finished speaking, a sharp voice rang out from afar, “By decree of Her Majesty the Empress, Zhao Changhe is summoned to the palace.”

As if everything had come to a standstill, Zhao Changhe burst into laughter. “What of the empress, bureau chief, or marquis? I want to enter a gambling den, what does it have to do with them?”

With that, he ignored everyone and walked in on his own.

Huangfu Shaozong opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. Meanwhile, the guqin-carrying maid ran off in tears.

In the distance, the old eunuch stood trembling with anger. “Preposterous...”

1. Note that Kangle (康乐) and Anle (安乐) share the character 乐 (cheerful, happy) and a similar meaning, that being well-being, leisure, or simply happiness. ☜