Wu Huan was shocked as he heard what Shao Wen had said. It wasn't only absurd but also ridiculous. “I mean it. The other day when the head of the crime department came, he laughed and I took note of it. When Brother Zhi Hao came back, he laughed the same way and they were almost the same. Really almost the same way." Shao Wen said and Xiang Jun laughed. “Are you being serious? How can you suddenly have such a suspicion based on their laughter alone? Many people may laugh the same way. It's nothing to make such a big deal about." Xiang Jun said. " Xiang Jun is right. It's impossible that Zhi Hao could be the head of the crime department. The head of the crime department has been in the city long before we came. Zhi Hao has been with us back at the boarder. It doesn't match. Maybe because you were thinking too much about the head of the crime department's laughter that you thought you had recognized it with Zhi Hao.” Wu Huan said. “Maybe you are right." Shao Wen said. " Don't tell
Few days later, the priests did exactly as they had planned. They were to stay in their houses in the palace as they always did. Fenghao was to send some soliders to the capital and then, the priests would join helping Fenghao's soliders. Fenghao didn't attend the morning court as he always did because he was afraid that if his plans were caught, he would be held on the palace.One of the officials mentioned it during their meeting and Xing Ming pretended to know.“If he is sick then we should send someone to go and see him later. I am currently having a lot of work so, why doesn't the prime minister go? He is your uncle, right?” Xing Ming asked smiling which made Zhou Dong narrow his eyes.Ever since that day that he had overheard their discussions, he had been able to sleep well. Xing Ming was slowly becoming like the late emperor. Many years had passed since the late emperor had died. He didn't want Xing Ming to lose the mantle of heaven so he had to stop him.“ Of course. He is my
Wu Huan watched as the emperor laughed at the Grand Duke. The emperor really looked so proud which made everything worth it. It was as if all their years of hardships had not been in vain. “Whatever you want to do to me is fine. Leave the priests alone. It is a big abomination for you to harm the priests. You would immediately lose the mantle of heaven.” Fenghao said. “They stopped being deserving of being called priests when they tried to rebel against me. I heard you earlier. You said heaven had already deemed me an unworthy ruler. I don't need to care then. Your life and the lives of those priest are unworthy to me.” Xing Ming said as he drew out Zhi Hao's saber which most of them couldn't.The members of Liming watched as he skillfully swing the sword around before bringing it to the high priest's neck. Xing Ming looked ready to kill the high priest when someone fired needles at him making him step back. “Don't do it, Xing Ming." Xing Ming heard Zhou Dong say as he came “Xing
Just as Zhou Dong had suspected, Wu Huan came back and met his master sitting on a chair in front of the front hall. The other members seemed very afraid as they saw their master suddenly started clapping. “Greetings Master.” Wu Huan said and the rest followed greeting Master Ye “You all have accomplished a great work today. Fenghao and his people have been stopped. All of you can go inside. I need to talk to Wu Huan.” Master Ye said. “Master, I know you are probably angry because of what happened during the rebellion. Wu Huan was slow to do as His Majesty said because, because he was.” Song Huo said stopping as he looked around at the rest members for help. “I had already warned all of you. You people must obey whatever His Majesty tells you. Do you know embarrassed you almost made His Majesty? You are the leader of Liming. How many times must I read out your responsibilities? If you do not want to lead Liming anymore, you should just tell me. Do you not want to stay as the leade
The words that Zhi Hao said came out as a shock. It was as if the whole world had been paused for that particular moment.“I am in love with the empress." Zhi Hao had said.Everyone knew that Zhi Hao wasn't one to joke around with these sort of things. Although he was extremely playful, he knew when to draw the line.“Zhi Hao, what did you just say?" Song Huo asked." I cannot believe this. Brother Zhi, are you joking?" Xiang Jun asked." No, he is not.” All of them turned around when they heard someone behind them.Zhi Hao's eyes widened as he saw Han Ying enter the manor. Standing up, Song Huo glanced around making sure that none of the maids were there since they were all spies for their master and the emperor. .“Greetings Empress." Wu Huan said bowing his head." Greetings Empress. “ The rest of them said bowing their maids too.While everyone bowed their heads, Zhi Hao looked at Han Ying signaling her to ask her why she had come. Han Ying saw Zhi Hao but didn't reply.“I know yo
“The high priest?" Zhou Dong asked Dai Chan who nodded her head showing she was confident.The high priest was the cause of the reason why Fenghao's plan failed. Plus, the fact he was the high priest made him hold a very huge seat of power. Dai Chan knew she could not turn a blind eye to him.“The high priest didn't have any huge power before because of Fenghao. But now, things are different. The high priest will become the most respected priest in the entire state. He was the same one who refused to perform the burial rites for the late emperor. So I don't understand why Xing Ming is doing everything the high priest tells him now.” Dai Chan said.“So what are you trying to say?" Zhou Dong asked watching as Dai Chan sipped her tea.“I am saying that it is suspicious. Don't you find it suspicious too? What type of blackmail, what secret of Xing Ming's is the high priest using to hold Xing Ming to his side?” Dai Chan asked.Zhou Dong truly became worried after hearing what Dai said. Eve
Wu Huan sighed as he heard what Nan Cheng said and couldn't help but glance back at the teahouse. It was Song Huo. Song Huo had been the one who banned Zhi Hao from leaving their sights. Since he was the eldest, Wu Huan didn't want to go against him lest they enter a fight. “Where is Song Huo at the moment?" Wu Huan asked. " Brother Wu, what are you planning on doing? You are not planning on taking Brother Zhi out, are you? Brother Song would shout his voice out when he comes back.” Nan Cheng said. “Since you are like this, I am guessing that Song Huo isn't in the teahouse right now. He must have gone to the brothel again. Let me take him out. I am sure that if he spends a little time outside, he might get well again. I'm not used to seeing him like this.” Wu Huan said heading inside the teahouse. Spotting Zhi Hao sitting down in the middle of the room, Wu Huan walked to him grabbing his hands. “Where are you taking me to? What are you doing?" Zhi Hao asked. " Don't you want to
Dai Chan hit her hand on the table getting frustrated after hearing what Zhao Yao had said. She was not a native of Zhou and she had forgotten to ask about everything before sending Zhao Yao.“ If Xing Ming sends for me just as you think, then I will help you pull the high priest from the ceremony. The rest is up to you. You will have to find a way by yourself." Dai Chan said watching as Zhao Yao nodded her head. Sighing to herself, Dai Chan turned her eyes back at the coal burner. Hopefully, things would go exactly as they have planned it. In the evening, Dai Chan waited for Xing Ming's eunuch to come pick her as she dressed up. Zhao Yao had already returned back to the priest quarters. Glancing at the sky, Dai Chan started to play with her fingers when she realized that the ritual might soon start. “What is His Majesty doing? Is he with a consort?" Dai Chan asked her maid even though she knew that she might not know anything. The welcoming ritual for the new priests started. Zha
(Two years later)Wu Huan walked across the palace with his entourage following him as he entered into the court room. All the ministers stood up and immediately greeted him before he took his seat. This was his life now. After dealing with all the matters of state for the day, Wu Huan went to visit someone. Opening the door, Wu Huan was suprised as he saw greeted with someone running to meet him. “Your Majesty." Wu Huan heard his wife say and nodded his head at her too. “Royal father." Wu Huan heard Huanxing say and smiled. Day by day, Huanxing resembled the woman he had loved to the ending. The fact that he wasn't at her side at her last ending was forever a big regret to him. Nevertheless, she left him a perfect gift. Her son. Wu Huan didn't mind who was Huanxing's father. To him, he was his son and he would take care of him as long as he was alive. Few months later, Wu Huan left the palace and arrived last on the mountains. All the other members of Liming were already there wi
Hearing Nan Cheng talk, Han Ying became even more nervous. The more Nan Cheng talked, the more he was revealing too many things. Things that she didn't want the world to know. Signaling a guard with her hand behind her back, Han Ying collected his sword. Tightening her hand around the sword, Han Ying threw the sword aiming for Nan Cheng. The rest members of Liming gasped in shock as they saw me that Nan Cheng was about to be killed. Luckily, Nan Cheng has seen it coming and jumped up into the air to avoid the sword. Even when she saw that she had failed, Han Ying didn't stop. “Kill him. Make sure you kill him!" Han Ying said exposing herself while Han Ling remained calm. The royal guards that she had come with, immediately brought out their arrows showing their true intentions. Wu Huan saw the arrows being fired at Nan Cheng and immediately went to block it for him. The two of them blocked all the arrows watching it fall to the ground. But the more they blocked the arrows fired at
“What? What did you say? Wu Huan is holding Duke Chengzhou hostage for his deed?” Han Ying asked as she stood up. Staring at her toys, Han Ling heard everything yet she didn't say anything and continued to play with her toys as if she wasn't concerned. “Has he gone mad? Let's go immediately." Han Ying said about to leave but stopped when she realized that her daughter was not with her. Turning back, Han Ying signaled her daughter to get in line and Han Ling stood up obeying immediately. Few minutes later, they all arrived at Duke Chengzhou's manor where Wu Huan was still holding Duke Chengzhou hostage. He had alreadygotten the deed and was coming out of the manor when Han Ying's carriage stopped iln front. Holding her maid's hand, Han Ying came down and Han Ling followed. “Wu Huan." Wu Huan heard his name and stopped watching as the royal guards that had followed Han Ying rounded him. “Wu Huan. Stop this madness immediately and drop the deed. You have finally exposed yourself in
Few seconds later, Wu Huan was rushing out of the house in order to go and find who had been behind everything from the beginning. This unknown person was finally ready to show his face which meant that Han Ling's suspicions had been correct. Anger blinded his eyes and all he wanted to do was to destroy that person. But just as angry as he was, he was also afraid. “Wu Huan." Wu Huan heard his name only after he had felt something grab him. Lifting his head up, Wu Huan turned and saw Zhi Hao. He had already forgotten about Zhi Hao who had followed him. Unlike Wu Huan who was blinded with rage, Zhi Hao was not. Therefore, Zhi Hao could see that it was a huge set up. “Where are you going? Don't you know that it's a trap?" Zhi Hao asked. " Trap or not, do you expect me to leave my sister and allow her to get killed?” Wu Huan asked. Hearing what Wu Huan said, Zhi Hao sighed knowing that there was actually no way that he could stop Wu Huan. Later that evening, Zhi Hao sent a message
“ Who am I?" Han Ling asked as she laughed walking across the room. Wu Huan and Zhi Hao who had been watching her stood suprised as they watched Han Ling move to the window. Just then, the doors opened and the guards came in leading Duke Fenghao. After leading him inside, they left leaving him alone with Wu Huan and Zhi Hao. Glancing at the room, Duke Fenghao already knew something was wrong. “Your Majesty, what is happening here? Do you mind telling me?” Duke Fenghao asked as he looked around the room. “Duke Fenghao, Wu Huan is saying that someone kidnapped Princess Zhao Yao. Did you do it? I believe that you might be the one since you have a grudge against his family for stealing your family's deed.” Han Ling said. “Your Majesty, that's impossible. I would never do such a thing. At all. Even though it is true that he did steal our family's deed, I have no reason to kidnap his sister.” Duke Fenghao said. “But it won't be the first time you have done that. As I have heard, the pr
Han Ling walked from her royal chair where she was supposed to be and walked to the window gazing through it. “In this palace, there are a lot of things that cannot be said. I only hope on others till I can gain my own power. There are a lot of things happening but I can't do anyone about it. Please help me.” Wu Huan heard Han Ling say. After remembering what Han Ling said, Wu Huan left the palace gate about to enter his carriage when he saw Zhao Yao hiding by a corner. Glancing around confused, Wu Huan stepped away from his carriage walking to where Zhao Yao was. “ What are you doing here? Hiding like that.” Wu Huan asked Zhao Yao. Few seconds later, Wu Huan and Zhao Yao stood in an alley talking. Wu Huan had dragged her hand immediately he saw that she had been holding a bag. “Where are you going?” Wu Huan asked Zhao Yao even though he he already knew the answer. Zhao Yao was leaving so suddenly. It could only he because she had heard something about Song Huo. At this moment,
Shao Wen's eyes widened as he heard what Zhao Yao had said. Hearing that it was about the gate of heaven, Shao Wen drew closer near to Zhao Yao and glanced around to make sure no one was around. “Gate of heaven? Did you just say the gate of heaven? How is that possible? You don't think that Brother Song has something to do with this, do you? I can sincerely vouch for him. He would never do such a thing.” Shao Wen said immediately trying to convince Zhao Yao. Shaking her head, Zhao Yao sipped her tea before glancing at her cup as she dropped it down. She already knew that Song Huo wasn't behind it. “I know that he isn't the one behind it. You don't need to convince me otherwise.” Zhao Yao said. “Are you really not going to return back to Chu with me?” Shao Wen asked. Zhao Yao looked at Shao Wen and sighed not knowing if she was doing the right thing. At this moment, she knew it was better to reason with her head rather than her heart yet, she couldn't find herself doing it at al
Glancing up at the ceiling, Han Ying took a deep breath before putting her head down. Lately, she was losing a lot to Zhi Hao and she didn't like it at all. Not wanting to comprise, Han Ying opened her mouth to speak but looked at her personal maid and saw her signal her to not do it. This was more than them just accepting whatever Zhi Hao said, her pride was slowly diminishing. Deciding to heed to her personal maid's warning, Han Ying looked at Han Ling and nodded her head. “Thank you, mother." Han Ying heard Han Ling say as her daughter jumped into her arms hugging her. “Thank you, Queen Mother." Zhi Hao said bowing his head as he smiled. Leaving the palace, Zhi Hao smiled as a part of his plan had worked. He was one step away from revealing the truth. Few days later, Zhi Hao set the trap he wanted in the palace without anyone knowing. Meanwhile, Han Ying was getting anxious by the minute every single day. Zhi Hao had told them that he was going to set a trap but he had not told
Few minutes later, Song Huo woke up with blurry vision as he opened his eyes for the first time. Glancing around, Song Huo looked and saw that he wws still in the same room as his unconscious father. Seeing his father in a coffin, Song Huo immediately got the idea of had really happened. Although their royal family had learned the magic that could be used to preserve a person in between the gate of life and death, there was a price to be paid for it. Sitting up, Song Huo looked to trying to avoid Nan Cheng's gaze as he knew his younger brother very well“There is no need for you to continue staring at me. I know very well what I am doing." Song Huo said" What you are doing? I don't think you know at all. The price of you performing such magic, you must know yourself.” Nan Cheng said making Song Huo stand up immediately. “Enough. You don't need to continue telling me about such trival matters. I will handle myself. Just make sure that you help me perseve my father's body.” Song Huo