Chapter Eighty-Seven: The Infatuated Man

Three days had passed since Zhongli Yu left the capital. Wishing all examinees the best of luck in their exams! Speaking of three days ago, a scholar-like man led over a thousand people to the imperial palace, begging the emperor to retract his order, and not to strip Zhongli Yu of his noble title. However, the emperor refused to receive them, merely instructing his attendants to record the leader's name before having them all driven out. The matter thus faded away unresolved, leaving the people angry and resentful, their voices of indignation for Zhongli Yu echoing throughout the city.

Liang Wei, upon hearing her servant's report, was quite pleased with the outcome. She smiled triumphantly, gazing lovingly at Yang Qi, and said, “Qi’er, your tactic of sowing discord was brilliantly executed. Mother is gratified—my son has finally grown up and become shrewd.”

Proud to receive his mother’s praise, Yang Qi replied modestly, “It’s only because you taught me well, Mother.”

Liang Wei shot him a playful look, mock-scolding, “You child, always so glib, just trying to please your mother.”

“If you’re happy, then I’m happy. So, making you happy is just another way of making myself happy. Why wouldn’t I do it?”

“Oh, you, your tongue is truly remarkable.” Liang Wei laughed even more joyfully, pride shining in her eyes as she looked at her son.

“Mother, what should we do next?” Yang Qi asked.

“I must return to Xiyuan. Our supply of ‘Total Obedience’ is nearly depleted. I must ask my senior brother to speed up production and make more. When the time comes, Mo Qing can use it on even more martial artists. Once we control the entire martial world, even if Dongling has three hundred thousand imperial soldiers, they will be nothing to fear.”

“Mother, why didn’t we use ‘Total Obedience’ on the officials of Xiyuan in the first place?”

Liang Wei sighed, “That was my overconfidence. I thought Xiyuan would eventually be yours. I planned to wait until you ascended the throne, and then, after controlling the martial world, Dongling could be conquered and all the lands united. Who could have predicted that Yang Rui, that wretch, had been playing the fool all these years? He seized the opportunity while you were away at war, taking advantage of your absence.”

The thought of this made Liang Wei furious; she believed her greatest mistake was misjudging Yang Rui and being deceived by him.

“Then let’s return to Xiyuan, use the drug to control the court ministers and have them secretly aid our rebellion. In any case, the throne of Xiyuan must not fall into Yang Rui’s hands for nothing,” Yang Qi said bitterly, the thought of losing his soon-to-be-won throne burning him with rage and pain.

“That’s not a bad plan. When I return to Xiyuan, I’ll select suitable targets,” Liang Wei agreed.

“Mother, take care of yourself. I’ll be waiting for you here,” Yang Qi said.

“Good. While I’m away, manage the affairs of the sect properly. Don’t let anything go awry. We’ll discuss everything else when I return.”

“Don’t worry, Mother, I know what to do.”

“Very well, then I’ll set out now.” With those words, Liang Wei used her lightness skill and left the Thousand Poison Sect.

The covert guards of the Serene Pavilion, stationed near the sect, saw a figure fly out and disappear in an instant. They thought to give chase, but it was already too late. They hadn’t expected such a formidable master to be hidden within the Thousand Poison Sect, and hurried back to report to their master.

Zhongli Yu, upon receiving the news, merely responded calmly that he understood. He had already uncovered much of the sect’s ambition, but whether Yang Qi was the sole mastermind remained to be seen. Thus, he ordered his men to continue monitoring the sect closely.

Liang Wei returned to Xiyuan and made her way to a secluded valley. The valley was tranquil, with a clear stream where fish swam freely. About a hundred meters from the stream stood several bamboo huts, the bamboo weathered with time. Wildflowers bloomed around the huts, their fragrance carried on the autumn breeze, creating a soothing atmosphere. Chickens of various sizes foraged throughout the valley, their numbers exceeding a thousand, making for a picturesque scene.

Liang Wei pushed open the door of a bamboo hut and entered. Inside, a man in a dark blue robe was reading an ancient tome, its pages detailing various poisons. He showed no surprise at her arrival, evidently well aware of who it was.

“Senior brother, I’m here,” Liang Wei called softly.

The man turned. He had a square face and rather regular features, appearing about forty years old. Upon seeing Liang Wei, his expression softened, and he said gently, “Junior sister, you’ve come. Are you out of medicine again?”

“Don’t say that, senior brother. I came because I missed you.” Liang Wei gave a coquettish smile, her voice sweet and tender.

The man shook his head, a helpless smile on his lips. He said softly, “Junior sister, there’s no need to coax me. Every time you come, it’s for the medicine. No need to make me happy.”

Liang Wei saw the pain in his smile and felt a pang of guilt, but it vanished quickly. She moved to his side, embraced him, and breathed seductively in his ear, “Senior brother, I truly missed you this time. Didn’t you miss your little junior sister?” With that, she pressed her softness against his chest. The man responded instinctively, as if this had happened countless times before, lifting her in his arms and carrying her into the inner room. Soon, the valley echoed with their cries, jarring the tranquil air.

Afterwards, the man, sated and content, held her slender waist and said tenderly, “Junior sister, I want to be with you forever. Don’t leave—stay with me. I’ve heard Yang Yuxiong has been forced to abdicate, and his son intends you no good. Why not stay here and live a peaceful life with me?”

“Senior brother, just wait a little longer. Then I’ll be with you forever, all right?” Liang Wei coaxed him, repeating the same promise she’d made for years.

“Junior sister, I’ve waited for you for over twenty years. How much longer must I wait? All these years, I’ve loved you, unwavering. Haven’t you ever been moved?” The man spoke helplessly, his heart aching. Years ago, he’d watched the woman he loved marry a crown prince, powerless to stop it, but his love never wavered. She claimed to love him too, but was forced to marry into royalty. Over the years, she’d asked him to develop ‘Total Obedience’, promising that as long as he gave her the medicine, she would one day return to him. He never questioned her reasons. Yet as the years passed, she took more and more of the drug, but visited less and less, leaving him to endure endless longing.

Liang Wei reached out her delicate hand, gently caressing his face, and said with deep emotion, “Senior brother, I love you too. This time, I truly won’t keep you waiting long. Trust me.”

“All right, I trust you.” The man, ever vulnerable to her tenderness, surrendered once again, and soon the room was filled with the sounds of their passion.

Liang Wei, having obtained what she came for, told her senior brother that the more medicine he produced, the sooner she would return. Blinded by love, the infatuated man devoted himself even more fervently to his harmful craft.

After taking care of state affairs and entrusting important matters to his able ministers, Yang Rui personally traveled to Dongling to bring his sister home. He had already written to Zhongli Yu, informing him of his imminent arrival.

Zhongli Yu told Yang Rui to come to the Gu family estate to fetch his sister. Thus, as soon as Yang Rui set foot in Dongling, he headed straight for Wenyang Town. He brought only about twenty trusted men, but even this modest entourage created quite a stir in the town. Yang Rui, clad in a deep red brocade robe, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, cut a striking figure. His noble bearing and the natural majesty of a ruler made him someone people could only admire from afar.

Arriving at the Gu estate, Yang Rui had his men politely knock at the door. Before long, Steward Yang appeared, evidently prepared for Yang Rui’s arrival, and courteously led them to the main hall.

Zhongli Yu and the others were already waiting inside. As Yang Rui entered, everyone rose to greet him.

“Elder brother, you’re here!” Biyou exclaimed in excitement. After months apart, her brother was now Emperor of Xiyuan, and had come himself to fetch her—a gesture that touched her deeply.

Yang Rui saw his sister’s radiant smile, her happiness evident. He nodded in satisfaction, gently embraced her, and said softly, “Biyou, your brother has come to take you home.”

Biyou nodded, nestling trustingly into his arms.

“Your Majesty, you must be weary from your journey. Please, have some tea,” Zhongli Yu said calmly, signaling Steward Yang to serve the tea.

Yang Rui replied with a gentle smile, “You are too kind, Prince Chun. I am deeply grateful to you and your princess for looking after my sister and easing my worries.”

He shot a grateful look at both Zhongli Yu and Zhan Yan. When his gaze fell on Zhan Yan, he was momentarily stunned. She had become even more beautiful, her entire being suffused with a gentle serenity that drew people in.

Zhan Yan, now expecting, radiated the gentle composure of impending motherhood. Happiness lit her face with a contented smile, enhancing her already dazzling beauty and making her even more captivating.

Zhongli Yu naturally noticed Yang Rui’s reaction, but his fleeting displeasure soon faded.

Zhan Yan smiled and said, “No need for thanks, Your Majesty. Caring for Biyou was but a small matter, hardly worth mentioning.”

Biyou, holding her brother’s sleeve, said shyly, “Brother, let me introduce someone to you.”

Yang Rui raised an eyebrow at her bashfulness, smiling, “And who might you wish to introduce to me?”

Biyou walked over to Gu Qinghan and said, “Brother, this is Gu Qinghan, the princess’s elder brother.”

Gu Qinghan hurriedly rose and bowed, “I am Gu Qinghan, greetings to the King of Xiyuan.” His demeanor was composed and unyielding, earning Yang Rui’s silent approval. Surely the brother of such a woman would not be lacking.

“No need for formalities, Master Gu,” Yang Rui said with a wave of his hand.

“Your Majesty, Princess Biyou and I are devoted to each other. I hope you will grant us your blessing,” Gu Qinghan said solemnly, a note of earnest plea in his voice.

“And if I refuse?” Yang Rui asked coolly.

“I hope you will agree. In this lifetime, I will marry no one but Biyou. Even if I have to steal her away, I will,” Gu Qinghan replied, giving Biyou a tender look.

“How dare you!” Yang Rui’s anger flared. To brazenly declare before him that he would steal his sister—this man was truly audacious.

“You are mistaken, Your Majesty. I am not bold, merely honest about my intentions.” Gu Qinghan remained perfectly earnest, unshaken by Yang Rui’s wrath.

In the hall, Gu Yan and the other elders sipped their tea and watched as if enjoying a theatrical performance, unconcerned in the least. Though all twenty of Yang Rui’s men were skilled, Gu Yan had faith in his disciple.

Seeing that the matter would not soon be resolved, the others found seats to watch. Qingyun thoughtfully brought Zhan Yan a cup of jujube tea, which she drank contentedly, smiling all the while. She knew Yang Rui’s men could never defeat her brother. Though he had not had the chance to master Pear Blossom Falling, as the foremost disciple of the greatest martial master, Gu Yan, his skills were unmatched.

Only Biyou and Yang Rui remained standing. Yang Rui was secretly impressed by Gu Qinghan’s mastery, while Biyou was so nervous her palms were clammy. She knew of his agility, but had never actually seen him fight, and worried whether he could prevail against these trusted guards.

Her concern proved unnecessary. After half an hour, more than half of Yang Rui’s men had fallen, their attacks cautious, aiming only to subdue Gu Qinghan without inflicting harm. Gu Qinghan, in turn, held back—after all, Yang Rui might become his brother-in-law, and crippling his men would make it even harder to win his approval.

The few remaining continued to fight, but it was clear they wouldn’t last. Sure enough, soon all twenty were down, while Gu Qinghan stood calm and collected.

Yang Rui’s face darkened at the defeat of his men, yet inwardly he was pleased. This man’s martial prowess was more than sufficient to protect his sister. Moreover, for that one vow—“I will marry no one but Biyou”—Yang Rui had already begun to favor him. As for his character, Yang Rui, with his experience, believed this young man to be upright. He trusted his own judgment. It seemed his sister had chosen well.

“Your Majesty, are you satisfied with my brother-in-law?” Zhongli Yu broke the silence, sensing that Gu Qinghan had passed the test.

“As the princess’s brother, he is naturally excellent. I am very satisfied.” Yang Rui finally dropped his stern façade and smiled.

Zhan Yan set down her teacup and said with a laugh, “At least you have good taste.”

“Haha, don’t you think that sounds rather self-serving?” Yang Rui laughed aloud at her frankness.

“That’s because what I have to offer is truly good,” Zhan Yan replied without a hint of embarrassment.

“Very well, since it’s good, I’ll take it,” Yang Rui said with hearty amusement.

“Brother! How can you say that? Qinghan is a person, not something to be bought!” Biyou protested, stamping her foot and casting an aggrieved look at her brother.

“See, you’re not even married yet and already taking his side. It was just a figure of speech. Qinghan didn’t object, but you’re upset.” Yang Rui pinched her nose fondly, his tone indulgent.

“Brother!” Biyou’s face flushed crimson.

Turning to Gu Qinghan, Yang Rui said gravely, “I permit you to marry Biyou, but I hope you will have the wedding in Xiyuan. She is my dearest sister, and I want her to be married with all the honor befitting her station.”

“Agreed,” Gu Qinghan answered readily. With ample means, acquiring a mansion in Xiyuan would be no trouble, and as a bachelor, he had no attachment to any place. His grandfather was well cared for by his sister, and as for his own sister, she was happily married to Prince Chun. There was nothing to worry about.

Yang Rui, pleased by his swift acceptance, nodded. They began to discuss the wedding arrangements as if they were one family, tentatively deciding that Gu Qinghan would accompany Yang Rui back to Xiyuan and then set a date for the wedding.

Gu Qinghan requested that Gu Yan attend the wedding in Xiyuan as his witness. As his only elder, Gu Yan would have gone regardless.

Fate is a wondrous thing. Two people who should never have crossed paths were now to become husband and wife. Zhan Yan, moved by compassion, had taken Biyou in, never expecting that it would lead to such a happy union. As the saying goes, matches are made in heaven—and it was true.

The next day, Yang Rui departed with Biyou and Gu Qinghan. Yet he did not know that in his absence, Liang Wei had already infiltrated Xiyuan, secretly administering ‘Total Obedience’ to several of his ministers. The future of Xiyuan would no longer be peaceful.

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