Chapter 0078: Hating Him

Chapter 0078: Hating Him

Xiao Rong was very anxious, but no one understood why he was so worried.

Yu Shaoxie turned his head to glance at Gao Xunzhi, and Gao Xunzhi subtly nodded at him.

Yu Shaoxie understood. He shook Xiao Rong's hand that was gripping his clothes, gently dislodging him before sitting down beside him. Then, he asked softly, "Ah Rong, is there something wrong with Zhao Xingzong?"

Qu Yunmie, who had initially seemed oblivious, suddenly turned his head sharply upon hearing the name "Ah Rong," staring intently at Yu Shaoxie.

By this time, Xiao Rong had also regained his composure. He had been too anxious earlier, revealing information he shouldn't have. Staring stiffly at the three of them, his expression gradually softened.

He put on a nonchalant face and politely addressed the other two, "Your Majesty, Chancellor Gao, may I speak with Brother Yu alone for a moment?"

Qu Yunmie's eyebrows shot up, and he opened his mouth to ask what needed to be said in private from him.

But Gao Xunzhi quickly pulled him back, smiling at Xiao Rong, "Of course, we'll step out for a bit. Ah Rong, remember to rest well and don’t talk too much."

With that, he pushed the reluctant Qu Yunmie out of the room, closing the door behind them. Qu Yunmie looked disgruntled, "I didn't say I wanted to leave."

Gao Xunzhi closed the door firmly and then turned, exasperated, "What do you want? Are you going to meddle even though you know better?"

Qu Yunmie: "..."

He crossed his arms and fell silent, but soon asked Gao Xunzhi coldly, "What are they going to talk about?"

Gao Xunzhi: "I don't know."

Silence fell around them again, but it didn't last long.

Qu Yunmie couldn't help but blurt out, "Did you hear how he called Xiao Rong just now!"

Gao Xunzhi: "..." What does it matter to you?!

Inside, Xiao Rong began explaining calmly, "I suddenly remembered that I've heard the name Zhao Xingzong before."

Yu Shaoxie: "..."

Is that so? But you just called him Zhao Yaozu, Zhao Guangzong, everything except Zhao Xingzong.

Sensing Yu Shaoxie’s disbelief, Xiao Rong paused, then continued earnestly, "It was a long time ago, several years back. I'm not sure if they're the same person. Could you tell me more about him, Brother Yu?"

Yu Shaoxie winked at him, and before Xiao Rong could become wary, he sighed and nodded, "Alright."

But there wasn't much to tell, as Zhao Xingzong was as clean as a sheet, both in background and record, without a single suspicious detail. The more this was true, the more anxious Xiao Rong became, unable to fathom how Zhao Xingzong could affect Qu Yunmie's fate.

After finishing, Yu Shaoxie saw Xiao Rong still lost in thought. Not knowing how to comfort him, he waited until Xiao Rong noticed his silence and thanked him, asking him not to worry about Zhao Xingzong for now, promising to invite him over once he felt better.

Yu Shaoxie acknowledged and left.

As soon as he opened the door, he saw Qu Yunmie and Gao Xunzhi standing outside, neither having moved.

Yu Shaoxie closed the door first, then greeted the two. Qu Yunmie scrutinized him closely, though it was unclear what he was looking for.

Qu Yunmie asked, "How is he?"

Yu Shaoxie: "Still a bit weak. In my opinion, don't let anyone disturb him for the next couple of days—"

Before he could finish, Qu Yunmie turned and pushed the door open, entering the room.

Yu Shaoxie: "…………"

Well, it wasn't the first time the King ignored his advice.

Taking a deep breath, Yu Shaoxie turned to face Gao Xunzhi.

Yu Shaoxie opened his mouth to speak, "Mr. Gao..."

But Gao Xunzhi shook his head, "Don't mention it. The fewer people who know, the better for Ah Rong. Heaven's secrets must not be revealed."

Yu Shaoxie paused, then slowly straightened his lips, nodding cautiously.

Gao Xunzhi knew he was reliable. Despite their occasional political disagreements, Yu Shaoxie was always considerate.

Smiling slightly, Gao Xunzhi patted his shoulder, "Alright, go back to work. I’m off too."

Yu Shaoxie smiled and, out of politeness, asked, "Where are you going, Mr. Gao?"

Gao Xunzhi continued smiling, "To pray."

And maybe discuss with the Daojun to leave the divine matters to Ah Rong while he takes care of the physical suffering. Many doctors have said he is healthy enough to handle it, like a young man in his twenties! If someone has to be sick, it might as well be him. Hopefully, the Daojun will agree with this reasoning.

When Qu Yunmie entered, Xiao Rong was leaning against the bed, deep in thought. Hearing footsteps, he lifted his face and watched Qu Yunmie approach, finally sitting down beside him with a creak.

Xiao Rong: "..."

Qu Yunmie's body fat ratio was similar to a pig, but his weight matched his height, with little fat. This heaviness could only mean he was all muscle, which explained why he felt so hard. When Xiao Rong grabbed his clothes earlier, he accidentally touched his abs, the texture... best not to mention it.

It felt like grabbing a piece of marble.

Facing Yu Shaoxie, Xiao Rong would at least try to explain his unusual behavior, but with Qu Yunmie, he didn’t bother. Qu Yunmie wouldn't guess the truth anyway, and he never pressured himself over things he couldn't figure out.

Just as Xiao Rong expected, Qu Yunmie didn't try to guess, but not for the reason Xiao Rong thought. He simply believed the truth wasn't important.

Looking at Xiao Rong, he finally said after a long pause, "Can you survive until I return?"

Xiao Rong: "…………" He was speechless.

Xiao Rong looked at Qu Yunmie with a numb expression. "Your Majesty, rest assured. Just for that statement, I will definitely live to see that day."

Qu Yunmie: "I know you're joking, but I'm not."

Xiao Rong was taken aback and finally took a good look at Qu Yunmie. Seeing the calmness on Qu Yunmie's face, Xiao Rong paused and adjusted his own expression. He then said seriously and calmly, "I am healthier than Your Majesty thinks. As long as Your Majesty returns safely, you will see me welcoming the victorious army at the city gates."

Hearing this, Qu Yunmie finally stopped staring at Xiao Rong. He lowered his gaze, and the atmosphere in the room seemed less tense. However, it didn't last long because Qu Yunmie raised his eyes again, as if he were about to confront him.

"Who is Zhao Yaozu? Why did you want to find him as soon as you woke up?!"

Xiao Rong: "…"

I'd like to ask you too! How could a philosopher be related to your fate? Are you planning to kill him?!

Zhao Yaozu, or rather, Zhao Xingzong, was an unsolved mystery even to Xiao Rong.

Even while lying in bed, Xiao Rong wasn't idle. He had Zhang Biezhi investigate Zhao Xingzong thoroughly, but still found nothing. In order to understand what was wrong with Zhao Xingzong, he even used Qu Yunmie as a human test subject, gauging how to treat Zhao Xingzong based on Qu Yunmie's reactions.

In the end, they concluded that Zhao Xingzong could either be killed or kept close, but never let go or allowed to grow unchecked in Chenliu.

Strange... What does that mean? Could it be that once he leaves the Northern Pacification Army's watch, he starts causing trouble against the entire army?

But he's just a philosopher! Can a philosopher take over the role of a warlord?

Xiao Rong couldn't figure it out, and this became even clearer when he met Zhao Xingzong in person. Discovering that Zhao Xingzong was the scholar who cried uncontrollably at the theater, Xiao Rong couldn't imagine him rallying troops to attack Chenliu.

Moreover, upon realizing that Xiao Rong was the legendary Xiao Lingyin, Zhao Xingzong almost knelt down. His shock and fear were genuine, though it didn't last long. Under Xiao Rong's gentle approach, he quickly regained his enthusiasm and repeatedly pledged his loyalty to Xiao Rong, expressing his sincere desire to serve the Northern Pacification King.

Maintaining a kind expression, Xiao Rong internally regarded Zhao Xingzong as a top-level contaminant. He dared not keep Zhao Xingzong in the palace nor let him stay too far away. With no time to constantly watch him, Xiao Rong decided to send him to the Buddhist monk Mi Jing, to assist with daily chores.

Mi Jing lived alone, and during the summer retreat, he was often idle. Being a devout Buddhist, Mi Jing wouldn't be swayed by Zhao Xingzong, and might even influence Zhao Xingzong with the teachings of emptiness.

Zhao Xingzong didn't notice Xiao Rong's caution and was one of those who admired Mi Jing greatly. He had no objections to this arrangement.

As Zhao Xingzong left the meeting hall in high spirits, he ran into Qu Yunmie returning. Upon seeing Xiao Rong, he knew who had called him a lecher. Since he planned to stay with the Northern Pacification Army, he needed to clear up this misunderstanding quickly.

He hurriedly bowed to Qu Yunmie, explaining that he had been emotionally overwhelmed that day but truly respected the Northern Pacification King and had no intention of offending him. With Xiao Lingyin's approval, he would now serve the Northern Pacification King and prove his abilities and sincerity.

Qu Yunmie listened to his long string of pleasantries without changing his expression. Zhao Xingzong was shocked to learn that Qu Yunmie was the Northern Pacification King, but Qu Yunmie only thought, "Sure enough."

Such an annoying person wouldn't suddenly appear twice. If they were the same person, it made sense.

Qu Yunmie disliked Zhao Xingzong because he had left him speechless that day. His dislike for "Zhao Yaozu" was entirely Xiao Rong's fault, as Xiao Rong had deliberately provoked Qu Yunmie's murderous intent towards Zhao Xingzong, only to retract it later, frustrating Qu Yunmie.

However, Qu Yunmie wouldn't hold a grudge against Xiao Rong; he would only resent Zhao Xingzong for making him feel this way.

The more Qu Yunmie remained unresponsive, the more Zhao Xingzong wanted to change his mind. As he continued talking, Qu Yunmie raised his hand to stop him. "Enough. The King only cares about one thing: where did he assign you?"

Zhao Xingzong blinked, realizing "he" referred to Xiao Rong. He quickly replied, "Xiao Lingyin assigned me to help the Buddhist monk."

Qu Yunmie nodded. "Good arrangement."

From now on, anyone he disliked would be sent to accompany the Buddhist monk.

Halfway through the literary gathering, most participants had arrived and submitted their articles. Some scholars might wait until the last moment to make a grand entrance, but there weren't many. After the atmosphere heated up, everyone was eager to express their thoughts, few could resist the allure of having their work displayed.

Xiao Rong had initially aimed for a thousand articles, but in the end, there were over six hundred participants.

These were just the competitors; many others came to observe but didn't write due to various reasons.

While this outcome wasn't entirely satisfactory, it wasn't a waste of effort either. At least nine-tenths of the properties in Chenliu had been sold, ensuring they wouldn't decay from lack of use.

After Zhao Xingzong successfully joined the Northern Pacification Army, a few more scholars expressed similar intentions. As long as they had no issues with their character, Xiao Rong accepted them all, but they didn't receive the same treatment as Zhao Xingzong. Most were housed in government quarters.

By the time the third question was announced, the excitement outside had little to do with the palace, as the third question was insignificant, and the Northern Pacification Army was about to depart.

Xiao Rong asked, "How many responses have we received so far?"

Zhang Biezhi answered, "Twenty-three. Sixteen are from north of the Huai River, and seven are from Southern Yong, including Jianning's governor, Huang Yanjiong."

Xiao Rong: "Did he mention how many troops he's bringing?"

Zhang Biezhi: "No, he's stingy and cruel. Even if he brings many troops, they'll likely be old and weak, probably conscripted farmers and refugees from nearby Jianning."

Xiao Rong looked at him in surprise. "How do you know? You've never met Huang Yanjiong."

Zhang Biezhi responded matter-of-factly, "My brother-in-law told me."

Xiao Rong: "..."

Right, he almost forgot. Jian Qiao doesn't hide anything from Zhang Biezhi. Unless it's military secrets, Jian Qiao shares everything with Zhang Biezhi.

No wonder Danran likes Jian Qiao; they're kindred spirits.

Xiao Rong shook his head. Not just Huang Yanjiong, others would likely also be perfunctory. This was beyond their control. Fortunately, these people mostly served in logistics, not frontline combat, as Qu Yunmie didn't trust other forces' troops.

Among the twenty-three responding forces, some offered a thousand troops, while others offered ten thousand. Those north of the Huai River, fearing Qu Yunmie, sent more troops, while those in Southern Yong were largely perfunctory, sending only a couple of thousand.

Two responses stood out to Xiao Rong. One was the governor of Shangdang, who sent all his local garrison troops and stayed behind, indicating they would fully follow the Northern Pacification King's orders.

The other was Dongyang King He Tingzhi, who brought only two thousand troops but personally arrived and mingled with the troops outside the city, both with commanders and soldiers.

If anyone asked why he brought so few troops, he would lament that although he was blessed by the late emperor to become the Dongyang King, he couldn't compare to the Northern Pacification King in strength. Due to recent heavy rains in Dongyang, he had to leave four thousand troops to help the people fight floods. The remaining two thousand were all he could muster.

As he spoke, he wiped away tears, lamenting how he disgraced Emperor Wu.

Selling his misery wasn't enough; he added that because he brought so few troops, he felt ashamed but knew that fighting the Xianbei was a duty every Chinese man must fulfill. Therefore, he joined the campaign despite his shame and decided to live with the troops, refusing to enter Chenliu, even though as the Dongyang King, he should be treated as a guest of honor.

People were deeply moved by his noble demeanor and urged him, "Natural disasters aren't your fault. As the Dongyang King, you shouldn't be living outside the city. Come in and rest properly before the march begins."

He Tingzhi kept shaking his head in embarrassment. After three attempts, he sighed and said, "Alright, since you insist so much, I can't refuse." ...

Xiao Rong twitched the corner of his mouth when he heard about this. He asked Song Shuo what the Dongyang King was doing in the city. Song Shuo told him that since entering the city, he hadn't left the Treasure Street Plaza.

He had been chatting with the scholars, and there was nothing out of line in his words. He merely praised them and talked about himself. Everyone could see what he was up to, but it was precisely this kind of open strategy that made it hard to stop him.

He was just having a conversation; the Northern Pacification Army couldn't be petty enough to forbid even that.

Xiao Rong's reaction was mild, but Song Shuo gritted his teeth in anger: "A pretentious scoundrel."

Xiao Rong looked at him and chuckled softly: "Being pretentious isn't necessarily a bad thing. I wish The King would occasionally act that way too."

Song Shuo glanced at him: "Then keep hoping. I doubt The King will ever learn that."

Xiao Rong: "…………"

Others were arriving one after another, but the Northern Pacification Army wouldn't wait for them. If they didn't catch up, they would have to meet at Yanmen Pass.

Xiao Rong only secretly observed who the Dongyang King brought with him and sent someone to discreetly ask Zhou Liang if he had come to his side. Upon learning that he hadn't, Xiao Rong stopped paying attention to him.

The conditions for the Dongyang King's rise were more stringent than Huang Yanjiong's. As long as the young emperor was alive, they didn't need to worry about the Dongyang King becoming a threat.

As the literary gathering neared its end, no one had yet answered the third question perfectly. This was normal, given that it was known as a couplet with a thousand-year-old perfect match. Xiao Rong had deliberately placed this question last to ensure everything went smoothly, and within just a few days, some people couldn't even come up with an imperfect response.

Xiao Rong initially thought the third question was useless, but it turned out to be useful because it exposed some people's true natures.

Some, unable to solve it, became angry and accused the question-setter of intentionally insulting them. They argued that the upper part of the couplet described a widow's feelings, and as men who had studied the classics, they found it beneath them to answer such a question.

— "Living as a guest, lonely windowsill, guarding widowhood in silence."

This was indeed written by a widow, but her talent had surpassed countless arrogant scholars over the centuries. Indeed, as the saying goes, only losers bark loudly.

Xiao Rong ignored them, had their names recorded, and compared them to the top three winners. Finding no overlap, he felt relieved.

No one solved all three questions, and the first two were heavily disputed, so the ten thousand gold pieces couldn't be awarded. To maintain enthusiasm, Xiao Rong still ranked the top three and gave them rewards: each received a house, the first place got two thousand gold pieces, second place got one thousand, and third place got five hundred.

Even without the ten thousand gold pieces, one thousand was a considerable amount. Moreover, the three winners were invited to dine with the Northern Pacification King that night. Others didn't know what happened, but they saw them walking out dazed. By that evening, news spread that the Northern Pacification King had personally toasted them, with Chancellor Gao, Xiao Lingyin, and many other important figures attending. The music played all night, and the Northern Pacification King promised them high offices and generous rewards if they wished.

Being directly invited by the Northern Pacification King to dine was different from being invited after winning. First, almost no one knew about the former, while the latter gave a sense of "I earned this reward through my efforts."

These three were greatly flattered. The next day, two of them came forward to accept the offer. The remaining one was from Jinling and had only come to join the fun, never expecting things to go this far. He hesitated to refuse outright but also dared not agree alone, considering his family's needs.

Chancellor Gao, understanding his dilemma, assured him that the invitation was always open. Even if he refused the Northern Pacification King, they would not hold it against him and would continue to hope he would change his mind.

Their doors in Chenliu were always open to talents like him.

"……" So moved.

He would definitely try to convince his family when he returned! ...

These three were happy, but the others were not. Many were envious and resentful until a new notice was posted, stating that the literary gathering for the year XX had ended, and preparations for the next year's gathering were underway, with the prize still set at ten thousand gold pieces. The Northern Pacification King looked forward to the day someone won it.

Seeing another chance next year, everyone's spirits lifted. They hadn't prepared well this year, but next year, they vowed to redeem themselves!

After making these silent vows, they all left, leaving only one person standing in front of the notice board, staring at the handwritten year XX.

This was the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system, but people usually referred to this year as the sixth year of Shengde. Only when fortune-telling was needed did they call it the year XX. ... Gradually blurring the year's name would reduce the Southern Yong emperor's presence.

Was correcting such minor details a sign of natural meticulousness or a determination to change dynasties? *

Once the literary gathering ended, there were only two days left before the army's departure.

The closer the departure date approached, the more uneasy Xiao Rong felt.

This time, it wasn't due to the system but simply because he couldn't shake off his worries. Historically, Qu Yunmie's fortunes took a sharp turn for the worse during the attack on the Xianbei, and all the negative effects accumulated during this war. Afterward, he plummeted, never to rise again, ending in utter defeat.

But he couldn't go with him. Firstly, he didn't know how to fight, secondly, someone needed to stay behind to manage the rear, and thirdly... he didn't want a repeat of what happened outside Huaiyin City.

Unable to help Qu Yunmie during the battle, Xiao Rong tried to prepare everything meticulously before the departure, ensuring all necessary supplies were taken along, leaving only enough for defending Chenliu.

He then asked Zhang Biezhi to bring Jian Qiao over and earnestly shared his concerns.

Jian Qiao: "……"

Looking at Xiao Rong, he felt Xiao Rong had forgotten what he had said at the beginning.

Initially, Xiao Rong had been furious when The King said he wouldn't take him on the campaign.

At that time, he believed not taking him was suicidal. How had things changed?

Jian Qiao wasn't Zhang Biezhi; he had some emotional intelligence. So he listened silently, but soon noticed something odd.

Xiao Rong actually told him that if anything happened in the army, he should act preemptively, killing anyone involved. Qu Yunmie wouldn't blame Jian Qiao without asking him first. Any issues could be blamed on Xiao Rong, to be resolved upon returning to Chenliu.

Jian Qiao was stunned: "There might be a change in the army?!"

Xiao Rong: "Not necessarily, just being cautious."

Jian Qiao felt like he was going mad: "Mr. Xiao, have you discovered something? Is there a traitor near The King?!"

Xiao Rong: "No, as I said, just being cautious."

Jian Qiao didn't believe him. There were many things to be cautious about, so why mention this specifically? Seeing Xiao Rong unwilling to explain further, Jian Qiao slowly closed his mouth. After a while, he cautiously asked: "Could Mr. Xiao tell me who you suspect?"

Xiao Rong thought for a moment and said: "You can trust Wang Xinyong."

Jian Qiao: "…………"

In other words, neither Yuan Baifu nor Gongsun Yuan were trustworthy.

But these two were Jian Qiao's friends, and Wang Xinyong had always been excluded by them.

Jian Qiao felt absurdly and bone-chillingly cold. This was different from Li Xiuheng. Those two... those two...

At this moment, Xiao Rong suddenly called his name: "General Jian, now is not the time to savor your thoughts."

Jian Qiao looked at Xiao Rong blankly, and Xiao Rong frowned as he looked back: "I said, this is just being prepared for the worst. It might happen or it might not. In the Northern Pacification Army, apart from Chancellor Gao, you are the person I trust the most. At a time like this, you must protect The King’s back. If nothing happens, everyone will be happy. If it does happen, you don’t need to panic because you’ve anticipated and prepared for it. Then, you only need to do one thing: stop The King and remind him that not everyone betrays him; many more people are with him. After that—clean out the traitors."

Jian Qiao: "…………"

Xiao Rong's tone was so relaxed that it lightened some of Jian Qiao's heavy heart. He still couldn't accept it, but as Xiao Rong said, The King was the priority. Any emotions could be processed later.

Seeing Jian Qiao's stricken face, Xiao Rong couldn't help but say: "You don’t have to be like this. I’m just considering all possibilities. There’s a ninety percent chance everything will be calm."

Jian Qiao remained silent. He thought Xiao Rong didn’t understand that even a one percent possibility of such a thing would be a devastating blow to brothers who had shared life and death for years.

He agreed to Xiao Rong's request and turned to leave. Suddenly, Xiao Rong stood up again.

"Wait."

Jian Qiao turned back, hearing Xiao Rong add another instruction: "If nothing happens, don’t tell The King about this. Only heaven, earth, you, and I know about this. I hope it’s just my paranoia."

Jian Qiao looked at him, then turned fully around and bowed deeply—a gesture he shouldn’t have made.

Xiao Rong was stunned, and after bowing, Jian Qiao left.……

After Jian Qiao left, Xiao Rong was silent for a long time. Although Qu Yunmie had an untrustworthy Yuan Baifu, he also had someone like Jian Qiao, who would never leave him no matter what.

People usually only see the harm done to them, but not the protection they receive.

Xiao Rong pursed his lips, then suddenly stood up and knelt beside the bed, reaching under to pull out a bundle.

The Dean's great sword hung on the wall, while this bundle contained the clothes and wig he wore when he first arrived.

He wore the wig until his hair grew halfway back, shocking Ah Shu when he asked why his hair was so short. Conveniently, they had just encountered bandits, so Xiao Rong said the bandits had cut it. The texture and thickness of the wig and real hair were entirely different, but Ah Shu never imagined Xiao Rong wore a synthetic wig; he thought Xiao Rong’s hair had thinned due to the cut.

Performing after makeup seemed like a lifetime ago, along with other days he never cared about, disappearing without warning. And the thing he hated most in this life was being caught off guard.

After a long silence, Xiao Rong stuffed everything back into the bundle and pushed it deep under the bed.＊

On the eve of the army's departure, Qu Yunmie stood before his armor, lost in thought.

Attacking the Xianbei had been his wish since he was fourteen, growing stronger day by day, turning into an obsession.

Like someone dreaming of getting rich, Qu Yunmie had thought about what he would do after his revenge, once his enemies were all punished.

Once, he had no answer. Every day would be a drift, continuing as the Northern Pacification King, protecting everyone around him. His father lived that way, and so did his eldest brother. Continuing such a life seemed fine to him, regardless of how long it lasted.

Now, he still had no answer. Whether being a clear-headed or muddled Northern Pacification King seemed the same. The only difference was that this time, he hoped it would last longer because Xiao Rong had sacrificed so much, and he didn’t want those efforts to be wasted.

Qu Yunmie subconsciously frowned. He never thought so much before a campaign. Why was it different this time? Could it be that he had become soft-hearted from not killing for too long?……

Before Qu Yunmie could find an answer, there was a knock at the door. It was Xiao Rong.

In an instant, Qu Yunmie discarded all his thoughts, quickly walking to the door and opening it. He saw Xiao Rong holding two wine jars, staring at him intently.

Qu Yunmie: "……"

"Another batch of your wine?"

Xiao Rong nodded slightly, gesturing for him to move aside. Qu Yunmie complied, and after entering, Xiao Rong answered: "No, this is General’s brew."

Qu Yunmie: "I can’t drink before the campaign."

Xiao Rong placed the jars on the table with a thud, then turned to him: "I know, so this is for me."

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

He liked drinking with Xiao Rong, not watching him get drunk while sober. Besides, Xiao Rong’s drunken antics weren’t cute; he would curse at him.

But once Xiao Rong decided something, he wouldn’t care about Qu Yunmie’s thoughts. He poured himself a drink, even taking off the sword at his waist.

Only then did Qu Yunmie notice the Chi Long Sword. He wondered, wasn’t Xiao Rong never armed?

Then, he heard Xiao Rong say: "Do you remember what you said the other day, about gifts being tailored to the recipient’s tastes?"

The next second, a whoosh sounded behind Xiao Rong’s ear. Qu Yunmie had rushed over, asking anxiously: "Are you going to give me this sword?"

Xiao Rong: "……"

He turned and snapped: "Dream on! Want my sword? Step over my dead body!"

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

If you won’t give it, don’t be so aggressive.

He sat next to Xiao Rong, puzzled: "Then why did you bring it out?"

Xiao Rong glanced at the pattern on the hilt, then said to Qu Yunmie: "The King will know soon."

He took another cup, pouring tea for Qu Yunmie and clinking his wine against it, saying slowly: "Tomorrow, The King leaves. Tonight, I offer you three cups of wine, lest there’s no chance later."

Qu Yunmie: "……"

Always saying I don’t speak well, you’re not much better.

Xiao Rong: "This first cup is to thank The King for sparing my life. Before coming to Yanmen Pass, I was prepared for The King to take my life. Who would have thought it wouldn’t come to that?"

With that, he downed the cup, ignoring Qu Yunmie’s darkening face.

Next, he poured another cup: "This second toast is to the King for recognizing my potential. I may have seemed a bit smug at times, but deep down, I know it wasn't my eloquence that persuaded you. Rather, it was your willingness to listen to me. It's me who should be thanking you, not the other way around."

Qu Yunmie was taken aback, watching Xiao Rong finish this cup and pour himself a third.

"This third toast is to the King for saving my life. You might not realize how important living is to me; I am perhaps one of the people in this world who fear death the most. It was the King who protected me, even when you didn't know there was someone like me in this world."

Qu Yunmie watched him silently.

He thought Xiao Rong was referring to the expulsion of the Hu people, an event for which all the people of the Central Plains owed Qu Yunmie their lives.

Xiao Rong's face had turned red, and his hand holding the cup was no longer as steady. He stared at the cup for a moment before tilting his head back and drinking it down.

Qu Yunmie did not comment on these three toasts. He merely shook his tea cup, drank it as if it were wine, and then mocked Xiao Rong: "Look at you. Anyone would think this was deadly poison. If you don't like drinking, why do it?"

Xiao Rong: "Because I'm a very vain person. There are things I wouldn't do sober."

Qu Yunmie: "...Indeed honest."

Last time, when Xiao Rong got drunk, he answered every question, but halfway through, he started saying flattering words to please him. Qu Yunmie couldn't tell which state was truly drunk.

After some thought, Qu Yunmie asked directly: "What were you thinking last time?"

Xiao Rong lowered his eyes, his eyelashes trembling slightly. He looked at the person speaking, his cheeks flushed as he fixed his gaze on Qu Yunmie and smiled gently: "Do you know what my regret is?"

Qu Yunmie was stunned. "No."

Xiao Rong chuckled softly: "Of course you don't, you hamster brain."

Qu Yunmie: "........"

Though he didn't know what a hamster was, given it had 'rat' in its name, it couldn't be anything good.

Xiao Rong closed his eyes slightly, inhaling deeply as if savoring something, then said slowly: "I practiced this dance for a long, long time—nearly four months. Only I could truly wield the sword, so the director chose me. Every night, I practiced. No one except the teacher saw me perform. I haven't received the applause I deserved, and that is my regret."

Qu Yunmie was dumbfounded. What dance? Xiao Rong knew martial arts?

At this point, Xiao Rong stood up, picked up the sword, and skillfully twirled it in a way Qu Yunmie had never seen before. After taking a few steps toward the door, he turned and crooked his slender index finger at Qu Yunmie: "Come on, I'll dance for you. Don't you want to see it?"

Qu Yunmie realized this wasn't the kind of martial arts he imagined. Without time to think, he stood up and followed Xiao Rong outside.

Tonight, the moon was bright and the stars sparse, a clear and serene night. There were no guards in the courtyard because Xiao Rong had sent them away when he came in. Xiao Rong turned the sword behind his back and gazed at the moon, unchanged for thousands of years. Moonlight shone down, casting his face into a pale glow.

It seemed even the moonlight favored him, illuminating him with a soft halo, making him the center of attention. This spotlight was created solely for Xiao Rong, leaving a lasting impression in Qu Yunmie's mind.

"The name of this dance is 'Breaking the Array,' composed to inspire courage and morale against rebels and to celebrate heroes and peace."

With that, Xiao Rong turned to face Qu Yunmie, smiling again. He spun the sword behind his back, placed it horizontally across his chest, gripped the hilt with one hand and the scabbard with the other, and gently drew the blade before closing his eyes once more.

For four months, he listened to the same music. Even without the sound system, the melody echoed in his mind. For a week, he experienced auditory hallucinations. Though they had faded, the music still played within him whenever he recalled it.

Qu Yunmie had seen dancers perform, but never a man. He had never seen anyone blend grace and strength so perfectly. Each strike was powerful, each withdrawal effortless. Xiao Rong's robes fluttered as he leaped into the air, spinning mid-flight. Without hearing the music, Qu Yunmie felt the intensity of the battle growing, the number of enemies increasing. Xiao Rong danced continuously, merging with the sword, creating a large circle with it, as if reaping enemy heads, increasing the chances of victory. Finally, amidst the thunderous drums, he sheathed the sword, ending the performance.

Xiao Rong's hair was damp with sweat, and he panted heavily. His ears rang, and his heart pounded. He had practiced this dance for a long time, but he hadn't done it in ages.

Now, he felt like a beginner, his limbs heavy, his throat tinged with blood, and his head dizzy. With a clang, he threw the sword to the ground, turned to Qu Yunmie, and walked towards him, despite his unsteady steps.

Xiao Rong's expression was icy, far from the warmth he had shown while dancing. His eyes, slightly red, locked onto Qu Yunmie's. Qu Yunmie couldn't look away, lowering his head to meet Xiao Rong's gaze, feeling as if Xiao Rong was filled with resentment.

"Qu Yunmie, I came here for you."

Staring into the tiny reflection of himself in Qu Yunmie's eyes, Xiao Rong couldn't tell who he was speaking to: "I've devoted myself to you, I danced for you. You cannot disappoint me, do you understand?"

Qu Yunmie did not say whether he understood or not.

Silently raising a hand, he brushed aside the strand of hair that marred Xiao Rong's beauty, and tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Yes, I will come back."