Chapter 100 Dust Settles

## Chapter 100: The Dust Settles

Through the screen, Chu Jiubian clearly observed every subtle shift in Qin Xiao's expression, and naturally, he also noticed the silk handkerchief in Qin Xiao's hand.

A vividly embroidered jasmine flower adorned the corner of the pristine white silk.

Chu Jiubian pressed his lips together, then lifted his gaze to meet Qin Xiao's smile, which didn't quite reach his eyes.

Chu Jiubian felt a flicker of amusement.

"My Lord, this humble subject is indeed a devotee of the High Priest."

Qin Xiao's fearsome reputation and undeniable aura of power had kept Lv Liangcai from meeting his gaze. Hearing Qin Xiao laugh, he assumed the other was in good spirits and relaxed slightly.

"What brings you to me?" Qin Xiao inquired, his tone unruffled.

"My Lord," Lv Liangcai replied, "the High Priest dispatched me to your side to ensure timely message relay and open communication between you and the capital."

Qin Xiao fixed him with an intense stare, his expression growing serious.

"Did he say anything else?"

"Not for now, but the High Priest might send me a dream tonight to convey matters from the capital. Should you have any instructions, I can relay them on your behalf."

Lv Liangcai responded with earnest caution, his deference absolute.

Qin Xiao lowered his gaze to the handkerchief, his thumb gently caressing the jasmine.

However, his true attention was fixed on the space behind Lv Liangcai.

He sensed a faint, ethereal gaze watching him from there. Though subtle, he was certain someone was observing him.

He had experienced this sensation once before.

It was after he conquered the Sai kingdom, when Chu Jiubian performed a miracle atop the divine mountain.

At that time, he had looked up and felt as if his eyes had met Chu Jiubian's.

But today, this gaze likely belonged to the High Priest.

The other party was observing him.

This method, so strikingly similar to Chu Jiubian's, unsettled Qin Xiao and stirred a deep sense of unease within him.

Lv Liangcai kept his head bowed. The deepening silence in the tent caused his recently eased tension to resurface.

After a long pause, Qin Xiao finally spoke again, his tone surprisingly gentle: "Then I must trouble you greatly."

"It is no trouble. To serve the High Priest and the court is an honor for this humble subject."

Qin Xiao curved his lips into a slight smile and said, "Then please convey to the High Priest that I am well, though I think of him day and night. I wonder how he is faring? Does he miss me?"

Chu Jiubian: "..."

Anyone could discern the true intent behind Qin Xiao's words to the "High Priest."

Previously, he hadn't been entirely certain if Qin Xiao was truly jealous of the High Priest, but now it was unequivocally confirmed.

Qin Xiao had created an imaginary rival for himself.

Lv Liangcai's expression shifted repeatedly upon hearing Qin Xiao's words.

How could he possibly relay such words to the High Priest?

Though unaware of the intricate dynamics between these three individuals, the sheer awkwardness of these sentimental phrases made it difficult for him, a scholar in his forties, to utter them.

It felt utterly undignified.

Qin Xiao continued, "I will quell the rebellion and return to the capital as soon as possible, aiming to be back before the New Year. Tell him not to worry too much."

"Oh, and one more thing," Qin Xiao added with a smirk. "Tell him the scent of him on my inner robe has faded after washing."

Chu Jiubian: "..."

Why wash the inner robe? What did he use it for?

Lv Liangcai waited a moment, and when Qin Xiao said nothing more, he awkwardly acknowledged the request.

"Someone!" Qin Xiao called for a servant. "Prepare a tent and arrange some food and wine for Lv Liangcai as a welcome. Take good care of him."

The attendant acknowledged the order and gestured, "This way, Lv Liangcai."

Lv Liangcai bowed to Qin Xiao in thanks before following the attendant out of the tent.

Left alone in the tent, the dim lamplight cast shadows on Qin Xiao's sharply defined profile, his prominent nose creating a stark silhouette across his face.

He raised his eyes and stared directly toward the tent entrance.

The gaze that had been watching him vanished the moment Lv Liangcai left the tent.

Qin Xiao grew even more certain that the owner of that gaze was the High Priest.

He lowered his eyes to the handkerchief in his hand, his expression unreadable.

Late that night, after Lv Liangcai had fallen asleep, Chu Jiubian summoned him to the Divine Realm.

Though somewhat embarrassed, Lv Liangcai relayed Qin Xiao's words verbatim to the High Priest.

Chu Jiubian merely responded with a faint "Hmm" before sharing updates from the capital. He instructed Lv Liangcai to inform Qin Xiao the next day that Prince Dingbei might be heading to Henan, so that Qin Xiao could quickly secure Shaanxi and proceed to Henan for support.

Hearing that the rebellion in the capital had been quelled so effortlessly, Lv Liangcai felt a surge of excitement.

He felt he was now part of a significant undertaking and solemnly accepted the task.

Chu Jiubian intended to send him back but paused and added, "Tell Prince Ning that Senior Tutor Chu awaits his return to the capital to celebrate the New Year together."

"Yes."

Four days later.

Qin Xiao completely dispersed the remaining forces of Prince Dingbei in his fiefdom and secured Shaanxi.

He then advanced toward Henan.

Meanwhile, Prince Dingbei, Baili Yu, had already arrived in Henan with over ten thousand soldiers, accompanied by He Zhen and his three thousand troops. They hurried to the location of Prince Anhuai's residence.

Jiang Yongshou, having received the news earlier, led his troops to greet them outside the city.

When the two groups met, Jiang Yongshou and Baili Yu did not show any signs of familiarity, and He Zhen noticed nothing unusual.

That evening, Jiang Yongshou prepared a lavish banquet for Baili Yu, He Zhen, and several of their commanding officers.

It was only at this moment that Baili Ming learned that Prince Dingbei had actually arrived first thing that morning.

Yet no one had informed him. If it weren’t for He Zhen insisting on his attendance and Baili Yu’s approval, Jiang Yongshou might not have even summoned him to meet Baili Yu.

At the banquet, they drank and toasted as they discussed the war in the capital and how Prince Ning had taken Shaanxi and Gansu.

They also talked about how to defend against Prince Ning and Prince Pingxi if they marched into Henan, and what terms they could negotiate with the imperial court.

At this point, the two sides—primarily Baili Yu and He Zhen—clashed.

He Zhen believed that Prince Anhuai had not participated in the conflict after all. At worst, he was willing to sacrifice himself, claiming that he had deceived and controlled the young prince. By doing so, his death could secure the throne for Baili Ming.

Though he had his own ambitions, He Zhen never forgot the old prince’s guidance and trust, and he knew how much Baili Ming relied on him.

Previously, he had fought tooth and nail not only to gain higher authority for himself but also to put Baili Ming on the throne.

Now that the plan had failed, he had no regrets.

He only wished to trade his own life for Baili Ming’s peace and stability in the years to come.

Seeing He Zhen’s visibly haggard and thinner face, Baili Ming felt his eyes sting.

It was all because he was too powerless.

If he had been more assertive, He Zhen and Jiang Yongshou wouldn’t have been able to control him, and he could have stopped them from defying the imperial court.

If that were the case, they could have lived peacefully, like Prince Zuiliang and the others.

But it was too late now.

When the High Priest had asked him what would happen if He Zhen died, it was clearly the court’s intention.

He Zhen was doomed.

He Zhen had made up his mind, but what he needed now was the ten thousand soldiers under Prince Dingbei’s command.

He wanted those troops to remain in Henan, incorporated into the Anhuai Army, to continue protecting Henan and Baili Ming.

But how could Baili Yu let him have his way?

Baili Ming noticed his ninth imperial uncle’s lips curl slightly as he took a sip of tea and said, “Giving up so easily—where is General He’s backbone?”

He Zhen’s face darkened instantly.

Jiang Yongshou, seated beside He Zhen, his expression changed slightly.

“In my opinion, we should fight Qin Xiao to the death. That way, we’ll earn the world’s respect,” Baili Yu said, making grand statements, though he had other plans in mind.

He still had the Gu Master under his control.

Qin Xiao’s army was nothing like Chu Jiubian’s forces. Those soldiers had no supernatural defenses and would surely be unable to stop the tiny Gu worms.

Even Chu Jiubian likely hadn’t discovered the Gu worms yet; otherwise, the infected civilians and soldiers wouldn’t have survived this long.

“If you want to die, don’t drag Prince Anhuai into it,” He Zhen said coldly.

Without his noticing, a small Gu worm was swiftly crawling toward him from an inconspicuous corner.

Prince Dingbei looked up at him, saying nothing but smiling.

He Zhen was annoyed by his demeanor and was about to say more when Jiang Yongshou gripped his wrist tightly.

He turned his head, frowning deeply.

He had heard about Jiang Yongshou confining Baili Ming as soon as he returned. Though he understood it was for Baili Ming’s safety, He Zhen felt an even greater rift between them.

Moreover, after meeting Baili Yu today, Jiang Yongshou’s behavior, though seemingly normal, had become more withdrawn.

He Zhen could already see the current situation clearly; Jiang Yongshou, as a strategist, must have seen it even more clearly.

Trading He Zhen’s life for Baili Ming’s was a sure gain.

But while He Zhen had been speaking, Jiang Yongshou had remained silent, and He Zhen finally sensed something amiss.

Jiang Yongshou could feel He Zhen’s probing gaze from the corner of his eye, but he couldn’t show any unusual reaction. Instead, he looked at Baili Yu and said, “Your Highness speaks of fighting Prince Ning to the death—do you have a good plan in mind?”

Baili Yu raised an eyebrow. “Finally, someone sensible.”

He Zhen glared at him angrily.

Jiang Yongshou said, “Then please tell us your plan, Your Highness. If the plan is sound, we may be willing to cooperate.”

“This matter is confidential. If too many people know, it will fail.”

“Nonsense!” He Zhen retorted. “I think you have no plan at all. If you want to die, go die alone. Don’t drag us down with you.”

“In my opinion, the one who should die—” Baili Yu smiled faintly, “—is you, General He.”

As he spoke, the Gu worm had already crawled behind He Zhen.

But oddly enough, instead of climbing onto his back and making its way into his ear, the worm seemed to fear something and was afraid to approach He Zhen.

Baili Yu narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on the Gu worm.

He Zhen noticed the sudden change in his expression and turned around to see a translucent little spider crawling on the ground, hesitant to come closer.

The others noticed it too.

Jiang Yongshou’s face went pale, and he abruptly turned to Prince Dingbei. “What is the meaning of this?!”

Baili Yu’s expression was no better. He stared darkly at He Zhen and gritted his teeth. “What do you have on you?”

What?

He Zhen remembered that after returning to the city, he had bathed and then gone to see Baili Ming.

At the time, Baili Ming had given him a pouch of powder and told him to carry it with him, without explaining what it was.

Now it seemed that powder had repelled the Gu worm. Otherwise, he might already be Prince Dingbei’s puppet.

So, the Gu worms Baili Ming had mentioned after returning from the capital last year were indeed Prince Dingbei’s doing.

“Well, then,” He Zhen stood up, crushed the Gu worm under his foot, and drew his spear, charging at Baili Yu.

Before Baili Yu could react, Jiang Yongshou had already risen to pull He Zhen back. “Stop! You must not!”

He Zhen paid no heed. He had brought the Northern Stability Army back specifically to retain those ten thousand soldiers, to give Henan some leverage in negotiations with the court.

As for Prince Dingbei, now that things have come to this, he's naturally useless now.

The two Deputy Generals under Baili Yu were also present at the banquet. Seeing the sudden escalation, they immediately rushed forward, stepped in front of He Zhen and started fighting him.

Jiang Yongshou stood further away, trying to mediate, while Baili Yu’s expression darkened as he glared intently at He Zhen.

Baili Ming sat in the main seat, watching the absurd scene unfold with a dazed and bewildered expression.

What should he do?

What should he do?

The High Priest’s words seemed to echo in his ears once more.

Yes, he had to protect himself - he couldn't die. He mustn't die.

He also had to protect his people.

He could no longer afford to be so weak. He must, must do something.

"Enough!" he shouted.

His voice still carried the clear, youthful tone of a boy, but when he spoke those two words, there was an unexpected commanding presence.

The men below stopped fighting, frozen, all turning to look at him.

Baili Ming stood up.

It was the first time he had spoken in such a tone and with such an attitude. His heart raced wildly, and his hands trembled.

So he put his hands behind his back, recalling Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, whom he had met in the capital, and imitating their serious expressions as he coldly declared, "I have decided to surrender to the imperial court. When Prince Ning’s army arrives, I will order the city gates opened wide to welcome them."

By saying this, he was clearly siding with He Zhen.

Baili Ming then glanced at Baili Yu and added, "If you're determined to get yourself killed, Uncle, then leave the territory of Henan. My territory isn't open to traitors."

Baili Yu had never imagined that his meek nephew could behave like this. For a moment, he was too shocked to respond.

The hall fell into silence.

He Zhen and Jiang Yongshou stared at the young lord on the main seat, and for a moment, they seemed to see the image of the old prince.

"Sir," Baili Ming said, turning to Jiang Yongshou, his eyes red-rimmed. "Will you join me in surrendering to the imperial court, or will you leave with your former master?"

A single sentence.

The first half used the respectful "you," while the second half shifted to the informal "you." The meaning was clear: if Jiang Yongshou chose to stay, he would remain Baili Ming’s most trusted and relied-upon advisor. If he chose to leave, Baili Ming would sever all ties with him.

Jiang Yongshou looked at the boy’s still young face and was suddenly reminded of the time when Baili Ming had just learned to walk, stumbling around.

Back then, Baili Ming was soft and gentle, often rushing over to hug his leg and mumbling, "Shi-shi," because he couldn’t yet pronounce "Sir" clearly.

Suddenly, that child had grown so much.

Jiang Yongshou wasn’t surprised that Baili Ming knew about his connection to Prince Dingbei. He had always known that Baili Ming was not stupid—just too kind-hearted, which made him appear weak.

The hall fell even quieter.

He Zhen glanced at Baili Ming, then slowly turned to look at Jiang Yongshou.

"What does the prince mean by 'former master'?" He Zhen’s voice, already deep, now carried a deadly chill.

Jiang Yongshou closed his eyes and remained silent.

In an unnoticed corner, Baili Yu fingered his jade pendant at his waist.

A hidden guard, lurking in the shadows, received the signal and quickly slipped away from Prince Anhuai’s residence.

He Zhen gave a cold laugh, his face contorted with rage. "So it's you, Jiang Yongshou. You work for Prince Dingbei."

His tone was calm, but you could hear him grinding his teeth. "All these years, the old prince trusted you so deeply, and you’ve been pretending all along. How could you betray the old prince? How can you face the young lord?"

He shifted his weapon, pointing it at Jiang Yongshou. "I'll kill you right now to put the old prince's spirit to rest!"

"Wait," Baili Ming interjected.

He Zhen said hoarsely, "Your Highness! He's a spy! He and Prince Dingbei are in this together!"

Baili Ming stared directly at Jiang Yongshou. "Sir, two choices. Make your decision."

For years, Jiang Yongshou had been torn between his loyalties.

On one hand, he felt gratitude and guilt toward Prince Anhuai; on the other, he remembered the kindness and support of the Wu family—Prince Dingbei’s maternal clan.

Now that his secret was out in the open, he felt almost relieved.

But having to choose—how could he possibly decide?

He had always hoped for Baili Ming to grow stronger and become more independent. Yet now that the young prince had truly stood on his own, Jiang Yongshou didn't know what to do.

Just then, a servant rushed in from outside, fell to his knees in panic. "Sir Jiang! General He! Outside—our troops are fighting!"

"What?!" He Zhen forgot everything. "Who’s fighting?"

"Our soldiers and..." The servant glanced fearfully at Prince Dingbei, his voice trembling. "And Prince Dingbei’s army."

He Zhen turned and attacked Baili Yu.

Capture the leader first.

The two Deputy Generals shielded Baili Yu, while several figures in black descended from the rafters, forming a tight protective circle around him.

But two other hidden guards rushed toward Baili Ming, holding blades to his neck.

"Stop! Stop!" Jiang Yongshou’s legs gave out and he knelt.

Not daring to look at Baili Ming, he bowed frantically toward Baili Yu. "Your Highness! Please spare Prince Anhuai! He knows nothing—he’s still a child!"

"We ask for nothing. Take Henan—just let us live!"

Jiang Yongshou knew all too well what kind of man Baili Yu was. Since He Zhen and Baili Ming had openly opposed him, it was unlikely he would let them go.

But there was still a slim chance—if Baili Ming could live as an ordinary person, never again posing a threat, then they might survive.

As long as they lived, nothing else mattered.

Baili Yu poured himself a drink, drank it in one gulp, and only then looked at the person sprawled on the ground: "It seems Mr. Jiang has grown fond of Prince Anhuai. How touching."

Jiang Yongshou kowtowed so hard that his forehead was bruised and bleeding.

He Zhen, normally so hot-headed, stared at the blade pressed against Baili Ming's neck and was frozen, unable to speak or move.

Baili Yu scoffed lightly, stood up, and said, "For my grandfather's sake, I'll grant you this favor."

"Take them away and lock them up separately. No one is to release them without my order."

With that, he strode out of the hall.

The servants in the prince's residence were frozen in place, as the compound was already filled with soldiers under Prince Dingbei's command.

Baili Ming, along with Jiang Yongshou and He Zhen, were escorted out of the hall and taken to another courtyard.

The two Deputy Generals, meanwhile, were forced out of the residence by Prince Dingbei's men, their fate unknown.

The three of them walked in silence and were locked in three separate rooms, each door bolted with a heavy bronze lock and guarded by soldiers outside the windows and doors.

Even though the prince's residence stood away from the city center, Baili Ming could still faintly hear the clashing of weapons and screams of agony from inside his room.

What should he do?

What could he do?

Leaderless, the Anhuai Army would likely be crushed by the Northern Stability Army.

He wondered if they would be smart enough to surrender—if they surrendered willingly to Prince Dingbei, perhaps fewer lives would be lost.

The bravery Baili Ming had gathered earlier had largely vanished the moment the blade touched his neck, and now it was all gone.

Yet he no longer thought of seeking advice from his mentor or the general. He forced himself to calm down.

The most important thing now was to avoid causing trouble, to stay quiet and compliant. That way, the Northern Stability Army might suppress the Anhuai Army without harming the common people.

Yes, that was it.

He murmured to himself.

Dazed, he lost track of time until he suddenly looked up toward the window.

Morning had come.

"Did you hear? The Anhuai Army, seeing they were no match for our Northern Stability Army, and after witnessing their two Deputy Generals publicly executed and their leaders imprisoned, have all surrendered to His Highness."

The guards outside were talking and laughing as they ate breakfast.

Baili Ming glanced toward the door, stood up, and quietly moved closer to listen.

Perhaps because they knew both he and Jiang Yongshou were no physical threat, only He Zhen had been bound hand and foot when they were imprisoned the previous night.

"I heard," another guard slurped his noodles. "I also heard that when the commoners refused to hand over their grain, our prince ordered that if they didn't surrender their money and food, we were to just take it."

Baili Ming's eyes widened in horror.

"And then?"

"Then they complied, handed everything over. But some who resisted were executed on the spot."

Baili Ming trembled from head to toe.

The guard suddenly chuckled darkly and added, "And those beautiful women from wealthy families—so fresh and pretty—they’ve been ours for the taking for our brothers."

"Too bad we’re stuck here on guard duty, or we could’ve—"

"What if we slip out and find a young lady for ourselves?"

"But..." He pointed at the door behind him. "What about the one inside?"

"He can’t get out. We’ll just make it quick."

"Alright then, let’s do it."

"Hurry up and finish eating, then we’ll go."

They quickly finished their breakfast and slipped away from the courtyard.

Baili Ming waited until they were far away before slowly exhaling, trying to steady himself.

Clenching his fists, he slammed into the door again and again—five solid kicks—until it splintered open a crack.

Baili Ming squeezed through the gap.

Knowing the place well, he successfully avoided Prince Dingbei's men and slipped out.

Behind him, the two guards watched from a distance and exchanged knowing smiles.

"We did a good job. His Highness should give us a good reward."

"I still don’t understand why His Highness went to such lengths to let Prince Anhuai escape."

"Naturally—" The man made a slicing motion across his neck.

Baili Yu had said he would spare them, so he wouldn't kill them for no reason.

But Baili Yu was not one to tolerate threats, and as long as Baili Ming lived, the people of Henan would cling to hope and never fully submit to Prince Dingbei.

So, he had to lure Baili Ming out.

The city was in chaos, swords were flashing everywhere, and someone could easily get killed.

Baili Ming hid in an alley, watching the chaotic streets, the bloodstains on the ground, and the thick black smoke rising from raging fires in some areas.

Many commoners had lost their homes, their homes seized by the Northern Stability Army, their food stolen.

Those who resisted faced certain death.

Tears welled in Baili Ming's eyes as he pressed his hands against the wall, his fingertips scraping until they bled.

The once bustling, lively streets had turned to scorched earth; the happy, peaceful people were now homeless. This was not the fiefdom he remembered.

He was useless.

So utterly useless.

Suddenly, a woman's scream pierced the air. Baili Ming wiped his tears and hurriedly looked toward the sound.

A heavily pregnant woman was stumbling down the street, tears streaming down her face.

Behind her, a group of Northern Stability Army troops seemed to have found some entertainment, following at a relaxed pace, watching her stumble in panic.

Baili Ming's heart felt as if it had been stabbed.

The woman, exhausted and slipping on the snow-covered ground, suddenly crashed to the ground.

She clutched her stomach, in so much pain she couldn't even make a sound.

The Northern Stability Army soldiers behind her only laughed, their laughter crude and taunting.

Baili Ming couldn’t stand by any longer. He rushed out, knelt beside the woman, and supported her. "Are you alright? Can you get up?"

"I... I..." The woman sobbed even more intensely upon seeing Baili Ming. "Your Highness, you've finally come."

Baili Ming bit his lip so hard that blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.

"I'm here. I'm late," he said, his voice trembling. "Don't be afraid. I’ll get you to a physician."

He no longer dared to refer to himself as "your prince"—he felt unworthy.

"Well, well, where did this young gentleman come from, trying to play the hero?" the soldiers mocked.

"The range is perfect. Let's see who can hit him first," one said, drawing his bow. "I'll go first."

With that, an arrow shot straight toward Baili Ming's back.

The wind was loud, and Baili Ming, distraught and facing away, didn’t hear it coming.

But the woman saw it.

Her eyes widened, and she instinctively pushed Baili Ming aside. The arrow struck her shoulder instead.

The hot blood stained the snowy ground red and turned Baili Ming’s vision red.

He rushed to support the woman, then turned to glare at the soldiers, his eyes burning with rage.

"Hey, you lost. My turn," another soldier said, drawing his bow.

"Your Highness, run!" the woman struggled to push Baili Ming away.

But Baili Ming raised his arm, aiming his sleeve at them.

He had just remembered—the High Priest had given him a wrist-mounted crossbow.

During the idle days in the courtyard, he had practiced relentlessly.

In his earlier panic, he had forgotten, but now it finally had its use.

The wrist-mounted crossbow shot out faster than the soldier's arrow, hitting its mark and piercing the man's neck.

The sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.

Baili Ming continued firing, one arrow after another.

But the soldiers weren't fools. They dodged quickly, and though no one else was killed instantly, a few were wounded.

One of them swore, then drew his bow. Two others followed suit.

With a whizzing sound, three arrows shot toward Baili Ming and the woman.

This time, Baili Ming knelt firmly in front of her, using his own body as a shield.

He closed his eyes, his expression eerily calm, as if ready to accept his brutal end.

Twang, twang—

Several sharp sounds rang out as the three arrows were intercepted by others.

Baili Ming's eyes flew open to see a unit of imperial troops charging from the other end of the street.

The leading soldiers loosed arrow after arrow, not only blocking the three shots but also killing the Northern Stability Army soldiers.

The imperial army was here!

Prince Ning’s forces had arrived!

Tears streamed down Baili Ming's face again. He turned to the woman, choking out, "It's alright now. It's alright. Let's find a doctor."

The woman was crying so hard she could barely breathe.

She forced herself up with his help.

Two imperial soldiers rushed over. "Forgive the intrusion," one said.

Then, with the other's assistance, he carefully lifted the woman.

Baili Ming hurried forward to lead the way.

Outside the city, Baili Yu was fleeing again with two thousand soldiers.

But this time, there was no escape. Qin Xiao soon caught up with his troops, surrounding them completely.

Countless arrows were aimed at them, leaving no room for survival.

Qin Xiao sat atop his horse, thinned by days of hard pursuit. Hardened by battle, his face bore a grimmer, more determined look.

He hadn't shaved, but it didn't make him look unkempt—instead, he seemed more authoritative, every inch the regent in command.

Baili Yu no longer bothered with a false smile. He stared coldly at Qin Xiao, silent.

Qin Xiao had nothing to say either. "Arrest them all. Show no mercy to those who resist."

At this, Baili Yu's expression turned strange, and he suddenly burst into crazed laughter.

"What are you laughing at?" a soldier behind Qin Xiao asked, frowning.

Baili Yu finally settled slightly, still grinning at Qin Xiao. "Prince Ning, you sound just like the Grand Tutor. I suppose you're so deeply in love that you've unconsciously become alike."

Qin Xiao regarded him indifferently.

A dog's mouth produces no pearls—Baili Yu was certainly not going to say anything pleasant.

Sure enough, Baili Yu continued, "But I wonder if the Grand Tutor shares your feelings or is entangled with that High Priest?"

This was something Qin Xiao had been dwelling on lately, but he hadn't expected Baili Yu to hit a nerve.

This Prince Dingbei was indeed observant and skilled at playing mind games.

"I do know one person who is certainly tangled up with you," Qin Xiao raised his hand.

Two soldiers emerged from behind the army, escorting someone cloaked entirely in black, with their head and face completely concealed.

Baili Yu's forehead twitched.

The two soldiers pushed the person forward, making them kneel on the ground, then removed the hood and mask.

An aged, deeply wrinkled face appeared before Baili Yu.

Baili Yu's pupils sharply contracted.

He stared fixedly at the person, unable to believe what he was seeing.

This was unmistakably the Gu Master who had always been by his side.

He had always believed the other to be an ordinary-looking but certainly young and devoted man.

But what was he seeing now?

It was a white-haired old man!

And not just any old man—it was the familiar elderly steward of Prince Dingbei's residence, who had handled many matters for him!

Baili Yu suddenly recalled that his acquaintance with the Gu Master had been arranged by this very steward. Moreover, after the Gu Master had stayed by his side, the steward had retired to enjoy his remaining years...

No.

This couldn’t possibly be his Gu Master!

Baili Yu couldn't believe it.

He had seen the other’s face before—plain yet somewhat delicate features, with soft, smooth skin and a young, tender body.

He had even been intimate with this person many times. How could he possibly look like this?!

"Prince Dingbei, don't doubt," a woman’s voice came from the army as Sutu Anli, dressed in southern border attire, rode forward.

She glanced at Prince Dingbei’s contorted expression and smiled faintly. "He merely used Gu arts; he was not actually young."

Sutu Anli, upon receiving news from her daughter, had rushed quickly to Henan to deal with the Gu Master.

After meeting up with Qin Xiao’s army the previous day, she used her green snake and a combination of Gu techniques and sorcery to locate the Gu Master.

Once captured, she discovered he was a young man.

But Sutu Anli instantly recognized the Gu arts maintaining his youthful appearance. Sure enough, after her green snake devoured the Gu worms on his body, he returned to his current appearance.

The Gu Master, or rather the old steward, slowly raised his head at last, looking with cloudy eyes at Baili Yu.

When he spoke, his voice was no longer gender-ambiguous but instead old and hoarse.

"Your Highness, I deceived you," he said, gazing at Baili Yu with infatuation. "But my feelings for you are genuine."

Qin Xiao: "..."

He felt nauseated.

As for Baili Yu, especially when he recalled having been intimate with this person for so many years, he was so enraged that he vomited blood right there.

==

Chu Jiubian did not witness this scene, but when he heard about it that evening through Lv Liangcai’s account, he was speechless for a long while.

Yet he also felt a little amused.

If Qin Xiao truly wanted to infuriate someone, he was indeed hard to resist.

After leaving the Divine Realm, Chu Jiubian turned over, automatically grabbing Qin Xiao’s pillow, and opened that rather boring picture book.

But his attention wasn't on the book.

It was already December 20th, and government affairs were gradually returning to normal.

An Wuji and Qin Chuan had captured Lu Jinfeng. Since the latter had never really wanted to fight, he surrendered shortly after engaging An Wuji that day.

Qiu Xuanzheng, however, was stubborn and straightforward, insisting on fighting to the end until Qin Chuan cut his throat.

Both Qin Chuan and An Wuji received some injuries, though neither serious. Chu Jiubian gave them medicine to reduce inflammation, and the imperial physicians tended to them.

An Wuji had only two superficial blade wounds and was already active again.

Though Qin Chuan wasn’t seriously injured either, his right arm was fractured and his left arm had a blade wound, leaving him mostly unable to take care of himself.

He couldn’t return to the Qin family—only Qin Xiao and Qin Zhaoyang knew his identity, and both were currently not in the capital.

So he had to remain in the palace.

But in the palace, only Chu Jiubian and An Wuji knew his true identity.

An Wuji was still recovering himself, and Chu Jiubian, due to his position, couldn’t openly take care of him. They couldn’t have Qin Chuan wear a mask indefinitely and rely on palace servants either.

Thus, Chu Jiubian had no choice but to call Lu Yao to the palace.

Fortunately, Lu Yao had a good relationship with Qin Chuan, making their time together more comfortable than with others.

As for Qin Zhaoyang’s situation, with the Northeast Army present, the Jurchen didn't dare take any action.

So he wasn’t there to fight but to help Tan Yuzhu finalize the details of the merchant association.

Wang Huanzhi had been captured and imprisoned in the capital, while Wang Wenyao was already under control in the northeast. Both would be sentenced upon returning to the capital, along with the others.

According to recent messages from believers, Huguang and Guangdong-Jiangxi had also been recaptured by the imperial court, with only final cleanup work remaining.

Thus, among the Four Great Families, all except the Wang family had essentially withdrawn from politics. But the Wang family was on their side, so they could be left alone for now.

The vassal princes had either surrendered, died, or been captured.

The forces threatening the court had largely been eradicated. What remained was allowing the people of Great Ning to recuperate, along with developing maritime routes, infrastructure projects, and education...

It was time to push these initiatives vigorously.

Beyond these matters,

only one thing remained...

Chu Jiubian stroked his smooth left wrist, where deep scars should have been.

In the darkness, the young man’s gaze became distant.

It was time to show Qin Xiao what he really looks like.

December 25th.

Qin Xiao returned to the capital leading a small contingent of just a few hundred men.