Chapter 129 Dragon Travels the World 16
Chapter 129 Dragon Travels the World 16
“Zhisheng, you are too kind-hearted. I am also suffering greatly while deceiving you, but for my homeland and for my people, I have no other choice.”
She suppressed her guilt, composed herself, but unconsciously avoided Xu Zhisheng's gaze, turning to look at He Yaozu: "I'm not taking direct action now, but rather engaging you in verbal exchanges, not just to answer your questions or let you question me."
He Yaozu readily took over the conversation, asking cooperatively, "Oh? Why is that?"
"It's simple, I'm just stalling for time!"
She spoke frankly, radiating fighting spirit, her silver spear held high, pointed directly at the three men, her gaze sharp as an arrow:
“Such an important plan cannot be completed by me alone. I have several partners working with me, although they are some distance away. But with their skills, they will arrive here soon. Today, none of you will leave here.”
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhisheng's expression changed drastically. Forgetting his grief, he hurriedly retreated to his horse and shoved the dangling reins into the Empress Dowager's hand: "Mother, you must ride away quickly. I will stay behind to cover your retreat."
The Empress Dowager resolutely refused: "How can I abandon you and escape alone? Besides, this young master He was innocently implicated because he was looking for me. He should be allowed to ride away!"
"Your Majesty need not worry!" He Yaozu smiled faintly, stopping the two who were pushing each other away: "Who said that it must be us who are in trouble?"
Looking at Xin Ci's confident face, He Yaozu couldn't bear to tell her that he had already noticed five people quietly approaching.
Therefore, taking advantage of the wind that had just risen, he used his mental power to swirl the falling bamboo leaves and launch a bamboo leaf dart at each of the five people.
A sudden gust of wind rustled the bamboo leaves. The group was so focused on their journey that they had no time to notice the falling bamboo leaves that had unknowingly transformed into deadly blades. By the time they realized it, there were already five corpses, with only the souls of the dead murmuring in the wind.
He Yaozu drew his gleaming sword again, its sharpness fully revealed, and a chilling killing intent surrounded him.
"You remained inactive to wait for reinforcements, while I spared your life earlier only to let the Empress Dowager see your true colors. Now that the goal has been achieved, there is no need for further patience."
Looking at his confident demeanor, Xin Ci's brows furrowed involuntarily. Thinking of the others who were still late, a shadow fell over her heart, and she felt a deep, indescribable depression.
As a gust of wind blew by, the two moved almost simultaneously.
A flash of cold light, the sharp edge of a sword, the whistling of a spear—the sound of their collision was crisp and loud, sparks flying everywhere, like stars colliding, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
The battle intensified, and the two figures clashed, swords and spears clashing repeatedly. They exchanged blows, attacking each other's vital points in the back-and-forth exchanges.
The Empress Dowager and Xu Zhisheng, one a frail woman and the other a weak scholar, could only watch helplessly as the two fought.
As time passed, the two fighters' breathing became increasingly rapid, and the grass beneath their feet was trampled into mud.
With a nimble flick of her wrist, Xin Ci's silver spear shot out like lightning. She sneered, "I thought you were so powerful, but you're nothing special! At this rate, you'll be dead in less than twenty moves!"
He Yaozu was waiting for the moment she was distracted. He concentrated his mental energy and suddenly pushed her from behind with all his might. Xin Ci was suddenly filled with indescribable fear, and her body staggered forward uncontrollably.
Before she could regain her footing, a flash of cold light appeared before her eyes, and a sharp sword pierced through her chest.
At that moment, she didn't feel the pain in her chest, but rather a chill that swept over her entire body. She tried to say something, but her words were drowned out by the metallic, sweet smell of blood in her mouth. Large mouthfuls of blood spilled from her mouth, and in the end, only a feeling of resentment lingered in her chest.
"My martial arts skills are not good, so my way of saving my life has never been martial arts!"
He Yaozu expressionlessly sheathed his sword, coldly watching Xinci's figure fall to the ground until she closed her eyes and her last breath dissipated.
"Your Majesty, we should not linger here. Let's return to Jinling quickly!"
He Yaozu said, then looked at the corpse on the ground: "As for her body, let's move it to the roadside for now, and have the people from the Jinling County government come and deal with it once we enter the city."
Looking at Xin Ci, who was now lifeless, the two sighed in unison, a wave of sorrow washing over them.
Humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings?
Although Xinci approached them with ulterior motives and deceived their feelings, their months-long time together was genuine. Now that the person is dead, neither of them feels any anger, only grief.
The three turned back to Jinling County, and the journey was uneventful. They returned to the county town without any further trouble.
He Yaozu did not take the two to the county government office, but instead went to Prime Minister Tang's residence.
Today is the wedding day of Prime Minister Tang's only daughter. Now that Chu Tianyou has come to Jinling, he will definitely not ignore it.
After arriving at the Tang residence and inquiring, they learned that Chu Tianyou and his companions were indeed there. They then introduced themselves to the gatekeeper and said, "Please inform Young Master Chu that the old lady has arrived and ask him to come out and greet her."
When the servant heard him mention Chu Tianyou, he couldn't help but think of the respect that the lady had shown to that young master Chu earlier that day. He felt a little more serious and didn't dare to be negligent. He immediately went to Lulu Garden to report.
At this moment, the Tang family mansion was immersed in a sea of joy, with guests filling the seats. The fact that Chu Tianyou, the emperor of the country, condescended to attend the banquet in person surprised and delighted Madam Tang.
Knowing that he was traveling incognito and did not want to reveal his identity, the host specially arranged a private banquet in the quiet and elegant Lulu Garden in the mansion to personally entertain this distinguished guest.
The atmosphere at the banquet was harmonious and pleasant. When Chu Tianyou handed Madam Tang a note with the decree that she would be granted the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady, the atmosphere reached its climax.
Just then, the servants arrived at Lulu Garden. A hint of displeasure flashed across Madam Tang's brows. She had previously instructed herself to host a banquet for distinguished guests here and not to allow anyone to disturb her. She hadn't expected that someone would disregard her words. She was about to reprimand them.
The servant noticed the lady's impatience and hurriedly explained, "Madam, there is a young man outside who claims to be the son of Governor He. He asked me to inform Young Master Chu that the old lady has arrived and asked Young Master Chu to come out and greet her."
"really?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Tianyou suddenly stood up, his gaze intense.
He Yaozu's sudden arrival, along with the news of the "Old Madam's" visit, could this "Old Madam" refer to the Empress Dowager?
The thought arose, and an indescribable joy welled up in his heart. He couldn't wait to ask the servant, "Where is the old lady now?"
"Wait outside the Tang residence!"
Chu Tianyou disregarded everything else and hurriedly strode towards the gate. Madam Tang also suddenly realized what was happening and quickly led the way with the steward.
Zhao Yu and Bai Shanshan exchanged a glance, quickly got up and followed closely behind. Ding Wuwei lagged behind and also caught up.
The group rushed to the door and were surprised to see three figures standing before them.
Chu Tianyou had no time to look at anything else. He glanced past He Yaozu and Xu Zhisheng on either side and fixed his gaze directly on the person in the middle.
At this moment, the setting sun lingers reluctantly in the sky, painting half the sky a magnificent crimson, and golden rays spill across the path in front of the door, as if nature itself is setting the most glorious backdrop for this reunion.
The figure that haunted my dreams day and night was now standing right before my eyes.
"Mother Empress—"
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