Chapter 8, Confrontation
"Your Highness, what does this truly mean? Have you forgotten your own identity?" Wu Xingyi signaled the other seven to guard the door behind them, stepping slowly to the center of the hall, and coldly spoke, "Your Highness, we are your closest aides, and we must not be separated from you, regardless of the importance of the matter. Yet you have commanded us to wait outside the letter pavilion in front of outsiders. Are you intentionally trying to reveal something? Do not forget, the armies of Zhongzhou are entirely under our control. Even the Son of Heaven, without military power, finds it difficult to convey his will beyond the capital of Huadu!"
A series of intimidating words surged towards Lian Jun like a tidal wave, yet they could not push him back even a step. He had experienced the feeling of being manipulated in someone's palm for many years, and at this moment, his heart was filled only with a raging fury, devoid of any trace of fear. He suddenly turned around, still wearing a gentle smile, but the expression was so incongruous with the words he spoke.
When they walked out of the pavilion, both Prince Hua Jiang Li and Lian Junru were beaming with smiles, which naturally delighted Zhao Yan. However, for Wu Xingyi and the others, their hearts sank. They all knew that Lian Junru was merely an impostor, and the intention was to prevent him from mingling too closely with the emperor and the ministers, fearing that his true identity would be revealed. Unexpectedly, Lian Junru and Prince Hua Jiang Li sat in the pavilion for a full half-day, not even consuming half of the meal provided. Apart from the possibility of mutual understanding between the ruler and his subjects, or some other secret plot, there was no other explanation to be found. Everyone knew that Lian Junru had previously been a mere commoner; how could he possibly comprehend the grand affairs of the world? The notion of mutual understanding between the ruler and his subjects was naturally a joke. Thus, the only inference that the eight envoys could make was that it involved a conspiracy.
Emperor Wang Jiangli gazed at the retreating figures of the group, standing silently in place as if deep in thought. After standing still for a full quarter of an hour, he finally spoke to Zhao Yan: "Today, I have finally understood why the past kings who had wise ministers assisting them were able to enjoy a reputation for virtue. With such a shrewd and cautious individual by my side, how could I, as the Son of Heaven, not exert myself to the utmost? Hahaha!" He suddenly laughed heartily, and the cheerful laughter rang in the ears of the ministers standing below, who found it particularly jarring.
He waved his hand to indicate the seven people behind him, then straightened up. "Among the various nations, there are many powerful figures coveting the legitimate authority of Zhongzhou. Besides the lords of the four states, there are also quite a few who are watching with keen interest. If Your Highness truly wishes to assist us in revitalizing Zhongzhou, then I, Wu Xingyi, can swear here that I will certainly support Your Highness in achieving this!" As he spoke, he suddenly knelt down on both knees, bowing his forehead to the ground, and said, "For the sake of my long-held aspirations, I have long since disregarded life and death, slaying gods when encountering them, and slaying demons when encountering them! As long as we can accomplish great things, even if Your Highness resents me for a lifetime, I am willing!" He deeply prostrated himself on the ground, and no one could clearly see the expression on his face.
This seemingly understated remark, in reality, carried the weight of a thousand pounds, leaving Wu Xingyi momentarily stunned. However, he was no ordinary talent; he quickly discerned the true meaning behind Lian Junru's words. Unexpectedly, in just over half a day, this originally resistant youth had come to understand his mission. He gazed deeply into Lian Junru's eyes for a long time before finally revealing a hint of a smile. Indeed, he admitted that he had underestimated the other party. Whether it was the impromptu performance before the Qinzun Hall or the secret meeting with Prince Hua, Jiang Li, it all highlighted the extraordinary nature of this young man. He gazed deeply into Lian Junru's eyes for a long time before finally revealing a hint of a smile. Indeed, he admitted that he had underestimated the other party. Whether it was the impromptu performance before the Qinzun Hall or the secret meeting with Prince Hua, Jiang Li, it all highlighted the extraordinary nature of this young man. However, in terms of opposing him, he was still not a match.
Wu Xingyi entered the Qinzun Hall with a gloomy expression. He then waved his sleeve, unleashing a powerful gust of wind that immediately slammed the two doors shut. The dim lights on the wall continued to flicker incessantly, yet Lian Junru seemed oblivious to the heavy pressure behind him, walking towards his seat as if nothing were amiss. He knew that a storm of impact would erupt at any moment, but regardless of the circumstances, he had to make his heart incredibly strong, for his parents and for himself
After reincarnation, Lian Jun's greatest hatred was for others to use his parents as leverage; that was his greatest weakness and his only forbidden topic. He forcefully suppressed the anger within him and said word by word: "Wu Xingyi, you need not remind me of these things constantly. I know that you only wish to use me to spread the news of the Master’s emergence throughout the world. However, do not forget why you have never employed this tactic before. If I am not mistaken, even if you were to fabricate a counterfeit, it would not be so easy. If it were not for the fortuitous circumstances that granted me the soul powers you mentioned, you would likely have found it difficult to succeed despite your efforts, right? Just as you said earlier, we rise and fall together, that is all!"
Wu Xingyi, you repeatedly claim that I serve His Highness, yet you grant me not a shred of freedom in public. Do you think others are blind? If it were not for my careful concealment, the Emperor would have likely seen through it by now. Indeed, you control the royal army of Zhongzhou, but if you truly dare to make any moves, can the beleaguered Zhongzhou withstand the full force of the neighboring states? The Emperor merely wishes for me to familiarize myself with the overall situation of the world, so that I may respond to the envoys of the four nations or the feudal lords in the future. Is there any error in this? Tomorrow, the Emperor will send wise men to come; if you disagree, I shall not concern myself with these trivial matters. The survival of Zhongzhou has nothing to do with me, an outsider!" As he spoke, he leisurely sat down, and the provocation in his gaze was unmistakable.
The seven individuals behind Wu Xingyi exchanged glances upon hearing this, still unable to comprehend why their usually composed, benevolent elder brother, who cared for the people and was concerned about the state of the world, had suddenly become so unfamiliar. First, after returning to Huadu with Lian Junru's family, he personally went back to slaughter the entire Zhao Village, and then he relentlessly pressured Lian Junru to comply. His every word and action had overturned all their previous perceptions of Wu Xingyi. The man before them was now dangerous and terrifying; even standing behind him, they could sense the immense storm hidden within.
The seven envoys almost simultaneously let out a sigh of relief. Although Lian Junru's performance greatly exceeded their expectations, his current words indicated that he was still a child. They glanced at Wu Xingyi, who remained prostrate on the ground, and slowly knelt down. "Your Highness, we can attest that every word spoken by Lord Wu is true. As long as Your Highness can do your utmost to persuade the nations to accept the royal way, once the matter is accomplished, we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for the villagers who died unjustly and in vain!" one of them said, bowing deeply, and the others immediately echoed in agreement. In that moment, they seemed to forget that Lian Junru was merely an imposter, and the expectation in their eyes was unmistakable. However, how much truth lay within these words was something no one could clearly discern.
So it is, Your Highness, your considerations are indeed thorough; perhaps I should reflect on my actions. Wu Xingyi slightly bowed, as if apologizing for his own rashness. However, please remember, Your Highness, that the eight envoys are the ones who truly protect you at all times. Currently, you are powerless, and should any misfortune occur, you should be well aware of the consequences. The two esteemed elders are both advanced in age; you would not wish to see a white-haired person send off a black-haired one, would you? Wu Xingyi's words, when heard by the other seven envoys, took on a different meaning. They had been with this elder brother, who was like a mentor to them, for many years, yet they had never heard him speak in such a threatening tone, which left them feeling somewhat uneasy.
Wu Xingyi finally smiled, yet the expression on his face was even more chilling. "Very well, Your Highness, I am pleased that you can understand this. In this case, I need not trouble myself to make you comprehend other matters. Since Your Majesty has promised to send wise men to teach you about the grand situation of the world, you will soon understand my intentions. The world has been in chaos for a long time; it is better for one family to weep than for everyone to cry. Since I have chosen a path of abyss, I have long been prepared for its overturning, and they are likewise prepared."
Lian Junru deeply bowed and took his leave from King Hua Jiang Li, then immediately turned and left without greeting Wu Xingyi and the others. The eight envoys sensed that the situation was not favorable and hurriedly followed him. Wu Xingyi's gaze was sharp, and he even noticed a strange and mocking smile on King Hua Jiang Li's face. Believing he had everything under control, he could not tolerate any situation slipping from his grasp. He secretly resolved that once he returned to the Qinzun Hall, he would make Lian Junru understand who truly held the reins of power.
Lian Junru instinctively sensed a crisis. Although he was still unsteady, he had witnessed and heard about court intrigues and power struggles time and again, so how could he easily trust Wu Xingyi's words? He could ascertain that it was his performance in front of King Hua Jiang Li and the ministers, as well as the determination he had just displayed, that made this dangerous man regard him seriously. He nervously searched through all his memories and experiences, as if unconsciously responding: "Wu Xingyi, discussing this at this moment is no different from talking about military strategies on paper. Now that I have embarked on this path, there is no reason to retreat. Even if I were to ignore my responsibilities, would the minions of the lords of the four states let me off?"
He noticed that Wu Xingyi's back moved slightly, indicating that the other party was somewhat satisfied with this response. However, Lian Junru was also aware that the two had already developed a deep-seated enmity during their previous confrontations. If he pretended to disregard everything, it would only give others the impression of being deeply calculating. "However, you have kidnapped my parents, used coercion, and the seventy-two lives lost in Zhao Village must also be attributed to you. I, Lian Junru, am clear about my grievances and will definitely settle these matters with you in the future!" He slammed his hands on the armrest of his seat, "However, you have kidnapped my parents, used coercion, and the seventy-two lives lost in Zhao Village must also be attributed to you. I, Lian Junru, am clear about my grievances and will definitely settle these matters with you in the future!" He slammed his hands on the armrest of his seat, suddenly stood up, his face already flushed with anger, and his eyes burst forth with boundless fury. At this moment, he completely forgot that he was merely acting, and his fists were cracking with tension.