Chapter 267 Despair Between Each Other
June 5, Friday, S City, Guanyin Mountain.
In the early summer mountain forests and deep valleys, dense greenery concealed a large area of newly constructed buildings in a retro style, which had been chosen by the old duke of the Wang family as his summer retreat this year.
In the meticulously arranged farmland, an ordinary old woman dressed as a farmer, holding agricultural tools and with a small bamboo basket tied at her waist, was skillfully tidying up the ridges and sowing vegetable seeds.
Except for a nearby assisting maid, all others, including the household maids, obediently stood by the field ridges, maintaining silence, not daring to interrupt the old woman’s labor.
The leading family of the officially recognized bloodline in Huaguo had, within the past week, eliminated all unsettling factors, including the Hermit Alliance, with overwhelming force.
The determination of their will, the ferocity of their methods, and the speed of their actions were hard to reconcile with the seemingly kind-faced village grandmother before them.
Once the seeds were sown and the last clod of soil covered them, the old woman straightened up, untied her small bamboo basket, accepted a towel handed to her, and turned her head towards three middle-aged men who had been waiting for a long time.
The third uncle, fourth uncle, and sixth uncle of the Wang family’s nine high-ranking officials were now present at the summer villa in Guanyin Mountain.
The third uncle was responsible for diplomatic affairs, the fourth uncle managed the family finances and temporarily supervised intelligence work, and it was quite common for them to meet the ancestor.
The sixth uncle had long been abroad, overseeing the Wang family’s overseas enterprises and managing the younger generation, also conducting overseas intelligence gathering. He rarely returned home unless there was a top-secret matter requiring his personal report.
At this moment, the sixth uncle of the Wang family, dressed in a suit, was poised and had an elegant demeanor, reminiscent of an overseas Chinese. Unlike the other two who were fulfilling their respective roles, the sixth uncle monopolized all overseas matters of the Wang family, his authority ranking at least in the top three among all high-ranking officials of the Wang family, akin to a local emperor in their overseas layout.
However, among all the high-ranking members of the Wang family, the sixth uncle’s status was comparatively low, being only a mid-level viscount, just above the ninth uncle.
“Sixth, it’s been almost ten years since we last met. You must have some important news this time… Third, fourth, you should listen too.”
After the Wang family’s ancestor finished speaking, he headed towards a nearby rest pavilion.
Changes in the high-level management system of the Wang family began over half a century ago, and typically, high-ranking officials were prohibited from inquiring about each other’s affairs. All high-level matters communicated between them had to follow a standard process presided over by the ancestor.
However, it was evident that the grandmother had broken this rule, which surprised the third and fourth uncles while also making their expressions notably serious.
…
“Ancestor, over in Europe, some rumors have emerged, the duke of the Engel family may have passed away…”
After finishing half a cup of tea, the sixth uncle carefully took a letter from his suit.
At these words, both the third and fourth uncles of the Wang family changed their expressions, the former revealing delight while the latter frowned slightly.
“Heh, Otto’s great-grandson has learned to keep it under wraps?” The Wang family’s ancestor squinted, thought for several seconds, and revealed a hint of a smile. “Ignoring even the basic formalities of the legitimate blood family, this must be Otto’s own idea…”
The three high-ranking officials of the Wang family exchanged glances, knowing their ancestor meant something more.
The last time the queen was executed in collaboration by several families, she had not returned, interrupting the ancestor plan of the Gotthard family. It was likely from that moment that the ancestor had become quite unstable.
The Wang family’s ancestor took a sip of tea, opened the letter brought by the sixth uncle, glanced over it, and casually pushed it aside.
“Are you suggesting that… the Engel family wants to sacrifice themselves to the ancestor?!”
From the recollection of the fourth uncle, the Tianzhong family had once utilized the black blood family techniques to blood-feed the queen, devouring countless Huaguo blood families and ordinary people. That ancestor of the Engel family was certainly not something easier to deal with.
However, at present, under the precise counterattack from the Wang family, the Engel family’s previous achievements had been rendered null, and their years of layout in Huaguo had nearly been wiped clean. Faced with yet another blocked return channel for the new generation of queens, the stability of that ancestor would undoubtedly face unprecedented pressure.
“Hmph, that old man Otto is long tired of living. He has always calculated life and death without emotion. It’s not surprising he has counted himself in this time… Just wait and see. The wolf king of the James family in North America will grow increasingly paranoid and will likely continue to seek me out.”
The Wang family’s ancestor sneered, shifting his gaze to another side: “Third, has the Fujiwara family contacted you?”
“Hehe, you are indeed prophetic. They did send a family elder to S City; I haven’t even met him yet, and he wants to see you.”
The third uncle also smiled, pulling out a letter from his pocket, waving it in his hand: “They’ve pushed all issues onto Fujiwara Kyōzan, hoping we will be lenient.”
Having navigated various blood family forces for years and even having ties with the high-ranking officials in Huaguo, the third uncle was well aware of the nature of Fujiwara Kyōzan’s actions—if successful, all was well; should it fail, it would mean openly violating Huaguo’s bottom line.
This time, it was inevitable that the Fujiwara family would face a heavy blow from stealthy arrows, but the Fujiwara family was more concerned about whether the Wang family would retaliate, for the damage done to the Wang family by the Frankenstein potion was a fact.
“Leniency… they want the Wang family to overlook their interests in Huaguo?”
The Wang family’s ancestor did not even glance at the letter and raised his teacup again: “Hehe, a business deal discussed from both ends… the Fujiwara family has released their fierce dog, Fujiwara Kyōzan. Even if we don’t hold a grudge, those stealthy arrows will still bleed heavily. Using a doomed pawn to bargain with the Wang family, while also trying to drive a wedge between us and the stealthy arrows?”
“Ancestor, how about we use the condition of sparing Fujiwara Kyōzan to make the Fujiwara family cede some of their industries in Southeast Asia? It wouldn’t be impossible to reconcile. Fourth, what’s your opinion?”
The sixth uncle chimed in and glanced at the fourth uncle for his opinion, who fell into contemplation, still somewhat uncertain.
“In an age of great contention, do not dwell on such trivial interests.”
The Wang family’s ancestor interrupted the sixth uncle, pointing at the fourth uncle: “That monthly girl of his has been toying with me for so long; she has contributed quite a bit this time; the Wang family owes her a favor, just to exchange for the life of Fujiwara Kyōzan.”
“Sixth, for us, Fujiwara Kyōzan’s death already fulfills our aim to cripple the Fujiwara family. As for other matters, don’t think too much, overdoing it could be counterproductive. Tell those from the Fujiwara family that as long as Fujiwara Kyōzan is dead, everything will go on as usual.”
“Third, if the wolf king of the James family asks to meet with me again, continue to stall them. Let’s end the discussion here for today.”
“Understood, ancestor!”
After glancing at the fourth uncle, who had remained silent throughout, the third and sixth uncles quickly nodded and left the pavilion together.
A minute later, watching the disappearing backs of the third and sixth uncles, the Wang family’s ancestor sighed: “Fourth, have matters regarding the fifth been settled? This child lost both parents when young, and I personally looked after him for several years. Give a message to the eldest; the fifth is ultimately someone who dares to take responsibility, so let’s not implicate his family.”
“Yes, lifelong confinement. Thankfully, he hasn’t blood-fed anyone like Chu Dali, so he can at least keep a life… Ancestor, the effects of the Five Extremes Pill on stabilizing the mind are acceptable, but the ailments of the human heart cannot be fixed by mere stone or metal.”
The fourth uncle sighed, turning his head towards the south, his expression somewhat troubled: “The position of the fifth cannot have a vacuum. Originally, you intended to watch over Wan Yue. This child is indeed outstanding, but she is not on the same path as us.”
Mentioning Wan Yue, the Wang family’s ancestor smiled with narrowed eyes: “Speaking of that girl of yours, she is indeed quite ambitious and has a lot of ideas with courage. What she wants to do is actually quite in line with the old lady’s intentions; the difference is that I would only dare to think about it in my mind, and that took several hundred years, but she is already acting on it.”
“Hmph, it’s just child’s play; it’s not that easy… she’s really just like her mother, too straightforward.” The fourth uncle snorted, his face showing a bit of displeasure. “For instance, that Hao Huai, she has been using all along, neglecting the risks. If anything happens to the queen, the preparations of the Wang family over the years would all be in vain.”
The Wang family’s ancestor laughed, shaking his head repeatedly: “Fourth, are you still treating her as a child? She is searching for an opportunity to open up the future, and Hao Huai is her best test subject. Whether or not there is a queen, she would do similar things.”
Hearing she had overdrawn her energy and couldn’t contain her promotion, this little Qingtou has also learned to plot against me… Haha, Fourth, you go see her. Give her a reassurance pill. Using the current fashionable phrase, see how far she would really go in risking her life.”
“Some things, indeed only the Wang family can help her stabilize her footing; let’s not say, I am quite interested in the outcome.”
After speaking, the Wang family’s ancestor picked up the farming tool at his feet, preparing to continue working in the fields.
Bowing slightly, sending the old woman away, the fourth uncle displayed a faint bitter smile.
…
At Hyacinth Manor, the carefree life came to an abrupt halt a week ago, and most of the teaching activities ceased, leaving a lifeless atmosphere.
The leader of the Hyacinth began to ascend, although over the years, everyone had imagined the final scene of Wan Yue’s promotion, yet when Wan Yue fell into a dormant state, even Zhao Peng felt a deep sense of crisis.
Now, apart from those still working at Abetes, almost all the knights of Hyacinth were concentrated here, maintaining a heightened state of alert 24 hours a day. Without Zhao Peng, a brave general, stationed here, it was estimated that even the slightest disturbance would frighten them half to death.
Zheng Shaolin and Xiao Lian had sacrificed themselves, Xiao Hai and Xiao Ling were severely injured, and Xiao Guo remained on guard at Abetes with injuries. Liang Tai and the Jiang sisters were still chasing Fujiwara Kyōzan in the southern border; now, only Xiao Ai, Xiao Dong, Xiao Quan, Xiao Miao, and Xiao Xi were left to guard the Hyacinth Manor.
“The Hermit Alliance is gone, and the ancestor is of the black blood lineage… How could this happen!”
In a certain corridor, Xiao Ai leaned against the wall, directly collapsing to the ground, shaking her head desperately, clearly unable to believe the news Zhao Peng had brought back.
Zhao Peng squatted beside Xiao Ai, reaching out to comb her hair: “Actually, quite some time ago, Wan Jie had already suspected Old Chu; it’s just…”
With words halfway out, Zhao Peng sighed, unsure how to comfort his fiancée at that moment.
“Woo, Peng Ge, what should I do…”
Xiao Ai burst into tears, tightly hugging Zhao Peng with a face full of panic.
Turning his head to glance at the door not far away, Zhao Peng helped Xiao Ai up: “Don’t worry, Wan Jie and the Wang family have already dealt with the layout of the true behind-the-scenes power. Old Chu’s matter won’t implicate us.”
Finally calming Xiao Ai down and sending her back to her room, Zhao Peng inspected the guard work inside and outside the manor again before heading to the floor of Wan Yue’s private suite.
As soon as he exited the elevator, several fully armed little blood servants were guarding the corridor. Zhao Peng’s appearance made them instinctively straighten up, their expressions serious.
“No need to be so tense, just maintain alertness as per the plan.”
Zhao Peng showed a relaxed smile, soothing the little blood servants on the scene.
The door to Wan Yue’s room opened, and she was holding a large basin full of clothes, seemingly having just completed a body cleaning for the dormant Wan Yue.
Seeing Zhao Peng at the door, Xiao Quan quickly stepped forward: “Zhao Ge, the Wang family just sent news that Sister Xiao Ling and Brother Hai are no longer in danger and should return here for recuperation in a few days.”
“Mm, understood… Jin Ye hasn’t left? Wan Jie, is there any issue?”
Zhao Peng glanced at the door, a hint of hidden worry in his eyes.
“Still the same… Sister Xiao Dong and Jin Ye have been observing closely.”
Xiao Quan left with Xiao Mei, and after a moment of thought, Zhao Peng pushed the door open.
In the living room, Old Jin, disheveled and wearing a wrinkled white coat, was at a computer, frowning and mumbling to himself. Meanwhile, the bedroom door was tightly closed; it should be Sister Xiao Dong taking care of Wan Yue up close.
“Old Jin, is Wan Jie’s promotion going smoothly?”
Zhao Peng carefully sat down next to Old Jin, peering at the computer screen.
Old Jin turned around, his messy hair sticking up like a chicken coop, looking quite embarrassed: “Sigh, this is my first time encountering a viscount’s dormant promotion, so I can’t say for sure… Some indicators seem like a promoted dormancy, but it’s not very stable.”
“What?”
Zhao Peng was bewildered, feeling a bit speechless at Old Jin’s ambiguous explanation.
Thinking it over, since Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao had appeared, various unprecedented miracles in Hyacinth had emerged. Wan Yue’s current condition seemed much more normal.
To put it another way, the great realm promotions of barons were certainly different from those of knights.” Old Jin rubbed his nose, avoiding Zhao Peng’s gaze. “Moreover, your Wan Jie has suppressed herself for so many years, it’s inevitable that some strange physiological indicators will appear.”
She is sleeping so soundly, with no signs of issues or risks. Forget it, don’t worry; in a few days, Old Ninth and Old Fourth will come to check. I must head back today. If there’s anything, just call me.
Old Jin casually said this, stretching his back and standing up, his steps somewhat unsteady. The continuous nights of guarding and observing had indeed exhausted him.
Watching Old Jin’s retreating figure, Zhao Peng couldn’t help but smile at Old Jin’s concern for his Wan Jie; it was genuinely heartfelt.
Pushing open the bedroom door, Sister Xiao Dong was still hovering beside the bed, lost in thought. Several testing devices of various sizes were neatly lined up, with rhythmic green lines jumping and fluctuating, accompanied by slight ticking sounds.
On the bed, Wan Yue lay in a sensual nightgown, half-buried under a thin quilt, sleeping quite sweetly.
Her breaths were deep and steady, with her heartbeat fluctuating around forty to fifty beats per minute. Rather than promoting dormancy, it seemed more like an extremely long restorative sleep after extreme fatigue.
“Zhao Ge, the Wang family found only a finger and a watch from Brother Zheng in their cleanup of the battleground…”
Sister Xiao Dong stood up, giving some space, her eyes still a bit red.
This is bad; how do we tell her when the time comes?
Although there was some realization before departure, the truth of the casualties made it hard to accept afterward. After all, the fall of a veteran like Zheng Shaolin was utterly incomparable to the earlier death of Zhou Ping.
Especially for the little blood servants who had spent many years with Zheng Shaolin, it was as if a family member had passed away, leaving them unable to let go.
Now, with Wan Yue entering the promotion dormancy state, the repressed and uneasy emotions within Hyacinth had naturally reached their peak since its establishment.
“Old Zheng, this time he died a rightful death, wrapped in his battle cloak. Had he not blocked Pan Zhen, Sister Xiao Ling would definitely not have survived.”
Zhao Peng’s expression remained unchanged, or rather, he didn’t know how to choose his emotional expression when faced with Sister Xiao Dong’s question.
For a moment, both fell into silence.
“When will Brother Liang and them return? I heard the Hermit Alliance also got into trouble… Zhao Ge, did you and Wan Jie foresee that one day the Hermit Alliance would encounter this?”
“… And ever since Xiao Yan and Xiao Yao came in, a lot has happened with Wan Jie and Hyacinth throughout this year… What I mean is, are all these things things that Wan Jie and the Wang family had already anticipated?”
After a full five minutes of silence, Sister Xiao Dong started mumbling again, quietly observing Zhao Peng’s expression.
“Do you regret joining Hyacinth?”
Zhao Peng’s tone suddenly turned a bit cold, fixating his gaze on the girl before him, his expression becoming increasingly serious.
“I don’t!” Xiao Dong quickly lowered her head in fright, “I just feel a bit unsettled… Is it really necessary for us at Hyacinth to participate in this?”
Privately, Zhao Peng had heard Wan Yue’s assessment of Xiao Dong, who was usually very low-key but was the one with the deepest thoughts in Hyacinth. Now, this remark was just short of breaking the last glass window—whether Hyacinth would one day become the price for Wang family’s protection of the Jiang sisters.
“You were brought out by Wan Jie yourself. When did you think our lives were meant to remain as easy as the past? I know you’re worried about Liang Tai, but ever since I followed Wan Jie and Old Zheng and Liang Tai out of the Hermit Alliance, I understood that our future peaceful days must be fought for with our lives.”
“Regardless of what Xiao Yan and Xiao Yao used to be or the risks they pose to Hyacinth, they are now part of it. You, me, even Liang Tai, Huang Gu, Xiao Quan, and so on, we have all benefitted from them. There are no free lunches in this world!”
As he spoke, Zhao Peng pointed to his heart, his tone and expression growing more severe.
“I’m sorry, Zhao Ge, I spoke out of turn…”
Xiao Dong didn’t dare to look at Zhao Peng anymore, rubbing at the hem of her skirt, her voice getting smaller.
“You’ve also been guarding for several days; you should go rest. Tonight, I’ll come take a look, and in a couple of days, the Wang family will send people to see Wan Jie. As for Xiao Ling, you can only comfort her.”
Xiao Dong left obediently, and as the door closed, Zhao Peng let out a deep sigh.
…
In the southern part of the X Autonomous Prefecture of Y Province, in a certain border town.
As the moon rose over the willow trees, lovers met after dusk.
Under the gradually darkening sky, Jiang Yan strolled alone through the woods near a small western-style villa.
With no one around, Jiang Yan unwrapped the bandage from her left wrist again.
Just one glance made Jiang Yan’s breath catch—what was originally just the size of a one-yuan coin had expanded somewhat now.
A breeze blew, and the fragrance of perfume vanished momentarily, replaced by the unsettling stench of the wound, becoming more pronounced.
The strange and complex expression of Han Jielun reappeared in her mind, causing turmoil in Jiang Yan’s heart—these past few days, this young officer of the stealthy arrows had lingered around her quite a bit.
As for that blood dragon brigade instructor named Tu Weijun, he weighed heavily on Jiang Yan’s mood.
According to Liang Tai’s hints, during the battle in the north against Liang Lao Er and Ruan Shunhong’s ambush, Jiang Yan’s secrets had basically been exposed. And in the first battle within the southern borders, with the sixth uncle of the Wang family being captured, Jiang Yan sensed that her details were likely to be publicized as well.
Under the arrangement of Wan Yue and the Wang family’s ancestor, the Wang family had used Han Jielun and Tu Wei to achieve a seamless collaboration with her, directly reversing the precarious situation.
All of this seemed to indicate that Wan Yue, the Wang family’s ancestor, and the stealthy arrows had certain understanding and bottom lines regarding the ancestor plan.
Was it that the exposure of her and Xiao Yao’s identities had long been within Wan Jie or the Wang family’s ancestor’s trajectory of control?
Indeed, to Wan Jie or the Wang’s ancestor, the so-called truths held by Jiang Yan and Xiao Yao were merely tools to be used, not ends to be pursued.
But will I be able to see the final outcome? If I really propose to withdraw due to the queen’s instability, and Wan Jie is in a promotion dormancy, what will happen to Xiao Yao afterward… Lost in a tangle of thoughts, Jiang Yan rewrapped the bandage on her left wrist, closed her eyes, her heart a jumble of emotions.
“Yan, Doctor Lu is back and is going to give you another examination.”
In a daze, a familiar voice rang out. Jiang Yan turned around to see Meng Huai appearing not far behind her, dressed in standard stealthy arrow combat attire, quietly watching her.
Quietly covering her left wrist with her right hand, Jiang Yan stared fixedly at her: Blood has been drawn, tissues sampled; isn’t that enough?
After locking eyes for a few seconds, Meng Huai tilted her head slightly, not daring to answer.
Meng Huai, turn around, don’t move, and don’t look back.
Jiang Yan took another small step forward, closing the gap with Meng Huai. At that moment, the black-haired girl suddenly revealed a trace of shallow, mysterious smile.
“Mm…”
Meng Huai hesitated, full of confusion, and slowly turned around.
A somewhat tense upper body was suddenly pressed against a far softer one, and a pair of hands wrapped around her waist. Meng Huai glanced down, not moving her body.
Meng Huai, I’ve realized that this is the only way: you are Li Huai, and I am Jiang Yan… many in Hyacinth privately say that apart from being like an old maid, I really lack the essence of a woman. So, can you tell me, what should a real woman be like?
Jiang Yan’s voice was delicate and gentle, but to the ears, whether in rhythm or tone, it felt somewhat unfamiliar.
Aren’t you one now?
Meng Huai froze, her body tensing up once more, fear reflected in her eyes.
“Heh, you told me a story about a warrior named Xia Yan once. Now can you tell me which point you admire most in him and which you dislike most?”
The voice remained light, even softer, coupled with a faint scent that exuded a slight stench, making Meng Huai more and more confused, her body increasingly stiffening.
Why do you care about this? You don’t even know him… He sacrificed himself.
Meng Huai swallowed hard, her voice somewhat hoarse.
Just answer my question; I’m very curious… I realized from your initial storytelling that you seemed quite troubled about him.
Jiang Yan pressed her face against Meng Huai’s back, her hands gripping tightly, almost like a spoiled child.
After a full minute of silence, Meng Huai finally spoke: What I admire most… is that he always thinks of others, allowing me to trustingly hand my back to him.
What I dislike most… is that he always thinks of others, sometimes making me feel like I am the dark-hearted Xiao Wu… In truth, I’m not as openly straightforward as others think; perhaps I am the most selfish person in the Xuan Jia Brigade.
As she spoke, Meng Huai’s grip tightened, her fingertips nearly digging into her palm.
Then what about me… so you like me but also dislike me, right? Meng Huai, I want to be a real woman, to erase everything about Xia Yan from your heart…
Jiang Yan closed her eyes, and the smile at the corner of her mouth became more apparent.
What do you mean!
Meng Huai’s expression turned dark; she tried to turn around but was tightly entrapped and unable to move.
Heh, you and Han Jielan should have long figured out the truth, right… Thus, we will have such internal strife, sometimes feeling both thrilling and disgusting.
Meng Huai, Xia Yan becoming Jiang Yan, terrifies you… She was beautiful and dignified, unforgettable to you, and her ghost has lingered, causing you pain, so you’re contemplating seeking death, aren’t you? How can he die in your heart while I live in yours at the same time?
You’ve said that you would eternally remember certain people, but Wan Jie also said that time would change everything; I can’t wait… Meng Huai, can you forget Xia Yan right now?
Jiang Yan’s hands slowly loosened, yet her body remained pressed close to the other.
You’re deceiving me too!
A second later, Meng Huai suddenly tore away from Jiang Yan, retreating quickly, her eyes even reddening with veins.
All of you are trying to deceive me!
My mother died, my comrades died; don’t you let me off!
I have turned into something neither human nor ghost; how long will you torment me!
Her face contorting, her clothes ragged, Meng Huai cursed as she fled, her steps unsteady and staggering as she left.
Meng Huai, I’m out of time; I can’t become Jiang Yan, I can’t become a true woman…
Watching Meng Huai’s disoriented figure flee, Jiang Yan rubbed her left wrist, slowly kneeling on the ground, lowering her head, her expression vacant.
