Chapter 243: Impulse
May 5th, Tuesday, morning.
Japan, Gunma Prefecture, at twenty-nine minutes past.
The majestic Kamekawa Moat, with a history spanning four hundred years, flows through mountains, hills, and plains, connecting several serene small villages. A vast classical garden, surrounded by green trees and flowing water, welcomed back its long-absent lord a week ago.
It has been exactly a week since Fujiwara Kyōzan returned to Japan, yet he seems quite busy, continuously delaying the meeting with Tsuru-mine Seika. It wasn’t until yesterday that Seika received a definite meeting time.
In a centuries-old all-wood samurai mansion, surrounded by green pines, Tsuru-mine Seika, dressed elegantly in her kimono, crouched on the wooden floor of the spacious open room, quietly observing the courtyard scenery, her expression unchanged.
In various corners of the room, several male and female attendants were seated, among them the one closest to Seika was the traditionally-dressed Shiroha Chizu.
As time passed, footsteps echoed from the corridor outside the large room; as if acknowledging a signal, everyone inside, including Seika, lowered their bodies and paid respect to the elderly.
Nineteen seconds later, Fujiwara Kyōzan entered the room, accompanied by a young samurai around thirty years old, sitting down opposite Seika.
Silently observing the kimono-clad girl across from him, a smile gradually appeared on Kyōzan’s carved face. “I have heard that your cooperation with the EVN Group has formally moved into the implementation stage. You’ve done well; it’s been tough!”
“Indeed, it’s all thanks to my uncle’s guidance from behind the scenes…”
Seika nodded slightly, then slowly raised her head, her gaze sweeping over the young samurai behind Kyōzan, whose expression was mildly smiling, causing her to freeze for a moment in surprise.
This young samurai was rarely seen, his entrances and exits were very discreet, but within the Fujiwara family, his status was one that Seika could hardly match.
If Seika and Tsuru-mine Seika were only close relatives, this person named Tanaka Harutaka was the rightful elder brother of Seika.
Tanaka Harutaka, originally named Fujiwara Harutaka, became the nominal adopted son of the Tanaka family before reaching adulthood and belonged to the Sixth Legion.
This was a classic tactic in Japanese history, allowing the Fujiwara family to maintain control over the fallen Tanaka family, leaving former rivals with no chance of resurgence.
However, as a blood-related brother to his own sister, Tanaka Harutaka’s capabilities seemed to slightly outshine his sister.
Twenty-eight years ago, Tsuru-mine Seika was already a middle-tier male leader, but now, despite Harutaka receiving the family’s focused cultivation and resources, he barely managed to reach such a position.
Fujiwara Kyōzan, aware of that night when I slept with Jing Ge, made it clear that every move of mine was under his surveillance… but Jing Ge made no significant moves…
Seika quickly feigned a shy demeanor, bowing deeply, but sighed heavily in her heart.
Yes, I know that Jiang Yao is likely the true empress; the Wang family will certainly do everything to prevent the Engel family from getting close, even engaging in strategic withdrawals. However, according to previous cooperation agreements, I have the right to obtain Jiang Yao, and you need to keep a close watch on Jing Ge and Iris!
Seika quickly lowered her head in agreement, but after a few seconds, she hesitated and asked, “Father, I have a question… Jiang Yao and Jiang Yao, were they really soldiers of the Dark Arrow in the past?”
Fujiwara Kyōzan was silent for a moment, revealing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, “That’s all nonsense from the Engel family; it’s really not important. Besides, this isn’t something you should concern yourself with.”
“Indeed…” Seika said nothing further and immediately lowered her head.
Kyōzan was satisfied with the subordinate’s attitude, looking back at Tanaka Harutaka, “Shichirō, do you have anything to add?”
Harutaka turned his eyes to Seika, seemingly deep in thought, “What’s the current situation with Zhong Yao’s brother, Meng De? I’ve heard he is in northern Myanmar, helping to suppress the Black Blood Clan and has a close relationship with Mo Yan.”
Seika felt a slight panic and quickly nodded, “Yes, he’s just a miscellaneous knight. He doesn’t know the truth about Mi Xiang’s death. Otherwise, with his personality, he would have followed me long ago. Currently, he’s suspected to be an infiltrator from the Dark Arrow within the Wang family; the Dark Arrow has been suspecting the Wang family of protecting the empress.”
“Then find an opportunity to kill him!” Seika, Harutaka, and Meng De pose a risk—once our true identities are revealed, they would threaten the empress’s safety!”
Fujiwara Kyōzan coldly interjected, leaving Harutaka stunned.
“You each prepare your personnel, ready to follow my orders at any time, head south to engage in combat!”
Kyōzan tapped his folding fan and slowly rose, with an imposing presence, reminiscent of a great lord from hundreds of years ago.
“Indeed!”
Both Seika and Tanaka Harutaka responded by bowing simultaneously, and in that moment of lowering their heads, Harutaka glanced deeply at Seika.
The two high-ranking individuals departed, and it wasn’t until their presence vanished entirely that Seika straightened her posture, her expression turning extremely cold.
Seika had been harboring a question: why was Mi Xiang disposed of by the family so quickly?
Given Mi Xiang’s cultivation at that time, even if her strength had been slow to recover post-birth, the combat power of a baron in the Apennines didn’t depend on bloodshed, and she was alone with a child evading the watchful eyes of the Fujiwara family, hence should have been extremely vigilant.
Yet, the reality was, within just a few years, Mi Xiang was discovered by Fujiwara Kyōzan, struck down promptly, without even putting up the slightest resistance.
This could not be simply because Kyōzan was a viscount, possessing overwhelming strength to suppress Mi Xiang; rather, there must have been others aiding him in hunting her down.
Fujiwara Kyōzan, as a member of the Rhine bloodline, had glaring weaknesses; adept in ambush yet not skilled in direct attack, for a Rhine viscount to sneak attack an Apennine baron was indeed not an easy task.
This individual, at this moment, was very likely to be Tanaka Harutaka. Only an Apennine baron could see through the illusion techniques of another Apennine baron.
This may well be the hidden cruel truth—Tanaka Harutaka had collaborated with Fujiwara Kyōzan to strike against his own sister.
Now, with Kyōzan once again having Harutaka by his side, are they to conspire together, adhering to the Engel family’s demands for action?
Yes, it must be… But who is the target this time? The Wang family, the Zhou family, or the Dark Arrow?
Seika turned to look at the pair of white-robed attendants in the room, a hint of a mysterious cold smile surfacing in her eyes.
“Jing-kun.”
Seika stood up, lightly tapping her fan against her heart, her expression devoid of emotion, “Issue the territory recruitment order, gather personnel, and wait for my orders!”
“Indeed!”
All the attendants in the large room bowed respectfully.
…
Today marks the last day of the five-day holiday, and also the fifth day that Zhong Jing has locked himself in his study.
His parents have gone out traveling, leaving their son at home. For these days, Zhong Jing has been like a useless dead weight, except for eating and sleeping, he has been glued to the computer day and night.
Zhong Jing has never maintained such vigorous online activity as he does now, averaging only four or five hours of sleep per day. The rest of the time has been spent frantically gaming or binge-watching shows.
Jiang Yao still hasn’t spoken a word to Zhong Jing since his return to a normal routine, yet she can still act carefree in the game, maintaining their usual playful banter.
Whenever Jiang Yao logs on, she inevitably receives a game invite from Zhong Jing. He won’t engage in any other leisure activities until she logs off.
For several days, he hasn’t done laundry. My sister is coming back; I’m done playing, bye, everyone!
In his headset, Jiang Yao’s cheerful farewell rang out, followed by her avatar going dark, leaving the screen in silence.
Zhong Jing felt a wave of frustration, lazily wiping his nose with the sleeve of his pajamas, mumbling incoherently to himself as he staggered to the bathroom.
In the mirror above the sink, a severely haggard young man stared back at him.
Running a hand through his hair, feeling unkempt, he noted a few strands of white hair at his temples, and the bloodshot eyes were a visible sign of his declining state.
He reached into the pocket of his pajamas and pulled out an unlabeled pill bottle, tightly gripping it as if waging an intense internal struggle.
After several seconds, Zhong Jing reluctantly returned the pill bottle to his pocket, washed his face, and went back to his computer desk.
Checking the time, estimating that it was around seven or eight in the morning in Europe, he opened a remote video conferencing software to start a connection.
A minute later, the screen transformed, revealing a somewhat cold and austere European woman before Zhong Jing.
“Ms. Emma, what have you given me?! Why do I feel this way the moment I stop taking the medication?!”
Zhong Jing’s face twitched slightly, his bloodshot eyes mixed with anger and fear.
“Mr. Zhong, it seems you haven’t rested well… If I’m not mistaken, you haven’t taken your medication for several days, and that is not a good choice.”
Emma’s lips curled into a slight smirk, a visible mockery and arrogance in her demeanor.
“How did you manage to bypass the Wang family’s drug toxicity testing?”
Zhong Jing felt a tingle at his scalp as he raked his fingers through his hair, discovering several strands broken off, instantly paling, lips trembling.
“The medication itself is not toxic; it’s just that if you take it for over a month and then stop, you will feel this way. I forgot to mention it, or perhaps you didn’t ask. This condition requires lifelong medication… Mr. Zhong, your life isn’t in danger anymore; isn’t that the outcome you desired?”
“Long-term use won’t harm your body, can enhance your immunity, and brings many wonderful experiences, but do not stop taking it, or some aging reactions will be triggered. After all, our cooperation has just begun.”
On the screen, Emma donned a formulaic smile, seemingly reveling in the satisfaction of her own honesty.
“You’re betraying me?! Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell the Dark Arrow everything?!”
Zhong Jing gritted his teeth, wishing to smash the computer.
“Haha, not at all… In your previous state, your life was under threat; you could act recklessly. But now, you just need us to continue providing medication, and all discomfort can be avoided. Is there any need for that kind of threat between us?”
“Mr. Zhong, now we have truly entered into a state of equal cooperation, which is a good thing. Otherwise, any party’s dominance won’t lead to true mutual benefits, will it?”
Emma smiled, as if she had seen through Zhong Jing’s current timid nature, feeling a measure of satisfaction in having reclaimed an upper hand.
A flash of fear crossed Zhong Jing’s eyes, and a second later, his gaze dimmed, leaving him speechless.
“Mr. Zhong, we will provide the medication permanently. You need not worry about our sincerity; I wish you good health.”
The video call ended, and Zhong Jing yanked the power cord, staring blankly at the black screen. Gradually, a self-mocking smile flickered on his face, along with a hint of subtle cunning.
“Oh, so you intend to keep me as a backup, huh? Haha, I just want to stay within my limits.”
After murmuring to himself, Zhong Jing picked up a pill and swallowed it, took a deep breath, and returned to the bathroom moments later.
Showering, shaving, fixing his hair, changing clothes…
Half an hour later, aside from still haggard features and a few white hairs, Zhong Jing had transformed completely, reverting to that carefree, flirtatious young master.
…
“Oh dear, Mr. Zhong, Vice President Jin is organizing a meeting; you cannot barge in!”
At Shengci Hospital’s top floor specialized ward, the nurses in the waiting area were utterly powerless to stop Zhong Jing’s swift stride, merely watching as he walked away. But the second young master of the Zhong family seemed completely oblivious.
…”For the management of operating room instruments, we must prioritize, avoiding repetitions of past incidents!”
In the conference room, Old Jin was speaking passionately. Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a young man in a suit, looking somewhat pale, scanning the room with a cold gaze before finally settling on a particular individual at the head of the table.
Old Jin regarded Zhong Jing with no surprise, as if already aware of his intentions.
“Director He, please continue moderating the subsequent topics; I’ll deal with this…”
In a few simple words, Old Jin stood and headed toward the conference room door, passing Zhong Jing when he suddenly seized the latter’s arm and forcibly pulled him outside.
…
Vice President’s office.
Old Jin held a transparent thermos nearly half filled with goji berries, leisurely sipping while secretly assessing the young man’s expression across from him.
“What have you been up to? You look terrible! Young man, you must learn to exercise moderation; otherwise, I suggest you drink goji berry water right now. By the way, I have some health remedies from Fuyang, would you like to try…?”
Old Jin adjusted his glasses, leaning forward with a cheerful demeanor as he patted Zhong Jing on the shoulder.
“Zhong Jing, is Jiang Yao pregnant?”
Zhong Jing glanced at the shoulder where Old Jin had patted him, brushed it with his hand, keeping an impassive expression, his tone somewhat stiff.
Old Jin gazed into the young man’s eyes; after a few seconds, he sighed gently, “Haven’t you mentally prepared for this? Are you concerned about her or the child in her belly?”
Zhong Jing pressed his lips together slightly, tilting his head as he fiddled with a cigarette box, remaining silent for an extended period.
“Her current health, compared to before pregnancy, aside from the shortened blood thirst cycle, has stabilized quite a bit, which is a development everyone would appreciate…”
Old Jin forced a smile, taking the cigarette box from Zhong Jing’s hands to light one for himself: “Zhong Jing, nobody forces you to assume any responsibility for this. This is merely a dealing that doesn’t seem as bad, and it’s also her own wish.”
“Isn’t it said that the probability of pregnancy between bloodlines and ordinary people is very low?”
Zhong Jing sighed deeply, intertwining his fingers and resting them on the table, his tone noticeably calmer.
“Jiang Yao isn’t an ordinary bloodline; she’s not even like the former empress. The fact that she can conceive so quickly shows your capabilities. Otherwise, we would have also considered other methods…”
Old Jin thought for a moment and could only explain it this way; as for the actual reasons, even the medical research center of the Wang family lacked reasonable scientific references.
“So, what will happen to this child in the future…”
Zhong Jing paused, finally displaying a hint of anxiety on his face.
“Since Jiang Yao is so stable, this child will likely be similar; we are quite optimistic. But due to bloodline issues, the child born will inevitably be a member of the blood clan, and it is bound to be a girl; that’s a matter of the empress’s nature.”
As he spoke, Old Jin pointed lightly at Zhong Jing’s chest: “Regardless of your relationship with Jiang Yao, I think it can act as mutual trust support among friends, so it’s best not to view it with ordinary feelings.”
“The child will be raised and concealed by the Wang family; you need not feel guilty about this… compared to those outrageous progenitor plans, this is the most humane outcome.”
“Don’t worry about Jiang Yao. It’s a good thing she can free herself from the empress’s identity. If you intend to use this opportunity to truly be with her, then that’s even more perfect. You can always have another child in the future.”
Minutes later, Old Jin left, leaving Zhong Jing still sitting in his seat in a daze.
Old Jin may not have divulged all the truths, but Zhong Jing at least felt that what he had acquired was not false—this child was merely an opportunity for Jiang Yao to rebuild her life, or rather, a price that had to be paid to resist the progenitor plan.
As for feelings, they bore no meaning until the threat of the sword hanging over the empress’s head vanished.
…
Around 6 PM, at a high-end community in Q District, Jiang Yao’s home.
In pajamas and slippers, surrounded by a wide array of snacks, takeout, and perhaps only in her own home could Jiang Yao behave so recklessly.
“Xiao Yao, aren’t you afraid of messing up your health by eating randomly like this… aren’t you worried about Jiang Yan coming back to scold you?”
The word “child” remained unspoken by Su Xiaomeng, yet she felt a bit uneasy seeing how Jiang Yao had returned to her carefree self in recent days.
“Weren’t you the one who just checked, and found nothing wrong? I can tell you; bloodline people don’t care about this!”
“Besides, she’s at her aunt’s for closed-door training; she won’t care about me.” Another egg tart stuffed into her mouth, Jiang Yao beamed, “How about we eat out? Hot pot sounds great!”
“Just keep a lookout for the changes in your blood thirst intervals; it’s best to track it at home. If it starts dipping below three days, you shouldn’t enter the boiling blood stage; otherwise, it’ll be very harmful. If it drops below 24 hours, it’ll be a taboo! I’m not just guessing!”
Su Xiaomeng pouted but could only warn to this extent.
These people, entrusted by many, accompany Jiang Yao almost daily, watching her transition from a low emotional state back to her former self, feeling both happy and slightly anxious.
The doorbell rang, and Jiang Yao, as if reacting on instinct, swiftly shoved all the unfinished snacks into a bag, fearful of triggering anger upon entry—her actions clearly showed her body was more honest than her mouth.
As for the sweetness of the junk food wafting through the air…
Su Xiaomeng walked over to Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao gazed at the direction of the bedroom, reluctant to speak for a long while.
“Huh? Jiang Yao, you’re here too?”
The living room door swung open, and Jiang Yao walked in, each arm carrying a large bag, looking somewhat surprised at the sight of Jiang Yao and Su Xiaomeng.
Zhong Jing was silent, while Su Xiaomeng wore a smile that looked more painful than a cry.
Jiang Yao exited but merely glanced at Jiang Yao before retreating to a corner of the sofa.
Since everyone was present, they might as well have dinner together tonight… Oh right, Xiao Yao, after work tomorrow, head directly to the Jinhe Club; Sister Yuan is gathering everyone for some instructions.
