Chapter 207: The Unrestrained Mu Zhaoxue
In the moment the jade slip shattered, a guiding beam of light appeared before Qin Bei.
Everyone understood what this meant.
The brightest spot represented the location of another jade slip.
Without a doubt, everyone knew that this spot must be where Ling Tianyi was currently located.
“It’s a bit far, at least a hundred miles away.”
“It’s indeed a bit far. If Prince Bei wants to settle the score with Ling Tianyi right now, there certainly won’t be enough time.”
“It all depends on what Prince Bei decides. In fact, it wouldn’t be too late to settle the score after the Imperial Mausoleum trial is over.”
“That sounds nice, but Ling Tianyi is from the Ling family. If we really wait until after we leave the Imperial Mausoleum, it’ll be difficult to settle things. At least, Prince Bei cannot handle it alone. Don’t forget, Prince Bei just recently received his title, and there isn’t even a capable guest official in the mansion. If we have to wait until we’re outside, what can we use to compete with the Ling family? By then, it’ll just be a stalemate where neither side can do anything to the other.”
“So, we can’t just throw away the opportunity for the trial of the Imperial Mausoleum because of this. This only comes once every three years!”
“I think revenge isn’t necessary. After all, the soul beads and spirit stones have been brought back. It’s just that Peng Yuan got a little hurt; it’s really nothing.”
“This… While you might not be wrong, it feels too callous. After all, Peng Yuan is a temporary subordinate of Prince Bei. If he doesn’t care when his own subordinate is hurt like this, who would dare to work for him in the future? Even if they do, it would be hard to earn their loyalty.”
“Hmph! You can’t give up your master’s opportunity just because of your subordinate’s hatred! Do you have no awareness at all?!”
“How vulgar! People like you will never become a superior!”
…
Inside the Imperial Palace.
A group of old men looked at the current situation, saying nothing, just watching the Summer Emperor on the dragon throne.
This situation was nothing but an internal struggle of the royal family.
They, as sect members, were merely outsiders here to watch the show.
As for Peng Yuan’s sect elder… he really had no right to be here.
Compared to these spectators, the Summer Emperor on the dragon throne was more interested in the matter.
However, he wasn’t concerned about Ling Tianyi seizing Qin Bei’s opportunity, nor was he worried about Qin Xiu’s underhanded schemes.
This kind of power struggle was permitted by Emperor Xia.
So even though he noticed it early on, Emperor Xia didn’t find it significant.
What he cared about was one thing: what Qin Bei would do.
From the looks of it now, Qin Bei definitely couldn’t manage both sides.
Unless Qin Zhen was willing to help, but seeing Qin Zhen arriving with Peng Yuan when the inner area was opened made his intentions very clear.
He didn’t want Qin Bei and Ling Tianyi to have a major clash, turning big issues into small ones and small ones into nothing—after all, Qin Bei hadn’t suffered any losses.
To put it bluntly, in Qin Zhen’s view, the injuries Peng Yuan sustained were not worth Qin Bei’s effort to clash with the Ling family again.
If there was no way to juggle both, then Qin Bei had to make a choice.
And as it stands, whether he sought revenge later or rushed to find Ling Tianyi now, there would be supporters and naysayers.
In contrast, most people hoped that Qin Bei would wait to settle the score.
Emperor Xia also believed that waiting was the wisest choice, but that meant Qin Bei had no intention of winning people’s hearts.
Since he had no intention of charming the populace, that implied Qin Bei genuinely just wanted to enjoy life as a carefree prince.
If that were the case, Emperor Xia would consider granting Qin Bei freedom after he stirred up trouble in the Cangzhou Continent, allowing him to be an unruly prince.
Yet, deep down, Emperor Xia still hoped Qin Bei wouldn’t just like feasting and fun, but that he also craved power!
That was the true romance of men, something to pursue throughout a lifetime.
Thus, in Emperor Xia’s view, the most sensible move for Qin Bei now would be to let one of his two wives handle Ling Tianyi and the others.
Absolutely deny Ling Tianyi any chance to exit the imperial mausoleum. Once out, Ling Tianyi wouldn’t be someone Qin Bei could easily deal with.
This way, he could secure opportunities and win hearts!
This was truly the best decision.
As for who to choose, Emperor Xia thought that decision should be left to Qin Bei.
….
Ji Zhuyue shook her head at the arguments surrounding her.
She was surprised that, in this current situation, Qin Bei, the person involved, hadn’t said anything.
Instead, this group of outsiders began to bicker.
Both sides held their ground, convinced they were right.
“It’s too far; it’s too late! There’s no need to squander this opportunity on Ling Tianyi.”
Qin Zhen urged again.
Qin Bei still ignored Qin Zhen’s words and remained focused on the light spot above, as if he were hesitating.
Seeing this, Ji Zhuyue understood that Qin Bei still held a fondness for power.
Otherwise, as Emperor Xia had speculated, Qin Bei could easily turn and enter the inner area.
Even if someone objected, there would be no valid reason to criticize his decision.
Peng Yuan wouldn’t harbor any resentment, and of course wouldn’t dare…
‘Thank goodness, my husband enjoys power! His previous attitude almost made me think he truly wanted to be a carefree prince.’
After realizing this, Ji Zhuyue felt a surge of happiness.
This man! I’m determined to follow him!
So she made a crucial decision!
That was to be a stepping stone for Qin Bei’s future!
Since having it all wasn’t an option, she would forgo her original plan! Not to enter the core area, and to give up on that “Void Sutra”!
Making that resolve left Ji Zhuyue a bit startled by her bold choice.
If it had been when she first arrived in Great Xia, the thought of giving up the “Void Sutra” would have never crossed her mind!
Perhaps years from now, someone would stumble upon this story and call her foolish.
To give up something so significant for such a small matter? Ridiculous!
It would be like giving up a living bird for a mere feather.
But Ji Zhuyue believed she wouldn’t regret it, for what seemed trivial now could become a significant loophole once Qin Bei matured.
A flawless reputation marred by a single flaw would be painfully conspicuous, which is why Ji Zhuyue willingly sacrificed for it.
Anyway, if she couldn’t get the Void Sutra this time, she could wait three years!
For Ji Zhuyue, who had lived quite a while, three years was but the blink of an eye.
….
“Husband, you…”
Ji Zhuyue stepped forward, wanting Qin Bei to take Mu Zhaoxue into the inner area while she dealt with Ling Tianyi herself.
Yet before she could finish, someone interrupted.
Mu Zhaoxue!
A faint blue long sword appeared out of thin air, and Mu Zhaoxue stood with her sword tilted, her voice cold enough to make everyone recognize the saint of the Wu Kingdom once again.
“Husband, go into the inner area without worry; Ling Tianyi is my responsibility.”
…
ps: I genuinely enjoy writing fantasy, letting my imagination run wild, but I’m aware that I have many issues as a first-time writer without even an outline. The world-building is a bit overwhelming, and several parts I’ve written feel lacking.
The only aspect I’m satisfied with is the plot content. As for character designs, I believe the characters appearing later will turn out quite well.
All issues have been noted, and I hope to have another chance to write fantasy in the future.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not quitting; just expressing my feelings.
By the way, I’m asking for positive reviews to lure in some readers, hahaha.
And a few small gifts to encourage updates would be the greatest support for me!
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