Several days later, within the Dragon God Palace in Peng City, Wu Gang, having successfully completed her duties, was relieved of her position as Great Chu’s guardian deity.
Duke Jin, acting on behalf of the Emperor, rewarded Wu Gang handsomely, granting her ownership of the Dragon God Palace as her private residence. Furthermore, recognizing Tuan Tuan’s fondness for Wu Gang, an imperial decree was issued, entrusting the young divine beast to her care.
“Alas…” Fan Li sighed.
“Master, are you longing for Sage Ruler Han Yue?” Wu Gang inquired, cradling Tuan Tuan in her arms, her tone matter-of-fact.
Fan Li blushed. “Nonsense… what longing? I didn't ask for this! She left an imprint on my heart. What was I supposed to do? This isn't longing. It’s a normal physiological response!”
Yes! A physiological response! Fan Li was quite proud of his quick thinking. How could he possibly admit that he was practically lovesick? A physiological response was the perfect explanation.
“Pfft!” A muffled giggle came from Tuan Tuan, nestled in Wu Gang’s arms. A child’s innocent words, though unintentional, could still wound. Fan Li’s blush deepened.
“Wu Gang, how are you raising this child? Look how spoiled she is!”
Wu Gang simply smiled, while Tuan Tuan, with a lazy roll, expressed her disdain for Fan Li’s impotent rage.
“Master, lovesickness can be detrimental to your health. For your well-being, I suggest we travel to Great Ci and retrieve Sage Ruler Han Yue. Perhaps her constant presence will alleviate your symptoms?” Wu Gang suggested.
Remarkable! She even knew about lovesickness? Truly worthy of a warrior who had once served Xiang Yu, witnessing firsthand the Hegemon-King’s tender moments with Consort Yu within their military tent.
“You… I… Alas…” Fan Li sighed, shaking his head. News of Han Yue’s rebellion, her establishment of the Zhu Xian Sword Formation and the re-establishment of the Pure Land within Great Ci’s territory, had reached Great Chu the previous day.
It was a shocking development. The Zhu Xian Sword Formation? Fan Li couldn’t fathom the extent of Han Yue’s talent. Based on his own crude drawings of the Four Swords of Zhu Xian, she had not only comprehended their individual sword intents but had also created a powerful formation? A true genius! A genius whose brilliance even his system-enhanced abilities couldn't match!
“There is no need to visit the Pure Land for now. Sage Rulers Miaoyin and Jin De are no match for Han Yue. Only Empress Yao Guang, upon her return from Nüwa’s secret realm, might be able to break the formation.
But even she would have to consider the implications. Han Yue’s actions, though rebellious, align with the Pure Land’s original ideals. She isn’t directly opposing Yao Guang. To break the formation and kill Han Yue would be a blatant rejection of the Pure Land’s principles. The Great Ci Dynasty is built upon the foundation of the Pure Land. Empress Yao Guang wouldn’t dare destroy that foundation.”
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Fan Li chuckled coldly. “In this world, unless one is willing to embrace treachery, like myself, then those who wield righteousness as a weapon will inevitably find themselves bound by its constraints.”
Wu Gang nodded, acknowledging Fan Li’s strategic insight. He was her mentor in such matters. This, however, didn’t quell her curiosity. “So, Master, what do you intend to do about Han Yue?”
“Well…” Fan Li was at a loss. He couldn’t avoid the question forever. He was simply… powerless to act. Why had Han Yue confessed her feelings so suddenly, only to embark on such a dangerous and seemingly futile mission?
“Wu Gang,” Fan Li asked, desperate to change the subject, “during your time serving Hegemon-King Xiang Yu, did you ever hear of Nüwa’s secret realm?”
He expected her to hesitate, to search her memories. But Wu Gang’s answer was immediate and decisive. “Never.”
Within the Zhongcui Palace of the Great Ming’s imperial palace, Xue Susu, the Emperor’s favored consort, knelt with her servants, bidding farewell to Emperor Jiajing.
The palace staff had grown accustomed to the Emperor’s doting affection for Consort Rou. Rumors even suggested that he was considering reinstating the Empress position, with Consort Rou as the prime candidate.
“My lady, allow me to assist you,” a palace maid said, helping Xue Susu to her feet. Her tone, however, lacked the usual deference. But those present were accustomed to this. Ah Chang, the maid, enjoyed a similar level of favor with Consort Rou as the consort enjoyed with the Emperor.
“Thank you,” Xue Susu replied, allowing Ah Chang to escort her back into the palace. She dismissed the other servants.
Once inside, Xue Susu sat upon her throne, watching as Ah Chang prepared tea, her movements precise and efficient, like a well-trained servant.
“Ah Chang, there’s no need for such formality. We’re alone,” Xue Susu reminded her gently.
Ah Chang remained silent, continuing her task until a pot of the finest Dragon Well tea was brewed and a cup placed before Xue Susu.
“The tea is ready, my lady,” Ah Chang announced, bowing deeply.
“Ah Chang?!” Xue Susu stared at her, bewildered. They were alone. Why this sudden display of subservience?
“Ah Chang, you are the Archery Sage, and I am the Painting Sage. We are equals, sisters. Why this formality? You embarrass me.”
“Oh?” Ah Chang straightened, her gaze meeting Xue Susu’s. “So, you still remember your true identity as the Painting Sage of Great Ci?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” Xue Susu was taken aback.
“I was beginning to think you only remembered your title as Imperial Noble Consort Rou,” Ah Chang replied, her tone flat, yet laced with sarcasm.
“Ah Chang! Do you suspect me of betraying Elder Sister, of serving Emperor Jiajing?” Xue Susu asked, her face a mask of shock and disbelief.
Ah Chang’s gaze remained fixed upon her. They stared at each other, as if trying to penetrate the other’s disguise, to discern the truth hidden within their hearts. After a long moment, Ah Chang’s expression softened. “Your recent closeness with Emperor Jiajing has made me… wary.” The Archery Sage’s words were direct, like her arrows, never straying from their target.
“I…” Xue Susu hesitated, then chuckled wryly. “Ah Chang, when the Emperor favors me, am I supposed to refuse? We are deep within the palace walls. We've both heard stories of consorts who angered Jiajing, banished to the Cold Palace, their lives forfeit. If I make a single misstep, Elder Sister’s plan will fail. What then?”
Her words struck a chord with the Archery Sage. “Forgive me… I was foolish. I didn’t consider your predicament.”
Seeing her sister finally convinced, Xue Susu smiled. “Ah Chang, we must endure a while longer. The information we gathered about Nüwa’s secret realm has given Elder Sister the advantage she needs to defeat Jiajing. Once she and the Three Emperors retrieve Xirang, his defeat is certain. With Jiajing gone, no one can stop Elder Sister. One day, Great Ci will rule the world…”