ASER - Chapter 174
Chapter 174: Wrapping Up
After the grand display came the rewards. However, Lushan Academy wouldn't do something as tacky as awarding medals in public. In short, those who didn't make it into Lushan would collect their rewards at Heaven on Earth. Those who did make it would continue staying at Heaven on Earth for these few days, but they would gather to go to Lushan in seven days.
These seven days were set aside for them to reunite with their families. However, the top 10 all had guards, so their safety was somewhat guaranteed. Still, it was hoped they would stay at Heaven on Earth; otherwise, if they were assassinated, well... it would be a BBQ.
The atmosphere was quite festive for a while. After all, such a major assessment had finally ended. Those who didn't pass couldn't very well cry, as their skills were inferior. Some parents had a rather unique way of consoling their children: "My child, don't cry. You were just too unlucky to encounter these insidious, cunning, and brutal individuals. Compared to those who died, you're extremely fortunate."
The phrase "these individuals" was used quite cleverly, referring to Chen A'Diao, the Qu family's Yan Fengbai, Handan Jidao, and others. Needless to say, Chen A'Diao was like a dark cloud hanging over everyone from beginning to end.
The one from the Qu family was even more extreme, practically a product of inhumanity.
Handan Jidao wasn't straightforward either. He was so strong, capable of knocking out everyone, including Dantai Ke, from the start. But no, he held back until the end, only to have it backfire. He didn't even get to show off for three seconds before A'Diao brought him to his knees several times.
But compared to the other examinees, they were indeed devastating weapons, not to mention Dantai Ke, who slaughtered others by virtue of his princely status.
It seemed that when it came to killing, Chen A'Diao's actions were considered insidious, but Dantai Ke's weren't? Surprisingly, few people mentioned this.
Was it that they didn't think so?
No, many spectators and commoners online, especially those with more progressive thoughts, were muttering about it in their hearts. But they didn't dare to speak out, because any related comments posted had long since been "MISSed".
However, in the square, there were far too many people showing goodwill towards A'Diao, both openly and secretly. Xia Sanlu was practically ready to bring his dowry and marry into her family.
But he couldn't get close, probably having to wait nearby, clutching his dowry.
Anyway, Nangong Liehe was being sarcastic on the side.
Xia Sanlu: "Marry into her family? No, no, no, I'm not worthy. Look, Young Lord Heir Cao was taken by his father to greet her, probably to apologize... and subtly express his willingness to marry in. But I can't. What am I? As long as I can be with her, I'm willing to be their foot-washing maid. If possible, I'm willing to be a concubine."
Nangong Liehe: "?"
You're such a simp.
Impressive. No wonder you managed to sneak into the top twenty.
The Cao family indeed came to apologize, and they ran into the Baili family as well. These prominent families were truly adept at being flexible. Not long ago, they had wanted to eliminate A'Diao in one fell swoop – and that was outside the examination grounds, without the convenient excuse of it being part of the competition.
However, neither Cao Juanzhi nor Baili Huayue had ordinary temperaments. The core of the former's rhetoric was "forced by circumstances," "the general trend," "deeply regretful," and "will definitely compensate."
The emphasis was on compensation.
The Baili family was much the same. They didn't dare say much here, as the imperial family was not far away. Besides, what was done was done; what use were explanations? It was better to make amends and ease the relationship between them.
Political rivals in officialdom often went back and forth like this; that wasn't an issue. But they were still apprehensive, because this was Chen A'Diao.
A'Diao's attitude, however, was very calm, as if she didn't take it to heart much.
This wasn't an act; she genuinely didn't care. After sending them away, she just wanted to finish the bun in her hand.
The atmosphere was originally very good, and A'Diao was truly enjoying the glory of being the center of attention, the No. 1.
But suddenly, she heard some people muttering privately.
"Am I the only one who remembers she and Zhao Ritian... are hermaphrodites?"
"No, that seems to be a doppelganger. She has a Doppelganger Dao Tablet."
"Ah?"
"Doesn't that mean Zhao Ritian is... is her herself?!"
Holy crap!
The originally wonderful, glorious atmosphere suddenly...
Compared to Qu Xia'er and the future Empress, what did Zhao Ritian amount to? Naturally, he had no standing. The scene of him merging with Chen A'Diao probably had the most direct impact on Xie Jingyu, who still found it hard to believe and was continuously sending Mental Power to A'Diao.
But with these troublemaking spectators gossiping, A'Diao suddenly realized there were some fixed incomes on her Mental Power list.
They came from the Zhao family, the Duanmu family, and Xie Jingyu...
And also Jiang Zhou, who was just going with the flow.
However, the group of examinees didn't know. Hearing this, Han Zhuo was stunned and blurted out, "What doppelganger? Why are they saying Zhao Ritian is your..."
Slap! A'Diao covered his mouth with one hand.
Duanmu Qingyang frowned slightly and asked Brother Duanmu, "What's going on?"
Brother Duanmu found it hard to explain and glared angrily at Zhao Yi.
Some time had passed since the incident. The image of his "plastic wife" being so shocked she looked ready to pull out a 48-meter-long saber to chop someone was still vivid in his mind. Zhao Yi figured Duanmu Qingyang would likely explode as well when the time came.
So, how could they smooth this over?
Zhao Yi had already discussed it with his family. So, in the strange, quiet atmosphere, he quickly sent a private message to A'Diao.
"Continue..."
Continue!
Holy crap! They still want to continue with this?!!
A'Diao had thought this whole charade was about to collapse. She figured she'd apologize, subtly shift the blame to the Xiao siblings, and say it was a military arrangement. Who would have thought the Zhao family would actually want to continue?
No, big brother, how big is your Zhao family's enterprise that you insist on having a Zhao Ritian front it? I can't handle such a big operation! I just handed Qu Jiangnan over to her sister to deal with. A plain, unremarkable character like me really can't manage the grand scheme of things!
"This... isn't necessary, is it?" A'Diao wanted to refuse.
Zhao Yi: "300,000 skeletal remains plus a Grandmaster-level Dao Tablet."
Holy crap! Why does everyone know my weak spot! The Zhao family is really going all out!
Considering she had already offended the imperial family and had originally intended to ally with the combined forces of the Zhao, Duanmu, and Xie families, A'Diao, who had been ready to give up and pass the buck, quickly perked up. Her eyes reddened as she said guiltily, "Brother, at this point, you don't need to explain."
Brother? Whose brother?
Chen Xun was about to walk over when he suddenly heard this, and his expression subtly darkened.
Zhao Yi was impressive; he immediately picked up the act, sighed, and said, "Alright, Brother Duanmu, please listen to me."
Brother Duanmu: Fine, I'll listen to your excuses.
Zhao Yi: "Actually, A'Diao is a child of our Zhao family."
Brother Duanmu laughed in anger. "Always has been?"
Zhao Yi: "Yes."
Brother Duanmu: "Then why arrange a marriage with my family? What, did 'he' only realize 'he' was a girl at five or six years old?"
Damn, Brother, you're so harsh.
Zhao Yi: "Not exactly. It was at seven."
Crap, the Duanmu family's anger flared up.
But Zhao Yi continued to explain: "She only realized she was a girl at seven, so our Ritian later became psychologically twisted, feeling terribly sorry towards you, Miss Duanmu. Thus, 'he' deliberately acted dissolute, lewd, shameless, lustful, lazy, unmotivated, and so on, all to get the engagement canceled, so the responsibility would fall on 'her'..."
The responsibility was already on her!!!
At this moment, Third Master Zhao popped up. "That's right, I can testify. Our Ritian is a little girl."
Zhao Foshou also chimed in, "Yes, yes, my Sister Ritian..."
Brother Duanmu took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress the urge to roll his eyes so hard they'd flip the skulls of these three scoundrels. He said with a forced smile, "Well, that's really been hard on you all, and Ritian... sister? You've worked hard all these years, having to flirt around and fool around everywhere."
No, what "all these years"? What have I even done!
A'Diao hadn't expected that after all her painstaking efforts, she'd only managed to create a "sister-in-law literature" scenario, while these three from the Zhao family, with just a few words, had practically built her a brothel.
"It wasn't very hard, I just feel sorry for Sister Duanmu... Sister Duanmu, it's all my fault. Please forgive my brothers, it wasn't their idea, really it wasn't."
The three Zhaos: "..."
Xie Jingyu, who was nearby, had already moved further away, looking thoroughly disgusted.
Duanmu Qingyang once again had that déjà vu feeling of being surrounded by scumbags. But thinking that the three-family alliance was already formed, what was done was done, and getting out now would be like jumping into a river to swim naked, she could only suppress her anger and calmly say, "It's alright. I've also had a change of heart long ago. I've met quite a few potential partners these years. Since, sister, your engagement with me is invalid, I won't be 'wearing a green hat,' and I feel much better about it."
This was like the Seven Injuries Fist.
A'Diao smiled. "Rest assured, in the future, I will definitely find you an unparalleled handsome man, one with better morals and character than me!"
Then wouldn't they be everywhere on the streets?
Duanmu Qingyang pursed her lips and was about to walk away when she saw Zhao Yi grab A'Diao's wrist.
Zhao Yi: "In that case, from today onwards, you two are sisters!"
He looked at Brother Duanmu. The latter gritted his teeth, hesitated for a fraction of a second, then grabbed his own sister's wrist. "That's right! Come on, shake hands!"
Are you guys nuts!
The two family heir "big brothers" were truly working diligently for the safety of their families. Duanmu Qingyang wasn't actually that resistant; she knew this current situation was extremely advantageous.
So...
As they shook hands under the dumbfounded gazes of the crowd, she heard Chen A'Diao say something deeply moving.
"Sister, rest assured, if I have a man in the future, I'll definitely share half of him with you."
"?"
That's quite unnecessary.
Everything seemed so wonderful, except for the few Chen family members watching quietly from a few meters away.
Zhao Yi turned his head and met Chen Xun's gaze. His heart skipped a beat.
This person... was inexplicably frightening.
However, he soon realized Chen Xun wasn't looking at him, but at another man.
Mo Yuwo.
Because Mo Yuwo was watching Chen A'Diao from behind.
That gaze... was not ordinary.
And Chen Xun was an existence so perceptive it was almost abnormal. He could overlook the alliance between the Zhao, Duanmu, Xie families and A'Diao. True or false, he had no say; as long as A'Diao liked it, it was fine.
But this Mo Yuwo...
Chen Xun lowered his eyes, his fingertips rubbing together slightly. He then turned and smiled at his family.
Appearing amiable and approachable.
Before the grand investiture ceremony, Daoguang Jingci naturally wouldn't live in the imperial palace. With Daoguang's influence, finding a place similar to Heaven on Earth was easy.
Pavilions, towers, waterside gardens, and flower arbors.
But compared to the areas inhabited by the Heavenly Spirit Clan, these exquisite man-made architectural beauties of the human world held no attraction for her. Upon entering her chamber, she reverted to her true form. After bathing, dressed in simple, thin gauze, she stepped barefoot onto the soft, prepared cushions and sat on a soft couch. With a flick of her finger, a neat stack of documents landed in her hand.
The first was Chen A'Diao's, the second was Chen Xun's, and after that...
She waved her hand, and all subordinates and maids withdrew. Once the door was closed, she finished reading A'Diao's file. Then, she glanced at Chen Xun's file, tapped his name on it with her finger, and opened it... When she saw the series of inventions on his resume, a slight ripple appeared in her eyes. Her thoughts drifted back to the recent attack. The attacking shadow army had activated a new type of weapon in the spatial tunnel, capable of using spatial explosive force to drag a flying ship into a spatial vortex.
She, of course, was fearless and was about to let her subordinates handle it, but she saw that this Chen Xun seemed to have been prepared. He calmly commanded the imperial court's flying ship to activate anti-celestial magnetic space equipment... directly interfering with the enemy's signals in advance and disrupting their energy field, causing the enemy instead to be dragged into the spatial tunnel and completely annihilated.
Without losing a single soldier.
Later, upon inquiry, she learned that the equipment was developed by him and was also a backup plan.
Curious, she specifically summoned him to ask how many plans he had.
At that time, the iridescent light of the spatial passage shone through the window. This man, so fragile that any member of a heterodox race could kill him with a single breath, lowered his head and calmly said, "Actually, there is only one plan: to send Your Highness wherever you wish to go."
He was very calm; she could sense his calmness.
It wasn't an act.
This calmness stemmed from an extraordinary intellect, his control over the situation, over others, and even... his speculation about her.
This speculation was detached.
Using her?
However, she didn't seem particularly angry. After all, calculations of value were common among living beings.
Wasn't she also calculating this person's value? So, she had him dismissed.
Only, after he left, she stood by the window, leaning against it and watching him... She saw that after he walked out, he picked up his phone, like an internet-addicted youth.
He went to watch the competition.
This time... she was genuinely amused to the point of exasperation.
Was it that interesting to watch?
So, she went to the Wanmo Luosha Courtyard.
Didn't he say he could send her wherever she wanted to go?
Then let him arrange it.
Unexpectedly, this person actually managed it. He avoided the eyes and ears of the imperial palace, evaded the detection of assassins, and persuaded several of his superiors... He safely delivered her to the Wanmo Luosha Courtyard and even had a meal with her.
It seemed there was nothing he couldn't do.
And then... she was schemed against by his younger sister.
This family.
Daoguang Jingci chuckled, then continued flipping through the documents, her expression gradually becoming subtle.
Was it because he was the only one who defied the "good looks" gene?
Not quite... Daoguang Jingci recalled Chen A'Diao's Yinglong bloodline, her eyes narrowing slightly, a finger pressed against her lips.
"A curse? Either it targets males, but for three hundred years, the Chen family, from a once prosperous main lineage to its collateral branches, has had children die prematurely. Even their grandmother lost two children consecutively, and only Chen Ran survived... And Chen A'Diao nearly died young and had her cultivation foundation severed. Clearly, the curse is all-encompassing, affecting both males and females. Xu Ye avoided it because the Xu family's bloodline is strong enough, inheriting it from the maternal side. This isn't strange; many bloodline inheritances are a fifty-fifty chance. But Chen Xun and Chen Yang have no cultivation aptitude at all. Is it bad luck, or?"
"But it's obvious that this curse has either disappeared or begun to weaken. If so, with Chen A'Diao's grand display when recreating the Yinglong bloodline, the original Chen family bloodline should have shown signs of revival, but it didn't."
There are only two possibilities in this situation.
1. Chen A'Diao didn't inherit any Chen family bloodline originally. But this probability is very low, because Xu Ye completely avoided it. The Chen family's bloodline can't be that weak, can it? Looking at the intelligence and achievements of the Chen family members, they basically all carved their own paths and are considered a cut above the rest.
2. The curse is still active. It wasn't stimulated to manifest by the bloodline array because... it is of a higher order than the Yinglong bloodline and cannot be triggered by it.
The history of the heterodox races is too long. Human history is constantly being filtered and destroyed due to royal control, but on the side of the heterodox races, especially the Heavenly Spirit Clan, they know too many secrets. Therefore, Daoguang Jingci became suspicious.
The ancestors of this Chen family were extraordinary, so the one who cursed them must naturally be even more extraordinary.
"Could they be descendants of Chen Gui?"
A'Diao returned to the Chen family for a day because the Ministry of Rites, following the superficial relationship between the dynasty and Lushan and adhering to the old customs from the founding era, was to feature the first-place winner in a magazine.
It was just a superficial effort. A'Diao wouldn't cooperate with the imperial court for something without benefits, but she could see that the court wasn't too willing either.
Why?
Prestige.
The imperial court didn't want her to gain prestige, but the public outcry within the country was too strong. Moreover, if the tradition was broken, people would immediately assume it was because Dantai Ke didn't get first place, that the imperial family was slacking off, and had even ruined its relationship with Lushan over it.
You know, the neighboring two countries had also finished their assessments, and they had all maintained the tradition. If only you slacked off, it would sound terrible when word got out and would damage the nation's dignity.
So, the Ministry of Rites sent people over the next day.
It turned out the Chen family was even more lackadaisical than them.
Chen Ran was still away dealing with the aftermath of the demonic spirit disaster victims, saying he couldn't make it back...
Is this her biological father?
The grandmother said she stayed up late praying to Buddha last night and didn't sleep well, so she was catching up on sleep now and hadn't woken up yet.
The old lady was pulling an all-nighter at her age? Buddha doesn't work night shifts either.
Only the others were still around. But it was clear that only the youngest young master and his mother were the most excited, dressed in their finest clothes, waiting early...
The rest were utterly indifferent.
The people from the Ministry of Rites: "..."
Who are they looking down on?
Both sides were slacking. Click, click, the photoshoot was over in a dozen minutes, and they left.
However, before they left, A'Diao specifically chased after them. The people from the Ministry of Rites thought she would give them a red envelope as per custom, but she didn't.
"Excuse me, when will my reward be given?"
The Ministry of Rites wanted to spit in her face, but thinking of her brutal appearance when she tortured Dantai Yu and thrashed the two princes, they could only say obsequiously, like a fawning dog, "My lord, your reward depends on those above. Once there's news, we will definitely handle it properly for you."
Seeing his demeanor, A'Diao subconsciously thought of eunuchs in movies and TV shows. She belatedly remembered that when eunuchs went to officials' homes on business, they usually had to be given benefits.
"Alright, alright, a small token of gratitude, it's nothing much."
The people from the Ministry of Rites were a little excited. This god of slaughter would actually give a thank-you gift?
After a friendly farewell, as soon as the Ministry of Rites boarded their flying ship, they opened it and looked. Their expressions immediately...
Ten bones.
Was she shooing away beggars? No, it was very generous, super generous.
If sold, they could fetch a lot of money, but they wouldn't sell them. They'd take them home for the younger generation in their families to cultivate with.
Public morals are degenerating! Nowadays, even thank-you gifts are human bones.
A'Diao sighed inwardly. But that day, she had a meal with the Chen family and found that her grandmother still hadn't appeared. She had many things on her mind, but after careful consideration, she gave up on contacting her.
Just like Chen Ran's mentality.
Some things, as long as they weren't touched for the time being, could still be kept suppressed beneath the surface.
Once they surfaced, things would be uncertain.
Chen Xun stood in the corridor and saw her come out. "Leaving?"
He didn't mention visiting their grandmother. A'Diao knew then that this person probably knew long ago that something was amiss with the Chen family, but he kept it secret, clearly also avoiding risks.
"Yeah, if I hang around outside, I might get assassinated, so I'll leave first." A'Diao's attitude towards the Chen family was very casual. She neither resented them, and plus, they were good-looking and pleasing to the eye. As long as Chen Ran wasn't around, she didn't mind lazing around and eating at the Chen residence. Moreover, she was now on the same side as Chen Xun. She had no time to worry about officialdom, but Chen Xun clearly wanted to use the academic circle as a stepping stone into officialdom.
Then she needed to maintain a good relationship with Chen Xun.
"Mm, this is for you."
"What? I don't want it."
"Food from the Heavenly Spirit Clan... is better than human food."
A'Diao turned around and went back to get it.
Chen Xun didn't smile. He just handed her the chips and new carriers for Sparrow and Xiao Yuanbao.
"Newly upgraded. Reinstall them for them... they'll be more useful in the future."
A'Diao was surprised when she saw the material of the new carriers.
"These are also from the heterodox races?"
"Traveling so far on business always has some benefits. The Heavenly Spirit Clan is extraordinary, and they are generous, giving quite a few rare metals—after all, they control the mines of dozens of planets..."
Chen Xun said lightly, and A'Diao's whole being perked up.
Holy crap!
The future Empress's thighs are that thick?
"No wonder, big brother, you latched onto her thigh so quickly. Truly sharp-eyed."
Chen Xun smiled and tapped her forehead. "Don't talk nonsense... I'm just an ordinary technician."
"As for you, now that you've risen high, risks follow. Take care of yourself."
"Okay, big brother, when you've secured your hold on that thigh, remember to introduce me... By the way, does the Heavenly Spirit Clan have any unmarried princes?"
"You should go."
Once A'Diao left, Chen Xun's helpless expression relaxed slightly. But he went around the corridor to the backyard, looked at the empty courtyard, adjusted his glasses, and said lightly, "Come out."
Mo Yuwo revealed his true form and stared at him. "You have no cultivation aptitude. Can you detect me just with the equipment on you?"
Chen Xun no longer showed any of the gentleness he had with A'Diao. He raised his hand and pointed to the cardamom flowers hanging under the eaves, his snow-white fingertips touching the crimson love peas. He said lightly, "How powerful do you think you are?"
Mo Yuwo: "I can kill you."
Chen Xun: "Then the remaining members of your Mo family... how do you think they will die? By the way, your sister's child just turned one month old, right?"
His tone was light, but cruel and ruthless.
Mo Yuwo's expression changed. "You..." How did he know everything!
Chen Xun: "I've seen the competition videos. From the hairpin's craftsmanship, I could trace it back to the original buyer. Your older brother, Mo Xuanyu, eloped with Qu Xia'er back then, causing a great disaster. Qu Zhen ordered their clan to be exterminated, and only a few people escaped... You brought out the hairpin. Did you want A'Diao to pass it to Qu Jiangnan, or did you want A'Diao to help you?"
Mo Yuwo was about to speak.
Chen Xun added, "However, your brother initially approached Qu Xia'er because of the Diannan Catastrophe, right? Your family's original surname wasn't Mo, but Helian. You share the same lineage as Qu Xia'er's maternal clan, just a distant collateral branch. Implicated by her mother, your clan was exterminated once by the Qu family. Your father died in that incident. Years later, Mo Xuanyu approached her for this reason..."
Mo Yuwo seemed to have been struck to the core. No longer calm, he said coldly, "My brother wasn't that kind of person! Our family never hated them... My brother couldn't let go of our father's death and hated Qu Zhen. That's why he investigated the Qu family's secrets and unexpectedly met my sister-in-law. Later, he genuinely wanted to take her away from that hell, with no ulterior motives. But sister-in-law sensed the danger from the Qu family and knew the risk of leaving Qu Jiangnan there. She ultimately gave up escaping, only letting us go, and also left my brother and the child behind. It was my brother, my brother was unwilling. He chased after her... Later, the pursuers arrived and took the child..."
Thinking of the tragedy back then, Mo Yuwo's eyes reddened, and he found it difficult to continue.
After Chen A'Diao withdrew from the competition, he had also intended to withdraw, but thinking about the Qu family's involvement in the Diannan Catastrophe, he ultimately endured.
He was still very weak and couldn't expose himself.
But after coming out and hearing about Qu Xia'er, his mental state still crumbled somewhat.
Brother, did they all die so tragically?
And my little nephew.
Faced with such a tragedy, Chen Xun remained as cold as ice, saying lightly, "What you desire is merely the truth of what happened back then. But now Qu Jiangnan is dead. Regardless of whether she can be revived, she is bound to Qu Xia'er through the Corpse Spirit Dao. Don't involve A'Diao in their affairs."
Mo Yuwo understood his meaning.
"I know. The secrets of the Diannan Catastrophe run too deep. The Qu family is merely a pawn on the surface. My Helian family's ultimate treasure is not with the Qu family; otherwise, that old dog Qu Zhen should have used it that day and might not have died—I guess he handed it over to his superiors. Moreover, I've always suspected that old dog Qu's ability to achieve research results like Yan Fengbai's is not unrelated to it. The ancient texts kept by the main Helian family back then contained many precious esoteric texts from the founding era."
Chen Xun: "What is the Helian family's ultimate treasure? Just those texts?"
Mo Yuwo pondered for a moment, then seemed to make a decision.
These two Chen siblings were the most intelligent and terrifying people he had ever met. He couldn't hide it from them; it was better to confess.
"I only know it's a long zither."
"For such a dangerous matter, I wouldn't dare expect Chen A'Diao to help me. I came today just to hand over the hairpin. This hairpin... Sister Jiangnan buried it under my parents' tombstone out of guilt. It's also the only heirloom their mother left them. It's too important; I want to return it to them. But I... I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to contact sister-in-law again. She might not recognize me, as I didn't have much contact with her back then."
Mo Xuanyu had intentionally avoided the secrets of that time, fearing it would be a psychological burden for Qu Xia'er, so he rarely let them interact.
And the Corpse Spirit King Dao was destined to abandon humanity and the past. Apart from an obsession with a close relative like Qu Jiangnan, Qu Xia'er not killing Chen A'Diao that day was clearly due to Qu Jiangnan's arrangements. As for others, they really shouldn't harbor any illusions.
"The hairpin, you can give it to her yourself when you get to Lushan. But don't trouble her with other matters; she has already attracted enough danger... As for the Diannan affair, I will investigate it for you. Now that the Qu family's matters have surfaced, things related to the Mo family are likely to be uncovered, and your family members might be found... I will help you settle these things as well, but the price is—I want you to serve her in the future."
Chen Xun stood under the eaves, from a slightly elevated position, speaking through the hanging crimson cardamom flowers, his voice somewhat faint.
"But on the surface, you cannot have any contact with her. If anyone investigates, push the blame onto me, understand?"
"Yes."
Mo Yuwo understood. Chen Xun wanted to simplify A'Diao's network of connections on the surface, but bury all her influential ties deep down.
As for himself, he would be the one operating in the open.
Therefore, he must be determined to enter officialdom.
And Chen A'Diao had tacitly approved—if Chen Xun could detect him, then she naturally knew he was in the backyard long ago.
A'Diao stayed cooped up in Heaven on Earth for three days, and the imperial court's rewards finally arrived.
The Grand Governor of Danzhou was promoted and entered the capital. She became a Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince of the first subordinate rank, was granted a marquisate of the highest grade with the title Huai Guang, and bestowed a mansion...
However, Chen Xun was also promoted concurrently. For his merits in welcoming the future Empress, his significant research achievements, and his skill in construction and creation, he was specially admitted to the Ministry of Works and promoted to Vice Minister of Works, of the third principal rank.
After seeing off the people from the Ministry of Rites at Heaven on Earth, A'Diao almost burst out laughing.
"This imperial family, indeed. A Governor-General at least has real power. Although the rank is lower than Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, the power structure is different. This is directly stripping me of military authority, and pushing me towards the Crown Prince's side. It's obvious they don't want me to side with the future Empress, just trying to divide us."
Song Ling, who was brewing tea, raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I've always been a bit curious. Why would His Majesty choose a member of a heterodox race as Empress, and such a powerful one as the Heavenly Spirit Clan? Although the qualifications regarding offspring are indeed unparalleled, there are always risks. Even though heterodox races share a common origin with us humans, their interests... always lie with their own clan, don't they?"
A'Diao chuckled lightly. "That's because you're from Tang Song Nation and view this matter from Tang Song's standpoint. But if you were our aging monarch, who, regardless of how many resources he has, finds it difficult to progress as quickly as his offspring or others, your mentality would be quite different."
She smiled and ate a grape, while Song Ling suddenly understood. "You mean..."
A'Diao propped her head on her hand and said slowly, "Phoenix physique, supreme constitution. Any man who takes even a taste can prolong his life. As for the future of the country... only if the monarch lives long does he have his country. If he dies of old age, or if his throne is usurped by a strong son who is growing stronger due to his old age, does it matter to him whether the world belongs to a heterodox race? Otherwise, why do you think so many emperors throughout history were obsessed with seeking immortality?"
"Humans, from birth to old age, are held hostage by desire."
"As for the interests of the heterodox race... if the child's aptitude is good, it can also stabilize imperial power. Just 'remove the mother and keep the child.' A child raised by one's own family will naturally stand for the family's interests. But the Heavenly Spirit Clan is surely aware of this. It's a transaction of mutual maneuvering, each taking what they need, each relying on their own methods."
Song Ling also understood.
If a person is dead, who cares if the world is flooded in the afterlife?
Right now, that monarch's only thought is to use the future Empress with the Phoenix physique... to improve his aptitude, become young and powerful again, and regain control of the country's power, instead of watching his sons grow increasingly capable of threatening him every day.
To put it bluntly, none of the civil and military officials in the entire court were willing to welcome the Heavenly Spirit Clan's future Empress. Only the old emperor was sincere, even promoting meritorious people like Chen Xun as a statement to the entire court.
The national interest must serve his personal interest.
Besides, the Heavenly Spirit Clan has so many industries; perhaps the old fogey is even hoping to devour the Heavenly Spirit Clan in the future.
A'Diao saw that neither side was a pushover. This Tang Song Nation still had plenty of struggles ahead.
"Dual cultivation? Is that future Empress willing?" Song Ling asked, blushing. A'Diao narrowed her eyes. She actually had a faint feeling that the future Empress was not simple, but it wasn't appropriate to say it outright. So she said softly, "Since a choice has been made, there is naturally a scheme. Moreover, both Lie Qin and Nan Jin also have marriage alliances with members of other two heterodox imperial families. Since it's not an isolated case, it means both sides have mutual interests. No one makes a losing deal. But none of this concerns us anymore."
The three kingdoms were engaged in a game of strategy. Under pressure from Lie Qin and Nan Jin, Tang Song needed strong external support.
Therefore, all calculations had noble and righteous reasons on the surface. The reasons mentioned in the old king's imperial edict were not entirely incomprehensible.
"The waves have already begun to stir..."
"Tomorrow is the imperial palace banquet. I still have to go to the imperial palace to express my gratitude."
Of course, all twenty from Lushan had to go.
Song Ling poured her tea. "A Hongmen Banquet?"
"Not necessarily that. But it's true they want me to interact with the Crown Prince. Crown Prince's 'young married woman,' you know."
Song Ling: "..."
A grand banquet in the imperial palace. Officials gathered, and nobles and dignitaries were as numerous as clouds.
It was unknown what Chen Ran had said to the imperial court. He had probably moved to another place to diligently serve the people.
Anyway, now, whenever the civil and military officials mentioned Chen Ran, they found it hard to put into words.
Scared to this extent?
Was it necessary?
But when they saw A'Diao in her crimson official robes, accompanied by a Grandmaster Swordsman, their backbones still softened.
Zhao Ritian, as Grand Governor-General for a month or two, was unusually brutal. It didn't take long for 'him' to deal with most of the evil spirits and demonic spirits in the five southern coastal prefectures, slaughtering them ruthlessly.
Chen A'Diao during the exam... that was also very brutal.
Brutal + Brutal = Demon King.
Thus, these people, while chatting and laughing, were exceptionally meek... A'Diao, however, was unusually polite today, smiling, with no hint of aggression.
Actually, it wasn't entirely absent. As long as she didn't speak or eat, just standing there, her image was captivating enough to bewitch people.
So later, these old dogs of officialdom were also genuinely intoxicated.
"Marquis Huai Guang is truly... an unparalleled celestial beauty."
An old man, with dazed eyes, exclaimed in admiration, his breath reeking of alcohol. A'Diao, propping her cheek, asked with a smile, "Really?"
"Really, really."
"Then, could your grandson return the thirty thousand skeletal remains he owes me?"
"?"
The great Marquis is collecting debts right here and now?
They had initially thought Chen A'Diao mixing with a group of old men was a bit... off. Unexpectedly, this person, smilingly collecting debts, managed to gather all the owed amounts in just a few minutes.
A bloody profit of 500,000 skeletal remains.
Later, these old dogs of officialdom sobered up, their faces turning green, wishing they could go home and give their grandsons and granddaughters a good thrashing.
However, A'Diao, who had already gathered a million skeletal remains, was clearly in an excellent mood and paid no attention to the complicated gazes of the princes and imperial experts.
The old emperor, at first glance, seemed like an ordinary, dignified old man with imperial authority. He also appeared to genuinely admire these young geniuses, as if the nation was proud of them. Anyway, during the final toast, A'Diao looked up, met the old emperor's smiling eyes, felt a slight chill in her heart, but responded with a smile.
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your profound grace."
"Jingci, this child is full of enthusiasm and also saved you. Plus, her older brother's contributions are also outstanding. Do you have anything to express?"
Everyone turned to look. In fact, seeing her again, they were still shaken.
Setting aside her identity as a heterodox race member, this woman was truly worthy of the unparalleled elegance of a future Empress.
Because she hadn't been officially invested or married yet, she was still seated in a lower position, but she was already much nobler than the Imperial Consort who had been favored exclusively for many years. And today, this Imperial Consort didn't come, probably to avoid her brilliance.
Because if she came, theoretically, she would also be in a lower position, which would be equivalent to being on par with the future Empress. She probably feared incurring the displeasure of the Heavenly Spirit Clan, so not coming was the smartest move.
In the vast imperial court, at the extravagant palace banquet, amidst brilliant lights, Daoguang Jingci, who was leaning on an armrest and sipping wine, put down her wine cup, her eyes smiling. "His Majesty has already bestowed official rank and title. This one can only offer some vulgar things like money."
Then she saw the noble Marquis Huai Guang in front of her, her eyes gleaming with a green light, practically ready to whip out dragon claws to demand money, and looking extremely excited. "Your subject thanks Your Highness for the reward! As long as it's from Your Highness, it's absolutely not vulgar, not vulgar at all!"
Is there such a thing as vulgar money in this world?
No, absolutely not!
Daoguang Jingci: "..."
How could everyone not see Chen A'Diao's true nature? It was genuinely unfeigned.
Shen Huajing saw Song Ling and Chen Xun sighing and facepalming in the exact same way and couldn't help but suppress a laugh. Even the Grandmaster Swordsman was secretly dejected.
Regarding the decoration of this Chief's residence at Lushan... they wondered if they should go for a resplendently golden clubhouse style.
Please no! So tacky!
Anyway, when he had just followed this person into the imperial palace, he saw her glancing several times at the jewels on the walls and ceiling.
Several times, she headed towards the most bejeweled places, and the eunuch had to remind her several times... "My lord, this way, you're going the wrong way, that's the latrine!"
My lord!!!
Halfway through the banquet, the Crown Prince, who was also present, was reminded by an old eunuch, then rose from his seat, walked out, and "coincidentally" saw Chen A'Diao standing outside on a platform, leaning against the railing.
Her crimson official robe fluttered in the wind, a marquis's jade ornament hung at her waist, and a gold and jade coronet adorned her black hair. No matter how one looked, she seemed transcendent, out of this world.
In the distance, the lights of the capital stretched out, a brilliant orange glow, breathtakingly beautiful.
The scenery was, and so was the person.
The Crown Prince watched this scene quietly for a moment, then saw this breathtakingly beautiful great Marquis raise her hand... and pick at the gold foil on a pillar.
The Grandmaster Swordsman beside her really couldn't stand it and slapped her hand.
A'Diao: "Senior, I just touched it, I didn't pick at it."
Grandmaster Swordsman: "You did pick at it."
A'Diao: "It fell off by itself! It made the first move!!!"
Grandmaster Swordsman: "..."
Both of them sensed the Crown Prince's presence and turned to look. A'Diao saw the somewhat pale and frail appearance of this awkwardly positioned Crown Prince, which had a certain charm.
She suddenly realized that this Crown Prince was actually the best-looking among all the princes.
Like a sickly but resilient cypress, yet full of charm.
But it was only a brief glance. This Crown Prince did not, as A'Diao had predicted, come over to "seduce" her according to the imperial family's wishes.
He merely nodded slightly, then coughed lightly, turned, and left with the support of the old eunuch.
A'Diao raised an eyebrow: Playing hard to get?
The Grandmaster Swordsman glanced at her. "What do you think?"
A'Diao: "He's gone. Can I pick at it now?"
The Grandmaster Swordsman was speechless, then chuckled.
Chen A'Diao had answered him.
She had no interest in the Crown Prince; she was more interested in the gold foil.
In reality, A'Diao's current thought was: What Crown Prince, what monarch, they're nothing. What I want is the countless gold in this imperial palace.
After successively receiving rewards from the monarch and the future Empress, on the last day, A'Diao and the other 19 were taken away by people from Lushan.
Tearing space, the spatial flying ship traversed...
And on the day they left.
The Ministry of Rites published the family photo of this Tang Song Chief in the official magazine. Five minutes after it was released, the website crashed. Later, they had to do additional print runs...
They printed so many additional copies that even the factory collapsed.
Deep within the Chen family's old residence, the grandmother lay on a chair, opened the magazine on her lap, glanced at the family portrait on it, then closed it, set it aside, and closed her eyes, seemingly falling into a deep sleep.
The warm afternoon sunlight shone through the small round window on the wall, falling on her.
An aged body, a tranquil posture.
Time seemed to freeze.
And this magazine also fell into Daoguang Jingci's hands. She looked at the photo on it.
"This is the ugliest one the Ministry of Rites picked?" She pressed her fingers to her forehead. The maid said woodenly, "Yes, they argued endlessly over there, and in the end, only this most perfunctory one was chosen."
It was very perfunctory.
Daoguang Jingci smiled. "Send a copy to Lushan. Tell him, this is what his future roommate looks like..."
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