Hong Jie’s proposal, focused on safeguarding the nation and pacifying the populace, was met with Liang Xiao’s full endorsement.
Liang Xiao had always been clear about his needs: someone to help refine the details of governance. It was a time-consuming and arduous task for him to tackle alone. The Cloud Dweller, however, possessed a keen eye for contemporary issues and could adeptly refine Liang Xiao’s national policies, demonstrating a thoughtful dedication.
“I write only for you and the people, hoping you will understand,” Hong Jie sighed.
Jian Qinwan, standing nearby, observed the two with a peculiar, amused expression. It was only when Liang Xiao cast a suggestive glance at her that she quieted down, behaving herself. This was her ‘flower thief’ warning, a look that promised retribution in their bedchamber!
“Yun Xiu, you truly have no desire to serve as an official?” Liang Xiao asked.
Hong Jie simply shook his head. “Fame and fortune are but fleeting clouds. I only hope you will keep your promise, to forge an era of prosperity where the people need not live in constant fear, and to uphold your principles.”
Liang Xiao mused, “I know nothing of your past, nor do I care. But I trust my judgment. At least, when it comes to serving the nation and its people, you will not disappoint me. And rest assured, I will grant you ample freedom, even if you decide to part ways with me in the future.”
Hong Jie fell into silence. He sensed Liang Xiao’s underlying implications were quite clear. Devising strategies was his forte, but executing them was proving far more difficult than he had imagined. This was his inner conflict!
It was a pity that Zuo Wushang would never accept amnesty, his heart set on taking Yue Lian with him, even if it meant leaving Zhuo Xun, his suspected daughter, to Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao had not misjudged him; he himself was not truly ruthless.
Presently, he and Liang Xiao were in a state of superficial harmony, just as he was with Zuo Wushang, though their estranged relationships manifested in different ways. He simply wished to demonstrate his lifelong learning to Liang Xiao and have it implemented, to make his life worthwhile.
As for restoring the kingdom, how could he, having studied history so thoroughly, not understand its futility? Throughout history, had any scion of a fallen dynasty ever succeeded in its restoration? Yet, the loyalty passed down through generations of the Hong family did not permit him to question or oppose, only to offer suggestions.
The room was eerily quiet. After a long pause, Hong Jie finally spoke, “Liang Xiao, I will offer you every suggestion I can without reservation, and then consider retirement. I will always hope that you can realize that vision: an era of peace where the people need not live in constant fear…”
Liang Xiao stood up, patted Hong Jie on the shoulder, and smiled. “You will not be disappointed! These national policies of yours are not for any particular dynasty, but for the people of this land.”
The people! Hong Jie’s heart trembled, a feeling of sudden enlightenment washing over him.
Liang Xiao continued, “If, one day, the officials of the Great Qian act against righteousness, they too will be overthrown. The people of this land remain on this land. He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. As was said, water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.”
Hong Jie nodded silently, offering no dissent. But from this moment on, he had made up his mind. For this land!
Liang Xiao pondered for a moment, then sighed again. “Also, I hope that the number of innocent casualties will be as minimal as possible.”
“Naturally,” Hong Jie replied without hesitation.
“I mean, you must also protect Lin’er. I cannot be seen too close to her,” Liang Xiao cautioned.
Hong Jie blinked in surprise, then nodded with a wry smile. Liang Xiao hesitated, but ultimately refrained from pressing the issue. He was unsure of the sentiments of Hong Jie’s companions, as they had not fully pledged their allegiance, and there might well be opposition among them.
After Hong Jie departed, Jian Qinwan asked with concern, “Will he truly be loyal?”
Liang Xiao scoffed, “Which of the women I desire have I ever failed to win over?”
Jian Qinwan’s cheeks flushed, and she chided, “You scoundrel~”
Hong Jie returned to the courtyard, and Zuo Qing and the other two immediately inquired, “How did it go?”
Hong Jie remained silent, continuing to write. Zuo Qing grew impatient and said coldly, “I’ll ask you just one question: do we still have a chance to get the Princess out of here?”
Hong Jie stopped writing and sighed. “Of course, there is a chance…”
“Good,” Zuo Qing simply nodded, saying no more.
Hong Jie continued, “But, if one day we do manage to take the Princess away, I will commit suicide to atone for my sins. At that time, please take care of my wife and children, let them live as ordinary citizens, far from any conflict.”
Zuo Qing and the other two’s pupils contracted. “You…”
“I will not abandon the cause of restoring the kingdom, nor will I dissuade or betray you. To prove my resolve, I have entrusted my wife and children to the Marshal’s care. However, the current Great Qian, with its ruler and his ministers acting in concert, is destined to inherit the Mandate of Heaven. To defy heaven will only lead to ruin. I might as well end it all sooner. My submitting these national policies and suggestions for his consideration is merely my way of apologizing to this land in advance.”
“If that day comes, I implore only one thing from you: unless the Princess herself severs all ties with Liang Xiao, do not trouble her. And never let her fall into the hands of another. You cannot bear his wrath.”
The three were speechless.
Hong Qu said helplessly, “Why not wait until the Princess gives birth to Liang Xiao’s child? We can take the child then, and you won’t have to kill yourself…”
Zuo Qing grumbled, “The Princess doesn’t look pregnant at all. So I’ll have to wait at least ten months!”
Hong Jie and the other two were dumbfounded. They had almost forgotten that Zuo Qing was reinforcement “granted” by Zuo Wuji himself, and the Cloud Sky Guards were their most crucial trump card.
After a moment, Zuo Qing said resentfully, “Fine! I’m also very curious if he’s truly the Heavenly General himself!”
‘I’? This was the first time Hong Jie and the other two had heard Zuo Qing refer to herself this way. A bead of cold sweat broke out on their foreheads. Was this her true nature? Yet, she was only seventeen…
Hong Jie couldn’t help but interject, “Actually, he specifically mentioned you just now. He hoped I would protect you. He seems to believe you are innocent…”
“I, the ‘Old Mother,’ ran all the way from the Great Liang to accompany you ruffians into this dragon’s den. Now, for some unknown reason, I’m suspected by him because of a cousin, and I might lose my chastity at any moment. Am I not innocent enough?” Zuo Qing shot Hong Jie a fierce glare.
Hong Jie was utterly bewildered and dared not respond. She was clearly enraged, and her long-suppressed resentment had finally surfaced. This place was indeed a dragon’s den!
Zuo Qing no longer taunted Hong Jie, but returned to her room alone. She stared at the pillow with “Brother Liang Xiao” written on it and punched it dozens of times in anger. This pillow was originally intended as a prop for her to ‘accidentally’ show Liang Xiao, thereby demonstrating her infatuation with him.
After venting her anger, Zuo Qing sat on the bed, holding the pillow in her left hand and her right hand hovering over the name tag, ready to tear it off and burn it. But her right hand remained still. After a long while, she sighed again, gazing intently at the two characters. She placed the pillow on the bed, rested her head on it, and fell asleep.
That night, she dreamt again of Liang Xiao tenderly applying medicine to her, her heart filled with complex emotions. But soon, Liang Xiao’s face morphed into one bearing a resemblance to Zuo Wushang’s, his face contorted in anger: “You are a Cloud Sky Guard. You should have no true emotions. Learn to deceive even yourself. This is the highest realm of a Cloud Sky Guard!” It was her own father, Zuo Wuji, who then slapped her!
But the blow was intercepted by a strong hand. “Brother Liang Xiao!” Zuo Qing cried, as if clutching a lifesaver, hiding behind the suddenly appearing Liang Xiao, her eyes wide with fear as she looked at her father. She then woke up with a start.
Wiping the cold sweat from her brow, Zuo Qing looked around the room with a sense of loss. “This is already the highest realm you desired…”
“Brother Liang Xiao~”
The next morning, as Liang Xiao entered the room, Zuo Qing rushed towards him with overwhelming admiration, then shyly stopped in her tracks, on the verge of tears, leaving Hong Jie and the other two feeling a prickling sensation on their backs. ‘Such an act!’