On the night of the Prime Minister’s death, the factions present were nearly as plentiful as those vying for the elixir of immortality today. Although the Prime Minister had brought over 100 Imperial Guards along with him, aside from Jing Wen, all perished in the end.
Jing Ping’s reforms and the anti-corruption campaign had angered countless factions. This caused the various factions to be fractured on the night of his death, though they all intended to kill him, there was no cooperation or exchange of information. Because of this, Jing Wen was reassured that the truth of that night was known to only a few people.
None of those people should have any connections with Hua Quanfu, but Jing Wen could not help but be suspicious.
Jing Wen placed his hands behind him and thought, “After that night, there were quite a few corpses that were not found. Regardless of the chances, it’s best to take precaution.”
Jing Wen had killed Hong Fu because of this precaution. He had once been the captain of an Imperial Guard division and gained a certain degree of ruthlessness beneath his courteous exterior.
Even since Zhou Aimin had told him of the elixir of immortality, Jing Wen had suspected Nanwang to be behind the matter. Before the death of all their top echelon, they had been the only faction that was utterly aware of the true significance of that night.
Thus, that day prior to the winter of the 17th year of Yong, in Jing village, another name had been added to the list of those that Jing Wen had to eliminate. Of course, if anyone below that realm of Qi Manifestation had wanted to kill Hua Quanfu - who was guarded by an unknown amount of true experts - and escaping alive, they would undoubtedly be mocked ruthlessly.
But Jing Wen was not a person who valued his life.
Drinking from a water gourd, Zhou Aimin looked at the crowd entering Lin’an. Suddenly, he turned around and said to Jing Wen, “Fellow Jing, after this matter is resolved, what will you do? Will you return to Jing village?”
Jing Wen said, “Returning to Jing village or remaining at Lin’an - I don’t really mind.”
Zhou Aimin said thoughtfully, “Since that is the case, Fellow Jing, why not visit Youzhou with me? Individuals with your capabilities are needed to fend off the Northern Sea tribes.”
Zhou Aimin could sense the gloomy around surrounding Jing Wen. Although he did not know what was in Jing Wen’s mind, he felt that it should not be something too healthy. In the end, Zhou Aimin used a simple method to distract him from those thoughts.
Jing Wen thought for a while, then said with a faint smile, “Sure, though I am not so certain we can resolve this matter with our lives intact.”
Zhou Aimin coughed awkwardly and said, “Why be so pessimistic? We will cross the bridge when we come to it. As long as we are still alive, we naturally have to plan for a future where we are alive. And if we die, then so be it. All water reaches the sea eventually.”
Jing Wen could not refute Zhou Aimin’s statement. He paused for a moment, then said, “Venerable Zhou, you are indeed an impressive Daoist.”
Zhou Aimin smiled, slightly shy. “It’s just some of my ramblings; Fellow Jing needn’t take it so seriously. Though my master taught me that nothing is permanent, he still reminded me to not be like those stoic that avoids the world altogether.”
Zhou Aimin paused for a moment, then continued, “Since all things are going to disappear, why not enjoy it? Since all people are going to die, why not make their lives a bit longer, their happiness a bit greater?”
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Before Jing Wen could respond, Zhou Aimin looked at Jing Wen. “I’m just a little Daoist with little talent, and these things are indeed no more than chicken soup that I preach to anxious aunties. Fellow Jing, I won’t inquire into your thoughts, but please do not be foolish.”
“At least, don’t let yourself senselessly die.”
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Jing Wen has brushed close with death too many times in this past month. He had barely recovered from the Seventh Prince’s assassination, and just already preparing to throw his life again once more. Even Zhou Aimin, who proudly answered that he would sacrifice himself for the greater good, could not help but be a bit worried.
There were others also anxious due to Jing Wen’s assassination, though for a very different reason.
Within the Seventh Prince’s manor, Lai Song was in a daze as he looked at the report in his hand. Suddenly, he furiously tore the paper to shreds, before rising to his feet and leaving for the Seventh Prince. As he walked near the entrance of the Seventh Prince’s manor’s great hall, he could hear the intoxicating sound of song and dance. Lai Song could not but shake his head in disappointment.
As he entered the hall, Lai Song immediately saw the Seventh Prince surrounded by dancers, his eyes watching their enticing movement with leisure. Upon noticing Lai Song, the Seventh Prince’s expression instantly darkened, before he dismissed the dancers.
The Seventh Prince asked, “Why is loyal steward so worried? Even though Jing Wen survived, how can he touch this prince? Even royal father only gave me some reprimands.”
Lai Song said with a hint of worry in his voice, “Your Highness, since Jing Wen can fend off Bai Xiang, his cultivation should have nearly returned. I’m afraid that he will take revenge…”
The Seventh Prince scoffed, “How can Jing Wen possibly touch this prince? No matter how much royal father favours him, or how much his martial arts skills have advanced, unless he has reached ‘xian’ state, it’s impossible for him to directly touch royalty. Even Consort Li does not dare directly kill this prince. If Jing Wen truly becomes mad and try to assassinate this prince, I can simply hire some more bodyguards.”
Lai Song answered, “Your Highness, Jing Wen cannot be considered by conventional standards. His mastery in archery makes him a frightening killer. As long as he uses his heart blood as arrows, it would be impossible for even a Qi Manifestation cultivator to detect his presence. Even if experts guard you, I’m afraid they would find out too late.”
The Seventh Prince smiled and inquired, “Isn’t loyal minister too paranoid? Indeed Jing Wen has managed to kill Bai Xiang, but from what this prince has heard, it was because of some strange power that he managed to borrow that he managed to land the killing blow. As long as he is not a Heart Purification cultivator, it would be impossible for him to use heart blood.”
“There is indeed no evidence that Jing Wen had returned to Heart Purification state.” Lai Song then reminded, “However, your highness, is it not better to be safe than sorry? And what if Jing Wen one day return to Heart Purification state or even Qi Manifestation state, and begin his revenge? Then what can Your Highness do?”
The Seventh Prince found Lai Song’s words rather reasonable. He asked, “Then, should this prince hire some more assassins and quickly remove the threat? But what about the elixir of immortality…”
Lai Song shook his head. “Your Highness, the two matters you speak of are not conflicting. If Jing Wen plans to join the competition for the elixir of immortality, we can simply spread some rumours and allow the other factions to kill him. If he remains uninvolved, we can just kill him then by hiring some more assassins. No matter how skilled Jing Wen was at his peak, did he still not fall on the night of the Prime Minister’s assassination?”
The Seventh Prince smiled and said, “Since loyal steward has already planned for Jing Wen’s death, then this prince can rest assured.”
Seeing the Seventh Prince was now in a good mood, Lai Song cautiously mentioned, “Your Highness, though we can no longer force the Crown Prince back to Lin’an, obtaining the elixir of immortality is our primary goal.”
“As for Your Highness’s recent behaviour… this subordinate this advise that you maintain a distance from Fang Hui. He only entered your household. This subordinate is afraid that he holds little loyalty.”
The Seventh Prince immediately slammed his armrest, lecturing impatiently, “This prince has already sent subordinates to investigate his background. What kind of spy does nothing aside from whispering sweet nothings into Biyu’s ears and rehearsing some dancers? Shouldn’t they be gathering information from this prince? This time, upon hearing news that Jing Wen was injured, Fang Hui showed complete indifference, continuing to flirt with Biyu. Are there any subordinates so cold-hearted that they do not show a shred of indifference?”
Under the slurry of saliva, Lai Song opened his mouth. “But…”
Before Lai Song could say a second word, the Seventh Prince continued to berate, “Neither first brother nor Consort Li would use someone so addicted with cardinal pleasure like Fang Hui - one is a hypocritical gentleman and the other a woman. Even if he were a spy, as long as this prince does not reveal to him any critical information, what harm can be done?”
Lai Song furrowed his brows, losing his intention to admonishing. For the Seventh Prince, everyone aside from him could be wrong, but he cannot. If he (Lai Song) told the Seventh Prince that he had been seduced by Fang Hui into the abyss of cardinal pleasure, causing discontent among his subordinates and supporters alike, Lai Song’s shoulders would likely lose a head.
After the Seventh Prince’s saliva was exhausted, his mood eventually returned. Gesturing with his arm, he said magnaminously, “All right. This prince shall follow loyal subordinates’ plan in dealing with Jing Wen. We should still focus our attention on the matters regarding the royal succession and elixir of immortality.”
Lai Song could only bow in agreement to the Seventh Prince’s words, respectfully saying, “This subject will do as you bid.”