NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 20:
Chapter 20: The Emperor’s Partiality
Faced with Long Zhan’s righteous questioning, Ling Qingxue’s gaze grew sharp. The reason she had come to the capital was because her sect—the Dao Sect—had learned in advance that Sword Casting Bureau’s Director, Jian Donglai, had poured countless resources and manpower into forging a Heaven Sword, which was about to emerge!
The Heaven Sword’s power was unmatched—whoever obtained it could command the entire martial world.
The martial world, the three teachings and nine classes, and all major powers were closely watching this. Recently, many had arrived in the capital.
Her Master had calculated that the Heaven Sword belonged to Long Zhan, and so he had ordered her to assist Long Zhan in acquiring it.
Long Zhan clearly had also received the news, which was why he was questioning her now.
If it had been before, she would have told him everything. But now, after being ambushed and suffering serious internal injuries—and with that ambusher likely being Long Zhan himself—Ling Qingxue took a deep breath, pretending to be calm as she said, “It’s nothing, just a minor injury. With a bit of meditation, I’ll recover. It won’t affect the fight for the Heaven Sword.”
Long Zhan glanced at her face, which had regained some color. “Then rest well, Senior Sister. I won’t disturb you.”
As Long Zhan turned and left, Ling Qingxue finally relaxed.
Outside, Long Zhan clicked his tongue in frustration.
A woman is most vulnerable when she’s injured or heartbroken.
If Fourth Senior Sister were more seriously injured—best case, unconscious—he would have had a perfect opportunity to take her.
Ever since he lost the benefit of the Dragon-Nourishing Sacred Physique from Fifth Senior Sister, his martial progress had slowed drastically.
Though Ling Qingxue didn’t have the Dragon-Nourishing Constitution, her Mirror Flower, Water Moon technique was mysterious and unfathomable—he wanted to learn it.
But most importantly, she was cold and dismissive toward him. Conquering a woman like that—that was the true thrill.
“Forget it. As long as she stays here, I’ll get my chance eventually. Those destined for greatness must learn patience.”
Just as Long Zhan was consoling himself, one of his men arrived with a man dressed in eunuch robes.
“Eunuch Zhang?”
“Commander Long, I’m here to deliver a decree.”
As the imperial edict was unfurled and read aloud, Long Zhan’s heart began to sink.
The decree stated that, due to the string of murders in the capital, the Imperial Cavalry could not shirk responsibility. As punishment, Long Zhan was to forfeit half a year’s salary and, together with the Jingzhao Office, was ordered to find the real murderer within three months!
Long Zhan clutched the decree tightly, his face dark.
He had just received word that Ling Qingxue had returned wounded—proof that their plan to frame Zhao Wujian had failed.
But to think that dog Zhao Wujian not only got away unscathed—he, Long Zhan, ended up taking the fall!
Originally, he and Zhao Wujian had no real conflict.
But Long Zhan had always thought of Zhao Wujian as a mere stepping stone on his path to success.
Now this stepping stone was getting in the way, and worse—he couldn’t even get rid of it. That filled Long Zhan with simmering frustration.
“No… he must be eliminated. Otherwise, my Dao Heart will be affected.”
The only comfort was that, for now, he still held the advantage. The partiality in the Emperor’s decree was obvious—it leaned in his favor.
…
Northern Guardian Prince’s Residence.
After hearing the contents of the imperial decree, Zhao Wujian sneered.
What a “just and fair” Emperor…
This is what you call being impartial?
Both tasked with finding the killer—he, Zhao Wujian, gets three days, while Long Zhan gets three months?
“Calm down, Young Master Zhao.” The Old Housekeeper brought over a large bowl of oyster-goji-ginseng tea, hoping to soothe him.
Zhao Wujian downed it in one gulp, then slammed the bowl down on the table. “Soothe what? To hell with soothing!”
He turned and left abruptly, as if having made a decision. He headed straight to the dungeon where Liu Ruyan was imprisoned.
The more the Emperor feared Zhao Wujian and the Northern Guardian Prince, the more he had to grow stronger—quickly.
When your enemies suspect you have the power to pose a threat, you better really have it. Never prove to your enemies that you’re weak.
Liu Ruyan was stunned by Zhao Wujian’s imposing presence. Her tattered clothes barely covered her, and she desperately tried to hide herself with trembling hands, her back pressed against the cold stone wall. “You… what are you going to do?”
“Demon woman. I need you… to help me cultivate!”
…
Early next morning.
Imperial Palace, Council Hall.
A sharp cry from the chief eunuch echoed like a war drum, passing from corridor to corridor:
“Summon Zhao Wujian to enter and pay respects.”
Far outside the council hall, Zhao Wujian began walking up the long flight of steps.
Since the death of the Northern Guardian Prince, Zhao Wujian, as heir, was required to attend court—but only in formality. He always stood in the back. No one paid him any mind.
But today, the Emperor had summoned him personally—this couldn’t be good.
News had already spread throughout the capital.
Because the Hansang delegation was under soft house arrest, the northern warfront—already unstable—was now even more precarious.
Hansang Island Nation had demanded that the Great Xia Empire return their entire delegation, including Chiba Rizhao, within ten days.
Otherwise, the halted war would resume, and Hansang would launch a full assault on Great Xia.
Today’s morning court was focused on this matter.
Many ministers insisted that if Hansang wanted war, let them come! Great Xia would not submit!
But if they didn’t return the Hansang delegation, then someone had to be stationed at the northern border.
And who would that be?
After all, the post of Northern Commander hinted at replacing the Northern Guardian Prince. It came with a royal title and a visit to the ancestral temple.
More importantly—the Northern Guardian Army. A million elite soldiers forged in blood. Leading them was akin to commanding the power to rebel.
Thus, all the ministers were pushing their own candidates for the post.
Seeing their ambition, Li Zaiyuan understood just how important the commander of the Northern Army was to the foundation of the Great Xia Empire.
But all these people were civil officials, and their sons didn’t meet the Emperor’s standards.
The only one who did—was Long Zhan.
“Long Zhan, are you willing to go?”
Long Zhan immediately stepped forward. He knew this was a golden opportunity to soar to new heights.
Only someone like him, blessed by destiny, was worthy of such a chance.
“I, Long Zhan, am willing to fight for Great Xia and guard the northern border with my life!”
Seeing the Emperor name Long Zhan, and how boldly he accepted the responsibility, all the ministers pushing their own sons fell silent, their eyes full of envy.
This brat had only just entered the capital, and already he was rising like a star. Now even the Emperor favored him. It was like he had a cheat code for life.
“In that case, I hereby decree—”
Just as Li Zaiyuan was about to issue the command, a voice rang out from outside the hall. “Wait!”
All eyes turned toward the source.
Zhao Wujian was stepping up the hundred-stone steps, one step at a time, his gaze firm.
That voice just now—it was his.
“This heir does resemble the late Northern Guardian Prince somewhat… but his aura is still far from it.”
“The aura Prince Zhao had back then—this sickly-looking boy can’t compare.”
Most ministers looked at him with contempt. After all, the only son of the Northern Guardian Prince had always had a terrible reputation in the capital.
Long Zhan stood among the court officials and glanced coldly at Zhao Wujian.
What trick is he playing now?
From the Dragon Throne, Li Zaiyuan looked at Zhao Wujian and, in that brief moment, seemed to see the shadow of his sworn brother, Zhao Tingxiao.
Zhao Wujian… was beginning to show that same aura.
“Minister Zhao Wujian greets His Majesty,” Zhao Wujian declared.
He flicked his robe, holding the hem in his left hand, seemingly preparing to kneel.
Li Zaiyuan softened his tone slightly. “No need to kneel.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Zhao Wujian’s knees, which had just bent slightly, straightened instantly. There wasn’t the faintest sign he had intended to kneel.
Li Zaiyuan spoke solemnly, “Then speak. Why are you here?”
In the past, Zhao Wujian wasn’t even qualified to appear in the council chamber.
Now he had walked in on his own.
Zhao Wujian knew the Emperor didn’t think highly of him, but still cupped his hands and declared loudly, “I am willing to take my late father’s place and go to the northern border to guard the empire for Great Xia!”