Chapter 93: Vain Objections

After a long while, they finally heard Eunuch Liu say, “Alright, everyone, disperse. I should be on my way now. Ah, at this age, one tends to talk too much, but fortunately, my memory is still decent, or else I wouldn’t be able to serve the Empress.”

Li Kuanglan and Song Zining looked distressed. Fortunately, Eunuch Liu was finally ready to leave, and they hastily got up to see him off. They nearly collided in their haste. Li Kuanglan glared at Song Zining with a vicious look, as if vowing to settle the score later. Song Zining, however, ignored him.

Eunuch Liu did not linger; he rose, flew into the airship, and bid them no further farewell. The airship slowly ascended, then suddenly accelerated, vanishing into the distant sky.

Li Kuanglan suddenly gestured to Song Zining, his smile cold, and said, “Zining, come here. I need to discuss something with you.”

Song Zining smiled back, “As it happens, I also have something to say to you.”

Qian Ye wanted to follow them, but both of them blocked him, saying, “This doesn’t concern you!”

Song Zining was somewhat indifferent, but Li Kuanglan’s attitude was unexpectedly hostile, leaving Qian Ye bewildered. Recalling the time when he brought the news of exchanging Song Zining, Li Kuanglan’s behavior had become peculiarly strange.

Li Kuanglan and Song Zining found a quiet room and sat down, facing each other in silence. After a long pause, Li Kuanglan finally spoke, “This matter started because of you. What do you plan to do now?”

Song Zining smiled bitterly, “How was I supposed to know things would turn out like this? Really, the Empress went overboard. Even Eunuch Liu was summoned. Was that necessary?”

Li Kuanglan, expressionless, said, “She personally delved into the matter, and the family heirloom couldn’t withstand the backlash and exploded. Is that necessary enough for you?”

Song Zining was shocked, “The family heirloom? You mean the Heavenly Jade Mirror?”

“Is there anything else?”

Song Zining finally realized the gravity of the situation and sighed, “I was still hopeful when Eunuch Liu came, but it seems I have no choice. If I don’t handle this, the Empress will never let me go.”

Li Kuanglan said coldly, “It’s good that you understand. My sister’s methods are beyond your imagination.”

Song Zining sighed heavily, “Even without the Empress, the palace’s methods are more than enough. I’d rather die than experience any of them.”

“So you understand. What now?”

Song Zining said helplessly, “What can we do? We have to handle it. But Qian Ye won’t agree. We need to figure out a way, and that’s the headache.”

Li Kuanglan, his face like ice, suddenly grabbed Song Zining by the collar, lifting him up, and spat, “Are you so sure I’m willing?”

Song Zining looked confused, “You’re not willing?”

Li Kuanglan was so angry he almost fainted. He shook Song Zining violently, shouting in his ear, “No, of course not! Never! Did you hear that?”

Song Zining looked at him sympathetically, “I heard. But… does it matter if you’re not willing?”

Li Kuanglan was momentarily stunned.

Song Zining continued, “Would you really defy your sister?”

Li Kuanglan opened his mouth but could not utter a word.

“See, that settles it,” Song Zining said, confidently, giving him a sidelong glance. “Does it matter whether I ask you or not? Besides, it’s for your own good.”

Li Kuanglan finally lost his temper, practically roaring in Song Zining’s ear, “I don’t need anyone’s ‘good’ for me!”

But Song Zining had anticipated this, already sealing his ears with a layer of origin power. He looked at Li Kuanglan with sympathy.

Locked out by the two, Qian Ye had no choice but to return to his quarters. Ji Rui followed him, jogging to catch up. Seeing no one around, he lowered his voice and carefully asked, “Lord Qian Ye, what exactly did Eunuch Liu mean by a big event happening?”

Qian Ye shrugged, “Do I look like I know? If you want to know, ask them.”

Ji Rui hurriedly said, “Those two gentlemen are not approachable. How could I dare ask? It’s just that I’m a bit closer to you.”

Qian Ye snorted, “Indeed, you’ve already betrayed me twice. We’re certainly close.”

Ji Rui forced a smile, “It was all a misunderstanding. In the Neutral Zone, one can’t survive without such tricks!”

Qian Ye understood, but he genuinely didn’t know about the big event, and he hadn’t had the chance to ask Song Zining. So he said, “I really don’t know about that big event.”

Ji Rui shook his head, “If it’s a big event, it doesn’t matter if I know or not. What will happen will happen. I was thinking of offering the city lord position to you. What do you think?”

Qian Ye shook his head, “Nan Qing City is yours, and so is the position. We want Darkflame. As long as the city lord supports Darkflame, the position remains yours.”

Ji Rui thought for a moment and understood, “So Lord Qian Ye has lofty aspirations, not caring about small gains and losses. I admire that. Rest assured, I’ll do my best to fulfill your requests. Even if I have to pay out of my pocket, I won’t hesitate. Just leave me a little pension, please.”

Ji Rui was indeed practical. His years of cunning and survival skills showed as he had been very humble since meeting Eunuch Liu, even changing his address of Qian Ye from ‘young master’ to ‘lord.’

Back at his quarters, Qian Ye began his cultivation. Midway through the Dawn Chapter, he sensed Song Zining approaching. He stopped his practice and waited quietly.

As soon as Song Zining entered, he smiled, “Qian Ye, thank you for saving me this time.”

“What happened? Why were you captured? Why did Tidehearing City suddenly attack you?” Qian Ye had many questions, and now was his chance to ask.

Song Zining sighed, “Isn’t it all due to the same old family issues?”

He gave a brief summary. The main reason was that the Song clan discovered that Song Zining had resigned from the military and moved to the Neutral Zone. The Song clan was in turmoil, and Song Zining’s actions drew attention. Despite leaving the clan, he had achieved far more than his peers. Lady An Guo’s favoritism was well-known, making many see Song Zining as a potential future clan leader.

Thus, a group followed Song Zining to the Neutral Zone. Song Zian was quite active and somehow connected with Ruisiang. They worked together, with Ruisiang acting and Song Zian promising high rewards. When Song Zining temporarily lost his divination abilities, he was captured and imprisoned for a long time.

Just as Song Zian was about to succeed, Luo Bingfeng decided to trade secrets with Qian Ye, rescuing Song Zining from Wolf King. A few more days, and Song Zining might have been in Song Zian’s hands, secretly sent back to the Empire.

During his imprisonment, the Wolf King tried to force him to reveal Ningyuan Heavy Industry’s secrets, but Song Zining refused, knowing the consequences.

Fortunately, the outcome was satisfactory, albeit with some close calls.

Hearing this, a flash of killing intent appeared in Qian Ye’s eyes, “You’re going to let him go? Should I intercept him?”

Song Zining shook his head, “He failed and won’t get the money back. He’ll be severely punished, and it won’t be pleasant. Why bother? Plus, we’re clan brothers. While he deserves death, I can’t bear the reputation of kin-slaying. That’s not good for recruiting talent.”

Qian Ye said coldly, “They clearly intended to rob and kill! And you protect him? If you had revealed the secrets, you’d be dead. As for the future, it’s too far. I only care about now. Anyone who dares harm you must know there’s no good end. Letting him go means he might try again.”

Song Zining rolled his eyes, “You’ve never been this eager for your own affairs.”

“What affairs?” Qian Ye was puzzled.

“Your marriage.”

“I’ve told you, I have someone I love.”

“She doesn’t love you back!”

“That doesn’t matter. I love her, and that’s enough.” Qian Ye said matter-of-factly.

They had this conversation countless times. At this, Song Zining surrendered, “Fine, fine. I know you only have Qian Ye in your heart. Happy now?”

Qian Ye sighed, not speaking. He knew Song Zining was right, but he couldn’t accept it.

Song Zining changed the subject, putting an arm around Qian Ye’s shoulder, smiling, “Qian Ye, we’re brothers, right?”

This sudden intimacy made Qian Ye wary. He slapped Song Zining’s hand away, stepping back, “What is it?”

Song Zining laughed, “Nothing, nothing.”

Qian Ye became more cautious, “If there’s nothing, leave. I need to cultivate.”

“Surviving a disaster, and you can’t show a bit of compassion?”

Unmoved, Qian Ye pointed to the door, indicating to leave. Song Zining, helpless, said, “Qian Ye, if I’m in trouble, you won’t abandon me, right?”

“Of course not. Unless it’s self-inflicted.” Qian Ye replied.

Song Zining was stunned, “So you’ll really stand by and watch?”

Qian Ye said irritably, “Your troubles, how can I fix them? And Tianqing and Kuanglan coming here, you dare say you have nothing to do with it? I don’t know your schemes, and I don’t want to. But if you self-destruct, don’t expect me to be a good brother.”

Song Zining sighed, “If I say there’s a life-and-death crisis, will you help me?”

“Do you think I’ll believe that?” Qian Ye said bluntly.

“Remember, everything I do is for your sake.”

For some reason, these words made Qian Ye shiver.