Chapter 473: The Qilin Struggle

Chapter 473: The Qilin Struggle

In her previous life, the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion relentlessly pursued her, from the capital to the Jade Gate Pass, but she managed to escape time and time again, only to ultimately fall victim to their relentless pursuit.

In this new life, she was determined not to hide and run anymore.

She wanted to confront the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion head-on and witness the downfall of Gongsun Yanming's achievements, built upon the bones of the Shang family.

And reclaiming her destiny pattern was just the first step.

This grand play would only end when she decided it was over.

The determination in her eyes was unshakable, and everyone in the room could feel it.

Chen Long and Lu Yuan, being in the know, shared her hatred and felt her pain.

Ji Li and Shangguan Ling, on the other hand, were completely baffled.

Ji Li wanted to find Si She, but she was deep in thought. After looking around, she realized that only Shangguan Ling and herself were on the same page.

Ji Li winked and made faces at Shangguan Ling: "What's going on?"

Shangguan Ling replied, "I have no idea!"

Ji Li finally voiced her confusion, "Little Yinhu, why do I feel like the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion has an irreconcilable grudge against you?"

Meng Qianqian calmly responded, "The Thousand Mechanism Pavilion has colluded with the Prime Minister Xun, causing harm to countless people. Even if I were to take justice into my own hands, it wouldn't be too much."

Ji Li contemplated her words, "That makes sense. Our battalion has never been one to meddle in others' affairs, but the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion's shameless actions have even made us look away. Out of respect for being part of the Twelve Guards, our battalion has decided to help you eliminate the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion. We'll settle the payment daily, no credit allowed!"

Ji Li's initial words were so inspiring that Master Ziwu almost believed that this risky endeavor might not be entirely futile. But he nearly choked on her last sentence.

After all this, it's about money!

Could this 'righteous' group be trusted?

Master Ziwu turned to Meng Qianqian, "How much silver did you give him?"

The Twelve Guards weren't cheap, were they?

Meng Qianqian stretched out her hand.

Master Ziwu's body trembled, "Fifty thousand taels? Are you robbing him?"

Meng Qianqian clarified, "Five copper coins."

Master Ziwu sighed, "Robbing people, then."

The group gathered, and as usual, they spent an hour playing around and half an hour discussing business.

As the sky gradually darkened, they got down to serious matters.

"Gongsun Liuying is unconscious, so her wedding with Lu Qi will have to be postponed, right?" Shangguan Ling asked.

Ji Li scoffed, "Why are you so concerned about someone else's wedding?"

Shangguan Ling sighed, "Mr. Youji, I haven't offended you, have I? It's not right to take out your frustration on me just because you can't beat those two."

Si She explained, "The wedding day is the perfect time to strike."

Ji Li's eyes lit up, and she immediately dismissed Shangguan Ling from her mind. She moved closer to Si She and said, "A-She, have you decided to join us in killing? The last time we killed together was when we accompanied the Grand Marshal on a campaign. It's been a while since we fought side by side."

Meng Qianqian added, "Whether it's postponed or not depends on whether Gongsun Liuying can wake up within three days."

Ji Li asked, "Little Yinhu, why three days?"

Meng Qianqian replied, "It's just a guess."

Si She elaborated, "The longer the time drags on, the harder it will be for Gongsun Liuying to regain her status as the Phoenix Maiden."

Ji Li patted her folding fan, "In that case, they'll make their move on Little Yinhu within three days?"

Chen Long turned to Meng Qianqian, "I'll accompany you to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion."

Lu Yuan said, "Gongsun Yanming knows you. If you go to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, not only will you be unable to protect her, but you'll also expose her even faster."

Chen Long thought for a moment and asked Shangguan Ling, "Do you still need outer-door disciples?"

Shangguan Ling sincerely asked, "Brother Long, do you think you look the part?"

Meng Qianqian interjected, "Don't worry about me dealing with the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion. I have my own plans. Let's talk about the Qilin struggle. This time, Gongsun Liuying's victory was not only due to the Divine Maiden's powerful assistance but also because Gongsun Yanming was completely unprepared. Next time, he won't be so careless."

The Qilin struggle was more challenging than the Phoenix Maiden struggle.

Gongsun Yanming would not only be on guard against the Crown Prince's Mansion but also against Wushan. There was no chance of a Wushan messenger delivering the Qinglian Sword again.

Furthermore, whether the Phoenix Maiden was Meng Qianqian or Gongsun Liuying, the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion would be the one suffering the blow, not the Liang Emperor.

However, the Qilin was a matter concerning the country's stability.

Only the true Qilin inheriting the throne could ensure the prosperity and longevity of the Great Liang Kingdom.

To outsiders, if the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion had mistaken the Phoenix Maiden, then their chosen Qilin must also be wrong.

But in the Liang Emperor's eyes, each matter was separate. The Phoenix Maiden was one thing, and the Qilin was another. He wouldn't deny all his achievements just because someone made a mistake.

The Thousand Mechanism Pavilion claimed that Lu Qi was the Liang Emperor's true grandson, and they were right about that.

One correct, one wrong, it was a draw.

Lu Yuan looked at Master Ziwu with a nonchalant expression, "Old man, did you mess up last time?"

Master Ziwu gave him a cold look.

Lu Yuan stroked his chin, "It's a bit tricky... Old man, go to the palace again and take advantage of the situation. Say that you observed the stars at night, and the Qilin should also take its place. Cause some trouble for Gongsun Yanming and keep him busy."

Sometimes, the purpose of the morning star's actions is not to win, but to infuriate the opponent.

Mr. Ziwu had no intention of doing such a demeaning task.

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "It's been a while since you've returned to the mountain, Mr. Ziwu. I'll accompany you home and help you down the mountain on the way."

Mr. Ziwu replied, "I'll go tomorrow morning."

Si She turned to Lu Yuan and said, "Today, Yin Hu killed Gongsun Liuying in the palace, catching him off guard. Qian Jige and Jin Wangfu must have already been alerted. There will inevitably be a fair contest between you and Lu Qi, so you should prepare in advance."

Lu Yuan often argued with Chen Long, and occasionally Ji Li was affected. He had always been polite to Si She.

Lu Yuan nodded, "I understand."

Seeing Lu Yuan's humble attitude, Si She added, "I investigated Lu Qi and Dou Qingyi's backgrounds. They have likely concealed a part of their past. It's impossible for a child who has been wandering and struggling in the folk to be proficient in all aspects of culture and martial arts."

Lu Yuan had been separated from his family, but he didn't live a hard life among the commoners. He grew up in the Marquis's residence, and although he endured many hardships, he also learned a lot of skills.

If it weren't for Master Lin's teachings and guidance, how could he have developed a pure heart and the talent of a top scholar? Lu Yuan understood that Si She's reminders were for his own good. He nodded and said, "That kid is indeed very secretive, acting like he's not very clever, pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger."

Meng Qianqian recalled the Lu Qi she had seen in the palace today, "I thought he looked like a bookworm, but it was all an act?"

Lu Yuan smiled, "This brother of mine is more interesting than I imagined."

Meng Qianqian said, "Tomorrow, I'll go to the palace to teach Zhaozhao how to ride a horse and take the opportunity to inquire about how His Majesty plans to handle the Qilin Struggle."

Lu Yuan said, "I'll go too."

Chen Long frowned, "You're being too clingy."

Lu Yuan replied irritably, "Are you jealous?"

Chen Long looked at Meng Qianqian, "He's bullying me."

Lu Yuan: "..."

As the night deepened, Mr. Ziwu couldn't hold on any longer and returned to rest.

Shangguan Ling returned to Qian Jige.

Ji Li and Si She also decided to leave.

Meng Qianqian stopped Si She, "Can I have a word with you?"

Si She thought for a moment and replied, "Sure."

Ji Li was stunned, "Little Yin Hu, A She, are you two keeping secrets from me?"

The two of them left the courtyard and stood under a tall Chinese parasol tree.

The hunting hawk perched on a branch, keeping watch over the entire mansion.

Meng Qianqian spoke up, "Since we're all on the same side, I'll get straight to the point. Years ago, Marshal Chu promised you something, and only he could fulfill this promise. May I ask what it was?"

Si She looked at Meng Qianqian and calmly said, "It's almost impossible to fulfill."

Meng Qianqian smiled, "But I'm a Phoenix Maiden, blessed with good fortune. Perhaps I can make it happen."

Si She said, "If you emerge victorious in this situation, I'll tell you then."

Meng Qianqian raised her eyebrows, "So you want to test my strength first?"

Si She didn't deny it but said solemnly, "Take good care of the Qinglian Sword."

Meng Qianqian gave Si She a meaningful look. Was it really related to the Qinglian Sword? Strange, how did she get involved with the Qinglian Sword in her previous life? The Qinglian Sword belonged to Wushan, so did she lie to Si She, saying she had a way to obtain the Qinglian Sword from Wushan?

"From now on, I'll do my best to help you."

Si She turned and gazed into the endless night, "Just like how I assisted the Marshal back then."

Meng Qianqian's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at Si She.

Si She calmly disappeared into the night.

The next day, Mr. Ziwu failed to gain an audience with the Liang Emperor.

The reason was that Lu Qi had fallen from his horse and injured himself, and the Liang Emperor was attending to him in his chamber.

Meng Qianqian spent the entire morning in the palace with Bao Zhuzhu, but the Liang Emperor still didn't appear.

It seemed that Jin Wangfu had changed their strategy overnight, teaching Lu Qi, who was known for his indifference to fame and fortune, to compete for favor.

But was it really just about favor? Why did it feel like there was more to this than met the eye?

After feeding the little colt with Bao Zhuzhu, Meng Qianqian returned to Qian Jige.

"Pickled radish?"

After sampling all the dishes, her gaze fell upon a wine jug on the table.

"There's wine!"

She picked up the jug and took a whiff, "Plum wine, I'll drink to that."

"Put it down."

Yan Niangzi spoke up.

Meng Qianqian's eyebrows arched slightly, and she handed the jug to Yan Niangzi, pouring a cup for her, "Master, would you like some?"

Yan Niangzi remained silent and continued eating.

Even when the servants came to clear the table, the cup of wine remained untouched.

Meng Qianqian stroked her chin, wondering if there was indeed something wrong with the wine.

After the meal, Meng Qianqian carried a winnowing basket and headed out.

Yan Niangzi spoke in a detached tone, "You don't need to sun-dry the medicinal herbs today."

Meng Qianqian looked at her in surprise, "I can take a break?"

Yan Niangzi turned and walked outside, "Come over to copy some books."

Meng Qianqian's face darkened.

---

Mingxin Hall was where Gongsun Yanming conducted official business.

The evening glow filtered through the mottled branches and leaves, casting patches of light in the courtyard.

Shang Wuyou, upon learning that Gongsun Liuying had gotten into trouble, went to visit her but was stopped by Xiao Rong Er at the entrance. He then decided to ask his father about his sister's situation.

Today, Mingxin Hall was unusually quiet, with no servants in sight, which was rather eerie.

Strangely enough, although the Qian Jige in the Imperial City was modeled after the one in Ling Mountain, he felt that something was amiss.

He walked through the corridor and found his father's study.

The door was ajar, and just as he was about to knock, he heard voices from inside.

"Big brother, Master Ziwu entered the palace today. He must be trying to strike while the iron is hot. With Liuying losing her Phoenix Maiden Destiny Pattern, he wants to take advantage of the situation and bring down Lu Qi as well. Fortunately, you had the foresight not to let him meet His Majesty. However, we can't keep dragging this on. What if Yan Hanshuang can't bring herself to do it, and we waste time? The longer we delay, the more disadvantageous it is for us, and Liuying's life is at stake."

"In my opinion, we should turn the tables on them. Tell His Majesty that Yan Xiaojiu stole Liuying's destiny pattern!"

"Master Ziwu is a disciple of Wushan, and he must be familiar with Wushan's forbidden techniques. Once we pin this on him, all our problems will be solved."

"The crime of deceiving the Emperor is unforgivable. When the time comes, we won't need to take action; His Majesty will execute Yan Xiaojiu himself. Master Ziwu and the Crown Prince's Mansion will completely lose the Emperor's trust."

Shang Wuyou's face paled as he stood outside the door.

He couldn't make out what the two said after that.

By the time he snapped out of his thoughts, he had already left Mingxin Hall.

Meng Qianqian had a thousand complaints about Qian Jige, but none could outweigh the scheming words she had just overheard.

Could this be the same kind and virtuous second uncle?

Wasn't he the one who taught her to uphold justice, have a sense of chivalry, and never bully the weak?

"Wuyou, why do we practice martial arts?"

"To become the number one in the world!"

"No, we practice martial arts to strengthen our bodies, protect our families, and carry on the legacy of our sect."

"Then can I beat up people I dislike?"

"Haha, if they've done something wrong, you can teach them a lesson, but remember, your fists are not for bullying the weak."

Shang Wuyou felt as if something within him had crumbled.

If his second uncle was like this, what about his father?

Despite his growing closeness with Meng Qianqian, he had always believed that his father wasn't the one doing all these evil deeds. Perhaps someone was acting in his father's name, committing these injustices.

But his father's silence just now... Was he disagreeing or tacitly approving his second uncle's plan?

Shang Wuyou's mind was in disarray.

He stumbled towards Yan Elder's courtyard.

Shang Wuyou clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and resolutely stepped inside.

He pushed open her room door.

Night had already fallen, and the room was dimly lit. She sat quietly by the window, lost in thought.

Shang Wuyou walked up to her, grabbed her hand, and pulled her outside, "You can't stay in Qian Jige anymore. My father and second uncle want to kill you!"

"Who do you say my father wants to kill?"

A familiar voice suddenly rang out.

Shang Wuyou's body tensed, and he stopped in his tracks, turning around in disbelief, "Second... Second Sister?"

He released her hand and looked towards the side corridor.

Xiao Rong Er, accompanied by Hong Xiu, slowly emerged from the darkness.

Gongsun Ziyu spoke coldly, "I knew it, you ungrateful person. You've been conspiring with that girl all along!"

Xiao Rong Er walked up to Shang Wuyou and sighed as she looked at him, "Wuyou, why did you betray Qian Jige?"

Several disciples in night-traveling attire appeared and surrounded Shang Wuyou.

Wearing night-traveling clothes in Qian Jige meant they were acting against the pavilion master's wishes.

Shang Wuyou's face turned serious, "I want to see my father."

Xiao Rong Er spoke nonchalantly, "You won't have that chance. You barged into Yan Elder's courtyard, wanting to avenge your sister, but that girl killed you instead."

A 4000-word chapter, and a final wave of monthly votes!

(End of Chapter)

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