Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 94: Chichi in Danger

Tang Wanzhuang’s thoughts were a mess as she realized just how problematic things could become.

While she hoped that the empire would gain a stable heir in order to eliminate some undue undercurrents, she very much did not want to discuss her marriage.

Tang Wanzhuang’s thoughts were all over the place. She had no intention of getting married to anyone just yet. She had no interest in finding a husband and raising children.

In other words, it could be said that no man in the world even entered her eyes.

It was actually rare for someone to be in their twenties and still yet to have married in this world. This was especially the case for those from wealthy families. In fact, this was even harder to come across than ancient legacies.

Unfortunately, worldly affairs do not always go as desired.

When Tang Wanzhuang was in her early twenties, her family grew angry at her. However, Tang Wanzhuang held a high position and even had a considerable level of cultivation, so her family could not push her too much. In the end, they could only enter negotiations with one another. You dare wait and see until you’re thirty? Who would even care about your status or anything about you at that point? Would getting married even matter by then?

Her status and appearance were indeed one of a kind, so she would still be highly valuable. If she were to remain unmarried, it would be a huge waste.

She was twenty-eight, and if she did not get married soon, fewer and fewer people would want her. The crown prince’s wife just so happened to pass away, and although it was a bit shameful to replace her, she would still end up as the empress. At that time, her family could not bear it any longer, and they really started to manipulate the matter to get the results they wanted. But then, the crown prince died as well...

Tang Wanzhuang did not have any time to even dwell on any of her own matters. She immediately rushed to the Luo Clan and attempted to bring Luo Zhenwu, who was suspected of being a prince, to the capital.

But before she could even take proper hold of Luo Zhenwu, he died right before her very eyes.

Tang Wanzhuang did not know at that time whether she should lament for the empire or let out a breath of relief for herself. Anyway, she decided to abide by her duties first, and she immediately issued an arrest warrant for Luo Zhenwu’s murderer. However, when they brought back Luo Zhenwu’s body and took a proper look at it, they did not find any token indicating his identity as a prince. Then, when they took his blood and tested it against the emperor’s, they found that they did not match.

When things had reached this point, Tang Wanzhuang’s heart skipped a beat. She searched through all of the corpses in the ruins of the Luo Clan and found no token. Thus, attention fell on the two people who survived. The female survivor aside, if it was the male survivor... and he killed Luo Zhenwu...could it be that he did not want his identity to be used by others?

She simply led the Cui Clan to the area. She knew that the Cui Clan was imperialist, so she had them take a look first.

As a result of that, Cui Yuanyang fell in love with him, but the Cui Clan “drove” him away. They even gave him Dragon Bird before sending him away.

Could they be any faker than that?

With that, the decision was placed in her hands once more.

Tang Wanzhuang was hesitant and asked her subordinates to consult with Zhao Changhe to see what he had to say. In the end, she came before him herself.

She came in person as there was nothing else right now that was more important than this matter.

Tang Wanzhuang was wondering, however, what she would do if he really did become recognized as crown prince. Would she really discuss marriage with him?

But when she recalled what he had said about her going for someone over a decade younger than her, she could feel anger boiling within her. I’m not interested in you, alright?!

You murderer, you still look as unruly as always!

Tang Wanzhuang suddenly had an idea—if the Great Xia were to have such a prince, the empire might really just become peaceful. Well, at least for her personally. If he were to become the prince, she would have much less to do. Even if he actually was a fake, Tang Wanzhuang now fully intended to help him become recognized as the real deal.

Tang Wanzhuang’s mood gradually returned to calm. The earlier sensation of being out of breath and wanting to cough was no more. She smiled slightly and said, “If I had known this earlier, I would have come to meet you much sooner.”

Zhao Changhe asked, “Did you actually think that I coveted you?”

Tang Wanzhuang shook her head and replied, “I am not implying that you had such intentions, but presented with such circumstances, there are very few who would be able to refuse the benefits, and most would simply go with the flow... After all, with such substantial benefits, it is only human nature.”

Zhao Changhe said, “Have you ever actually considered that I might not be a prince? I mean, that might be the very reason why I can’t risk claiming such an identity.”

“That is not important.” Tang Wanzhuang began brewing another pot of tea. Her demeanor had now returned to the very definition of calm and elegance. “Since it appears that you will continue to refuse to admit being a prince, Your Highness, how about we compromise and discuss a plan that we all find acceptable?”

Zhao Changhe chose not to engage in a dispute with her over how she addressed him. He believed that arguing about it would not yield any positive results. At the moment, it seemed more beneficial to allow her to simply believe what she wanted to believe. His priority was to address the issue at hand.

“That was my intention from the very beginning when I decided to come and meet with you. What are your thoughts on how to deal with the awkward situation before us?”

Tang Wanzhuang said, “You do not wish to recognize your identity, but you are willing to work toward paying off the favor of the Six Harmonies Art and Dragon Bird. Is that correct?”

Zhao Changhe responded frankly, “Yes.”

Tang Wanzhuang handed him a jade token. “This is a secret agent token of the Demon Suppression Bureau. It is a high-ranking jade token. You can use it to call upon the resources of the Demon Suppression Bureau wherever you are. You can use it when you need information or assistance.”

Zhao Changhe naturally understood that this was not a gift but rather a call to action. Nevertheless, he calmly accepted it. “What do you need me to do?”

“Lately, there are undercurrents everywhere. While some are caused by foreign races, others are the work of the demonic cults. You have wandered the jianghu, and even though you are not much involved in the affairs concerning foreign races, the same cannot be said for the demonic cults. You have even infiltrated the Blood God Cult in the past. What are your thoughts on becoming a secret agent for the Demon Suppression Bureau, with a focus on dealing with demonic cults?”

Zhao Changhe nearly choked as he felt slight irritation and embarrassment. “By demonic cults, you’re referring to the Four Idols Cult and the Blood God Cult?”

If it comes down to a love-hate clash with Chichi, that would honestly be a bit too melodramatic for my tastes. I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. Does it count as dealing with them if I pin down a demonic cult’s witch and bite her? If that counts, then sure, I’m in.

But then, Tang Wanzhuang continued, “It’s not just them. There are other forces belonging to the demonic path, such as the Maitreya Cult, who claim to have ancient origins, and so on... You have only been in the jianghu for a short time. There are still many things you have yet to see.”

Zhao Changhe let out a breath of relief. She actually did not ask me to deal exclusively with the Four Idols Cult. If she did, I really would not know how to live my life! If there are other demonic cults, I can just target them and avoid the Four Idols Cult. I don’t have any problem dealing with other demonic cults, considering the evil shit they do. Anyway, as long as I can earn enough merit to repay the debt of the internal art and Dragon Bird, I don’t really care which demonic cult I have to deal with.

Thinking of this, he said, “I’m fine with that. But first, I need to confirm something...”

Tang Wanzhuang nodded. “Please feel free to speak.”

“When you say that this jade token is of a high ranking, just how high is it? I would rather not have any superiors interfering with my plans and ordering me around. I’ve got quite the rebellious streak, so if they end up getting on my nerves... don’t tell me that I didn’t warn you.”

Tang Wanzhuang looked at him for quite some time, then said, “You only have one direct superior, and that is me. Even I won’t just order you out of nowhere. I will discuss everything with you beforehand. If you agree to take up this task, you might even end up ordering me around.”

“...Alright,” said Zhao Changhe. “Just so we’re clear, if I take up this task, you won’t pester me about my identity in the future, right? You better not fool me into working for nothing. I could still go and become a prince.”

Tang Wanzhuang said, “I can make this guarantee for myself, but I cannot do that on behalf of others. For example, the Cui Clan and the Wang Clan may still look for you and pester you about your identity. I am unable to casually order them around.”

“That’s fine. Those aristocratic families have different perspectives. Dynasties come and go, but those families stand firm. It does not matter much to them who is in charge. Unlike in your case, they do not necessarily need a definite outcome,” said Zhao Changhe. “Alright, let’s end this here for now. I am supposed to be out shopping with my friend. It would not be good if I were missing for too long.”

“Wait.” Tang Wanzhuang stood up and stopped him from turning around to leave. “There is a demonic cult in Sword Lake City right now, and we know what they are planning. Your first mission is to destroy their plans.”

Zhao Changhe returned the jade token silently and said, “I resign.”

A playful smile seemed to emerge in Tang Wanzhuang’s eyes. “Is it because of your relationship with Xia Chichi in the past? Have you ever even slept together?”

Zhao Changhe took a breath to collect himself before saying, “Language, Aunt Tang! You should not be saying such things.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s smile disappeared and her face lost all expression.

Do you really have the right to say that?

Zhao Changhe nonchalantly said, “Xia Chichi and I have known each other since we were young. We share a deep trust, and I would rather not ruin that. If you want me to cause trouble for her, then I apologize, but I choose to resign.”

Tang Wanzhuang said calmly, “What if accomplishing this mission will allow you to save her life?”

Zhao Changhe’s scalp began tingling and he hurriedly asked, “Can you explain more clearly?”

Tang Wanzhuang sat back and drank tea leisurely. “Huh? You’ve already resigned, so why should I tell you?”

“Ugh, First S... No, Big Sister Tang, I didn’t resign! I didn’t resign! I was just joking with you,” said Zhao Changhe with an apologetic smile as he snatched back the jade token. “Please just tell me the details of the mission! I, Zhao Changhe, promise to complete this mission!”

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