The current mental state of madam Song was clearly not one she could control. Song Song understood that it was similar to how Li Xiao was that day at the Tower of Heaven. Even though he knew that madam Song was purposely riling him up, he still exploded.
Therefore, if he told madam Song that the empress snatched away her husband, while she clearly remembered that the empress had poisoned her, what kind of reaction would she have?
In her current state of mind, could she distinguish that this was a trap?
Even if she knew, can she figure out who was behind it? Can she control herself enough not to fall into madness?
The result went without saying.
Getting on the carriage, madam Song rushed straight to the palace. It didn’t matter if the empress really took away her husband or not. She needed to demand an explanation. Inside the carriage, she did her best to restrain herself repeatedly, but when she arrived at the palace entrance, she finally lost control.
She began to scream insults and hurl verbal abuses out loud.
When Song Song arrived with his servants at the palace entrance, he came just in time to hear her crazed voice: “Do you people know who murdered the previous empress? Let me tell you. It was Qin Qinghe…. She hid for two years to feed Li Xiao poison, hahaha….. Then Li Xiao went insane!! Just to let her son rise in rank, she ordered people to kill the previous empress, then threw the blame onto Li Xiao. She let Li Xiao carry the burden of murdering his own mother just so her son can become the crown prince. This is your empress Qin, ahahaha…. This is the nation’s empress Qin!!”
Alarmed, Liu momo tried to cover her mouth, but how could she match the strength of a lunatic? The guards at the door were all dumbfounded from what they’ve heard. They watched wide eyed as madam Song shoved Liu momo away and started laughing wildly: “And that Fu Guoshang! He was also murdered by her. She ordered people to burn his entire estate, and stole away his land deeds, gold, silver, jeweries and all of his possessions, and gave it all… “ She thought for 2 seconds: “Gave it all to the Qin family! These were all of my achievements! If it weren’t for me, how could the Qin family become so wealthy?!”
At times, she almost seemed like she realized what she was saying, her face carrying a hint of elation. However, other times, she didn’t seem to realize what she was saying at all, her expression still carrying a sense of pride. However, she very quickly realized what she was doing and started shrieking again: “Qin Qinghe! Give me back my husband! How dare you steal my husband! I will definitely kill you! Just like how I killed Fu Xiang…. My husband only likes me, he’s mine!! Qin Qinghe–”
Steward Qi was stupefied by this scene. Not only him, but also the group of guards that just happened to pass by. Madam Song continued to yell angrily, calling the empress heartless, calling her lacking in conscience. She, madam Song, clearly had given so many benefits to the Qin family but the empress actually dared to cast her away without hesitation.
Song Song lowered his carriage window: “Let’s go in.”
He arrived on schedule at the empress dowager’s palace and paid his respects. Outside, someone came dashing in and said something into her ears. The empress dowager’s face immediately changed, her gaze landing on Song Song. Her expression held some inquiry: “Madam Song is causing trouble at the palace entrance?”
“That’s correct.”
“She’s been crazy for so long, why would she suddenly… run over here to talk badly about the empress?
Song Song’s face was completely harmless. The empress dowager looked at him for a moment then said with furrowed eyebrows: “This doesn’t look good.”
The situation really wasn’t good. Madam Song was swiftly locked up, however, the clamor that she was making at the palace entrance quickly spread. The atmosphere at the Qin estate was pulled taunt like a bow, tightened to the extreme. Qin Ning paced back and forth: “Father. We need to make a decision quickly.”
“Li Xiao bought Jinwu’s troops away, but inside the capital, there’s still Zhao Yin.”
“Zhao Yin is already nothing to worry about!” Qin Ning said: “The person in charge of guarding the city is my close friend. I gave him a heads up. If anything happens over here, he will bring troops to support us. Father, we already don’t have any more time. Elder sister is probably already placed under house arrest. As soon as the emperor investigates this matter, everything will be revealed!”
Prime Minister Qin closed his eyes: “Who did your 3rd sister meet recently?”
“Song Song.”
“No matter success or failure, we must kill him.”
Emperor Hong Ren’s reaction was very swift, however, the imperial guards that were sent to the Qin estate still couldn’t find the Qin family’s trail. It’s as if they disappeared into thin air in an instant. At the same time, Song Song was summoned to Yangxin Palace. He respectfully bowed and said: “This son greets father.”
Emperor Hong Ren said: “Take a seat.”
“What happened to the Fu family, when did you find out?”
Emperor Hong Ren got straight to the point, so Song Song also did not hesitate: “Not long ago.”
“Were you involved in this matter at the palace entrance?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Song Song looked down. A moment later, he kneeled and pressed his head to the floor: “Father, please grant me punishment.”
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Emperor Hong Ren didn’t say anything.
Song Song had lied, but no one could prove that he was lying. He just learned of the truth behind his grandfather’s death. It was very understanding that he would want to tear the Qin family to threads. However, he was only Li Xiao’s wangfei. Not knowing about the empress’s malicious deeds was also to be expected of him.
Emperor Hong Ren smiled.
“You can get up.”
Dou gonggong hastily came over to help Song Song off the floor. Song Song stood up and returned to his chair. Emperor Hong Ren asked him: “The case with Fu Guoshang’s death, originally I was going to leave it to be settled by the new ruler.”
Song Song abruptly raised his head to look at him. Hong Ren said slowly: “Originally, Zhen planned to retire when Li Xiao was 15 year old. He would still be young so after he ascended the throne, he would need some substantial achievements to gain the trust and loyalty of the government officials.”
Song Song gazed at him, momentarily speechless.
His grandfather was the wealthiest man in the capital, and he was also a merchant officiated by the royal family. So as long as someone investigated, the culprit would definitely end up paying for the consequence of their actions. In order for emperor Hong Ren to investigate this case clearly, it was bound to take some time. He didn’t bring the truth into light because he wanted to leave the case to a young Li Xiao all made sense now.
A new ruler usually brings new perspectives and policies. If a 15 years old Li Xiao ascended the throne, then got rid of the Qin family with a sweep of his sleeve. With that kind of daring, he definitely wouldn’t have to worry about being unable to steady his claim to the throne.
Song Song also realized that the reason this matter dragged on for this long was because Li Xiao fell into what seemed like an endless madness. Emperor Hong Ren tried a million ways to treat his illness, but never thought that it would take this many years. Therefore, he wasn’t able to retire when Li Xiao reached 15 years old. This throne, he sat on it for 10 more years.
“If wangye wasn’t able to….”
“Then it would be the crown prince.”
This crown prince naturally meant Li Yang.
Even if Li Xiao wasn’t able to ascend the throne, then the Fu family’s case would be left to Li Yang. Even though Li Yang was tolerant, and also because of his tolerance, there’s no way he could stand his mother’s family doing such a malicious thing. Therefore, he could also use this as a show of strength. Emperor Hong Ren had already gathered all the evidence long ago. With the ascension of the new emperor, the Qin family was set to fall.
For a moment, Song Song didn’t know what kind of expression to reveal. He said remorsefully: “This son… messed up father’s big plans.”
“You and Li Xiao are really a match made in heaven.”
Song Song forcefully smiled, looking down. Sweat covered his palms. He didn’t know what emperor Hong Ren meant by saying that.
Just at this moment, a sound came from outside. An eunuch said, panicking: “Your majesty, general Qin is gathering troops privately. He has complete control of the city defenses!”
Dou gonggong’s face made a huge change. He turned his head to look at Hong Ren. However, the emperor’s expression remained indifferent.
“It will be very dangerous at the palace tonight. Zhao Yin might not be able to hold back Qin Ning.”
Song Song didn’t continue to admit his mistakes. He said calmly: “This son must return to the king’s estate now.”
“Are you afraid of death?”
“That’s not the case.” Song Song said: “Qin Ning’s target is the both of us. If we are together, then he only needs to lay siege to the imperial palace. If I return to the king’s estate, then he will have to divide his military strength to attack the king’s estate. Maybe this could allow us to stall for time.”
“Are you certain he wants to kill you?”
“I’m insignificant, but he would do anything in order to ruin wangye.”
Li Xiao wasn’t in the capital now, but sooner or later, he will return. He commanded thousands of troops by himself. Even if the Qin family managed to take down the imperial palace, as long as Li Xiao was still alive, they wouldn’t be able to sit steadily on the throne. Conversely, if Li Xiao was ruined, then they wouldn’t have anything to worry about.
“How many troops can the king’s estate draw away?”
Song Song pressed his lips together tightly and said: “This son only knows, Qin Ning most likely will come to kill me personally.”
As long as he can draw Qin Ning’s attention away, then Zhao Yin will be able to hold out a little longer to wait for support troops.
Hong Ren looked at him for a moment then said smiling: “While he’s still trying to gather his forces, hurry up and take your leave.”
Song Song bowed and turned to stride out with large steps. When steward Qi saw him, he started sweating all over: “Wangfei, please forgive this old servant for being bold, but I think it’s still safer for you to stay in the palace. Qin Ning won’t let you off today no matter what.”
“Heaven protects those who are worthy.” Song Song said: “We’re going back.”
“Wangfei!”
Song Song stepped into the carriage wordlessly. Steward Qi could only hurriedly bring him out of the palace. Qin Ning was still moving his troops at the moment so the palace hasn’t been barricaded yet. Song Song took out the imperial token he received from the empress dowager and cleared the path out of the palace. When he returned to the king’s estate, he heard the sound of a group of horses as well as the sound of people in armor running by.
Without looking back, Song Song walked through the king’s estate entrance: “Bolt the doors. Gather all the soldiers in the estate.” He said: “Everything will get better.”
His guesses were indeed correct. The situation had already reached this point. Qin Ning hastily gathered troops. As expected, he hated Song Song to the bones and had to come to cut him down in person to satisfy the hatred in his heart.
The sun just set when he brought troops personally to surround the king’s estate. Someone stepped forth to yell: “Ping wangfei, your highness. This official is Li Yu of the west defense camp! I came by order of the emperor to invite you to the palace.”
Song Song just left the palace, how could he enter it again? He let someone bring over a chair and sat down calmly and steadily on the 2nd floor corridor. In front of him on the grounds below was a squad of soldiers that Li Xiao left. They stared at the entrance with grim expressions.
The entrance of the king’s estate was tall, the surrounding walls were tall as well. At the same time, the front door was tall and thick. If they wanted to play nice, then there was no way they could enter.
However, since the words of trickery didn’t seem to have any effect on Song Song, they clearly didn’t plan to play nice.
Some people tried to stealthily climb over the walls circling the estate, but instantly they were skewered by the estate soldiers hidden in ambush below.
For a moment, the two sides reached a stalemate. Qin Ning glanced at the time and then said with a heavy face: “Siege the door.”
In the end the door to the estate was not as strong as the walls. A moment later, it abruptly opened wide. Bai Yan drew his sword. The estate soldiers instantly raised their shields and the shower of arrows that came through the door was blocked. After the first round, the estate soldiers put down their shields. The archers behind them shot their arrows in conjuncture. Immediately, miserable screams could be heard from outside the door.
Qin Ning said loudly: “So Ping wangfei understands the art of war as well.”
As he said this, he slowly drew his sword and walked in under the protection of a circle of people. Song Song turned his gaze to look at Bai Yan. The latter instantly leapt down. Qin Ning moved aside and let his subordinates tangle with Bai Yan. At the same time, he waved his hand and let the soldiers behind him come forth. He himself followed the long hallway and walked up the stairs. However, he just reached the top when his feet slipped on the floor and he fell. A gust of wind whooshed passed his ear as a hard rock the size of a person’s head came hurling at him. Completely caught off guard, Qin Ning hastily scrambled out of the way and grabbed the side rail: “Looks like wangfei has come prepared.”
Song Song smiled, then stood up from his chair and ran off swiftly. Qin Ning paused for a short moment, then immediately ordered people to give chase. He didn’t dare to head up the stairs again and could only follow slowly from below. Abruptly, a gust of wind swept past his ear. Steward Qi, wearing claws on both hands, had wordlessly come over and swung at him. The two immediately started fighting.
Song Song ran for about 100 steps when he heard a curse behind him. A soldier had a long sword raised and was just about to stab him through the chest when Ji Ying gave him a tug: “Is Qin Ning insane? Bringing this many soldiers to kill you?”
The grounds below already fell to enemy hands. The soldiers that Li Xiao left were no match to the some hundreds of people that charged into the estate. Panting for breath, Song Song hid behind Ji Ying and said: “The more troops he brought here, the safer it is for the emperor.”
“Do you want to die?”
Song Song blinked, one hand pressed against his abdomen: “I don’t know if my hunch is correct or not.”
In front of the eyes of soldiers watching them like tigers watching their prey, Ji Ying pulled him away while asking: “What’s your hunch?”
“I originally thought that this was a trap that his highness set for the empress.”
“And now?”
Song Song looked at the amount of people pouring in from outside growing more and more and said hesitantly: “Now, I’m not sure.”
Originally he thought that Li Xiao bringing soldiers to provide assistance to the frontline was completely faked in order to give the empress an opportunity to rebel against the emperor. However, now that the estate had become like this and he almost died just now, yet Li Xiao still hadn’t returned… …
Ji Ying spat: “What he has planned is his own business. You just had to blindly lend aid. Now look at this. We’re all done. My unborn dad is so pitiful. Today’s already his death date.”
“Can’t you fight them off?”
“I only know how to run, I don’t know how to fight.”
Song Song turned his head and looked at the sword on the floor. He bent over and picked it up and gave Ji Ying a push: “You can go. Don’t need to worry about me.”
“What about my dad?”
“Your dad… will have to die with your grandpa ah.”
Ji Ying looked at his sword stance and said: “Don’t tell me you’re going to fight them with this. Do you know how to hold a sword?”
“It’s already come to this. What’s the difference if I know or not?”
“Indeed, there’s no difference.” Qin Ning’s figure suddenly appeared behind him.
Song Song abruptly turned his head, his lips moved soundlessly.
Qin Ning said: “You want to ask what happened to that old steward? I killed him.”
Song Song’s expression didn’t change.
Qin Ning smiled as he shook off the sword in his hand: “If I kill you, that would be equivalent to killing Li Xiao. As long as he dies, the world will belong to the Qin family.”
“Are you afraid of him?” The corner of Song Song’s mouth rose: “You Qins are actually afraid of a lunatic.”
Qin Ning was indeed afraid of Li Xiao. He wasn’t angered a single bit by Song Song’s deliberate jest, and said with a cold smile: “When he turns completely into a mad man, I will use your human skin to force him to become a war god under my control.”
Perhaps he thought the longer he prolonged this situation, the worse it might become, or perhaps it’s because he still needed to rush over to the palace, he didn’t continue to waste breath and swung his sword at Song Song. Song Song didn’t even get a chance to raise his sword when it was knocked out of his hand. As his hand throbbed in pain, the other’s sword stabbed straight towards his neck.
Qin Ning was in a rush, his sword was also very swift. Ji Ying simply didn’t have the time to pull Song Song out of the way. However, there was something even quicker than the sword.
“Xiu—”
The sound of an arrow shot through the air. Qin Ning suddenly felt a chill down his back. He had to change the direction of the sword he swung to block the arrow that headed straight for his back. He lifted his eyes to look, Li Xiao was standing on a nearby roof to the west–
The night already descended. The surroundings were all dark, however, Li Xiao’s eyes were extremely bright. His movements were also very fast.
The arrow was just knocked away when Qin Ning’s gaze clashed against his. His figure dashed over from above. The sight before Song Song’s eyes were a blur, the noise of swords clashing traveled to his ears. Qin Ning was forced to retreat 10 steps by Li Xiao’s murderous blade.
Holding his long sword, Li Xiao stood in front of Song Song: “Only Song-er is worthy of using this war god. Who do you think you are?”
The author has something to say:
The war god and his little general! Mie~
Hubby to the rescue~
Thanks for the update!
Thank You for the chapter (｡’▽’｡)♡
Aack. I wonder what the whole plot was, I get the gist of the Qin’s side, but The Li, Xiao and Song side is something I wanna be surprised abt
Well either he was right about Li Xiao setting a trap, or his timing getting back was really good. With these two, it could be either one.
Eu tomei um susto tão grande quando a espada foi retirada do Song 😭
Rip his heart out and chop off his head !!! Thanks great novel so far.
RIP Qin Ning~~~
Servant Qi is really dead? aaah I hope not. let him live comfortably with his son. I was reminded of what Song song thought, one day some of the people guarding him would die for him but he didn’t know, there would be a day when they would risk their lives for Li Xiao dan Songsong. I don’t know if this is a trap or not, but Li Xiao really came.
Yayy!!!
The lunatic came to save his beloved wife.
Can’t wait to see him murder everyone who wronged them both!
Steward Qiiii naaaauuurrrr. 😭😭
I haven’t read an idiot general as this Qin Ning… He could actually have rally the palace and kill song song.. but he went there first and bring most of the troops he had lol because he’s a scared he acts foolishly I hope they don’t die easily