“And the third question?” Zhao Huan leaned forward gravely.
Everyone who heard asked about the third question, making Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun recall the awkwardness anew on New Year’s Day.
“The third question… was personal.” Xiang Xian glanced at Xiao Kun.
Xiao Kun stayed calm: “A private matter between us.”
Zhao Huan, clearly prepared, said resolutely, “These years, the world has heard enough words.”
The Chief and Deputy Emissaries of the Exorcism Division wisely stayed silent, knowing Zhao Huan’s visit aimed to enlist them for forcing the palace—a treasonous act punishable by clan execution or exile if failed, anywhere else.
Yet Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun listened indifferently.
“Cai Jing and Tong Guan’s factions dominate the court,” Zhao Huan said. “My father indulges in painting daily, ignoring state affairs—we all suffer. What you said last time in Chongwen Court rings true. Hundreds of li from here, Hebei’s people starve and flee in bad years, crushed by taxes in good; how could I not know? How could the court lords not know? Since Emperor Shenzong’s era, Wang Anshi’s reforms abandoned midway…”
Xiao Kun recalled Guo Jing’s parting injunction: no matter what the Crown Prince requested, never agree.
Xiang Xian grew impatient, eager for Zhao Huan to get to the point so he could refuse quickly and head out with Xiao Kun. They had risen late; the sun already slanted west.
“Then two years ago, the Maritime Alliance brewed disaster.”
“Huh?” Chaosheng had woken and entered the main hall, interrupting Zhao Huan. “Who are you?”
“This is the Crown Prince,” Xiang Xian hurriedly introduced.
Zhao Huan: “…”
“Oh.” Chaosheng recalled Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun’s words from last night. “Hello.”
Zhao Huan hadn’t expected another interruption to his monologue. Xiang Xian noted his displeasure and added, “Young brother Chaosheng is a hidden immortal.”
Zhao Huan sensed Chaosheng’s otherworldly aura; no matter royal wealth, none dared offend immortals. He exchanged pleasantries.
Xiang Xian sent Chaosheng for lunch, and Zhao Huan continued: “Liao Kingdom’s plight wasn’t Song Court’s intent, but my father’s folly with Cai and Tong thieves.”
This was true; Xiao Kun knew the Liao side roughly. Yelu Yanxi had been overconfident, believing Liao could handle Song-Jin alliance on two fronts. The south routed Song Army badly, but the north fell to Jin Army, dooming the kingdom.
“So… now is the time.” Zhao Huan took a deep breath.
“Done talking? When do we head out?” Chaosheng returned after a few bites, urging.
“Soon, I’ll take you—in less than half a shichen,” Xiang Xian said hastily. “Go find Old Wu first.”
With Chaosheng dispatched, awkward silence filled the hall. Zhao Huan regrouped for a full incense stick’s time, then said, “So, now is the time…”
“Going mountain climbing today?” Chaosheng reappeared.
“Old Wu!” Xiang Xian shouted. “Entertain Chaosheng; I have important business!”
Xiao Kun pressed a hand to his forehead, stifling laughter.
If Chaosheng showed again, Xiang Xian would surely thrash Wu Yingzong.
“Sorry, Your Highness,” Xiao Kun smoothed things over. “Chaosheng is unworldly, cultivated on mountains till recently, now tempering in the red dust.”
“No matter.” Zhao Huan regrouped and said, “Since you brought back the ‘Heavenly Mandate’ last time, the court lords believe…”
“The time has come.” Xiang Xian helpfully finished.
But at that moment, the two Stone Lions outside launched a new round of jubilant shouts:
“Kang Wang has arrived! Kang Wang has arrived!”
“Kang Wang comes to pay New Year’s respects to the Exorcism Division!”
Zhao Huan: “………………”
Xiao Kun: “…”
Xiang Xian: “…”
“My father must abdicate,” Zhao Huan blurted rapidly. “I’ll ensure his latter years in leisure and pleasure, no empty words. All court lords stand with me: Li Gang, Li Bangyan, Bai Shizhong, Zhong Shidao…”
Xiang Xian: “Wu Yingzong! Have Kang Wang take tea in the side hall! Don’t let him come!”
Zhao Huan ignored him: “Once father abdicates, Tong Guan will be exiled, all knots untied. Liao’s fall and Jin’s advance—a blunder. If the Yelu Family still has heirs, I’ll aid its royal clan in reclaiming Datong Prefecture.”
Xiao Kun said nothing, gazing at Zhao Huan with faint pity.
Suddenly, blue light flickered in his eyes, Nether Eyes lancing straight at Zhao Huan.
Zhao Huan startled, tensing under the eerie blue glow.
Xiang Xian: “！！”
In an instant, the eerie blue light of Nether Eyes vanished.
“What can the Exorcism Division do for Your Highness?” Xiao Kun asked.
“I need a Heavenly Omen,” Zhao Huan said. “Simple for you two—just a lift of the hand.”
Meanwhile:
“Huh?” Chaosheng spotted Kang Wang Zhao Gou strolling the garden.
“Huh?” Zhao Gou, only two years Chaosheng’s senior—both youths—felt instant camaraderie.
“Wow,” Chaosheng said.
Zhao Gou: “?”
“The Purple Tenuity Star!” Chaosheng exclaimed.
Zhao Gou jumped. “No, no—I’m just a wang. And you are…?”
“Oh—” Chaosheng nodded puzzledly.
Zhao Gou asked, “Xiang brother returned without a word? Where is he?”
Zhao Huan clearly disliked Xiang Xian’s closeness to his young brother, so Xiang Xian’s return news was suppressed. Zhao Gou learned via Gao Qiu indirectly and felt dejected visiting today—Xiang Xian hadn’t notified him, showing scant regard.
Upon seeing the handsome youth Chaosheng, who did not look like an ordinary mortal, Zhao Gou again harbored unwelcome associations, and his gaze lingered on him, scrutinizing endlessly.
“He’s inside, discussing a plot with your big brother…”
Before the sentence finished, Wu Yingzong appeared like a ghost behind Chaosheng and promptly covered his mouth.
