Heaven Slaying Blade

After leaving the Prince's Mansion, Chu Mo didn't go straight home. Instead, he headed to the Xu Residence. As soon as he arrived, Xu Fufu greeted him mournfully, "You rascal... you actually went to the Prince's Mansion and stayed there for several days. Tell me, what benefits did that old crook give you?"

"Eh? Didn't you used to call him 'old turtle egg'?" Chu Mo asked in surprise.

"..." Xu Fufu looked disgruntled, "Is that the point? Since the day you started calling him an 'old crook', those who don't like Xia Jing have started adopting the same term behind his back. I must say, these two words really roll off the tongue!"

"..." Chu Mo also looked disgruntled, "How's the situation at Qingzhou...?"

"What could happen?" Xu Fufu scoffed, "The jerk demanding people over there started off arrogantly, but his legs turned to jelly the moment he saw me. I yelled at him and sent him packing. Three days later, Zhang Chong secretly rushed to Yanhuang City. I met him and yelled at him again."

Chu Mo suddenly interjected, "How many beauties did he offer you?"

Xu Fufu widened his eyes in hurt, "Ten...But I certainly couldn't accept. Chu Mo...do you really not trust my integrity?"

Chu Mo sneered, "I don't trust Zhang Chong! I bet he believed that offering beauties would be more effective on someone like you."

"Not this time, I have my principles. Do you really think that us Xu family lords have only women in our eyes?" Xu Fufu rolled his eyes, "In the beginning, the old geezer tried to defend his son, but I gave him a good scolding. I told him that if it weren't for my quick-witted, kind-hearted brother, his pig-like son would've been shot dead by the Prince's Residence archers long ago!"

"What did he say?" Chu Mo asked.

Xu Fufu expressed admiration, "That old fox, who's spent his entire life in bureaucracy, proved his cleverness. Upon hearing my words, he immediately said the archer definitely wasn't deployed by the prince and that the prince couldn't have instigated such an act."

Chu Mo nodded. Zhang Chong's reaction was expected. If he were to suddenly switch sides and insult Xia Jing, then something would be off.

Xu Fufu said, "Although the old fox wasn't swayed by me, he did acknowledge that he owes us a favour. He said he would discipline his son strictly upon his return and ensure he doesn't make any more trouble."

"Just like that?" Chu Mo squinted at Xu Fufu, feeling that this isn't quite the Tenth Young Master Xu's style.

Xu Fufu snorted disdainfully, "How could it be? That nitwit dared to curse you. How could I let this go without making him shed a layer of skin? I handed Zhang Chong the letter along with a recounting of what Zhang Qingyu had said. He almost spat blood in fury. I reckon that after Zhang Qingyu arrives home and recovers from his injuries, he'll still get a sound beating!"

Chu Mo sighed inwardly. That's all that could be done. Even if Zhang Chong knew who was behind the attack on Zhang Qingyu, he'd probably run as far away as he could, not daring to confront the Crown Prince directly.

The governor might be powerful, but against the Crown Prince... he'd definitely be crushed to dust.

The power struggle in any dynasty's palace is like a terrifying whirlpool. Regardless of who gets caught in it, they're unlikely to escape unscathed.

"You seem a bit dissatisfied with this outcome?" Xu Fufu, who knew Chu Mo very well, asked upon noticing Chu Mo's reaction.

Chu Mo shook his head, "We beat his son up and caused quite a fuss, yet Zhang Chong still owes us a favour. It's quite satisfactory."

Xu Fufu raised his eyebrow, "Just like when you crippled that jerk Xia Jie, and yet Xia Jing has been treating you like royalty?"

Chu Mo looked at Xu Fufu,"I have the ability to make him submit. Otherwise, do you think he would treat me like this?"

Xu Fufu stared at Chu Mo and let out a sigh,"Brother Hei, honestly you've changed a lot since coming back. The old you would never have collaborated with someone like Xia Jing."

Chu Mo paused, then asked, "I've become unprincipled and no longer distinguish between right and wrong... is that so?"

"No, you've become a lot more mature. In fact, much more mature than me. These past few days, our usually quiet grandfather has mentioned you more than ten times during mealtime. Each time he does, he has a look that asks why you're not his grandson..." Xu Fufu said, sounding a bit frustrated, "The number of scoldings I got these past few days...has skyrocketed!"

Chu Mo burst into laughter, "That serves you right. It's time for you to be responsible!"

Xu Fufu rolled his eyes, "I've been quite busy these past few days!" He then leaned towards Chu Mo and whispered, "Sister Yiniang...has made contact with One-Armed Uncle in your mansion. Now, we have more than a hundred people on our side. But, to actually make a difference...it will most likely be after the New Year."

"We already have over a hundred so quickly?" Chu Mo was somewhat surprised, but he was also extremely pleased. "Only three days left until the New Year. If they can make a difference after that, it's quite impressive."

"Brother Hei, I found out that...Sister Yiniang not only takes this matter seriously, but she also seems...particularly suited for it! It seems that the Gluttonous Pavilion will be changing its boss soon, because after a while she won't be able to handle both roles. It's too exhausting," Xu Fufu said.

"Then let Sister Mei take over!" Chu Mo said in a matter-of-fact manner, "By now, she should be completely familiar with the operations of Gluttonous Pavilion, right? Such a brilliant woman should not be left idle!"

Xu Fufu angrily countered, "She's highly versed in every field including music, chess, literature and art. Making her the owner of a tavern... isn't that a waste?"

"Where do you think she should go?" Chu Mo glanced at Xu Fufu. "I know you hold women dear, but have you ever asked for her opinion? How can you be sure she's not willing?"

"Eh? Little Brother Chu Mo... I've noticed that you seem to understand girls better now. Could it be... you met a lady during your travels?" Xu Fufu looked at Chu Mo with curiosity. "In the past, whenever we discussed women, you used to avoid it like the plague."

Chu Mo's face darkened slightly, retorting unhappily, "None of your business! Is your grandfather at home?"

"He is." Xu Fufu immediately shut up.

This was the advantage of understanding each other; knowing where each other's boundaries were. Despite his curiosity growing by the minute, Xu Fufu wouldn't actively ask about it.

Because he could tell his brother had a story to tell!

Afterward, Chu Mo once again visited Xu Zhongliang's study.

The old man seemed busy and didn't exchange many pleasantries with Chu Mo before getting to the point: "A few things: first, you must attend this year's New Year's banquet. And before the banquet begins, there will be a brief... ceremony to bestow honors!"

Xu Fufu watched Chu Mo enviously. Even without Xu Zhongliang mentioning it, the accomplished Tenth Young Master of the Xu family could easily find out what transpired on the Prairie.

Xu Zhongliang didn't hide from his grandson either. He told him everything, partly to motivate Xu Fufu.

"A medal of honor! When will I get one?" Xu Fufu mumbled quietly.

Xu Zhongliang glanced at his grandson but didn't want to discourage him, so he ignored the comment and pressed on, "Secondly, at the New Year's banquet, you... will represent the military in proposing a toast to the King."

"Huh?" Chu Mo looked at Xu Zhongliang in surprise, his mouth twitching, "Grandfather Xu... this... wouldn't it be inappropriate?"

Xu Zhongliang looked at Chu Mo: "Why would it be inappropriate?"

"I am not part of the military..."

"But you've made an enormous contribution! And only the military can claim your success! Otherwise, that old man Fang Mingtong is going to go nuts." Thinking about Fang Mingtong's reaction to the news, Xu Zhongliang felt a laughing fit coming. It was really satisfying!

"But the others don't know that!"

"It's enough that the King, I, and Marshal Fang know!"

"I'm so young… If you put me out there, how many people will be jealous of me in their hearts? Isn't this like roasting me over a fire?"

"You cheeky chap, do you care about their jealousy?"

"I don't... but..."

"There are no buts!" Xu Zhongliang waved his hand forcefully, "You, a youngster desired by everyone, are pushing and pulling, saying you're mature... I think you're overdoing it. Why have you become as smooth as us old folks? Why does a hot-blooded young man like you care about so much? It's clear, the King, Marshal Fang... and myself, we want to lift you up together! With us supporting you, what are you afraid of?"

As Xu Zhongliang spoke, he glared at Chu Mo who was reluctant. "You were able to manipulate Prince Xia within the palm of your hand, what else do you fear?"

"Please do not random, a grand Prince... is not someone a little kid like me can manipulate," Chu Mo earnestly responded.

"You know that?" Xu Zhongliang scoffed, glancing at Chu Mo, "Your own grandfather is not here, so I have to take up the responsibility of disciplining you. You really think Prince Xia Jing is easily handled? Can a Prince who has been sitting at the top of the cabinet for so many years be a man without any cunningness? If you dare underestimate him, you will lose terribly in the end!"

As Xu Zhongliang was saying this, his tone softened. He said emphatically, "You're still young. Your future is overwhelmingly bright. Don't let these messy matters affect you. You must not get involved in the affairs of the court."

"Court affairs?" Chu Mo was startled and looked at Xu Zhongliang.

"That archer, your grandfather used some methods to investigate and found that he was a personal guard whom Prince Xia Hao secretly accepted over a dozen years ago. Later, he was put into the Prince's Mansion through some crafty scheme. When this archer left the Prince's Mansion on his own to try to kill Zhang Qingyu and frame you, do you think... Prince Xia Jing was completely unaware?" Xu Zhongliang looked at Chu Mo.

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