Chapter 1218: Geshu Hans Send-Off! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
”The Young Marquis has already rested for three days and three nights! We should be getting back on the road!”
A rude voice came from outside, apparently wanting to force its way into Wang Chong's room.
”You bastards! Lord Marquis is unconscious, which all of you clearly know, yet you still come to disturb him! Let me tell you, I will take the lives of anyone who dares to touch Lord Marquis!”
A clanging could be heard outside. Apparently, Chen Bin and Xu Keyi, in an agitated state, had pulled out their weapons.
”Impudent! We are imperial envoys! You dare to touch us!”
”The Young Marquis was just made King of Foreign Lands! Do all of you plan to rebel?”
Furious roars could be heard outside, and it seemed like more people were pulling out their weapons. From their voices, Wang Chong recognized them to be the officials from the Bureau of Rites and their guards.
”Bastard!”
Xu Keyi and Chen Bin were even more infuriated by this sight. Just when both sides were in a tense stalemate…
”Stop!”
An angry and stern bellow came from inside the room.
Outside the room, beneath a blossoming plum tree, the two groups froze and turned toward the room.
Creeak! The door opened, and a pale-faced Wang Chong emerged. His aura was disorderly and he appeared extremely feeble, but his movements still exuded an unusual dignity and nobility.
”Milord!”
”Your Highness!”
Chen Bin and Xu Keyi were delighted to see that Wang Chong was awake, and immediately put away their weapons. Meanwhile, the red-robed officials from the Bureau of Rites and their guards appeared a tinge apprehensive. The leading official shot his guards a glance, and everyone behind him quickly sheathed their weapons.
A person's reputation was like the shadow of a tree. The news that Wang Chong had killed Arab War God Qutaybah had already spread throughout the Great Tang. If both sides truly began to fight, no one would be a match for him. This was why the officials from the Bureau of Rites had shown restraint.
Suddenly, before the leading official could say anything, the chief guard impatiently walked out and thrust a rebuking finger at Wang Chong. ”Young Marquis, see what your subordinates have done…” But before he could finish speaking, a powerful wave of energy knocked him off his feet and slammed him into the ground.
Clang!
Almost immediately, all the other guards paled and pulled out their weapons, pointing them at Wang Chong.
”Stop!”
The leading official immediately roared and began to scold his own men.
”You bastards, how dare you act without my orders!”
The official glared at the chief guard, silently cursing him.
This idiot had forgotten everything he had been told. It had long ago been emphasized that no one was to act without orders in front of Wang Chong. Bullying around his subordinates while he was unconscious was one thing, but since he was now awake, anyone who dared to act so rashly was seeking death!
”Your Highness!”
The leading official from the Bureau of Rites stepped forward and began to speak in a soft and respectful tone.
”It is not that we are acting out of line, but this is a decree of the Imperial Court. We are just a few civil officials following orders. We hope that Lord Marquis can cooperate with us and not make trouble for us lowly beings.”
The official bowed, his expression extremely respectful. The entire world knew of what had happened in Khorasan by now, and no one dared to provoke the Young Marquis at this time and bring disaster down on their heads.
Wang Chong said nothing, only quietly stared at the official, his eyes so sharp that they seemed to pierce into the official's soul and see all his secrets. The head official instantly broke out in a cold sweat, his face becoming much paler.
He had a feeling that Wang Chong had always known what foul tricks they had been up to.
All was quiet and oppressive. After a long time, he finally heard Wang Chong's voice.
”I understand!” Wang Chong nonchalantly said, and then he turned around and headed back into his room. ”Chen Bin, Xu Keyi, begin preparations. We will depart for the capital soon!”
”Yes!”
Everyone bowed, and upon hearing these words, the officials breathed long sighs of relief.
Several hours later, once everything was packed, Wang Chong boarded a carriage. Next to him were the still slightly ill Xu Qiqin, Chen Bin, and Xu Keyi, while his guards on horseback tightly surrounded the carriage.
”Qiqin, you know that you don't need to follow me, given the condition your body is in. Moreover, this excursion to the capital won't be a very peaceful one.”
Wang Chong looked at Xu Qiqin.
Wang Chong had not expected that Xu Qiqin would insist on coming with him to the capital.
”I've spent long enough here.”
Xu Qiqin nudged aside the curtain to take one last glance at the Qixi Protectorate headquarters, a complicated look in her eyes. While Wang Chong had been away battling at Talas, she had remained to oversee Qixi, not even taking half a step from its premises. But now, it was all coming to an end.