Chapter 249 (1/2)

Chapter 249

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

An hour later, the conflict started to escalate in scale. The troops of the King of Ling involved themselves in the conflict, while the local pickets watched on. Regardless of how the civilians in the western part of the city cried out for help, they remained indifferent, claiming that they were waiting for orders from the higher-ups. They stood at the outside of the circumference, refusing to budge, as the people within started to clash with each other.

At this time, the big and small gangs, coupled with the stray hooligans, started to create chaos. After a few small skirmishes with each other, they realized that no one was keeping them in check, causing them to become more emboldened. Zhen Huang City was a mess as the civilians cowered in fear within their homes, not wanting to be implicated.

Chu Qiao ordered the troops to step up their security within the mansion as they sealed the doors, not allowing anyone to step outside. He Xiao and Zhuge Yue's bodyguard, Yue Liu, was tasked with ensuring the internal security of the mansion. A short while later, the outside of the mansion was brightly lit; they had seemingly been surrounded by large groups of troops.

Yue Liu and the rest of his bodyguards gritted their teeth and whipped out their swords, ready to fight to the death. However, Chu Qiao was puzzled and ordered He Xiao to get a hold of the situation outside.

He Xiao came back quickly with the news that the inspector from the magistrate's office had sent troops to protect the Chief Marshal's residence, acting upon orders from the higher-ups. Swiftly, the noises around the mansion quietened down. Chu Qiao asked Yue Liu about what was going on, but he scratched his head and said that he had not heard of any such inspector before.

At around 9 to 11 pm, some noises started to echo outside the door. Chu Qiao had just stepped out of her room, as Zhuge Yue walked towards her hurriedly, dressed in purple. Upon seeing her, he asked, ”Were you scared?”

Chu Qiao laughed in reply, ”Do you think that I'm made of glue? When I was killing other people outside, your existence was still unknown.”

Zhuge Yue picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea. He smiled forcibly, before sitting down.

Chu Qiao asked, ”What's going on exactly?” She had not asked much about his matters. Firstly, given her identity and status, she was ineligible to know too much. Secondly, she no longer had any more energy to involve herself in these matters. However, she was particularly worried about tonight's matters.

Zhuge Yue looked up and felt guilty upon seeing her worried expression. He held her cold hands and said, ”Mu Yun and the rest are creating trouble. The southern gate has been taken over by Zhao Yang's people. I came from the northern gates, hence I was slightly late.”

”How will they benefit from creating trouble? If it goes overboard, the Elders' Clan will expel everyone back to their original locations. No one will get a share of the pie.”

Zhuge Yue laughed coldly and replied, ”That's the exact idea that they have.”

Chu Qiao frowned as she started to link the sequence of events together in her mind. She let out a long sigh and remarked, ”That was close. Luckily you came out fast.”

Zhuge Yue patted her face and added, ”Don't be worried. I won't be framed by these tactics.”

Presently, the conflict between Zhao Che and Zhao Yang was akin to the Southwestern Army pitting themselves against the Donghu Army. Zhao Yang had the backing of the king of Ling and Young Master Mu, while Zhao Che had the backing of Zhuge Yue's Qinghai Army. Now that the Xia Emperor was severely ill, the various border troops stayed to guard the capital with their leader. This was against the rules; once anyone created any trouble, the border troops would be expelled to their respective locations. Zhao Che, Zhuge Yue, and Jinghan's subordinates all belonged to the borders, with only Zhao Yang holding the power over Xiaoqi Camp, which belonged to the capital. Although that army of 30,000 was insignificant when on the battlefield, once the border troops were chased away, they would instantly become the dominant force of the capital. At that time, if Zhao Che did not return to the north with the Donghu Army, he would inevitably fall into Zhao Yang's hands. With the departure of Zhao Che, the heir to the emperor's throne would be all but confirmed.

Over the past year when the Xia Emperor had been ill, the politics within Xia had started to play out. As Chu Qiao had experience of being a military leader, she naturally understood the benefits and consequences of these matters. She consoled Zhuge Yue as she said, ”Be careful. No need to worry about me. There are sufficient troops in the mansion. Even if 10,000 people attack this place, we can defend it for four hours. There's no need to allocate troops here.”

Zhuge Yue was stunned as he asked, ”When did I do that?”

Chu Qiao replied, ”The inspector from the magistrate's office was here just now. They defended us for over four hours.”

Zhuge Yue frowned tightly and thought for a long while before shaking his head and adding, ”Those were not my troops.”

Chu Qiao looked at him in suspicion, a grave look appearing on her face.

Zhuge Yue laughed and held her hand. ”It's alright. I don't think they have any bad intentions.”

”Are those Wei Shuye's people?”

”If my guess is correct, they are Zhao Song's people.”

Chu Qiao started to feel her heart turning cold. Zhuge Yue continued on in a low voice, ”The emperor is ill. Every figure of authority in Zhen Huang is in the palace. The only person not in the palace that has the power to mobilize troops like that is him.” A heavy look flashed across Zhuge Yue's eyes as he said slowly, ”It's been so long. I have forgotten him.”