"It's been a long time, Young Master Peng."
Looking at the future head of the family whom he had served for decades, Wei Gongcheng felt incredibly conflicted. He had imagined their meeting many times, but he never expected it to happen so casually and suddenly.
" Gongcheng." Yuchi Peng was a little stunned. He, who was always straightforward, had a complicated feeling for the first time and didn't know how to start the conversation.
If there's anyone in this world who feels most guilty towards, it's none other than the brother who's been with him for decades.
For decades, the other party was the most trusted deputy, but after the other party almost died for him, he couldn't even guarantee the other party's old age.
Looking back now, I realize I might not be as loyal as I thought, because I could have easily kept him by my side even after he became disabled.
As a Duke and the future head of the Yuchi Household, why must everything I do conform to convention?
What's wrong with indulging in a little indulgence?
But he didn't.
"Your leg is better?" Yuchi Peng thought for a long time but didn't know how to say it, so he could only say this dryly.
"Thank you for your concern, young master," Wei Gongcheng smiled slightly and returned the greeting in a light manner. Having spent a long time with Master Shen San, he had learned a lot about the manners of scholars and sorcerers, and he actually looked quite convincing. This made Yuchi Peng was opposite him, feel both unfamiliar and rather awkward.
He could clearly sense the other person's coldness.
Yes, we should be indifferent.
The words he wanted to ask the other person to return stuck in his throat, and in the end he could only say dryly, "This time, the court has promoted Chen Qing, and you can all return to the capital. Would you like to go back to the Wei Household for a visit?"
Damn it, what am I saying?
Wasn't Wei Gongcheng forced into retirement by the Wei Household, forced to live out his days in the Yuchi Household?
Why bring this up?
Wei Gongcheng looked at the other person, not minding at all, and smiled even more gently, "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Xie Peng. I will return to the Wei Household, but it's not the right time yet. Since I've decided to make a name for myself, I have to do something, right?"
"Yes, yes, yes." Yuchi Peng nodded hurriedly. "Now that your leg is healed, do you want to rejoin the army? There are many opportunities to earn merit while fighting in the north."
"I'm now following Lord Chen, so we shouldn't be fighting with the North."
Yuchi Peng choked and looked at Chen Qing. To be honest, when Wei Gongcheng followed Chen Qing, he never believed that Chen Qing could make Wei Gongcheng loyal, after all, the other party and himself were not on the same level at all.
But now, he could see that Wei Gongcheng was very determined to follow him, and his stance was clearly divided from his own.
At that moment, he understood: Chen Qing had truly rebelled!
Only with such ability could one win the loyalty of one's once arrogant deputy general.
Luo Yi, standing to the side, looked at Wei Gongcheng with curiosity. He had heard of Wei Gongcheng, the deputy general of Yuchi Peng. After all, the other party had mentioned him several times on the way, saying that he hadn't seen Gongcheng for a long time and wondered how he was doing with Chen Qing.
It seems that this person is doing very well now, and must have had a great opportunity!
He was First Rank sorcerer, and he could clearly sense the surging spiritual power emanating from Wei Gongcheng. In terms of spiritual power alone, the other party was superior to him!
In fact, the other party's spiritual power was even purer than his own teacher's.
But how could that be possible?
A illegitimate son of a dependent bloodline family, born a martial artist, who came to Jiangnan after being crippled, has somehow acquired spiritual power Above First Rank sorcerer in just one year?
He even suspected that the person in front of him was not Wei Gongcheng at all, but some demon wearing Wei Gongcheng's skin!
Just like that Painted Skin Mister!
" Chen Qing," Yuchi Peng closed his eyes and took a breath, "You destroyed the imperial edict. Does that mean you don't want to accept it?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Qing shook his head. "This humble official was not lying just now. The wooden bird entering the city and being shot down was purely accidental, not intentional."
"So you mean you're willing to accept the imperial decree and return to the capital with me?"
Chen Qing looked up. " Chen Qing am favored by His Majesty, and as a newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), I have been appointed as the Fifth Rank prefect of Jiangnan. Furthermore, I have been blessed by His Majesty with the marriage of Princess Mingyue to me. If His Chen Qing issues an edict, I will go through fire and water without hesitation, no matter the circumstances! However..."
Chen Qing's eyes suddenly sharpened as he looked at the two men and asked in a level voice, "Was this decree issued by His Majesty himself?"
Yuchi Peng frowned, and Luo Yi beside him said, "His Majesty is seriously ill and unable to oversee the country. The Ninth Prince will temporarily act as regent, with the Queen assisting him!"
"The Ninth Prince? The Empress?" Chen Qing scoffed. "If I remember correctly, the Ninth Prince was born to Consort Li, and he's only just turned one year old this year, isn't he?"
"His Majesty's illness came suddenly, the Crown Prince's fate is unknown, and the Ninth Lord Chen, just said you are loyal to His Majesty, shouldn't you follow the imperial decree and uphold the emperor's authority at this time?"
"And what about the Empress?" Chen Qing said coldly, "If I remember correctly, the Empress gave birth long ago."
"Shut up!!"
Yuchi Peng and Luo Yi spoke simultaneously, a glint of green light flashing in their eyes, their faces contorting into a ferocious expression. "Disrespectfully criticizing the Empress is a capital offense!!"
Chen Qing frowned immediately. Sure enough, before Wang Ye lost contact with him, he said that there was something unusual in the palace, and that the emperor was probably really being controlled by some kind of demon.
Is it the Yin Devourer Demon?
It's probably not that simple!
" Chen Qing!" Yuchi Peng stepped forward with a cold expression, and the overwhelming aura of Above First Rank martial artist surged out. The terrifying pressure even made Luo Yi was standing to the side, take two steps back and use all his spiritual power to protect himself.
The soaring energy in mid-air even changed the wind direction, forming a whirlwind around the group!
"If you accept the imperial decree, you will be appointed by the court as the Left Vice Minister of Ministry of War; if you refuse, you will be a traitor!"
As he spoke, he took a step forward. Although he was standing in the air, his terrifying power felt as if he were stepping on a person's chest.
Before Chen Qing could speak, a tall figure blocked his way, causing Yu Chen Qing Yuchi Peng to frown.
"What are you doing here? Get out of the way!" Yuchi Peng's voice was impatient, and he pressed down with his aura, trying to force the other party away.
To his surprise, the figure that he could have easily slapped away remained completely still and as steady as a mountain under his imposing aura!
"You—" Yuchi Peng stared at the other party in astonishment. He knew very well what his younger brother was capable of. Back when he left the capital with the Duke of Qin, he personally went to ask the Duke of Qi, Tian Heng, to take care of his proud and arrogant younger brother.
He knew Feihu was highly talented, but he was too young and always wanted to be on par with his father back then. However, when Fei Hu was that age, he was already First Rank martial artist, which was why his father sent him to the Northern Frontier. This kid was only Third Rank.
Third Rank martial artist is already a top expert in this world, but among true powerhouses, he is not worth mentioning.
But it's clear that Feihu have become stronger in just one year!
To remain completely unmoved in the face of one's own overwhelming momentum, there is only one possibility.
The opponent is now First Rank martial artist!
One year?
With a cold look in his eyes, Yuchi Peng stepped forward and grabbed the other man's head.
The underling who had once defied him was just as defiant as before, and immediately retaliated. However, this time the other party was very confident and actually responded with just one hand!
The two thick palms collided, and the powerful force shattered the surrounding wind. Neither of them took a step back, but the force of the collision sent the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites flying back more than ten meters!
"Good lad!" A hint of excitement flashed in Yuchi Peng's eyes. This kid had grown so much in just one year?
Although he was still somewhat inexperienced, he could tell that his opponent was only Above First Rank!
With a solid foundation, it's not some evil technique; it's a genuine achievement of reaching the First Rank!
"Second Brother, you flatter me!" Yuchi Feihu also looked excited.
Finally, he reached out and caught up with the figure he had always admired and longed for. He might not be a match for the other person yet, but he was twenty years younger than him!
I have a chance!
" Chen Qing!" Luo Yi exclaimed from afar, his brows furrowed. "Are you planning a rebellion?"
"My lord, please be careful with your words!" Chen Qing raised his head and said calmly, " Chen Qing has received great favor from the Emperor, how could I possibly rebel? But His Majesty has clearly been harmed by treacherous officials, and Chen Qing has not yet completed the task entrusted to him by His Majesty. If it were not for His Majesty's personal decree, Chen Qing would never leave Jiangnan!"
"Ridiculous!" Luo Yi sneered, "This traitorous minister is actually using His Majesty's name. I'd like to know, what matter has His Majesty entrusted to you?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Qing replied frankly, "Back then, when the Thousand-Faced Fox entered the capital, His Majesty realized that the palace was not safe. However, at that time, the Xiao Household already possessed the bloodline to revitalize the dynasty. In order to prevent the young bloodline from being lost in the deep palace, His Majesty entrusted the royal bloodline to me, ordering me to guard Jiangnan and protect the future of the Xiao Household!"
" The Xiao Household bloodline?" Yuchi Peng was stunned. "Is that so?"
"Nonsense!" Luo Yi coldly retorted, "You traitorous scoundrel, you are truly a liar! How precious is His Majesty's bloodline? Especially the young prince, how could he entrust him to a scholar with no background?"
This time, Chen Qing didn't speak, but a childish whistle came from the clouds.
This left both of them with frozen expressions.
Although the voice was young, it was indeed the voice of the Golden Crow!
The next second, a golden flame streaked across the sky behind Chen Qing, and both of them stared wide-eyed.
The flames were clearly still immature, not as powerful as His Majesty's, yet they still burned so intensely that both of their eyes turned red and tears streamed down their faces!
Even so, neither of them dared to blink, because it was too unbelievable.
The Nüwa in the sky, who looked to be only a little over a year old, was actually able to use the Golden Crow Flame!
What does it mean to inherit the Golden Crow Flame at the age of one?
"How is it?" Chen Qing looked at the two of them and said quietly, "With such a bloodline in Jiangnan, how can I believe that His Majesty, in his serious illness, would pass on the responsibility of overseeing the country to a prince whose bloodline has not yet been certified?"