Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4 Part1
Chapter 4 Part2
Chapter 5 Part1
Chapter 5 Part2
Chapter 6 Part1
Chapter 6 Part2
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 (2)
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 (2)
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 (2)
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 Part2
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 Part1
Chapter 13 Part1
Chapter 13 Part2
Chapter 14 Part1
Chapter 14 Part2
Chapter 15
Chapter 16 Part1
Chapter 16 Part2
Chapter 17 Part1
Chapter 17 Part2
Chapter 18
Chapter 19 Part1
Chapter 19 Part2
Chapter 20 Part1
Chapter 20 Part2
Chapter 21 Part1
Chapter 21 Part2
Chapter 22 Part1
Chapter 22 Part2
Chapter 23 Part1
Chapter 23 Part2
Chapter 24 Part1
Chapter 24 Part2
Chapter 25 Part1
Chapter 25 Part2
Chapter 26 Part1
Chapter 26 Part2
Chapter 27
Chapter 28 Part1
Chapter 28 Part2
Chapter 29 Part1
Chapter 29 Part2
Chapter 30 Part1
Chapter 30 Part2
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66 Part1
Chapter 66 Part2
Chapter 67 Part1
Chapter 67 Part2
Chapter 68 Part1
Chapter 68 Part2
Chapter 69 Part1
Chapter 69 Part2
Chapter 70 Part1
Chapter 70 Part2
Chapter 71.1
Chapter 71.2
Chapter 72.1
Chapter 72.2
Chapter 73
Chapter 74.1
Chapter 74.2
Chapter 75.1
Chapter 75.2
Chapter 76
Chapter 77.1
Chapter 77.2
Chapter 78.1
Chapter 78.2
Chapter 79.1
Chapter 80.1
Chapter 80.2
Chapter 81.1
Chapter 81.2
Chapter 82
Chapter 83.1
Chapter 83.2
Chapter 84.1
Chapter 84.2
Chapter 85
Chapter 86
Chapter 87.1
Chapter 87.2
Chapter 88.1
Chapter 88.2
Chapter 89
Chapter 90.1
Chapter 90.2
Chapter 91.1
Chapter 91.2
Chapter 92.1
Chapter 92.2
Chapter 93.1
Chapter 93.2
Chapter 94.1
Chapter 94.2
Chapter 95.1 - Male Brothel (Part I)
Chapter 95.2 - Male Brothel (Part Ii)
Chapter 96.1 - Xuan Li’S Scheme (Part I)
Chapter 96.2 - Xuan Li’S Scheme (Part Ii)
Chapter 97.1 - Imperial Cosort Chen (Part I)
Chapter 97.2 - Imperial Cosort Chen (Part Ii)
Chapter 98.1
Chapter 98.2 - Choosing A Consort (Part Ii)
Chapter 99.1 - : The Virtuous Empress Dowager (Part I)
Chapter 99.2 - Empress Dowager Yi De (Part Ii)
Chapter 100 - Reincarnation
Chapter 101 - Rejecting The Marriage
Chapter 102.1 - A Turning Point (Part I)
Chapter 102.2 - A Turning Point (Part Ii)
Chapter 103.1 - Bidding Farewell (Part I)
Chapter 103.2 - Bidding Farewell (Part Ii)
Chapter 105.1 - A Startling Change (Part I)
Chapter 105.2 - A Startling Change (Part Ii)
Chapter 106 - A Night Visit To The Jiang Fu
Chapter 107 - Happy Occasions
Chapter 108 - Borrowing A Knife To Kill
Chapter 109.1 - An Unexpected Turn Of Events (Part I)
Chapter 109.2 - An Unexpected Turn Of Events (Part Ii)
Chapter 110..2 - Dong Yinger (Part Ii)
Chapter 110.1 - Dong Yinger (Part I)
Chapter 111.1 - Slander (Part I)
Chapter 111.2 - Slander (Part Ii)
Chapter 112.1 - Frantic (Part I)
Chapter 112.2 - Frantic (Part Ii)
Chapter 113.1 - Confidential Matters (Part I)
Chapter 113.2 - Confidential Matters (Part Ii)
Chapter 114.1 - The Pure
Chapter 114.2 - The Pure
Chapter 115.1 - The Lecherous Prince (Part I)
Chapter 115.2 - The Lecherous Prince (Part Ii)
Chapter 116.1 - The Concerns Held In Grand Tutor Liu’S Heart
Chapter 116.2 - The Concerns Held In Grand Tutor Liu’S Heart
Chapter 117 - A So
Chapter 118 - A Trap
Chapter 119 - His Heartache
Chapter 120 - Harassing Him
Chapter 121 - Xuan You’S Fate
Chapter 122 - Simultaneous Action
Chapter 123 - The Grand Preceptor’S Help
Chapter 124
Chapter 125 - Xiao Shao’S Concern
Chapter 126 - An Omen Of National Calamity
Chapter 127 - The Woman In Power Kills The Monarch
Chapter 128 - The Shadows Within The Fu
Chapter 129 - Old Jiang Madame
Chapter 130
Chapter 131 - Taking Action
Chapter 132 - The Li Family’S Downfall
Chapter 133 - Second Yiniang’S Death
Chapter 134 - Misunderstanding
Chapter 135 - Meeting Pei’Er Again
Chapter 136 - The Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet
Chapter 137 - A Scheme Within The Forest
Chapter 138 - Lured In By The Mistress Of Misfortune
Chapter 139 - To Expose A Scandal
Chapter 140 - The Xia Family In Chaos
Chapter 141 - Xiao Shao Is Injured
Chapter 142 - Shielding Xiao Shao
Chapter 143 - A Beauty Emerges From A Bath
Chapter 144 - Xuan Lang’S Probing
Chapter 145 - Xiao Shao Proposes Marriage
Chapter 146 - : A Graceful Lady, The Perfect Match For A Gentleman
Chapter 147 - Angst
Chapter 148 - Kiss
Chapter 149 - Their Own Attitudes
Chapter 150 - Xiao Shao Made A Move
Chapter 151
Chapter 152
Chapter 153
Chapter 154
Chapter 155
Chapter 156
Chapter 157
Chapter 158
Chapter 159
Chapter 160 : Exciting News
Chapter 161
Chapter 162
Chapter 163
Chapter 164
Chapter 165
Chapter 166
Chapter 167
Chapter 168
Chapter 169
Chapter 170
Chapter 171
Chapter 172
Chapter 173
Chapter 174
Chapter 175
Chapter 176
Chapter 177
Chapter 178
Chapter 179
Chapter 180
Chapter 181
Chapter 182
Chapter 183
Chapter 184
Chapter 185
Chapter 1: The End Of The World Is Approaching
Chapter 2: Finding Money
Chapter 3: Scanning And Refitting
Chapter 4: Refitting
Chapter 5: The Final Preparations
Chapter 6: Doomsday
Chapter 7: To Be Line Jumpers Requires Capabilities
Chapter 8: Driving Against The Traffic
Chapter 9: The Minibus Was Surrounded By Zombies
Chapter 10: Escape!
Chapter 11: The Freeway Entrance
Chapter 12: The Day Of Parting
Chapter 13: Leaving The Freeway
Chapter 14: A Road Leading Up The Mountain
Chapter 15: The Mobile Hotel
Chapter 16: A Roaring At Night
Chapter 17: The Mcv Has Broken Down
Chapter 18: Weapon
Chapter 19: Air Cannon
Chapter 20: The Mcv’S Evolution
Chapter 21: Waste Is The Biggest Crime
Chapter 22: Bumping All The Way
Chapter 23: Upgrading The Fuel Tank
Chapter 24: This Is Not A Minibus, It Is A Sports Car
Chapter 25: The Wild Guys
Chapter 26: The Crazy Minibus
Chapter 27: Big Mess
Chapter 28: Are You Kidding?
Chapter 29: She Was Overwhelmed By Curiosity
Chapter 30: The Future Is Unknown
Chapter 31: The Mysterious Leader
Chapter 32: Get Off Immediately!
Chapter 33: Be Tormented!
Chapter 34: 'Brother Yu'
Chapter 35: Punish Evil On The Spot
Chapter 36: Keep Him Alive
Chapter 37: Drifting?
Chapter 38: The Enraged Jiang Liushi
Chapter 39: Heavy Truck
Chapter 40: Mutant Energy
Chapter 41: Everything Is Ready
Chapter 42: Humiliation And Bitterness
Chapter 43: Inexplicable Actions
Chapter 44: Two Choices
Chapter 45: Departure
Chapter 46: Railway Station
Chapter 47: Nanjing City
Chapter 48: Xiao Ying, I’M Coming!
Chapter 49: Wait For Me
Chapter 50: Are You The Boss?
Chapter 51: Am I Like Pikachu?
Chapter 52: It’S Time To Go
Chapter 53: Jiang Zhuying’S Base
Chapter 54: Giving Special Favor
Chapter 55: Picking Up Mutant Meat
Chapter 56: Going To Satellite Town
Chapter 57: Battle Prowess
Chapter 58: Zhang Hai’S Ability
Chapter 59: Predicament
Chapter 60: The Mutant Dog
Chapter 61: Perfect Cooperation
Chapter 62: Two Mutant Nuclei
Chapter 63: Rare Materials
Chapter 64: Iridium’S Location
Chapter 65: Special Metals Company
Chapter 66: Special Longsword
Chapter 67: The General Situation
Chapter 68: Jiang Liushi’S Expectations
Chapter 69: Destination: Jinling University!
Chapter 70: Stirring Up Trouble
Chapter 71: The New Weapon’S Power
Chapter 72: I Want To Take A Bath
Chapter 73: Killing Jiang Liushi
Chapter 74: Iridium Crucible
Chapter 75: Somebody Is Coming
Chapter 76: Bleeding Wolves
Chapter 77: Devouring Ability
Chapter 78: Building The Lab
Chapter 79: Biological Laboratory
Chapter 80: Jiang Liushi’S Choice
Chapter 81: Do You Have A Gun?
Chapter 82: Sharpshooting Lessons
Chapter 83: Are You A Professional Shooter?
Chapter 84: Rushing Out Of The Warehouse
Chapter 85: He Was Observant And Alert
Chapter 86: Retreat!
Chapter 87: Blood Wolf’S Extraordinary Ability
Chapter 88: Blood Wolf’S Counterattack
Chapter 89: Nowhere To Go
Chapter 90: Blind Spot
Chapter 91: Second Evolution
Chapter 92: Humanoid Forklift
Chapter 93: Blood Wolf’S Base
Chapter 94: Simplicity
Chapter 95: New Functions
Chapter 96: Harvest
Chapter 97: Reselling
Chapter 98: Humanoid Charger
Chapter 99: Mechanical Refitting
Chapter 100: Critical Materials
Chapter 101: What Are You Looking For?
Chapter 102: Reaping What You Sow
Chapter 103: Practice
Chapter 104: Black Market
Chapter 105: Assistant
Chapter 106: Final Form
Chapter 107: Arrival At The Black Market
Chapter 108: Ying
Chapter 109: Enter Into The Black Market
Chapter 110: Shameless Merchant
Chapter 111: Top Paranormal
Chapter 112: Drive Here
Chapter 113: At Loggerheads
Chapter 114: What Do You Have?
Chapter 115: Eye-Opener
Chapter 116: Type 95 Family Of Weapons
Chapter 117: Bargaining
Chapter 118: Unexpected
Chapter 119: Ran Xiyu
Chapter 120: Leopard House
Chapter 121: Extra-Heavy Truck
Chapter 122: Asking Jiang Liushi For Help
Chapter 123: Removing Ill Fortune
Chapter 124: Humanoid Tyrannosaurus
Chapter 125: Running Away?
Chapter 126: To Pursue, Or Not To Pursue?
Chapter 127: Personalized Refitting
Chapter 128: Moving Fortress
Chapter 129: Mining Truck’S Whereabouts
Chapter 130: Going Back?
Chapter 131: Bai Pinghai
Chapter 132: Flushing The Rabbit
Chapter 133: Heaven-Daring
Chapter 134: The Death
Chapter 135: Mechanical Monster
Chapter 136: Losing Face Altogether
Chapter 137: Upside Down
Chapter 138: Get Out!
Chapter 139: Evolutionary Crystal
Chapter 140: No Corpse!
Chapter 141: Struggle!
Chapter 142: Unexpected Gross Profit
Chapter 143: Upgrading The Storing Space
Chapter 144: Blood Vessel
Chapter 145: Configuring The Gene Evolution Liquid
Chapter 146: Hard To Choose
Chapter 147: Leaving For Jinling
Chapter 148: Intangibly Dangerous
Chapter 149: Advancing Bravely
Chapter 150: Was It The Same Mutant Boa?
Chapter 151: No Discord, No Concord
Chapter 152: Farewell, My Dear Compatriot
Chapter 153: Level-2 Mutant Nucleus
Chapter 154: Rise In Price
Chapter 155: The Key To Evolution
Chapter 156: Breaking A World Record
Chapter 157: Jinling Port
Chapter 158: Scanning The Mining Truck
Chapter 159: Leaving For Shenhai Island
Chapter 160: Launching The Mcv’S Second Form
Chapter 161: Falling Ill
Chapter 162: Give It A Try?
Chapter 163: Spiritual Special Ability
Chapter 164: Cry For Help
Chapter 165: What Do You Want To Do?
Chapter 166: Arrival At The First District Of Shenhai Island
Chapter 167: Check-In The First District Of Shenhai Island
Chapter 168: Humanoid Telephone
Chapter 169: Luxurious Coffee House
Chapter 170: Long Time No See
Chapter 171: Invitation
Chapter 172: Trading Hall
Chapter 173: Diesel
Chapter 174: No Interest
Chapter 175: Privilege
Chapter 176: The World Is Small
Chapter 177: Say It Again!
Chapter 178: Get Out By Yourselves Or Not?
Chapter 179: For Some Extra Gains
Chapter 180: Local Tyrant
Chapter 181: Cheating!
Chapter 182: Shouldn'T Provoke
Chapter 183: ‘Viper’
Chapter 184: Mutant Zombies
Chapter 185: One Can’T Avoid One’S Enemy
Chapter 186: Leaving The City
Chapter 187: It Was Just An Accident
Chapter 188: The Approaching Zombies
Chapter 189: Fight With Eachapter Other
Chapter 190: Borrowing A Gun
Chapter 191: Commiting Suicide?
Chapter 192: Zombies Were Defeated
Chapter 193: Every Shot Tells
Chapter 194: Level-1 Mutant Zombie
Chapter 195: Was It A Zombie?
Chapter 196: Regenerating A Severed Body Part
Chapter 197: Blood Nucleus
Chapter 198: Using ‘Borrow’ As A Pretext?
Chapter 199: Murdering A Person With A Borrowed Knife
Chapter 200: The Mantis Stalking The Cicada
Chapter 201: Have Dim Eyesight
Chapter 202: Dreadful Opponent
Chapter 203: Tongnan City
Chapter 204: Struck By Zombies
Chapter 205: Converging Attack
Chapter 206: Strike Back
Chapter 207: Unconditional Surrender
Chapter 208: Last Warning
Chapter 209: Don’T Offend Jiang
Chapter 210: Returning To Shenhai Island
Chapter 211: Tide Of Zombies
Chapter 212: Pickets
Chapter 213: Drumstick Gun
Chapter 214: Offending Chu Chongshan
Chapter 215: Visitor
Chapter 216: The Old General
Chapter 217: Exorbitant Price
Chapter 218: Eagle
Chapter 219: Ready! Set! Go!
Chapter 220: Directing A Battle
Chapter 221: Vision And Feeling
Chapter 222: Ran Xiyu’S Special Ability
Chapter 223: Surrounded By Zombies
Chapter 224: Driving Into The Distance
Chapter 225: A Female Zombie
Chapter 226: Approaching Danger
Chapter 227: Mysterious Ability
Chapter 228: Getting Through The Siege
Chapter 229: Men Cannot Be Judged By Their Looks
Chapter 230: Radical Zone
Chapter 231: Abandoned Nuclear Power Station
Chapter 232: Rescue Team!
Chapter 233: Rescue
Chapter 234: Meeting Again
Chapter 235: Accident
Chapter 236: Psychic Monster
Chapter 237: Hypnosis
Chapter 238: Wake Up
Chapter 239: Li Yuxin’S Change
Chapter 240: Dream And Reality
Chapter 241: Don’T Disturb Her
Chapter 242: Great Change
Chapter 243: In Imminent Danger
Chapter 244: Request
Chapter 245: Upgrade Program
Chapter 246: Urgent Task
Chapter 247: Leaving Shenhai Island
Chapter 248: Special Paranormal
Chapter 249: Scream At Night
Chapter 250: Who Are You?
Chapter 251: Fending For Herself
Chapter 252: Hidden Danger
Chapter 253: Returning To Jiangbei
Chapter 254: Accident
Chapter 255: Opening A Path
Chapter 256: Not An Ordinary Excavator
Chapter 257: Ye County
Chapter 258: Who Are You!?
Chapter 259: Looking For Someone
Chapter 260: Uninvited Guests
Chapter 261: Going Home
Chapter 262: It'S A Pity
Chapter 263: I Was Forced
Chapter 264: Enlightenment
Chapter 265: Encounter
Chapter 266: Driving Thousands Of Miles
Chapter 267: Pulling The Trigger
Chapter 268: Wormhole
Chapter 269: Military Order
Chapter 270: Slipping Into The Enemy Lines
Chapter 271: Iron Tyrannosaurus
Chapter 272: Meeting Again
Chapter 273: How Will You Leave?
Chapter 274: Digging His Own Grave
Chapter 275: Suffer Severely From Jiang Liushi
Chapter 276: Trouble
Chapter 277: On The Way
Chapter 278: Did You Get On Well With Eachapter Other
Chapter 279: What Can You Do?
Chapter 280: Star City
Chapter 281: Blind-Shooting
Chapter 282: Stand Still
Chapter 283: Deliver To Home
Chapter 284: Star City Base
Chapter 285: Riding On Someone’S Coattails
Chapter 286: You Can Try
Chapter 287: Don’T Bother
Chapter 288: Deliberate Provocation
Chapter 289: Seckill
Chapter 290: Go Beyond Their Depth
Chapter 291: A Stranger
Chapter 292: Why Don’T You Change The World?
Chapter 293: Starseed Fluctuation
Chapter 294: Fallen City
Chapter 295: In The Dark World
Chapter 296: Pay Back The Money
Chapter 297: Jiang Can’T Avoid His Enemy
Chapter 298: Lei She (1)
Chapter 299: Lei She (2)
Chapter 300: Diamond Cut Diamond
Chapter 301: Great Jiang Liushi
Chapter 302: A Slight Error In Thought
Chapter 303: Hong Yue
Chapter 304: Disappearing Special Energy
Chapter 305: Chance Encounter
Chapter 306: Killing Intent
Chapter 307: Eyeballs
Chapter 308: "Restaurant"
Chapter 309: Fate
Chapter 310: Mental Confrontation
Chapter 311: Hand Tearing Living People
Chapter 312: A Special Zombie
Chapter 313: People In Cages
Chapter 314: Ling
Chapter 315: I Can’T Say It Anymore
Chapter 316: Unexpected News
Chapter 317: Yes, You Are Right
Chapter 318: Tank
Chapter 319: Her Soul Was Damned
Chapter 320: Like A Moth To The Flame
Chapter 321: Mutual Destruction? Wrong!
Chapter 322: Leakage Of Electricity?
Chapter 323: Inconceivable
Chapter 324: Invitation
Chapter 325: Not Necessary
Chapter 326: You, Get Out
Chapter 327: Salute!
Chapter 328: Coincidence
Chapter 329: Imminent Death
Chapter 330: Pleasant Surprise
Chapter 331: Is This Your Special Ability?
Chapter 332: Setting Off
Chapter 333: Small Town
Chapter 334: Survivors
Chapter 335: Just Driving
Chapter 336: Cutting Off Your Escape Route!
Chapter 337: Approaching Zombies
Chapter 338: Vain Hope
Chapter 339: Rushing Into The Zombies
Chapter 340: Come After Me!
Chapter 341: Perfect Evasion
Chapter 342: Hang On To Your Hat
Chapter 343: Special Hobby
Chapter 344: Northern Area Of Jiangsu
Chapter 345: Business
Chapter 346: Entering The County
Chapter 347: Xiang Xuehai
Chapter 348: This Is Help?
Chapter 349: Afraid They Would Not Come
Chapter 350: You Don’T Have The Chance
Chapter 351: Bloodstained Picture
Chapter 352: Torrential Rain
Chapter 353: Military Camp
Chapter 354: I Will Carry You On My Back
Chapter 355: Change!
Chapter 356: An Accident
Chapter 357: I Surrender
Chapter 358: Incinerate
Chapter 359: Surrounded
Chapter 360: Danger Is Coming
Chapter 361: Torrential Flood
Chapter 362: Sweet Kiss
Chapter 363: New Route
Chapter 364: Return To Wu Shui County
Chapter 365: Outsiders
Chapter 366: Cooperation
Chapter 367: Meeting
Chapter 368: Hidden Adversaries
Chapter 369: Awe
Chapter 370: City Gate
Chapter 371: A Life And Death Struggle
Chapter 372: Mutant Zombie
Chapter 373: Difficulties
Chapter 374: Water Monsters
Chapter 375: Predicament
Chapter 376: We Are Friends, Right?
Chapter 377: Strengthen Ability
Chapter 378: Setting Off!
Chapter 379: Chance Encounter
Chapter 380: Walking Into A Trap
Chapter 381: Stealth Missile Boat
Chapter 382: The Mcv'S Third Form
Chapter 383: Pincer Attack
Chapter 384: Soldiering On
Chapter 385: Return
Chapter 386: Mcv: Damaged
Chapter 387: Explosion
Chapter 388: I Care About You
Chapter 389: Promise
Chapter 390: Energy Laboratory
Chapter 391: Evolutionary Crystal
Chapter 392: A Strange Team
Chapter 393: Robbing
Chapter 394: Ups And Downs In Life
Chapter 395: Forbidden Zone
Chapter 396: Inside And Outside Of The High Wall
Chapter 397: I Want Τo Dο Business With You
Chapter 398: Hidden Evolution Project
Chapter 399: Alien Plant Energy
Chapter 400: Swagger Off
Chapter 401: Ran Yunsha
Chapter 402: Slipping Into
Chapter 403: Toxin Squad
Chapter 404: Go Up Directly
Chapter 405: Swollen With Arrogance
Chapter 406: As Mad As A Marchapter Hare
Chapter 407: Failing To Seal The Deal
Chapter 408: Follow Me
Chapter 409: Unexpected Outcome
Chapter 410: Entering The Forbidden Zone
Chapter 411: Future Direction Of Evolution
Chapter 412: Abrupt Change
Chapter 413: Mouse Running After The Cat
Chapter 414: Feed Sight On
Chapter 415: Jiang Zhuying Is In Danger
Chapter 416: A Light In The Darkness
Chapter 417: Special Mutant Beasts
Chapter 418: Girl’S Weakness
Chapter 419: Guiding Fee
Chapter 420: Marching Into The City
Chapter 421: Xiayuan Safety Area
Chapter 422: Underground Trading Market
Chapter 423: Acquaintances Meet Eachapter Other
Chapter 424: Wilderness Order
Chapter 425: Chapter 426 One Powerful Paranormal
Chapter 426: Receiving Assignments
Chapter 427: Losing Face
Chapter 428: Chapter 429 Ran Xiyu’S Thoughts
Chapter 429: Ambush
Chapter 430: Die With Your Boots On
Chapter 431: Strength Of A Level-2 Paranormal
Chapter 432: Do You Want To Make A Deal?
Chapter 433: Only Strong Enemies Deserve My Attention
Chapter 434: Trump Card
Chapter 435: Special Discoveries In The Nest
Chapter 436: Mutant Queen Ant'S Egg
Chapter 437: Abnormal Phenomena Of Jiang Liushi
Chapter 438: Evolution
Chapter 439: Speak Of The Devil
Chapter 440: Honeycomb Arena
Chapter 441: Wasp War
Chapter 442: Invitation
Chapter 443: Accident
Chapter 444: Visiting Li Yuxin
Chapter 445: Meeting
Chapter 446: Bad Luck
Chapter 447: Eagle
Chapter 448: Head To The Beast Nest
Chapter 449: Risk Lives
Chapter 450: Troublesome Things
Chapter 451: Dangerous Lunatics
Chapter 452: Frontal Attack
Chapter 453: What Qualifications Do You Have To Compete With Me?
Chapter 454: True To Lu Changfei’S Name
Chapter 455: Fierce Mother Beast
Chapter 456: Your Battle Was Awesome
Chapter 457: Braising Luoluo
Chapter 461: Pleasant Surprises
Chapter 462: Lu Changfei'S Invitation
Chapter 462.1 - Important Information
Chapter 462.2 - Not Giving Li Yinqiang Face
Chapter 462.3 - Accident
Chapter 463: Returning To The Safe Area
Chapter 464: Nobody Is Allowed To Enter
Chapter 465: Suffering Wrongly
Chapter 466: Seeking Help
Chapter 467: Someone Is Coming
Chapter 468: Puppet Attack
Chapter 469: Hospital
Chapter 470: Open The Door!
Chapter 471: Stupefying Scenes
Chapter 472: Violence Aesthetics
Chapter 473: Jiang Liushi’S Requirements
Chapter 474: A Life-Saving Straw
Chapter 475: Jiang Zhuying Regains Consciousness!
Chapter 476: Brother, I Can Protect You Now
Chapter 477: Luoluo, The Cute And Crafty Beast
Chapter 478: Extraordinary Luoluo
Chapter 479: Just Passing Through
Chapter 480: Excellent Minibus And Pretty Girls
Chapter 481: Ambush
Chapter 482: A Clown
Chapter 483: Jiangning City
Chapter 484: Fishing In Troubled Waters
Chapter 485: Are You Making Fun Of Me?
Chapter 486: Steady As A Rock
Chapter 487: Prompt Decision
Chapter 488: Trading Market
Chapter 489: Vip Room
Chapter 490: No Manners
Chapter 491: I Am The Rule!
Chapter 492: Dwarf
Chapter 493: Waiting For The Highest Bid
Chapter 494: Lu Tianyu
Chapter 495: I Happen To Need Something
Chapter 496: I Am Innocent!
Chapter 497: World Full Of Surprises
Chapter 498: Sheer Fantasy
Chapter 499: Blueprint
Chapter 500: Jiangning Safety Zone
Chapter 501: Small World
Chapter 502: Times Have Changed
Chapter 503: Starseed'S Warning!
Chapter 504: Shockwave
Chapter 505: Looming Danger
Chapter 506: Accident
Chapter 507: Honeycomb
Chapter 508: Doomsday'S Reappearance
Chapter 509: Unknown
Chapter 510: Lies Must Be Exposed
Chapter 511: Longing
Chapter 512: Sneaking Inside
Chapter 513: Betrayal
Chapter 514: Black Hole
Chapter 515: Meeting
Chapter 516: Wang Shiqi
Chapter 517: Danger
Chapter 518: Materials
Chapter 519: Strength Limits Imagination
Chapter 520: Condition
Chapter 521: Black Light
Chapter 522: Regular Army
Chapter 523: Charge!
Chapter 524: Delivered Energy
Chapter 525: Wan Yiling
Chapter 526: Crazed Absorbtion
Chapter 527: Determination!
Chapter 528: Have You Considered?
Chapter 529: What Qualification Do You Have?
Chapter 530: A New Favorable Turn
Chapter 531: Conspiracy
Chapter 532: Coveting Jiang Liushi’S Minibus
Chapter 533: Hope
Chapter 534: Black Cloud Of Destruction
Chapter 535: Dealt With It?
Chapter 536: Mysterious Group
Chapter 537: Taking Action!
Chapter 538: Hell Gate
Chapter 539: Snatched From The Jaws Of Death
Chapter 540: Core
Chapter 541: I Must Kill You
Chapter 542: An Impasse?
Chapter 543: Broken Legs
Chapter 544 - Shadow World
Chapter 545 - Human Touch
Chapter 546 - Real Mcv
Chapter 547 - Shi Ying
Chapter 548 - Whereabouts
Chapter 549 - Reward For Jiang Liushi’S Arrest
Chapter 550 - Coming Across Survivors
Chapter 551 - Steel City
Chapter 552 - Biting The Hook
Chapter 553 - Testing The Tour Bus
Chapter 554 - Stop!
Chapter 555 - Giving Three Thick Ears
Chapter 556 - I Don’T Mind Bullying You
Chapter 557 - Extravagant Lifestyle
Chapter 558 - Relief Troops
Chapter 559 - Hunting Together
Chapter 560 - Inescapable
Chapter 561 - Crisis
Chapter 562 - Warning Sign
Chapter 563 - Humanoid Gas Bomb
Chapter 564 - Centesimate
Chapter 565 - Qionghai City
Chapter 566 - Heaven-Daring
Chapter 567 - Free Guide
Chapter 568 - A Man Plans To Searchapter For One Piece
Chapter 569 - Old Account
Chapter 570 - Good Sensation
Chapter 571 - Dripping Fresh Blood
Chapter 572 - The Sense Of Bleeding
Chapter 573 - Appetizer
Chapter 574 - ‘Weapon’
Chapter 575 - Caught By Surprise
Chapter 576 - Buzzkill
Chapter 577 - Cruel Measures
Chapter 578 - Group Of Zombies
Chapter 579 - Infected People
Chapter 580 - Blue Liquid
Chapter 581 - Revisiting The Old Haunt
Chapter 582 - Shen Hai
Chapter 583 - He Lu
Chapter 584 - Reunion
Chapter 585 - Old Members
Chapter 586 - What Can You Do To Me?
Chapter 587 - Bitter Enough
Chapter 588 - Shen Hai'S Headquarters
Chapter 589 - Mighty Psychic Paranormal
Chapter 590 - Genesis
Chapter 591 - Blue Sprites’ Queen
Chapter 592 - Burning
Chapter 593 - Battling Shen Hai
Chapter 594 - Flash In The Dark
Chapter 595 - Infected Jiang Liushi
Chapter 596 - Xiang Xuehai’S Decision
Chapter 597 - Weapon'S Whereabouts
Chapter 598 - The Evolution Of Jiang Liushi
Chapter 599 - Half-Asleep And Half-Awake
Chapter 600 - Devil And White Rabbit
Chapter 601 - The Changes Of Jiang Liushi (I)
Chapter 602 - The Changes Of Jiang Liushi (Ii)
Chapter 603 - Traveling To Japan
Chapter 604 - Railgun
Chapter 605 - Sword Club
Chapter 606 - Jiang Zhuying’S Nickname
Chapter 607 - Sword Club'S Safety Zone
Chapter 608 - Mysterious Girl
Chapter 609 - Jiang Cheng
Chapter 610 - Strange Beast
Chapter 611 - Weapon'S Origin
Chapter 612 - Secret
Chapter 613 - Black Rubik’S Cube
Chapter 614 - Long Teng City
Chapter 615 - Fierce Humanoid Beast
Chapter 616 - Bola
Chapter 617 - Kamikaze Beasts
Chapter 618 - World Of Warcraft (Wow)
Chapter 619 - Shock And Awe
Chapter 620 - Evolution Again
Chapter 621 - A Reasonable Price
Chapter 622 - Bringing The Fight To The Headquarters
Chapter 623 - Tsukuyomi
Chapter 624 - Relic'S Sword
Chapter 625 - Fierce Attack
Chapter 626 - The Sword Club'S Fall
Chapter 627 - Military Base
Chapter 628 - Night Metropolis
Chapter 629 - Invitation
Chapter 630 - Celebration Party
Chapter 631 - Candidate
Chapter 632 - Fruit Ninja
Chapter 633 - Special Team
Chapter 634 - The Wages Of Sin Is Death
Chapter 635 - Honest Businessman
Chapter 636 - Doll-Like Girl
Chapter 637 - Don'T Make Reckless Remarks
Chapter 638 - Manor
Chapter 639 - Killing Machine
Chapter 640 - Level-3 Mutant Zombie
Chapter 641 - Fighting Shen Kui
Chapter 642 - Head-On Confrontation
Chapter 643 - Black Rubik’S Cube - Acquired!
Chapter 644 - Shen Kui’S Death
Chapter 645 - Metal Essence
Chapter 646 - Relic Island
Chapter 647 - Ultimate Source
Chapter 648 - Cruel Angel
Chapter 649 - Cliff Tension
Chapter 650
Chapter 651
Chapter 652
Chapter 653
Chapter 654
Chapter 655
Chapter 656
Chapter 657
Chapter 658
Chapter 659
Chapter 660
Chapter 661
Chapter 662
Chapter 663
Chapter 664
Chapter 665
Chapter 666
Chapter 667
Chapter 668
Chapter 669
Chapter 670
Chapter 671
Chapter 672
Chapter 673
Chapter 674
Chapter 675
Chapter 676
Chapter 677
Chapter 678
Chapter 679
Chapter 680
Chapter 681
Chapter 682
Chapter 683
Chapter 684
Chapter 685
Chapter 686
Chapter 687
Chapter 688
Chapter 689
Chapter 690
Chapter 186
Chapter 187
Chapter 188
Chapter 189
Chapter 190
Chapter 191
Chapter 192
Chapter 193
Chapter 194
Chapter 195
Chapter 196
Chapter 197
Chapter 198
Chapter 199
Chapter 200
Chapter 201
Chapter 202
Chapter 205
Chapter 206
Chapter 207
Categories Genre: Adult, All, Drama, Historical, Josei, Ongoing, Romance Status: Ongoing Alternative names: 重生之嫡女祸妃, ______
Total Chapters in book: 955
Estimated words: 1761558 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8808(@200wpm)___ 7046(@250wpm)___ 5872(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1761558 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8808(@200wpm)___ 7046(@250wpm)___ 5872(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 955 Page No. 954 Page No. 953 Page No. 952 Page No. 951 Page No. 950 Page No. 949 Page No. 948 Page No. 947 Page No. 946 Page No. 945 Chapter 173
Chapter 173 : A Gamble
Xia Jun’s eyes darkened, and his eyes betrayed his emotion for a split second. In the blink of an eye, though, he smiled coolly and asked, “Elder Cousin, what do you mean?”
“Cousin and I both have Xia family blood running through our veins, so we should deal with one another frankly, and there’s no need to speak in riddles. Cousin, that you have fallen to such a dire state, unable to enter officialdom, and can only do Eighth Highness’ work in secret without the possibility of ever achieving the official position and honour that is due to you- all of this is thanks to whom?” Jiang Chao laughed and said, “You and I are both well aware of what the answer is!”
Xia Jun observed Jiang Chao with a slight smile. He and Jiang Chao were not the same – although Jiang Chao was working for Xuan Li and his official career seemed to be on the upward trend now, at best, Xia Yan had protected him too well because he was not shrewd enough to handle officialdom. Moreover, Jiang Chao had also inherited Jiang Quan’s cowardly and fickle temperament, and had on quite a few occasions thought himself pretty clever. For example, from what he had just said, Xia Jun knew without a doubt that Jiang Chao had deliberately spoken those words for him to hear. However, he remained silent.
“It is my honour to assist Eighth Highness, so I don’t dare to complain. As for Elder Cousin’s promotion, that is Elder Cousin’s good fortune. My fortune is not good, and there’s no one to blame,” Xia Jun said.
Jiang Chao closely regarded Xia Jun when he heard these words. Xia Jun was an enigmatic and unfathomable person. While unable to become an official due to the imperial edict, he had unexpectedly become Xuan Li’s helping hand on the outside. By now, Jiang Chao had clearly figured out some of Xuan Li’s habits, and he never made use of someone who was incompetent. Xia Jun’s position had already been special, but for Xuan Li to sit up and take notice of him, he must possess great capability. Jiang Chao was a naturally petty and narrow-minded person. Although he viewed interacting with Xia Jun as a taboo, the situation had changed, and he had no other option but to conspire with him.
“Truth be told, Cousin, this meeting is Eighth Highness’ idea.” Knowing that continuing to play taichi[1] would not be beneficial to him, Jiang Chao decided to speak frankly. He said, “Eighth Highness gave me a command, but I feel that we can take this matter further. However, I need Cousin’s help.”
[1] 打太极 (dǎtàijí) – to practice tai chi. fig. to avoid responsibility / to pass the buck.
Xia Jun leisurely stretched out his hand and poured himself a cup of wine. The wine swirled around lightly, emitting a faintly alluring, intoxicating fragrance. Xia Jun picked up the cup but was in no hurry to drink. Instead, he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if sniffing the light aroma of the wine. Taking his time, he said, “Oh? Then, Elder Cousin, what benefit do I gain from participating in this? How far can we take this?”
He was not anxious to ask what was to be done, or how it was to be done. The first thing he asked about was the end point. This made clear that Xia Jun was not the type to be concerned about methods. Whatever the situation, his only requirement was that it had a satisfactory outcome.
Jiang Chao lowered his voice, and his expression turned cold briefly. “The outcome? That would depend on how much Cousin dares to gamble.”
“What if I dare to gamble the entire Xia family?” Xia Jun smiled slightly.
Astounded, Jiang Chao carefully scrutinised the person before him again. Xia Jun’s face was handsome and bright, but there was something melancholic about his eyes. Those eyes gleamed all of a sudden, like a starving wolf on its last legs in the wilderness which had unexpectedly caught sight of prey; there was a kind of crazed excitement. Jiang Chao suppressed his shock with difficulty, for his instincts told him that his cousin was truly someone who had gone insane. Yet, on the surface, he solemnly continued, “Then, I promise Cousin, after this matter has been concluded, this world will no longer have the General fu, and neither will it have the Jinyi Guard. Even more so, it will not have . . . Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi, that pair of siblings.” He continued, “At that time, I will personally deliver Hong’an Junzhu into Cousin ’s hands. Then, whatever Cousin wants to do, go ahead and do it.”
This bargaining chip . . . It was indeed tempting. Xia Jun pictured a pair of slightly upraised, charming eyes. When those eyes were not looking at someone, they seemed to be veiled behind a thin mist, cold and unperturbed; when looking at someone, they possessed a degree of ridicule, as if sneering at that person’s ignorance and puerility, expressing a type of contempt that was enough to seduce a person into insanity.
In his life, the first half had been lived in the lap of luxury. Everything was smooth-sailing, and he got everything he wanted. However, this state of stable equilibrium was destroyed by Jiang Ruan. Using nothing more than simple stratagem, she brought his splendid life to absolute collapse. Being an official was not really his obsession, but Jiang Ruan had offended his dignity. In his opinion, if he took a fancy to Jiang Ruan, she should have obediently submitted. Who could have imagined that this was no obedient house cat, but a terrifying leopardess who only had to reveal her claws just slightly, and people would have a taste of how awesomely yet ferociously capable she was.
Over the past few years, he had observed Jiang Ruan turn from an unfavoured daughter who had been cast aside and brought up in the rural residence to the Jiang fu’s eldest di daughter whom everyone feared and respected. Then from an official’s daughter to the junzhu whom the Empress Dowager relied upon; he had witnessed her take on and defeat Jiang Li and Jiang Su Su, as well as Xia Yan, and he knew that she must have certainly have had a hand in Xia Jiao Jiao’s situation. He had never met such a woman before, and therefore was greatly interested in her.
Such a woman, capable of profound thinking, powerful and tenacious, with a beautiful and alluring appearance and a rotten heart, was exceedingly appetising to him. But . . . she had dared to reject him, and she had to pay the price she deserved.
Jiang Chao’s proposal was truly tempting.
Something like regret showed in his eyes briefly. If only Jiang Ruan had been willing to cling to him obediently, that would definitely have been great. Unfortunately, he knew what kind of person Jiang Ruan was and she would never bow her noble head to anyone. Thus, he would just have to chop it off. He said, “Elder Cousin’s proposal is very interesting . . .”
Jiang Chao regarded him tensely. The seconds ticked on before he heard Xia Jun complete his sentence, “We can give it a try.” Only then did Jiang Chao breathe a sigh of relief.
Almost absent-mindedly, Xia Jun peered into his wine cup and said, “What is Elder Cousin thinking of doing?” To catch both the Jinyi Guard and the General fu in one fell swoop was clearly no ordinary matter. Now that the Zhao family and the Jinyi Guard were both far away at the border, any move against them would necessarily have to be on the battlefield.
Jiang Chao’s face lit up abruptly with a treacherous smile. He said, “Logistics comes before military manoeuvres[2]. Even if the Jinyi Guard and the Zhao family are amazingly capable and skilled, they won’t be able to endure a lack of equipment and food.”
[2] 兵马未动,粮草先行 (bing ma wei dong, liang chao xian xing) – lit. before the troops move, fodder and provisions go first (idiom); logistics comes before military manoeuvres / an army marches on its stomach.
* * *
Putting the battle with Xirong aside for the time being, there was a wave of good news from the Jinyi Guard. Their morale had improved greatly as several swathes of lost ground had been retaken, one after another; Guan Liang Han’s condition had gradually stabilised, and the morale of the Great Jin’s troops had also settled. In contrast, the Tian Jin troops were no longer bold and fierce. Even with their excellent weapons and tactics, they were unable to recover their losses.
To everyone’s surprise, they discovered that Jinying Wang, Xiao Shao, the man called ‘The Rebel’ by the Great Jin, was actually able to direct his troops with sound tactics. His advantage in military matters was not the same as Guan Liang Han and Jiang Xin Zhi; he had a totally different style of conducting war: heartless, ruthless, and ensuring an absolutely clean sweep[3] of things. The Jinyi Guards he had brought with him were almost like invincible iron men, any one of these valiant soldiers would be like the lone wolf on the grasslands; no, even the lone wolf could not compare to such a soldier, for he would fight bravely even though outnumbered ten to one. Truly, an irresistible force.
[3] 秋风扫落叶 (qiu feng sao luo ye) – lit. as the autumn gale sweeps away the fallen leaves. fig. to drive out the old and make a clean sweep.
In the face of such troops, the Tian Jin army was terror-stricken and suffered defeat after defeat. Xiao Shao’s arrangements were unusual, not at all like wartime strategies, and he repeatedly achieved success almost immediately. Fighting the Tian Jin army was no longer like fighting a war, but was more like a one-sided massacre.
But even so, the war between Tian Jin and the Great Jin was not a matter which could be settled overnight. At that time, in order to hasten their journey, the marching troops had packed as lightly as they could to go into battle, and even the army provisions – rations and fodder – they had brought with them were in accordance with the established practice for close combat. The location of their battle against Tian Jin was in a desolate desert, without herdsmen or livestock in the vicinity. Thus, there was a severe lack of provisions. Moreover, the practice of provisioning one’s army with the resources of the occupied territory was only suitable for predatory warfare, where an army plundered the lands it conquered, and this would not be allowed. Furthermore, even if it were allowed, it would be too late to do so. By the established standard of the Great Jin dynasty, the people from the relay stations in the capital would collect the army provisions and transport them together, and the person overseeing this military supply wagon, Zhang Daren, would be responsible for the transport.
Zhang Ji had been the chief of this transport unit for many years, and he ensured that the distance travelled and consumption en route were the least possible. Because the army provisions brought along at the start of the war were almost depleted, and the national treasury at present could not afford to allocate too much from the stored provisions, the provisions that were currently being collected were from the common people. Within a short span of time, these army provisions would be quickly sent on their way to the border of Tian Jin, and these were what remained of the Great Jin’s dwindling reserves. Xiao Shao had to win the war before these provisions were totally consumed, otherwise, they would run out of provisions and be defeated.
In the Jinying Wangfu, Jiang Ruan put down the book in her hand and looked at the young man clad in purple clothes in front of her. He was sitting opposite her, observing her with a beaming smile and leisurely waving the folding fan he carried. If one were to overlook the wispy beard which covered his face that did not match his age, he was a handsome, elegant young nobleman. Unfortunately, because of that beard, what was a confident and easy action became somewhat comical.
Qi Feng lived in a large courtyard next to the Jinying Wangfu, which had been arranged for him by Xiao Shao. Xia Qing lived there with him. If it were not for the fear of setting off rumours and slander since Jiang Ruan lived in the Jinying Wangfu, Xiao Shao would have arranged for the two of them to stay there, too. At present, even though Qi Feng and Xia Qing did not reside in the Jinying Wangfu, only a wall separated the two residences, so they were very close by.
“Third Sister-in-law,” Qi Feng said as he waved his fan, “you have specially called me over, what are your orders?” Qi Feng cut a highly distinguished figure, but there was suspicion in his eyes. He resided at Bai Zhang Lou all year round, was cold to matters of the imperial court, and usually kept himself hidden. He was not very clear about the goings-on in the Great Jin’s inner palace and the women therein, and thus, was also uncertain about Jiang Ruan. This time, en route to the capital, he had found out several things about Jiang Ruan’s past and present from others. Where the assessment of Jiang Ruan was concerned, Guan Liang Han found her resourceful and full of stratagems, Mo Cong found her vicious and merciless, and as for Xiao Shao, well, anyone who could cause Xiao Shao to be so lovingly protective must be no ordinary person. Qi Feng was not disdainful of Jiang Ruan, but he felt that, no matter how intelligent, she was still a woman, and women were always a little bit whimsical and prone to fantasies. However, from the time he returned to the capital till now, Jiang Ruan had not shown the slightest hint of longing for Xiao Shao, and Qi Feng found this very interesting. It seemed to him that this was a case of unrequited love, and Xiao Shao was being rebuffed.
Jiang Ruan looked at the young man before her and smiled unhurriedly. She had never been in contact with someone like Fourth Brother Qi. However, since Xiao Shao had said that Qi Feng was well versed in the art of politics in the imperial court, there were some situations which would benefit exceedingly if he gave a hand.
She said, slowly, “Today, I’ve asked Young Master Qi here to ask Young Master Qi to save lives.”
“Save lives?” Qi Feng scrutinised Jiang Ruan and discovered that she was not joking around. After a moment of quick thought, he continued with careful consideration, “Third Sister-in-law, this humble person is not a doctor. If you need to save someone’s life, then you should seek out Fifth Brother Xia.” He had not yet ascertained Jiang Ruan’s temperament, and he was different from Xiao Shao. Xiao Shao trusted Jiang Ruan because of his love for her, but Qi Feng had only a superficial acquaintance with Jiang Ruan as yet, and thus was rather wary of her. If Jiang Ruan intended to seize the opportunity afforded by Xiao Shao’s absence to make trouble and do something to harm Xiao Shao or the Jinying Wangfu, then Qi Feng would not stand by idly. He would take action to stop her, even if it cost him his life.
“If it were one person’s life, Young Master Xia would definitely be able to save him, but now, we’re talking about tens of thousands of lives; how would Young Master Xia save them all by himself?” Jiang Ruan said lightly.
Qi Feng frowned slowly, his previous jovial expression completely vanishing from his face. He said, “What does Third Sister-in-law mean? I really don’t understand.”
“Young Master Qi is intelligent; there is no need to beat around the bush with me.” Jiang Ruan’s words were unceremonious and direct. “Young Master Qi and Xiao Shao are disciples of the same master, and naturally have a deep friendship. At present, someone is scheming against Xiao Shao, and I believe, with Young Master Qi and Xiao Shao’s close friendship, you will absolutely not look on without lifting a finger. Whether due to emotional ties or reason, can you help him?”
“Something has happened to Third Brother Xiao?” There was a shade of doubt in Qi Feng’s eyes, for he had not received any disquieting news about Xiao Shao or the Jinyi Guard in the past few days. Jiang Ruan’s words were indeed highly suspicious. If something had happened to Xiao Shao, he would definitely be the first to know.
“Nothing has happened to him yet, but if things continue as they are, something will happen very soon.” Jiang Ruan spoke heavily as she looked directly at Qi Feng, and a trace of ridicule sparked in her beautiful eyes. The ridicule was fleeting and the dark gleam disappeared in an instant, transforming into a bright, glittering gaze, that if one lingered to look, it seemed filled with charm and grace. She said, “I believe Young Master Qi must have heard about me before you arrived here. There is enmity between me and Jiang Chao as well as Marquis Xia fu. I caused Jiang Chao to lose a finger, and I made it impossible for Xia Jun to become an official.”
Qi Feng originally started to smile, as he had indeed collected information on Jiang Ruan before he arrived, but realised that this expression would be inappropriate at the moment. However, he did not understand why Jiang Ruan would bring up these two events at this point in time. After a pause, he said, “So what? What does this have to do with Third Brother Xiao? Don’t tell me that they are going to orchestrate some wicked plan in order to exact revenge?”
“No,” Jiang Ruan said as she stared fixedly at Qi Feng. His heart trembling under the weight of her gaze, Qi Feng heard her continue, “What I want to say is, the hostility which Jiang Chao and the Xia family have for me is merely for appearance’s sake. Jiang Chao and the Xia family are doing Eighth Prince, Xuan Li’s, work, and Xiao Shao has already become a thorn in Xuan Li’s side. Since Xiao Shao is unwilling to cooperate with Xuan Li, and his power and influence is beyond Xuan Li’s control, Xuan Li only has one choice: to kill.” As Jiang Ruan spoke of such secret happenings, she appeared totally serene, as if she was not speaking of major events to do with seizing the throne and beheading, but merely discussing the state of the weather.
Qi Feng’s expression had grown rigid. He heard Jiang Ruan indifferently and serenely continue from opposite him, “Thus, on the surface, it looks like Jiang Chao and Xia Jun want to go against me, but in truth, it is Xuan Li who wants to deal with Xiao Shao. Or, to put it another way, Xuan Li wants to deal with the Jinyi Guard. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“You . . .” Jiang Ruan’s words were so blunt that Qi Feng had absolutely no idea how to respond. He suddenly felt that Jiang Ruan was truly suitable for Xiao Shao. Jiang Ruan looked to be someone who was incredibly calm and capable of preserving the accomplishments of previous generations, but her offensive power was quietly concealed. From her eyes, Qi Feng could discern strength and tenacity.
“I understand Xuan Li very well; he will use every single opportunity, especially at this critical juncture. Now that Xiao Shao has left the capital, and only Zhao Yi and a few others remain in the General fu, this is the best opportunity. Xuan Li will certainly think of all ways and means to make things happen.” She looked at the book in front of her and said, “I sent the secret bodyguards Xiao Shao gave me to monitor Jiang Chao; Jiang Chao met Xia Jun a few days ago.”
“They have forged an alliance?” Qi Feng asked, “The Xia family is no longer what it was, how could they dare to act rashly?”
“The Xia family naturally dares not; unfortunately, Xia Jun is a lunatic.” Coolly, Jiang Ruan continued, “Recently, Zhang Ji, head of the military supply wagon, seems to have been exceedingly industrious, and he has also been very liberal in spending money. All at once, he has purchased three huge houses and five stores in the east of the capital, and he has stored a considerable number of silver banknotes in Four Seas private bank[4]. Young Master Qi, in your opinion, isn’t this highly odd?”
[4] 钱庄 (qiánzhuāng) – old-style money shop (a type of private bank that first appeared in the Ming dynasty, flourished in the Qing, and was phased out after 1949) / informal financial company, often operating at the edges of what is legal.
“Zhang Ji . . .” Qi Feng’s expression turned severe. He had studied the art of court politics, so he was naturally very familiar with the ministers of the imperial court. Zhang Ji had been in charge of the military supply wagon for a long time. He conducted himself in an upright manner, was very talented, and had transported army provisions for so many years without error. Jiang Ruan’s words clearly indicated that she suspected Zhang Ji. On one hand, Qi Feng felt amazed, and on the other hand, he thought it was unbelievable. “Zhang Daren is a good official; if the water is too clear, there will be no fish; this silver currency may not have anything to do with Xuan Li. Provisions and fodder for the troops and horses is a major undertaking; Zhang Daren is not going to destroy his own future. He knows that if anything goes wrong, he is the first person that His Majesty will blame.”
“He is indeed a good official, but it’s such a pity that he has a disreputable son,” Jiang Ruan said coldly.
“His three sons are all relatively talented and handsome young men, how could you say they are disreputable?” Qi Feng asked as he furrowed his brows.
“Zhang Ji has a mistress whom he dotes on; she has a son who spends all day drinking and carousing outside. Zhang Ji’s furen is Marquis Mu Yang’s daughter, a formidable lady. Zhang Ji does not dare to tell his furen about his mistress and her son, but he can’t support the way his son spends money like water. Those houses and shops on the eastern side of the capital, even the silver currency, are all in preparation for that son. I believe Young Master Qi also knows how much Zhang Daren loves his sons.”
Of course, Qi Feng knew Zhang Ji was a henpecked husband, but he had not known when Zhang Ji had begotten an illegitimate son. He surely did not know how Jiang Ruan had discovered this information. It had always been evident that Zhang Ji loved his three sons dearly, so, for this child born of his mistress, he must have harboured such guilt that it caused him to dote on this son even more. However . . .” Qi Feng said, “But this is too risky. For the sake of some money, to place your future at stake, to gamble your entire family’s lives . . . smart people wouldn’t do this.”
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly as she said, “Indeed, if it were merely for some money, he would definitely not find it worthwhile. However, what if, because of this, his career soared to meteoric heights? He would no longer have to do things in order to please his furen’s family, the Marquis Wu family, he would be able to show his magnanimous spirit in welcoming his dearly loved illegitimate son into the fu, and he might even be able to obtain future prospects for that son. Do you think this gamble is worth the risk?”
Qi Feng was astounded.
Jiang Ruan continued, coldly, “Who doesn’t want to gamble if the stakes include boundless riches and glory? What’s more, what if one wins the gamble? The world will change: the Emperor will no longer be the Emperor, the imperial court will no longer be the imperial court, so who will be left to investigate and accuse someone of deceiving the Emperor?” Slowly, word by emphatic word, she said, “The weight of the criminal charge is only borne by the one who loses. However, no one knows yet who will emerge victorious to seize the kingdom. Therefore, he dares to gamble.”
Total Chapters in book: 955
Estimated words: 1761558 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8808(@200wpm)___ 7046(@250wpm)___ 5872(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1761558 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8808(@200wpm)___ 7046(@250wpm)___ 5872(@300wpm)
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