Chapter 58: Various Parties
In the third watch of the night.
The Crown Princeâs Mansion in the Eastern Palace.
Wisps of incense smoke drifted from the censer, several thin veils wrapped around the bed.
On the bed, strands of uneven black hair intertwined. The blush on the girlâs cheeks had not yet faded. Her forehead pressed against the manâs back, one delicate hand lightly embracing his firm chest as she breathed softly.
âSenior Brother... are you feeling better?â Qing Chan asked gently.
âMm...â Shen Muchen suppressed that surge of desire and exhaled hotly in response.
âThank you for your effort, Achan.â
âThis is what Qing Chan should do.â
Two soft mounds pressed against his back. The coolness emanating from Qing Chanâs body made Shen Muchenâs expression relax a bit more.
âSenior Brother, just now our sectâs informant reported, Qing Chan didnât have time to relay it earlier, the Zhao family in Suzhou was nearly exterminated, and several vassal forces cultivated by the Zhao family were also uprooted.â
âThe Zhao family of Suzhou, Fourth Brother made his move, didnât he?â Shen Muchenâs eyelids lowered slightly.
âIndeed, the King of Songâs shadow was present.â
âWhat other forces? Such a large Zhao family couldnât have fallen just from the Fourth Brotherâs shadow alone.â
âAlmost all local forces in Suzhou took the opportunity to kick them while they were down and devour the Zhao familyâs assets. It seems Heavenly Netâs people also got involved.â Qing Chanâs tone became slightly tense.
âThe more lively it gets, the more people join in. Isnât it often said that the Zhao family of Suzhou is as wealthy as a nation, that their accumulated wealth would require ten Great Qing national treasuries to contain?â
âA golden pig thatâs lost its ability to resist â no one would refuse to take a bite,â Shen Muchen wasnât surprised.
He had heard some rumors about the Zhao familyâs doings in Suzhou over the years.
Suzhou had suffered under the Zhao family for a long time. Meeting such an end was the will of the people.
âSenior Brother, arenât they afraid of the Zhao familyâs retaliation?â
The Suzhou Zhao family might be gone, but most of the Zhao familyâs direct line was still here in Tianwu City. Many Zhao family members already held official positions in the court, their influence still immense.
âHehe, retaliation?â Shen Muchen opened his eyes and sneered.
âThe current Zhao family has already been cut off at the limbs, left with nothing but a mouth.â Shen Muchen held back another thought.
Soon, that mouth would also be sealed by that person.
âAchan, youâve forgotten someone.â
âWho?â Qing Chan curiously raised her little head.
âSixth Son.â
âThe King of Chu?â Qing Chan was stunned.
âThe Sixth Sonâs shadow must be in this,â Shen Muchen answered with certainty.
He knew Shen Yianâs character. Some things would not go unpunished, but the time had not come yet.
The Zhao family was just the beginning.
The bedchamber suddenly fell silent.
âSenior Brother, Qing Chan wants to return to our sect to see Father.â
Zhao Haiâs eyes widened in surprise. His Majesty was actually rewarding the King of Chu with these!
The value of any one of these jade tablets was immeasurable in gold.
Possessing one allowed entry into the highest levels of Great Qingâs Martial Pavilion and Armory.
Since the Shen Family ancestor founded Great Qing, the Martial Guard Division had collected peerless martial arts, divine weapons, and rare treasures from all over the world and stored them in this pavilion and armory.
This pavilion and armory represented the Shen Familyâs foundation!
Any single item stored in those highest levels could shake the world if brought out.
His Majesty had offered three tablets at once, meaning Shen Yian could take three world-shaking items from the pavilion and armory.
âMy second son has expanded Great Qingâs territory, a great merit deserving reward,â Emperor Wu muttered, then pulled out another ink-colored jade pendant, constantly rubbing it in his hand.
He wasnât about to be stingy with his own son.
Seeing this, Zhao Haiâs eye twitched slightly. It seemed His Majesty hadnât been this generous in a long time.
âZhao Hai, how are things in Suzhou?â
âIn reply to Your Majesty...â
Zhao Hai carefully reported, causing Emperor Wuâs brows to furrow as he listened.
âHmph, this Zhao family is truly as wealthy as a nation!â
âIâm feeling tired. Move to Qingning Palace.â
âYes... Your Majesty.â
At the King of Songâs residence.
âYour Highness.â
âWen Wu, whatâs the situation in Suzhou?â
Shen Jingyu asked, his fingers playing with a raven as he glanced over.
âIn reply to Your Highness, as of today, the Zhao family no longer exists in Suzhou!â
Wen Wuâs voice trembled slightly as he answered.
He was filled with shock.
Having come from Suzhou, he knew well what a behemoth the Suzhou Zhao family was.
For such a behemoth to be wiped out overnight was simply unbelievable.
âIs that so?â
After a while, Shen Jingyu responded flatly, his face showing neither joy nor sorrow, making it impossible to gauge the thoughts of the King of Song at that moment.
âBefore long, news of the Suzhou Zhao family will spread across the land. Make preparations early!â
That woman and the Zhao familyâs direct descendants wonât let this go.
âYes, Your Highness!â
âI wish to be alone for a while.â
âThis servant takes his leave!â
Wen Wu left.
Shen Jingyu held the raven in his arms, looking up into the distance and murmuring, âSixth brother, a storm is coming.â