Chapter 290 - 81: No Escape (2)

Chapter 290: Chapter 81: No Escape (2)

’That’s why I have to be a hero. I have to rise above everyone else. I have to seize power. I can’t end up like my uncle, cast aside like a worn-out shoe.’

Liang Ji had used official business at the commander’s main camp as an opportunity to visit Liang Qiang. With his duties so pressing, he couldn’t stay long and left after just a few words.

Liang Qiang stood outside, watching his father go. He remained motionless long after his father’s figure had vanished, only moving when a voice called out from behind him.

"General Liang."

Liang Qiang turned to see a soldier approaching with a bowl of medicine.

"It’s time for your medicine," he said.

This was the army doctor assigned to him. Liang Qiang stared at him without speaking and made no move to take the bowl.

The doctor was baffled by his stare. "Junhou, is something wrong?" he asked, then quickly added, "This medicine was specially prepared for you. It nourishes your qi and blood so you’ll recover faster. If you don’t believe me, I’ll take a sip myself."

As he spoke, he raised the bowl to his lips, but Liang Qiang smiled and held up a hand to stop him.

"I trust you—all of you," he said, taking the bowl and downing the medicine in one gulp.

The doctor nodded. "Get some more rest, junhou." With that, he turned to leave.

Liang Qiang stopped him.

The doctor turned back, awaiting his orders. Liang Qiang slowly walked over to him.

"Tell your master," he said, "that I’m keeping my arm. That won’t affect our deal, will it? Or is a one-armed hero the only kind your master dares to employ?"

The words seemed to come out of nowhere, but the army doctor showed no sign of shock or confusion. He simply lowered his gaze and said, "Please wait a moment, junhou, while I request instructions."

With that, he turned and left.

This time, Liang Qiang didn’t stop him. Watching the doctor’s retreating back, he was filled with a mix of emotions. ’I knew it. I can’t escape this net.’

’The net is already spread. How can a little bird possibly fly free?’

’This mortal world is one giant net. If that’s the case, then I’ll just have to be the bird that flies highest within it.’

...

...

After the new year holiday passed, the cold wind howled for a few more days before green buds suddenly sprouted on the roadside willows. Flocks of birds gathered in the treetops, their chirps and calls heralding the arrival of spring.

But just as the holiday had been all but forgotten, the stirrings of spring went unnoticed.

On the seemingly bustling streets, people no longer walked with leisure but hurried along. In the teahouses and taverns, patrons weren’t savoring fine food and wine; instead, they were huddled together, whispering.

"What are you all going to do?"

"We can’t just leave. There are too many of us in the family."

"You can’t leave. We’re surrounded. If you want to talk about safety, the Capital City is still the safest place to be."

"That’s true. I’ve seen a lot of families bringing their relatives in from the countryside."

"I can’t believe it. Is a war really going to break out?"

"How could you not? We’ve been expecting this ever since the incident with the late Emperor. It’s just been a long time coming."

SNAP. Qi Leyun slammed the latticed window shut, blocking out the nearby whispers.

"My father said he’s been waiting for this day, choosing the moment Western Liang mobilized and the border was unstable to make his move on the palace. The King of Zhongshan is utterly shameless," she said.

The girls were gathered in the small drawing-room, but this time there was no talk of poetry or philosophy. Instead, every brow was furrowed with worry.

Although the court had issued an edict stating that the King of Zhongshan was coming to protect the Capital City, the initial confusion had long since passed. Everyone had come to their senses now—a Prince maintaining a private army and marching on the Capital City? The history books made it perfectly clear whether that meant "protection" or a coup.

"Ah Tang, what does the court plan to do about this?" Qi Leyun asked.

Chu Tang seemed to be lost in thought, only looking up when her name was called. "I don’t know, either," she said with a sigh of resignation. "The Empress is away, so I can’t even get into the Imperial City. They certainly aren’t going to discuss important court matters with me."

That made sense. The other girls nodded.

"But don’t worry. There is one thing I do know," Chu Tang added. "Ever since the war with Western Liang began, my uncle has refused all reinforcements. He said it was specifically to guard against anyone who might try to take advantage of the chaos to stir up trouble. When the Western Liang Soldiers snuck into Upper Commandery, Ah Zhao went to provide aid by herself. The entire reason for that was to avoid deploying any troops stationed outside the Border County. So the court has had more than enough troops in reserve for this. Rest assured, the Capital City will be fine."

The girls’ expressions filled with admiration.

"With General Chu and Empress Chu being so steadfast, the Capital City is sure to be safe," Qi Leyun said.

The situation was tense, so after briefly gathering to exchange news, the girls dispersed.

Qi Leyun and Chu Tang rode back in the same carriage. Chu Tang entered the Chu Mansion, while Qi Leyun went into the Chu Garden.

Seeing her family members packing their luggage, Qi Leyun said in frustration, "What is there to be afraid of? Nothing’s going to happen to us. Just stay put. This is the Empress’s family home—it’s the safest place in the city."

Mr. Qi replied, "It’s true that nothing will happen to us. Even if the Capital City is breached, we’ll be fine." He looked at his daughter, his expression complex. "But if we’re found living in the Empress’s family home, then we won’t be."