Chapter 663: Thus It Begins!
Chapter 663: Thus It Begins!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
All of the imperial court's civil and military officials were dumbstruck.
Were these two seniors not said to be on the last legs of their lives? One's life was slowly draining away, while the other one was quietly waiting for his end. How was it possible that both of them had come to the assembly now, and in good spirits to boot! It was not even terminal lucidity, as that state of being would not have presented them with such vigor!
This astonishing conundrum caused many jaws to drop; they were astonished that a miracle had taken place!
Other than being astounded, they questioned the reason very behind this turn of fate as well. The revival was earth-shattering and the fact that both of them were brought back to good health could not be a coincidence. There must be an expert who had helped them. If these mysteries could not be solved, how could they sit well with the incident?
Qiu Jianhan thought that answering it was impossible and was about to disguise the truth with sophistry, but once Old Grand Commandant Fang spoke first, he was not at all nervous anymore.
"This old official is astonished about this as well."
Old Grand Commandant Fang looked perplexed as he narrated his story, "My condition worsened over the days. I was drowsy day and night like I was in a dream. I knew that I didn't have many days left. Last night was like that, but somehow, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was shocked to find out that I felt terribly light, like I was a young man again. The aches and pains of age were gone. Your Majesty and fellow colleagues are surprised at my state – this old man is also stumped. What happened? I didn't want to come to the assembly today, but I was curious about my condition. I wanted to come and ask if anyone knows what was going on. "
Qiu Jianhan took over smoothly and continued, saying, "This old official's situation is similar, but I am even more lost than Old Fang here. Old Man Fang is at most, groggy, day in and day out but this old man was practically the living dead. I'm naturally more confused if Old Man Fang doesn't even know the reason behind his miraculous recovery. All in all, it's just strange…"
It was understandable if everyone wanted to ask Qiu Jianhan his thoughts on the matter, but it made more sense to ask Old Grand Commandant Fang first. He was the living dead; what could he possibly know? Better to ask a living man!
The old rogue's explanation, accompanied by much head-scratching and a flummoxed façade, secured his place as the head of Yutang's three great rogues for the quality of his acting and his speech!
His Majesty could discern that Old Grand Commandant Fang was really stumped, but the emperor was vexed when he saw Qiu Jianhan's innocent look as he scratched his head. His delight from the fact that the old fellow had awakened safely just now was close to vanishing and turning into the possibility of full-blown heart attack.
There was no more jubilance as the emperor's only thought now was to kick the old rogue who was clearly putting on a show, sighing and scratching his head. He looked lost, but he knew much better than anyone else, out of the assembly court.
'Since you don't know, can you not talk with such an ostentatious tone?'
'You don't know?'
'I'd be stupid to believe you!'
When the assembly was dismissed, His Majesty retained Qiu Jianhan to interrogate him further.
Qiu Jianhan still looked flummoxed. "I really don't know what happened, Your Majesty… You should ask Old Grand Commandant Fang instead!"
"This old official is rather befuddled…"
"While I was in a coma, I dreamed a lot... I even dreamed of so and so… Your Majesty, did you know these old things are living well now? F*cking hell, they are living so well, even though they are ghosts! I am utterly envious, tsk, tsk…"
"Did someone save me? Really? What the f*ck? Was I actually saved? Who was my savior then? Your Majesty must knforw, if you are saying this. You have to tell me. The saving grace must be returned graciously, I will have to repay it…"
When faced with such a rogue, the emperor's interrogation was in vain, even after an hour of harsh questioning. Instead, he had listened to the rogue retell his tale of touring the underworld and in the end, the emperor gradually turned into the one being questioned!
Ultimately, His Majesty could no longer hold it in nor did he want to. His finger pointed towards the door. "Scram!"
"This official is leaving!"
The old rogue vanished swiftly. His departure was remarkably hasty!
"F*ck, does the skin on these people who have died once double up in thickness?" His Majesty was quite bemused despite his rage.
After staying angry for a long time, he finally cursed out loud, "You useless old man! Do you really think that I can't figure out who you're talking about, even when you don't say a thing?"
…
The Shangguan Family was also rejoicing in the sudden turn of events. Their eldest had suddenly felt much better upon waking up in the morning, and after several attempts, she could actually walk with ease.
What a surprise!
Then, she realized that the many discomforts and illnesses that plagued her seemed to have all disappeared…
What a delight!
Later, she realized that even her near to non-existent cultivation base seemed to have recovered.
What a delightful surprise!
Subsequently, she could straighten up; she could hear clearly, her eyes could see without difficulty, and her legs were fine as well… She finally tried to jump, and actually leaped dozens of feet high!
Seeing that their old mistress' state had taken such a turn for the better, the whole Shangguan Family of Generals was elated and overwhelmed with joy.
"God bless the Family of Generals!"
Old Mistress Shangguan looked around before asking, "Where's Lingxiu?"
"She's gone to the Residence of Yun. Should I call her home?"
Old Mistress Shangguan considered this for a moment before answering, "No need. The girl has suffered all these years."
She slowly paced to the ancestral hall and studied the many plates that stood inside, murmuring to herself, "Let's wait a few days more. If I still feel as robust as today… I shall continue to run this family!"
"Then, I shall invite Yun Xiaoyao to arrange Lingxiu and Yun Yang's marriage!"
The Shangguan Family's women were delighted by the idea.
Everyone had seen how Shangguan Lingxiu had supported the family all these years; none of them were ignorant of the fact and unaffected by it. Such a beauty, such a lady at her prime, but she could only age alone at home due to the burden of her family. Now, there was hope! Her efforts had paid off!
"God bless!"
Shangguan Lingxiu's mother kneeled down before the ancestral plates and bowed respectfully. "Bless the ancestors! Bless Xiu'er… so she can find her happiness, her rock…"
…
The day went on until night came.
Yun Yang's torturous day had finally come to an end.
Ji Lingxi had not lost her energy or suddenly became kind. It was because something Yun Yang had planned for a long time was finally triggered!
…
In an average tavern, the four noble young masters of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter were drinking in ecstasy with their guards.
The surrounding tables of customers who were drinking were also made up of martial world practitioners. Witnessing the fellows chatter loudly without any regard for decorum, they pursed their lips discreetly in discontent; no one dared to kill the mood. For one, the dressing of the four popinjays was enough to show that they were not the usual sort of wealthy young masters; they had many guards with them too, a sign that any form of provocation should be reconsidered.
Mainly, the reason was that these four popinjays – despite their popinjay reputation - were obviously equipped with excellent skills. Any one of them was on par with a martial world expert, thus ordinary practitioners dared not offend them.
Just as their drinking session heightened to the point of ecstasy, someone barged into the tavern and pitched headfirst onto the ground.
The person had fallen right in front of Dong Tianleng.