Chapter 1653 – Taking Nan Sheng, Killing An Huan (Sixty-three)
“That’s not wrong to say, but how much truth is there in what the Emperor claims, and how much is mere theatrics? Wei Ci couldn’t be sure.
If it were in his past life, Wei Ci would have believed it 100% without any doubt; he wouldn’t dare to question it.
But in this life…
The more he understood her, the more Wei Ci realized how deep her seemingly cynical demeanor truly was.
He suspected the Emperor’s schemes against the Red Lotus Sect probably began even earlier than she indicated.
Reading people’s hearts, controlling the overall situation.
As her enemy, one often didn’t even know how they were being outmaneuvered until it was too late.
Honestly, for those courtiers facing such an Emperor, should they consider themselves lucky or in deep trouble?
Whether as a Lord or as an Emperor, her cunning wasn’t inferior to any adviser; even the officials were always struggling in their mind games with her. Sometimes, Wei Ci would even imagine that if the Emperor’s energy wasn’t limited, she could potentially take on the chaos of the entire world by herself. This fact is evident from the records of court struggles following Jiang Zhao’s establishment; she always had a secured victory.
As a “fan of the Emperor” and a “fan of the Lord,” Wei Ci could confidently praise her even with his eyes closed.
Wei Ci was Jiang Ji’s number one supporter and the leader of her naval forces; praising Jiang Ji was normal for him, but Lü Zheng was in a bit of a pickle. As An’s strategist, Lü Zheng unintentionally helped Jiang Ji to sell several endorsements for herself, ultimately turning the future leader of the Red Lotus into a die-hard fan.
Emmmm…
What a clever move~~~
Of course, that’s not even the best part.
The best part was Kang Xintong’s determination to make Jiang Ji her lifetime idol, openly declaring she wanted to be her number one fan, to which Lü Zheng displayed a smile of satisfaction.
It’s clear he’s a worthy student of Yuan Jing; his skills in teaching and nurturing are quite impressive.
This rebellious teenager was, in fact, awakened by one of his sharp lessons, wasn’t she?
“It’s good to have aspirations, but you must understand that no matter how high Liu Xi stands or how far she goes, she is still a rare gem among women. Such individuals can serve as examples but becoming overly obsessed with her success can be misleading. The world is often harsh towards women; perhaps it requires ten times more effort for you to merely match a man who puts in one effort, and even then, you might not achieve the grand results you envisioned.” Lü Zheng gave Kang Xintong a dose of reality, hoping to prevent potential disappointment, “Even so, will you still hold onto your original intentions?”
Being young, Kang Xintong couldn’t fully grasp Lü Zheng’s words, but she could sense the seriousness and gravity behind them.
After careful consideration, Kang Xintong nodded earnestly.
She didn’t aspire to become as formidable as her idol or dominate the world, but she wanted to live with dignity.
Kang Xintong wished to show her mother what truly dignified living for a woman looked like.
“I dare to ask, please, Master, guide me and teach me how to fulfill my wishes.”
Without hesitation, Kang Xintong performed a grand bow to Lü Zheng, her previously confused eyes now brimming with determination and appeal.
Lü Zheng placed a hand on her shoulder while she looked up at him with hopeful yet cautious eyes.
“Call me ‘Adoptive Father.'”
As his own child was still crawling, Lü Zheng intended to adopt a daughter and practice being a qualified father. Upon hearing his words, Kang Xintong instantly understood, and she sweetly exclaimed, “Adoptive Father!”
Lü Zheng happily accepted.
Kang Xintong beamed, performed another bow, and exclaimed, “Adoptive Father, please accept your daughter’s respect!”
Just then, the Steward had already tidied up the courtyard. Lü Zheng arranged for Kang Xintong to rest while he planned to carefully consider how to sculpt this piece of raw jade into the finest artwork. He was accustomed to staying up late but was still energetic the next day, while Kang Xintong felt a bit lethargic… Everything yesterday was too surreal; after lying down, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep, fearing she’d wake up and find it all was just a dream.
Lü Zheng suspected nothing and thought the child was merely uncomfortable in a new bed.
Meanwhile, this fresh pair of father and daughter shared a breakfast together, unaware that at the same time, Kang Xintong’s mother was suffering a calamity—her snow-white skin marked with two red and purple fingerprints; her face swollen and bruised, resembling a perfectly fine painting that had been carelessly defaced. The one who hit her was none other than Kang Xintong’s stepfather.
The stepfather had drunkenly promised to send Kang Xintong away the night before.
Upon waking up the next day, he regretted it.
He had secretly coveted Kang Xintong for two years, initially planning to wait until she matured a bit more before taking her into his household. Who knew that after waiting two years, the fruit would be snatched away unexpectedly by Lü Zheng? He respected Lü Zheng and didn’t dare blame him, but his anger had to find an outlet, and thus, Kang Xintong’s mother bore the brunt of it. Though he was an illiterate brute, he also had a keen side, and with a little thought, he could piece together who had spoiled his plans.
Kang Xintong’s mother had been the woman he favored for years, and he had always been satisfied with her; little did he know she harbored other intentions.
Kang Xintong had always been engaged in the most menial of tasks, never having the chance to reach the front courtyard, her range of activity severely limited. He couldn’t believe that if it weren’t for that woman’s maneuvering, Kang Xintong, always confined to servant duties, would have had the opportunity to be taken by Lü Zheng.
Enraged and ashamed, he struck Kang Xintong’s mother across the face twice, leaving her seeing stars, her ears ringing as if she were beside a babbling brook.
“You shameless woman, your jealous face is truly detestable!”
His face twisted with malice, ready to pounce and strangle her at any moment.
It took Kang Xintong’s mother quite a while to regain her composure, her mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood, both her back molars loosened.
“Young Master, please forgive me! Why would I be jealous of my own niece…” she gritted through the dizziness and crawled to his feet, clutching his legs while pleading, “You don’t understand, that little vixen has heard that Teacher Lü is visiting and gets all ambitious about climbing the ladder… I’m truly wronged here…”
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, making it seem like her words had merit.
The man softened for a brief moment but still lifted his foot, kicking her off his leg, leaving behind a chilling remark:
“Stay locked in the back courtyard and reflect on your actions; dare to provoke me again, and I’ll take your head!”
After two years of waiting, the prized duck was just about to be cooked, only to be sabotaged by a woman’s jealousy, which was utterly infuriating.
The more unattainable it was, the more one longed for it.
He deliberately sent someone to Lü Zheng’s residence to gather information; if Lü Zheng were to take Kang Xintong as a concubine, that would be best. In this day and age, entertaining guests with concubines and exchanging them was quite fashionable. With a young and beautiful girl, he could trade to get Kang Xintong back… one wouldn’t suffice? Then two it is!
Never did he expect Lü Zheng would genuinely take Kang Xintong as an adoptive daughter.
This adoptive daughter wasn’t just a superficial title; it was a real father-daughter bond.
In other words, if he continued to lust after Kang Xintong, he would be coveting Lü Zheng’s daughter!
He may desire Kang Xintong, but he wouldn’t dare offend Lü Zheng over a girl; this matter would have to end here.
Upon hearing this news, Kang Xintong’s mother secretly cried several times, but she did so with tears and laughter mixed.
