Chapter 1084 – The Death of Meng Zhan (Part 2)
“…You treasured and spoiled a mere Meng Liang like he was a jewel…”
Who is Meng Liang?
The illegitimate son of a concubine of the Meng family, holding the title of legitimate son due to Meng Zhan’s favoritism.
The voice in his head wouldn’t let up, clearly naming what foolishness he had committed.
“…The legitimate son Meng Heng was dragged down by you two and failed his assessments…”
Thinking of this, Meng Zhan’s already painful chest felt like it was being gripped tighter, as if a hand was squeezing his heart, trying to crush it. Pain gripped him so fiercely he struggled to speak, his face pale, and his hands and feet cold as ice.
Setting aside all prejudice and hostility, Meng Heng was indeed an outstanding legitimate son.
He had a gentle, cultured demeanor and handled matters meticulously. Even if he couldn’t elevate the Meng Clan further, he wouldn’t lose the people’s hearts like Meng Zhan did.
Because of Zhan’s neglect, the concubine who bore Meng Liang was elevated to a favored concubine, wielding powers akin to that of a lady, while the legitimate son Meng Heng found himself in a difficult position. In such circumstances, the young Meng Heng still managed to find a way out and traveled to the capital for studies—truly impressive in hindsight.
Unfortunately, Meng Zhan had always thought of Meng Heng as a bastard child, fortified by Gu Zhen’s betrayal evidence, and thus never welcomed him.
If the clan elders hadn’t pressured him to officially recognize Meng Heng as the legitimate son, perhaps he might not have held so much hatred for that boy.
The Meng Clan was vast; could they really not spare that little food for Meng Heng?
Yet, Meng Heng became the legitimate son and occupied a position he did not deserve—
The better Meng Heng performed, the more Meng Liang seemed like nothing but mud in comparison, and the more Meng Zhan despised him, viewing him as an indelible disgrace.
At this thought, Meng Zhan suddenly recalled Jiang Pengji’s words—
So, the second son born of Gu Zhen—was that legitimate second son really dead?
Pain surged in Meng Zhan’s cheeks as sweat beaded, his vision gradually blurred, yet he stubbornly widened his eyes, fixating on Nie Xun.
How could he forget that face?
Nie Xun resembled a younger Gu Zhen, full of vitality, with a radiance in his brows difficult to forget.
A vermilion mole adorned his forehead, vividly red and round, as if it were attracting the gazes of all around.
In that moment, Meng Zhan discerned Nie Xun’s identity—
A bitter taste filled his mouth, and indescribable emotions twisted tightly around his heart.
Though he didn’t know Nie Xun’s name, just from his bearing, it was clear he was no ordinary person.
Never would he have expected—
The two sons he had cast aside turned out to be exceptional, while the illegitimate son he cherished was woefully inadequate.
Karma!
It was all karma!
“Is this… your revenge?” Meng Zhan was supported by Meng Heng, but he didn’t look at his eldest son; instead, he fixed his gaze on Nie Xun’s face, as if trying to see someone else behind it, trembling and choking as he spoke, “Is this how you wanted to… take revenge on me?”
Only then did Nie Xun come back to his senses, staring blankly at his blood-soaked hands, the blood clinging to his skin, some areas already slightly dried.
His heart raced violently, panic overwhelming him, the hands that once played elegant music now trembled uncontrollably.
Nie Xun had killed before, but he never imagined that he would kill Meng Zhan.
His usually sharp mind felt rusted like a squeaky wheel, grinding painfully with each thought.
Shaking, Nie Xun shouted to the side, “Medic, quickly call the medic—”
Hearing this, Meng Heng clenched his fists tightly, glancing furtively at Jiang Pengji who stood outside the crowd.
Not just due to the distance; he couldn’t discern the expression of the person on the other side.
“Enough—cough, cough—enough—”
Meng Zhan weakly coughed twice, a mocking curve appearing at the corner of his lips.
Even at death’s door, he could swiftly analyze that this was a trap—Jiang Pengji was the one pulling all the strings, knowing full well the grudges of the past; she also knew Nie Xun’s identity—otherwise, why would she have brought him and Meng Heng before her?
Hearing rumors that Liu Xi was unmatched in combat, taking the enemy’s general’s head from amidst thousands was as easy as taking candy from a child—
With such ability, how could she not react to the situation just now?
But one feared that this situation was precisely what she wanted to see—
Driving him to lose control of his emotions, tempting him to harm Meng Heng, and ultimately leading to Nie Xun killing him—
Ha ha—
What a wicked scheme!
Who knew Liu Zhi had such a cold, ruthless daughter?
At this moment, Meng Zhan truly grasped Jiang Pengji’s terror, feeling a sense of dread within.
Did she not fear the plan failing, resulting in Meng Heng or Nie Xun being harmed?
Struggling to move his eyes, he tried to locate Jiang Pengji’s figure, suddenly locking gazes with her icy, indifferent eyes.
Jiang Pengji looked at him coldly, her lips curling slightly.
“Hurry and call the medic—” Nie Xun clenched his fists, gritting his teeth, “Liu Xi—”
Jiang Pengji replied indifferently, “It’s too late; he can’t be saved.”
Nie Xun’s emotions began to spiral out of control, grinding his teeth, “How can you know it won’t work without trying?”
“Whether he dies now or a few days later, it makes no difference; what’s the point of early death or late death?” Jiang Pengji lowered her eyelids, coldly observing Nie Xun, “No—Nie Chengyun, there is a difference—because Meng Zhan can die by anyone’s hand, but cannot…”
Jiang Pengji wasn’t able to finish her sentence; on the brink of death, Meng Zhan seemed to regain clarity and suddenly exerted force, pushing Meng Heng aside, gripping the sword buried in his chest, driving it deeper into his body. The blood that had briefly stopped flowed out uncontrollably.
“Liu Xi—how dare you!”
His eyes bulged in terror, tiny cracks appearing at the corners of his eyes, blood seeping forth, his expression turning hauntingly terrifying.
After two breaths, there was a loud “bang,” and Meng Zhan’s frail body collapsed sideways, his eyes remaining open even in death.
The crowd was shaken by this turn of events.
Everyone present were sharp individuals; how could they not perceive the peculiarity of Meng Zhan’s last act?
He had exhausted his final strength to interrupt Jiang Pengji’s words, undoubtedly to hide something.
Feng Jue coolly surveyed the scene, from Jiang Pengji to Meng Heng and then to Nie Xun—what secrets were hidden among these three?
Even though Jiang Pengji hadn’t finished her sentence, Feng Jue could complete it in his mind.
Meng Zhan could die by anyone’s hand, but not what?
Connecting the dots, the biggest likelihood was—
But couldn’t die at the hands of Nie Xun!
A terrifying thought surged within, and Feng Jue’s expression shifted repeatedly, his gaze toward Nie Xun filled with complexity.
No one spoke until Meng Hunyun broke the frozen atmosphere.
“While it is true Meng Zhan committed numerous wrongs, the deceased is gone; let the grievances of the past be forgotten—”
Meng Zhan’s life was meant to be harvested by him.
Nevertheless, this man gasping his last in front of him counted as avenging blood feuds; this page could be turned.
Meng Heng was slow to react, and once Meng Hunyun finished, he hoarsely spoke, “I humbly request my Lord to allow me to bury his body. Though he deserves his fate, we shared father-son bonds for over twenty years; I cannot bear to see him exposed without a grave—”
Jiang Pengji replied, “Alright.”
