Chapter 355

Chapter 355: Let’s Talk About Cooperation (4000 words)

“…”

Ming would never admit this person was his mother.

Nor would he acknowledge the grandfather he had never seen.

What kind of joke is this? Just because of blood ties, she’s his mother? And just because of blood ties, that sect leader is his grandpa? Ming wouldn’t accept it.

‘Suyan’ smiled faintly. “I know you have many thoughts in your heart, and I understand your hostility towards me now. It’s normal.”

“After all, for you, I almost killed your biological mother back then.”

“But no matter how you deny me, I am still your mother, and you are still my child. The bond between us won’t change.”

“Child, the blood flowing in your veins has always been mine.”

“Blood is one thing, feelings another. I may admit you’re my mother, but my mother isn’t ‘you.'” Ming said calmly.

Hearing Ming’s words, Suyan paused, then a smile tugged at her lips. “Your personality doesn’t resemble mine, but your father’s. If only your personality was like mine too… sigh…”

Ming: “I am who I am.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Suyan’s tone carried a hint of indulgence, as if looking at her rebellious son. No matter what Ming said, to Suyan, Ming was always right.

“We’ve chatted about so much nonsense. What do you want to discuss?” ‘Suyan’ smiled at Ming. “Let’s get down to business. What conditions did the Emperor of Wu agree to?”

Ming didn’t answer immediately, instead gazing at Suyan, pondering what she truly thought.

Honestly, Ming didn’t know how ‘Suyan’ viewed him.

Though she kept saying he was her son, Ming didn’t believe she felt much for him.

Most cultivators, the higher their realm, the more they valued themselves, and the less they cared about blood ties.

In most cultivators’ hearts, there was only themselves.

“Does Canglan Sect seek revenge?” Ming asked ‘Suyan’.

“…” ‘Suyan’ hesitated, then smiled. “What did you say?”

“You know what I’m asking.” Ming bluntly confessed, not wanting to beat around the bush anymore. “The Emperor of Wu told me that two hundred years ago, your Canglan Sect obtained something that caused ten sects from the Northern Wilderness to attack you. So I ask you, does Canglan Sect seek revenge?”

Hearing Ming’s words, Suyan looked at him with interest. “In that extermination battle, only one in ten Canglan Sect cultivators survived, even your maternal grandfather died. Do you think I seek revenge? I’m not a rock; I’m human. You might not believe this, but your mother values emotions deeply.”

“After Canglan Sect was destroyed, I thought of nothing but revenge every moment.”

“I wanted to crush those bastards’ bones, rip out their tendons! They thought everything was over, but they don’t know they’ll pay for their actions!”

Listening to Suyan’s words, Ming knew she spoke the truth!

That deep-seated anger couldn’t be concealed.

“If you seek revenge, we can cooperate. More accurately, Canglan Sect and the Wu Kingdom can collaborate.” Ming continued. “Relying on yourself alone, it’s hard to succeed in revenge. The Wu Kingdom can help you. With the Wu Kingdom’s assistance, you’ll have it much easier.”

“Is all this the Emperor of Wu’s idea?” ‘Suyan’ asked. “Did the Emperor tell you to say this to me?”

Ming nodded. “Exactly.”

“What do you want me to do?” ‘Suyan’ curiously looked at Ming. “You’re not planning to make me kill myself, are you? That’s unacceptable. I must take revenge personally. My other personality knows nothing; she’s just an ordinary woman. And Ming, if you make ‘mother’ commit suicide, mother will be very sad.”

Ming shook his head. “I won’t let you commit suicide, and you won’t either. I know, it’s an impossible request for you. So how about we compromise?”

Suyan smiled. “Sure, but how should we compromise?”

Ming seriously looked at Suyan. “I want you to sign a contract, guaranteeing you won’t erase my mother’s personality for the rest of your life.”

“…”

Ming and ‘Suyan’ stared at each other.

Both fell silent.

Ming waited for ‘Suyan’s response.

Frankly, Ming didn’t know if ‘Suyan’ would agree to his request.

But in Ming’s view, this was his bottom line. If he couldn’t protect his mother’s personality, there’d be nothing left to talk about.

On the other hand, this was all he could do now.

Until he found another way, he could only proceed like this.

Anyway, protecting his mother’s personality first, and finding other solutions later.

‘Suyan’ looked up, sighed lightly. “It seems the Emperor of Wu treats you well. Who would’ve thought he’d go this far for you, making him seem like your real father.”

“The Emperor of Wu indeed treats me well.”

Ming nodded. A gentleman judges by deeds, not intentions. Regardless of the Emperor’s considerations, he treated Ming excellently now.

And frankly speaking, the Emperor was also his “father,” since he’d done something unspeakable to his daughter.

“Ho ho ho.”

‘Suyan’ chuckled and continued.

“But the Emperor isn’t merely doing this for you. The Wu Kingdom itself has longstanding grudges with the Northern Wilderness.”

“Moreover, the Wu Kingdom borders the Northern Wilderness and adjoins the Southern Demon Realm.”

“Even though the Ten Great Dynasties of Central Plains claim mutual aid, they secretly trip each other up, trusting no one.”

“Only when the Wu Kingdom conquers the Northern Wilderness, integrates with it, if anything happens in the Southern Demon Realm, the Wu Kingdom can retreat into the Northern Wilderness, avoiding being caught in a pincer movement or betrayed by the Central Plains dynasties.”

“But the Wu Kingdom couldn’t find any breakthroughs, while our Canglan Sect has existed in the Northern Wilderness for ten thousand years. Although Canglan Sect was destroyed, we still have connections in the Northern Wilderness.”

“Not to mention many members of Canglan Sect escaped, changed their names, and developed forces.”

“With our help, it will be easier for the Wu Kingdom to obtain the Northern Wilderness.”

“You remember, except for me, your mother, no one does good without ulterior motives.”

“I know.” Ming hadn’t expected ‘Suyan’ to see through the essence of things so quickly.

At first, he was almost ready to die for the Emperor’s kindness, only realizing after leaving the palace and sitting in the carriage.

No wonder she was a cultivator of Xiānrén Jìng and once a sect leader.

“So, will you accept or not?” Ming asked. “With only Canglan Sect, it won’t be easy to seek revenge.”

“Emmmm”

‘Suyan’ seriously thought about it.

“I’ll accept~ Why wouldn’t I? There’s no loss for me anyway, and you’re right. The Northern Wilderness is a massive entity with support from many sects. Relying solely on Canglan Sect, it’s hard to overthrow them.” Suyan smiled. “Not only do I promise you, but I assure you, I won’t permanently occupy your mother’s body. How’s that sound? Generous enough, right?” Ming: “…”

Ming hadn’t expected her to agree to his terms so easily.

“Don’t look at me like that.” ‘Suyan’ sighed. “I already said, even tigers don’t eat their cubs. I’m your mother; how could I keep you constantly wary of me, always worried and unhappy?”

Ming: “…”

“I know you don’t trust me, but it’s fine~”

Suyan stood up and said to Ming, “Let’s go.”

Ming: “Where?”

“Foolish child.”

Suyan extended her finger and lightly tapped Ming’s forehead.

“Where else? Of course to the Imperial Palace. What’s the point of talking with you? We need to talk to your so-called Majesty. I also need to thank him for taking care of my child all these years~”

…

Ming: “…”

Ming wanted to say something, but ‘Suyan’ had already walked out of the courtyard.

“Lady.”

“Lady.”

When some servants saw Suyan, they hurriedly bowed.

Suyan gave them a faint smile.

In the Xu Mansion, the servants hadn’t yet learned about Suyan.

Although that night had caused quite a commotion, even some close maidservants knew, but Lǎotàitai had issued an order: anyone who gossiped would have their tongues pulled out.

In such a wealthy household, the rules were strict, so most people only knew something happened in the Xiao Chun Courtyard that night but didn’t know exactly what.

As they walked, Suyan encountered Lǎotàitai, Shuiya, and Zheng.

Upon seeing Suyan approach, all three trembled momentarily, unsure what to say.

They didn’t know if the person before them was the educated good wife and mother or the unfamiliar ‘Suyan’.

‘Suyan’, upon seeing them, smiled and approached.

‘Suyan’ bowed gracefully. “This humble servant greets Lǎotàitai, greets Master, husband remains safe.”

Hearing her tone, something seemed off. Everyone in the Xu family looked at Ming, their eyes seemingly questioning him, asking who this person really was. Ming sighed, “She’s not my mother.”

Ming didn’t know how to explain, so he answered simply.

And this answer was enough.

The three looked at Suyan with even more complex and cautious eyes.

“Three of you don’t need to look at me like this.” Suyan smiled. “These years, Suyan still thanks all of you for your care.”

“Miss is too polite.” Lǎotàitai, being older and experienced, quickly calmed down.

“I still have matters to attend to, I need to visit the Emperor. I’ll excuse myself, please forgive me.” ‘Suyan’ said.

“No problem, no problem. Miss’s affairs are important.” Lǎotàitai kindly smiled, fearing she might suddenly attack.

Suyan nodded, bowed again to the three, then walked out of the Xu Mansion.

Ming and Suyan boarded the carriage, heading to the Imperial Palace.

Ming had already received permission, allowing him to enter the palace and meet the Emperor without prior notice.

Ming directly led Suyan into the palace, and a palace maid rushed to inform the Emperor.

Suyan walked through the palace, looking around, seemingly reminiscing.

“This palace hasn’t changed much in two hundred years.” ‘Suyan’ smiled.

“Have you been here before?” Ming looked at ‘Suyan’.

“Of course.” ‘Suyan’ grinned. “Don’t underestimate your mother. Your mother has been to many places.”

Ming: “…”

‘Suyan’ glanced at Ming and smiled. “There are things your mother can tell you, and I will. But there are things your mother cannot tell you, and I won’t.”

“But you need to know, your mother doesn’t withhold information out of distrust but for your own good.”

“Many things, if your realm isn’t high enough, are taboo.”

“If your realm is sufficient, many things will naturally become clear to you.”

Ming felt slightly uncomfortable. “Are you lecturing me?”

“Yes~” ‘Suyan’s smile grew wider. “I am your mother. Isn’t it natural for a mother to teach her child? And one more thing, Ming, remember this clearly: the prettier the girl, the more deceptive she can be. Don’t fully trust girls.”

Ming: “…”

Ming ignored Suyan.

Soon, Ming and Suyan reached the Imperial Study.

Wei was already waiting outside.

“Greetings, Zhuāngyuán Láng, greetings Lady.” Wei laughed heartily, as if knowing nothing, his acting skills impeccable, worthy of being the Emperor’s favorite.

“Master Wei.” Ming bowed respectfully.

Suyan also bowed gracefully.

“You’re too formal.” Wei straightened up. “Lady Xu, His Majesty awaits you in the Imperial Study.”

“Understood.” Suyan pushed the door open and walked inside.

Wei bent over and closed the door.

Ming looked at Wei.

Even though Ming didn’t say anything, Wei knew what Ming wanted to ask. “Zhuāngyuán Láng, His Majesty only allows Lady Xu to enter alone.”