Chapter 469 – The Demon Infant Falls from the Sky, Disaster Approaches the World (Part Four)
When Liu Huan’s body was delivered to Changshou Wang’s military camp, he was in the middle of discussing plans to attack Chenzhou after spring with his subordinates.
“Report—”
The Messenger’s voice came from outside the tent. Changshou Wang furrowed his brows in impatience and commanded for the person to enter.
“What now?”
The Messenger wore an odd expression, hesitating before speaking, “Chenzhou sent a coffin, claiming that it contains the Fourth Prince’s consort.”
“What?” Changshou Wang stood up in shock, his eyes wide and his heart boiling with anger. “You’re saying the coffin holds who?”
The Messenger could only cautiously repeat, “According to the envoy, the Fourth Prince’s consort died from complications during childbirth.”
In the next moment, a green porcelain teacup exploded near him, shards scattering everywhere.
“That old bastard is overstepping—”
Changshou Wang’s chest heaved violently, his once refined and gentle face now flushed with rage, displaying a terrifying scowl.
The Military Generals in the tent were clueless about what had just happened, but the Strategist, quick-witted as he was, sensed something amiss.
It was known that the Fourth Prince’s consort was Liu Zhi’s daughter from Chongzhou. Shouldn’t it be Liu Zhi who was furious about the death of his daughter? After all, he was her rightful father—what did this have to do with Changshou Wang?
The strategists exchanged glances, a terrifying thought popping into their minds—could it be…
Was there an undisclosed relationship between the Fourth Prince’s consort and their lord?
Now that the Fourth Prince’s consort had died in childbirth—not from natural causes—could it be a murder?
They silently communicated, their eyes conveying hidden messages.
Changshou Wang, consumed by rage, had no energy to care about what his subordinates were gossiping about.
He asked, “Did those people leave any other message along with the coffin?”
The Messenger replied awkwardly, “None at all.”
Changshou Wang’s imposing aura seemed to diminish, as if he aged ten years in an instant, yet the fire within his heart continued to grow.
Though he didn’t particularly care for his daughter Liu Huan, the concept of her dying under his watch was vastly different from her dying at the hands of an enemy—especially considering the one who might be the murderer was his own elder brother!
His brother must have discovered that Liu Huan was his daughter with that woman, become envious, and thus had taken extreme measures against her.
Thinking of this, Changshou Wang felt the flicker of paternal instinct swell within him, further deepening his hatred for the Emperor.
“After spring arrives, we will attack Chenzhou!”
The revenge for his daughter’s death could not be overlooked!
The strategists and generals were bewildered, but the resolute energy from Changshou Wang awakened their senses, and they all loudly declared, “We obey your command!” The atmosphere in the tent turned deadly serious. Changshou Wang returned to his seat with a sinister expression and told the Messenger, “I will compose a letter shortly. Have someone deliver the coffin along with the letter to Chongzhou, to inform Liu Xi of the truth!”
Since his elder brother was asking for trouble, he wouldn’t hesitate to respond with ruthless measures; an eye for an eye!
He dared to initiate the first strike, so he shouldn’t be surprised when the younger brother retaliated decisively.
The strategists secretly found the situation puzzling, for Changshou Wang’s reaction was indeed a bit strange.
But aside from that detail, they understood one principle: the military strength on Chenzhou’s side was substantial, and it wouldn’t be easy to conquer quickly. If they could gain the assistance of Liu Zhi from Chongzhou, the tides of battle would shift decidedly in their favor.
Considering all this, the matter was finalized.
Little did they know, if Liu Zhi received such a “great gift,” he’d probably be unable to suppress his laughter while hiding under the covers that night.
Meanwhile, far away in Chongzhou, Liu Zhi was still living his little life.
Every day was filled with inviting friends over for hot pot or grilled meat, with various seasonings winning over plenty of potential foodies.
Fortunately, there was business traffic between Chongzhou and Xiangyang; otherwise, considering Liu Zhi’s penchant for seasoning, he’d run out quickly.
Not to mention, in this border town of Chongzhou, there were indeed many hidden masters living incognito.
Eating grilled meat and hot pot in the icy weather? Even hidden sages couldn’t resist that!
Today, he had whimsically invited a new friend over.
As the kitchen prepared the necessary ingredients for grilling and hot pot, Liu Zhi engaged in a game of chess with his friend to pass the time.
“Governor, you seem in good spirits. Did something fortunate happen this morning?”
Liu Zhi fiddled with a chess piece, taking a moment before cautiously placing it on the board, slightly reversing a disadvantageous situation.
Despite the unfavorable chessboard situation, Liu Zhi wore a genuine smile, which piqued the curiosity of the hermit across from him.
Either this gentleman was magnanimous, unfazed by wins and losses, and simply enjoyed the thrill of the game, or Liu Zhi had indeed encountered a fortuitous event—perhaps even a significant one.
After contemplating, the hermit analyzed Liu Zhi’s character, leaning toward the possibility of a joyful occurrence.
Liu Zhi smiled, “This morning, I found a magpie at my door. Isn’t that a good omen?”
The hermit frowned slightly, his gaze drifting to the thick layer of snow in the courtyard.
In this weather, a magpie showed up at his door?
Thinking this silently, he still congratulated Liu Zhi, “Since it’s a magpie, it seems good fortune is near.”
Liu Zhi chuckled, “Thank you for your kind words.”
At that moment, the chess game had entered a critical point of life and death, and they paused the conversation.
Indeed, Liu Zhi’s mood was quite good; counting down, those two life-threatening letters should be reaching their intended recipients soon.
Having been oppressed for so many years, he was finally set to breathe freely again—how could Liu Zhi not be happy?
The hatred for his wife’s murder and the revenge for his child: as long as Liu Zhi was alive, he would pursue vengeance relentlessly—no matter the means!
Liu Zhi was not a good person by nature; while Gu Min was alive, she could keep him virtuous. Now that his beloved wife had been gone for years and the enemies responsible for her death still thrived, Liu Zhi stripped away any façades he had maintained.
Carefully plotting, patiently waiting to ensnare.
Now, his plans were showing initial success.
Looking out at the blanket of white snow in the courtyard, Liu Zhi sighed gently.
When the harsh winter passes, it will be early spring again, and the anniversary of A-Min’s death will also be upon him.
Liu Huan’s life, the Dongqing dynasty—it was the perfect tribute.
Liu Zhi smiled tenderly, mumbling, “Oh, how cold it is today.”
He puffed out breath, warming his stiff, icy hands slightly.
The Servants brought in the hot pot and grilling rack, spreading various seasonings and ingredients across a low table.
The hermit remarked, “Snow signals a good year ahead; I hope next year brings a bountiful harvest.”
No matter what chaos ensued outside, at least Chongzhou remained peaceful, with the common people hoping for next year’s autumn harvest.
“It will,” Liu Zhi replied.
The time was indeed midwinter.
This year had been a disaster-prone one, but celebrating the New Year was still an old tradition.
The common people of Xiangyang still had some stash of money, and regardless of circumstances, they had to buy some New Year’s goods to ensure a good celebration at home.
