Zuo Wushang's heart was in turmoil.
According to intelligence, Luo Qingxue was spirited and generous, often helping the poor and doing good deeds.
A killer's rationality told him that any means were justified to achieve his goal!
But the princess was not yet found. If she were truly dead, the cause of restoring the kingdom would be a pipe dream. Was he, Zuo Wushang, to kill a kind, innocent woman here?
"She is the granddaughter of the Right General of Da Gan. I should strike her down..."
Zuo Wushang muttered to himself, then hesitated.
The surviving people of Da Heng now believed the princess was dead and the royal bloodline extinguished, grieving deeply.
If Luo Qingxue were killed, the Luo family would also be without heirs.
Years ago, to protect the princess, he had swapped his infant daughter, Zuo Xun, with the princess, sending her into a fire to save the princess. Zuo Wushang was already without heirs!
If his daughter were still alive, she would have grown into such a graceful young woman.
"If only I had found the princess back then, and let her decide now. As a subject, bearing the nation's hatred, I should not be hesitant at this moment!"
Zuo Wushang was filled with regret. Finally, he made up his mind, slowly rose, and prepared to infiltrate the Luo manor from another direction to act!
At this moment, the main gate of the Luo manor opened again.
Zuo Wushang looked closely and saw Luo Qingxue walking out, followed by a group of servants, each carrying a basket of vegetables.
"Steward, please deliver these scallion oil pancakes to the refugee camp. Prioritize the elderly, weak, women, and children. If it's not enough, I will prepare more tomorrow with others."
Luo Qingxue's earnest voice drifted from afar, causing Zuo Wushang to pause.
The firelight reflected on Luo Qingxue's beautiful face, her expression utterly sincere.
Zuo Wushang gazed silently at the Luo manor entrance, gritted his teeth, and vanished into the night.
"Killing Liang Xiao alone is enough. Why should I involve this woman? Even if the princess were alive, if the cause of restoring the kingdom required the sacrifice of such a woman, what would be the meaning of the kingdom I restore!"
"Prince Zuo Xian truly wants to kill Liang Xiao. There is no need for me to risk danger again for this woman."
After contemplating with both emotion and reason, Zuo Wushang headed towards the Liang manor.
Upon returning to the Liang manor, Liang Qing learned from Liang Wen that Liang Xiao had earned one hundred thousand taels from selling wine and had given Liang Yun ten thousand taels. He was stunned.
"Second Young Master intends to leave fifty thousand taels at the manor for the Old Master to decide," Liang Wen said.
Liang Qing recovered and, with immense joy, shook his head.
"No need. The manor has ample money and provisions. Remind Xiao'er not to run out and indulge in debauchery; let it be kept as capital. I am already deeply gratified that he and Yun'er can achieve something!"
Returning to his room, Liang Qing finally shed tears of joy. He looked at the portraits of two couples on the wall, forcing a smile.
These were his two deceased sons and daughters-in-law.
"You are watching from the heavens, aren't you? Xiao'er has become successful, and he has reconciled with Yun'er, allowing Yun'er to also succeed! Father doesn't expect them to become marquises or prime ministers. Being merchants is also good..."
"Hmm, no." Liang Qing suddenly came to his senses, his expression complicated. "Xiao'er has already offended His Majesty, and with his talent, I fear he will never escape His Majesty's grasp in this lifetime..."
Thinking of these two, Liang Qing felt a headache coming on.
The next morning, the area outside the Liang manor was crowded.
In the middle of the crowd, a group of scholars waited anxiously.
Compared to the students of the Imperial Academy, these scholars were refined and confident, most of them self-assured and engaged in lively conversation.
"Talented young men from all over the country, gathered for the selection of officials, have actually come to visit this Second Young Master Liang!" Discussions erupted all around, with everyone expressing surprise.
These talented individuals showed no shame, merely exchanging smiles.
They had arrived in the capital and heard of Liang Xiao's poetry, which they greatly admired. Hearing that Liang Xiao would also participate in the selection of officials, they were even more eager to visit him and, at the same time, make a name for themselves.
"The talented scholar from Jiangnan, Li Xiuyun, is also here! I saw him when I went to Jiangnan with my father!" a young girl in the crowd pointed at the leading figure, shrieking in admiration.
The crowd observed this person. He was elegant and possessed a steady demeanor.
Li Xiuyun merely smiled and nodded at the crowd, unconcerned.
After a while, Liang Wen emerged, bowed to the crowd, and apologized with a regretful expression.
"Apologies, my young master is currently unwell and unable to receive guests!"
Upon hearing this, the entire place was shocked!
Talented individuals from all regions had come, and he was unable to receive them?
Complaints and criticism arose from the surroundings, with the public accusing Liang Xiao of lacking manners.
Liang Wen saw this and gave a wry smile.
In reality, Liang Xiao had said "I don't want to see guests." Liang Wen, being smooth and worldly, had rephrased it. Yet, this did not quell the public's anger.
Li Xiuyun sighed, "Scholars are always critical of each other. So be it..."
The other scholars shook their heads in resignation, their faces showing displeasure. "We heard he earned one hundred thousand taels selling wine yesterday. Perhaps he is counting money at home right now?"
"That's unlikely. With poems like 'Man Jiang Hong' and 'Mu Lan Ci,' masterpieces for eternity, and such talent, he's unlikely to be a greedy person. I, for one, look forward to seeing his performance in the selection of officials," Li Xiuyun sighed again and returned to the inn with his attendant.
The scholars, having been rebuffed, were in a foul mood and dismissively sneered as they dispersed.
In a distant inn, a young man in black sat by the railing, observing the scene at the Liang manor throughout.
His eyes sparkled like stars, his face as fair as jade; a distinguished gentleman in a chaotic world.
The attendant beside him sneered, "Your Highness's calculations are indeed accurate. These people were indeed denied entry! It seems this Liang Xiao is also arrogant and socially inept, unlike Your Highness who values and respects talent!"
The attendant's words were filled with pride, as he firmly believed he had a right to be proud.
Because his Lord was none other than the greatly revered Duke of Zhen Guo, Qin Feng, of Da Liang!
This time, Qin Feng was also serving as an envoy, traveling to Da Gan.
"That's not necessarily true. This young man is only eighteen years old and already possesses such talent, indicating he is deep and not to be underestimated," Qin Feng smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on the Liang manor, his expression gradually becoming solemn.
Years ago, the rulers and ministers of Da Heng had acted against the will of the people, leading to widespread unrest and uprisings. This ultimately resulted in the situation where the former emperor of Da Gan and the former emperor of Da Liang stood as two dominant powers.
The two countries, divided by the Heng River, ruled their respective territories. However, Da Liang's territory was less than one-third of Da Gan's.
The emperors of Da Gan had, over generations, striven for prosperity, making their nation rich and strong. Da Liang dared not contend with them and could only expand southward.
This year, barbarian invasions nearly caused widespread chaos in Da Gan. Da Liang also harbored intentions of crossing the river to march north.
"In Da Gan, there appears such a divine being as the Heavenly General, and also a hidden talent like Liang Xiao..."
Qin Feng muttered to himself, his expression growing increasingly complex, a mixture of envy and helplessness.
Had it not been for the Heavenly General, Da Gan might have disintegrated under the barbarian onslaught, and Da Heng would have had hope of taking advantage of the situation!
Da Gan, located in the center of the land, was the most prosperous.
The attendant, who had been silently hesitant to speak, also wore a grim expression.
"Your Highness, I just heard someone say that the Heavenly General can manifest divine intervention, and the person he saved was also Liang Xiao, who has now been bestowed the title of Martial God of Da Gan! Could it be that destiny indeed favors Da Gan?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Feng's expression changed. He suddenly stood up, his gaze falling upon Zuo Wushang in the crowd not far from the Liang manor entrance.
"The one saved was Liang Xiao?"
At the Liang manor, Liang Xiao was engrossed in copying something when Yue Lian suddenly rushed in with a letter.
"Young Master, someone has sent a secret letter!"