Chaotic World Book
Chapter 405 - 395: The Scheme

Chapter 405: Chapter 395: The Scheme

This demoness...

The one who used to be the most alluring and charming on the bed was Chichi, the little demoness... but Zhao Changhe had found that once Huangfu Qing let loose, the amorous charm she unveiled was like a rose in full bloom. Compared to her, Chichi’s allure was like an unbloomed bud, still at an apprentice level; after all, her age showed, and there was an inherent greenness about her.

Maybe it was also his own fault for being so cheap, but that "I’ll reward you" tone from the big sister—laden with endless reverie—held a touch more fascination, right?

Or perhaps he just hadn’t seen that many women.

Although Hongling was as ardent as fire, she was a straightforward missionary, neither adept at playful tricks nor capable of seduction. When he wanted her to change up her routine, she wouldn’t relent, promising to offer him something different next time they were fated to meet. As things stood now, with various matters entangling him, that seemed unlikely...

But the current "leave it up to you" was truly something else!

At the moment, Zhao Changhe felt so itchy with desire he believed he could take down ten from the Wang Daozhong.

"Where are you putting your hands?" Huangfu Qing swatted his paw away with a slap and stood up, her smile not quite reaching her eyes, "Just now, you were the one saying this wasn’t the place, and now you’re the one who can hardly wait to execute the law on the spot, huh, men..."

Zhao Changhe: "..."

Huangfu Qing bent down and kissed his cheek, "If you want it to be up to you, then you’d better do a good job first... put some effort into it, my little man."

After saying that, she vanished in a flash; the doors and windows of the room might as well have been nonexistent to her.

On the other side, Tang Wanzhuang sighed. The soundproofing of the room walls was as ineffective against her, as she could hear everything clearly.

Theoretically, this time Zhao Changhe was planning to rebel, but she didn’t know how to stop it... The Yang Family’s desire to revive the Sword Spirit wasn’t a harmful endeavor; it was an extremely just cause. Far from stopping them, if she had the capability, she ought to help instead.

The only thing she could attempt to influence was the nature of the action.

Initially, Zhao Changhe and she, Tang Wanzhuang, were going to the meeting together, which others would naturally take as a matter related to the Demon Suppression Department, or simply label as the Prince cleaning up the Emperor’s messes; but if it was done in the name of the Four Symbols Sect, that would entirely change the nature of the thing.

It could be narrowed down to a more fundamental direction: if Zhao Changhe gained the favor of the Yang Family, what did he intend to do with it? Use it to lead a rebellion, or to maintain the stability of the Empire?

On one side was the Four Symbols Sect, on the other, Tang Wanzhuang.

The people of the Yang Family had seen the truth long ago, even Yang Bugui had asked before, "Specifically, between the Four Symbols Sect and Chief Tang?"

It was laughable that outsiders understood this while the parties involved were still blinded by their emotions, without any clarity.

Zhao Changhe himself neither wanted to enter the court nor personally lead a rebellion; he just skirted the fringes of the Worldly Society, seemingly neutral. But Tang Wanzhuang knew he had always been inclined to overthrow and rebuild because he believed Xia Longyuan’s way of ruling would only bring tragedy to the people—the more repairs made, the greater the tragedy.

The reason he hadn’t led a rebellion himself was merely that he saw Xia Longyuan as too strong, and felt such actions would be meaningless... If Xia Longyuan were any weaker, Zhao Changhe would undoubtedly be the leader of the rebellion, which is why he could be so close to the Four Symbols Sect.

The reason he could walk the same path as her, Tang Wanzhuang, was that he couldn’t bear to witness the suffering of the people and thus did what he could, such as repelling invaders and suppressing cults. Continuing down this path was feasible; based on the ambiguous status of a Prince, he could play the game and take charge, "If you won’t handle it, I will."

This was Tang Wanzhuang’s hope, the best outcome.

But in the end, he was still a wild and untamed heart of a mountain bandit and rebel. If someone else were to lead him down that path, like Huangfu Qing rewarding him with her body this time, it’s needless to say which way he would slowly turn.

How to bring him back?

The words of Huangfu Qing echoed in her mind: What did Tang Wanzhuang give you, huh?

What did she give him? He didn’t seek power, did she only talk to him about justice?

Looking at Yuan Yang who was eating melon seeds carefree in front because she couldn’t hear what Huangfu Qing was saying, Tang Wanzhuang thought to herself, is that what I gave him?

This was something he had fought for risking his own life, earning the young girl’s affection that was now entwined with him, what did it have to do with anyone else?

Tang Wanzhuang knew what he wanted.

She pursed her lips tightly, remaining silent from beginning to end.

Yet suddenly, Yuan Yang spoke up, "Chief..."

Tang Wanzhuang came back to her senses, "Huh?"

"I want to join the Demon Suppression Department."

Tang Wanzhuang felt a moment of dizziness, as if she was back at the first meeting when Cui Yuanyong brought his sister to see her, the young girl was eager to join the Demon Suppression Department, saying it was thrilling work. She wouldn’t just casually accept the daughter of the Cui Family into the Demon Suppression Department, where life hung by a thread daily. With a quick thought, she redirected her to Beimang.

Time passed, and everything had changed, yet I heard her say those words again.

Tang Wanzhuang said, "What, do you still find it exciting?"

"Because I need to grow," Cui Yuanyang said earnestly, looking at her. "Many people say that I must become Brother Zhao’s wife because it is the most justified, with the consent of parents, matchmakers’ words, and the agreement of the whole world, which naturally follows. But in reality, both my father and I actually feel a sense of emptiness."

Tang Wanzhuang’s interest was piqued. "Oh?"

"Because we have no advantage," Cui Yuanyang said. "Isn’t it ridiculous, the Qinghe Cui family, with its vast territories and counties, my father-in-law ranked ninth on the Heavenly List, and endless resources, has no advantage. Because Brother Zhao doesn’t care for these things... It’s quite troubling. If he valued these things, I might not like him so much, he would just be an ordinary person; but because he doesn’t, I admire him very much, but then my advantages don’t count."

Tang Wanzhuang’s expression changed a bit.

Actually, it was very similar to her own situation. The biggest advantage that could make someone an Emperor didn’t matter to him. So, what could you offer him?

"Family background is still useful; I can become his support. But then, it means the significance of Qinghe Cui would outweigh Cui Yuanyang, and I wouldn’t be happy about that," Cui Yuanyang whispered. "I hope that when he is in some trouble, he will think, ah, Yangyang can help me with something, not what the Cui family can bring. Can I do that now? I have always been just a little burden to him."

Tang Wanzhuang: "..."

"I want to join the Demon Suppression Department, not only to eliminate traitors and increase my knowledge but also to enhance the righteous energy of my Cui family and improve my cultivation. I don’t need to be as powerful as the department head; as long as I can draw my sword and rise to help when he needs me, just like that time in Langya."

Bao Qin, who was sitting on the side hugging her knees, looked at this young girl who was about the same age as her and secretly curled her lip. At such a young age, her mind was full of how to be with a man, shameless.

And besides, by saying this, haven’t you laid open your heart to a rival in love? The Department Head Tang before you will only laugh at your lack of foresight, why would she help you find a sense of presence? If it were me, Bao Qin, I would surely assign you to a Qingshui Government Office to be fostered in, where there’s nothing to do but drink tea and walk birds, and it would be best if you were ruined...

While thinking this, she heard Tang Wanzhuang say, "Fine, once things here are settled, Yangyang should go report to the Demon Suppression Department. I will arrange a formal position for you."

Cui Yuanyang was energized: "What position?"

Tang Wanzhuang said seriously, "The Arresting Department, responsible for capturing thieves, bandits, murderers, and handling vengeance killings... You’ll start as a Deputy Director and familiarize yourself with the role before seeing if you can work as a Chief Officer. If you really do well, and your cultivation improves, then the Major Case Department can also be a possibility."

Bao Qin was dumbfounded. Are you really cultivating her for real?

Cui Yuanyang was delighted and asked, "What does the Major Case Department do?"

"Handling cases of treason, or important criminal cases involving powerful individuals. Your opponents will mainly be barbarians, Aristocratic Families, the Demon Sect... From an age perspective, perhaps one day, your opponent could be Xia Chichi."

A gleam of great interest flashed in Cui Yuanyang’s eyes.

This sounds fun!

She stood up solemnly and offered tea to Tang Wanzhuang as a salutation: "Greetings, Department Head."

Tang Wanzhuang accepted the tea, suddenly feeling a bit empty inside.

In the future, in a different setting, I wonder if you will offer tea or throw tea...

She cleared her throat and turned to the main topic, "Yangyang, do you know anything about the Yang Family’s birthday banquet?"

Cui Yuanyang said, "We only know that they’ve invited quite a few famous doctors because Uncle Yang seems to have encountered some issues with his cultivation related to the Divine Soul, which ordinary doctors can’t handle. I’ve also brought a renowned doctor from Hebei this time to see if we can be of some help."

Tang Wanzhuang pondered for a moment and asked, "Do you think you could master the Qinghe Sword?"

Cui Yuanyang naturally did not reveal that her family’s sword was still half-asleep, and currently Cui Yuanyong was nurturing it. She could only answer, "I can’t completely master it, but I’m quite familiar with it, and the Qinghe Sword is pretty fond of me."

Hearing this, Tang Wanzhuang knew roughly that the issue of the Qinghe Sword discussed by Huangfu Qing and Zhao Changhe was likely nearing resolution, and that Cui Yuanyang was deeply involved, with possibly a great deal of related experience.

"If that’s the case..." Tang Wanzhuang thought about it and chuckled, "They want to work around us to do this; it seems it won’t be easy."

Cui Yuanyang: "?"

Tang Wanzhuang said, "Yangyang, the situation at the Yang Family’s banquet seems uneventful, but there are undercurrents within. How about I give you a task?"

Cui Yuanyang was quite excited, "Please instruct me, Department Head."

"Keep an eye on the Wang Family, on the people brought by Wang Daozhong, whether they are renowned doctors or attendants... If you notice any abnormalities, please warn me promptly."

Bao Qin’s tears streamed down her face.

Whether you’re doing this out of jealousy or whatever, the wise young lady has revived...