Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 268 - 268 0225 The Benefits Have Already Been Given

Chapter 268: Chapter 0225: The Benefits Have Already Been Given to You Chapter 268: Chapter 0225: The Benefits Have Already Been Given to You Chapter 0225 The Benefits Have Already Been Given

Over the years, Great Zhao and the surrounding countries have often erupted in conflicts of varying degrees, particularly with the hostile Chi Di tribes from the north, there was practically no peace. In order to handle these border conflicts, besides deploying military troops, the court would also enlist aid from the Cultivation World to go to the front lines. Among them, the three Master Mansions were constantly a focal point for enlistment.

However, this kind of enlistment did not treat the three Master Mansions as mere laborers to be used up. It was not a case of sending you to the front line and then treating you as expendable, indifferent to your life or death. Instead, they were treated as a ballast, well-fed and well-treated under normal circumstances. Only when there was a need would they be asked to take action, and each move was not without a fee. Rewards differed based on the difficulty of the task.

The most critical manifestation of this was the enlistment location. In previous years, after the individuals from the three Master Mansions were enlisted, they were sent to report at the Tongguan Guard Station, where they would rest and await further instructions. However, there was never a time like this year where Qi Tian was directly enlisted to the forwardmost station at the Tongguan Left Guard Station. This was where the direct confrontations with the invading Chi Di from the south took place and was evidently highly dangerous.

Zhao Donghao, as King Zhangbei, had never encountered such a situation. He asked with concern, “Qi Tian, did you perhaps misinterpret the orders?”

Qi Tian shook his head decisively, “Absolutely not. The enlistment order specifically listed me separately, how could it be wrong?”

“Isn’t this madness?” roared Zhao Donghao, “No, I’m going to file a complaint right now, and ask how they, at Taichang Temple, manage their affairs?”

Zhao Donghao’s words were somewhat noncommittal, it was clear that in regards to Qi Tian’s enlistment, he was not intending to interfere much.

Qi Tian said: “I appreciate the Prince’s good intentions, but as for lodging a complaint, let’s forget it. Serving at the border to stop the Chi Di tribes from invading the south is something I agreed to take on. As for whether my first stop is the Tongguan Guard Station or the Tongguan Left Guard Station, it doesn’t matter much to me.”

At this moment, Zhao Qian spoke up: “No, Qi Tian, whether the first stop is Tongguan Guard Station or Tongguan Left Guard Station makes a big difference. The danger levels of the two are not only a little bit different. Father, Qi Tian is my best friend, you have to put a little more thought into his situation.”

Zhao Puxue, who had been silent throughout the conversation, spoke up: “Little sister, we of course know Qi Tian is your best friend. If it were any other matter, Father would certainly offer help. But this matter involves Taichang Temple, and the enlistment order was issued under the court’s name. It’s not appropriate for Father to interfere too much.”

“But…” Although Zhao Qian wanted to argue more for Qi Tian, he cut her off.

“Princess, there’s no need to say more. I understand your kind intentions, and I understand the predicament of the Prince and Crown Prince. Let’s leave it at that, there’s no need for the Prince to worry about my affairs. Well, I was thinking of accompanying the Princess on her journey to the border. But our destinations and timeframes are different. It seems we cannot travel together. I will take my leave now.” Qi Tian stood up, saluted, and turned to leave.

Zhao Donghao and his son, Zhao Puxue, did not attempt to ask him to stay. Zhao Qian quickly rose and chased after him.

“Qi Tian, I’m sorry. I didn’t expect my father to be like this. Rest assured, I will definitely plead with him later to appeal to the court to change your enlistment order.” Zhao Qian sincerely said.

Qi Tian smiled, “Princess, I appreciate your kindness, but let’s not trouble yourself over this matter. Putting aside whether your father agrees to make an appeal for me, even if he does agree, going back and forth would take ten days or so. By that time, I could have already arrived at the Tongguan Left Guard Station. As I said, let it be. I’m going to report to the Tongguan Left Guard Station, and you should just go to the Tongguan Guard Station.”

Zhao Qian wanted to continue persuading him, but Qi Tian simply saluted and turned to leave.

After returning to the Imperial Master Mansion, Luo Xia came to inquire about Qi Tian’s visit to King Zhangbei Manor. Qi Tian did not hide anything and told him roughly what had happened.

Luo Xia shook his head after hearing the details, “Zhao Donghao’s behavior is not right. But in a way, this is good, Qi Tian. I was always worried that you were getting too close to King Zhangbei Manor. Now, I can put those worries at ease. You must realize that although Zhao Donghao stayed a few years in our Imperial Master Mansion when he was young and calls me a fellow student, he always represents the interests of King Zhangbei Manor. In many instances, the interests of King Zhangbei Manor and the Imperial Master Mansion do not align. You must remain clear-headed and should not act impulsively. What’s more, you should not lose your senses because of someone’s beauty.”

Qi Tian understood that Luo Xia was reminding him to be mindful of the distance between him, King Zhangbei Manor, and Zhao Qian. He nodded. This visit to King Zhangbei Manor truly made him realize the veiled estrangement between him and Zhao Donghao. Of course, Zhao Qian was as friendly towards him as always, but clearly, in King Zhangbei Manor, Zhao Qian didn’t possess much authority. Neither the Crown Prince nor King Zhangbei, Zhao Donghao was much influenced by Zhao Qian.

Regardless, Qi Tian did not plan to spend too much time worrying about how to deal with King Zhangbei Manor in the future. He foresees his future interactions with King Zhangbei Manor being minimal and doesn’t think it necessary to wrack his brains over them.