Miss Truth
Chapter 185 - 118: Isn’t It Just Seeking Power? I Can Do That Too!

Chapter 185: Chapter 118: Isn’t It Just Seeking Power? I Can Do That Too!

The faint morning light grew brighter and brighter, so white it seemed to want to illuminate every dark corner in the world.

At the mountain peak, the time of decline had come for the jade orchids, their slightly wilted white petals lifted by the wind, then drifting slowly downward.

Xiao Song had just arrived in front of Yuncong Temple when he saw, under some withering willows, a young man in a pale wide-sleeved robe, his hair slightly disheveled with a few strands of dry grass sticking to his head, and his face and body covered in dust—an image of utter desolation.

The moment the young man saw Xiao Song, his fair face flushed with anger, and he hurried over to him, teeth clenched, saying, "Despicable villain!"

Xiao Song’s eyes flickered darkly. Sang Chen, a scholar without the strength to truss a chicken, had managed to escape from his capable guards. Indeed, aside from a belly full of "Confucius says," he also had some brains.

"Sui Yuan overestimates me. This character of mine isn’t new, why do you only see it clearly today?" In response to Sang Chen’s accusation, Xiao Song did not get angry but laughed instead. His laugh was radiant, making one feel that he was truly amused, not merely pretending or being dismissive.

Sang Chen was furious, his face red and his ears burning, his whole body trembling as he said, "Shameless rogue! Whether I wish to inherit the title or become a descendant of the Cui Family has nothing to do with you! What right do you have to drag me back?"

Xiao Song still had a calm demeanor as he folded his hands behind him and looked at him, saying, "It’s good to have the heart of a filial son, but being so naive really can’t be tolerated. The emperor intends for you to inherit the title. You are foolish, and as his servant, I naturally must alleviate some of his worries; otherwise, I would feel quite guilty for receiving my salary."

"Even if it is the emperor’s wishes, why bind me now and take me back to Chang’an? Don’t think you can hide your sordid thoughts! I proposed to the Ran family first!" Sang Chen’s eyes, which were usually as clear as water, seemed almost to spew fire. He knew that even if he hadn’t been taken away, his chances of marrying Ran Yan were slimmer than Xiao Song’s, but being forcibly taken away, how could he not be infuriated.

Xiao Song’s smile gradually faded, and he slowly said, "Sordid? You should know, I may not be as learned as you, which does not prove you are much smarter than me. I just haven’t devoted all my thoughts to academics. Do you think you can secure a high position just with accumulated knowledge? What is needed is just this kind of sordidness."

Sang Chen pursed his lips and glared at Xiao Song but did not respond. He was not ignorant of worldly affairs; he simply chose not to engage. Just as he had once believed that all monks in temples and nuns in Nunneries were purely devoted to religion, yet in reality, many monks accepted money, and some Nunneries even became private brothels for the privileged. It was so unbelievable, absurd, and filthy, he had no wish to know. If even religion was so, what more the deceitful political arena.

"You could remain unstained amidst the mud, and I would not only respect you, but I would truly admire you, however..." Xiao Song’s face was now completely devoid of any forced smile as he looked directly at Sang Chen and slowly said, "It is not a problem if people do not understand you; the problem is when you are not able. As a man, if you want to stay unblemished till the end without dying young, then stay away from power and the court. But such a man will not be able to protect Ran Shiqi."

People need not worry about others misunderstanding them, but they do need to worry if they lack capability. Either make oneself strong enough to protect those whom one wishes to protect, or withdraw early into a corner and live as an unworldly sage. Great achievements require sacrifices, and reaching the pinnacle often means climbing over many others. How could one’s hands remain entirely clean?!

Sang Chen had always been devoted to his studies, and with his talent, he was very likely to become a revered scholar like Confucius and Mencius. Unfortunately, he had fallen for Ran Yan, who walked a different path. Ran Yan’s expertise inevitably linked her with power, otherwise, she would not be able to fight the darkness and exonerate the deceased.

Having said his piece, Xiao Song felt a bit inexplicable, wondering what had come over him today to begin preaching. He didn’t give Sang Chen another glance and walked away, tossing his sleeves.

"It’s just a struggle for power! Just as you said, not doing it doesn’t prove I can’t!" Sang Chen called out behind him, his voice loud as if making an oath, his figure bathed in the fierce white sunlight, his clear eyes showing a resolve firmer than when he immersed himself in his studies.

Xiao Song paused, slightly turned his head, his side profile beautiful under the sun, revealing fine white teeth, his voice haunting with a hint of a smile, "Is that so? I’ll be watching with interest."