The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS
Chapter 546 - 42: The Meeting of Brothers

Chapter 546: Chapter 42: The Meeting of Brothers

Within the private room of a tavern, a group of disconsolate people, indulging in wishful thinking, shouted slogans and raised their glasses in unison, toasting to a victory they believed was imminent.

They were unaware that their grand scheme had long been thoroughly exposed, nor did they know that their supposed secret meeting had fallen completely under the watch of some who acted in accordance with the Emperor’s will.

Time thus swept past for more than a month.

During this month, those filled with discontent busily scampered about, wishing to change the heavens of Northern Zhou once more. As for the side which was to be subverted, Feng Jiwu remained quiet, indifferently watching these people create turmoil.

There was also a minor incident that occurred during this month.

The Heavenly Giant Statue would occasionally make strange noises at night. It was as if ghosts were roaming, and sounds emerged from various parts of the supposedly empty statue, like the creaking and cracking as if it were stretching its limbs.

This minor incident left the night watchmen feeling chilly, while those with schemes found another reason to label the Heavenly Giant Statue as a haunt of an evil spirit.

And so, as everybody eagerly anticipated, when mid-November arrived, the construction of the giant statue was finally completed on November 13th.

On November 15th, Emperor Feng Jiwu of Northern Zhou would lead the Hundred Officials to the ceremony, with Daoist Zheng Qingyu of the Qintian Observatory officiating the Magic Ceremony, using the Heavenly Giant Statue to stabilize the Dragon Vein of Northern Zhou, preventing it from dissipating.

On the evening of November 14th, a modest carriage silently entered the Mountain River Academy.

Guided by Mr. Wuqu, with a somber expression, the person inside the carriage made their way to the Mountain View Tower, not far from the peak of Datong Mountain.

"Go inside," Mr. Wuqu said brusquely.

"Thank you, sir," Feng Jiwu nodded slightly and walked into the Mountain View Tower.

There, waiting for him, was his only remaining brother, now the Eighth Prince, Feng Qiwu.

"Were you looking for me?" Feng Jiwu asked the brother he had not seen since his ascension to the throne.

On Feng Qiwu’s face was an inscrutable look of fatigue and melancholy, but upon seeing Feng Jiwu, a warm smile briefly appeared.

"Yes, I was looking for you, ninth brother."

This somewhat disrespectful title was, after all, overstepping the mark, as Feng Jiwu was now the Emperor of Northern Zhou. Such a reference by Feng Qiwu was a bit presumptuous.

But Feng Jiwu wasn’t angry, for he knew Feng Qiwu wasn’t trying to use his seniority to oppress him, but rather wanted to stress the importance of their brotherly bond.

So he simply responded indifferently, "Oh? You still consider me a brother? Do you know that if it weren’t for me, perhaps you would be the one sitting on the Dragon Throne now? Qingwei wouldn’t have married me, and you wouldn’t be secluded in the Academy, unable to even set foot in the Imperial Palace."

"All I know is that without you, perhaps I and our other brothers, along with our little sister, would have died on Fenglai Mountain. I also realize that Qingwei’s marriage to you was her decision and the Si Family’s choice; even if I loved her, I couldn’t interfere with her decision," Feng Qiwu said, rubbing a chain of beads in his hand, with a wry smile.

"This chain of beads," Feng Qiwu extended the chain, "was a gift I once gave to Qingwei. A month ago, she sent it back through a messenger. From that moment, I knew that our fate was completely severed."

"I know," Feng Jiwu took the beads, "I’m well aware of every move Qingwei makes. Especially now, as some people are plotting treachery, I’m being extra cautious. It was through my hands that these beads were delivered to you."

"You knew?" Feng Qiwu’s eyes widened in shock, "If that’s the case, why didn’t you stop them?"

After all, my wife had dealings with others, even possessing tokens of mutual affection, with the Emperor’s domineering character, he should not be able to tolerate any of it.

"Why try to stop it?" Feng Jiu asked in return.

"The people of Qingwei belong to me. Now, Qingwei’s heart is also mine. This bracelet is the last connection between you and her. Destroying it would actually reinforce your connection, only those fools blinded by jealousy would do such a stupid thing."

In Feng Jiu’s voice, there was both reason and indifference, as if the bracelet could not affect his emotions at all. This indifference and rationality made Feng Qiwu reassess his brother, who was now Emperor.

Feng Qiwu was very familiar with Feng Jiu’s past. For this physically weak brother, Feng Qiwu had always been quietly concerned.

The Feng Jiu of the past was sensitive, had too much pride, and was a bit impulsive and cynical. Now, Feng Qiwu could hardly find any traces of that past in Feng Jiwu.

Aloof, rational, powerful, almost completely opposite to before. Feng Qiwu felt some aversion to this seemingly emotionless state but also breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.

If Feng Jiwu could deal with Si Qingwei and his own past rationally, then Feng Qiwu felt he could be completely at ease.

"Do you not hate her?" Feng Jiu asked softly, holding the bracelet in his hand.

"Me?" Feng Qiwu was momentarily startled, and then slowly shook his head, "I don’t hate. It was Qingwei’s choice, I can only wish her well. Moreover, she is living well now, my younger sister told me that she even has a child."

Feng Qiwu said, his face showing a blissful smile.

"..."

Feng Jiu suddenly furrowed his brows slightly; he felt a bright yet non-blinding light emanating from Feng Qiwu.

"Also, recently some people seem to be plotting against you in the shadows. I don’t know the full story, but you must be very careful," Feng Qiwu warned.

Those people knew Feng Qiwu’s character and had subtly hinted at their plans without revealing everything. Feng Qiwu knew only that they intended to harm Feng Jiwu.

And tomorrow was an excellent opportunity. That was why Feng Qiwu had someone notify Feng Jiu today, to come here.

Holding the bracelet tightly in his hand, Feng Jiu said, "You can think this way, I am relieved, it means I don’t need to lay hands on my only brother."

Searing flames suddenly erupted from his palm, turning the bracelet into a puddle of molten metal, "Also, that you have hand over the bracelet to me, I am rather pleased."

"As a reward, I will spare your mother’s life." Having said that, Feng Jiu turned to leave.

"Spare the Empress Dowager? Wait..." Feng Qiwu hastily called out to the departing Emperor, "The Empress Dowager was involved in this as well?"

"Not just involved," Feng Jiu said with a mocking smile, "The action of causing the Empress’s miscarriage was to be carried out by your mother."

"Mother... how is that possible..." Feng Qiwu stumbled, saying in disbelief.

"Rest assured, I said I would spare your mother’s life, after all, she is still the Empress Dowager of our dynasty. But as for the others, it’s not necessarily the same..."

With that, Feng Jiu left Mountain View Tower directly.

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