Tome of Troubled Times
Chapter 802 (2): If Blindie Ended an Era

Chapter 802 (2): If Blindie Ended an Era

Zhao Changhe scratched his head. Logically, the reasoning checked out, but something felt... off. No matter how powerful Blindie was, wiping out an entire era seemed a little excessive even for her. That level of influence was just absurd.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Changhe said, “Alright, let’s continue training in the Four Idols Formation. Start with the simplified version that doesn’t require the laws of space and time. Even in its reduced form, having all Four Idols present in the formation will still grant us terrifying power, perhaps even approaching the level of the third layer of the Profound Control Realm. Once we have that, we’ll head to Kunlun together. Whether we’re dealing with the ancient White Tiger or Jiuyou, at least we’ll have some leverage even if we have to split up.”

Both women blinked at him. The underlying implication of his words was clear. He was mobilizing everyone, including Xia Chichi.

Tang Wanzhuang hesitated. “But... what about state affairs?”

Xia Chichi immediately responded, “Just say the empress is in seclusion, or on an imperial tour, or personally leading an expedition. All major matters will be handled by the prime minister.”

Tang Wanzhuang huffed. “You sound awfully pleased about this. Be careful, or I might just usurp your throne!”

“Go ahead. As long as you don’t usurp the position of the official wife, everything else is fair game.”

“And who says you’re the official wife? You dare declare that publicly? Don’t think you can pull rank over me just because you’re my ruler in name. I let you have the final say in other matters, but not this one!”

Zhao Changhe: “???”

Wait, why the hell are they suddenly arguing about this?

Xia Chichi crossed her arms with a sly grin. “I won’t argue with you. He’s the one making arrangements, so go complain to him. Why take it out on me?”

Tang Wanzhuang glanced at Zhao Changhe, then lowered her head, falling silent.

That look of unwavering resolve, a look that was determined to see things through no matter how chaotic the orders, made Xia Chichi shake her head with a half-exasperated, half-amused smile. “You’ve always been so forthright in offering counsel. Why not try persuading him now? You follow him without question, but what if he’s wrong?”

Tang Wanzhuang pursed her lips, let out a quiet sigh, and said, “He’s not wrong. That is exactly what practicing the Four Idols Formation is for... Compared to matters concerning demon gods who could plunge the world into disaster at any moment, state affairs are relatively insignificant.”

Xia Chichi could barely contain her delight.

Just earlier, she had been asking Zhao Changhe when she would finally get to return to the jianghu. He had been uncertain, clearly not having thought it through yet. But now? It was decided, and she was going.

Tang Wanzhuang sighed. “You’re not planning to leave as early as tomorrow, are you?”

Zhao Changhe shook his head. “I’ll go find Ying Five first. You all can practice the Four Idols Formation for a few more days. We’ll set out for Kunlun after the spring imperial examinations are over. Once we arrive, we can establish contact.”

Tang Wanzhuang finally let out a breath of relief.

It was not that the empress could not leave the capital, but it could not be done in such haste. Since there was time to prepare, and with the current stability of affairs, it was indeed feasible for him to leave.

Seeing the worry still lingering on her face, Zhao Changhe could not help himself. He reached out, wrapped his arms around her waist, and with a slight pull, lifted her onto his lap.

Tang Wanzhuang snapped out of her thoughts, twisting slightly in flustered protest. “What are you doing... You just...”

“Nothing. I just wanted to hold you.”

She stole a glance at Xia Chichi’s amused expression and, lowering her voice near his ear, murmured, “Since you’re leaving tomorrow... Do you want to settle Baoqin tonight? That girl has been waiting, and she’s been looking quite forlorn.”

“That’s a bit much all at once...” Zhao Changhe whispered back. “It’s late. I’ll walk you back to the prime minister’s residence first, then keep her company for a while.”

Tang Wanzhuang leaned back slightly, studying his eyes before breaking into a sweet smile. “Then I want you to hold my hand all the way home.”

Xia Chichi couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes.

Are you a teenage girl, auntie? Oh, whatever.

Compared to the thrill of personally setting out for Kunlun, everything else was trivial. At this moment, Xia Chichi was in such high spirits that she could not even be bothered to tease her.

The capital’s curfew had long been lifted, and several districts still had scattered lanterns flickering in the night. Pedestrians moved in and out of brothels and gambling houses, while roadside taverns remained bustling with noise and laughter.

King Zhao and the esteemed prime minister walked hand in hand through the capital’s night streets. Many saw them, and as the realization set in, heads turned one by one, eyes locking onto their clasped hands with stunned expressions.

“You know... maybe we should have a proper wedding.” Zhao Changhe mused aloud. “Back when the imperial court was first established, I had to be mindful of public perception and political stability. I couldn’t declare my intent to marry Chichi, nor could I propose to you. But now, things are different. The empire is secure, my authority is at its peak... I could afford to be a little reckless, and no one would dare challenge it. Look, right now, we’re walking hand in hand through the streets, and they only stare. No one even dares to whisper.”

Tang Wanzhuang lowered her gaze and said softly, “They aren’t whispering now... but they will later. It still wouldn’t be good for your reputation... or for the nation’s. If you truly wish to give me something, just grant me a private ceremony. That’s enough for me.”

“A private ceremony? That’s far too unjust for you.”

“I am only your consort. I do not require a full ceremony.”

Still trying to insist on calling herself a consort, even though a single comment from Chichi about being the official wife was enough to set her off.

Zhao Changhe chuckled, shaking his head. He did not argue further, but in his heart, he was already thinking about how to arrange something proper for her.

In truth, Wanzhuang could have had a grand wedding, just like Yangyang. She could have had a proper ceremony with all the formalities. But unlike Yangyang, who was not in any kind of important position, Wanzhuang’s position was literally the most prominent one in the country. If she were to be married in such a public spectacle, the optics of the empress and her prime minister vying for the same husband would be difficult to ignore, and it might also provoke unease among the other women in his life. That was why neither of them had brought it up before.

But now, nearly everyone else had already received some form of official recognition. It was only the empress and her prime minister who remained in this ambiguous state. It would not be fair if her unwavering dedication to the nation became the very thing that kept her from being acknowledged properly.

As she walked hand in hand with Zhao Changhe down the bustling streets, Wanzhuang’s face remained warm, her head lowered the entire time. Every so often, she stole a glance at him, watching him deep in thought. He was carefully considering the needs and dignity of every woman around him... Compared to the rough brute who once only cared about swinging his blade, he had come a long way.

She did not feel wronged in the slightest. She had already entrusted her entire life to him, both body and soul. No matter how he treated her, she would never hold any resentment. More than that, she understood that many things were not his fault but were dictated by the circumstances of the time. Even when Huangfu Qing had smugly flaunted her own position, it had not affected her much—certainly not as much as the embarrassment of being pinned against a pillar and kissed.

“Young miss, you’re back! I’ve prepared hot wa—uh...”

Baoqin’s greeting came to an abrupt halt. Her face flushed red as she stammered, “Y-young Master, you’re here too....”

One look at her expression was enough to tell exactly what was going through her mind. Tang Wanzhuang was both amused and exasperated, reaching out to pinch her cheek. “You shameless little thing. What exactly goes through that head of yours every day?”

Baoqin pouted. “Are you really in a position to say that, Young Miss? Who was it that walked all the way home hand-in-hand with a man despite not being married?”

Tang Wanzhuang’s face remained expressionless as she took a long, deep breath.

Baoqin instinctively hugged her head, anticipating the incoming punishment.

But the expected flick never came. Instead, a large, warm hand closed over hers, pulling her closer.

Baoqin took a peek, startled, only to see Zhao Changhe casually swinging both her and Tang Wanzhuang’s hands as he led them into the residence. “Well, now you’re part of it too.”

Baoqin: “...”

Tang Wanzhuang let out a sudden laugh.

Baoqin, always quick with a sharp tongue, had never dared to direct it at her young master. She merely muttered under her breath, “So... will you be staying the night? I-I should go and have them prepare another bucket of hot water...”

Zhao Changhe chuckled. “Holding hands on the way home before marriage is one thing. Staying overnight in front of all these watching eyes? Now that would be improper.”

Baoqin’s face immediately fell, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something. But before she could say anything, Zhao Changhe bent down and planted a light kiss on her cheek.

His voice was soft as he whispered, “When I return from this battle, I will give Wanzhuang a proper wedding... And on that day, you’ll be by her side, wearing a veil of your own. Wait for me.”

Baoqin touched her kissed cheek, her eyes instantly brightening like sparkling gemstones.

Tang Wanzhuang’s eyes shimmered as well. Her gaze was soft like the glimmer of water beneath the moonlight.

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