Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 393: My Faith

Zhao Changhe realized a serious issue.

When the women were trying to annoy each other, it was actually a good thing. Not only did it prevent any real trouble from happening, but it could even lead to someone joining in because their feelings, previously uncertain, got triggered into action.

It could not be truly called a battlefield; it was more like just a stage for their quarreling.

If it actually came to real jealousy, that was when things got complicated.

For example, if he were faced with a situation like “choose me or her,” that was when things would really get messy.

This was proportional to the depth of their emotion—the more someone likes you, the less they can tolerate others’ presence and your flirting with others.

The prouder someone was, the more they would think, “Why should I compete with them? Why should I be ridiculed as a mistress? What makes you so great that I can’t walk away?”

Wanting to hit him was an expression of such feelings. If they were a bit more obsessive, it could lead to a situation similar to Brother Cheng’s.[1]

However, this also meant that Huangfu Qing was genuinely confronting her feelings and admitting that she did like him.

One should not be fooled by her sweet words. Before this, she would never have admitted to it, and her mouth had been just as closed as Tang Wanzhuang’s, but now she had gotten herself involved.

Who knew if this would lead to a “choose me or her” scenario or directly to an “I’m leaving” one.

Although Zhao Changhe felt this kind of situation to be rather daunting and troublesome, he would never let a woman who clearly liked him say, “I’m leaving.” However, solving this problem was not something he could manage just by sitting there quietly and letting things happen by themselves.

The first step he had to take was to let her vent her anger honestly. When someone was angry, communicating with them was difficult. It was usually only once they had vented their anger that it would be much more doable to talk to them.

While beating him, however, Huangfu Qing only grew more and more agitated. “Isn’t our holy cult good enough for you? The saintess likes you so much that she risks severe punishment from the venerable to be shameless with you. I also kissed you and I slept with you, letting you touch me all over, and in the end, what? Huh?!”

Baoqin sliced two pieces of melon and gave one each to Tang Wanzhuang and Cui Yuanyang, and their eyes sparkled when they heard Huangfu Qing’s words.

Touched you? Details, please.

Unfortunately, the other party did not elaborate. “...You knew that the Yang Clan going south was at our request, yet you persuaded them to turn against us, giving Xiangyang to Tang Wanzhuang, ruining our plans! What has Tang Wanzhuang given you, huh?”

Zhao Changhe decided not to argue in the heat of the moment and to discuss it later instead.

Tang Wanzhuang, who was eating a melon on the other side, could not stand it anymore and said, “I did not touch Xiangyang at all. What do you mean by giving it to me? If anything, the Blood God Cult is the one with the most power in Xiangyang right now. Even the prefectural governor must tread carefully around Xue Canghai, or nothing can be done. Isn’t the Blood God Cult under your Four Idols Cult? Did you really think it would be better for you if the Wang Clan took over? You dare to discuss strategy with such a pathetic level of understanding?”

Huangfu Qing ignored her and continued hitting him, “And the Blood God Cult, you know they’re our subordinates, yet you still try to take over. Are we that easy to bully?”

Zhao Changhe finally responded, “Does that really count as taking over? I wouldn’t make the Blood God Cult betray you.”

“Does it not? Isn’t the Blood God Cult listening to you?”

“But I listen to you.”

Huangfu Qing halted after that last response, unable to continue hitting him. After a while, she sneered, “If I asked you to get rid of those vixens next door, would you?”

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“You know that’s not what I mean.” Zhao Changhe lowered his voice, “The situation in Xiangyang seems complicated, but in simple terms, it just shifted from being in the Wang Clan’s hands to yours.”

“Why did you lower your voice? Are you afraid that Tang Wanzhuang will hear?”

“There are ears everywhere, and it’s not Wanzhuang I’m worried about, but others... Wanzhuang knows what’s going on,” said Zhao Changhe. “When Yang Bugui was here just now, you all heard some of what I said, and I didn’t bother hiding anything. The reason why I’m lowering my voice now is different.”

Huangfu Qing felt a stir in her heart.

He’s speaking the truth... During his conversation with Yang Bugui, we were eavesdropping, and he explicitly said that he did not want to help Tang Wanzhuang consolidate power, preferring her to retire. It seems that he is still more inclined to a change in regime, seeing Xia Longyuan as an unfit ruler. He isn’t being two-faced, saying one thing to one person and another to someone else.

Sincerity was an incredible weapon. But if he were to be caught duplicitous, that would be when disaster would truly befall him.

“The matter of the Night Emperor’s token isn’t something that I want Wanzhuang and Yangyang to hear. Shall we talk inside?” Zhao Changhe seized the opportunity and finally led Huangfu Qing from the courtyard into the house.

Sadly, since coming to the Yang Clan, he hadn’t even gotten a chance to enter his quarters. Having his every word eavesdropped on by people from all directions was honestly quite unbearable.

Huangfu Qing’s mood improved significantly at this point, realizing that Zhao Changhe was essentially more aligned with the Four Idols Cult. Then she started recalling his many good traits—the way he gave things to the Four Idols Cult for free, treating them like his own family.

He’s still the Fire Pig of Shi, after all. Although nobody really takes it seriously, he still holds that identity regardless. Let alone taking over the Blood God Cult, if he were to really conquer Tang Wanzhuang, could it be said that the Fire Pig of Shi of the Four Idols Cult conquered the chief of the Demon Suppression Bureau?

Hm, it’s actually quite fun to think about it this way. It’s worth considering... Why should I let her maintain her elegance while I’m acting like a bed-warming maid?

I’ll let her experience being the bed warmer instead.

With these scattered thoughts, she entered the house, and as soon as Zhao Changhe closed the door, he turned and hugged her tightly. “Qing’er...”

Now that the first step was complete, Zhao Changhe moved on to step two: sweet talk.

“Who told you to use such disgusting words?” Huangfu Qing struggled a bit.

Sensing that her resistance was weak and not at all comparable to her previous anger, Zhao Changhe felt reassured. He held her tightly and whispered, “It’s hard to say it outside, but I’m the Fire Pig of Shi, remember?”

Ah, you really were thinking of this too...

Then Zhao Changhe continued, “We’re in love within our cult, so why bother with the worldly constraints of arranged marriages? If there’s a matchmaker, then the venerable is our parent and main matchmaker, right?”

Huangfu Qing nearly laughed out loud. Yes, yes, I’m my own parent and matchmaker... Now you’re willing to acknowledge Vermillion Bird as a parent? Well, that’s actually not completely wrong. I’m your stepmother.[2]

But he’s not wrong. Why should pairings within the Four Idols Cult adhere to the rules of the secular world? It’s only a disadvantage that Zhao Changhe’s identity as the Fire Pig of Shi can’t be easily exposed. Otherwise, he could openly tell others that the internal affairs of the Four Idols Cult are none of their business...

From this perspective, not only has the hidden Fire Pig of Shi of the Four Idols Cult managed to win over the bureau chief of the Demon Suppression Bureau, but he’s also charmed the daughter of a top aristocratic family. Despite that, they’re still gleefully using their status as leverage—how foolish.

Huangfu Qing’s displeasure vanished completely.

Seeing her start to smile, Zhao Changhe lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead. “Now, let’s talk about this token.”

Onto step three: spend quality time together.

Zhao Changhe sat by the table, pulling Huangfu Qing onto his lap, holding her waist with one hand and lifting the token in front of her to allow her to take a closer look at it. “This token does indeed belong to the Night Emperor... If I really wanted to use it to trick the venerable into making me the saint, given her previous suspicions of my star chart, I really did have a shot at tricking her. But I’d only deceive the venerable; since you’re the one asking, I don’t want to lie to you. This token does not carry much significance. It’s similar to you taking out a personal jade pendant. It represents you, Huangfu Qing, but not the Fire Serpent of Yi.”

Hearing this, Huangfu Qing was even happier. This token could have indeed fooled us—not just Vermillion Bird, but probably even Black Tortoise would have fallen for it. Yet he doesn’t want to use it to his advantage because of who?

Huangfu Qing leaned softly in his embrace, no longer angry and hitting him. She then asked quietly, “Where do you get all these things related to the Night Emperor and the Blood God?”

“The Blood God’s blood token was a random gift from Ying Five. My deepest connection with the Blood God is actually having learned the Vicious Blood Art. Otherwise, I have no real ties to him. However, my connection with the Four Idols Cult is something I can’t figure out myself. It feels like wherever I go, I encounter something related to the Four Idols Cult. Even when I went back to Beimang to reminisce about the past, I ended up discovering the true tomb of the ancient Azure Dragon with Lady Three and found the Rejuvenation Art.”

Huangfu Qing stared at the token, thinking that for this world, it still held significant meaning. It at least proved a strong affinity and compatibility with the Night Emperor.

—If the holy cult needs a leader, what kind of person would be suitable for that role?

Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise wielded power that could shake the world, yet neither had the desire to become the cult leader. This was not because they lacked ambition or because of sisterly affection, but because the teachings of the cult did not recognize them as such.

Otherwise, Black Tortoise, who was idling around, could not stop anyone. If Huangfu Qing, as Vermillion Bird, wanted to become the cult leader, she could have done so easily. The reason she did not do so was that the cult members would not recognize it. If she were to force her way into such a position, she would have to do so with an iron fist, but at that time, she would have to take Black Tortoise’s existence into consideration. So, after much deliberation, she prioritized the stability of the cult over personal power.

However, this was not a long-term solution. A cult without a leader was like a snake without a head. Ultimately, the cult needed to choose a leader.

Xia Chichi was considered a potential candidate to become the leader because she embodied both the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger. This connection and her comprehensive affinity with the four idols exceeded even those of Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise.

However, if one shifted their focus from Xia Chichi to Zhao Changhe, they might be surprised to find that nobody fit the role of the cult leader better than him. His affinity and suitability were extraordinary, and even Xia Chichi’s fate was closely linked to his.

Although the token he was holding might not represent the power of the Night Emperor, for a cult that venerated the Night Emperor, it was enough to serve as the symbol of leadership. If it was Vermillion Bird who got it, she could easily make Black Tortoise kneel; likewise, if Black Tortoise had obtained it, Vermillion Bird would kneel. Similarly, if Xia Chichi acquired it, she could immediately become the cult leader.

As for Zhao Changhe, though he was called the Fire Pig of Shi, he had not actually received the teachings of the Four Idols Cult, so it was not as easy to decide.

Huangfu Qing pondered for a moment and asked in a low voice, “Besides this token, is there anything else?”

She thought to herself that if he had obtained any cultivation techniques, even if they were more unconventional, she might consider pushing him toward the position of cult leader. After all, his competitor would be his wife, who would probably be thrilled to finally be openly together with him.

Huangfu Qing pursed her lips.

Then she heard Zhao Changhe say, “There is an incomplete sword, imbued with the sword intent of the stars in the sky. Indeed, it’s just as you said, my star chart surpasses that of the Night Emperor. My star chart was something the Night Emperor wanted to achieve in his later years, but he did not have time to do so.”

Huangfu Qing’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to look at him, her expression complex.

To say that he has not received the cultivation technique of the Night Emperor could not be said to be true, yet it could not be said to be false either...

Although he had not received a direct inheritance, he was walking the same path that the Night Emperor sought but never achieved. The unfinished sword of the Night Emperor falling into the hands of someone on the same journey, the symbolism in this was so overwhelming that it filled the boundless sky.

There’s no need for anyone’s legacy. If he can carve out his own sky, why can’t he take the place of the Night Emperor?

The Four Idols Sect worshiped the essence of the starry sky, not a specific person. People were just symbols, much like how they could easily call themselves Vermillion Bird or Black Tortoise without much reverence. The Night Emperor was, essentially, a symbol of the starry sky. If Zhao Changhe could represent this sky, then what difference did that make? Why should the Four Idols Cult worship some unknown figure from a past era who may or may not be alive?

“What’s the matter?”

“You said you’d listen to me... but you clearly want us all to listen to you, and kneel down while doing so.”

Zhao Changhe was silent for a moment, then suddenly added, “Do you know why I never wanted to use these things to deceive the Four Idols Cult into revering me, but instead always try to distance myself?”

“Hm?” Huangfu Qing was indeed a bit curious about this. “Indeed, I wonder why you didn’t use these things to try and command the venerable.”

“Because I think about what would happen if someone else got a hold of such items. I hate imagining you and Chichi bowing to someone else...”

“Oh... that’s some serious jealousy.” Huangfu Qing could not help but laugh out loud.

“But in my understanding, Venerable Vermillion Bird should not care much about these external objects. I believe her to be someone who cares about the nature of the person who possesses them. If someone dared to use these to try to command her, they probably would not even know how they died. I wouldn’t do something so reckless.”

Huangfu Qing felt extremely happy, as she, Vermillion Bird, indeed cared more about who possessed such items. As she had just thought, even if Zhao Changhe possessed such items, she would still consider the fact that he had not learned the cult’s doctrine and was unsuitable to be the leader. If it was an outsider who got it, she would have killed them to seize the token. Using a mere object to try and command her? They had to be dreaming.

This guy actually understands me, as Vermillion Bird and not just Huangfu Qing, quite well.

Wait, he mentioned that one of the things he imagined was...

“But now, it’s you who possesses them, and the venerable has thoroughly assessed what kind of person you are...” Huangfu Qing’s voice gradually became more and more alluring, and she said softly, “I know the venerable’s thoughts on this matter and I can make a decision on her behalf. The token and the sword are not things any of us dare to tamper with, because we cannot bear the consequences. But if you want to finish this sword, it will be our holy cult’s top priority to assist you fully. If the sword is finished, perhaps the venerable might indeed acknowledge you as the leader then...”

At this point, Huangfu Qing’s eyes sparkled with allure. “Do you want to... have Venerable Vermillion Bird kneel before you?”

This enchantress...

Zhao Changhe admitted that his heart began beating faster at her words.

Huangfu Qing chuckled softly and kissed him on the lips. “Not to mention Venerable Vermillion Bird... Haven’t I always hoped that the man I like... could stand above all others?”

Why was she unwilling to reveal her identity as Vermillion Bird at this moment?

Right now, you aren’t quite worthy.

But if the day comes when you stand at the pinnacle, representing countless stars, you would be my faith, and I would be willing to use my back as a stepping stone for you.

But as for Tang Wanzhuang... Can she do the same?

1. This is a reference to Makoto Itou, the protagonist of the School Days visual novels and its adaptation. ☜

2. why ?? ☜