Chapter 2596: Chapter 4: Xuan Jing’s Sole Appraisal
"Dying for me..."
Jiang Wang sat lazily, tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Zhongxuan Sheng had to admit, from this angle, that Jiang really wasn’t bad-looking at all! Especially with that mocking, somewhat careless smile, it exuded a certain aristocratic charm.
Of course, he had no idea that Jiang Wang’s nonchalance at the moment was because most of his energy was focused on dealing with the bruise at the corner of his eye. The strength of a True Man of the Age wasn’t so easily dispelled. Fortunately, Someone Jiang already had ample experience.
"If I later take the initiative against the Bao family, wouldn’t that make me even more unscrupulous and unjust?" Jiang Wang said, trying to divert attention.
Zhongxuan Sheng curled his lips, "Indeed, you’re even able to infer associated knowledge."
"The way they’re spreading this around, aren’t they afraid I’ll disregard the supposed respect between lords and expose the truth?" Jiang Wang asked.
Zhongxuan Sheng laughed, "The Bao family never acknowledged that Bao Zhongqing died for you. It’s just street gossip; how can you blame the Bao family? Their official stance is that Bao Zhongqing died fighting a Cult, sacrificing himself for a greater cause. What, now that he’s dead, are you, Marquis Wu’an, so resentful towards the Bao family that you still want to trample on his reputation? Moreover, Master Bao lost his eldest son on the battlefield, and then his second son in the purges against the Cult; the old man’s heart must be aching, yet you don’t care about the feelings of this Nine Soldier Commander?"
Jiang Wang thought about it and sighed, "Master Bao’s methods are really smooth, far surpassing what Bao Zhongqing could do."
He then asked, "How do you think Bao Zhongqing actually died?"
Zhongxuan Sheng shook his head, "I don’t want to guess, nor do I need to. It’s the Bao family’s private matter regarding their Princely Heir. However they say it, that’s how I accept it."
"I will attend his funeral," Jiang Wang sighed softly, "Regardless of what happened before, grievances should dissipate in death, and it’s right to pay respects."
At the beginning of the year, Bao Zhongqing’s grand wedding, with ten miles of red decorations and the streets adorned, was the height of splendor.
He married a beautiful wife, became a Princely Heir, and entered Under Jixuegong, a truly successful life.
Who could have known that within the same year, he would already be dead?
And he died so uncertainly, without a sound.
Although Jiang Wang had no fondness for Bao Zhongqing, nor any longing, he couldn’t help but lament the impermanence of the world.
When he first met Bao Zhongqing in Linzi, he was extremely cautious, viewing him as a dangerous character just like Zhongxuan Sheng did at the time. Back then, he couldn’t even contend with Bao Zhongqing directly; he could only confront his retainers...
Now, time has changed everything.
The aristocratic young master who had once left in grandiose style with ceremonial visits and Demon Horses pulling his carriage, guarded by experts, is now just dry bones in a tomb.
No one can deny that Bao Zhongqing was indeed a dangerous person. But death is death; once dead, everything becomes void.
His schemes, his talents, his future, all abruptly ended—
Just like his elder brother.
"I’ll go too," Zhongxuan Sheng said. "I knew Bao Zhongqing when I was very young. I don’t exactly feel a shared sense of misfortune with him, but in some ways, we’re quite alike... If I didn’t have Shisi, if I hadn’t met you, perhaps I would be like him."
For some reason, this statement vaguely reminded Jiang Wang of something. But right then, he didn’t have time to ponder it deeply.
He just took a careful look at Zhongxuan Sheng, earnestly saying, "You’re nothing alike."
"Tell me," Zhongxuan Sheng leaned back with a casual smile, "How are we not alike?"
Jiang Wang also smiled, "You are more pleasing to the eye than he is."
"Being more pleasing to the eye than Bao Zhongqing isn’t exactly something to be happy about."
"So what would make you happy?"
"Do you know about the handsome men ranking in Linzi?"
"I’ve vaguely heard of it, but it’s not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning. You know, I don’t care for these empty titles..."
Zhongxuan Sheng snorted, speaking earnestly, "Look into my eyes and honestly tell me that I’m much more handsome than Zhongxuan Zun."
Jiang Wang genuinely stared into Zhongxuan Sheng’s eyes, observing for a long time, finally replying with an expression of defeat, "I truly can’t say it."
Zhongxuan Sheng spat, "Serves you right for being broke with empty pockets when you go out! You don’t deserve money!"
Jiang Wang burst into laughter, and after laughing, waved his hand, "Go on, come pick me up on time tomorrow so we can go to the Shuofang Earl’s Mansion together."
Zhongxuan Sheng widened his eyes in mock surprise, "You kicking me out?"
"Not at all. But isn’t Shisi waiting for you at home?"
"Are you hiding something from me?"
"You’re overthinking it," Jiang Wang said helplessly, "I’m just getting ready to cultivate."
Zhongxuan Sheng looked at him suspiciously again.
Jiang Wang supported his cheek with his hand, resting on the desk, looking innocent.
"Something’s up. Since I came in, you haven’t changed your position?"
"Really?" Jiang Wang blinked and leaned back, casually turning to give Zhongxuan Sheng a side profile, "Go back, Shisi might be anxious by now."
Zhongxuan Sheng gave an "Oh" and said, "Then I’ll head back."
He started to walk out, but when he reached the doorway, he suddenly darted back in front of Jiang Wang!
But with a cultivation realm entirely beyond his, the Marquis Wu’an, how could he let him have his way? Jiang Wang remained lounged in his chair, his hand still on his forehead, deep in thought: "I’m contemplating important Dao Technique matters. You should go back, Ah Sheng."
Zhongxuan Sheng reached out to push him, "Take your hand away so I can see."
Jiang Wang spun around in his chair, his voice low, "Really, go back."
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