Chapter 296: Chapter 216: No Turning Back
Liu Zhaoxue knew full well that cooperating with the Five Poison Sect was like asking a tiger for its skin.
However, her current circumstances no longer allowed her to wait for another opportunity.
Unless she was willing to be like her aunt, Liu Xiangning, and accept her father’s arrangements.
—To be married into one of the other Noble Families, or even into the Royal Family.
But Liu Zhaoxue was unwilling.
So, before she was betrothed, she could only let her ambitions run wild.
She would either succeed—overcoming all obstacles to become the master of the Jing State Liu Family.
Or she would die trying...
’So what if I die? It’s better than being used as a marriage tool, bearing the title of Jing State’s greatest beauty.’
Liu Zhaoxue had long been prepared for this.
It was just that her plans had only just begun to unfold, and with the situation in Shu State unclear, she had to be extra cautious.
Especially considering that since the Jing State Liu Family had arrived in Shu State, they had lost two young masters from the main branch in succession—proof enough of the Xiao Family’s power in the region.
Never mind Liu Jing, an unimportant son of a concubine whose ability, temperament, and methods were all severely lacking.
But Liu Wen was different.
Not only was he the second son of the Liu Family’s main branch, but his mother also came from a great family in Jing State. He wanted for neither money, resources, nor manpower.
He even possessed some cunning, and his talent in the Martial Arts was not to be underestimated.
Liu Wen’s unexpected death in Shu State made Liu Zhaoxue feel for the first time that events were spiraling out of her control.
To that end, she set three rules for herself.
Do not rush ahead recklessly for quick merits, avoid direct conflict with the Xiao Family, and guard against the Five Poison Sect sabotaging her efforts.
Liu Jing had rushed in recklessly right after arriving, ordering the Bright Moon Building to plunder the Xiao Family’s medicinal supplies. He got what he deserved.
Liu Wen had died outside Iron Wall Town because he directly clashed with the Xiao Family, and he even implicated her Third Uncle, Liu Hong, who was then punished by the Holy Emperor.
Mulling over these things, Liu Zhaoxue offered a low-voiced reminder, "Try not to create unnecessary complications. Caution is paramount."
Yan Fusha grinned, his disguised, rugged face revealing a hint of ferocity. "Don’t worry," he said. "Our great work is not yet complete. I won’t do anything foolish."
"I mean clean up after yourself. Don’t let this get back to me."
After speaking, Liu Zhaoxue turned and left with her personal attendants.
Yan Fusha watched her walk away, a dark look flashing in his eyes. He immediately gestured toward a corner.
"Follow her. Keep a close eye on her."
After two men dressed as common scholars in long robes acknowledged the order and departed, Yan Fusha pushed his way into the crowd as if no one else was there.
Originally, he had only planned to test the waters and probe that live-in son-in-law of the Xiao Family.
But after seeing that girl from the Mountain Race, he changed his mind.
’Granny Shan,’ he thought, ’this blood feud of several decades will begin with your granddaughter.’
Elsewhere, Liu Zhaoxue, who was well aware of the feud between the Five Poison Sect and the Mountain Race, naturally guessed Yan Fusha’s intentions.
Even if she wanted to stop him, she was powerless to do so.
After all, for now, she still had to rely on those practitioners of the Evil Demonic Dao from the Five Poison Sect to get things done.
Just as Liu Zhaoxue was lost in thought, she suddenly heard someone call out, "Zhaoxue."
She looked toward the voice, the unusual expression on her face vanishing instantly. She bowed respectfully. "Third Uncle."
The newcomer was none other than the Left Governor of Shu State, Liu Hong.
Although he was currently in plain blue clothes, his sturdy frame filled them out, giving him a natural air of authority.
After a glance to either side, Liu Hong beckoned to Liu Zhaoxue and said with a smile:
"The poetry gathering hasn’t started yet. Let’s go take a look at that exhibition hall first."
A flash of surprise appeared in Liu Zhaoxue’s eyes. Without stopping to ask if they were even allowed into the exhibition hall, she simply agreed and followed by his side.
Two strong and capable Guards followed close behind.
A few other personal attendants protected them from the sides, subtly obscuring the figures of Liu Hong and Liu Zhaoxue.
「Before long.」
The group arrived at the exhibition hall, which was adjacent to the academy’s library.
An elegant, middle-aged man in a pale blue robe was already waiting at the entrance.
Seeing Liu Hong’s figure, the man came forward from a distance, cupped his hands in salute, and said, "Lord Liu."
Liu Hong raised a hand and said with a smile, "Mr. Lingchuan, there’s no need for such formalities. I’m just going in for a quick look."
Hearing his words, Liu Zhaoxue looked at the man before them. With a start, she realized who he was.
Mr. Lingchuan, Zhu Lingchuan, a member of the prominent Zhu Family of Shu State.
Although this Mr. Lingchuan was not widely known, his elder brother, Zhu Hao, was the Deputy Commander of the Shu State Capital Commandery, in charge of overseeing the state’s salt and iron industries, among other duties.
With this in mind, she gave a slight bow. "Zhaoxue pays her respects to Mr. Lingchuan."
Mr. Lingchuan nodded at her, then stepped aside and gestured, saying:
"There are many people coming and going for the poetry gathering today. To avoid anyone disturbing Lord Liu’s enjoyment, I will not accompany you inside."
Seeing his serious expression, Liu Hong didn’t press the issue and simply beckoned for Liu Zhaoxue alone to follow him.
After the two of them entered, Mr. Lingchuan casually closed the main doors and stood outside, motionless, with his hands tucked into his sleeves.
The other Guards instinctively took up positions to guard the key access points.
Inside the exhibition hall, the doors and windows were shut tight. With no lamps lit, the room was quite dim.
As a practitioner of the Martial Arts, Liu Zhaoxue was unaffected.
Liu Hong, however, frowned slightly and motioned for her to light an oil lamp.
Liu Zhaoxue did as he asked, using a flint to light an oil lamp. She held it and stood beside him, surveying the spacious hall.
The decor was rather simple. Arranged around the four walls were several dozen trays holding calligraphy scrolls, all of which were covered by red cloth.
A faint light, like the glowing strokes of written characters, could be seen glimmering through the red cloths.
Liu Hong’s gaze swept the room. Ignoring the other scrolls, he walked directly to the one that was placed opposite the entrance.
He swept the cloth aside with one hand.
A Mental Realm instantly emerged—
great golden characters ascended into the air, mountains rolled and fell, a city stood atop a lofty peak, and a lone skiff drifted leisurely into the distance.
Liu Hong looked up at the lines of poetry and the unfolding scenes, his expression tranquil.
Liu Zhaoxue, however, was not nearly as calm.
Although she had heard many rumors about this piece, *Post-rain Reflections*, over the past two days, none of it could compare to the awe of seeing it with her own eyes.
