Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 22

The next day, He Lang was somewhat troubled to find the prince unexpectedly in his room. Leaving the new bride unattended could have severe consequences.

Indeed, his residence was soon visited by the agitated new bride. He Lang was somewhat surprised upon hearing this and realized that Jiang Yuqing was not the gentle, steady type. Hence, he approached her with extra caution.

She was supported by two maidservants, dressed in a luxurious long gown, her face as delicate as jade, naturally beautiful and full of pride. Clearly used to being pampered, she arrived with a bad attitude, demanding to know where the prince was.

After a tiring social event the previous day, Zhen Puyang was still resting in He Lang’s room and had not yet risen. He Lang informed her honestly, which angered Jiang Yuqing even more. Her mind raced—before her marriage, Concubine Lin had hinted that she should be wary of such matters. She never expected that on the wedding day, these people would treat her so dismissively, still lying in bed well past sunrise.

Jiang Yuqing misunderstood He Lang’s response as a provocation. With an angry expression, she scolded him, “I see that you are a distinguished person and a high-ranking official, yet your conduct is so improper. Do you not fear offending the royal family and being punished?”

He Lang was baffled by the sudden accusations. How did it become an issue of his conduct?

Seeing He Lang ignore her, Jiang Yuqing felt like a mere clown in front of him, further incensing her. She aggressively approached him, causing He Lang to retreat. They began to tug at each other’s clothing, and the housekeeper, witnessing this, quickly left on his own accord.

Unexpectedly, Zhen Puyang appeared soon after. He Lang immediately stepped back, while Jiang Yuqing froze momentarily, realizing her actions were excessive. She adjusted her clothes, turning with teary eyes.

“Your Highness, you have finally arrived. I—”

Zhen Puyang immediately understood her identity and her intention to accuse He Lang of improper behavior. Regardless of the truth, Zhen Puyang’s face darkened with anger, and he stared fiercely at He Lang, feeling betrayed. He wondered if He Lang lacked self-control to fall for such a woman.

Seeing Zhen Puyang’s twisted expression and fierce glare, Jiang Yuqing felt a surge of satisfaction. She had not anticipated that her act would create such a rift between them. Whether for face or other reasons, her goal was achieved.

Taking advantage of the situation, Jiang Yuqing attempted to further incite Zhen Puyang, saying, “Don’t be fooled by His Excellency’s outward demeanor; he—”

Before she could finish her tearful lament, Zhen Puyang slapped her hard, causing her to fall to the ground. He glared at her, shouting, “Enough!”

Jiang Yuqing was the beloved daughter of the governor. As long as she did not openly disgrace him, he would overlook her behavior. However, now her audacity had reached a level where she dared to target him.

He Lang was anxious, not because of Jiang Yuqing’s accusations, but because he feared Zhen Puyang might act recklessly.

Initially, the idea of taking a concubine was to gain the governor’s favor. Given Jiang Yuqing’s temperament, she was likely the most favored daughter. If Zhen Puyang acted out, the governor, who was already wavering between factions, might become hostile, turning the situation against He Lang.

Zhen Puyang’s rage was palpable, and he paced back and forth, ignoring the still shocked Jiang Yuqing. Eventually, he reluctantly instructed his servants to take care of her and specifically ordered them to keep her confined to avoid any complaints to the governor.

With everyone cleared out, Zhen Puyang calmed down, but he wanted to discuss conditions with He Lang, “If you host me for dinner tonight, I’ll let her go.”

“Of course,” He Lang agreed, thinking it was a small matter.

Seeing He Lang retreat, Zhen Puyang pressed further, asking, “What about tomorrow? And the day after tomorrow? And the day after the day after tomorrow—”

His endless demands were clearly intentional. He Lang chose to ignore him, closing his eyes to rest.

Zhen Puyang, fixated on He Lang’s calm face and slightly pursed lips, observed him with obsession. He felt that even just being able to look at him was enough to defy his mother and discard his new wife.

Zhen Puyang, unable to suppress his desire, became increasingly impatient. Unfortunately, He Lang remained indifferent. Zhen Puyang’s voice softened, carrying a hint of coaxing, “Hmm? Could you give me an answer, sir?”

The housekeeper standing by the door, looking pale and conflicted, wanted to remind them of a guest arriving but dared not interrupt. He stayed outside, reporting from a distance.

He Lang opened his eyes, his expression serious, and pushed Zhen Puyang away. “There are important guests arriving. Hurry and get ready.”

The guest was Minister Fu, whom He Lang had specifically invited.

Having reviewed the list of officials, He Lang found that only Minister Fu seemed reliable. Even though the emperor was ill and the ministers were restless, Minister Fu remained neutral. Since He Lang had a good relationship with him, he thought he might be someone to win over subtly. He mentioned a fine wine to him, which had indeed brought him here.

Upon hearing footsteps, He Lang quickly put on a bright smile and welcomed the guest, ignoring Zhen Puyang’s cold snort behind him.

“It’s Minister Fu. I’ve been waiting for you.”

So that’s how it is… So that’s how it is. Zhen Puqi felt as if he was about to spit out blood, his eyes welling up with tears. Just as he took a step toward He Lang, Zhen Puyang’s face darkened, and he waved for people to completely restrain him, awaiting punishment.

The grand hall was in disarray, and in the end, Zhen Puyang successfully rallied some of Zhen Puqi’s supporters under his banner, turning the once diverse opinions of the ministers into unanimous submission. After all, he was the only one who could now act as the Emperor.

Within a month, the country had changed hands, and He Lang finally felt he was seeing the dawn.

On the day of the coronation, Zhen Puyang’s first question was, “Are you happy, Sir?”

He Lang nodded, feeling relieved, and slightly curved his lips, revealing an unusually soft expression that contrasted sharply with his usual sharp demeanor.

“See, I did it. I didn’t disappoint you after five years, did I?”

This made He Lang feel slightly moved. It turned out that Zhen Puyang had always remembered. It was embarrassing to admit, but even though He Lang initially intended to suppress his own goals, he couldn’t hide them. Yet, even knowing this, he still followed his advice. Despite claiming he wanted to play the world, he continued to strategize and meticulously plan, engaging in the very clandestine tasks he despised.

It was as if the throne had been seized for him.

He Lang lowered his gaze, feeling a sense of accomplishment now that the big matter was settled. He carefully adjusted the dragon robe for Zhen Puyang, gently stroking the slightly raised dragon pattern on the precious fabric, and said with a smile, “Your Majesty, you should now refer to yourself as ‘I’.”

Zhen Puyang frowned slightly, not liking to be called that, but he didn’t want to spoil the mood with his smile. He tugged at He Lang’s hand and asked, “Will you always stay with me to guard this country?”

Despite the solemnity of the joyous occasion, Zhen Puyang couldn’t shake the feeling that once He Lang’s purpose was achieved, his heart would no longer be with him.

This thought made him lose control for a moment. He seemed to realize that over the years, he had learned to be steady and patient, suppressing things he couldn’t tolerate before. Yet, when it came to He Lang, he couldn’t control himself.

He could tolerate everything and do many things he hated, but he couldn’t tolerate He Lang’s heart not being with him. He even thought that everything he did was ultimately for this—he wanted He Lang’s heart.

He couldn’t help but admit his infatuation with He Lang, a love he couldn’t extricate himself from.

Now, as someone with immense power, he was no longer affected by past fears and anxieties. He didn’t care about rumors. Even if he had to bear the title of a tyrant, he thought he wouldn’t mind.

With Zhen Puyang’s change in mindset, his gaze gradually became unrestrained and increasingly intense, drawing closer, as if the chains confining his emotions had loosened.

He Lang might not understand his obsession and depth but felt a strange sensation within.

He remembered such a gaze, which he had once shown to He Zheng. It was the kind of gaze that naturally appeared when admiring someone, filled with longing and reluctance. Just being able to see the other person more was worth it.

After experiencing a lifetime, he thought he might understand some things. Yet, it remained a case of love being deeply rooted while the flow of time was indifferent. His soul was no longer complete and bound by constraints, and leaving was just a matter of time.

There was no shock or disgust. Perhaps it was something he had vaguely sensed before. After losing the heart that once beat for love, he could only be enlightened and sigh, “So that’s how it is.”

He Lang, calmly deflecting, said, “You are the sovereign of the country.”

“If I lose you, what use is this country to me?” Without hearing a specific reply from He Lang, Zhen Puyang’s expression turned sour. He quickly dismissed He Lang’s indifferent words, stepping closer and ignoring He Lang’s talk of the people and the state. He was direct.

“I don’t care how others fare; I only need you to answer me.”

Such earnest eyes were like strong hands gripping his throat, making him unable to utter a word. Knowing Zhen Puyang’s stubbornness, He Lang decided not to avoid it any longer. He smiled, his deep eyes curving like a gentle spring breeze, trying to melt the icy demeanor before him. He replied, “I will.”

This response was like a key that could unlock the heavy lock on Zhen Puyang’s heart. Zhen Puyang’s gloomy expression instantly gave way to a smile, as if he had broken free from his sorrow.

Author’s Note:

I know things progressed too quickly here… but I was a bit lazy and didn’t want to write more, and it was too long. I wanted to finish it. Please forgive me, mwah mwah [trying to be coquettish].