Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 606: The Buqi of Today

Almost a year had passed since Maitreya’s defeat in Jiangnan.

Although there were still occasional skirmishes between the various southern factions, the conflicts were relatively minor in scale. Most families were focused on restoring production, as well as tending to the wounds left by Maitreya’s devastation.

Driven by their ambitions for autonomy, none of the factions pursued the remnants of the Maitreya Cult too aggressively. Instead, they absorbed the scattered cultists under the guise of “refugees,” redirecting them back to agricultural production. The Tang Clan was particularly adept at this practice, quietly assimilating tens of thousands of Maitreya’s defeated forces. The most capable among them were even reorganized into military units.

With economic revitalization as the priority, Jiangnan’s recovery progressed swiftly, aided by its solid foundation. In particular, the Tang Clan’s stronghold in Gusu and Hangzhou had regained much of its former prosperity. Given the rapid expansion of maritime trade, the Ningbo port had become a strategic location.

As the trio disembarked, they were greeted by the bustle of a thriving port—merchants hawking their wares, the air alive with voices, and fluttering silks adorning every balcony. The scene outshone even the vibrancy of Yangzhou.

In less than a year, the desolation left by Maitreya’s iron heel seemed like a distant memory.

This port was the heart of maritime trade, not just for the Tang Clan’s merchant fleets but also for other seafaring merchants. Their destinations went beyond the island of Penglai to include the many small nations battered by Hai Changkong’s forces at Dongan Island. Even before official policies for maritime trade were discussed or implemented, commerce on the seas had already flourished. When the seas were finally “opened,” it simply unleashed a tidal wave of enterprise.

Ironically, the original proposal had not been for maritime trade but for maritime transport. The results of that plan remained uncertain, but the unintended boom in trade was a case of planting willows by chance and growing a verdant grove.

“Tang Buqi’s methods aren’t bad,” Xia Chichi remarked, eyes sweeping over the bustling port with genuine admiration. “I used to think that he was pretty dim. Maybe it really is true that when the winds are right, even pigs can fly. Just like how the Fire Pig of Shi can even snag the Black—”

“Ahem.” Zhao Changhe cut in. “He’s the scion of an aristocratic family. His aunt practically whipped the lessons into him. Every move he’s made this past year has been nothing short of commendable.”

“Sounds like you’re just fixated on his aunt.” Xia Chichi scoffed. “It really does seem like some people just have a thing for older women. And conveniently, there are always those seniors who don’t respect their own age, making a perfect match.”

Lady Three: “?”

Wham!

Suddenly, the saintess of the Four Idols Cult was sent flying.

“You’ve been interrupting our peace on the ship this whole time, and now you’re still asking for it?” Lady Three snapped, retracting her foot after kicking her niece-apprentice. Turning to Zhao Changhe, she asked, “You’ve been heading straight north without even glancing at this prosperity. Have you sensed something?”

“Mm-hm. Sometimes, I feel like trying to divine or predict things with this Qi Observation Technique just adds unnecessary worries... Even though I know that changes in fate don’t necessarily reflect the present and can still be altered, seeing things moving so quickly toward an ominous outcome weighs on my mind. It makes it hard to enjoy anything else.”

Lady Three chuckled. “That’s why I don’t bother with it. I focus on harnessing the power of faith. You can handle the rest.”

Zhao Changhe asked, “You’re from around here, aren’t you?”

Lady Three’s smile faded. “Hangzhou. But there’s nothing worth seeing anymore. No family left to visit.”

Thud.

Xia Chichi landed back on the ground, casting a glance at the older woman. She seemingly wanted to say something but thought better of it, lest another kick come her way.

Stealing my man is one thing, but kicking me too? Yet when we’re all tangled together, aren’t you the one who lets me kiss you without protest? What are you so smug about?

It was obvious that her aunt-master had wanted to revisit her old home. But seeing Zhao Changhe’s somber mood, she abandoned the idea.

That’s just how older women are, I guess... All gentle and considerate, acting as if they’re dutiful wives. Is she not able to guess that his heart is preoccupied with another older woman? Hmph... Forget it.

Xia Chichi herself was feeling a twinge of concern. Technically, that other woman was her “wife,” yet it was not like they had ever even spoken a word to each other. Whenever they did meet, they were always on guard as well.

As the three conversed, they soon left Ningbo behind.

The further north they traveled from Yong[1], the more apparent the devastation became. The facade of prosperity crumbled away, revealing the scars left by war.

Villages were sparse, and they traveled hundreds of li without sight of a settlement. Those they did encounter had no more than three or four households. Signs of banditry lingered. The bustling city they had seen was merely a veneer, an illusion masking a wounded land like a person who appeared vibrant on the outside but was riddled with wounds within.

The destruction and slaughter of war could not be healed in just a year. Tang Buqi had done well to restore what he could, but there were limits to what such little time allowed. Indeed, given a few more years, Jiangnan might regain its famed prosperity. But would they really be granted the years of peace necessary to regain such prosperity?

The desolation and disconnection they saw were the very symptoms of a world whose fate had been twisted into chaos.

In Xia Longyuan’s eyes, the people of this world were mere NPCs—meaningless statistics in his grand game of war. But reality proved that even numbers, when mismanaged, gave feedback in kind.

Zhao Changhe’s heart grew heavier with each step. He quickened his pace toward Gusu. He needed to understand the current state of affairs from Tang Buqi. And besides, his loyal steed, Snow-Treading Crow, awaited him there.

“Halt! Show your travel permit... Huh?” The gate guard’s voice faltered, his eyes widening. “The Asura King...”

Zhao Changhe realized he had become far too recognizable. Even with his iconic weapon, Dragon Bird, hidden away in his storage ring, his scarred face gave him away instantly. Plenty of men in the jianghu sported similar scars, yet somehow people always knew he was Zhao Changhe.

Perhaps his aura truly was different now.

The Asura King has entered the city!

These words spread through Gusu like wildfire, and soon, the entire city was buzzing.

As Zhao Changhe stepped into the city, he felt the furtive glances surrounding him. Even the guards seemed to hold back words, the entire city steeped in an inexplicable tension.

He had not gone more than a few steps down the first street before Tang Buqi came rushing toward him like a gust of wind. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time!”

Zhao Changhe stopped, his lips curling into a half-smile. “Not as much as you have, I think.”

Tang Buqi was not fazed by the remark. He merely glanced hesitantly at Lady Three and Xia Chichi, his expression stiff. “So, you’ve become a godslayer, and now you’ve got two ladies in tow, huh?”

Zhao Changhe said, “I suggest you show them some respect. If they decide to tear you apart, I won’t be able to stop them.”

Tang Buqi, fully aware of who these women were, wisely held his tongue and gestured forward. “Come, let me welcome you properly.”

However, Zhao Changhe did not budge. He stood in the middle of the street, eyes fixed on Tang Buqi. “The moment I set foot on solid ground, my first thought was to race to the capital. Meanwhile, here you are, sitting comfortably in Gusu, still thinking about drinks and pleasantries.”

Tang Buqi sighed helplessly. “It’s because it’s you. If it were anyone else, do you think I’d bother?”

Zhao Changhe stared at him in silence.

Snowflakes drifted down from a quiet sky. The north wind whispered through the cold, empty street. The atmosphere grew thick with tension, the silence stretching between them.

After a long moment, Tang Buqi relented with a weary sigh. “Yes, I had a fight with my aunt. But that’s family business... Can we not discuss it in the middle of the street?”

Zhao Changhe suddenly smiled like a thawing spring. “Then let’s drink.”

If it was just a quarrel, the reason was easy enough to guess. It appeared that it was nothing too dire.

What he feared most was that Tang Buqi, in some hidden part of his heart, wished for his aunt’s downfall—or worse, was scheming toward it. That would be the coldest, cruelest, and most self-serving path he could take. Zhao Changhe still hoped that Tang Buqi had not become that kind of man.

They entered a roadside tavern. Tang Buqi’s guards tried to follow, but he waved them away. “Why are you coming in? The Asura King is right here, and Black Tortoise herself is present. Do you really think any assassin would stand a chance?”

The guards hesitated. You’re aware Black Tortoise is here... Don’t you realize she might precisely be who would move to kill you?

However, Tang Buqi’s authority was absolute. The guards said nothing and withdrew to stand outside.

The tavern’s main hall quickly emptied. The tavernkeeper set down wine and dishes, then rushed away, as though sensing a vortex of tension that could crush anyone caught within it.

When everything settled, only four people remained seated around the table. Tang Buqi poured wine for the three others, shaking his head as he did. “I don’t know why you’re so tense. Your gaze is the same as when you looked at Chi Li—full of suspicion and distrust. Since when did we become like this? Is it so hard to believe that I refuse to serve Xia Longyuan? Didn’t you support the Four Idols Cult and Li Shentong? Was that all just a facade? I thought you’d understand me. My aunt is the one being blindly loyal.”

Zhao Changhe said flatly, “Is that really all it is?”

Tang Buqi looked puzzled. “What else could there be?”

Zhao Changhe tapped his forehead and let out a long breath.

Maybe I’ve just been acting like an idiot.

Zhao Changhe realized that his ominous foreboding about Tang Wanzhuang’s potential peril was unknown to Tang Buqi. How could Tang Buqi suspect his aunt might face danger? He was still in the phase of seeking her approval. His defiance, calling his aunt’s loyalty blind, was simply the boldness of growing wings and daring to challenge her in argument. That was what he called “quarreling.”

This damned Qi Observation Technique might be more trouble than it’s worth. It messes with my head.

Seeing Zhao Changhe’s expression soften, Tang Buqi relaxed, exhaling deeply. “Honestly, the whole of Jiangnan expects us to secede. My intentions are no secret to anyone. When you entered the city, of course the atmosphere would grow tense. Do you realize what you represent to people now? You’re a living legend.”

Zhao Changhe smiled faintly. “Is it really that serious?”

“Do you even know the weight of being a godslayer?” Tang Buqi asked bluntly. “I won’t dance around the issue. Just tell me—do you support me or not? If you don’t, then I’ll abandon this path. Don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I hold you in such high regard. It’s that if you don’t support me, I simply can’t succeed.”

Zhao Changhe sipped his wine, his voice cool. “I do not support you.”

Tang Buqi stared in shock. “Why not? Don’t tell me you’re one of those loyalists bound to serve the throne.”

“Because Jiangnan is not a land for secession. And beneath Gusu lies a thunderous calamity waiting to erupt. You’ve spent too long wielding power here. You’ve forgotten why your family moved to the capital in the first place.”

“...” Tang Buqi’s eyes widened. He truly had forgotten.

After a long silence, he stammered, “W-what if you can resolve it...”

“Am I your father?”

“What if it was your empire? Would you resolve it then?”

“If it was my empire, would you still harbor disloyalty?”

Tang Buqi was silent for a moment before replying slowly, “Were you on that throne... I wouldn’t dare.”

Wouldn’t dare... Zhao Changhe savored the phrase for a long while. “Yet you dare defy Xia Longyuan? He could crush you with a flick of his finger.”

“The fact that he hasn’t crushed all these emerging powers is proof that times like these were inevitable. Ambition doesn’t arise from nothing; it needs fertile ground to grow. If anyone is to blame for today’s chaos, it’s Xia Longyuan himself.” Tang Buqi met Zhao Changhe’s gaze with sincerity. “If you ever rule, remember this: anything sustained only by loyalty, grand ideals, or legitimacy is an illusion. There’s only one Tang Wanzhuang in the world.”

1. Yong (甬) is actually just another name for Ningbo City (宁波市) or the capital of Ningbo. ☜