The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 496 How can anything compare to a single dish of sashimi?
The autumn morning in Jiangling City awakens amidst a continuous drizzle. A thin mist, like gauze, lingers around the green tiles and gray walls, while dripping water from the eaves rhythmically taps against the stone steps, leaving dark watermarks.

Inside the governor's residence, however, there was a warmth that contrasted sharply with the chill outside.

Chi Meng lay on her side on the couch, her fingertips unconsciously twirling a stray strand of Xiao Yan's dark hair. Gazing at the peaceful sleeping face of the man beside her, the joy and sense of peace from their reunion the previous night still lingered in her heart, making her unable to help but quietly curve the corners of her lips into a smile.

She propped herself up on her elbows and carefully examined Xiao Yan's features, moving very gently. In her mind, her little darling was extremely busy with countless tasks, so she was afraid of disturbing his rare peaceful sleep and only wanted to prolong this tender moment.

However, Xiao Yan was just as alert. In fact, he had already woken up when her fingertips twitched slightly, but he did not open his eyes immediately, only savoring this intimacy that was nearly two years overdue.

He only slowly opened his eyes when he heard the very faint rustling of armor as Zhong Xiaokui arranged for the shift change outside the window, meeting Chi Meng's gaze, which was still fixed on him and held a hint of infatuation.

Upon meeting Xiao Yan's gaze, Chi Meng let out a soft "ah" and then stuck out her tongue shyly.

"Awake so early?" Xiao Yan pretended not to know, his voice still low and hoarse from just waking up, and simply pulled her closer to his arms.

Chi Meng nestled closer, her cheek against his warm chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, feeling completely at ease: "Hmm, I can't sleep. Looking at you makes me feel at ease."

She paused, then added softly, "I'm afraid that as soon as I close my eyes, you'll be busy with something else."

Xiao Yan raised his hand and stroked her long, loose hair, which still carried her unique, faint scent of grass and trees. He couldn't help but chuckle, "There were quite a few things to do today, but they won't be too far from you."

Looking at Chi Meng's obedient appearance, and recalling her efforts to please him at night, his tone softened even more, "After we've seen Master Zhang and the others, and dealt with the backlog of documents, if we have some free time this afternoon, I'll take you to try Jiangling's famous perch sashimi."

Chi Meng's eyes lit up, but she quickly suppressed her joy and simply nodded gently: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say, Little Brother."

She was no longer the naive and ignorant girl she once was. Knowing that he was responsible for the world, she considered it extremely rare to receive such a promise.

The two rose, and a maid quietly brought them hot water and towels. Chi Meng rushed to help Xiao Yan adjust his robes, tie his hair, and put on his crown. Although her movements were not as skillful as Qian Wu, Miao Chengtian, or Yu Youshu, and even a bit clumsy than Bago's, she was exceptionally earnest and meticulous. Then, she traced his waist with her fingertips, her cheeks suddenly flushing red, and she whispered, "Little pot..."

"Ok?"

"Don't tell Sister Xue'er and the others about my shameful affair..."

"What is it?" Xiao Yan turned around, looking puzzled.

"Oh dear!" Chi Meng was even more embarrassed, but seeing that Xiao Yan didn't seem to be faking it, she twisted his belt with her fingers, lowered her head, and whispered shyly, "It's just... I wet the bed..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was both amused and exasperated. But seeing that Chi Meng's face had turned bright red from neck to ears, he immediately became serious and said, "This is our secret, and we won't tell them. But it doesn't really matter, it's not like you're the only one like this."

Chi Meng was startled for a moment, then hurriedly whispered, "Would Sister Xue'er and the others also be unable to resist?"

"Hmm... I know some things, but not others." Xiao Yan looked at her expression, which was clearly that of an adult but still like that of a child, and was momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing how to answer.

However, Chi Meng was instantly relieved. While muttering to herself, she happily tidied Xiao Yan's robes, as if she had just relieved herself of a huge worry.

After breakfast, Xiao Yan led Chi Meng into a pavilion. The pavilion was tidy and brightly lit by candlelight, dispelling the gloom of the rainy day. He sat down in the main seat, and Chi Meng sat quietly beside him, her eyes curiously looking around.

Shortly after, footsteps could be heard outside the hall.

Led by Li Cunren, Zhang Xuanling and his wife Xu Huan slowly entered.

After more than a month of recuperation and reunion, Zhang Xuanling's former madness had completely faded. His face was thin and his eyes were clear. Dressed in a clean Taoist robe, he was still slender, but had regained the refined and elegant demeanor of the head of the Celestial Master's Mansion. The High Priest Xu Huan was by his side, his expression peaceful, the worry in his brows replaced by a quiet satisfaction.

After the two entered the hall, they immediately straightened their clothes and solemnly bowed deeply to Xiao Yan.

"This humble Taoist priest, Zhang Xuanling, along with my wife Xu Huan, kowtow to express our deepest gratitude to His Highness Prince Qin!" Zhang Xuanling's voice trembled slightly, clearly overwhelmed with emotion. "Your Highness has helped my wife and me clear our names and reunite us. This kindness and virtue will be forever forgotten by the entire Celestial Master's Mansion!"

Xu Huan also bowed his head, speaking earnestly: "If it weren't for Your Highness's keen insight and restoration of order, my husband and I would never have seen the light of day again. Your Highness's kindness to our Celestial Master's Mansion is like giving us a second life."

Xiao Yan sat upright and accepted their full bows. After they finished, he raised his hand to help them up, saying, "Master Zhang, Master Xu, please rise. I have only done what I should have done. The injustice has been redressed, which is the manifestation of Heaven's justice; the reunion of husband and wife is because your fate has not yet ended."

Zhang Xuanling and his wife rose as instructed, their eyes still filled with gratitude. Xu Huan hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her voice gentle and sincere: "Your Highness, although the Celestial Master's Mansion is located in Raozhou in Jiangnan, it still has some reputation in the Wu region and between Fujian and Hubei, and among the Taoist community and even the common people, with a large number of believers. My wife and I have been deeply indebted to Your Highness for your kindness, and we have no way to repay you. We are willing to serve you with utmost loyalty."

She leaned forward slightly and continued, "If Your Highness does not despise us, my husband and I are willing to take this opportunity of traveling south to contact our former colleagues and secretly spread the word among the people of Jiangnan about the benevolence of the new policies in the Central Plains and the majesty of Your Highness. We may be able to help the night watchmen gather information on public opinion, or we may take the opportunity to persuade the civil and military officials of Jiangnan, explaining the advantages and disadvantages, and encouraging them to follow the king's rule."

She glanced at her husband beside her, "Especially... as for Fan'er, although I know this matter is difficult, as a mother, I will do my best to persuade him to turn back from his wrong path."

Zhang Xuanling nodded heavily and replied, “Indeed. Your Highness, Jiangnan is not a monolithic entity. The likes of Xu Wen and Zhang Hao, who occupy this land and act arrogantly, have long lost the hearts of the people through their oppressive policies and abuse of their labor. The vast majority of scholars and commoners are merely clinging to life out of their power. If they knew that Your Highness was willing to grant them a way out and had the benevolent policy of equal land distribution and tax exemption, they would surely eagerly await the arrival of the royal army. This humble Taoist is willing to use my remaining years to serve as Your Highness's vanguard, to spread civilization in Jiangnan, and to repay even the slightest injustice!”

The couple spoke earnestly, their eyes burning with determination, clearly placing their own future and that of the Celestial Master's Mansion entirely in Xiao Yan's hands.

Xiao Yan listened quietly, but only pondered for a moment.

The only sound from the pavilion was the patter of rain outside the window. He glanced at the two men and slowly spoke: “I am aware of the intentions of the Celestial Master and the True Man. The Celestial Master’s Mansion has a century-old reputation and a solid foundation among the people of Jiangnan. It is a good thing that you two are willing to help the court to pacify the local areas and soothe the hearts of the people. I am very pleased.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuanling and his wife were about to express their opinion again, but Xiao Yan raised his hand in a gesture of acknowledgment, then changed the subject slightly, speaking calmly:

"However, the hearts and minds of the people have their own way of being, which cannot be forced or swayed by mere words. While the Central Plains has indeed been the main battlefield of years of war, the people of Jiangnan have also suffered from war and oppressive rule for a long time. All they ask for is a peaceful and prosperous life, with enough food and clothing. But even such a small wish is hard to obtain. They have long been utterly disappointed with those in power, so how can they be expected to cross mountains and rivers to come to the Central Plains?"

"And I, Your Majesty, have repeatedly issued edicts to proclaim the implementation of the new policies to the world as much as possible. The so-called abolition of the abuses of regional military governors and land annexation, equalization of land distribution to ensure the people's well-being, reduction of exorbitant taxes to alleviate poverty, development of water conservancy to boost harvests, and rectification of officialdom to bring order to the world—all I seek is to give the people a way to live, a hope, so that their hearts will not be lost again. I have no other wish."

Seeing that Zhang Xuanling seemed to understand, Xu Huan was even more stunned, so Xiao Yan continued:
"The people yearn for stability; this is the general trend. Your journey south will allow you to proclaim this righteous path to the world. Those who wish to return north will have their roads opened, and the court will do its utmost to receive and properly accommodate them. Those who wish to remain must understand that the royal army's arrival is not for slaughter, but to end the fragmentation and restore peace to the world. As for the specifics..."

He glanced at Zhong Xiao Kui beside him. "The Night Watchmen will send people to secretly protect you and make contact with you two. You two must be cautious in everything you do on this trip, prioritizing your own safety. Do not force anything, and do not take any risks."

He finally looked at Xu Huan, his tone softening slightly: "As for Zhang Zifan... I have said before, whether he stays or goes, whether he surrenders or fights, is up to him. I will not force him. Master Xu can tell him everything about Li Siyuan and the truth about his background. He will make his own judgment on the principles of human relations, right and wrong."

After Xiao Yan finished speaking, Zhang Xuanling and his wife felt that his vision was broad and his thinking was profound. He not only affirmed the role of the Celestial Master's Mansion, but also pointed out the direction. Furthermore, he interpreted the word "human nature" very thoroughly, rather than relying solely on power and trickery.

Therefore, Zhang Xuanling and Xu Huan bowed deeply once more, sincerely saying, "Your Highness's teachings are truly enlightening. My wife and I will obey Your Highness's command and will certainly not fail in your trust!"

Throughout the entire process, Chi Meng sat quietly beside Xiao Yan, her gaze shifting among the group.

Although she didn't fully understand the complex schemes and plans governing the world, she could hear the sincerity and weight in Xiao Yan's words, as well as the heartfelt gratitude and respect of Zhang Xuanling and his wife.

Looking at Xiao Yan's calm profile, she felt even more proud and honored. She knew that the person she liked at first sight was definitely the right one!

After the three people finished their conversation, Zhong Xiaokui led Zhang Xuanling and his wife to the side to rest and wait for further arrangements before setting off.

Lu Linxuan, who had been standing silently in the corner of the hall under Li Cunren's watchful eye, finally raised his head.

Her gaze swept over Chi Meng, who was whispering to Xiao Yan, her eyes filled with dependence and trust. A complex emotion flickered in her eyes, a mixture of envy and self-reflection, ultimately turning into bitterness. But when she lowered her head again and then looked up, her eyes were resolute. She suddenly stepped forward, bowed deeply to Xiao Yan, and said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, the sinful Lu Linxuan... may I... may I speak with you alone for a few minutes?"

A slight silence fell over the hall. Chi Meng looked at Lu Linxuan in surprise, then glanced up at Xiao Yan. Her lips moved slightly, but she said nothing, only a hint of confusion in her eyes. Li Cunren's gaze also sharpened immediately, though he subtly scrutinized Lu Linxuan.

Xiao Yan glanced at Lu Linxuan. Her face was pale, and her fingers were tightly gripping the hem of her clothes. She was extremely nervous but also desperate, as if she had something she had to say to Xiao Yan before leaving.

Therefore, he only hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly to Chi Meng, Li Cunren and the others: "You should take a break for a while."

Upon hearing this, Chi Meng immediately stood up obediently. As she passed by Lu Linxuan, she paused slightly, her gaze lingering on her face for a moment, a hint of pity appearing in her clear eyes.

After Xiao Yan's explanation last night, she learned the truth and helplessness of this woman, who was about her age, being separated from her senior brother. But in the end, she said nothing. As Li Cunren, Zhong Xiao Kui, and the servants left the pavilion, the door was gently closed.

In the spacious attic, only Xiao Yan and Lu Linxuan remained. The candlelight flickered, reflecting the pattering rain outside the window, creating a tense and oppressive atmosphere.

Lu Linxuan clutched the hem of his clothes, suddenly took a deep breath as if using all his strength, and then abruptly knelt down on the blue brick floor. When he raised his head, tears were already filling his eyes, and his voice choked as he said, "Ninth Brother...!"

Long ago, Xiao Yan had told Lu Linxuan that he could call him Ninth Brother, but only today did Lu Linxuan actually use the term "Ninth Brother" for the first time.

Xiao Yan simply looked at her calmly, without telling her to get up.

"Ninth Brother,"

Lu Linxuan's eyes were brimming with tears, and his voice trembled, "I know... I am the root cause of all this trouble. I was so ignorant, letting others manipulate me and causing such a terrible mistake. Therefore, I have no face to ask you for anything. Although I have been under house arrest in Bianliang for more than a year, I have heard and seen... the people of the Central Plains truly support you. When they talk about 'King Qin' and 'Crown Prince,' their eyes light up! The will of the people cannot be faked..."

She raised her hand and forcefully wiped away the tears on her cheeks, trying to make her voice clearer: "I know, Senior Brother... Li Xingyun is no match for you. No matter how Yuan Tiangang manipulates things, he can't win this battle, and neither can Jiangnan. I... I'm willing to do my best to persuade Senior Brother to give up resistance and surrender to the court... I dare not hope that you can still give him his freedom, I only beg... I only beg that you spare his life, considering that he is ultimately of Li Tang blood, and that he was once forced into this game by Yuan Tiangang and made to be manipulated by others, so that he can live out his remaining years, even if he is imprisoned for life..."

At this point, she was already sobbing uncontrollably, pressing her forehead heavily to the ground.

Xiao Yan silently gazed at her trembling shoulders and back. After a long while, he slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the city of Jiangling shrouded in rain. His back was as tall and straight as a mountain, yet it seemed to be tinged with the chill and heaviness of the autumn rain.

"Lin Xuan," he said, his voice calm yet exceptionally clear, cutting through the rain, "get up and speak."

Lu Linxuan remained lying on the ground without moving, but his shoulders trembled even more violently.

Xiao Yan did not turn around, but continued:
"The political situation in this world is not a game for children. It cannot be easily resolved with a simple 'willingness or unwillingness' or 'having no choice.' Even if Li Xingyun had a thousand unwillingnesses and ten thousand helpless feelings, from the moment he took up the Longquan sword, stepped onto the land of Yangzhou, and accepted the title of 'Regent,' he was no longer a pawn. He was a player, a banner formed by countless ambitions and desires. The position he inherited, the power he wielded, and the title he enjoyed meant that he could no longer remain uninvolved."

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the slender figure on the ground: "The power of the world, the hearts of the people—once you're drawn into its center, it's like rowing against the current. One step forward, and you might ascend to the throne; one step back, and you're plunged into an abyss. How many interests and lives are involved? How can he so easily extricate himself? And how could the princes of Jiangnan, Xu Wen, Zhang Hao, and their ilk allow him to let go so easily?"

"If everyone uses 'being unable to control their own destiny' as an excuse, they can find leniency and a way out..."

Xiao Yan chuckled, his voice still calm, but there was an inexplicable chill in his words, "In this chaotic world, with war raging year after year and bones covering the fields, who is not helpless? Who is not swept along by the torrent of fate? Those people in Jiangnan who are forced by the world to destroy their families and sell their children, who can they turn to for help?"

Lu Linxuan's body trembled violently. He raised his head, his face drained of color, and the last glimmer of hope in his eyes gradually faded, leaving only endless despair.

Xiao Yan did not give a clear answer as to how he would deal with Li Xingyun, but the implication in his words had already chilled Lu Linxuan to the bone.

Yes, the Jiangnan regime declared itself emperor and established its own dynasty, standing alongside the two dynasties in the Central Plains. If even its ruler could easily die a peaceful death, wouldn't everyone in the future follow suit? Wouldn't future emperors have to hesitate again and again because of this? When faced with this chaotic situation, with the deeds of our ancestors as examples, how should we make a decision?

But as she watched Xiao Yan's retreating figure, her teeth clenched, as if grasping at a last straw, or perhaps making a final, resolute decision, she suddenly stammered, "Ninth Brother. I... I'm willing to give everything for him! Anything... just spare my senior brother's life! I'm willing to be his slave for life, serving him faithfully! Or I'll spend my days with the ancient Buddha and the flickering lamp, chanting sutras day and night, praying for you and the Princess! I only beg you... I only beg you to give him a way out..."

Her pleading voice was so heartbreaking that it echoed in the empty hall, making everyone who heard it feel sad.

So Xiao Yan finally turned around completely, his gaze falling on her tear-streaked face, but his eyes were deep and still showed no joy or anger, only a kind of indifferent understanding: "Lu Linxuan, you are now kneeling and begging for your life for Li Xingyun, betting your entire future and even your innocence. Isn't this also a kind of 'being unable to control your own destiny'?"

He paused briefly, his voice lowering: "After this, no matter the outcome, do you think you can go back to the way things were before? Will you regret what you've asked for today, and the price you've paid, in the future?"

This question struck Lu Linxuan like a thunderbolt.

She stood frozen, her pupils dilated, staring at Xiao Yan, her lips trembling, unable to utter a single word. If Xiao Yan had truly chosen the second path today, what would the future hold? She had never considered it, nor dared to.

Therefore, all of Lu Linxuan's courage and determination seemed to have been completely drained at this moment, leaving only a blank and helpless void.

Xiao Yan withdrew his gaze, no longer looking at her, and turned towards the door, saying in a deep voice, "Someone come here."

Li Cunren and Zhong Xiaokui pushed the door open and entered, clearly having been waiting outside all along.

"Take her down. She will depart with Master Zhang and his wife later," Xiao Yan instructed, his tone now as calm as ever.

Li Cunren stepped forward and helped the distraught Lu Linxuan, who could barely stand, to her feet, and was about to leave. But as Lu Linxuan reached the door, she suddenly turned back. She bit her lip, which was even slightly bleeding, and struggled to give Xiao Yan a deep bow.

"Ninth Brother... I will definitely persuade my senior brother to be like you, living up to the expectations of the world..."

Xiao Yan stood by the window with his hands behind his back, simply watching the drizzle fall over the city, without turning around or replying.

Zhong Xiao Kui paused for a moment, but simply stayed in the hall, waiting for further instructions.

A moment later, after Lu Linxuan was taken away, Xiao Yan pondered for a moment and said, "Send an order to Yu Zhong that the defense of Jiangling needs to be strengthened and the movements on the south bank need to be closely monitored. Order Li Cunli that the investigation of official corruption needs to be accelerated. Anyone who takes the opportunity to exploit the people of Beitou or who is outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant should be severely punished without exception, regardless of their official rank, in accordance with the previous order."

"Yes, ma'am!" Zhong Xiaokui clasped her hands in acceptance and quickly left.

Silence returned to the attic. Xiao Yan remained standing by the window; the rain seemed to have lessened somewhat, but the sky remained gloomy. Each autumn rain brings a chill, and with this rain, the remaining days of the year seemed to carry an even more biting cold.

Should we not fail the world?
Xiao Yan smiled. The chill was deep, but after so many years of autumn rain, why should he fear this autumn?
So he turned around, took Chi Meng and left the pavilion, entering the main hall.

After finishing the complicated official business, it was almost noon. Xiao Yan rubbed his temples, turned his head to look at Chi Meng, who had been quietly standing by his side, pretending to hold a book, occasionally stealing glances at him but not daring to disturb him, and smiled as he reached out his hand to her: "Come here."

Chi Meng immediately walked over quickly and placed her slightly cool hand into his warm palm.

"Are you hungry?" Xiao Yan's tone softened. "I'll take you to try the fish from Jiangling."

Chi Meng nodded vigorously, a smile returning to her face, dispelling the gloom she felt when she saw Lu Linxuan's disheveled state in Jiangnan: "Mmm! I'm hungry!"

Xiao Yan held her hand tightly and led her outside.

After settling matters in Jiangling, he will take her back to Bianjing, where a wider world awaits, a heavier crown is bestowed, and more people await his protection.

As for the struggles and choices amidst the misty rain of Jiangnan, how can they compare to a single dish of perch sashimi at this moment?

(End of this chapter)