A Good Family
It was by late afternoon close to sunset, that they woke up.
Feng Shen allowed everyone an off day as long as they make it in time for everyone's meals since New Year's Day is also sleeplessness day due to celebrations.
Waking up early to pay taxes got the couple waking up so late.
They agreed to be lazy all day today and Wu Chong woke up.
'My my my, a whole day in bed with you would most be naughty.' Wu Chong cuddled with her. Today and the next two days is his schedule, but their body was so worn out he didn't bother coming out.
'Yeah, the party wore us out along with ahem, 'pay taxes or else' rule I feel like a limp noodle.' Lingyue groaned out. 'I just wanna be lazy all day before back to jobs tomorrow.'
'What do you think your stunt last night will do?'
'Well, his majesty hopes for equality to evenly balance out the powers in court as things are extremely disproportionate, so he ordered the wine from me. From politics down to even the domestic treatment in home as the situations of children from Side Concubines never change. Most resources go to talented trueborns and concubines and leave nearly nothing for others. It doesn't help that wife rivalries tend to get real bitchy, passive-aggressive and sweet-talking their husbands for hoarding purposes. Yet the King saw neglected, but promising talents that never gets the chance to bloom. So he asked my help.'
'I see...'
'Well, not even the wives can do anything now, now that every child in less-economic families all reached Upper Celestial Status. Now the rest, is all up here if they'll excel...or not.' Lingyue tapped her own head. 'Just in time to prepare for the Royal Daxia Competition too.'
'Yes but hardly anyone is interested in it any more.' Wu Chong pointed out when they felt a familiar flare. 'Hmm?'
'Ah...they did it.' Lingyue purred in his chest. 'Sister Lan and General Lan are undergoing Dual Tribulation.'
'Dual Tribulation?'
'It's a rare phenomena when two peak Dan masters who are physically close broke through at the same time.' Lingyue told him. 'They end up sharing the same pillar, but either the same or different trials. Once they succeed, its not one, but two level jumps occur in just one go...and I gave them a red pill.' Wu Chong's eyes widened at this.
Such a thing was possible?
How did his darling wife know of such a possibility?
'So much for balancing power.' Wu Chong snorted. His wife is so devious.
'Well, I'm all for fair chances for equal merits myself. All the good things in life aren't noble exclusive only otherwise there be uprisings by now. Only the Royal Family is preventing that from happening. However, things gets too much. Many brilliant minds hoped to become Officials to change lives but sadly, nobles holds an iron grip that makes changes impossible. As a result, these brilliant minds chose their masters...countries with benevolent rulers who care about their people. Masters worth serving. End result, neighboring countries got prosperous and powerful. Vassals wants a master who would CARE after all...and dedicate their talents to that care they hope to receive.'
'When corruption and incompetence got too much, certain people realized the truth too late, giving birth to the Civilian Faction under a then-young Marquis Wu, and alerted the current King and Crown Prince of the time of the crisis in government...leading to our situation now. A balance. But with Reincarnation Masters monopolized by Hong Family and there's only one Marquis Wu, that balance is gone that General Lan being a one-element is of little help when Hong Fang's a two. So steps must be done. A third element master in General Lan, two-element masters in myself and Sister Lan and a fourth element in mother...and my uncles and grandfather achieved all over the place to hide where we live. But Daxia's problems isn't theirs now. My family's sole concern, will be themselves. They have no obligation to fight in wars unless drafted with no choice.'
'Because socializing attempts to recover from severe damages failed...the Hongs will plan a rebellion with their cohorts.' said Lingyue. 'But I am several steps ahead.' her eyes glinted. 'And it'll be thanks to Marquis Wu whom I fortified for months. And he's honing his improved body as we speak.'
xxx
Marquis Wu looked at himself in the mirror.
Princess Lan's friend is a little TOO hyperaware of what's going on because on her end, its PERSONAL. It began with the hospital...and figured what must be done.
Princess Lan obtained from Lingyue her superior Monkey Wine that grants one the enviable strength of Metal Arm Apes after a hundred days' straight of drinking only that wine. Then a number of pills that strengthens bones, nerves, cleanses the blood...and as of the day before New Year's, received pills from her to restore his youth as Hong Qingyun keeps his body at its prime state of physical thirty years old despite them being the same age. His only peeve was that Qingyun is richer than he is to afford such youth. But thanks to Lingyue, he's getting it for free as long as he helps her take the Hongs down and while they're at it, clean up the court as she supports her student who was more on fair and righteous side.
Now, it's his turn to regain his youth back.
He had to take 'muscle restoration pills' to restore his muscles to its prime when he was ahem, twenty years younger, and two types of youth-restoring pills. However, the pills need a particular supplement to work, a recipe that he got from her which he must eat by the bulk till 'he gets sick of it' every meals. His youth-restoring tonics have a month's worth!
Then back to good old physical re-conditioning while drinking the wine. By the time it's the Royal Competition, he regains his peak muscularity back, and the strength of metal-arm apes.
But why did she put importance in the Royal Competition? That he must make it in time?
For now, he will recondition himself and cultivate till he breaks through. There must be something going on here that she cannot speak of lest wrong ears find out.
But hey...Red Pills. She surpassed her seniors she should already be a Senior Alchemist. But alas, General Lan would say she values her anonymity and privacy. And being a commoner, she can only do Pharmacy, a focus on pill-making. Her money mostly goes to that orphanage the royal family now supports. Refining weapons is beyond her.
Can't blame the lass.
But now that she's engaged to Feng Shen, she can surely afford to refine weapons now, can she not?
He'll also have to smoothen things over, as his student is now a two-element master and his daughter, a one-element.
Now they are dead-even with the Noble Faction's forces...or so everyone believes.
The Civilian has the upper-hand now.
He has Lingyue's support and a talented alchemist's backing is invaluable. Then there's her mother. Not that he'll let anyone know...
(He doesn't know how far the Lans went)
xxx
Alchemist Association...
After Lingyue sold many blue pills, she made an appointment with old Longyue.
She wanted a witness other than her husband.
'So you feel it's time for you to move up the ranks.' Longyue noted.
'Yes.' said Lingyue. 'Because my True Cauldron is starting to form.' Longyue gaped at her and Wu Chong looked at her in pride.
Only Senior-Class Alchemists can form a True Cauldron. It represents them and reflects their strength in Spirit Force, and they can merge with it to deflect back attacks on their person.
She's that strong already?!
Lingyue effortlessly lifted all cauldrons in the room without breaking a sweat.
'Well, I'll be!' Longyue beamed. 'Too bad you'll be Beiqing's pride soon, not of Daxia. Gossip spreads quickly, you know.'
She is now a Senior er...Pharmacist. She's insistent on that terminology. She was more of a doctor than an actual Alchemist anyway!
xxx
'Well, given my nature I'll leave being an Alchemist to you Wu Chong.' said Lingyue as they walked home together. 'You created your Heaven-Class Sword Tianzhu back at Tai Yi school with hardly any effort.'
'Well, you know you can be one with our backing.' Wu Chong pointed out. Alchemy is NOT a profession for the poor. You have to be stinking rich as starting capital before you start rolling in the taels. Both he and Feng Shen are independently rich.
'Oi oi, I'm not like most wives relying on husbands as wallet.' Lingyue pouted. 'And as much as I love you both, we got two years and two months to go before we marry due to your term here when normally, martialist girls marry at 13!'
'I get you.' Wu Chong snorted. She will not rely on them until AFTER they marry. 'But, you're not mentally-and-emotionally-ready to marry us yet.'
'Well, I deem it safe to marry if all my enemies are dead.' said Lingyue flatly. 'I cannot carry our child knowing someone's after my head and grieve that our child won't live past growing in my stomach because I prioritized family building before all loose ends are dealt with. If I was born with no Karmic Fate we'd be married ages ago by your uncle and I'd be a month pregnant by now.'
With that kinda logic, you really can't argue, he thought.
'True. You want to deal with them yourself with your mother.' Wu Chong commented. If not for her...issues, they'd be married on the spot. To make up for a late marriage, she was very fair with them and dotes on them...and somehow, they awakened a frisky spirit in this...former clueless girl who's clueless about romance. And she who usually takes care of others, grew to want to get doted on in turn.
Feng Shen and Wu Chong would gladly give her money, and other things most girls would normally care for, but she said,
'Nah, I like the way we are just fine.' she preferred company and cuddles more than materialism or if the boys are feeling frisky, gladly bare herself. She was like she was starved for positive attention and WHY when she has a good relationship with her mother? 'Sometimes, simple is the best.'
He once asked Huangyu why she was so!
'Its because of my coming back home in shame thirteen years ago after I was discarded.' said Huangyu. 'We have each other but it was still a very lonely life. No friends and no significant other to say they love you...that was our life while she grew...it was only recently I earned my father's forgiveness but things are still awkward. Friends. Lover. Those two things are new to her and she wanted positive attention.' she would tell them in sorrow.
Welp, now they know.
Indeed, it's bad to leave loose ends. She's working on getting stronger with her mother for revenge as they were the ones wronged first. Lingyue couldn't find peace, as long as the Hongs are alive.
Then her smile, was dark.
'Oh yeah, I told you guys about the Star Cave in the past...right?'
'Yeah, you had a way of bypassing its barriers and raided everything of use. Why?'
'Fufufu...a lot of people will go and die there...for nothing. Only the smartest ones will live, the stupid will die. Hope you're not too fond of a princess from your country.' Lingyue smirked. 'I also changed the trap configuration only mother and I know of. They can go in but...good luck coming back out...' her eyes glowed orange. 'I'll sit back and enjoy the show, and the look on old Qingyun's face, when littlest sister comes home from a failed mission. Wouldn't that be amusing~?'
'I like how you think. Wait, which princess?'
'A Princess Qingbi and a Xue Pianran...who thinks if they bring home what I have long ago, they can win your uncle over into terminating our engagement and she gets to have you instead.' she felt two darkened emotions from her husbands for that and they weren't happy. 'What are you, property?'
'Qingbi and the sacred maiden did what, he said.' Wu Chong chuckled, feeling Feng Shen's utter displeasure. 'Who'd want to be hooked to a brat anyway?' out of all noblemen in Beiqing, Feng Shen was the richest, and the best-looking one despite being weakest, being no use in politics nor martial ability. Any girl would want to marry up, and Princesses are no different. When princesses are of age to marry, they marry the highest-ranking noblemen...or the richest.
It was a week later that Hong Mingyue and Hong Yulang came home with a senpai from her sect, nearly dying. They lost Hong Yuying.
She revealed that the Star Cave was emptied beforehand, most likely last year as everything was gone, even the famed Spatial-Piercing Bow. They got in inside with no traps...but it was when they were leaving when they all activated! It was a dangerous fight for one's life!
Huangyu listened to her daughter talk. She has a really uncanny way of having accurate information.
Lingyue was happy that her not-really-rivals paid dearly for trying to get Feng Shen who chose her. She was annoyed that they see him as a prize in exchange for bringing back to the Emperor treasures from Star Cave, making her real glad she increased the fatality of the traps there and was annoyed with Emperor for even agreeing to it. Feng Shen was just-as-annoyed with this backdoor deal, but he can't confront his uncle without revealing HOW he got said information! He was glad both died.
Then there's the Hong Clan.
Hong Yuying died while her twin Yulang and younger sister Mingyue barely survived. Yulang then fell ill from his injuries. Lingyue suspected infection as only possible reason.
Hong Yuying's funeral was finished hastily. Hong Mansion made a cenotaph for her, and Zhu Geyi as well as Luo Song temporary healed their wounds in Hong Mansion.
Hong Qingyun did not pay too much attention to the death of Hong Yuying, and he didn't care much about it.
Among the grandchildren of Hong Yuying's generation, Hong Yuying had not been liked by Hong Qingyun all the time. She was spoiled and had only modest gifts.
In comparison, Hong Qingyun had a higher opinion of Hong Yulang and Hong Mingyue. Hong Yulang was favored for he was a man, in the future he could inherit the family business of Hong Mansion, blooming the Hong Mansion.
Hong Mingyue was Hong Qingyun's favorite granddaughter. In his opinion, whether Hong Mansion was able to really rise depended on Hong Mingyue's future achievements.
In the past ten years, Hong Qingyun had been thinking so, until the disgrace 4th Prince brought the clan and Hong Fang's careless indulging ruined the boy and his grandson now has an unfortunate reputation. Yulang was NOT gay nor was he 4th Prince's catamite, but they had no way of proving it. Yulang however, had many crimes under his name all at the age of thirteen to support 4th Prince and that apparently included kidnapping little boys for the prince to play with and even old Qingyun shuddered. Well, the Hong House DID tell him to 'gain his favor by all means necessary'...as Yulang put it.
Mingyue's failure...as well as everyone else's were because someone got ahead of them all.
Namely, the Ye mother and daughter, but they don't know that.
'Is that so? What will happen next?' Huangyu asked her daughter.
'There will be a meeting tonight.' said Lingyue. 'I uh, conveniently mailed Sky Armor Sect where Zhu Geyi is as the bastard betrayed the Sect and explained all in good detail, so they'll be here soon to cause trouble for the Hongs. This will cause the Hongs to lose support from Sky Armor Sect.'
Huangyu's eyes darkened.
Zhu Geyi and Zhu Gerou's support was essential for the establishment and fast-rising of Hong Fang in Hong Manor when he was still young. He hastily married her for power and both allowed mistreatment of, and discarded Huangyu who loved him. Serves him right!
'Sooo any progress between you and General Nie? I'm not home at night with good reason.' Lingyue teased her mother who choked.
'W-well, he's been sending me letters.' Huangyu stammered out, red-faced and awkward.
'...still on a love-letter phase? It's been like, four months since Black Valley.' Feng Shen was baffled at why the slow progress when the two gets along so well.
'...I'm still a recovering widower healing from betrayal and Nie Feng is...awkward in his own unique way.' said Huangyu bashfully. 'I guess you can say he's a dummy, unlike my smarter son-in-law.' but she smiled, earning her some impish smiles. 'Lingyue, what do you feel?'
'...he's been on the battlefield for so long.' said Lingyue. 'He's more into practical than ornamental. Most young ladies are useless, worse than toddlers without servants and brats when they don't get their way, he wouldn't look at them, much to his father's dismay. But mother definitely knows how to live the life he lives. So instead of a lonely man in the battlefield while wondering if his wife is having an affair behind his back like some of his colleagues had misfortune with, he feels confident with you. Did you impress him while out in the wild?'
Huangyu most definitely knows how to survive the wilderness the hard way, until Lingyue taught her easier methods to do it. She spent days with the men, knowing great camping skills and cooking skills that made eating beasts bearable...and knows how to sew neatly but efficiently.
The look on her face says it all.
'I see.'
'Well...given how...awkward things are, you two may as well be able to work things out.' Feng Shen encouraged his new mother. 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained.'
'But at any rate mother, keep practicing our orphanage cookbook.' Lingyue smiled. 'And I'll teach you how to refine the condiments. Cooking wins a man's heart any day.'
'Lingyue!'
xxx
That night...in the parlor room, Huangyu and Feng Shen sat around Lingyue whose eyes were poker-fire glowing as she gleans intel through ki in the air.
She began describing the meeting.
Hong Qingyun and Hong Fang, the father and the daughter, sat in the meeting room. Together with them were the male members of Hong Mansion, in which the older brothers, Mu and Shizi was also included. Hong Mingyue was the only woman present. She still wore white mourning clothes with a white flower in her hair, making her look elegant and beautiful.
'My third son, what are you going to do with your father-in-law?' Hong Qingyun withdrew his thoughts and questioned Hong Fang.
When Hong Mingyue brought Zhu Geyi back, Hong Qingyun was a little shocked. The rouge elder cultivator of Sky Armor Sect who had had a good opinion of himself all the time, proposed to live in Hong Manor for a long time this time.
In inquiring, Hong Qingyun learned that it was widely said in the outside world that, Zhu Geyi betrayed the Sky Armor Sect, and now, the people of Sky Armor Sect were looking for the whereabouts of Zhu Geyi.
Hong Fang showed a scowl.
The old father-in-law of his, though looking considerate at ordinary times, how could he be so dense this time?
Even in dealing such a simple thing as killing people to silence, he did not do it well.
'Father, after all, he's Rou's father. Since he's hurt, it's not the time to hand him over at the moment.' Zhu Geyi and Zhu Gerou's support was essential for the establishment and fast-rising of Hong Fang in Hong Manor when he was still young. Hong Fang's reputation in Daxia was bad enough now. He could not bear another bad reputation for being ungrateful.
'Leave him here? Do you want to wait for the people from Sky Armor Sect to come? Don't you think that the affairs in the manor have been so disorderly?' Hong Shizi took the opportunity to throw a stone down a well.
'How dare any of you send my father away!' All of a sudden, the door of the meeting hall was pushed open. Zhu Gerou's face turned red because of anger as she rushed in.
For the death of her own daughter Hong Yuying, Zhuge Rou had been taking it to her own heart. In the past, when Hong Manor had important things to discuss, Zhu Gerou would always be present. Tonight she was not invited to attend the meeting though something was to be discussed, Zhu Gerou had an inkling of what was going on in her heart and it turns out she was right!
'How did you come to rely on my father and I at the beginning? Now my father is in trouble at the moment, you would just hit him when he is down. Hong Fang, you say, do you treat me fairly?' Zhu Gerou became unrelenting.
Hong Fang was upset. He looked up at Zhu Gerou.
Zhu Gerou looked gaunt. Her eyes were still moist and swollen because of the funeral in the daytime, and her face was no longer glammed in delicate makeup as usual. Zhu Gerou at this time looked just like a shrew who shouted abuses in the street. Having a look at Zhu Gerou in front of him who was like a crazy woman, Hong Fang seemed disappointed in his eyes.
For the first time in years, a heart as stiff as a stone, began to feel suffering in some way.
What had he lost and what had he gained after all?
'Hong Fang, say something anyhow!' Zhu Gerou became angrier seeing Hong Fang was indifferent.
'Mother, don't embarrass my father. We are just discussing the matter of grandpa. Neither my father nor I will give up my grandpa. Hong Manor definitely is not an ungrateful one. Don't forget that grandpa is an Eight Cauldron Alchemist.' Hong Mingyue grabbed her mother and comforted her.
The words of the Hong Mingyue fell in the ears of Hong Qingyun and Hong Fang. The father and son became clear in their heart.
That was right! Though Zhu Geyi lost the identity of rouge elder cultivator of Sky Armor Sect, he was still an Eight Cauldron Alchemist, a very good alchemist good at refining.
He was still useful to Hong Manor.
'Rou, I know you are so grieved about Yuying's death as to disturb your temperament. How can I give up my father-in-law? He is your kinsfolk, also he is mine. Just during this period, in capital of Xia, the heat is on. Especially after the sixth prince was established as crown prince, he has been suppressing Hong Manor. At this time, if we provoke Sky Armor Sect again, we will only be defeated at both front and back. My father and I have already discussed about it, and we intend to send my father-in-law to the villa house at the park in the southwest of Hong Manor. When his injury got recovered, and the trend of event of Sky Armor Sect was gone, we would invite him to come back, and then he may join in Hong Manor with the identity of a guest in Hong Manor.'
Hong Fang and Zhu Gerou had been husband and wife for so many years. Even if now he had had a sense of boredom, he was still gentle on the surface.
After hearing this, Zhu Gerou felt relieved at once.
When her father deviated from Sky Armor Sect, she lost her backer. Seeing his tone now, Zhu Gerou felt a little relieved anyway.
'I knew you wouldn't be so unkind, my Lord.' Zhuge Rou restored to be normal, and she sat aside being held by Hong Fang.
Hong Qingyun saw all this in his eyes and he disliked this daughter-in-law much more in his heart. Just having a look at the granddaughter Hong Mingyue by his side, his clouded complexion turned a little better in some way.
Hong Qingyun cleared his throat, letting the mass go down first, leaving Hong Mingyue alone beside.
He also saw that Hong Mingyue had been dispirited since she came back from North Qing.
This granddaughter of his was clever and gifted since she was young. Hong Qingyun had never seen her like this before.
'Mingyue, the Valley owner Childe Luo came to find me yesterday. He wanted to propose marriage to Hong Manor.'
As Hong Fang thought, the present Hong Manor, though looked the same as before, enjoying an established position, but in essence, it had been on the wane.
In particular, Xia Houqi became the crown prince, and the health of Emperor of Xia went from bad to worse and they'll keep it that way. No one knew when Xia Houqi would succeed to the throne so they'll try with a new prince this time.
However!
Xia Houqi also had a low opinion of Hong Manor. The first thing he did after he was enthroned Crown Prince, was to deal with Hong Manor.
Therefore, before Xia Houqi turned strong enough, Hong Manor must make plans as soon as possible.
In Hong Qingyun's eyes, a haze flashed away.
'Grandpa, Mingyue is still young, I don't want to get married so early.' Hong Mingyue felt a shock in her heart. Although she had had psychological preparation much earlier, Hong Mingyue did not expect that Luo Song's motion was so fast that he directly proposed to grandpa unexpectedly.
After coming back from the Star Cave, Hong Mingyue hated Luo Song even more. Not to mention marrying him, it was very uncomfortable to meet him.
'Mingyue, you have always been a clever child. Grandpa asks you, and you tell me the truth, have you got someone you like?' Hong Qingyun sighed.
How was it possible that he couldn't see that Hong Mingyue did not like Luo Song at all.
The man Luo Song, except for his impressive identity and background, had no merit at all. What exactly, did he accomplish in life compared to Mingyue? She's just turned thirteen yet had a lot of merits under her belt and he's twenty, with nothing to his name!
His own granddaughter was the best of the best. She could have deserved a better man.
'Grandpa, I...' Hong Mingyue clenched her teeth. For a moment, she did not know what to say. 'I'll think about it, after I win the annual competition.' Hong Qingyun made no objection to his granddaughter's request. In his view, with her current strengths, Mingyue's victory to take the first place in the imperial competition was as cut and dried as it seemed. There is still time, before a correct decision is made.
'What a good family they are.' Feng Shen was shocked. 'They are just as Lingyue described to me!'
'They will sell Mingyue to Three-Life Valley sect now that they lost the backing of the Sky Armor Sect.' said Huangyu, just as disturbed. Mingyue clearly has no choice and bought herself little time. But in the end, she will say yes as what can a single family do, against a whole sect should they find out they're harboring the traitor?
'Well, aren't we glad Hong Fang threw us out thirteen years ago?' Lingyue snorted snarkily. 'If he kept us, I'd be the one sacrificed while keeping Mingyue in reserve for a bigger prize to sell her off to. In noble family marriages, its always business and interests. Love was never a part of the equation nor the assurance that the husband will treat their daughter right.'
Huangyu paused at Lingyue's words and began thinking deeply of the horrifying implications.
'When you put it that way, we are better off indeed.' Huangyu agreed. It's now Zhu Gerou's turn to start losing, she thought. Have Granny Zhang throw her baby to the floor? She lost Yuying to Lingyue's deadly traps in the cave. And she's now seeing how business-oriented with heartlessness the Hongs are, now that her father did a very stupid thing that to shield themselves, they will sell Mingyue to a twenty-year old man to gain the backing of Three-Life Valley Sect! And should the worst happen, betrayal, is inevitable.
If the Sky Armor Sect finds out, they will surely ask for father and daughter's heads.
The Hongs will not hesitate to save their own skins.
'Karma is coming at long last.' Huangyu looked up to the heavens. 'I just hope that should I choose Nie Feng, his family will treat me well. I endured so much abuse at Hong Manor when Qingyun acknowledged Hong Fang as his son and made him discard me for Zhu Gerou until I gave birth to you. Its a miracle I didn't miscarry you for nine months since she and I fell pregnant at the same time.'
The youths before her fell silent, with dark looks on their faces.
xxx
The Emperor fell ill from the bad weather. He's only 40 but he got it real bad, that even Lingyue was summoned to the palace when many people failed, again. Before, his 'cold sicknesses' were treatable by others but now, not even they know what to do.
'Well?' were the hopeful looks on the royal family's faces. The Emperor is very ill in bed.
'...I'll have to take out my toughest pills.' Lingyue said. 'His majesty not only overworked himself again, his office is understandably cold as you can't have any form of heating near documents and files. The cold chills got to him especially as he sits for several hours. I can do something, but I'll need cooperation from the maids after I treat his majesty.' she said. 'I will write down what needs to be done every two hours until winter and spring ends.'
Lingyue refined a lot of yellow-grade pills for the Emperor, making everyone amazed that she is of this level all at just thirteen. Several jars of different medicines...and all of them must be taken daily. Three in the morning, three after lunch and four after dinner.
'Well, about two more months to go of this before spring comes.' said Lingyue. 'Let's hang on a little bit while longer.'
'Teacher, can I learn those medicines?' Houqi asked Lingyue hopefully. 'Your alchemy lessons may as well shifted to Medical Lessons at this point.'
'It's still alchemy.' Lingyue playfully flicked the tip of the young man's nose, making him squawk and sputter while rubbing his nose. 'Refining herbs as pills...even if its Pharmacy, the act of refining still classifies it as Alchemy. And medical skills are first thing Alchemists learn as when doctors are done with patient consultation or if they fail, they run to us alchemists to treat them. Refining magical items and tools are learned a bit later in life, as life itself, comes first through pills.'
'Oh...'
'Oh yes, I do hope you're still cracking the books I gave you because you have an exam in two weeks, same schedule as any Martial Hall Student...'
'I still do, teacher.' Houqi reassured her. He can never have her, but the last thing he wanted is disappointing her. Lingyue looked approving.
'That's good to know. You'll be ready by then.' Lingyue smiled, giving Houqi a scroll titled 'Homework'. 'And you're about to break through soon...correct?' her eyes glinted.
Houqi gulped.
He's in Big Dan peak now. Any day, his tribulation will come.
'When you hit your full peak, I will send mother your way.' said Lingyue. 'She will guide you since I can't leave the Orphanage for too long. Remember, you need a strong heart and a strong will to survive the tribulations.' she told him. 'Those with weak hearts are killed by the heavens, deemed undeserving...and the trial lasts six shichen.' she patted his shoulder.
'H-how would you know that?' Queen Yunxiu asked Lingyue with a shudder at what's coming for her only son. And right now, she has quite, the big belly. She followed Lingyue's diet so she remained healthy and energetic with no pregnancy symptoms that would keep any pregnant lady from eating well.
'Well...several months back at Glass City's Smelting Competition Day last year, we counted the hours while General Lan got the Fire Trial...we couldn't even look at barbecue for weeks.' The royal family and eunuchs choked. What a mental image to have, they thought.
She can't let this current Emperor retire. Houqi is still not yet ready, Lingyue thought. Lessons aside, he can perform well only if his father is looking at this point. He still relies on gaining approval for every action he has. He is still...not yet independent. Still fragile.
So by healing the Emperor until she marries, she will buy him more time.
xxx
Two months later...
It's now spring...and Lingyue is now fourteen.
And still using her cosmetic pills. Now that she can make red pills, her appearance got more feminine than ever in terms of looks. The children under her care are understandably, even more affected now that she began using red pills being young, except for those who already hit puberty but will grow into beauty come adulthood as long as they keep taking it.
And soon, it's time for the annual competition.
'Shen, Chong, I gotta go.' she told the shared body of her husbands. 'I got called to be among the doctors present. Today's a big day.'
'Yeah. That.' Feng Shen wasn't too happy due to trouble brewing afoot. 'Even if today's my schedule, I'll have him take over. I can't reveal I'm a martialist...yet.'
Until the day they marry, Feng Shen will hide what he's capable of to prevent political claws from getting to him just so he can only have one wife. He was glad two women are out of his way.
Today was to be spectacular.
The National Competition was usually, held for youths in Daxia Country under 20. Its usually students who enter it.
The Contest, featuring as the biggest competition in Daxia, was also the only one held by the Daxia Palace where the winner could win the competition rewarded by the Xia Emperor. The final winners could make a name for themselves in Daxia, and the top three could enter the royal court directly.
Therefore, for those martial artists who came from poor families or ordinary family background, the Contest was an excellent opportunity.
But this year, Xia Houqi made a proposal to make this a bit more...interesting.
'Why not invite everyone from all walks of life, as long as they are Upper Celestials or Dan Experts?' This will also cause a huge economical kick upstairs with all the funds pouring in and the funds can then be allocated to important constructions or other things the country needs.
For that, a huge reward is needed...and its a Red Reincarnation Pill. There's only one, for the winner of the competition.
The whole court went in an uproar at the sight of the pill, and how the hell Xia Houqi got ahold of one...and it was guarded by a disguised Ye Huangyu wearing a mask and cloak when he showed the prize to court.
A red pill is enough, to attract all who wants to come.
So for this day, a lot of people came as intended. For that, the entire hospitality industry cleaned up big time and renovated as to not lose face.
xxx
Xia Houqi has been very busy indeed.
Lingyue intercepts many attacks on his father by making him ill by choice right after she cured his father from a bad condition caused by stress and winter chills. There were many poison attempts, and the agents disguised as maids and eunuchs who were interrogated were killed after.
The royal family isn't too happy with what they put up with.
'They know I'm not ready yet to be Emperor so they're forcing father to retire by force so I can 'be advised'!' he fumed. 'I'm not and never will be, a spoiled puppet like Houhong!'
'Then you must show you are not a pushover my son.' said the Emperor from his bed, just as unhappy. 'These poisons will never stop coming for me. You will have to take over governmental affairs, and act as you see fit.'
Houqi did just that.
The Prince had taken advantage of this opportunity to suppress several ministers attached to the Hong Manor. Hong Fang's political views also got reprimanded by him. Hong Fang had been a prince teacher for several years. Even Xia Houhong had never dared to talk to him like this. Now Hong Fang gotten lambasted in front of so many civil and military officials. How could he swallow this rage and grievance?
Hong Fang had always been very sure about his daughter's strength, but this time, Xia Houqi did not hide his intention to reward the winners the Reincarnation pill, and the Top Five after the champion, will win Royal Court positions...but with many stipulations obviously, when he sent letters far and wide. Obviously, he just did not want Hong Mingyue to win the first place.
Now a huge number of disciples from different sects had entered the capital to compete for the pill. Hong Mingyue's chances of winning become dim. She must win to obtain that pill for Qingyun.
And at the venue where there was a large tent for the injured, was Princess Ling Yue. The girl that...looks like her in some way. Wearing her usual baggy thing...only this time, a proud emblem on her chest and wearing her phoenix ring. Now a Senior Alchemist. All at thirteen or fourteen! She was more powerful than his father-in-law now, it was a shame she cannot be swayed as she is now Feng Shen's fiancee and directly under Master Longyue's authority before then and offending Longyue is out of the question.
Shaking his head, he'll focus on Mingyue for now. Yulang made it in time after healing from Star Cave Expedition, knowing he would lose to his sister but he dare not lose to anyone else beforehand. He wanted to prove he's not gay nor anyone's catamite, in his own angry words in breakfast earlier. Nobody let him live it down and what care he had for his former friend turned into bitterness.
'Mingyue your reputation is still good.' Yulang said to his sister. 'The Sect thankfully knows you're not involved with what we get into. They can at least defend you.'
His few words of concern were easily translatable to the family.
They're all ruined no thanks to 4th Prince, except for her, so she should get away while she still can. They're unhappy with what he implied, but he worried for his remaining sister who indeed, has a clean reputation.
'Have you considered the offer?' Hong Qingyun took advantage of his grandson's words to spin it his way. Really, Luo Song was worthless compared to Mingyue, but they were left with no choice now. The Sky Armor Sect is coming closer. They need to ally with Three-Life Valley Sect and should the time be right, give up Zhu Geyi and Gerou if they wanted their heads.
For Mingyue, she really hated her situation. A Hong Daughter has a fixed destiny the second she is born. They are groomed to be politically-useful housewives that will benefit the Hong Family. In the end, for all her accomplishments, such is her destiny when she wanted to soar high as she deserved for all her hard work.
'Yes. I will marry Luo Song if he reaches Reincarnation Realm.' said Mingyue. 'I will give him two years...or no deal. A husband weaker than wife with nothing to say. Laughable.' she sneered in contempt.
She set an impossible condition hence.
She got a mysterious letter from someone unknown...who understood her situation and made it known to her what she missed. What she should have had as she deserved, but alas, her upbringing and conditioned manipulation growing up made her blind to what she was being made to do with Yuying all their lives.
The life she could have lived if she wasn't born a Hong.
A life all children deserved before they reach adulthood.
...she didn't have any of that.
Love? What's that?
It was then everything dawned on her, as she burned the letter afterward.
Anger grew, as it finally dawned on her, what the letter meant.
How she grew up, she obeyed all her life, yet gain nothing in turn.
Family? More like a conditioned upbringing in an organization!
How is that fair?!
"I am no one's tool!" Hong Mingyue fumed in anger. She deserved to reach her ambitions and be who and what she wanted to be! And marry a good man, not a political arrangement!
She knows not what love is, but the letter she had said its a wonderful thing to have. That she can imagine a lifetime of warmth and happiness if she met a man who genuinely cares for her without a catch. And parents should have been to children.
On the last words of the letter, Mingyue felt she deserved to get the hell out of here.
"A cloud nobody can bind...huh," she swore. "Very well! I'll do what I want this time. I've been obedient all my life with nothing to gain in turn!"
Perhaps she should consider her brother's words as well as that of this...anonymous. At least he cares for her yet unlike her, he can never get away, he was ruined by obeying the family's orders...so he wanted her to get away while she can before she too, was ruined. Her family on the other hand, wants her to get married as soon as possible to gain the power of Three-Life Valley Sect!
Very well!
She made her decision.
xxx
When Mingyue made that decision in her heart...
Her eldest sister, Lingyue smiled while triple-checking her tent if nothing is amiss.
With Mingyue out of the way for later, the Hong Rebellion will fail. Old Qingyun can no longer wait.
