By midday, the carriage of Duan Wang set off for the border.
The grand procession made its way toward Nanruo’s only city gate, drawing the attention of countless citizens who gathered to bid him farewell.
In the current era, Ning Country dominated all others. Emperor Xiao Yun was a master of military strategy, skilled in ambushes and sieges. Even before ascending the throne, he was undefeated in battle, striking terror into defenders. At eighteen, he took the throne and personally led campaigns, capturing city after city. In just a few years, he had unified the Central Plains, and his unstoppable expansion left neighboring nations in constant fear.
For the militarily weak Nanruo to have enjoyed a brief period of peace, beyond its advantageous terrain, it relied entirely on three people.
First was the reigning emperor, who ruled wisely and prioritized the people’s well-being.
Second was General Huo, who guarded the border and defended the nation.
And third—at only eighteen years old—was Duan Wang.
Duan Wang was a literary prodigy, his brilliance known throughout the land from a young age. He was refined, humble, and respected talented individuals. He also had close ties with Miluo Manor, the most revered establishment in the world, granting him a vast network of influence.
Two years ago, when Ye Country launched an invasion with 200,000 troops, the then-sixteen-year-old Duan Wang single-handedly secured more reinforcements than Ye had soldiers, forcing their army to retreat in disgrace, becoming a laughingstock among other nations.
Rumors even suggested that the former master of Miluo Manor had named Duan Wang as his future heir.
Miluo Manor was considered sacred by the people, and its master commanded unparalleled public loyalty. Anyone in possession of Miluo’s allegiance was an irresistible force.
Though the truth behind these rumors remained uncertain, one thing was clear—Duan Wang’s prestige had soared, making him the most admired man in the capital, even surpassing the emperor himself, who was known for his peerless beauty.
As the lively streets bustled with activity, no one noticed a certain horse-drawn carriage marked with the Miluo insignia slipping through the city gates unhindered.
…..
Inside the carriage, Jiang Huaichu sat upright, occasionally turning a page of The Four Books of Military Strategy.
Two black-clad men knelt at his feet, having just reported on the latest developments in the capital. Now, they remained silent, awaiting further orders.
Jiang Huaichu set the book aside, reached out a slender hand to part the curtain slightly, and gazed at the capital of Nanruo, its silhouette fading into the misty spring air. After a long pause, he said, “If anyone in the capital makes a move in my absence—don’t investigate. Kill them on the spot.”
All gentleness disappeared from his voice. Now, he carried only the ruthless authority of royalty.
“Yes!”
“If anything happens to His Majesty—”
“We will answer with our heads!”
Jiang Huaichu chuckled. “And what use would I have for your heads?”
The two men, caught off guard, were deeply moved and flustered. “We will ensure His Majesty’s safety with our lives!”
Now alone in the carriage, Jiang Huaichu leaned back.
The road was bumpy. He rubbed his temples, which throbbed faintly, and closed his eyes for a moment of rest.
Everything had led to this journey—starting a month ago.
One month ago, at Miluo Manor…
After being pampered with food and drink by Jiang Huaichu, the old villa master waved his hands in satisfaction before suddenly grabbing Jiang Huaichu’s hand, drunk and rambling.
“Huaichu, do you want to be the next master?”
Jiang Huaichu froze. “You misunderstand, sir. I have no such intention—I only serve you because I truly like you.”
“….” The old man’s expression stiffened, realizing he had approached the question the wrong way.
“Then, would you like control over Miluo’s entire intelligence network within Ning’s borders? Along with the military seal I hold?”
Jiang Huaichu hesitated briefly—then nodded.
Miluo Manor, known publicly as a place of healing and refuge for the people, was secretly the most extensive intelligence organization in the world. Its spies lurked in every kingdom, gathering leverage over powerful figures. From imperial palaces to the most remote villages—wherever there were people, there were Miluo’s agents.
With control over all intelligence networks and covert operatives within Ning Country, he could receive real-time updates on the political movements within the court and ensure the security of Nanruo.
Not to mention the military seals.
Miluo Mountain Manor possessed over two hundred thousand private troops.
The old master finally smiled in satisfaction, letting out a couple of hums before saying, “If you agree to one request of mine, all of this will be yours, to use however you please!”
Jiang Huaichu didn’t respond immediately.
Northern Ning was the most powerful nation in the world—first in every aspect, whether in terms of territory, population, or military might. The value of its intelligence network was beyond estimation.
Jiang Huaichu spoke honestly, “Whatever the old master asks, I will do my best. However, this gift is far too grand—I fear I am unworthy of it.”
The old master beamed, looking at the young man before him with increasing satisfaction.
The young Wangye appeared gentle and mild-mannered, but when it came to crucial matters, he never hesitated. If he wanted something, he wanted it—never indecisive, never coy. It was a trait the old man found refreshing.
“Heh, aren’t you curious? Relax! I’m not foolish—I know how well you treat me, so why would I make things difficult for you?”
Jiang Huaichu secretly let out a breath of relief and steadied the swaying old man. “Please, go ahead.”
“I just want you to give my Old Xiao family a child.”
Even someone as composed as Jiang Huaichu was struck as if by lightning at those words. He stared in shock at the ninety-something-year-old master before him, his face pale as he forced a smile. “…Old Master, are you serious?”
The old master was the greatest physician in the world. Jiang Huaichu’s own body had once been healed by him. At his fifteenth birthday, the old master had even gifted him all of Miluo’s intelligence networks within Nanruo’s borders. Jiang Huaichu had always treated him like a grandfather…
“Don’t misunderstand, don’t misunderstand! I didn’t mean me!” The old master quickly corrected himself. “I had too much to drink and didn’t phrase it clearly. Did I scare you….”
Jiang Huaichu forced a smile. “It’s fine.”
“I’m still a virgin, with no descendants. Your family has been incredibly kind to Miluo Manor, taking care of me for seventy years. When I pass away in a few years, Miluo will, of course…” The old master shot Jiang Huaichu a glance. “…be passed on to someone else.”
“But, first of all, Miluo Manor is based in Nanruo. While you and I have a great relationship, there’s no guarantee that my successors and Nanruo’s future rulers won’t end up at odds, tearing each other apart. Secondly, that rascal Xiao Yun is so aggressive—if he storms into Nanruo with his army, I may not have stepped foot in Northern Ning for seventy years, and I may have no real ties to that brat, but I am still the old ancestor of the Xiao family. When the time comes, I won’t be able to turn my back on my own bloodline and stand against him to protect Nanruo…”
Jiang Huaichu spoke gently, “I understand. I would never put you in such a difficult position.”
“That’s not what I meant! Don’t be sad!”
“Because of all this, I’ve been thinking it over for a long time, and I finally figured it out—you just need to have Xiao Yun’s child.”
Jiang Huaichu was once again utterly stunned.
Have Xiao Yun’s child…
The old master, unconcerned with his shock, carried on excitedly, “Then I’ll just hand over Miluo Manor to your child. He would be of Nanruo’s royal bloodline, and at the very least, he wouldn’t destroy Nanruo. If Xiao Yun really does invade, I’ll have a legitimate reason to intervene—he’d be my own great-grandson! What’s wrong with me protecting my own descendant?”
“Besides, no matter how much of a b*stard that rascal is, he wouldn’t go as far as to fight over territory with his own child’s uncle, right? Nanruo has spent centuries avoiding conflict, never seeking dominance—just a peaceful existence. Now, even the emperor’s beloved little brother would be bearing his child. If he still wants to attack, is he even human?”
Jiang Huaichu remained rigid. At this moment, all of his self-discipline was being used to maintain his composed and dignified expression.
For once, he interrupted someone, his voice cold. “Even if I were to bear a child, I would never use them as a bargaining chip against him.”
The old master froze, then immediately looked ashamed. “I spoke wrongly—I’m sorry, I’m sorry! You’re far more noble than I am. I was being foolish and thoughtless. I completely forgot that the child would have both of your bloodlines—being caught between two enemy nations would be unbearable. You and Xiao Yun are from opposing lands, after all… Ah, this is difficult.”
“Then how about this? You carry the child, you give birth, but it’s completely yours. We won’t care about him! We won’t even tell him! We’ll raise him in secret, never expecting anything from him. If Xiao Yun still dares to invade, I’ll back you up—I’ll send him right back to where he came from!”
Jiang Huaichu was momentarily lost in thought.
Having a child in exchange for Miluo’s intelligence network within Northern Ning, in exchange for Miluo Manor’s eternal protection over Nanruo, in exchange for a century of peace for his homeland.
It was just one child.
The old master finally looked satisfied, his excitement undiminished. “You’ve never seen him before, but that rascal is ridiculously good-looking. With your looks, the only one in the world who could be paired with you is your own imperial brother… Ah, wait, I said that wrong.”
Jiang Huaichu: “…”
“Don’t worry—if he doesn’t fall for you, then he’s completely beyond saving.”
Then, as if recalling something, the old master sighed, his previous enthusiasm fading. “Huaichu, fate has been cruel to you. You’ve never said it, but I know—you’re the type to want to spend your life alone. But I can’t bear to see that. Having no companion is one thing, but you should at least have a child to keep you company. You know why I’m always so happy? It’s because you’re always here with me. I’ve seen how well you get along with children before—you must really like them, really want one of your own.”
Jiang Huaichu remained silent, his expression calm.
He did love children and longed to have one, but with his body, he had never dared to consider it.
“Think about it carefully when you return. I’m only saying this now because I’m drunk. But I mean every word. If you agree, I’ll hand over everything in Northern Ning immediately. Heh, honestly, I just want to play with your kid…”
…
Jiang Huaichu quietly opened his eyes, lifting the curtain to gaze toward the distant mountains where Northern Ning lay beyond.
He bore no personal grudge against Xiao Yun.
He simply wanted his child.
