Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio


    While Qiguan Rang was leaving with Wei Yuan, the master inquired eagerly,


    “Wenzheng, how do you find Lanting?”


    The youngster looked at him, wondering what Liu She had said to prompt him to ask.


    “The langjun is extraordinary,” he replied and secretly studied Wei Yuan’s


    countenance. “He can be a prominent official in a peaceful kingdom, or a powerful


    competitor for the throne in chaotic times.”


    Wei Yuan paused and struggled in his heart. He eventually let out a long sigh.


    “From what Liu Zhongqing just said, I’m afraid our kingdom…” Unlike Jiang Pengji,


    he could not say out loud that Dongqing was dying. “The houses are controlling the


    court, and the princes are incompetent. Nansheng is also losing its war with the


    southern tribes…”


    Although the Wei’s were not eminent, they led a relatively affluent life compared to


    other commoners.


    The dim future of Dongqing broke his heart, but he could do nothing to help.


    The five kingdoms had deemed themselves as the only legitimate rulers of the world,


    and they all understood that a war was inevitable for unification under one regime.


    However, Dongqing was not ready for the impending conflict. The court despised the


    military and upheld academic studies. Soldiers on the borders were exhausted by


    persistent battles with the northern tribes, and civilians in the region lived in


    destitution. Like a crippled horse, the kingdom would not survive the war.


    Besides, the relentless exploitation of the houses had provoked the commoners, and


    they turned their sentiments away from Dongqing.


    Even Xu under Liu She’s administration almost fell into the hands of the houses. Had


    it not been for Liu She’s rigid attitude of dragging the houses into the rough water if


    they insisted on having Xu, they would have succeeded.


    Wei Yuan knew Liu She. His heart could be cold towards his opponents, but he


    always preferred peace unless someone compelled him to be offensive.


    The master sighed again. “Dongqing may survive if Nansheng wins the war…”


    No one would like to live in fire and bloodshed, with the uncertainty of if they would


    live to see another day.


    Qiguan Rang was less sentimental. “Master Gongcao, division and unification take


    turns. The uncompromising attitudes of the five kingdoms has rendered a war


    unavoidable.”


    Wei Yuan looked down. Qiguan Rang’s words made sense, yet his heart was still


    aching for his kingdom and fellow people.


    Dongqing could have been saved if the houses had cared more about its reign and


    the civilians. But instead, they controlled the court as they willed, knowing the


    kingdom’s future could not affect their influence and wealth.


    The patriotic teacher could only helplessly watch his fellow men flee from their


    hometowns.


    Qiguan Rang inquired, “Master, why did you ask me about Lanting? Does Officer Liu


    have that ambition?”


    Wei Yuan looked at him sternly. “Hush! How can you say so? Let’s… decide later.”


    Whether Liu She wanted the throne or not, their interests would not be harmed. Wei


    Yuan and Liu She were acquaintances.


    The youngster pondered in silence. Although Wei Yuan did not give a clear answer,


    he knew Liu She’s son alone would not bother to start a fight. Jiang Pengji was not


    born to obey.


    Neither of them spoke another word during the remaining part of the journey. Both


    immersed themselves in contemplation.


    At the same time, Jiang Pengji glared at Meng Liang with extreme impatience.


    The kid really knew the best timing to annoy her.


    Meng Liang, unaware of her mood, pretended to be a shy girl, yet his eyes betrayed


    him. The sight was like fuel to her anger, which almost prompted her to slap him in


    the face.


    The “cousin” appeared ever more disgusting after her conflict with the System.


    “Why are you here? Although we’re still young, people may talk behind our backs for


    getting too close,” Jiang Pengji said crossly.


    Still, the over-indulged child was not keen on observing other’s moods. On the


    contrary, he expected everyone, including Jiang Pengji, to flatter him like his family


    and servants always did.


    “My cousin, do you dislike me? I’ve only seen you once since I’ve being staying


    here.”


    Jiang Pengji took a deep breath. “You are almost an adult. We must keep a distance


    from each other.”


    Boring! Meng Liang secretly rolled his eyes. He replied, “Still, we cousins can be


    slightly more intimate than common males and females are. Besides, I’ve come to


    Hejian alone with only few servants. I’ve got no one to talk to.”


    “What do you want then?” Jiang Pengji was tired of speaking obliquely. It would only


    worsen her mood.


    Meng Liang’s cheeks reddened when he asked in a low voice, “Do you know where


    we can have fun?”


    Tst! Jiang Pengji snorted in her mind. There’s nothing fun in this god d*mn,


    underdeveloped world!


    But she managed to reply in her usual manner, “I can think of some places, but it’s


    not for girls.”


    The experienced boy immediately understood. If he had not disguised as a girl, he


    would have taken Jiang Pengji to brothels without a second thought. But as he was a


    “she,” it would be inappropriate. He chided, “You simply don’t want to go out with me,


    do you? Or else why would you suggest those kind of places…”


    Jiang Pengji refrained herself from vomiting.


    At the same time, Meng Liang was irritated by her uncaring response. Every man


    would fall for his pretty face. What’s wrong with Liu Xi?