MatHaz
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Chapter 288: The Timing
🕑 Added 2024-09-23 10:55:01 +0000 UTC~~~
“Absolutely not! You cannot possibly trust that man!” Big Sister Bai says, pointing at Feng Zhuo.
The three of them have returned to Storm Dragon Palace. Liu Jin has assimilated his soul fragment back into his body, and Lu Mei has joined them.
“Of course, we don’t,” Lu Mei says, crossing her arms. Her eyes are cold as she looks at Feng Zhuo, who kneels in the center of the throne room while wearing a guileless smile. “However, trust has little to do with this, Lady Bai.”
“How cruel of my own sister to say that,” Feng Zhuo laments, hanging his head. “Aren’t you all being a little too distrustful? I do not see why this is an issue. It is as I already explained to His Majesty. Everyone benefits.”
Liu Jin’s eyes narrow as he recalls what Feng Zhuo told him less than half an hour prior.
The reveal of Lu Mei’s parentage might have tarnished Lord Feng Shang’s reputation, and Lord Feng Gui might have derived some pleasure from that. However, though he had already known about it, it did place him in an awkward position. Allowing his brother’s daughter, illegitimate though she might be, to marry the Emperor of the Storm Dragon Empire is giving his brother an advantage.
Thus, Lord Feng Gui needs something to even the scales, even if only nominally. A victory in the Crimson Cloud Tournament will accomplish that. It does not matter that Liu Jin already planned to compete. All that the people of the Eternal Flame Clan need to know is that the Emperor of the Storm Dragon Empire decided to claim victory for Lord Feng Gui where Lord Feng Shang failed.
“My brother-in-law already planned to compete. We are simply making use of it to create an interesting story,” Feng Zhuo explains. “If the story you want to tell the people of this country is different, that is fine. You were probably going to have to do that anyway. All that matters is achieving the desired result, and that is where this Feng Zhuo, whose talent is like a tower that pierces past the highest clouds, enters.”
Feng Zhuo opens his arms as if expecting to receive applause.
“Foolishness!”
He receives none.
“Who would trust you as their instructor?” Big Sister Bai says. “Who would trust you at all?! If guidance is required, then obviously…”
Big Sister Bai immediately stops herself from speaking further. They cannot see her face, but the annoyance radiating from her is palpable.
Feng Zhuo grins.
“Oh? Were you about to offer your services? You? A member of the Divine Frozen Palace?” His smile grows annoyingly smug. “A laudable sentiment, but foolish, Lady Bai. You cannot act to help a rival in the competition. That would go against your allegiance. However, as Emperor Qing Jin and my sister are both members of the Eternal Flame Clan, I can teach them anything I want without any conflict of interest. I can even instruct my sister in Eternal Flame. You lack the qualifications to do anything similar.”
The room is suddenly colder.
“Mind your words, Feng Zhuo,” Big Sister Bai says at the same time as Lu Mei moves next to Liu Jin and releases a burst of heat.
Feng Zhuo smiles fearlessly.
“Lady Bai, being beaten by a beautiful woman is the mark of a successful man. If you wish to impart guidance on me, this Feng Zhuo’s body will gladly receive it.”
Liu Jin cannot see Big Sister Bai’s expression due to the veil over her face.
Nevertheless, he senses disgust would be an apt word to describe it.
“Surely, you can see how keeping a man like him around is an exceedingly bad idea?” a frustrated Big Sister Bai asks them, pointedly ignoring Feng Zhuo. “His company is an offense to good taste.”
“This is not an issue of trust, Lady Bai,” Lu Mei says, choosing to speak first. “Anyone with eyes and ears can tell that Lady Bai’s character is superior. My brother is clearly a habitual liar, incapable of inspiring anything resembling trust, and whimsical to the detriment of everyone around him.”
“You called me brother!” Feng Zhuo says, beaming as he ignores every other part of Lu Mei’s statement.
“Nevertheless,” Lu Mei continues as though she had not heard him. “I do not think we are in a position to turn down his help.”
Lu Mei saying it means Liu Jin does not have to. It would be bad for him to be perceived as siding with Feng Zhuo over Big Sister Bai. Unfortunately, it is as Lu Mei says. Sending Feng Zhuo away is not something they can do. It would be interpreted poorly by the Eternal Flame Clan and remove the implicit protection his presence here provides from people such as Lady Feng and Lord Feng Shang.
“Big Sister Bai, regardless of what the Eternal Flame Clan wants, I already intended to participate and win the Crimson Cloud Tournament,” Liu Jin says. “Though it was not explicitly stated, I believe the agreement I made with the Wandering Wind requires me to do so.”
After all, how is he supposed to impress a Divine Realm cultivator with his growth if he does not even manage to win?
Feng Zhuo laughs at the same time as frost forms around Big Sister Bai.
“That is another thing!” she says. This time, her anger is aimed at Liu Jin. He can see her icy blue eyes glaring at him through her veil. “You are in no position to talk about the Wandering Wind! You might have become Emperor of a nation. You might be exceedingly talented, perhaps one of the greatest talents born over the past century.”
Liu Jin blushes a little.
“However!” Big Sister Bai continues, “The Wandering Wind is the Wandering Wind! Even my master will not cross her without cause. You should not do it at all!”
“Ho, protective of him, aren’t you?” Feng Zhuo says.
“Justice demands good people be allowed to flourish,” Big Sister Bai replies. “Punishment is for the twisted and debauched.”
She stares very meaningfully at Feng Zhuo as she says the last part.
“Big Sister Bai, I am grateful for your concern,” Liu Jin says, “However, there are things I must do. There is someone I must get back even if that person no longer exists.”
Liu Jin pictures Su An in his mind, the image of Su Daji superimposed over it. Whatever she might be right now, Su An is someone he treasured deeply. It does not matter if the Wandering Wind has her. He will see her again.
No matter what it takes.
“You certainly aim high, brother-in-law,” Feng Zhuo says, rubbing his chin. “I cannot make you capable of facing someone like that. If I knew how, I’d have already made myself capable of it. However, if it is just winning the tournament, this Feng Zhuo will be more useful than you expect.”
There is a gleam in Feng Zhuo’s eyes that Liu Jin does not like in the least. Neither does Big Sister Bai if the aura emanating from her is any indication.
“I cannot stop you from pursuing such a noble goal, Emperor Qing Jin,” Big Sister Bai says, sounding resigned. “As much as I’d like to offer my aid, our respective positions make it impossible for me to instruct you. Nevertheless, I will remain here for the time being.”
To keep an eye on Feng Zhuo. She does not say it, but she does not need to. Liu Jin inclines his head in her direction.
“I thank you for your understanding.”
~~~
“I think that went about as well as can be expected,” Lu Mei says once everyone has retired to their rooms. There is no one with them. Even the dog that usually accompanies Liu Jin is away. Ever since Feng Zhuo arrived, Liu Jin sent it to his cousin. Considering Feng Zhuo and Big Sister Bai will stay here for the foreseeable future, it is best for the dog to stay out of sight.
“As well as can be expected,” Liu Jin echoes, looking up at the ceiling. “I suppose. Considering the alternatives…”
There is no need to say more. Considering how badly things could have gone, having to deal with Feng Zhuo and a failed assassination attempt is a small price to pay. At least this way, all they need to do is prepare themselves for the Crimson Cloud Tournament in the safety of the Storm Dragon Empire. A real conflict with the Eternal Flame Clan is not something they can afford.
“Besides,” Lu Mei adds. “I seem to have gotten a tutor out of this. The scrolls Elder Xun gave me were beginning to reach the end of their usefulness. Mastery of the Eternal Flame seems to require more than mere theory.”
“You will take him on his offer, then?” Liu Jin asks her.
“It is too good not to. If he wants to play the part of the older brother, I might as well let him.” Her smile brightens. “I am going to make him buy me so many things.”
Liu Jin mirrors her smile. He has a feeling Feng Zhuo is severely underestimating how much Lu Mei will make him regret saying he will buy her forgiveness.
“Are you disappointed?”
“That my brother is two-faced?” Lu Mei shakes her head. “Not really. At least, it is something familiar. I would have a harder time dealing with him if he was anything else.”
Liu Jin’s smile dims. That… should not be something to be glad about.
“I should apologize,” Liu Jin says, drawing a curious look from Lu Mei. “I said many things before we departed to the Red Sky Pavilion. Considering how things ended, it is clear my words were thoughtless.”
“Ah,” Lu Mei smiles sadly. “Even you cannot fix what was never right. Things with my mother... Well, they avoided the worst outcome. If you hadn’t convinced me to try, I am not sure what would have happened. Now, I have nothing to do with them, and they have nothing to do with me. That is enough.”
It does not sound like enough, but Liu Jin does not say it. The truth is that Lu Mei is probably better off without her family.
“I spoke to Xiao Shuang,” Liu Jin says after a while. “I meant to tell you before, but your half-brother has a way of making himself the center of attention.”
“It was about time you two got over your ridiculous fears,” Lu Mei says in her usual manner.
“I was being so foolish.” Liu Jin can’t help but laugh at himself. “I let fear keep me away from someone precious to me for so long. How different things would have been if I hadn’t.”
“Well, you will have plenty of time to make up for it now, won’t you? Will she be visiting us?”
Liu Jin looks at Lu Mei. There is nothing wrong with the way she is speaking or her tone, yet he cannot help but sense something under the surface of her aura.
“I am not sure,” Liu Jin says, somewhat hesitant. “Lady Meng Yue and the rest of the Divine Frozen Palace seem quite protective of her.”
“It is just the two of us here. Nothing stops you from calling them restrictive and prohibitive,” Lu Mei points out.
“True enough.” Liu Jin’s expression turns serious. “There is something I need to talk to you about.”
Lu Mei does not move.
“Oh?”
“Since I became Emperor, everyone has been talking to me about the women I should choose, the importance of marriages for sealing alliances, and the necessity of producing offspring. Through it all, our union has been taken for granted. Everyone believes it will happen. The only thing left to decide is which position I give to each wife.”
“And have you decided?”
Liu Jin does not miss that Lu Mei is not looking at him when she asks that.
“That’s not it,” Liu Jin says, making Lu Mei turn to him. “What I am trying to say is…I have not asked you…That is to say, I have just let the implication carry us to this point, but that is not…I am doing this wrong.”
Liu Jin surprises Lu Mei by abruptly standing up. He walks over to her and takes her hands between his before kneeling in front of her.
“I want you beside me,” Liu Jin says. “I have not asked you to, but I should have. Not because of an alliance or anything like that, but because you are you.”
The expression on Lu Mei’s face is quite unlike any Liu Jin has seen before. From the flush of her cheeks to the shine in her eyes, she has never looked more beautiful.
“You… I thought…”
“I am awkward,” Liu Jin admits, blushing. “I head into situations where I probably shouldn’t and court death more than is healthy. I am unlikely to stop doing those things. However, I will make you happy.”
Lu Mei’s face is as red as her hair.
“But then…marriage…I… the timing..”
“It is probably best to wait before any ceremony. I do not want the Eternal Flame Clan hurrying us to have children,” Liu Jin says.
Lu Mei shivers and nods. “That is probably wise.”
“I do not want you to think I am taking you for granted,” Liu Jin says. “Regarding any official titles and the like, it is probably best if I let you and Xiao Shuang handle that. If it is something you have both agreed to, it is less likely to cause grudges. So…what is your answer?”
Lu Mei does not answer him with words. Her body collides with his as her arms wrap around him and their lips meet in the middle.
Liu Jin can say with full confidence that there is not a single thing about this moment that is Hollow.
~~~
Mini-Character List
Liu Jin: Our protagonist. Open communication. Challenge level: Borderline Impossible.
Bai Wen: Disciple of the Divine Frozen Palace. "It was like she was looking at garbage."
Lu Mei: Liu Jin’s girlfriend. Internally squeeing.
Feng Zhuo: Lord Feng Shang’s son. Tactically annoying. An unsuccessful man would have to settle for being beaten by ugly women.
AN
I had to cut out an entire scene from this chapter. It wasn’t flowing right. Will probably use it for the next one.
Comments
Moonkiller24
I hope so
Logan Teague
Good on Qing Jin, asking the girl. I've seen this in other stories (Codex Alera springs to mind) where the guy just assumes that just because they've been together for a few years the girl wants to marry him and doesn't even ask. If a girl feels taken for granted, she feels like you don't value her, and while that might be a kink for some, Lu Mei is very much not one of them.
Lightseid
I think you are biased. And it's totally normal. For example, I'm biased against Xiao Shuang from a character perspective since she doesn't really exist. All we know from her is that she's nice and that she's foreshadowed to have a lot potential, that's it really. Apart from that she doesn't do anything in the story. Finally, the last thing I will say on this is that if Liu Jin make Xiao Shuang empress he gains nothing but lose a lot by snubbing his own sect, her sect is not his sect, they can't even help him now since they'll be enemies in the tournament, they have never given anything to him and each time I have seen their support on screen it has always been dubious. Especially concerning Xiao sect matters and how their protection meant nothing for Eastern Port City. I mean Bai Wen the best character of this sect so far, helped Liu Jin and his country against the orders she was given by her master. The Flame sect will also clearly see it as an insult after all the help and resources they have given Liu Jin, and how even now in this very chapter Feng Gui say through Feng Zhuo that if Liu Jin wins the tournament he'll let the matter of Lu Mei parentage go, and then send the previous winner (the son of his brother by the way) of one the tournament in question to help them train. So it's obvious that he's supporting them. Otherwise why do that ?
Mina She
I am not so sure. After Jin talked to Feng Gui, I had thought that was the end but Feng Zhou has come with a different request for Jin to win a tournament on behalf of Feng Gui. What happens if Jin loses?
Mina She
I think for the Empress thing both sects are willing to let Jin decide hence no one has forced the issue. I think it should be the chapter Emperor, Emperor and Emperor or the chapter after when this was decided. When it was suggested that Xiao Shuang be chosen as Empress and Jin said he would have to ask her if she wanted. Feng Gui didn’t push it, which I took to mean he didn’t care much. Of course Eternal Flame clan benefits from Lu Mei and Jin’s relationship but currently Lu Mei gaining more power will have a negative impact on Feng Gui, that’s my understanding of the current situation. His brother has always been his more immediate enemy than a rival clan. Hence the whole conversation at the start of the chapter about Jin needing to win the tournament for Feng Gui, so that he will save face because Jin is in a relationship with his brother’s daughter and that will benefit his brother to the detriment of Feng Gui. I wasn’t suggesting that another Feng bride would be made Empress, it’s definitely not in the cards but that marriage with someone more closely associated with Feng Gui would be more beneficial to him than his niece in this situation. On my being strongly against Lu Mei , i like her enough but she is not my type of character. But in this situation I feel like the situation is unfair to her to be honest, especially Jin. He should have just made her Empress, because so far she has been by his side. In the chapter Lu Mei contacted Xiao Shuang, she does a comparison between the two of them and she admits to herself that politically Shuang is the stronger candidate. That’s what I am seeing from the story so far. Of course Lu Mei is clever and resourceful but she is currently at a disadvantage. I don’t think I am being biased in that opinion.
Mina She
True , had forgotten about her. Not sure she will be part of the tournament though but if she is definitely. Also she probably also inherited some things from the fox who was possessing her, increasing her potential.
Kanyau
Liu Jin: Very demure, very mindful.
Thomas
God I hope not. Big Sister Bai and Elder Brother Xan are destined to be together.
Tristan A
Calling it now, Feng Zhuo and Bai Wen are going to get together.
Lightseid
That's not going to happen. I have seen in the comments that you're strongly against Lu Mei, but everyone in story and outside know that Lu Mei is the only options for a bride from the Flame sect that Liu Jin is willing to make empress. There's no point in forcing Liu Jin to marry another Feng girl, only for him to almost never interact with her and then make their competitor (Xiao Shuang and the Frozen sect) be the empress instead. That's just stupid, and the characters while petty are not stupid. Liu Jin is ultimately the only one who can really decide who's empress. Even if it's by deciding to let the girls decide. But if the Flame sect put a stranger in the situation and pulled all their support from Lu Mei then obviously Xiao Shuang would be the winner. And whatever you may think about Feng Gui, he wouldn't be happy to let all the hard of his sect be given to the Frozen sect. So that will never happen.
David Wei
Honestly. Su daiji is a strong contender if the WW decides to personally train her. Personal disciple of a divine would give her the leg up over Shuang and Mei. And would give Jin an actual beatable challenge to impress WW.
Mina She
I would have to disagree though. Please forgive the very long explanation. I agree currently the Eternal Flame Clan has done more to help the Storm Dragon Empire but that doesn’t translate to Lu Mei. Feng Gui is the one in the lead and Lu Mei is his brothers daughter. With the Eternal Flame Clan, Lu Mei is currently on the outs. Feng Gui will never truly support her and we don’t know how her father feels, there is also his wife to consider. From the conversation with Dai Jen, Feng Gui never really cared whether Lu Mei is Empress or not. Letting Xiao Shuang be Empress would give face to the Divine Frozen Palace, gaining Feng Gui favor the opposite could be considered an insult and increase enmity. Hence Lu Mei’s insecurities. Currently it would be better for Jin to leave her than to actually marry her. She does have a connection with the Eternal Flame Clan but it has too much baggage. Another Feng bride closely associated with Feng Gui would be a better option. If her father had won this would have been a different issue. Hence the need for Jin to win the Crimson tournament for Feng Gui, to prove his loyalty. If Lu Mei was to beat Xiao Shuang in the tournament maybe then she will get support as this will give the Eternal Flame Clan face but from when Lu Mei contacted Xiao Shuang she all but admitted that Shuang is the better cultivator. Currently if she was to drop dead very few people in the Eternal Clan would care. It’s not fair but that’s politics for you.
Mina She
Xiao Shuang has always been OP with her constitution and then also getting Jin’s treasure. She was so talented that she had to be hidden. The only other person who has gotten that kind of attention is Feng Hao. In this case I think she is that young master who has everything going for them . Also considering their history there are a lot of cliche plots that could have come from it if they weren’t both decent people. Shuang taking a treasure meant for Jin, Jin accidentally getting Shuang’s father killed. Long lost lovers meeting after years.
Kendelle Trotter
Nah the clan is well aware of Jin's feelings for Lu Mei and know he has no interest in another Feng bride. I'm very sure they've already chosen her as their representative as far as wives is concerned.
Kendelle Trotter
Valid but I also like that a lot of the women in this series aren't stereotypical damsels and can actually fight.
Mina She
Jin has two partners though , so maybe Lu Mei. My assumption with the information we got is that Xiao Shuang is stronger than Lu Mei. But I am thinking we are definitely going to get the wives fight. So the dick who will beat one of Jin’s partner would be his other partner and he would be caught in between. Considering his awkwardness and then all his friends and acquaintances looking on. It could be fun.
Lightseid
It's always kind of funny to me how people think Xiao Shuang (who's barely a character) has a bigger claim to be empress, when her sect has already a powerful stigma for manipulating royal lines and very little actual influence in the Storm Dragon Empire. Meanwhile, Lu Mei is clearly supported by the sect of her now fiance, a sect that Liu Jin and his country owe too much to refuse without burning too many bridges, and where many of his friends are. Especially when you contrast the value of the support of each sect, one helped him gain a kingdom and the other let his home city under their protection burn without knowing it was destroyed for a long time too.
Dafydd
I’m imagining Xiao Shuang is gonna lose in the Semi Finals to an absolute dick who Jin will beat the crap out of in the final because anything else wouldn’t be cliche enough
Mina She
Cowardice I think lol . Lu Mei currently doesn’t have any standing and her uncle would never want his brother to have any power. From what we have seen Xiao Shuang is the more talented cultivator and has the support of a clan behind her. What Lu Mei has is Jin’s love. It wouldn’t be suprising if Jin was forced to take another Feng bride who is more aligned with Feng Gui. I like Lu Mei she is clever and resourceful but unless plot or she uses some underhanded methods, she has already lost.
Mina She
Yah it was a sweet moment. Though I still think he is putting her in an awkward position. The way people care about face in this world, the crimson tournament is not only about Jin proving himself but Lu Mei also has to prove herself against Xiao Shuang. The wife who would do better is the one most people are probably going to consider to be the main one. Though Lu Mei has the Eternal Flame, I would be surprised if she is as powerful as Xiao Shuang and can beat her. Add in clan politics, she is already in an awkward position with the Eternal Flame Clan , a bad showing can make it worse
Valerian
Liu Jin used "awkward, open and earnest" on Lu Mei. It was highly effective.
Mina She
Are we going to get a Jin vs Xiao Shuang finale at the tournament? Previous theories put Xiao Shuang in the earth realm like Jin, and from what has been eluded she is a monster. We don’t know about the other clans but she has always been my favorite for the win.
Robert Davidson
Very wise, letting his wives sort matters of precedence out.
Iwritestrangethings
Yey
Pete
Aww, cute
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