Feng Xiao fell silent, unsure how to say this in front of his good friend.
Wen Lingjun said, "He drew the Chi Xiao Sword."
Feng Xiao curled his lips and said,
"Yes, it’s a question of whether the legend of the Chi Xiao Sword weighs more or the favor and affection of the aristocratic family in real life are more powerful. That will be seen in the debate over the Tao in just over ten days. But no matter what, Li Guanyi’s name has truly shaken the region."
Wen Lingjun said, "Hmm."
Feng Xiao sighed, seeing a somewhat distracted look on Wen Lingjun, he left him there to rest well and ran out quickly with his wine, looking to discuss the matter with old friends from the Academy.
However, as he passed by the courtyard of Gongyang Su Wang from the Confucianism, it seemed he heard a series of screams.
The tipsy Feng Xiao was puzzled and poked his ear with his finger.
"Could it be that Lord Su Wang is slaughtering chickens?"
"No, what breed of chicken has such a resounding voice! Impressive indeed!"
Feng Xiao took a sip of wine, rode his horse backward, swaying leisurely and idly leaned back against the horse. The things he had seen today were too shocking, and he had a strong desire to drink.
Feng Xiao took a blurry look, drank his wine, and thought to himself:
"Truly remarkable, Lord Su Wang!"
"Such an extraordinary way to kill a chicken!"
"Such tragic cries, yet continuous, hmm, it must be a special breed."
"Coincidentally drunk and unable to get up early, another day I should ask Lord Su Wang what breed his rooster is, it really has vigor when it crows!"
Feng Xiao left leisurely and idly.
The tragic screams from Su Wang’s yard continued.
Wen Lingjun caressed the jade pendant in his hand, remaining silent for a long time, not knowing what to do. At that moment, he heard a gentle knocking sound. Wen Lingjun awoke from his reverie and looked up.
A youth wearing a grey-blue top, cyan robe, and wooden hairpin standing there in black boots, simple in appearance, it was Wen He.
Wen Lingjun welcomed Wen He back.
Wen He looked at Wen Lingjun and said, "Did you see what happened today?"
Wen Lingjun gave a wry smile and said, "Yes, but why have you come?"
Wen He looked at him and said impassively, "I guess you must be finding it extremely difficult to make a choice right now. After all, on one hand, there’s the legitimacy of the Red Emperor, and on the other, there’s the Chi Xiao Sword. These two have come into conflict before you, and with your temperament, although you can see far enough, you’re too indecisive."
"I suppose you are struggling."
Wen Lingjun gave a silent, wry smile and said, "Is it that obvious?"
Wen He said dispassionately, "You and I are brothers, no matter how you look at it, and you’re also in your twenties, you’re bound to feel this way. Yet, you’ve always wanted to be loyal to legitimacy, but now you’ve started to waver. Doesn’t that mean you’re also disappointed with the so-called legitimacy?"
Wen Lingjun was speechless as Wen He casually poured wine and said, "Tell me."
"There’s nothing you and I can’t discuss, perhaps I can offer you some advice."
Wen Lingjun sighed, consumed the wine in one gulp, and holding the cup, said:
"Hesitation... My family has been officials, feeding on the court salary for generations. The Imperial Family has been good to us. With the current situation, if I abandon them, how am I different from heartless people? But now..."
"The world is decaying, storms are brewing, conflicts among nations are frequent, Jiangnan is pacified, Western Regions are in chaos, and the lords are gathering in Central State. This is the moment of crisis for the world’s survival. Li Guanyi now possesses the Chi Xiao Sword and can establish his own office. Yet, Central State is still immersed in the grandeur and glory of the aristocratic families."
Regarding Ji Daochun’s affair, Wen Lingjun only said, "Truly foolish!"
"He thinks he is being loyal, but with his death, he has left all the aristocratic and royal families with no choice but to confront Marquis Qin Wu. This kind of old fellow uses the entire Court and the Imperial Family to achieve fame for himself!"
"Like a pestilent courtier!!!"
Wen He looked at Wen Lingjun and said, "I see, your emotions are in conflict with your rational analysis."
"Good, you are a person of strong feelings."
"I like dealing with such people."
"Because I am one too."
Wen Lingjun wanted to laugh at him, but when he opened his mouth, he found his voice growing faint, felt something was wrong, and swayed. This talent of the king then collapsed on the table, unable to move.
"Weren’t you going to help me, give me advice, make decisions?"
Wen He set down his cup and then took out a rope of Treasure Weapon from his bosom.
Mr. Wen He’s face showed a warm and radiant smile: "Yes, I came here..."
"To make decisions for you."
Wen Lingjun realized something was wrong, but he couldn’t struggle, as Wen He said, "Sometimes with your kind of disposition, you need someone to push you. It’s a pity, Lingjun, I know your talent best."
"Upright and majestic, talents like you are rare in this world."
"Thinking of you, someone who can restrain me, existing elsewhere, made me lose my appetite for food and drink and prevented me from sleeping well. I thought to myself, it would be better to tie you up first."
The Treasure Weapon rope tightened, and Mr. Wen He’s face was adorned with a warm and radiant smile:
"Seventy-eight types of complex potent Powder for Anesthesia, sixty-eight types of paralytic agents for the body, and additionally three types of Primordial Spirit concoctions."
"Please accept with my compliments."
The leader of the Academy, the Talent of the King Wen Lingjun, was bound.
He joined the Qilin Army voluntarily.