Liren no longer wore a veil upon her face, but instead donned a blue mask.
In her hand, she held a sheepskin scroll.
"This was left by my father, Ashimo, before he was captured; consider it his dying command," Ashimo said. "He has passed on the position of Rouran City Lord to Ashi Yuanba!"
Suo Lun was taken aback.
Ashimo indeed favored Ashi Luo. He had not passed the title of Rouran City Lord to any of his other sons, nor to his own brother, but to Ashi Luo’s biological son.
The Dragon Temple’s capture of Ashimo was closely guarded, not to be disclosed publicly.
The official story was that Ashimo had seen through the red dust of the world, planning to follow Zuo Qiu to wander the lands and cultivate immortality. Thus, he completely relinquished his title and domain, passing them to Ashi Yuanba.
Moreover, in the family records, Ashi Yuanba’s identity had already been explicitly documented.
Ashi Liren said, "But, until Yuanba turns eighteen, I will hold the position of City Lord."
Suo Lun’s goal in coming to Rouran City was to help Ashi Liren ascend to the position of City Lord.
Now that it had been achieved, it was truly difficult to feel any joy of success.
"Just now, thank you for saving my life," Ashi Liren said.
Her voice was incredibly cold, devoid of any emotion.
In her eyes, Yan Ping was unforgivable, the Dragon Temple was unforgivable, and even Suo Lun in front of her was unforgivable.
"You may leave now," Ashi Liren said coldly. "Take Qin Qin back to Tianshui City, and from now on, our families will have nothing to do with each other. Also, withdraw all of your forces that remain in Rouran City, or don’t blame me for turning ruthless and wiping them out."
Suo Lun sat down before Ashi Liren, looked into her eyes, and said, "Yes, I concealed the truth about Yan Ping from you. I used the Dragon Temple to eliminate Ashi Luo."
Ashi Liren replied, "From your perspective, you did nothing wrong. You are still so calculating, Lord Suo Lun."
Suo Lun shook his head and said, "No, I didn’t expect the situation to escalate this much. I certainly didn’t foresee causing you such tremendous harm."
Ashi Liren said, "I know your goal, wanting me to pledge loyalty to Princess Zhi Yan, to help confront Zhi Li."
Suo Lun replied, "Yes, that’s exactly my purpose."
"Impossible," Ashi Liren declared decisively. "I will not side with Zhi Li or Zhi Yan. Your quarrels have nothing to do with me. Neither side is worthy of trust. Our Rouran City, as before, will stay out of royal disputes and quietly remain a nominal vassal."
Suo Lun fell silent for a moment and then asked, "Miss Liren, may I inquire about your plans moving forward?"
Ashi Liren replied, "To raise Yuanba with all my might, to help him become the finest City Lord."
Suo Lun said, "I am aware of your hatred for the Dragon Temple, your desire for revenge..."
Suo Lun had not yet finished speaking when Ashi Liren, with a look of disgust, raised her hand and interrupted, "Lord Suo Lun, I know what you want to say. You’re essentially saying that you too despise the Dragon Temple. And perhaps, once Zhi Yan ascends the throne and you become Regent King, you will start opposing the Dragon Temple and seek justice for my cause."
That was indeed what Suo Lun meant to say.
Ashi Liren continued, "I do loathe the Dragon Temple, but first and foremost, I must protect my son and my family. How to deal with the Dragon Temple is a matter for later, and it’s my own affair. I will not cooperate with you. I don’t even want to glance at you again or hear another word from you."
Suo Lun’s face twitched for a moment.
Ashi Liren said, "Lord Suo Lun, I don’t know if you’ve harbored thoughts of conquering me to get Rouran City to stand with Princess Zhi Yan. Let me tell you one thing: in my heart, you’re no different from Yan Ping."
Her words were imbued with the utmost coldness and finality.
At this moment, Yan Ping, in Ashi Liren’s heart, represented the ugliest of beings, and Ashi Liren equated Suo Lun with Yan Ping.
"I know I don’t have many years left," Ashi Liren said coldly. "In these few years, I will protect my son Yuanba until he grows up. Before I die, I will go kill Yan Ping. Reflect well on the weight of my words."
Then, she stood up and left abruptly.
"Leave Rouran City within three days, you and all your people," Ashi Liren commanded. "Otherwise, you will bear the consequences."
Her words were so cold that they were beyond salvaging.
Sky Sea Pavilion, the location of Suo Lun’s secret forces in Rouran City.
Before the operation to eliminate Ashi Luo, Suo Lun and Ashi Liren had brought the three children, Qin Qin, Ashinan, and Ashi Yuanba, here.
"Teacher!" The moment he saw Suo Lun, Ashi Yuanba ran up to him quickly, asking with concern, "How is my mother?"
Suo Lun was taken aback; he hadn’t told the children why they were being sent here.
He hadn’t expected Ashi Yuanba to sense that something was amiss.
"Your mother is fine," Suo Lun said.
Then, he looked seriously at Ashi Yuanba’s face, unsure of what Ashi Luo had looked like when he was young.
The boy before him bore some resemblance to Ashi Luo, but he was not as handsome or beautiful.
Suo Lun reached out to ruffle his hearty little head and, after a moment’s hesitation, pulled him into his embrace.
The child didn’t know, and might never know, that his biological father Ashi Luo was dead, having died for Suo Lun.
"Can Qin Qin, Anan, and I go home now?" Ashi Yuanba asked.