Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 655: Do You Want a New Sword Spirit?

It was the same garden pavilion as last time, and Cui Wenjing was still standing by the edge, hands behind his back, gazing at the flowing water.

The difference was that, back then, Cui Yuanyang had not even dared to enter and listen. This time, despite the cries of “Young miss, please don’t go in!” and the heavy presence of guards trying to bar her way, Cui Yuanyang simply kicked them aside with almost palpable fury and stormed into the garden, dragging Zhao Changhe behind her.

Zhao Changhe wore a smile the entire way. He had been faintly worried that Cui Yuanyang might have been confined and left crying in frustration, but now it seemed he had underestimated his little rabbit. The pitiful girl who once sat in the rain, hugging her knees, had improved much since then.

And rightly so. While the scions of many aristocratic families showed signs of decline, the siblings Cui Yuanyang and Cui Yuanyong, both recognized by the Qinghe Sword, were rare exceptions. Furthermore, with proper experience in the outside world under their belts, they were treasures of their lineage, pillars of their clan for the next few decades. With their father as the clan leader, it would not be easy for anyone in the family to marginalize or mistreat them.

They may very well already be stepping into the inner circles of their family’s power. No matter what, they were certainly not figures to be trifled with.

Cui Yuanyang did not say much to Zhao Changhe on the way. She simply held his hand, dragging him along with a fierce determination that made it seem less like she was escorting a suitor for a proposal and more like she was staging a wedding raid. Zhao Changhe found it hard not to laugh.

As for Cui Wenjing, who had once radiated the elegance and grace of a jade-like nobleman, his figure now seemed faintly stooped as he stood by the pavilion, his back to them. From behind, one could see streaks of white threading through his hair.

Hearing the two approach, Cui Wenjing spoke calmly without turning around, “After a battle at Yanmen, Yuanyong came back cursing like a wanderer of the jianghu and earned himself months of confinement to fix his ways. He finally improved, only to be thrown back into military life. Now, it’s not just Yuanyong’s mouth that’s beyond saving, even Yangyang has turned into a whirlwind of fire and fury. Truly, it’s a family tragedy.”

Zhao Changhe: “...”

Cui Yuanyang bristled with indignation. “Oh, stop it! If I weren’t a little fierce, I would’ve been thrown into confinement myself! What did I do wrong to deserve that, huh? If I didn’t beat them senseless, I—”

Cui Wenjing cut her off, his tone still light. “If you dare finish that sentence with ‘I’m not surnamed Cui,’ we’ll see whether your father dares to lock you up or not. Do you really think I’m dead or something and you can just act without consequence?”

Cui Yuanyang: “Big brother Zhao’s here with me. I wouldn’t say something so rude.”

Finally, Zhao Changhe could not hold back his laughter.

“Sit down. There’s tea on the table. Pour some for your ‘big brother Zhao.’”

Cui Wenjing still had not turned around.

Cui Yuanyang pouted but obediently dragged Zhao Changhe to the stone table in the pavilion.

Zhao Changhe, however, shook his head, motioning for her to sit while he approached Cui Wenjing, standing shoulder to shoulder with him to gaze at the water.

It was the same scene from years ago when this pair of prospective father-in-law and son-in-law had first spoken. Back then, Cui Wenjing had asked him, “What identity do you have that allows you to stand shoulder to shoulder with me?”

Now, as Zhao Changhe stood there, the servants and guards watching from a distance saw it as entirely natural. Putting aside all other titles, just by virtue of the Ranking of Troubled Times, Zhao Changhe had every right to be there. He was now second on the Ranking of Earth. Even though he and Cui Wenjing were technically still in different rankings, the actual gap was just three places; they were clearly in the same league.

Moreover, few doubted Zhao Changhe’s qualifications to ascend to the Ranking of Heaven. Most believed that he likely just lacked a pivotal battle—one that might very well take place here, against Cui Wenjing himself.

Cui Yuanyang, sitting quietly with her chin in her hands, seemed completely absorbed in this picture of her lover and her father. For once, she refrained from saying anything and simply listened.

Zhao Changhe was the first to speak. “Uncle, it seems you’re still unwell.”

Cui Yuanyang blinked in surprise. Father is still unwell?

She had not noticed anything amiss.

Cui Wenjing sighed. “I’ve healed, but such a near-fatal wound is bound to leave a mark. Even after recovery, it’s undeniable that the body feels older. My vitality diminished.”

Zhao Changhe nodded thoughtfully before letting out a soft sigh and saying, “I understand... My father used to think of himself as indestructible, yet after falling seriously ill once, his decline was visibly apparent.”

Once, people thought his father was Xia Longyuan. Now, with this remark, some might think he was referring to a casualty of the conflict at the Zhao House. In any case, Cui Wenjing did not find the comment out of place. Instead, he sighed deeply and commented, “Who would have thought a small place like the Zhao House could produce a genius like you?”

Zhao Changhe didn’t say anything, but he scoffed on the inside.

The Zhao House isn’t as small as you think.

Cui Wenjing continued, shaking his head, “People say daughters are supposed to be close to their fathers. In times of need, they’re supposed to be by their father’s bedside, attending to their every need. But mine? She was nowhere to be seen. In fact, I could only hear her sometimes, and all I heard were complaints. I don’t know where she learned such brazen disrespect.”

“...I was at war,” Cui Yuanyang muttered, her voice suddenly much softer.

Even though she had been at war, it was true that she had not shown much concern for her father’s visible aging afterward. She had not even noticed it... Scratching her head, the little rabbit began to feel a bit guilty. But I only got back two days ago, and the battle just ended...

Cui Wenjing said, “Do you think you absolutely had to be on the battlefield? Do you think the Cui Clan had no one else to send?”

Cui Yuanyang froze, her father’s words leaving her stunned. He continued, “I was deliberately cultivating a personal guard for you—one under your absolute control. Because there may come a time when... your father can’t fully stand by your side. You’ll need a foundation to assert your voice, even if it’s against me. If the Qinghe Sword was still here, you’d have been much more secure. With it in your hands, no one would dare force your hand.”

Cui Yuanyang sat there, completely speechless, her mind reeling.

“Furthermore, if the Cui Clan ever finds itself falling out with a certain someone, you’ll have the means to leave the family and pursue your own path without being easily oppressed.” Cui Wenjing smiled faintly. “Of course, if that happens, your life won’t be easy either... just like Yuanyong’s wife, who now lives under constant scrutiny. There’s no helping that.”

Cui Yuanyang blurted out instinctively, “Can’t we just avoid a falling-out?”

Cui Wenjing did not answer her question directly. Instead, he continued, “I’ve spoken to Yuanyong about this. His wife had nothing to do with these larger matters, thus there’s no need to involve her. Their relationship has improved somewhat. They even shared a room just the other day. Some interpret it as a signal that I am reconciling with the Wang Clan, some think that Yuanyong was punishing her. How shallow. When everything is viewed through gains and losses, the most basic human bonds are often forgotten. If aristocratic families lose that, then what separates us from any ordinary group huddling together for warmth?”

Cui Yuanyang sat hugging her knees, once again feeling like a timid little rabbit.

“I trust that no matter what becomes of the Cui Clan, Zhao Changhe is someone who values emotions. He won’t mistreat you,” said Cui Wenjing, his tone still calm. “It’s the same with Zhao Changhe himself. As long as this family doesn’t obstruct him in matters concerning you, the relationship between us won’t deteriorate beyond repair.”

Zhao Changhe could not help but laugh. “Old Cui, are you trying to lecture me like your children? Telling me that no matter what happens with the Cui Clan, I should always treat Yangyang well?”

Cui Wenjing replied indifferently, “I’m simply stating facts. Even if I didn’t say it, you wouldn’t mistreat Yangyang. If anyone bullied her, you’d defend her. That’s just who you are. I trust in your nature.”

Zhao Changhe could only nod. “Indeed.”

Cui Wenjing let out a derisive chuckle. “In truth, your so-called proposal to marry Yuanyang won’t face any objections. If you want her, take her. In today’s circumstances, your marriage won’t impact broader events, just as the Wang Clan marrying off their daughter didn’t prevent their impending campaign. Your dramatic proclamation at the city gates may have sounded grand, but it was honestly rather childish.”

“Hmph. It does send a signal to the outside world, though, doesn’t it?”

“It does.” Cui Wenjing offered a faint smile. “But the nature of that signal depends on how we conduct the wedding ceremony. I’m guessing you’re not well-versed in such matters?”

“... Damn it.”

Cui Wenjing sighed. “So let’s drop the pretense of proposals and promises. If you want her, take her to the bridal chamber. No one will stop you; in fact, I will be the one to open the door for you. But for now, let’s focus on the matters that truly need discussing.”

After a moment of silence, Zhao Changhe reached into his belongings and drew out several broken fragments of a sword. “This is the Qinghe Sword. Every shard is here, not a single one missing.”

Cui Wenjing’s pupils constricted as he stared at the fragments of the Qinghe Sword. There was a trace of unspeakable sorrow in his eyes, and his face appeared even more aged.

Zhao Changhe said, “I believe you can reforge it, and even revive its spirit. I won’t lie to you, I recently forged a divine sword myself. I understand how sword spirits are formed. Do you want my help?”

Cui Wenjing stared at the fragments for a long time before finally sighing softly. “It would no longer be the same Qinghe Sword...”

“True. Even if reforged, it would be a new sword with a new spirit, entirely different from the original essence of Qinghe tied to the mountains and rivers. But if you’re seeking to pass on a legacy, and this is what you’re seeking, it’s still possible. It would simply be a different kind of legacy. It doesn’t seem incompatible with your needs. Are you interested, Uncle?”

Cui Wenjing fell silent.

“Are you troubled because the core issue isn’t the legacy itself, but rather that the original four swords of the mountains and rivers influenced the qi veins of the land?” Zhao Changhe continued, pointing out the truth that the aristocratic families had long tried to obscure. “What you’ve truly lost is the ability to counterbalance imperial authority, isn’t it? It seems that Xia Longyuan really did hit you where it hurts the most.”

Cui Wenjing did not deny it. “You’re right.”

“Even so, with the breadth of your vision, shouldn’t you be embracing this new era without the four divine swords? Shouldn’t you be striving to lead in the tide of change? Yet you hesitate, and you’re even preparing for war against the capital. Could it be that some god or demon has promised to restore your former power or bring your clan to its former glory?”