Yinshan Record

Chapter 186 When the Light Shines
Two strong horses galloped one after the other on the bluestone path shrouded in night.

Back when the world was still unified, the imperial court spent a great deal of national resources to build these bluestone roads in various places. Although the world was in chaos afterward, with warlords carving up their own territories, regardless of whether it was the north or south, or the previous dynasty or the current Great Liang, the government at all levels still carefully repaired and protected these bluestone roads.

Because everyone knows that once these bluestone-paved roads are completely destroyed, the current imperial court's national strength is insufficient to restore them.

Su Che only came across this section recently while browsing through ancient books.

"Young master, let's rest our horses up ahead. We're alright, but they can't take it anymore."

Lu Bai called out from behind, and Su Che slowly pulled on the reins, letting the powerful warhorse beneath him catch its breath.

For Su Che and Lu Bai, there was actually no need for warhorses. Once they started walking, they were far beyond the reach of ordinary foals.

However, the current situation is special, and we have no choice but to do so.

Su Che looked up at the sky, slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and swallowed the wisps of moonlight into his stomach to nourish his soul and internal organs.

"How long have we been out of Shanyin County?"

Although the imperial decree had been issued to abolish Shanyin County and merge it into Guobei County, and there was no place that could be called Shanyin County, Su Che still insisted on using the name Shanyin County.

"We set off from Shanyin County six days ago, passing through Dukou and Lingfang counties. We should be in Tianan County ahead."

The two set off from Shanyin County, following the trail of various hungry ghosts and evil spirits, never removing their swords or saddles from their horses. They rode warhorses to hold their breath and avoid disturbing the spirits.

To prevent them from noticing something amiss and running away beforehand.

Tiananmen Square.

Su Che looked at the long sword at his waist; the blade had cracked in many places under his pressure.

"This is the third time."

He untied the broken sword and threw it into the grass by the roadside.

"Young master, you can use mine."

As Lu Bai spoke, he began to unsheathe his sword. He was growing increasingly impressed with this young superior.

Along the way, he witnessed firsthand how Su Che tested his sword against a group of hungry ghosts, and how his swordsmanship improved day by day.

What's even more remarkable is that this official seems to never care about resting; wherever there are hungry ghosts, they immediately rush to the scene.

After taking action, they immediately headed to the next location.

"No need, I'd like to take a rest."

Su Che dismounted, letting the fine steed rest for a while.

"That dragon-dragon red banner was something only core members of the Langya Wang clan were qualified to use. I wonder which noble person was sitting in that carriage."

Lu Bai took a week to change his luck and regain some of his strength.

The Prince of Langya, the Xie family of Chenjun, and the Yu family of Yingchuan were the most powerful clans in the Southern Liang Dynasty.

Compared to these prominent families, the Duling Wei clan, represented by Wei Huaiwen, who came from Yongzhou and were military men, was inferior, not to mention the Duling Su clan, whose descendants were few after their defeat at Fangtou.

"I wonder if the person who will succeed Yu Ze as the Imperial Censor of Cizhou will be someone from the Langya Wang clan?"

"These powerful and influential families are always the first to run away when trouble comes, but when it comes to merit, they suddenly appear out of nowhere and easily take the credit."

Su Che closed his eyes and regulated his breathing.

"Cizhou appears to be fine on the surface, but there's fire burning underneath. Whoever takes the position might get burned. They won't choose this time. They'll wait until others have dealt with the local troubles and eliminated most of the hungry ghosts and evil spirits before they take over."

"But that was in the past. Given the current situation, I suspect the higher-ups have other plans."

Su Che stood up and looked at the rising fireworks in the distance.

It was already late at night, which was unusual.

Lu Bai adjusted the saddle and bridle: "We've seen several groups of imperial guards recently, and it seems they're all looking for us. Why are you avoiding them, young master?"

"I have been well-read since childhood. I would not dare to say that I have any political acumen, but I am certainly sharp-eyed and discerning."

Su Che looked at Lu Bai behind him. "What do you think of the imperial decree to abolish Shanyin County and merge it into Guobei County?"

"They must have had this in mind all along."

Don't you find it strange?

"Ok?"

"Such a big thing, and no one even notified me."

"We set off for Guobei County first, and the imperial decree came later."

"Sigh, why deceive yourself?"

Su Che shook his head.

"Can such a big matter be decided overnight? Even if I don't know, don't Yu Ze, Feng Xingbu, and my elder family member know either?"

There is another possibility, which Su Che did not explicitly state. If that is the case, then things become even more complicated.

Perhaps the imperial court intentionally prevented Su Gong and Feng Xingbu's people from knowing the relevant information.

Of course, what's worse is that Feng and the others knew, but didn't tell him.

"What does the young master mean..."

"In their hearts, anyone can be sacrificed except themselves."

"I'll tell you what's going to happen next."

"Those imperial guards came to me and asked me to return to Cizhou to take charge of the overall situation. I guess I'll be promoted and given a lot of titles then."

Su Che stroked the horse's mane; it was so soft and gentle, reminding him of a little fox.

"Then someone will come over, probably Yu Ze's successor, and say something in a pretentious manner, saying that the court has a lot of unavoidable difficulties and that the most urgent task is to save the people."

"Then they will imply that the current emperor is old and senile, which is why he made such a decision, and that they do not agree with it deep down."

"The world is in chaos, and wars are raging. His Majesty will one day pass away. Once he dies, and the next crown prince or some other prince ascends the throne, things will surely change. That will be the time for me to realize my lifelong ambitions."

"When the time comes, we will assist the new emperor in ascending the throne, and the world will be peaceful and prosperous, and it will be a wonderful time again."

Lu Bai looked at Su Che in front of him, and this Judge of Justice suddenly felt somewhat unfamiliar to him.

"Old Lu, you've had a tough time these past few days. Actually, my initial thought was to screw you guys, I'm not playing with you anymore."

Su Che looked up at the sky above: "These past few days I've often thought that since I've joined Huang Tiandao's sect, sooner or later I'll be able to ride the wind and travel the world, becoming an immortal. Why bother playing along with these people?"

"But upon closer reflection, what's the difference between immortals and mortals? Aren't there any high and mighty gods in this play?"

"Son."

"So we still need to have fun and make a name for ourselves."

Su Che watched as Lu Bai recited a few lines of poetry.

“There was once a wise man who said, ‘It is easy to get rid of the bandits in the mountains, but difficult to get rid of the bandits in your heart.’”

"That's truly a profound statement."

"If we can't get rid of the thief in our hearts, then at least we'll kill all the thieves in the mountains. Old Lu, let's go take a look."

"Go over and have a look."

Su Che mounted his horse and headed towards the direction where the fireworks were rising.

The sound of horses' hooves shattered the lingering night.

Above the deep darkness of night, a bright moon shines forth.

(End of this chapter)