Yinshan Record

Chapter 399 Calmly Arranging Things, All Parties Move (Part 2)

“I’ve been bored at home lately, and when I saw this, I thought Young Master Su would like it, so I brought it with me.”

Lady Xue laid out the black and white chess pieces, which seemed to be the yin and yang energies between heaven and earth, endlessly circulating with each other, creating a chaotic mess.

"This item must have come from the palace of the previous dynasty. It is made of Kun jade, which comes from the deepest part of the East Sea. It is cool to the touch and can repel all kinds of snakes, insects and rodents when placed indoors. Young Master comes from a wealthy and noble family. You are used to gold, silver and jewels. I only hope that this little trinket will catch your eye. If you are pleased with it, then my efforts will not have been in vain."

Madam Xue spoke calmly, as if she were chatting with an old friend, unhurried and unhurried, as if none of her past with Su Che had ever happened.

Young Master Su knew he could never be as magnanimous as Madam Xue.

"Indeed a fine piece. How about we play a game?"

Madam Xue's eyes shrank back, as if she couldn't bear to hear the words "chess game".

"I heard that a few days ago, some sorcerers instigated a riot, and now they have taken over Wenning County?"

"It's not just Wenning County; the seven counties north of Wenning County are now all in the hands of bandits. Moreover, it's not some sorcerer who has instigated the rebellion; it's the Great River Alliance's deliberate plan to start this uprising today."

Madam Xue nodded: "It seems that you have a complete grasp of the situation, young master. Do you know that there was a major event in Cizhou a few days ago?"

"What could be more serious than a rebellion?"

Su Che toyed with the chess pieces in his hand.

"The legendary ancient underworld, Nine Nether Luo Feng, has already appeared in the mountains, and the news has spread throughout the martial world." Madam Xue looked at Su Che meaningfully: "Elder Qin, one of the four elders of the Great River Alliance, has already perished in Luo Feng City."

Yes, I was right next to him when he died.

Su Che put down the chess piece in his hand and looked at Madam Xue: "There is such a thing? This is really a good thing. There are five Core Formation cultivators among the demons. Today, another one has been lost. It is truly a blessing from heaven for the Great Liang."

"But besides Elder Qin, the Great River Alliance also has an old friend of yours, Shichananda."

"Oh?"

"She gained immense benefits in the Nine Netherworlds and now has formed the Bright Consort Dharma Body, her cultivation surpassing even that of the past."

"I see. Thank you for your guidance, Madam."

Su Che looked at him with an expression that said, "I just found out too."

“Young Master Su, how many soldiers are still available in Cizhou City? Can you and Imperial Censor Xiong hold off several Core Formation cultivators? With no reinforcements and a formidable enemy at hand, even a son of a thousand pieces of gold should not sit under a dangerous roof.”

Madam Xue said earnestly, "One should not act impulsively, but rather think long-term."

Su Che did not reply, but gently held a black stone in his hand. The cool and smooth touch made him feel relaxed.

Madam Xue's presence today was beyond Su Che's expectations, and the sincerity she showed surprised him.

Bringing the chess pieces signifies that Madam Xue has openly acknowledged and reminded Su Che that their relationship is neither friend nor foe, and that they can take it a step further.

Her words were entirely based on considerations from Su Che's side.

The power of the Great River Alliance in Cizhou had indeed overwhelmed the imperial court. Without any external reinforcements, Su Che and Xiong Shou alone were powerless to resist the Great River Alliance's invasion.

Leaving Cizhou now would only earn us the reputation of fleeing before the battle even begins, and there's always a chance for a comeback in the future.

These words truly represent a heartfelt exchange.

"Now that the imperial edict is being disobeyed, is Madam planning to jump ship?"

Su Che looked at Madam Xue and asked. Madam Xue looked at Su Che and said, "If we're talking about jumping ship, I would naturally jump ship, but I would be abandoning my own little boat and want to find a place on your ship, young master."

"how do I say this?"

"Cizhou has no soldiers, but I still have several hundred aquatic creatures recuperating in my water palace. If you have no help, young master, I can come to Cizhou to hold the fort and bolster your courage. These are all just a matter of a word from you. As for the position of the Canglang Water God, it is better not to take it."

"It seems that Madam believes Cizhou is bound to be lost."

"Besides the unfathomable Jade Alliance Leader, the Great River Alliance also has three Rejuvenating Core cultivators, three or four Xuan Mountain Demon Kings they've gathered, as well as extraordinary individuals they've invited from the East Sea, and Ghost Kings who have escaped from the Yin-Yang Realm. In short, this force is still a bit short of the power to overthrow the imperial court, but taking Cizhou should not be difficult."

"Your presence today demonstrates your sincerity, and I, Su, am deeply grateful."

Su Che took a jade pendant, flicked his fingertips with sword energy, and split it in two. He then handed one half to Madam Xue.

“When I first began my cultivation, I received guidance from you, Madam, in Shanyin County. I have never forgotten this kindness. It is only natural for you to choose a good tree to perch on for the sake of my cultivation. All the past grievances and grudges are a tangled mess that cannot be easily untangled. Please keep this jade pendant safe, Madam.”

Madam Xue took the half of the jade pendant, her brows furrowed as she looked at Su Che, wondering what this troublesome man meant.

“Cizhou has no shortage of aquatic creatures. The Great River Alliance is poised to strike. If they come, we may not be able to hold the city; if they don’t come, we may still be able to hold it.” Young Master Su smiled slightly: “I, Su, am not talented, but I alone am worth a thousand troops.”

Madam Xue looked at Su Che as if she were meeting him for the first time today.

"Moreover, the Lady's lineage is not the only one in the Canglang River. If the Lady aligns with the imperial court, that Azure Dragon will inevitably align with the Great River Alliance. This would not be ideal, so I have a request."

"Please speak freely, young master."

“I would like to ask Madam to go to the Great River Alliance camp. There are many of your old friends there who can pass on some messages for me.” Su Che raised the jade pendant in his hand: “I will use this pendant as a token to meet Madam.”

Madam Xue looked at Su Che and gently placed the jade pendant in her palm.

"There are other forces behind the Great River Alliance, and I don't know who they are. If this situation really escalates, even your great-uncle might not be able to protect you..."

"there is always a solution to a problem."

Su Che looked at the jade pendant in his hand. The character "玦" (jue) signifies decisiveness or resolution.

"In life, if you want to achieve something, how can you expect to be perfect in every aspect?"

Madam Xue remained silent for a long time.

Inside the study, the incense smoke curled from the small stove, the candlelight flickered, and the fragrance carried a warm feeling, stretching the shadows of the two people into the distance.

"I understand your meaning, young master."

"Spreading its wings, it strikes the water for three thousand miles, soaring straight up to the ninth heaven."

Su Che placed the black piece in his hand: "Let's take a closer look at the next move in this game."

He truly is a first-rate figure in the Great Liang Dynasty.

Lady Xue looked at Su Che's profile and bowed down.

"Since you have made your decision, young master, I have no choice but to obey your orders."

“It’s just a small stretch of water, Madam, that’s too much to ask for.” Su Che took her hand and helped her up. “In this Great Liang Dynasty, Madam will surely have a divine position.”

(End of this chapter)