Start from Wusheng

Chapter 1159 Sacrifices and Leaks

Zhou Ti, harboring his own thoughts, lingered by Xiao Qi's side for a moment before leaving.

He wandered around the courtyard corridors, observing people coming and going, hoping to find an opportunity to meet Zhou Daqian.

After waiting for a long time, it got dark, and a familiar figure passed by.

"Uncle Mao!"

Zhou Ti saw a wild and untamed figure, his eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped forward to bow and greet him.

Mao Lang was a staunch member of the Qiangwu Imperial Guard and a veteran member who had risen through the ranks alongside Zhou Daqian.

For a son like Zhou Ti, who was born out of wedlock, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him Uncle Mao; it would even help to build a closer relationship.

As for Zhu Ruoxuan, the head of the personal guards, he held a unique position, and only his eldest son, Zhou Ding, was qualified to call him "uncle".

Mao Lang stopped in his tracks. "Is there something you need, young master?"

"I'd like to see my father. Uncle Mao, could you give me some directions? Is it convenient for you recently?"

Mao Lang thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "It's inconvenient. Please be patient, young master. Perhaps there will be an opportunity after this period."

"Thank you very much, Uncle Mao."

Zhou presented a package of local specialties, saying, "These are specialties from the north. Please let Uncle Mao have a taste."

Mao Lang sniffed it; it was cured meat, not particularly valuable, and he accepted it cleanly and readily.

He nodded to Zhou, indicating that he needed to leave.

Zhou Ti bowed respectfully to him.

Mao Lang strode to the outside of the study and heard Zhou You's voice rise slightly, "The Grandmaster's reply has arrived. He says he won't be returning to the capital."

"The sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, the investiture of the emperor—such momentous events, how could he not return?"

A gentle male voice rang out, and Mao Lang recognized it as Zhu Ruoxuan's.

Zhu Ruoxuan said, "This is a low-key move to conceal our abilities and bide our time. The Lord's family has two governors, father and son, in the fifty states of the world. There are countless noble families who have this unique position. It is bound to be criticized by all sides."

"The fact that the lord is in the capital while the Grandmaster remains in the southern border is also sending a signal."

After a long pause, Zhou You finally said, "We clearly won, so why are there even more ridiculous and unpleasant things happening?"

"External conflicts have just subsided, but internal strife has begun. Where there are people, there are interests, and interests lead to power struggles. This is an ever-changing phenomenon."

Mao Lang was annoyed by what he heard; he didn't care about these complicated details, and even found them repulsive.

In his simple mind, all Zhou You needed to do was give the order, and he would just kill and fight desperately without caring about anything else.

"Really? Mao Lang is back! Come in!"

Zhou You and Zhu Ruoxuan noticed that he was outside the door and asked him to come in and talk.

"My lord, news has come from Beixuan Prefecture that the Zhu family delegation is about to enter the capital. Hmm, the young master is also coming."

The fact that Zhou Ding was in the delegation was kept extremely secret. It was only revealed to Mao Lang in front of Zhou You and Zhu Ruoxuan. No one else knew about it.

"Zhou Ding is coming back. Good lad, let's see what he looks like now?"

Zhou You felt a surge of tenderness when he thought of the soft, cuddly baby from back then.

Suddenly catching the smell of cured meat, he asked with a smile, "What's wrong? You're craving some? You have cured meat on you, why aren't you eating it?"

"Oh, this is it. I met Young Master Zhou on the road, and he gave it to me to try. It's cured meat from the north."

It must be said that although Zhou Ti's gift was not expensive, it was very thoughtful.

The food style in the capital is different from that in the north. Mao Lang often complained about it. After hearing this, he specially asked someone to purchase meat dishes with the northern flavor, and was sure that Mao Lang would not refuse.

Moreover, seeing that he looked travel-worn, he must want to see Zhou You and take the opportunity to show his face.

Zhou You's thoughts raced for a moment before he guessed the boy's scheme. It was only useful to Mao Lang; any other guard would not have been able to succeed.

As these children grow up, they become more calculating and always vying for attention and favor.

“Oh, it’s Qi Wu’s son. I remember he was quite dedicated to seal script.” Zhou You gestured for Mao Lang to tear open the packaging, scratched a piece of cured meat with his fingernail and put it in his mouth, then pushed it to Zhu Ruoxuan and Mao Lang, “Try it together, it’s the taste of home.”

The two guards silently chewed on the cured meat. Mao Lang was genuinely eating, while Zhu Ruo chose to do so because she knew that domestic affairs were a very sensitive matter.

As he is also a relative of the emperor, anything he says is sensitive.

"Phew, after the ceremony, I need to make some time to check on these kids."

Zhou You's profound skills have reached an even more mysterious level. As soon as I heard Zhou Ti's name, I had a vague feeling that it was the trigger point for some future event, and that I needed to pay attention to it.

"..."

The downfall of aristocratic families is due to both external enemies and internal factors; the saying "trouble arises from within" is never just an empty phrase.

Sometimes, the harm caused by unworthy descendants who squander their wealth is more terrifying than ten thousand powerful enemies.

Today, the Zhou family's western branch is no longer a small, insignificant household; with numerous offspring, raising the next generation has become an increasingly important family matter.

"What an enticing aroma! It has a hint of the flavors of the northern lands!"

A hearty laugh rang out, followed by a heavy object falling to the ground with a dull thud.

Mu Sigui has come to visit!

Rare visitor!
I still remember the day when Mu Sigui led his men to block Dongfang Daqian, buying enough time for Zhou You's arrival.

Afterwards, when Zhou You wanted to thank the other party, he found that the half-blood witch had already left.

I've been busy preparing for the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven and haven't had time to look for anyone. I never expected them to come to visit me today.

But what was that muffled thud? Could it be that someone brought a gift, and one that was quite heavy?

"During the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, all the feudal lords from various regions offered tributes, but the most important sacrificial offering was missing."

"The top-tier offerings used in the grand ceremonies to worship Heaven throughout history were either heinous villains or auspicious omens that are rarely seen in ten thousand years."

"Governor of Qingchu, what do you think? Is this fang suitable as a sacrificial offering?"

When Zhou You saw the 'object', he was surprised to find that it was actually... Duke Chongyang.

At this moment, Chongyang Gong was nowhere to be seen with any composure or confidence. He looked disheveled and was thrown to the ground like a dead pig.

"Very well, this man is the worst villain of our time."

Zhou You laughed loudly, "It must have been very difficult for you to capture this cunning old dog alive, right?"

"It's not hard work, I'm just getting a freebie."

Mu Sigui paused for a moment, but ultimately did not reveal Zhou Nanwang's information. He took a few steps back and said, "Your intentions are appreciated, I'll take my leave!"

Zhou You stepped forward to persuade him to stay, saying, "You are also a meritorious official..."

"No thanks. After the death of the Great Gentleman, I became utterly disillusioned with the Central Plains. This place is not suitable for us mixed-blood witches!"

Mu Sigui explained his intentions: he wanted to lead Wu Luoye and the others to find a peaceful place away from the strife.

After saying that, he drifted away.

"Zhou You, my defeat was due to my oversight of you, this variable!"

"The prophecy of the universe was originally a predetermined fate, but you interfered and caused so many twists and turns."

"Don't be so smug. I've been tricked by you, but your actions have been exposed, and you'll have no advantage in the future."

"..."

When Chongyang Gong blurted out Zhou You's original name, Zhu Ruoxuan's expression changed drastically; this was their biggest secret.

He pulled out a short dagger and was about to pry open Chongyang Gong's tongue and cut it off.

"No need. It's too late to hide it now, and there's no point in hiding it!"

Zhou You said confidently, "Now everyone in the world knows I am Zhou Daqian. Even if my real name is exposed, who will take it seriously?"

(End of this chapter)