Chapter 357: Understandings

~~~

Xiao Shuang watches with bated breath as Liu Jin synchronizes his memories with those of his copy. Despite having the timing of the cycles committed to memory, she has been waiting in his study for the past two hours.

“Well?” she asks. Her entire body vibrates with anticipation. Her hands are balled into fists, which she holds up just below her chin.

Liu Jin smiles at her.

“As of two hours ago, they have safely arrived at Cloudburst Arena and have begun settling in,” he says. “Xiao Nan is safe.”

“Magnificent!” Xiao Shuang says, doing a little jump. “Brother is going to be so happy!”

“I am rather surprised he is not here,” Liu Jin muses.

“He did not want to seem anxious. You know how childish he can be about his pride,” Xiao Shuang explains. “However, he has been beset with worry for Cousin Nan and Li Ren.”

Liu Jin blinks. So that’s his name.

“I was worried too, of course,” Xiao Shuang says. She breathes a sigh of relief and places a hand over her chest. “I can rest easy now, knowing Cousin Nan is safe and close by.”

“You do not plan on going?” Liu Jin asks her.

“I am not unaware of the circumstances,” Xiao Shuang replies. “I am your wife. Should I leave the safety of the Storm Dragon Palace, I’d expose myself to danger. Your enemies could attempt to use me to draw you out. That cannot be allowed to happen.”

“I am sorry,” Liu Jin says, his smile turning sad. “I have put you in an unpleasant position.”

“Don’t be,” Xiao Shuang says, shaking her head softly. “If it weren’t like this, it’d be my status that would put you in danger, husband. This is only a minor inconvenience. Cousin Nan will inevitably become a shining Emperor. Once he does, he will be here.”

Xiao Shuang’s Qi thrums softly as she speaks. It is not a deliberate expression of power but something deeper. Her Dao has become more defined over the past few days. The coldness in it has not grown weaker, but it is now accompanied by warmth, the joy of being with one’s family.

“My copy spoke with Big Sister Bai. She said something I can no longer dismiss.” Not after seeing that chasm. Not after running into Somber Edge and being saved by Xiao Nan and the Duke. “I…If I were to ask the Divine Frozen Palace for aid, how many do you think will come here? How many will actually be willing to act to protect my citizens instead of merely standing guard around the palace?”

The Eternal Flame Clan promised him five hundred disciples, who are expected to arrive later today. As much as Liu Jin is thankful for them, the Eternal Flame Clan will ultimately act to protect their interests in his country. His citizens are rather low on that list. To truly ensure their safety, Liu Jin needs more.

“It is as I told you before, husband. There are many in the Divine Frozen Palace who would be glad to volunteer,” Xiao Shuang says. “The Divine Frozen Palace is by far the smallest of the Four Great Sects. Because of it, we are far less inconvenienced by the factionalism that so often plagues the other three. Our disciples are free to pursue their training, and many are eager to put that training to use.”

“And your master?”

Xiao Shuang grimaces.

“My master… would relish the chance to fight,” Xiao Shuang answers, though it takes her great effort to do so.

“You dislike her that much?”

“Not at all. She’s like a mother to me,” Xiao Shuang says with complete and unfailing certainty.

“If that is the case,” Liu Jin begins with visible confusion, “why do you seem to be so against the idea of her coming here?”

“Because she’s a mother to me,” Xiao Shuang repeats with defeated finality. “My master is opinionated, willful, and of uncommon wisdom. She has a hard time acting in coordination with others and often angers people without realizing it. However, her instincts are second to none, and her character is unmatched. Victory will inevitably be drawn to her grasp. Do not hesitate to call on her. No more reliable ally than her exists.”

It is very curious. When Xiao Shuang speaks poorly of her, her words do not sound like insults. When Xiao Shuang speaks fondly of her, her words do not sound like praise. No matter what, the faith in her voice remains unwavering.

It is all far beyond Liu Jin’s wisdom.

~~~

Pleased as Liu Jin is with Xiao Nan’s situation, his duties do not stop because of it. The Emperor’s day is always full of challenges. Some are tedious. Some are critical. Some are both. Hours after he and Xiao Shuang talked, the disciples promised to him by the Eternal Flame Clan arrive.

“I miss the days when I could punish you by ordering you to go pick Odious Crown Imperials. I do not think I could get away with it now.”

A tall and elegant beauty with dark hair and pure white skin. Elder Xue looks the same as she did when Liu Jin first met her over four years ago. Such is what is expected of an Emperor. However, that does not mean things have not changed. No longer is he the one going to her. Instead, Elder Xue is the one who requested a private audience with him. Despite objections from General Nie Dan, Liu Jin agreed to it. The throne room is empty save for the two of them.

“Would you believe me if I said I miss those days as well?” Liu Jin asks her. She smiles at him.

“Of course I would,” she says. “You have always had good sense. You just happen to be quite good at ignoring it whenever you do something reckless, which is often.”

“I have heard similar things far too often recently,” Liu Jin says, resting his cheek against his fist. “How is Elder Chang, by the way?”

Liu Jin gets the feeling that Elder Xue does not roll her eyes only because it would be improper.

“He is progressing along as expected. That is to say, he will be an Emperor sooner rather than later. He was always ready for it. It was only the matter of the succession that kept him from seclusion,” Elder Xue says. “However, I do not believe it is your esteem for Elder Chang that makes you ask.”

“He is someone who understands how important it is for Xun Huwen to be returned to the Punishment House,” Liu Jin replies honestly. “That alone is enough for me to hold him in great esteem.”

For Liu Jin, it is impossible to go to the other side of the Dead Plains to find Xun Huwen. However, that’s not the case for Elder Chang. If the man wants to do it, Liu Jin will support his quest in any way he can. A person like Xun Huwen is far too dangerous to be left to his own devices. The last thing the world needs is another Murong Bang.

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“Your skin will wrinkle if you worry about too many things,” Elder Xue tells him.

“It is my nature to worry,” Liu Jin replies. “For instance, I worry about why is it that you are here, Elder Xue.”

“Oh?” She smiles. “Has it escaped your notice that I am bringing the disciples who will help defend your poor borders?”

“Not at all,” Liu Jin says. “However, and forgive me for being blunt, the Eternal Flame Clan did not hesitate to send us on our own to the Dead Plains once upon a time. There was no need for an Elder like you to escort them here. Senior Brother Lotus was deemed sufficient last time.”

“Would you believe me if I said I was worried about you and wanted to see you with my own eyes and scold you a little to ease my worries?” Elder Xue asks him.